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    Take your decor to new heights with greenery installations

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    Who said garlands were just for the table? Take your decor to new heights with greenery installations – one of our favourite trends at the moment. Normally decor is focused on eye-level, but what about accessorising the higher spaces with lush greens as well. You can change the whole feel of the space with something as simple (and budget-friendly) as leaves and vines. Take a look:

     

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    Feeling a little under the weather after spending last week up a slippery ladder hanging onto a tipi pole with rain pouring down my face, the immune system has taken a bit of a hit. Then @agnes.black sends me this beauty and suddenly everything seems more than OK! Just wow ? I’ll be back on emails tomorrow after some much needed R&R, thanks for your patience everyone! @fivefourstudios @hollyrussell_1 @innercityweddings @hipswinguk @pinkcocoa_sarah #hangingfoliage #hangingflowers #foliagewedding #hanginggreenery #floralinstallation #greenerywedding #suspendedgreenery #suspendedfoliage #coolbride #tablerunner #floraldecor #statementflowers #tablegreenery #underthefloralspell #flowerstyle #manchesterflorist #cheshireflorist #overheadfoliage #weddingflowers #modernbride #alternativeflowers #topteble #weddingreception #spanishmoss #weddingdecor #floralstyling #manchesterweddingflowers #cascadingflowers #floralart

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    One of the best things about incorporating greenery into your decor, is the affordability. It’s a budget-friendly ‘floral’ option and you can even do it yourself! You only need to purchase the greenery, wire or fixtures, and do some research on how to build it.

    You can buy wire, a floral hoop and a variety of greenery, and easily create a heavenly leafy green chandelier. It comes down to your entwining skills and a whole lot of securing. Alternatively, your florist will be able to make, or help you with, bigger projects. Think big! High ceilings + a big trellis = winner combo!

     

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    This magical setting is giving us ALL of the heart eyes! ? Beautiful work by @weddingconceptsusa @okasie @somethingdifferentza ?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? @hewittwrightphotographer⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #weddinglighting #pendantlighting #industrialwedding #organicwedding #modernwedding #weddinginstallation #weddingstyling #weddingstylist #weddingtables #weddingreception #weddingreceptioninspiration #instawed #weddingflowers #hangingfoliage #hanginggreenery #hanginglights #weddingideas #weddingstylingideas #uniquewedding #weddingreceptionideas #diywedding #weddinginspo #gettingmarried #pinterestwedding

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    However, the option is yours. You can opt for a simplistic greenery style or a fuller look. How? Keep greenery limited to give a more delicate, fresh appearance or use larger volumes for that fairytale-like lush look.

    If you’d prefer not to make something from scratch, you can always embellish existing fixtures as well, or incorporate it into the rest of your flowers to add depth and fullness.

    This decor option is great if you love the idea and beauty of the outdoors, but prefer to not actually host your wedding outside. Either way, it’s a beautiful addition to just about any theme.

    Image: Wesley Vorster Photography

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    How to keep guests happy at a summer wedding

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    Wedding season is around the corner, and with that, lovely South African summer weddings. And although we love the warm evenings and longer days, a summer wedding does come with its fair share of drawbacks. We’ve gathered some solutions to help you keep your cool, and your guests comfortable.

     

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    Just in time for the heatwave… ? ⠀ ⠀ Themal water is excellent for refreshing, but it can dry your skin out. Try this natural DIY face mist instead! It’s perfect for the hot days, conditioned rooms, and planes: you can bring a small bottle in your carry-on. ⠀ ⠀ ? Moisturizing Rose Water DIY Face Mist ? ⠀ ⠀ You’re going to need:⠀ ? 1 part of distilled water⠀ ? 1 part of rose water⠀ ? 5-7 drops of your favorite essential oil(s), e.g., lavender, jasmine, rose geranium, tea trea, bergamot… ⠀ ⠀ ? Blend all of these together in a spray bottle or mister and spritz on your face whenever you feel like it. Oh, and don’t forget to reapply your SPF and drink another glass of cool water!⠀ ⠀ ? Keep in mind that you may have individual reaction to some essential oils. ⠀ ⠀ #thermalwater #heatwave #staycool #diyfacespray #diyfacemist #facespray #facemist #diy #naturalskincare #naturaldiy #naturalcosmetics #skincareroutine

