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    Many couples are no longer willing to wait for the nationwide lockdown to come to a close to have their wedding. Most are now opting for a livestream wedding, which allows their guests to attend their nuptials while safely social distancing.

    If you’re one of those who are in love and eager to get your married life started, then perhaps you’re leaning towards a Zoom ceremony. But since this is one of the most common wedding trends these days, you’ll likely want to do something to ensure that yours stands out from the rest.

    Here are some ways to make your livestream wedding special:

    Invite everyone

    Since you no longer have to be held back by the finances that comes with inviting people, you’re now able to invite absolutely everyone. The more the merrier! You’ll feel extra special once you see how many people turn out for your special day.

    Have everyone dress for the occassion

    This includes you. Everyone should be in their very best attire (no sweats allowed!).  After all, it’s one of the most important days of your life. If everyone gets dressed up, it’ll truly feel like a celebration.

    Don’t skip the toasts

    Your best man, maid of honour, and whoever else was going to give a toast should all still do so. Many people have slacked on the formalities on Zoom weddings, so to take it up a notch from the rest keep as much from the original plan as possible.

    Decorate

    Create a pretty backdrop for your wedding. Light some candles, play some music, add some fairy lights, do as much as you can!

    Consider all platforms 

    Some couples who have used Zoom found that the free version only allows for 40 minutes before it times out. If you don’t want a forced intermission, consider paying for the full version or using a different platform.

    Also read: The legality of Zoom weddings in SA 

    Image: Twitter / Tyler Thompson

    Your guests need to know where to sit at your reception, so you might as well guide them in style. Seating charts have gotten much more elaborate over the years. If you’ve got a creative eye and some time on your hands, why not try making your own?

    Using everyday items like glass bottles, cheese boards, plant leaves and mirrors, you can easily create a stunning seating chart that will impress your guests.

    Here are some creative ideas to inspire you:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8p85ZhK6NT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8wcURtKbeT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Pexels

    During lockdown, couples have to make do with what they have to keep the love alive. One man, Mark Oakes from Gauteng, wanted to ask his beloved Maxine to marry him but of course, no jewellery stores were open.

    So, he decided to get creative and make a ring himself! “One can’t let a pandemic stand in the way of what your heart wants,” he said on local radio show Breakfast with Martin Bester.

    He planned a beautiful picnic in the garden, got out some wine (another rare commodity these days) and popped the big question. “We had a proposal picnic with an arts and crafts ring. Our friendly chefs at Woolies provided us with a great meal,” he said.

    The ring, complete with a little golden bell in place of a stone, won Maxine over and she said yes.

    Take a look at how the romantic day went down:

    Images: JacarandaFM

    Thanking your guests with a take-home wedding favour adds an extra special touch to your big day. However, there is no need to outsource this service.

    There are so many cute and simple wedding favour ideas you can easily make from the comfort of your home. All you need is time and a few extra products you can order online.

    Here are some ideas to inspire you:

    Homemade jam

    Credit: Pinterest
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    Some punny tea

    Fragrant soap

    Credit: Pinterest

    Hangover kit

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    Popcorn

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    Hot chocolate kit

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    Coffee beans

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    Succulents

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    Seeds

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    Feature image: Pexels

    The national lockdown has truly forced us all to readjust to a new way of life for the time being. All plans that were made previously are on hold or cancelled and other plans are having to be rethought. While all of this happens, time still ticks on.

    If your anniversary is one of the events coming up during quarantine, you should probably think of a way to celebrate it indoors! There’s no need to worry if you made plans that require leaving home, an at-home anniversary can easily be planned too.

    Here are some ideas:

    Recreate a special meal together 

    Perhaps you had a fancy meal on your first date, or you’re still dreaming of the delicious meal served at your wedding reception. You could take to the kitchen and try to recreate these meals together. We all know cooking together can be tremendously romantic… and the eating part is great too. After you cook the meal, indulge in the delicious food by candle light.

    Wedding reminiscing 

    Pull out your wedding album and video and spend some time remembering the special day. It’ll bring back many amazing memories and will show you how far you’ve come. Tell each other stories about your individual experiences of the wedding day, about how you were feeling, who you interacted with, and anything else you can recall. You’re sure to have some funny and interesting tales to tell.

    Symbolic vow renewal

    Plan to have a vow renewal ceremony for just the two of you. Write new vows, decorate the room, and go all out. It’ll be quite intimate and special, definitely something you’ll never forget.

    Learn to dance 

    Search YouTube for some couples dance tutorials and try to learn a new dance together. Salsa is a great option!

    How I met your mother  

    If you have kids and you want them to be involved too then this one’s for you. Draw up a quiz about your relationship with questions like “how did mom and dad meet?” or “how old were we when we got married?” and have your kids participate in a competitive quiz night. It’s a great way to celebrate your anniversary and it’ll be an evening filled with laughs too.

