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In Destination

Destination wedding etiquette for the couple

March 25, 2020 No Comments

So you’ve found the perfect partner, and you’ve planned the perfect wedding. Everything seems to be going splendidly. But, there’s one problem. Your destination wedding may be a complication for your guests.

When it comes to a wedding that will take place half way across the world, the most important thing to remember from the get go is that not everyone will make it.

In order to make things as easy and pleasant as possible for your guests, you may want to keep these etiquette tips in mind. After all you’re expecting them to cross the ocean for you.

– Information on the invitation

If you thought a normal wedding invitation required a lot of information, then you’re in for a surprise. In addition to all the normal information you would include, you have to be sure to add a card outlining all the events you have planned for the trip. An itinerary includes the date, time, and location of each event. You also have to provide lodging details.

– When to send save-the-dates

Again, because this is a much larger commitment than a normal wedding, you’ll want to send your save-the-date out as early as possible. Give your guests time to get their lives in order. The more time you give them, the better the chances are that they attend.

– Wedding party and paying

While it’s often not considered obligatory for you to foot the bill for your wedding party, you might want to take them into consideration a bit. Try to make things easy for them by offering affordable lodging options and outfits and try to let them know early so that they can catch cheaper flights. It’s all about being considerate.

– Food and friends

Of course it’s your responsibility to feed your guests at all official wedding events. You don’t have to pay for any other meals. However, it is considered good manners to offer to do so at least once.

– Make your guests feel welcome

A welcome event is always a good idea. It allows guests to mingle and get to know each other. After all, they’ll be spending the next few days together and we wouldn’t want things to get awkward.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

5 ways to mentally prepare for your wedding

March 17, 2020 No Comments

The day you get married is one of the biggest events of your life. A lot of planning goes into your big day, and you might start to feel a little overwhelmed in the days leading up to your wedding. It’s important to give yourself time to wrap your head around all the changes being married will bring to your life, as well as prepare for the practical things that need to happen on the day.

It might be a smart move to actively take steps to mentally prepare yourself for your wedding to make sure you are the calm, radiant bride you want to be on your dream day. Here are five ways to get yourself in the right frame of mind:

Expect to feel emotional

Unless you are the Ice Princess, you will experience strong emotions. You are taking a huge step! If you know to expect it, you will feel more in control. Remind yourself why you are doing this, how much you love your partner and how excited you are to get married. Other factors might come into play, like close family that can’t be there, which can also turn on the waterworks. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Emotions are healthy and as long as you know it’s normal, you can instead choose to be grateful for the joy and happiness coming your way.

Things will go wrong

Without trying to sound like doomsday prophets, we can almost certainly guarantee some things will go wrong. It’s Murphy’s Law, and no one is above it. However, that doesn’t mean your day is ruined. There is always a plan to be made! Trust your bridesmaids to get creative, and try not to worry too much over things you can’t change, like the weather.

Your partner is nervous too

Believe it or not, your partner probably feels just as nervous as you. Try to be encouraging and supportive. After all, you’re in this together! A sweet note before the ceremony or a tight hug when you see them at the altar will help reaffirm them. Focusing on your loved one will also help to forget your own nerves.

Double check the arrangements

To help put your mind at ease, try to double check all the arrangements at least two or three days before the wedding. If you have a wedding planner, check in with them, and then leave the rest up to them. If you planned the wedding yourself, go over everything with your maid of honour/mother/mother-in-law so you have someone else’s input and guidance and to make sure they know what needs to fall in place. This is not the time to “play it by ear”.

Your bridesmaids are only doing their best

The last important thing to keep in mind is that everyone is there to help you make your dream come true. They are all doing the best they can and they are only human. Turning into ‘Bridezilla’ will just make them nervous too and will keep everyone from enjoying the special event. Rather let them know how much you appreciate all their hard work, support and help!

Also read: How to keep calm on your wedding day

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

How to find your best foundation fit

February 19, 2020 No Comments

On your big day, you want to look like the best version of yourself. As the literal base of your makeup, foundation helps to create an even, flawless complexion on which you can build to achieve your perfect look. Foundation is not one-size-fits-all, and its important to find the one that works best for you (if you choose to wear foundation at all).

The type of foundation you choose will depend on the finish you desire, and it can be quite tricky to figure it out if you’re not a beauty guru. Fear not, we’ve got the breakdown. Finding the right foundation for your skin requires you to consider four different elements: coverage, type, finish and shade.