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    DIY mists

    We love a good DIY project, and this one is particularly practical. It will not only help keep your guests cool (and smelling lovely), but could serve as a nifty little favour as well.  You’ll need:

    • Small bottles with fine-mister nozzles (you can buy them at most bulk plastic suppliers)
    • Distilled water
    • Glycerin (a few drops per bottle)
    • Essential Oils (a few drops per bottle)

    Combine all the ingredients in the bottles, and shake well. Try peppermint, lemongrass or lavender essential oils for a fresh, invigorating scent that repels bugs at the same time.

    Citronella candles

    No matter where you are, mosquitoes always somehow manage to join the party and bring an unwelcome annoyance. Place citronella candles or diffusers with citronella essential oil on tables inside and outside, close to food, or wherever your guests will spend the most of time, to keep the bugs away.

    Drink up!

    Yes, your guests will most likely be sipping champagne, cocktails and the like, but it’s important to also have plenty of water available too. Alcohol causes us to develop a slight flush, even if it’s not noticeable in some people, leading to higher body temperature and dehydration to some degree, and even more so in hot weather. Have jugs and bottles of ice-cold water ready at a dedicated hydration station so guests have no excuse not to stay hydrated.

    Individual parasols and fans

    If you’re having an outside ceremony, it’s essential to provide your guests with some sort of shelter against the blistering sun. If you don’t plan on having umbrellas, provide your guests with individual parasols that they can use during the ceremony. Fans are also ideal to offer your guests to give them the option of fanning themselves during the ceremony as well as the rest of the night during dance breaks.

     

    Image: Unsplash

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    Save the planet… one eco-friendly wedding at a time

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    By Yashna Balwanth

    Contrary to popular belief, being environmentally and socially responsible on your wedding day is easier and possibly cheaper than you think. What could possibly be more important than protecting the Earth? Small considerations can make a world of difference – like using seasonal and local flowers flowers instead of importing them.

    Being eco-friendly is fashionable, will boost your eco-consciousness levels – and perhaps even turn a few guests into eco-warriors. We’ve put together a few conscious decisions to consider to make your special day more eco-friendly and your wallet a little happier.

    Disposable confetti
    Every bride wants to be showered in glittery confetti. In reality, you are throwing microplastics everywhere. An eco-friendlier alternative to this is to use biodegradable confetti which are made from flower petals. Or punch out confetti circles from leaves, colour them metallic and voilà. These are materials that still look as beautiful in pictures and will do exactly the same job.

     

    Re-use wedding attire
    Being eco-friendly also means finding more than one use for certain items, this includes wedding attire. By allowing your bridal party to choose their own style of dress within your colour palette, they will wear the dress again since it is something they have chosen for themselves. The bride’s dress can also be a vintage or pre-loved garment, perhaps handed down through generations. Don’t grow too attached to your wedding gown, you can have it altered once the wedding is over into two separate pieces of a top and skirt, then mix and match it within your closet for multiple uses.

     

    Potted vs cut flowers
    Cut flowers do not have a long lifespan. Why not opt for a potted centerpiece instead? These can also double up as wedding favours for guests to take home, which help save on costs. However, if you really do want cut flowers for decor, work with a company that can have the flowers reused after the function or even donated to a hospital or community centre.

     

    Digital stationery
    Let’s be real for a second… how many of us actually save wedding invites of friends and family? This is wasted paper and a waste of money printing invitations that still need to be hand delivered to guests. Besides the digital realm keeping us in touch with one another, it has also helped with invitations and notices to guests. Wedding websites can be set up for minimal costs and can also keep track of the guests who have rsvp’d and those who have not.

     

    Food donations
    It comes as no surprise that weddings attract a lot of wastage when it comes to food. Whether guests didn’t show up, or caterers over prepared, there is always waste of perfectly good food that shouldn’t be thrown away. Perhaps leftovers can be donated to a shelter for the homeless or even handed out to a nearby children’s school. Ensure your caterers are aware of your plans to donate so the food is not thrown out unintentionally.