    Image: Unsplash

    One thing that can’t be avoided on your big day? Photos. Besides your official photographer, your guests will definitely be snapping some cute pictures together to remember this special day. So why not give them a beautiful backdrop to do it against?

    Maybe you’re having a more ceremonial backyard moment just for you and your partner, or maybe you’re prepping for when you can have the wedding of your dreams. Regardless, these beautiful backdrops will perfectly compliment the day. What makes them even better is that they can be made at home using a few key components, and customised to fit your day.

    Credit: Pinterest
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    Feature image: Unsplash

    While we’re under lockdown, we’ve got nothing but time. So, if your wedding is coming up and you are (or want to be) a creative soul, why not make your own wedding jewellery? Depending on your style, you can make almost anything under the sun. It will be a special keepsake you can even pass on to future generations.

    Granted, traditional jewellery might be a little harder and need more time, but the challenge will make it that much more rewarding. Other styles like boho does not need as much detail, and can work out cheaper as you do not necessarily need jewels like diamonds or other precious stones.

    Here’s how to get crafty:

    1. The first thing you will  need is to gather ideas and decide what you want to wear. Earrings are simpler to make, but a necklace or arm band are just as doable. Head over to Pinterest for some ideas and settle on one. Remember that yours will not look exactly the same, but that’s the idea! We love these pieces:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-X2eTwHpDl/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-WsyweAwlz/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Y0DAPHEAD/

    2. Get what you need. This step is a bit tricky seeing as arts and crafts stores will be closed, but some online delivery services might still deliver. You may even already have beads and jewels at home if you’ve done it before, or know someone who does. If not, make a list of what you need so you can go buy it as soon as it is safe to do so.

    Some basics you will need (but might vary depending on what you make) are pliers, soft gold or silver wire or chain, clasps or fastening rings and of course, the beads, jewels, stones or whatever your piece will consist of.

    3. Watch a tutorial (or three). If you’re new to this, better get some expert advice. There are loads of online videos with advice and instructions ranging for all levels of skill. Check out these ones we love:

    Image:  Pixabay

     

    Escort cards are designed to guide your guests to their seats in style, so why not have some fun with them? Using simple items you can easily acquire, you can add a personal touch to your big day while also saving some coin.

    While you’re at home practicing safe social distancing, you’ve probably got a lot of time on your hands. Spend your time wisely by getting creative with one of these easy escort card DIY projects.

    Origami birds:

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    Wood blocks:

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    Ribbon:

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    Tiles:

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    Cactus clippings:

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    Seashells:

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    Fruit:

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    Leaves:

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    Feature image: Unsplash

    We know, we know. It’s not exactly what you had in mind. But hey, sometimes doing things a little different can be tons of fun! So, if you were planning to host your own or someone else’s bachelorette party soon and you don’t feel like postponing, don’t worry. You can easily move it online. Here’s how:

    Choose your platform

    If you’re tech-savvy, you will be spoiled for choice. There are loads of different group communication platforms, including Skype, WhatsApp video call, Zoom, Google Hangouts and more. Choose the one you and your mates are most comfortable with and go for it.

    Invite everyone and make sure they can access it

    Of course, you and everyone attending will need reliable and strong internet access. It might be smart to do a test run a few days before to make sure everyone can access it and that it will work well. If not, you might consider trying a different platform. Then, the fun part starts. Make some awesome e-vites and get everyone to pin down the date (they’ve got no excuse not to be there!).

    Go all out with the dress code

    The most important part of the event is (arguably) the theme. If you have a theme or a dress-code, don’t leave it behind! You will still be able to see each other, and you will feel all the vibes if you dress the part.

    Have plenty of games on hand

    No bachelorette is complete without a bunch of games. Granted, this might not be the wild night out you planned, but it doesn’t have to be any less fun. Games like Heads Up, charades and Never have I ever will have you crying with laughter!

    Don’t forget the drinks

    This is can be combined with the games for best results. You can even all make cocktails together during the party (assuming you have all the ingredients already, since no alcohol will be for sale during lockdown). If not, get that steaming cup of coffee or heavenly tea ready!

    Image: Pixabay

     

    This is one wedding theme that’s sure to charm you. Carissa Rumps of Wild Rumpus Photography worked with a host of talented photographers and vendors to create a styled wedding photoshoot bringing the magical world of Harry Potter to life. From a real-life Hedwig to a Butterbeer cocktail, we solemnly swear that you will love it.

    The whimsical shoot is an ode to a childhood favourite much loved by many. Potter-heads will recognise various references like a look-alike Hogwarts Express train, a sorting hat-esque cake, a live owl and of course, a Griffindor inspired colour scheme of reds and golds. Take a look at these stunning shots.


       

    Images from vendors: Wild Rumpus Collective, Crystal Vision Events, Liza Spurlock Photography, Write This Way Calligraphy.

    Feature image: Instagram / Crystal Vision events