• Category

    Advice

    Category

    You never know how a wedding will affect you until you plan your own. Even the calmest and collected people can turn into bridezillas when the stress hits.

    Everyone is bound to be overwhelmed in the months and days leading up to their big day. For those who believe in the astrological powers of the zodiac, their signs might have a big impact on how you behave come wedding day.

    Here is what kind of bride you’ll be based on your zodiac sign.

    Aries (March 21–April 19)

    No one is more trendy than an Aries individual. As the first sign of the zodiac, they love to lead the way and be trailblazers, so nothing normal can be predicted with them

    The Aries bride will opt for an unusual element to give their big day a talking point, like arriving on a balloon ride or by skydiving. However, like the ram it is symbolised by, Arians tend to have quick tempers you don’t want to be caught up in. They are also overly competitive, so the Aries bride will work extra hard to have the best wedding ever just for the bragging rights.

    Taurus (April 20–May 20)

    Practical yet stubborn, Taureans are classic Earth signs. They tend to be perfectionists, but are also traditionalists at heart.

    This sign likes things in order, and will likely hire a wedding planner to make sure all goes to plan. They hate being rushed, so avoid putting any unnecessary pressure on them so that they don’t explode. They can also be very set in their ways, so trying to convince them otherwise is a mission in itself.

    Gemini (May 21–June 20)

    Gemini’s can be hard to pin down. They are indecisive in nature, intelligent and outgoing yet impulsive and unreliable. They are also ruled by Mercury, the planet of communications.

    The Gemini bride is all over the place. Gemini changes their minds in a heartbeat, causing them to make reckless decisions. Because of this, they can be quite unreliable so it’s fair to say that this bride will infuriate others as she flips flops on wedding plans.

    Cancer (June 21–July 22)

    Highly emotional and introverted, Cancers are known for being one with their feelings. They are incredibly loyal and caring, so having their love means you will always be protected.

    Being so emotional, the Cancer bride will focus on family on their big day. Their something borrowed will be extra special, and they will carry out traditions to honour their loved ones. However, Cancer signs can be quite moody and overly sensitive, so this bride will have quite a few swings as she prepares for her big day.

    Leo (July 23–August 22)

    Much like the king of the jungle, Leos are passionate and confident beings. They are bold personalities who like to make a statement. These trendsetters like to lead the way and would opt for something unique and daring on their big day.

    The Leo bride is determined to have her way and will surprise her guests with something different. However, she is also stubborn and struggles to accept criticism because of her over-confidence, so she might not be very receptive to alternative suggestions.

    Virgo (August 23–September 22)

    Virgos are practical perfectionists. Logical and dependable, this Earth sign is known for taking a systematic approach to life. Their style tends to be modest, simple, and polished, just like they are.

    The Virgo bride’s wedding will be just like her: perfect. Every hair will be in place because she managed down to every fine detail. She is on top of everything and anticipates issues before they even arise. However, Virgo’s also tend to be very picky and overthink everything, making settling on ideas much harder.

    Libra (September 23–October 22)

    Like Taureans, Libras are also ruled by Venus, the planet that governs love, beauty, and money. Fun, caring, and fair, they make for excellent friends.

    As a natural peacemaker, the Libra bride will be incredibly tactful and diplomatic when working with others to plan their big day. However, their indecisiveness and inability to confront situations may cause their dream wedding to slip away as they work to please everyone else.

    Scorpio (October 23–November 21)

    Scorpios tend to be very private in nature and hate to be the centre of attention. However, as the most passionate signs of the zodiac, they love to express their feelings and give in to pleasure.

    Intensely goal-oriented and brave, the Scorpio bride will not hold back if they want something. However, this sign also tends to be jealous, stubborn, and controlling, so anyone trying to interfere with their plans will face their vicious sting.

    Sagittarius (November 22–December 21)

    Of all the zodiac signs, Sagittarius individuals are usually the most fun. Free-spirited and independent, they love to roam free and explore the various facets of the world and life.

    While their independence is what makes them so lovable, it is also their greatest weakness. Sagittarians get bored easily and like to do things their own way. They are also prone to egotism, so the Sag bride can easily get frustrated if someone is not in support of their unusual ideas.

    Capricorn (December 22–January 19)

    Capricorns are the classy sign. They are typically very grounded and thoughtful, preferring the simpler things in life. They are also incredibly hardworking

    Being the independent and determined type, the Capricorn bride will not rest until she has reached her goal, or in this case her dream wedding. She will meticulously plan everything and will expect just as much from those around her because of her high standards.