    Picture: Pixabay

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    Create your own DIY wedding journal

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    If you’re someone who’s creative and loves to put their thoughts together in a collage, creating a DIY wedding journal for your big day is the way to go for organising, planning and brainstorming. Depending on your personal style, you can create your wedding journal in a number of ways:

    1. MESSY COLLAGE

    If you love doodling, pasting down pictures, using real-life references, like petals and fabrics, using a blank journal is the perfect start for you to create your wedding planner. You can create your own headings, lists, style references, and more to suit your creativity and make a wedding journal that is worth saving as a fond memory.

    2. PLANNING DIARY

    For someone who prefers neater, more organised and structured methods of planning, creating a wedding journal with matching fonts, colours and headings is definitely the best option. Nowadays, you can purchase digital wedding journals to download and put together yourself – still giving you the freedom to choose your base and play around with styles you prefer.

    3. BUDGET-SAVVY

    If all you’ve got are some pens and a notebook, but loads of creative talent, you can design a beautiful and personal wedding journal filled with doodles, lists, contact details, ideas and everything you want to put down to plan your big day.

    Images: Pinterest

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    4 amazing DIY wedding decor ideas

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    With more and more brides opting for a budget-friendly wedding, DIY wedding decor has been (and will always be) trending. Putting together an elegant wedding with stunning decor shouldn’t break the bank or put a hole in your pocket. In most cases the way you envisioned the decor for your big day makes you realise that some ideas and dreams can’t be bought, so why not do it yourself?

    1. WINE CORK SEATING CHART

    Ebriderides wants their dream wedding to be unique in its own way. Instead of paying someone to compile your seating chart using expensive materials, try collecting all your wine bottle corks and put them to good use.

    2. HAND-PAINTED BALLOONS

    Who said balloons are only meant for birthday parties? Balloons have taken the wedding world by storm. Brides are now opting to have wedding balloons as a part of their ceremonies and receptions. Instead of buying all the fancy balloons you see online, simply purchase the balloons of your choice, and make them unique with some hand-crafted paint and stencils for a minimalistic decor feel.

    3. LIGHT BULB FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

    Floral arrangements tend to be quite pricey. Keep all your blown light bulbs, remove the inside elements and give them a good wash. Hang them up in your reception area and add some small blooms. This look really brings some out-of-this-world elegance to any area.

    4. WHEELBARROW DRINKS COOLER

    Serving drinks at your wedding reception doesn’t need to be a nightmare. If your reception area is outside, make use of a wheelbarrow for guests to grab a cold one. Simply clean it out, add some ice and fill it with some beers and coolers. It’s great to avoid the long queues at the bar and an easy grab-and-go for your guests to enjoy.

    Images: Pinterest

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    Wedding decor you can DIY

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    Let’s face it, putting together a wedding can get pretty pricey! But not everything has to be a custom creation that breaks the bank. You can easily save on all your planning by incorporating some DIY ideas into your wedding decor. Don’t get us wrong, there are certain aspects of your big day you just simply can’t skimp on, but when it comes to these five, you can get everyone involved in making stunning DIY decor.

    1. THE INVITATIONS

    Avoid spending on expensive printers and stationery costs for your wedding invites, and make them yourself instead! You can get the family or your bridesmaids to help out and make a fun day of it. Plus, it will give your wedding stationery a personal touch.
    Try it: Make your own printed stationery

    2. THE SEATING CHART

    With so many ideas available online, creating a beautiful and affordable seating chart is a breeze! This is where you can truly let your artistic flair shine through and bring your theme to life.
    Try it: Make one of these creative seating charts

    3. THE CENTREPIECES

    It may seem tempting to dress your tables in extravagant centrepieces with a luxurious feel, but there is just as much elegance in simple and minimal decor styles. Design your own centrepieces for a beautiful and practical setting your guests will love.
    Try it: DIY candle table runner

    4. THE FAVOURS

    Nothing says ‘I appreciate you’ more than a hand-made gift. Treat your guests to thoughtful favours they can take home and cherish from your big day.
    Try it: Find 6 affordable favours here

    5. THE TABLE SETTINGS

    Apart from hired cutlery and crockery, you can personalise each guest’s table setting with DIY decor including greenery, ribbon or placemats to suit your theme.
    Try it: Paper and painted placemats

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    Which one of these DIY seating charts is perfect for you?

