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In Accessories

Wedding dress shopping timeline

November 12, 2019 No Comments

One of the most important aspects of a wedding is the bride’s dress. The marriage too, but let’s be honest, all eyes will be on the woman of the moment when she makes her triumphant walk down the aisle. With all this attention, you’ll definitely want your look to be picture perfect.

Wedding dress shopping is an experience. Making a dress or even just having one altered takes time. To make sure you stay on schedule, follow our wedding dress timeline.

12 months before the wedding:

– Research: Before you begin wedding dress shopping, you have to know what you want. Having a general idea of how you want to look will make the shopping experience that much easier. Scour Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration. It also helps to make a Pinterest board so that your bridal party and shopping assistants at bridal stores can greater understand your vision.

– Budget: Before you enter a store, you need to have a budget. If you don’t have a budget, you risk spending way beyond your means. When setting up your budget, make sure to include all the extra expenses such as alterations, shipping and accessories so that you have a ballpark figure that you cannot go over.

10 months before the wedding:

– Start wedding dress shopping: If you thought finding the One was tough, you haven’t gone wedding dress shopping yet. With so many silhouettes and styles available, it is easy to become overwhelmed.

Take your time and visit a few wedding dress stores to see what they have to offer. During this time, you can also start to get a feel of the the styles that look best on you, which will make your final decision much easier.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1gK6peFgZc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

8 months before the wedding:

– Say yes to the dress: After months of visiting bridal stores, now is the time to make your choice. By 8 months, you should have your wedding dress locked down and ordered. It may seem early, but choosing your dress this early leaves enough time for alterations and fittings which can often take months to complete.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4sW8EVFgli/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

5 months before the wedding:

– Accessorise: remember the saying, “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue”? Now is the time to incorporate it into your wedding attire.

Whether it be an extravagant veil or a bridal hair piece, there are so many ways to top off your bridal look. The 5-month mark is the perfect time to go shopping for shoes, jewellery and other other accessories to compliment your dress.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3AodUFpkWH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

3 months before the wedding:

– First fitting: Chances are, you’ll have two to three fittings to make sure your dress is the perfect. At your first fitting, you will cover all the alterations that need to be made, whether it be a shorter hemline or extra beading.

It is crucial to have this fitting months ahead of the wedding to allow your seamstress enough time to make all the necessary changes. Make sure to bring your shoes and accessories along so that you can see the final look a little more clearly and make the necessary adjustments.

6-8 weeks before the wedding:

– Second fitting: The second dress fitting is for minor revisions. You will be fitting on your dress to see how the alterations at your first fitting came out and if any other changes need to be made. Once again, make sure to bring along your shoes and accessories. If possible, have your hair styled and your bridal makeup done so that you can see every component of your look together.

2-3 weeks before the wedding:

– Final fitting: All the alterations should be complete at this point, so the final fitting is simply to ensure that everything is perfect. This is the time when your entire look will come together. It is advised that you come prepared with your shoes and accessories, and have your hair and makeup done to get the big picture of your bridal attire.

the week before the wedding:

– pick up your wedding dress: it’s finally done! Your next task is to pick up your wedding dress and leave it somewhere safe. If you are following tradition, you’ll want to keep your dress out of your partner’s sight, so you will need to be strategic about where you will store it.

the day of:

Enjoy your wedding day: this one is pretty self-explanatory. The day has finally arrived, and now is the time to bask in your happiness while wearing your dream dress.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Groomsmen gift ideas

November 12, 2019 No Comments

This might not be something men think about a lot, but the fact is, your groomsmen give just as much time, energy and money towards your wedding as any loyal bridesmaid. The least you can do is say thank you, and show them that you really appreciate them sharing your journey to the altar with you. Depending on your budget, you can go big or small.

Of course, men are notoriously difficult to give gifts to. Here are some cool ideas to help you out:

Personalized beer case
We love this wooden case, and carving their name on it adds a personal touch.

Braai kit
You can’t go wrong with this one. Always handy!

Travel mug
For all the campers, travellers and always-on-the-go dudes.

