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In Diy

How to turn your backyard into a wedding venue

September 18, 2020 No Comments

Weddings are (almost) back to normal with the new Level 1 regulations. Venues may be filled to 50% capacity with the cap on outdoor venues at 500 people. So, unless you live in Buckingham Palace, you shouldn’t have to cut too many from your guest list for a backyard wedding.

Having your wedding in your own garden might be a very attractive option for some for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, you don’t have to budget for venue hire, and you can get any date you choose. Some might also feel safer in terms of COVID-19, as you don’t have to go into a public space.

If you decide to go this route, you have to do it well. Here are our top tips on how to make sure your big day is extra special.

Decide on the number of guests

Firstly, depending on your space, budget and current lockdown regulations, you and your partner will need to decide how many guests you can invite. Backyard weddings tend to be smaller and more intimate, so firstly set out a list of your closest family and friends you want to invite. Remember to count all the vendors and the marriage officer too. All this will help determine how you lay out of the wedding and the rest of your plans.

Consider the weather

Depending on the season in the area you live, you might have to provide some form of cover from wind, rain or sun. Shop around for different styles of marquee tents, tepees, gazebos or even just umbrellas. You wouldn’t want to have everyone slosh around in mud or get heat stroke on your wedding day.

Use available space economically

Decide where you want the ceremony, the ‘waiting area’ and the reception. Of course, it can all be the same spot if you choose, but make sure guests know where you want them. Also be mindful of social distancing for your own and your guests’ safety. Place families together at dining tables and place seats at the reception far apart. Names on seats and tables are an easy way to guide everyone.

Match your decor to what you already have

If your garden is the setting, you can work with what you have and just add subtle extras to complement existing beauty. Take note of the plants growing in your garden and match your colour scheme to that. Also try to use functional items doubly as decor. For example, if you have an arch at the ceremony, why not make it double as a photo booth at the reception? If you have a gifts table, ask your bridal parties to move the gifts indoors before the reception and convert that table into the drinks station.

Images: Pinterest

Featured Images: Pexels

In Advice

Repurpose old mirrors for easy DIY wedding decor

September 8, 2020 No Comments

We’ve all got some extra mirrors laying around somewhere in the house. This easily accessible and affordable item works wonders as DIY wedding decor, all you need is a sharp eye for detail.

Mirrors can be repurposed as wedding decor in a number of ways. Use a large mirror as a seating chart by writing your table information in permanent marker, or use smaller mirrors as escort cards.

They can also be used as table numbers and table decor, or even as a table runner! Depending on the size and shape, its uses are endless.

Here are some magical ways to give old mirrors new life:

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

How to incorporate herbs into your wedding day

July 31, 2020 No Comments

Modern couples have been inspired by natural greenery when planning their big day. Botanical-inspired weddings are huge in the wedding world and are much-loved for its ease and affordability.

Aromatic herbs like rosemary, mint, lavender, sage, and basil work wonders as wedding decor for a multitude of reasons. They are cheap and easily accessible as they can be grown at home and harvested. They also smell amazing and will make your guests want to keep sniffing those amazing fragrances all day.

Herbs are also incredibly versatile. We love that herbs can be used in various ways on your big day beyond the food. Incorporate it into your table decor or your bridal bouquet. You can also use it as a parting gift for wedding favours or as an alternative for the traditional rice toss.

Here are some ways to use herbs throughout your wedding day, from your escort cards all the way to your wedding favours:

How to incorporate herbs into your wedding day — Source: Pinterest

Feature image: Pexels

In Decor

Fun and unique escort card ideas to impress your guests

July 13, 2020 No Comments

Escort cards are an adorable way to continue your wedding theme and personalise your wedding seating. They are the informal sister of place cards, and direct guests to a table rather than a seat.

The joy of escort cards is that in many cases, they can easily be DIY’ed and can also double as a wedding favour, depending what you go with. Either way, your guests can take them home and will always remember your big day.

This fun design element allows brides and grooms to get creative and expand their theme. For example, Christmas ornaments work perfectly for December weddings, while mini marble tiles are elegant and sophisticated.

We’ve gathered some fun, unique ideas for escort cards that fit a variety of themes, from quirky to botanical to glam. Take a look below:

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Feature image: Pixabay

In Advice

Magical ideas for a Harry Potter-themed wedding

June 9, 2020 No Comments

If you can accurately sort people into houses soon after meeting them, you might just be a Potter head. Harry Potter fans are diehards and have supported this much-loved franchise since the first book came out in 1997.

Whether you’re a Griffindor with a heart of gold or a Slitherin with a cunning personality, this theme is perfect for you. Add a dose of magical realism to your big day by incorporating some special references to your favourite franchise.

Here are some ideas that will have you spellbound:

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Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

How to make your livestream wedding special

May 11, 2020 No Comments

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

In Decor

Stunning seating charts you can easily DIY

May 8, 2020 No Comments

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:

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Feature image: Pexels

In Diy

Gauteng man proposes with homemade ring

May 7, 2020 No Comments

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

In Diy

DIY favours your guests will love

April 16, 2020 No Comments

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

Some punny tea

Fragrant soap

Hangover kit

Popcorn

Hot chocolate kit

Coffee beans

Succulents

Seeds

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

How to celebrate your anniversary while quarantining

April 7, 2020 No Comments

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