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    The RSVPs are in and you’ve finally figured out where everyone is going to sit, now it’s time to come up with a creative way to relay the information to your guests. Equipped with one of these DIY seating charts, you’ll be good to go!

    1. THE SEATING CHART/WEDDING FAVOUR COMBO

    Combining your seating chart with your wedding favours is an amazing way to save both time and money.

    Cacti, Stodels

    2. STAY ON TREND WITH COPPER CREATIVITY

    If you particularly like the metallic trend, this is totally up your alley. Use copper piping to assemble a sturdy frame. Hang string or ribbon from the frame, and then attach the seating cards for each table. Decorate with some greenery and place in a prominent position.

    Copper pipe, Builders; greenery, Fabulous Flowers; stationery, Lezanne’s Designs

    3. MOTIF MAGIC

    Group your tables to correspond with your theme. Print cards with the different categories and pin to a gorgeous board outside the venue.

    Stationery, The Pink Collection

    Styling: Francoise Jeanne de Villers
    Photography: Gareth van Nelson

    *All products subject to availability

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    Outdoor wedding games to celebrate your summer nuptials

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    Give your guests a day they’ll never forget (and something to do while you have your photos done) with fun and creative outdoor wedding games perfect for a summer soiree! From jJengato karaoke, the list of fun activities is endless.

    By Taryn Wilson

    1. BRIDE & GROOM TRIVIA

    Let your guests put their knowledge to the test in an exciting game of bride and groom trivia with fun questions relating to your relationship.

    2. GIANT CHESS

    If you’re hosting your big day at a big outdoor venue, be sure to include this fun and competitive game for your guests to take part in. Use giant chess pieces, or simply paint big water containers black and white to fit the chess board theme.

    3. POKER

    Adding a few poker tables to your reception area is a great way to keep guests entertained, and can go along with a fun casino wedding theme.

    4. WORD SEARCH

    Set up a chalkboard word game with words relating to your big day and let guests use their skills to find them all.

    5. DRESS UP PHOTO BOOTH

    Go big with your photobooth and include boxes with dress-up goodies. You can even be funky and include a few Snapchat filter look-a-likes to get some great pics and loads of laughs.

    6. BOARD GAMES GALORE

    Stack up on all of your favourite boardgames and lay them outside on a table with some picnic blankets for fun activies that will remind your guests of fond childhood memories.

    7. KARAOKE

    This one’s always a winner! One way to get the party started at your reception is to set up a karaoke station and get everyone to take part in singing their favourite hits.

    8. PIN THE TIE ON THE GROOM

    Similar to pin the tail on the donkey, set up a picture of the man of the hour and get guests to attempt to pin on a tie while blindfolded. It’ll be loads of fun!

    9. LOTS OF LEGO

    If you have children at your wedding, setting up a play area with big lego pieces will keep them busy and entertained during your reception. It may even attract some adult guests too!

    10. A JENGA STATION

    You can’t go wrong with Jenga! This simple game is an easy way to let your guests have a great time. Set up a few Jenga games on some tables and let your guests do the rest.

    Image: Pinterest

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    Ready, set, wed! Your wedding planning timeline

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    Your wedding planning timeline is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s how to stay sane and make sure everything – from the big stuff to the tiniest detail – gets ticked off your list.

    12+ MONTHS BEFORE

    1. Create a wedding file or make a Pinterest board to keep track of all your ideas and inspiration.
    2. Work out your budget.
    3. If you’re going to hire a wedding planner, do that now.
    4. Choose your date and reserve a venue (one of these is likely to depend on the other).
    5. Book the venue for your reception, if it’s going to be different to the ceremony venue.
    6. Choose the wedding party.
    7. Start planning your guest list.
    8. Book your officiant.
    9. Choose and book an MC (see tips on page 40).
    10. Have an engagement party, keeping in mind that anyone invited to this should also feature on your wedding guest list.