Coverage

Foundation comes in three main types depending on the amount of coverage you want: full, medium and sheer coverage. This is up to personal preference. Full coverage gives you the most even, flawless finish, while a sheer coverage or a tinted moisturiser will mostly give an overall skin-tint and slightly cover a few blemishes. Medium coverage falls somewhere between these two, offering up buildable coverage that evens out your tone while still allowing your skin to shine through.

Type

Once you’ve decided on the coverage you want, you can begin to look at foundation types. Foundation generally come in liquid form, in a stick, as a whipped mousse and as a powder.

Liquid foundation is the easiest and most accessible to use. Liquid glides on easily and blends the best for the most even finish, however it can exaggerate oil-prone skin. It can be applied using a brush, beauty sponge or even your fingers.

A stick foundation is creamier and thicker in consistency than a liquid foundation. However, there is quite a bit of buffing that is required with this foundation to make sure you get an even look. Stick foundations are perfect for contouring and highlighting, as it gives a great colour-payoff that can be blended more naturally into the skin than powder.

A whipped mousse foundation is a liquid foundation that has air incorporated into it, lightening up the texture. This light-weight foundation blends easily and works well for all skin tones.

Powder foundation is easy to apply as it generally requires less blending and comes in a convenient compact case. Powder foundation is perfect for someone who wants a lighter, more matte look. However, it can be quite drying and is generally not great for someone already predisposed to dryness.

Finish

Once you’ve locked down the coverage and type of foundation you want, your second-to-last step is to choose your finish. These are the main foundation finishes:

– Matte foundations eliminate sheen on your face, making it perfect for those with oily skin. Those with blemish or acne-prone skin will like this finish as it provides a poreless filter to the skin. Dry, more mature skin should steer clear of this finish as it can accentuate problem areas.

– Dewy finishes give the wearer a soft, glowing look to the skin and is perfect for dry skin and mature skin as it appears more youthful.

– A Satin finish falls between matte and dewy: close to full coverage but in a more natural way. This finish compliments all skin-types.

Shade match

Unfortunately, the last step is always the hardest. Shade matching your skin to a foundation can be incredibly difficult, especially in store where lighting is not exactly optimal. The key thing to take into account is your skins undertone.Warm undertones reflect traces of red and gold in their skin and typically tan very easily. Cool undertones have hints of ink and blue in their skin and are prone to burn more easily in the sun. A neutral undertone falls in the middle, with an equal mix of cool and warm tones.

When in doubt, many makeup artists create a foundation cocktail, mixing together two or three shades to get the closest match. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Important questions to ask your wedding vendors

February 13, 2020 No Comments

Planning your big day can easily become overwhelming. With so many moving parts, it’s easy to forget certain things. Protect yourself against these unexpected problems by doing your research and fact-checking these important details with your wedding vendors.

– Their payment structure

The majority of vendors will require a deposit and then the remainder of the balance in instalments. Make sure you know exactly when certain amounts are due so that you can plan your finances ahead.

– What is included in the price

This goes without saying, but you need to be exact on what you’ll be receiving with each service. Some venues, for example, might not include cleaning in their fee which would then be an extra expense you have to cover.

– Whether they have liability insurance

Liability insurance protects a company’s assets and pays for obligations such as medical costs and damage to property, giving you peace of mind should something serious go wrong.

– If they have decor restrictions

Your vision of floral chandeliers and (eco-friendly) glitter sparkling all over might be unattainable if your wedding venue is strict with what decor is allowed on site.

– If they’re accessible for handicapped guests

It’s incredibly important to cater to your wedding guests, and if any of them require wheelchair ramps, railings or any other services, your wedding venue should ideally provide them for you.

If you may you pick your own vendors

Some wedding venues have approved lists of vendors that can be used, so it’s important to check if you can bring in your own.

– Their cancellation policy

If for any reason, you need to cancel this service, it’s best to know how far in advance you have to do it to get your money (or at least some of it) back.

– If they have on-site parking

This one’s a biggie. If your guests are travelling far in cars, they’re going to need somewhere to park.

– Their backup plan in the event of last-minute change

Rain, extra guests, food shortages…Accidents happen and it’s always best to have a backup plan. Ideally, your wedding vendor has a plan in place for this last-minute occurrences.

– Overtime fees

Sometimes the party is too good to end. In the event of going overtime, you don’t want to be surprised with an exorbitant bill from your wedding vendors. Make sure to check their rates before the big day so that you’re prepared come wedding day.

– Whether they cater to LGBTQI+ couples

Many vendors are quite traditional and do not offer their services to those who belong to the LGBTQI+ community. If this does not fall in line with your beliefs, it’s best to know before you agree to work with a specific wedding vendor.

