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In Advice

Don’t cancel your wedding, live stream it

March 19, 2020 No Comments

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in countries getting locked down and many others placing restrictions on gatherings. Unfortunately this means many weddings have to be cancelled. If you’re considering cancelling your wedding, why not live stream the service instead?

Previously, live streaming was used at weddings for relatives who couldn’t make it but wanted to be part of the ceremony all the same. Here is how you can adapt your wedding for these quarantined times.

-Decide what to live stream

It is considered best practice to only live stream the ceremony as the reception is not as important or interesting to those who aren’t there. This especially applies if you are going to have very few people in attendance so keep the camera rolling until the end of the I do’s only.

-Where should I live stream?

There are many options when it comes to a live stream. While social media channels offer this as an option, it might be easier to use an “open” platform that anyone can click onto rather than needing a specific account. This means that with a little help Granny and Grandpa can watch too!

A great option is creating a YouTube channel for your wedding and making it private. You can send the link of the channel to your guests via email or WhatsApp specifying the time you will begin the ceremony so they know when to be ready to watch.

– How should I set up the live stream?

To live stream you will need either a computer with a webcam or a mobile with the YouTube app, whichever you choose will need an internet connection.

A good idea would be sourcing a smartphone with a decent camera and a tripod that you can fix it to, preferably with a charging connection. This means you won’t need someone to hold the camera, thus avoiding the handshakes.

-Tech maid of honour

While you are trying to keep the number of people in the room down, it would be beneficial to have a designated person who can keep an eye on the live stream and make sure nothing goes wrong. They could also be put in charge of setting it up so you don’t have to worry about it.

-Check with your venue

If you are going to live stream at the venue you originally planned, with a downscaled guest list, confirm that you will be allowed to live stream as some venues have specific rules with regards to their space.

Image: Unsplash

In Accessories

What you need to know about bridal shapewear

March 18, 2020 No Comments

Shapewear dates back thousands of years. The ancient Minoans wore these garments to push up their bare chests, while the ancient Mesopotamians wore them to promote fertility.

Through history, the use of shapewear has changed. Mostly, however, they have been used by women to manipulate the shape of their bodies in order to fit fashion trends. Today, shapewear feels less forced on women, but it still exists, though women often wear it as support rather than to “slim down”.

Whether you want it for its contouring benefits, or just to ensure that your dress falls smoothly, there are a few things you need to know about shapewear.

– Some fabrics require shapewear more than others

Light fabrics such as silk show every little detail under your dress. You know what that means, right? The dreaded panty line. If your dress is a lighter fabric, shapewear will definitely come in handy.

– Built-in shapewear has limits

Built in shapewear supports the dress, while other shape wear supports your body. Of the two options, the latter will benefit you more, because if your body is well supported the dress will look great no matter what.

– Buy it after your first fitting

After your first wedding dress fitting, you’ll know what the shape, style, and fabric that is necessary for your bridal shapewear. These are important things to consider! You can then take the shapewear along to the next fitting, to ensure that everything works out as planned.

– If you can, go for seamless

Seamless means no lines under your wedding dress. Who doesn’t want to look smooth and sleek on their special day?

– Which shapewear for which dress?

If your dress is form-fitting, go for high-waist compression shapewear. Boy shorts are also a good option.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_2VoBlXhX/

If your dress is tighter around the upper body, light weight shapewear is best. A body suit is the top choice for this style of dress.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8PuF9DnCZt/

Image: Instagram / shapewearusa

In Advice

Ways to inject colour into your wedding decor

March 18, 2020 No Comments

You know what they say: Life is better in colour. If you’re not shy of a few vivid hues, why not incorporate them into your big day?

Using bright colours adds a vibrant, happy feel to your wedding decor, and you’re guests are sure to be feeling it too. Too much colour, however, can feel a bit childish, so be careful with the combinations you choose. Consider using various shades of reds and pinks, or complimentary tones like yellow and navy.

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

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Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

5 ways to mentally prepare for your wedding

March 17, 2020 No Comments

The day you get married is one of the biggest events of your life. A lot of planning goes into your big day, and you might start to feel a little overwhelmed in the days leading up to your wedding. It’s important to give yourself time to wrap your head around all the changes being married will bring to your life, as well as prepare for the practical things that need to happen on the day.

It might be a smart move to actively take steps to mentally prepare yourself for your wedding to make sure you are the calm, radiant bride you want to be on your dream day. Here are five ways to get yourself in the right frame of mind:

Expect to feel emotional

Unless you are the Ice Princess, you will experience strong emotions. You are taking a huge step! If you know to expect it, you will feel more in control. Remind yourself why you are doing this, how much you love your partner and how excited you are to get married. Other factors might come into play, like close family that can’t be there, which can also turn on the waterworks. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Emotions are healthy and as long as you know it’s normal, you can instead choose to be grateful for the joy and happiness coming your way.