    Aquarius (January 20–February 18)

    Unique, artistic, and idealistic, Aquarians seem to always be lost in their thoughts. Represented by the water bearer, the mystical healer who bestows water, or life upon the land, they are easy-going and fun yet graceful and bold.

    With their progressive nature, the aquarian bride will do something different for her big day. This unique gesture will be incredibly thought out and symbolic, but their love of thinking outside of the box might lead to an idea too big to execute in reality. Aquarians also tend to have quick tempers, so this might cause them to snap easily if things don’t work out.

    Pisces (February 19–March 20)

    Pisces individuals are dreamers, often at odds with fantasy and reality. Those with this complex sign tend to be empathetic, compassionate, and sensitive but also overly emotional, impressionable, and closed off.

    Approach this bride with caution. She will want something unique for her big day, and to incorporate everyone because of her generous and compassionate nature. However, she is easily swayed which can overwhelm her, causing her to get upset and shut down.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Weddings are pretty cut and dry with their general structure, so why not cut loose and do something different where you can? While a small part of your overall day, your escort cards can bring an event to life.

    Escort cards are small items designed to lead your guests to their tables. Traditionally, a simple name card would suffice but many modern couples are looking to inject their personality and humour into their big day.

    Get creative and offer something to remember with your escort cards. These days, anything and everything could work. From miniature skateboards to coffee cups and even dinosaur figurines, the possibilities are truly endless.

    Here are a few fun and funky escort cards we’ve found:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by just a little ditty (@justalittleditty) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Love a fun escort card situation so naturally we were wild about these gold party animals! ?

    A post shared by The Hitched Company (@simply_hitched) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wedding + Event Planner (@laurynprattes) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Sweet Zion Paperie (@sweetzionpaperie) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Meghan?Letter Artist (@j.lilydesign) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Heather Balliet (@amorology) on

     

    In previous decades, living together before marriage was a big taboo and completely unheard of. Following the sexual revolution of the 1960s and the growth of women’s autonomy, many couples choose to move in together as a step before marriage.

    While some believe that moving in is a logical step before marriage is even considered, others still stand firm that it can hurt a relationship more than it can help. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to move in.

    Pros 

    – It is a good way to test a relationship

    -You get to know your partner incredibly intimately

    -It can be a step towards marriage if that is what you’re discussing

    -Helps financially so you can split living costs

    Cons 

    -It sometimes confuses the situation as one partner may expect it to mean marriage while the other just sees it as the next step

    -It can break your relationship if you’re not ready

    -It takes a little shine off the newlywed sparkle since you’ve already experienced living together

    So? Should you do it? 

    While there are studies regarding the statistics on whether couples who move in make it, there is no real way to quantify or decide for each couple. A couple who has never moved in together could get married and realise they can’t stand living together just as easily as a couple could move in, get married later and live happily ever after. It is really about the two individuals and their relationship.

    If you’re concerned, ask the following questions regarding the move before making the leap:

    1. Why do you want to move in with your partner now?
    2. If you don’t, consider asking yourself why not
    3. Have you discussed what moving in signifies to each of you?
    4. Are you prepared for the possibility that you may break-up even after moving in?
    5. What are some deal-breakers you need to discuss before making this decision?

    Picture: Pexels

    Parenthood doesn’t require DNA and some people already have children, either from a previous relationship or before marriage. When they decide to marry other people and bring their families together, they create a blended family.

    Bringing your families together and including them in your big day is a sweet way to honour them. Here are some ways to do it, and make sure no one feels neglected or left out.

    Have a unity Ceremony

    Unity ceremonies are meaningful rituals performed during your wedding to represent becoming a union and the joining of lives, families and communities. Being highly symbolic, there are multiple ways you can do this, which can be personalised to your new family. One idea is to write meaningful letters to each other and read them out during the ceremony, then put them in a jar to keep as a family symbol.

    Give them roles

    Another way you can include your blended family is by assigning them roles. From a ring bearer to a flower girl, the possibilities are endless. This is guaranteed to make them feel included in the ceremony and when you are all looking at the wedding album, they will be delighted to see themselves featured and having participated.

    Give them gift

    Gifting is one of the five universal love languages, it shows the next person that you have thought of them and value them enough to gift them. Give them the same or similar gifts to your biological kids, or get them something they have always wanted.

    Presenting something special to your new child/children is a wonderful gesture to symbolise that they are an important part of this new family.

    Include them in the planning 

    Kids love doing exciting things, to them everything is playtime and by including them in the planning process, you get the chance to bond with them. Let them participate in everything from cake tasting to licking invitation envelopes.

    Encourage them to invite a few of their best friends and their family members to the wedding so that they have familiar faces apart from you.

