Advice Archives | Page 53 of 65

In Advice

The pros and cons of having a hotel wedding

November 13, 2019 No Comments

Hotel weddings are popular venues for a reason. Hotels are generally beautifully decorated and have the facilities to cater for weddings. It is essentially a one-stop shop, making it one of the most convenient venues to choose from. Of course, as with any wedding venue, there are some limitations.

Take a look at the pros and cons of this venue type to see if it would work for you:

The location

The beauty of this venue is that you can have both your ceremony and reception in one place. Hotel venues are usually already pretty and elegant and so you will not have to do much decorating.

However, if you would like to decorate, you might be limited in terms of what you are allowed to do in the space. You will also have to accept the fact that this venue means that your wedding will have a standard ballroom look and you might not be able to have much personalisation.

If you do decide to have your wedding in a hotel, they will most likely book rooms for the bridal party and groomsmen to get ready in. Guests that have travelled for the wedding will be able to stay in the hotel and won’t have to worry about transport to and from the venue, plus, the hotel might even give a group booking rate.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by United With Love (@unitedwithlove) on Nov 9, 2019 at 6:51am PST

The facilities

Hotels will have plenty of parking space, bathrooms and the ability to house a lot of people with ease. There will be built-in sound systems for all audio requirements. The staff are experienced in dealing with lots of people at large events which will keep things running smoothly. You won’t have to rent any furniture or cutlery or crockery as they will have more than enough for your event.

But then again, this leaves little room to personalise your wedding. if you want your wedding to be unique, you might feel constrained by the limited options of this kind of venue.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NyaLi 【安雅】 (@nyalimusic) on Nov 5, 2019 at 9:42pm PST

The logistics

While the convenience of hotel weddings is appealing, it also means that you might be limited by hotel rules. Since the venue is in a working hotel, your wedding might have a time limit as the noise might bother other guests. You could potentially have to use the hotel bar for drinks and their catering service instead of being able to choose your own.

Another negative is that hotel weddings are generally quite expensive. Even if the hotel offers wedding packages, these might limit you even further in choosing your own photographer or videographer as you might have to use the ones that come with the package.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bespoke Wedding Planning (@bespokeweddingplanning) on Nov 12, 2019 at 12:23pm PST

While you might save on rental costs with a hotel wedding, the venue alone could be quite costly. You also run the risk of being bound by vendors approved by the hotel. at the end of the day, however, it will probably save you a lot of time and stress when you’re planning the wedding if your heart isn’t already set on specific vendors.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Professional bridesmaids: A trend of the future?

November 12, 2019 No Comments

Choosing your bridesmaids can be tough. It comes with all kinds of complications like having to choose between friends, having the friend you chose be unavailable for the wedding, or not having enough people to complete your bridal party. Professional bridesmaids, it seems, are on the rise as the best solution to these complications and more.

Kerstyn Walsh, a professional bridesmaid who has been part of more than 150 weddings, operates her very successful business (Hire a Bridesmaid) in Sydney. She explains to the Daily Mail that “Brides often need someone who is willing to do all the jobs.” Depending on the tasks required of her, Walsh’s fees range between $1000 (R101 59) and $8000 (R812 74).

The jobs Walsh listed in her repertoire include taking on administrative tasks like consulting with vendors, helping with various chores throughout the special day so that family and friends can give their full attention to the wedding and the couple, and sometimes simply to bring the number of bridesmaids up to equal the number of groomsmen.

This list is already attractive enough to get us interested in professional bridesmaids. When we consider the lengths Tifanny Wright, a UK-based professional bridesmaid, goes to for her clients, the option seems almost too good to be true. Wright has changed her hair colour for a bride who wanted all her bridesmaids to be brunettes. She also convinced an entire bridal party to do a bootcamp instead of the classic bachelorette party. She has even spied on a groom at his bachelor party (not that we suggest you request this service). Wright does a consultation for £25 (R475). Thereafter, her services fees could go as high as £5000 (R95 153).

It’s clear then that a bride can ask way more of a professional bridesmaid than a regular bridesmaid. Asking too much of your best friend who is also your bridesmaid can get a bit awkward. But if you’re paying for a professional bridesmaid, you can ask her to do (just about) anything. A professional bridesmaid can’t object to the dresses you want either.

The benefits of a professional bridesmaid seemingly starts to pile up when you consider that a “normal” bridesmaid has much less experience (if any at all) in the type of planning required for this job than a professional bridesmaid would have.

With all of this acknowledged, we must say that the idea of a professional bridesmaid does seem much less personal than having a friend or family member as a bridesmaid. Having somebody who knows you, your story, and the in’s and out’s of how you got to your big day by your side is part of what makes things special.

At any rate, you may struggle to find a professional bridesmaid in South Africa. So this may not be a choice you have to make any time soon. But with the professional bridesmaid market on the rise in Australia, the UK, and USA, you never know.

Image: Unsplash

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.

View this post on Instagram

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.

View this post on Instagram

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.

View this post on Instagram

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!

View this post on Instagram

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…

View this post on Instagram

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.

View this post on Instagram

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!

View this post on Instagram

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.

View this post on Instagram

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.

View this post on Instagram

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

Image: Pexels