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In Advice

Have a camping-themed wedding

August 6, 2020 No Comments

If you and your partner are avid campers, you might want your big day to reflect your adventurous spirits. With summer drawing near, it’s the perfect time to have an outdoor wedding.

Celebrating your love for each other with your friends and family out in nature, doing what you love. What more could you want?

You are also likely to save some money as your down-to-earth decor, food and attire will be more budget-friendly. Here are some tips to help you plan.

Firstly, you’ll need to keep some practical things in mind:

– If your wedding is in a forest, mountain or bushveld location, the terrain might be uneven and high heels are not ideal.

– There will probably be bugs and mosquitoes!

– Only make fires where it is legal and safe to do so.

– Check the weather for wind and rain.

– If it is a remote location, clear directions will need to be given to guests and vendors.

– If you expect guests to hike anywhere at all, make sure everyone is fit and healthy enough to do so. Also, make sure everyone is told this information explicitly and are comfortable with it.

How to set up the perfect camping style wedding:

– Attire

You can decide how formal or informal you want the wedding to be. It is likely to be slightly more informal, as camping is usually a low-key activity. Dress comfortably, but don’t skimp! A boho style works well. You can still wear that magical dress – it’s your day after all. Inform your guests that ‘smart casual’ is accepted.

– Food

Camp food time! Think slow roasts, pies or even something as simple as hot dogs or burgers. This is not a 5-star buffet. Don’t forget to roast marshmallows! Everything should be quick and easy, but flavourful and simply delicious. Speak to your caterer about what’s feasible for your location, and try stick with food that can be prepped off-site beforehand.

– Drinks

During summer, think cold and refreshing soft drinks and beers. Get creative with the drinks station to keep with the theme, such as a rowboat or hammock. You can also use picnic baskets to hold drinks or hand out coffee flasks or travel mugs for guests to drink from.

– Decor

This is where rough meets chic. You can have all the adventure, plus all the beauty! Let nature be your backdrop, and keep extras minimal. Decorate tables with wooden items and use theme-inspired pieces like lanterns, flashlights and boots for a cute feel. Stick with greens, browns and other neutral colours to blend with the environment.

Images: Pinterest

Featured image: Unsplash

In Do's And Don'ts

Crazy things couples have expected of their wedding guests

August 5, 2020 No Comments

Planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful, turning the best of us into bridezillas. While some rise to the occasion, others crash and burn.

A quick glance at the internet will prove that brides and grooms can get a bit too crazy when planning their big day. Here are some of the strangest things couples have asked of their wedding guests:

Let’s weigh this one up:

Dress codes are standard for weddings to give guests a guideline to match the overall aesthetic of the big day. However, one couple got a bit too specific. Reddit user @insanepeopleonfb shared a screenshot of a bride’s requirements for her guests, in which she determines what people may wear based on their weight. She also expected the outfits to cost at least $1000 to match the 24k wedding theme.

She has a way with words:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a bride has had to cut down on her guest list and thus requested that guests write two 250-word essays explaining why they want to attend her destination wedding. In a reddit thread, her sister says she refused to write the essays, which has caused a major rift in the family as the bride says she may not come to the wedding unless she responds.

Seafood or safety?

It’s your wedding and you shouldn’t have to compromise on your big day because of someone else. However, if you know your wedding could cause severe harm to someone, we’d suggest rethinking. This bride really wants to serve seafood on her big day, although her fiancè’s sister-in-law is severely allergic to it. Should she risk a life for a plate of paella?

Dirty dancing:

In a post to Facebook group, ‘That’s it, I’m wedding shaming” a woman explains that she got kicked out of her former roommate’s wedding for dancing. The bride had become a very conservative Evangelical Protestant and was outraged when her guests took to the dance floor at her wedding.

“When the DJ opened the dance floor, she was in the bathroom, so I guess she didn’t know that people were dancing. I started dancing with our mutual friends (and my brother, who had not been invited to the ceremony, but WAS invited to the reception. Becky said that she “didn’t think he’d be comfortable at a church, because he’s gay.” Now, I wish that one or both of us had said, “*itch, he’s gay, not a vampire.”) Becky came storming out of the bathroom, yelling at everyone on the dance floor for being disrespectful of her beliefs and dancing at her wedding. (To clarify, there was no “dirty dancing.” Mostly just hopping around.) She demanded that everyone who was dancing leave, which left just the old folks.”