Things will go wrong

Without trying to sound like doomsday prophets, we can almost certainly guarantee some things will go wrong. It’s Murphy’s Law, and no one is above it. However, that doesn’t mean your day is ruined. There is always a plan to be made! Trust your bridesmaids to get creative, and try not to worry too much over things you can’t change, like the weather.

Your partner is nervous too

Believe it or not, your partner probably feels just as nervous as you. Try to be encouraging and supportive. After all, you’re in this together! A sweet note before the ceremony or a tight hug when you see them at the altar will help reaffirm them. Focusing on your loved one will also help to forget your own nerves.

Double check the arrangements

To help put your mind at ease, try to double check all the arrangements at least two or three days before the wedding. If you have a wedding planner, check in with them, and then leave the rest up to them. If you planned the wedding yourself, go over everything with your maid of honour/mother/mother-in-law so you have someone else’s input and guidance and to make sure they know what needs to fall in place. This is not the time to “play it by ear”.

Your bridesmaids are only doing their best

The last important thing to keep in mind is that everyone is there to help you make your dream come true. They are all doing the best they can and they are only human. Turning into ‘Bridezilla’ will just make them nervous too and will keep everyone from enjoying the special event. Rather let them know how much you appreciate all their hard work, support and help!

Also read: How to keep calm on your wedding day

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

Wedding gifts all newlyweds will appreciate

March 17, 2020 No Comments

Wedding gifts are the perfect way to help your newlyweds start their lives together on a strong note. If you’re stuck in a gifting rut, rest assured your newlyweds will love these easy gifts.

Quality pots and pans:

Your newlyweds will most likely be doing a lot of cooking together, so its important they have quality pots and pans that will last for a long time. If you’re willing to splash out, this is one gift they will absolutely love.

We love: Artisanal Ceramic Non Stick Pan 24cm from Woolworths – R450

Crockery and glassware:

People gotta eat and drink, right? They might as well do it in style. Depending on the couple’s taste, you can go with wine glasses, gin glasses, whiskey glasses or just good old tumblers for the teetotallers.

We love: Crystal Red Wine Glasses 4 Piece from Woolworths – R260

Home decor:

Now this is a tricky one. Only opt for purchasing furniture or home decor for a couple if you are familiar with their taste and style. You wouldn’t want to gift them with a colourful nick-nack only to discover they prefer the minimalist aesthetic.

We love: Marble bookends from @Home – R599

Linens:

Half the battle of a cosy sleep is quality linens. Give your newlyweds the gift of a good rest with a set of comfy linens that will make them never want to leave the bed.

We love: Egyptian cotton oxford satin duvet cover set from Superbalist – R1199

Kitchen appliances

Add some flair to their mornings with fun kitchen appliances. Whether they love coffee or sweet treats, there are a multitude of applicances that will fulfill their desires.

We love: KitchenCraft Stove Top Waffle Maker from Yuppiechef – R769

Money:

Weddings are expensive, and your newlyweds will most likely struggle with empty pockets after their big day. Help them out by gifting them with some money instead of a physical present. Not sure how much to give? We’ve got you covered.

Image: Pexels

In Advice

Have a destination wedding in your own country

March 16, 2020 No Comments

Romantic and exciting, destination weddings have been trending for many years. However, they also have tons of drawbacks. From all the possible legal complications and the fact that not all your guests can afford the pricey airplane ticket to a foreign destination, those opting to tie the knot in a different country will have to make sacrifices on their big day. Instead of limiting your dream wedding, why not go local?

From Parys to Potchefstroom, there are so many small towns in the country that give you that private, destination feel without breaking the bank. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a serene day only a few hours away.

One particular wedding venue we’ve been loving is the Nut Farm. Situated in Hartbeespoort, Skeerpoort, the Nut Farm offers spectacular mountain views worthy of your vows. Say your ‘I do’s’ at their open-air chapel with the serene farmland that paints an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding, or go traditional with their inside chapel situated on the second floor of the reception area. Guests will have a beautiful birds eye view of the bride as she makes her entrance, as well as stunning views of the famous Hartbeespoort Dam.

With a spacious reception area, mobile bar and hidden outside fireplaces, this wedding venue serves as a blank canvas for you to live out your vision. Their orchard accommodates intimate or larger celebrations of 200 guests.

Visit their website for more information.

Feature image: supplied

In Accessories

Now trending: bridal shawls

March 16, 2020 No Comments

You should never have to be cold, especially not on your wedding day. Stay stylish and cosy with a bridal shawl!

Bridal shawls will come in handy during those chillier evenings, especially now as the weather begins to transition into a new season. Go simple with wedding white, or add some flair with a fun pattern for that extra boho feel.

Take inspiration from one of these unique looks.

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Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Weddings in the time of coronavirus

March 12, 2020 No Comments

The coronavirus pandemic has swept the world, affecting more than just our health. From travel to the economy, the outbreak has affected almost every industry around the world. Even the wedding industry cannot remain unscathed. Here’s what you need to consider in our new reality.