– Ask for references!

It’s a great idea to check in with other couples who have worked with these vendors about their experiences to get a more realistic view of the service you can expect.

Also read: Hidden costs to consider when wedding planning

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Help! I don’t get along with my in-laws

February 10, 2020 No Comments

Everybody knows getting married is a package deal. You might adore your new spouse, but that doesn’t mean you will necessarily get along with their family. However, as much as we’d love to tell you it doesn’t matter, it does. Family is family, no matter what and building good relationships with your in-laws will make for a healthy relationship with your partner. Here are a few things to try if you’re faced with a monster-in-law.

– Don’t judge a book by its cover

This is true of all relationships. The way people seem is not always the way they are. Even if they behave in what comes across as rude or mean, it might have nothing to do with you. There might be a deeper insecurity or issue that leads to certain behaviour. Always give people the benefit of the doubt. Also remember that people have different personality types, and not everyone will always get along. That doesn’t mean you can’t be civil towards each other for the sake of your partner. Try spending some one-on-one time with the person and find common ground. You might just be pleasantly surprised.

– Stand your ground

If you have tried getting to know them better and being kind, but nothing’s changed, it might be time to stand your ground. There’s a line between being nice and getting walked over, which no one deserves. If things get so heated that they make you uncomfortable or the other person is downright condescending, you may want to set boundaries and be straight with them. Don’t compromise on your own values just to get them to like you. It’s important for them to know that they should also respect you and your beliefs, even if they don’t agree. Try to explain your point of view in a calm and open-minded manner, giving reasons for your view points.

– But not too much

That being said, always keep in mind that your relationship with your partner comes first. You don’t want to end up hurting them or worse, forcing them to choose between you and their family. If you have tried to be the bigger person, stated your take on things and set some boundaries, but the conflict is still not resolved, you might actually want to take a step back. This might include politely declining from family gatherings. It’s not worth losing your partner over a feud with your in-laws.

– Always be respectful, even if they’re not

The golden rule in every situation is respect. Accept the fact that you may never get along, even though you tried. However, and this especially applies during the “stand your ground” phase, always be respectful. That way, you don’t give them any ammunition to fight with, plus you’re showing your partner that you respect them too. Never stoop down to verbal abuse, immature games or using children as a means to manipulate their grandparents, for example. As long as the in-laws are not actually doing anything illegal or harmful, there’s no reason for you to keep your partner or children away from them. The battle is between you and them.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

How weddings have changed over the years

February 6, 2020 No Comments

Weddings come with tons of customs and traditions, the history of which is always quite interesting. Many couples are eager to incorporate age-old practices into their weddings. Over the years, however, the practices have changed and transformed.

For those who want tradition and modernity, or who would prefer to customise their wedding to be more original, perhaps insight into how wedding traditions have changed over the years will help to find a middle ground.

– Asking for permission

In years gone by, it was often considered respectful to ask a woman’s father for her hand in marriage. Today, women have much more agency and are no longer considered to be “passed on” to their husbands. Many still follow this custom as a sign of respect. However, others have completely done away with the tradition.

– Veils

Originally, the wedding veil was a way to protect the bride from evil spirits on her wedding day. In 1849, however, Queen Victoria donned a veil as fashion for the first time ever. Since then, many brides have decided to go without a veil or have replaced it with other accessories such as flower crowns.

– Not seeing each other before the ceremony

In the past, it was considered to be very bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. This tradition started at a time when arranged marriages were more common, and was a way to ensure that a groom did not have a change of heart before the ceremony.

Today, many couples have “first look” shoots. They have a private moment together before their nuptials to capture the first moment they see each other in their wedding attire.

– Receptions

Today, we have large receptions that take months of preparation and planning. We offer full meals and often have a constant flow of food and drink for our guests. Previously, a wedding reception was merely some cake and tea at the home of the brides parents.

– The classic vows

The classic wedding vows, which can be traced back to 1549, say that the bride promises to “love, honour, keep, obey, and serve” her husband to be. The last two words are often dropped, these days.

– Rice throwing

Traditionally, newly-weds were sent off from their weddings by having rice tossed at them. Today, bubbles, eco-friendly glitter, or sparklers, amongst other things are often used instead.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

How to have a successful wedding dress shopping trip

February 4, 2020 No Comments

With endless choices in front of you and multiple opinions getting thrown at you from all directions, wedding dress shopping can be stressful! However, it’s an experience you’ve probably been dreaming of for years and it can be a magical event if you plan it properly.