Bluetooth speaker
With a small speaker that’s easy to carry, your boys will always be the life of the party.

Liqueuer
Not only is liqueur super classy, it actually tastes better than you think!

Picture: Unsplash

In Advice

The pros and cons of hiring a wedding planner

November 11, 2019 No Comments

Planning a wedding can be tough. With all the moving parts, you’re bound to feel overwhelmed. So why not rely on a professional to do it for you? Wedding planners are experts in all things wedding.

Hiring a wedding planner, however, doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re struggling to figure out if a wedding planner is right for you then check out our list of pros and cons.

Pros:

– Less stressful: Having a wedding planner takes all of the planning and scheduling off your hands. All you really need to do is say yes or no to the plan and sign the cheques. If you are someone who gets overwhelmed quickly, a wedding planner will be amazing for you. You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing someone else will put in the time and effort to bring your vision to life.

– Discounts: Since they have worked in the business for so long, wedding planners have connections and can often score discounts or deals with vendors. This way, you can actually save money on a service.

– New ideas: Let’s face it, you’re probably scouring Pinterest for wedding inspiration, which could lead to your big day being quite cookie-cutter. Wedding planners have seen and done it all, and often come with fresh ideas to create a unique spin on a classic. They can even show you ideas you would never have thought of. You can rely on them to make your wedding day special and memorable for the right reasons.

– They think of everything: A lot can go wrong on your wedding day. if you’re not a professional event planner you might not consider the smaller details that can all affect the day. Being professionals, wedding planners would have already factored all variables in and set a Plan B in place.

Cons:

– Less control: A wedding planner is both a blessing and a curse. After discussing your vision, you will have to relinquish control to the expert. If you are someone that likes to be in control and know every detail, then hiring a wedding planner might not be right for you.

– Costly: You’re paying for the wedding planner’s expertise and that can often come at a high cost. If you’ve got a tight budget then a wedding planner will probably not fit into it.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

The latest wedding trend: Touch-up stations

November 11, 2019 No Comments

It might sound unnecessary, or even a little vain but we’re not here to judge. All we know is, touch-up stations are becoming a thing! A touch up beauty station is a great idea for a bridal party that wants to have all the fun but still be photo ready at a moment’s notice.

Touch-up stations are literally just that: stations set up at your wedding venue for any necessary make-up touch-ups.

Depending on the wedding venue, it can be set up in the bathrooms or a neutral space. There are a few options you can consider:

You can easily (and cheaply) just create a private corner by a mirror for everyone who wants to bring their necessities and leave it there for the day.

You can also dedicate a whole pop-up stand or mobile home and supply all the items yourself.

There are even companies who rent out mobile beauty bars and can send you stylists who are ready for the quick touch-up or the emergency sewing kit.

Here are some essentials your station should include:

– Tissues
– Cotton wool
– Ear buds
– Make-up remover
– Lip balm (get one that uses finger application for hygiene reasons)
– Mascara
– Hair comb (add a cleaning product for guests to clean it after use)
– Hairspray
– Anti-perspirant
– Tampons/sanitary pads
– Needles and thread
– Hand lotion

Picture: Pexels

In Advice

Engagement parties: Yay or nay?

November 8, 2019 No Comments

Getting engaged is a big deal. We get it. When your loved one pops the question, or says yes, all you want to do is shout it out to the world. Adventure awaits. But how practical are engagement parties really?

The upside:

FUN

There’s really not much to explain here. It’s a good time. You get to celebrate this special time in your life with people you care about!

Sharing stories

It’s natural that everyone will want to know how it happened, who asked whom and how. Was it a grand gesture or a private moment? It’s all pretty exciting. So instead of having to answer a bunch of questions over and over, it’s a great opportunity to tell your love story while everyone is gathered.

Show off the bling

The real reason most ladies want to throw a party! If your partner gave you a customary ring, you are bound to be super proud of it. Everyone will want to see it up close, and you will want to show it off. Sometimes, it’s okay to brag.