    Have a family dance 

    After the first dance, invite the kids to come out and join you on the dance floor to their favourite tune. It would be extra fun and special if you practiced a dance prior to the wedding. You can even give them the task of coming up with the steps to our dance routine as the kids of the family.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Times have changed and so have traditions. There’s no need for anything to be done simply because that’s the way it has always been done.

    On your wedding and the days leading up to it, you want someone close to you to help you out. Whether it’s the planning, running errands on the day, organising a stellar bachelorette or simply getting excited with you, your bestie has got your back.

    Your bestie may or may not be a man. No rule says your best friend needs to be the same gender as you.

    In modern times, it’s completely acceptable for men and women to be good friends with members of the opposite sex, without being romantically involved. A mature relationship can handle each other’s friends without getting jealous.

    So, if you’re tying the knot but you don’t feel you have a girlfriend that you are necessarily close to, why not ask your male friend to be your ‘man of honour’?

    There’s no reason he can’t take you dress shopping, cake tasting or throw an epic kitchen tea. If you do, here are some things to keep in mind:

    – Your partner comes first

    Hopefully, your partner is also good friends with your best friend and respects your decision, as you will respect theirs. However, insisting on asking a friend that your partner may not get along with might hurt them. If there is a history between you and the male friend, for example, your partner might not like the idea of him sharing these personal moments with you. It would be wise to be open and honest with your partner before asking the friend.

    – Your male best friend’s comfort comes second

    Even if your partner is completely comfortable with the idea, your friend might not be. They may be more or less at ease with spending time discussing intimate details surrounding the dress, hair and makeup, the honeymoon etc. Or they might simply not enjoy doing those things, they could end up being bored and you will end up feeling neglected. Have a casual chat with them to test the waters before the big ask, unless you know them well enough to know they will say yes –  and have fun doing it too.

    – Your family’s opinions should not influence you

    Oftentimes, our family’s opinions tend to shape our decisions, even as adults. Your family might be more traditional than you, and it’s important to treat them with respect. However, this is your day and the way you choose to do things are up to you and your partner. So, if they frown upon your decision, either have an open discussion with them or ignore their input, but don’t change your mind for their sake. You deserve to be happy at this very special time in your life.

    Picture: Pixabay

    A wedding is the perfect time to put on your dancing shoes and to cut loose. However, not everyone is that keen to bust out the moves.

    Some may need further encouragement to get footloose. Beyond this, getting the party started can be quite physically taxing. With all that gyrating, it’s easy to get tuckered out quickly. It’s best to look out for your guests by offering some dancing relief. Here are a few ideas.

    Welcome with some liquid courage 

    The best way to get people to dance is to get them feeling relaxed first. This is where old faithful alcohol comes in. Serving shots of tequila as a welcome drink is a great way to get the party started and encourage your guests to leave their morals at the door. An open bar will go even further, but may get your guests feeling a bit too confident.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Festival Brides (@festivalbrides) on

    Play a mix of music

    Ariana Grande isn’t everybody’s cup of tea and not everyone is down to clown to some Drake. You’ll need your live band or DJ to perform a healthy mix of music genres, from pop and rap to golden oldies and slow tunes. This way, you appeal to everyone. Plus, no one can resist a  cheesy one-hit wonder.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wedding Etc (@wedding.etc.za) on

    Offer ‘dancing shoes’

    Have you ever danced in stiletto heels? It’s not a fun time. Balancing on these high heels while twerking to Cardi B might lead to a few falls, so it’s best to offer alternative footwear. A cute idea is to have a ‘dancing shoes’ stand where guests can grab a pair of flip flops before heading out onto the dance floor. Place them in different bins based on size, so that everyone has a shoe that will fit. Make sure the flip flops are brand new for hygiene reasons, and place a sign saying that each guest should keep their pair for the night to avoid people chopping and changing flip flops.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by ⋆ Rustic Wedding Chic ⋆ (@rusticweddingchic) on

    Have a ‘cool down’ zone

    After dancing up a storm, you’ll probably be sweating quite a bit. Have a dedicated ‘cool down’ zone alongside your traditional seating, where your guests can rest their weary feet. Offer tons of seating, cute handheld fans and refreshing fruit-infused water to help them rest up before they take to the floor for round 2.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wonder Event Rentals (@wonder.eventrentals) on

    Picture: Unsplash

    Planning a wedding is expensive, not to mention the honeymoon and the new life you’ll build together afterward. It’s easily understandable why many couples would prefer a cash gift instead of a physical gift on their wedding day.

