Category

Diy

Category

Losing a family member is heartbreaking – and when it comes to getting married, their absence is often amplified. Acknowledging these special people can become overwhelming, especially when trying to maintain a celebratory atmosphere throughout your day.

Fortunately, weddings are sentimental occasions, leaving room for a myriad of ways to acknowledge those dearly departed. The trick is to strike a balance – honouring loved ones without turning your big day into a memorial service. Whether the gesture be small and personalised or open and public, there is always a tasteful way to do it.

Here are five simple and subtle ways to remember someone passed at your wedding:

Attach a small photo to your bouquet: This is particularly meaningful for a bride who has lost her father – a highly personal yet subtle gesture that is the perfect little reminder that your dad is walking you down the aisle in spirit.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Megan K Calton (@caltonphotography) on

Incorporate old fabric into your suit or wedding gown: Keep the spirit of your lost loved ones close by – literally. Use mom’s wedding dress to create your own gown, or transform one of dad’s old ties into a trendy pocket square.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kateryna Olek (@olekkateryna_atelier) on

Reserve a seat at the ceremony: Of course nothing compares to having your loved ones physically by your side but reserving them a seat while you say your “I dos” can be a special reminder of their irreplaceable presence. Mark their seat with a favorite flower or sentimental possession.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Classic Christian Weddings (@classicchristianweddings) on

Set up a photo display: This is a great option for couples who want to keep their tribute lighthearted. It avoids creating a heavy atmosphere for guests as family members can step aside to acknowledge deceased family members in private.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dapper Vintage Rentals (@dappervintagerentals) on

Dedicate a song: Whether it is your first dance or just a casual slot on the playlist, dedicate a song to someone no longer around. Levels of discretion can be altered to your personal taste here; make a grand gesture with an announcement or toast or simply appreciate the special moment to yourself.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Daniel Powęska (@daniel.poweska_photography) on

Picture: Unsplash

This is vital information for every bride and some grooms too. Being prepared means that you’re already one step ahead of any emergency that might pop up on your wedding day. Keep these essentials handy to ensure you’re ready for any mishap thrown your way:

Painkillers

No bride wants to be buckled down by headaches on her most important day, so throw some Panados or any pain medication of your choice into your clutch to be prepared for any, literal, headaches.

Snacks

Having a small snack on hand will keep your blood sugar levels balanced and wonʼt leave you feeling lightheaded or ill when the nerves and jitters of the wedding day take over.

Mints

Pack in some mints to be ready (and fresh) for that ‘you may kiss the bride’ moment.

Lipstick

A day filled with activities like eating, dancing and kissing will definitely lead to a lipstick touch-up being needed if you want to be photo-ready at all times.

Tissues

Your wedding day will of course be filled with tears of joy so be prepared with some tissues.

Perfume

Having a signature perfume to use on your wedding day will leave you with a cherished scent to  serve as a reminder of this special day.

Hand cream

Your wedding ring will look dazzling on a pair of soft and moisturised hands, especially for those close-up ring shots.

Pocket Mirror

An essential item to have for a quick make-up touchup during teary-eyed speeches.

Safety Pins

These will come in handy if you come across any snags or broken zips on your dress, or if the groom happens to lose a button.

Picture: K-Leigh Siebritz/HSM Images; Styled by Larissa Vermeulen & Mariska van Zyl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With a nod to this fashion capital, this project is quick and easy for the busy bride. Give a romantic air to a city wedding with these London skyline candle cut-outs.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Printout of London skyline
Scissors
Cutting board
NT cutter
Craft glue
Tea lights

METHOD

1. Cut out your picture around the top of the buildings to create the shape of the skyline.

2. Place your picture on the cutting board and use the NT cutter to cut out any windows, doors or other details.

3. Glue one end of your skyline to the other to complete the candle shade. Place it around a tea light candle.