The downside:

The money issue

Sigh. Why is everything so darn expensive? Unless you’re a celebrity, it will probably hurt your wallet. You’re already spending money on the wedding, the honeymoon, the ring and dress… An engagement party seems like an unnecessary expense.

It can be stressful

Planning a wedding is already pretty stressful. There is a lot to do and there are many people involved, all wanting to weigh in on how it should go. You have a ton of things on your mind. Planning one more event might add to the stress and only make you anxious.

Finding the time

We know it is supposed to be about the couple, but the reality is, everyone’s busy. Supposing you and your fiancee can find an open date, all your guests might not be available. They are already putting time aside to attend the wedding itself, and it might be hard to find another date and time that suits everybody.

Yay or nay?

In conclusion, of course, it’s a personal choice so it’s up to you as a couple. However, we think it would be wise to rather put the time, money and energy towards the big day. You’ll see everyone there anyway, and those who really care will call or drop by to say congrats and share in your happiness.

Picture: Pexels

In Advice

The pros and cons of having a barn wedding

November 7, 2019 No Comments

Have you always dreamed of having your wedding out in the farmlands? If so, you should consider looking into using a barn as your wedding venue. Barn weddings are perfect if you would like to have a rustic theme as you get the rural vibe in an indoor setting.

The location

If you are renting out a barn on a working farm, the cost will not be that high and the barn will be a blank canvas for you to decorate however you like. However, this means that you will have to rent all furniture and decor items which will bring the cost up. Another issue with the barn being on a working farm is that it is not fit to accommodate a large number of people and there will not be bathrooms nearby unless you rent.

While a barn wedding is beautiful, the work that goes into getting it ready to be used as a wedding venue could be a bit much. What many farm owners have done is actually renovate their barns to turn it into a wedding venue. This means that there will be all the basic necessities needed but the price might be significantly higher.

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A post shared by Rosemary Ridge Event Venue (@rosemaryridgeeventvenue) on Nov 6, 2019 at 11:57am PST

The vibe

What is great about this location is that it is an escape from city life and it manages to bring the outdoors in while still providing shelter and ambience. You can decorate elegantly or keep it casual. If the barn is on a working farm, it could have been used to house animals up until a day or two before your event and you will therefore need to work hard to get it cleaned so that guests with allergies don’t have any issues, and also to get rid of the smell of farm animals.

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A post shared by Wedding Photographer UK, Notts (@magdakphotography) on Nov 6, 2019 at 11:12pm PST

The logistics

Due to the fact that this is not specifically a wedding venue, there won’t be electrical outlets or plumbing which is a necessity for vendors. The venue won’t be climate controlled meaning that if your wedding is being held during the summer months, it will get very hot or if it’s in winter, very cold.

Parking is another factor to consider, while there will be space for guests to park on the grass, if you’d like to have your ceremony outside of the barn, the cars could take up valuable space.

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A post shared by K & M Barn at Lewis Farm (@kmbarnlewisfarm) on Nov 6, 2019 at 5:53am PST

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Hors d’oeuvre ideas your guests will love

November 6, 2019 No Comments

All you need is love and food. Your wedding should offer both. Cocktail hour is a crucial time for guests to whet their appetites before they sit down for the wedding feast.

Typically running after the ceremony, cocktail hour is a perfect time for guest to mingle while enjoying some delicious dishes. Beyond just lining stomachs, it sets the tone for the rest of the evening. Whether you want to go big with fancy finger foods or prefer the more modest morsel, these appetisers are sure to get your mouth watering.

Pretzels:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz0pnJAHhBz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Popcorn:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgBlTX5H8Ln/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feta and watermelon skewers:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk0JlUeljRz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Charcuterie:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3zTic4l7-7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Ice-lollies:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cqlyzBRa_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Mini-tacos:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1wvK1BFEff/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Fries:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2mSCe-ja_C/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Crostini:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B18M0xUg7xk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Fish fingers:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Byaj_ZGjKCH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Chicken skewers:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1n-02XAeJc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Sliders:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqy2zNeH3H_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Milk and cookies:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2iyrQkByz8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Arancini pops:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0-j3IMhM7H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Have a fabulous staycation honeymoon

November 6, 2019 No Comments

We all know how expensive weddings and honeymoons can be. As amazing as your big day might have been, your bank account will probably not love you for it. There’s no pressure to go away and have an expensive honeymoon. Whatever decision is right for your budget, will be the right one for your future, no matter what others say. You can always have that grand trip later.