    9-12 MONTHS BEFORE

    1. Order your dress or book a designer.
    2. If they’re not included in your venue hire, choose a caterer.
    3. Book your DJ or entertainment (including ceremony musicians).
    4. Research and hire a photographer and videographer.
    5. Book your florist.
    6. Reserve accommodation for out-of-town guests and pay deposits.

    6-9 MONTHS BEFORE

    1. Meet with your officiant to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork covered.
    2. Have invitations made.
    3. Send out save-the-dates.
    4. Start organising bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s suits and flower-girl outfits.
    5. Start planning your honeymoon (including renewing your passport and getting any required vaccinations).

    4-6 MONTHS BEFORE

    1. Fit and purchase your rings.
    2. Do tastings and order your cake.
    3. Buy your wedding shoes (and start taking them to dress fittings).
    4. Book your hairstylist and make-up artist.
    5. Plan the big-day timeline.
    6. Start choosing the playlist.
    7. Contact rental companies for anything your venue isn’t providing, from seat covers to fancy Portaloos.
    8. Book the venue for your rehearsal dinner.
    9. Compile your registry.

    3 MONTHS BEFORE

    1. Finalise the menu.
    2. Finalise the flowers.
    3. Order wedding favours, if you’ll have any.
    4. Choose people to give toasts
    5. Buy your wedding lingerie.
    6. Make your vendors aware of the day’s schedule (they may have helpful feedback).
    7. Hire wedding-day transport.
    8. Book your spa treatments for the week of your wedding.

    2 MONTHS BEFORE

    1. Send out invitations.
    2. Meet with your photographer to discuss specific shots, locations and people to be photographed.
    3. Do a trial hair and make-up run.
    4. Have menus and programmes printed.
    5. Write your vows.

    4 WEEKS BEFORE

    1. Make a list of your RSVPs and follow up with anyone who has not yet responded.
    2. Make a seating chart and have place cards printed.
    3. Have your final dress fitting. You should bring along your maid of honour so she can learn specifics such as how to lace your corset or bustle your train (we’re not kidding).

    2 WEEKS BEFORE

    1. Let your venue contact know about any special vendor requests, such as additional power outlets for the DJ or refrigeration for the cake.
    2. Send your DJ your final playlist, including any songs you definitely don’t want to hear.
    3. Have your pre-wedding haircut and colour.
    4. Wear in your wedding shoes.
    5. Stock the bar.

    THE WEEK OF

    1. Give venue and caterers a final headcount.
    2. Confirm times, dates and final details with every vendor.
    3. Hand over programmes, menus and place cards, and any hired or DIY decor, to your reception manager.
    4. Delegate wedding-day and post-wedding tasks – someone to be in charge of getting your gifts home, someone to handle rental returns while you’re on honeymoon.
    5. Pick up your dress!
    6. Make sure the bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s suits and flower-girl attire are ready to go.
    7. Pack for your honeymoon.
    8. Make final payments to vendors, and prepare cash tip envelopes for waitstaff on the day.
    9. Organise snacks and drinks for the dressing rooms.

    THE NIGHT BEFORE

    1. Rehearse the ceremony with your wedding party, immediate family and officiant.
    2. Introduce the manager of your reception venue to the best man and maid of honour, or whomever you’ve delegated as the go-to person for any questions or problems during the reception.

    THE BIG DAY!

    1. Give the wedding bands to the best man and maid of honour.
    2. Eat breakfast, stay hydrated and don’t rush!

    Image: Unsplash

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    5 DIY paper flowers ideas for non-traditional brides

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    If you’re someone who doesn’t like to play by the rules, then DIY paper flowers will be ideal for you. You also won’t have to worry about wilting, watering or the fear of a guest knocking over an arrangement, not to mention the amount of money you’ll save!

    1. Crepe paper bouquet

    2. Paper flower initial

    3. Tissue paper centrepiece

    4. Paper flower backdrop

    5. Paper flower crown

    Images: Pinterest

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