Destination weddings:

If you’ve planned a destination wedding, you might have to rethink it. The disease has reached over 100 countries, with the worst affected being in Europe and Asia. Wuhan, China, the centre of the outbreak, as well as the entire country of Italy have been quarantined.

If you’ve planned a destination wedding in any of the coronavirus-affected countries listed by the World Health Organisation, you’ll have to research any government advice, travel bans or restrictions to determine whether you’ll even be able to make it to your wedding. Stay in contact with your vendors to discuss your options. Importantly, make sure you have wedding insurance to cover any last minute changes. Instead of cancelling, postponing your wedding for a year might be a good plan.

Wedding dresses:

Some brides might be without their dream dress come wedding day. James Marcum, CEO of the largest seller of wedding gowns in the United States, David’s Bridal, told CNN that the situation in China will most likely cause a great disruption to the production of wedding dresses as well as bridesmaid dresses. With the coronavirus outbreak, many factories have temporarily closed their doors to help curb the spread of the disease. Some factories are slowly reopening, but the loss in work has created a production delay which will slow-down the already intricate, time-consuming process of making a wedding dress.

To ensure your dress is done on time, consider having your dress made local and don’t have any fabrics imported. Make use of the fabrics already available.

International guests:

If you have friends and family living abroad in areas that have confirmed coronavirus cases, you could put your own guests at risk. Remember: a wedding gathers a large amount of people in one confined location, and there’s a lot of hugging and kissing happening.

Make sure to stipulate that if your guests have been experiencing flu-like symptoms or have come in contact with anyone who has recently travelled to China or Italy then its advisable that they do not attend the wedding.

Honeymoon:

Your international honeymoon might have to wait a bit longer. With the travel bans / restrictions being put in place in various countries, many newlyweds are ringing in their honeymoon in quarantine. Mauritius, a popular honeymoon destinations, has placed travel bans for anyone coming from South Korea or the three northern Italian provinces most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. 34 South Korean newly-weds were recently placed in isolation by authorities due to fears over the coronavirus, according to Seoul officials.

If you’ve planned an international honeymoon, do your research into their travel restrictions. However, many governments have advised against non-essential travel, so realistically you might have to postpone your honeymoon.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

The magic of multiway bridesmaid dresses

March 11, 2020 No Comments

The big trend for bridesmaid dresses is simple: individuality. Allow your best girls to wear styles that flatter them. However, giving too much leeway with fashion can leave your bridal party looking disjointed. The solution? Multiway bridesmaid dresses.

Multiway dresses are simple dresses with elongated fabric on the top to allow you to change up the upper half of your dress. Halterneck, strapless, one shoulder…it’s all possible with this one-hit wonder. These dresses are incredibly versatile, allowing you to change up your style depending on the day.

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If you’re on the hunt for the perfect one, Kameo’s versatile multiway dresses is the solution for your formal wardrobe needs. Perfect for a romantic date night or formal occasion, these dresses can be worn in over 15 different ways. They make an ideal bridesmaids’ dress too, allowing each member of your bridal party to wear a personalised style in the same fabric and colour. These dresses suit any body type and will have you feeling confident and elegant at any occasion.

The multiway dresses come in a range of shades, including teal, almond, wine and mauve.

Check out their website for more information.

Feature image: supplied

In Advice

5 ways to get more spray for your pay

March 11, 2020 No Comments

Perfume is expensive. How you smell is priceless. What most don’t know is that there is a right and wrong way of using a fragrance. You need to get your money’s worth out of each bottle and we are here to tell you how…

Apply to hotspots:

Don’t spray your neck. Let your body work its natural magic and apply perfume to certain heat points. Your belly-button, the small of your back, inside your elbows and the back of your knees and neck are places that work best. Heat points create a sillage that will develop your fragrance as you go about your day.

Oscar de la Renta’s Bella Blanca (exclusively available at Dis-Chem Pharmacies) is a scintillating floral fragrance with notes of fresh jasmine, tuberose and freesia – and further develops to grounding sandalwood and musk as it warms.

Spray, don’t rub:

Ever notice how your scent changes throughout the day? Don’t interrupt the natural process by rubbing your skin. Rather let it simmer to maximise results. Heat-activated enzymes from rubbing prevents your scent from developing properly within each note stage.

Keep it shady:

This is important. Don’t expose the bottle to heat. While your fragrance looks beautiful perched on your bathroom cabinet, it won’t last very long. Fragrance is sensitive to light and heat.

Spray wisely:

Concentrated fragrances, like Eau de Parfum are slightly more intense than lighter Eau de Cologne or Eau de Toilette solutions. Choose something a little more potent and save on the sprays. Less is more when your fragrance is beautiful and bold.

A good kind of clingy:

Spraying perfume onto dry skin or clothing is pointless. Fragrance needs moisture to hold onto, so apply your scent to clean, well-moisturised skin to give it maximum staying power.

Written by: Robyn Simpson

Feature image: supplied