In the meantime, there’s no reason you can’t still celebrate your new life together right where you are in a budget-friendly way. Take a day or a weekend off to spend some time together. Here are some great ideas. Choose your fave or combine them all!

Feast on love

Picnics are super fun and a great way to get creative, since you can plan exactly what you want to pack. Grab a comfy blanket and set it up anywhere you like. A pretty park, botanical garden, a riverside and the beach are all great options. It might be nice to choose a theme, for example Greek food. Alternatively, just pack your favourite snacks and drinks!

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A post shared by Dimpi Sanghvi (@dimpisanghvi_ws) on Apr 16, 2019 at 10:06pm PDT

Spa day

After all that wedding stress, you both deserve some relaxation. Spa’s are excellent for some spoiling and usually have couple’s activities you can do together. Couple’s massages, facials or saunas good options. If that’s a stretch on your budget, the easiest thing on earth is to have a spa day at home! Get some lovely pamper products and give each other massages, followed by a steamy bubblebath…

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A post shared by Baraa – Dietitian & Trainer (@baraaelsabbagh) on May 18, 2019 at 7:47am PDT

Camp in the backyard

Now, we know what you think: This is just for kids. No, it absolutely is not! Depending on your backyard, you can have a whole weekend getaway all outdoors. Pitch that tent, roll out the sleeping bags and roast marshmallows around the campfire. If you don’t have a backyard, there’s bound to be some camping spots near you, and they’re usually quite affordable.

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A post shared by Danielle (@ugly_cat_sweaters) on Oct 28, 2019 at 9:33am PDT

Hike

There’s nothing like watching the sun rise with a spectacular view. If you’re an active couple, check out some nice hiking routes and lace up to get a fresh perspective!

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A post shared by Nina Laski (@ninalaski) on Nov 5, 2019 at 1:42am PST

Wine tasting

If your tastebuds tickle at the sound of wine tasting, this one’s for you. Most wine farms have beautiful surroundings that are perfect contributions to a romantic atmosphere. Of course, you can swop it out for beer tasting, gin tasting or anything else you prefer.

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A post shared by Roksana | WINE & INSPIRATION (@wineroks) on Nov 5, 2019 at 7:57am PST

Candle-lit dinner and stargazing

Ah, the magic of candles. For some reason, candle-lit dinners just never go out of style. For this one, you could either go to a cosy restaurant or consider cooking together and setting up a nice dinner table at home. After dinner, spread a blanket and gaze at the stars if the night is clear. Cuddle up close and dream about your future together.

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A post shared by WE LOVE ADVENTURES (@welove.adventures) on Sep 26, 2019 at 9:16am PDT

Image: Pexels

In Advice

Art-deco inspired wedding decor

November 5, 2019 No Comments

Flappers, fringe and fancies, oh my. The 1920s characterised the Jazz Age, a time of lush decadence. Dubbed art-deco, this time period featured geometric shapes, mixed metallics and lots of glitz. Gatsby glamour at its finest.

As 2019 comes to a close, we are quickly approaching the new decade and will soon usher in the 2020s. Many 2020 weddings are predicted to take on a roaring 20’s theme in honour of the new decade. Here is how to do it right.