    It can sometimes feel a bit classless to ask for money, but it doesn’t need to be. However, it’s important to do it the right way to avoid offending some older family members or putting pressure on anyone to contribute more than they were originally willing to spend on a gift.

    Here are some tips to get that big tip at the end of your big day:

    Don’t ask for money on your wedding invitation

    The wedding invitation is to introduce your upcoming union and is all about the good vibes. Adding a clause that you’re expecting cash from your guests can be construed a bit tasteless. Instead, set up a wedding website where you can include a link to a cash registry or banking details of an account set up specifically for the cash gifts.

    Let your guests know how you plan to spend the money

    While you don’t owe anyone an explanation, giving your guests a general idea of how you plan to spend the money might make them more willing to contribute. For example, if it’s a honeymoon fund for a dream vacation or house renovations fund, your guests will know that their money is going toward something important.

    It could also be a good idea to set up a specific target amount, with a live tracker displaying how close you are to your goal. Some might feel even more willing to contribute if they know you are closer to reaching your dream.

    Use a cash registry

    If you feel awkward asking for money outright, you can easily direct your guests to your cash registry on your wedding website. There are sites that run it all for you, so all you need to do is fill in the details and add the link, and voilà. Try out South African sites like Wrapistry or Gift Tree.

    Set up cash boxes at your reception

    Some people don’t trust online banking or are simply not technologically-savvy. Give your older guests an in-person option by setting up a cash donation box at your reception. You’ll need your wedding planner or a minder to keep an eye over the box throughout the evening to make sure the money stays safe.

    Picture: Pexels

    Summer is officially here in the Mother City, bringing with it happier days and tons of sunshine. The season offers so many fun themes to explore for a wedding day.

    When you think of summer, what comes to mind? For us, it’s the sea, delicious cocktails, and lush green gardens. The pictures that spring to mind can easily be expanded on to create fun summer-inspired escort cards.

    From seashells and coconuts to oyster shucking knives and potted plants, there are so many easily accessible items you can use to add a bright and seasonal twist to your day.

    Here are some unique options to be inspired by:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Joy | Wedding Websites & More (@joytheapp) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Carole Murray (@calligraphybycarole) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wedding + Event Planner (@laurynprattes) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by AM+Co | A Creative Studio (@andimejia.co) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by The Tuscan Wedding (@the_tuscan_wedding) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wedding Planning & Design (@mariee_ami) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Ruffle Effect (@ruffleeffect) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Tamara Nicole (@simplytamaranicole) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Love Always, Me (@lovealways.me) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by shay | hand lettered market (@handletteredmarket) on

    Picture: Pexels

    Wedding favours are a sweet way to show your guests your appreciation for sharing in your special day. While not essential, it is a nice touch to give your guests an exciting send-off.

    Anyone who has planned a wedding before knows how expensive it can be. Things add up quickly and unexpected costs can crop up at any minute, so it’s best to be financially savvy where you can be.

    If you’re working with a tight budget, fear not. There are tons of affordable wedding favour options to incorporate into your big day. Some of them are easily DIYable, which means you save on labour too.

    From seedlings to tea, hangover kits made of mini bottles of water and painkillers, to DIY tic tac toe, you can make a wedding favour out of pretty much any common household item.

    Here are some ideas that won’t break the bank:

    Credit: Pinterest
    Credit: Pinterest
    Credit: Pinterest
    Credit: Pinterest
    Credit: Pinterest
    Credit: Pinterest
    Credit: Pinterest
    Credit: Pinterest
    Credit: Pinterest
    Credit: Pinterest

    Picture: Pexels

    With a million things to decide on, from cakes, decor, and venue amongst others, making the decision whether to hire a wedding planner or to do everything yourself is a tricky decision.

    The logistics can take away from the thrill of enjoying your big day. It’s no wonder so many choose to hire a wedding planner to plan their big day so they can focus on the fun.

    While wedding planners are more experienced and flexible, those who want 100% control will probably be better doing doing it themselves.

    If you enjoy planning and doing things yourself then, by all means, you should plan your wedding. This can also be another way to save money because it will cost you less than having to pay a professional.

    Here are the pros and cons of hiring a planner.

    The Pros

    – Your wedding will have an expert look to give it the extra flair and beauty

    – You will not worry about things going wrong, because that is not your responsibility

    – Pros already know who to call and for what  to make your big day amazing

    – Your budget gets a professional eye and you will get a fresh perspective of ideas

    The Cons

    – You will lose some control over the planning of your own wedding

    – You will spend more money paying a professional than you would if you were doing it yourself

    – You may have a difficult time trusting someone with every detail, and have disagreements from time to time

    Picture: Unsplash