It’s easy to get lost in the overwhelmingly dreamy ambience of a bridal store. Be sure that you’re prepared before you enter those doors.

Here are some tips to help you ensure you have a successful wedding dress shopping trip:

Set a budget

Before you get your heart set on a dress you can’t afford, set a budget and let the stores consultant know before they bring you any options. A budget helps you set your expectations realistically and also narrow down your options. Narrowing your options may sound disheartening, but in the end it’s a good thing. There are so many incredible options that can make the process difficult as it becomes hard to choose.

Start early

Never underestimate how long the dress process takes. Usually, gowns can take about 4 to 10 months to be made and completed. Choosing the dress, alterations, and three or more fitting appointments each at least a month apart makes the process span across many months. Getting started early ensures that your dress is with you well before the wedding, and takes a lot of dress stress off of your shoulders. Don’t forget that choosing a dress on it’s own can take a while!

Do your research

Having a general idea about the style of dress you want can speed up your dress shopping experience drastically. You’ll be doing yourself a huge favour by doing some style research prior to shopping.

Additionally, knowing what types of dresses are a good fit for your body will save you a lot of disappointment. You may see a dress that is the most stunning creation you’ve ever seen, but when you try it on it just doesn’t look the way you want it to. Do some reading about which styles suit your body to avoid getting attached to something that doesn’t fit your figure.

Moreover, it helps to go in having some general knowledge of wedding dress jargon. It’s not necessary, but it saves time. You won’t have to ask “what does that mean?” several times throughout your appointment.

Keep your team small

Decide who really needs to be there and don’r bring more than 4 or 5 people. Ensure you’re surrounded by positive people who understand you and your preferences. Taking a smaller group of people on your shopping trip also ensures that you have less unnecessary opinions clouding your judgement.

Be comfortable but prepared

Don’t get too dolled up, but wear some makeup and keep your hair looking good. This will help you to envision yourself on your wedding day. If you show up to fit dresses straight after a run, you may feel less glamorous and thus may reject dresses that you wouldn’t had you felt better!

Wear appropriate undergarments! It will give you a better idea of the real fit of the dress. Similarly, bring some extra shoes along. You’ll want to know what your dress looks like with the appropriate shoes, instead of with your trusty shopping sneakers.

Forget the comfort zone

You have be comfortable in particular styles, but give some others a try too. It won’t hurt at all, and you may stumble on something perfect.

Don’t compare your experience to others

Some people find their dresses immediately, others take weeks to find the perfect one. Don’t put pressure on yourself to fall in love with the first dress you see. Take your time.

Remember to move in the gown

When you’re fitting a gown, try dancing in it, walking in it, hugging in it and so on. If you can’t move properly, you’re likely to be very uncomfortable on the day.

Speak your mind

If you want something, say it. If you don’t like something, say that too. Don’t keep your thoughts to yourself or spare any feelings with regards to people’s opinions about your dress. At the end of the day, you’re the one wearing it on your special day.

Take a photo

Once you choose your dress, take a photo of yourself wearing it. You likely won’t get to see it again for a while. This will help you when the doubts and second-thoughts start to creep in. Just re-look at how enchanting you look in your chosen gown, and you’ll be good to go.

Also read: Wedding dress shopping timeline

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Dos and Don’ts of wedding invitations

February 4, 2020 No Comments

Wedding invitations are a big deal! They ensure your guests have all the necessary information and they give people an idea of your theme. Essentially, the invitation is the first taste people will get of your special day. The last thing you want is to miss the mark with your first impression.

There are a lot of considerations to remember when designing your wedding invitation. Not to mention the lengthy list of etiquette rules you need to follow.

Here are some dos and don’ts of wedding invitations, to help you through the process:

Do:

– Ensure the invitations match your wedding

Wedding invitations should match your wedding theme and colour scheme. This gives guests a good idea about what to expect.

– Include directions

This added effort will be much appreciated by your guests. Never take for granted that people know the location or how to get there. Visitors from out of town will be especially grateful.

– Put the Bride’s name first

Traditionally, wedding etiquette states that you should put the bride’s name first. This is a very small way to stick with age-old customs.

– Be consistent

If you’re using formal language on your invites, keep it formal on other cards like the RSVP card or the save the date too. Similarly, stick to a colour scheme and theme.

– Add an RSVP card

This will make it easier for guests to respond to your invitation. Put all necessary information on the card, including dietary requirements or menu choices, whether they will be bringing a plus one (if you’ve allowed them one) and whether they will be attending at all.