Invites:

Incorporate gold accents and geometric shapes for an invite Jay Gatsby would be proud of. Gold and royal blues are swell together and give a sleek yet decadent look perfect for the Jazz age.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4cPmXvgJel/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Venue:

A venue that features sharp angles and gold finishes will work best. A grand hall will give off the feeling of grandeur, which is exactly what you want.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B39pzH6nypp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Geometric backdrop:

This geometric backdrop perfectly nods to the angular lines of art deco.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xJRh2j1Wy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Escort cards:

Guide your guests to their seats in style with these escort cards. White and gold is effortlessly chic and the simple lettering is a more modern take on art deco.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B316aJwl_1I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Round tables:

Round tables were popular at 1920s soirée’s because they would circle the dance floor, which was the most important part of the venue. We love how this table is covered in a black glittery fabric that creates an understated opulence.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2OnlCpICrp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Gold touches:

Gold was a mainstay at 1920s parties, and your wedding should be no different. Encase candles in gold vases for a modern yet romantic finish. The table numbers below make a simple statement without competing with the other decor.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B27CF1nhCk-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Gold tableware:

Gold cutlery and guilded plating creates an opulent yet romantic look. Pair your cutlery with a simplistic menu to avoid overdoing your tableware.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4AU66LDuSw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Themed drinks:

The prohibition stopped nobody from drinking during 1920s America. Honour their love of alcohol by creating custom drinks featuring 1920s favourites like gin, bourbon and rum.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B21qKBfBVry/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Cake:

Black, white and gold are art-deco staples. Have your cake adorned with geometric shapes and different textures to create a dynamic finish. Gold pearls and white feathers accessorise this sweet treat perfectly.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Au0FGDsys/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Go for Gatsby:

The Great Gatsby is the most iconic text set in the roaring 20s. Make subtle hints to it with signage throughout your wedding venue.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Au8ptASrl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

How love languages work

November 5, 2019 No Comments

Relationships are hard. They require give and take. At the end of the day, being in a relationship means making yourself and your partner feel love and happiness. However, love comes in many forms.

This is where love languages come in. A love language, coined by author and relationship counsellor Gary Chapman, is a way in which someone expresses their love and appreciation towards themselves and others.

In his book, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, Chapman explains that each person has a primary love language, but can express love in many of them. It can depend on our personality types, and we can also learn our love languages from experiences.

“My conclusion after thirty years of marriage counselling is that there are basically five emotional love languages—five ways that people speak and understand emotional love,” Chapman explains in this book. “The important thing is to speak the love language of your spouse.”

While Chapman focuses on romantic love, this concept also refers to familial and friendship love.

The five core love languages are:

– Words of affirmation – using words to encourage, appreciate and express love. For example, “You look incredible today”, or “Thank you for cooking dinner tonight, it was great.”

– Gifts – physical gift-giving and tokens of appreciation. Examples include buying someone flowers or leaving love notes for them to read.

– Acts of Service – providing an act of kindness for someone that you know they would appreciate. Examples include making them a cup of coffee or cooking a meal.

– Quality time – spending time with your spouse, even if it’s not doing anything specific. This includes taking them out on dates, or having a heart-to-heart talk.

– Physical touch – hand holding, kissing, hugs and all other forms of physical touch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4b9GAdgqvj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Decades after the book was published, Chapman’s words still ring true. Many relationship experts today argue that the building blocks of a healthy relationship lie in understanding your partner’s love language.

Speaking to Cosmopolitan UK, relationship counsellor Gurpreet Singh said that, “There are two people in the relationship, their expectations are different, their needs are different, their way of communication is different. Everything about them is different. There are similarities of course, but opposites attract quite a lot. When you’re attracted to someone that’s different to you, it is almost necessary you will run into things about the person that grate on you.”

Your partner’s love language signals how they see love and how they would like to receive it. Once you know how you partner wants to be loved, you can start incorporating those actions into your daily life.

To identify your partner’s love language, you should take note of the small things they do. You can also simply ask them what makes them feel loved and cherished.

When you can identify and understand your partner’s love language, you can begin to see the ways they represent their love everyday. Their actions, which might have meant little to you before, now become significant. For example, your partner’s love language may be physical touch and they are therefore incredibly affectionate towards you, something you might have once thought of as a sign of insecurity. When you can identify that their physical affection is their main sign of love, you can begin to appreciate those small moments for what they are. You can also be a bit more physical with your affection to show that you acknowledge how they want to be loved. Of course, your partner should do the same.

Another important thing not to forget is to practice self-love. When you can love yourself and identify the ways in which you show love, you are in a much greater position to love others.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ecgE6Hx3S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Unsplash