Don’t:

– Add your wedding registry

It is considered quite rude to expect a gift for your wedding. Instead of adding the registry to your invite, include it on your bridal shower invites or on your wedding website.

– Forget to keep one for yourself

Your wedding invitation makes for a great keepsake. It’s a good idea to keep one for yourself, and perhaps have it framed.

– Send them out too late

You’ll struggle to get RSVPs and many guests won’t make it if you send the invitations out too late. People need to plan ahead so they can be available and some may need to travel long distances to get to you! Remember that everyone is busy, be considerate about that and send out the invitations no less than 2 months prior to the wedding.

– Be vague about who is invited

Put the full names of guests on the invitation. If somebody is allowed a plus one, indicate it clearly.

If you’re having a child-free wedding, be clear about it. However, it is considered more polite to indicate that the wedding is an “adults reception” rather than stating “no kids”.

– Forget important information

Names, dates, times, location. Add all of these things! If your reception is in a different location to the ceremony, indicate that. Anything that may affect the guests’ attendance is worth mentioning.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Pros and cons of writing your own wedding vows

January 30, 2020 No Comments

So your wedding day planning is coming together. You’ve got your vendors sorted out and your decor and attire is turning out perfectly. Now, you’re focusing on the finer details. Included in these details are the wedding vows.

Many couples find pleasure in writing their own wedding vows. They believe it’s more special, more personal, and a way to fully express what their partner means to them. For others, writing wedding vows is a nightmare. You’re concerned about what other people will think, if you’ll bore your guests, if you’ll speak for too long, the list of worries are endless.

If you’re still uncertain about which way you’ll go, perhaps considering the pros and cons of both will help you make your final decision.

Pros

– Your guests will be interested

The traditional wedding vows have been heard a million times before. Since you will be presenting some fresh material, your guest are likely to listen more intently and hang on your every word.

– The vows will be more personal

If you write your own wedding vows, they’ll come from your heart, from your experiences with your partner, and they’ll be based on your life together thus far. You could also talk about your hopes for the future, and paint a picture that the traditional wedding vows don’t allow.

– You can add anecdotes to make it more special

This is probably the best part about writing your own wedding vows. You’re able to tell stories. These personal anecdotes add a uniqueness to your vows, as no couple has the same stories as you.

Cons

– Public speaking is already difficult as it is

It’s likely you’ll be nervous on the day. You’ll stand in front of all your friends and family, on one of the biggest days of your life, and you’ll have to remember all those things you wrote down. It’s tougher than it looks!

But if you stick with the traditional wedding vows, theres no chance of you stumbling on your words, forgetting what you wrote or losing your place on the page in front of you.

– There is quite a bit of stress that comes with it

While writing you own wedding vows is a very special task to take on, it’s also quite stressful. You want to say all the right things, keep you audience interested, keep it short, be articulate, and the list goes on and on. This can be a lot of pressure.

If it feels too much, opt for the traditional wedding vows.

– You and your partner may have different styles

You and your partner may have vert different styles, and thus your vows may come across as a bit incompatible. Maybe you write a two page long set of vows, and your partner only writes a paragraph. This could be a bit awkward.

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

Paw-some ways to involve your pets in your wedding

January 28, 2020 No Comments

We all know that pets are part of the family! Perhaps you have adopted your furry friend as a couple, or maybe you’ve had them since you were a kid. However your fur baby came into your life, it’s likely you wouldn’t want to spend your special day without them.

While you may want to dress the little guy up in a miniature suit fitted to your pet of choice and have him be the ring bearer, this may not always be possible, or comfortable for the animal. But fret not, there are other ways you can involve your pet in your wedding day.

– Have a family photoshoot

https://www.instagram.com/p/B64nR-lhqTd/

– Include them in a squad photo

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7HaOOmA4bY/

– Let them keep you company at the altar

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4gMNrzFfzA/

– Spend some quality time with them

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2sKaglluFO/

– They can keep you company while you get ready

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4wubwMg1AD/

– Represent them on your cake / in your decor

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_CFwbFDiJ/

– Let them bring you comfort and cuddles

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7sfegSB0jG/

– Get them some comfy wedding attire (suits may be unpleasant for some animals due to heat and other things)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1oYfgGF4RD/

– Give them a front seat in the audience

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ZEh6gFEkV/

– Use their faces for some photobooth fun

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7tp6nfFjVQ/

– Let them add some humour

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NIpwFB13F/

Image: Unsplash

Do’s And Don’ts