BYOM – Bring Your Own Meal

Catering for a vegetarian is understandably difficult if you are not one yourself. You want to make sure your guests are all catered for, regardless of their eating habits. One bride, however, did not have any vegetarian options on her menu and asked if her guest would bring her own meal to the wedding.

Crowdfunding not a crowdpleaser:

Weddings can be pretty costly, and couples will have to scrimp and save to turn their dream into a reality. It is common for people to ask family to financially contribute to the big day. Asking your Facebook friends, however, is a little strange. This couple created a Facebook fundraiser to pay for their big day. The amount they wanted to raise? A whopping $73 205 (R1 274 165).

Feature image: Unsplash

In Do's And Don'ts

Bride asks guests to write essays on why they may attend wedding

July 31, 2020 No Comments

Planning a wedding is tough enough, but add a global pandemic and it’s almost nightmarish. While some rise to the occasion, others require guests to do some strange things in the name of love.

According to a thread on Reddit, one bride reportedly re-invited guests to the big day after she had to change plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the RSVP is a request for each guest to write two essays on why they should be allowed to attend. The bride’s sister took to Reddit to ask whether she is in the wrong for refusing to RSVP.

“So my sister is getting married next February, destination wedding no less. I have doubts whether this wedding is actually going to happen with the pandemic and everything but she is totally set on moving forward,” writes the sister.

“Anyways because of the pandemic, her original venue has made her cut down on guests because they’re cutting capacity by half. As a result she’s sending out “re-invites” that asks everyone to RSVP again. But in order to figure out who to invite and who to cut, she’s asking all confirmed guests to submit two 250-word “essays” to two questions. The gist is that they’ll use these essays to choose who can come or not, based on people’s enthusiasm. People who don’t write the essays at all will be automatically disqualified.”

The two questions guests must answer are “why do you still want to celebrate this day with us?” And “what will attending our wedding mean to you specifically?”

The sister believes that she should not have to write these essays, as she is spending her own money on plane tickets and a hotel to attend the destination wedding, as well as a wedding present. However, the bride has told her that without an RSVP, she may not attend the wedding.

This has caused strain in the family, with the parents telling the sister she has to write the essays or else she will cause even greater issues with relatives.

Since the thread was posted, it has received 3 700 comments with the vast majority siding with the sister. Many suggest writing the essays in a sarcastic manner.

“I would definitely send in two essays. The first would say ‘Mom/Dad said I have to come or I’m in BIG trouble’ over and over again until you hit 250. The second, ‘I’m your sibling'”, comments one Reddit user.

Is the sister in the wrong for not meeting the bride’s wishes, or is it unfair of the bride to expect guests to motivate for why they deserve an invite?

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Things to look for in a wedding dress besides its style

July 30, 2020 No Comments

Finding the perfect wedding gown is a dream come true, and whether you’re buying yours off the market or having it designed specifically for you, there are a couple of things to look for in a wedding dress, aside from it looking amazing.

While style is important, there are a number of elements to consider when choosing a gown that will greatly impact on how it looks on you. Here is what to keep in mind:

COMFORT

It is so important to ensure that you feel comfortable in your dress. You will be spending a fair amount of time in it and besides the wedding nerves, you don’t want to aggravate any stressful feelings by having a dress that is heavy, painful to wear or inconvenient on the dance floor.

For example, if you love the look of a corset but find its boning is affecting your ability to breathe, you need to have that refitted or simply opt to not have one.

SIZING

It is common for brides to order a dress in a smaller size to motivate them to lose some weight before the big day. We advise against this, as it can bring unnecessary stress and pressure. There is always room to pinch in some extra fabric at a later stage, but there is little you can do about a dress that is too small.

FABRIC

Choosing the right fabric can make all the difference – it can change the look, feel and cost of your dress. Be sure to know what fabric you want and why before deciding on your dress. Stay away from fabrics that won’t wash well, are too hot, see-through or will reveal any sweat stains.

You have to consider where you will be holding your wedding and the weather of the day. A velvet dress isn’t the best choice for a summer beach wedding, and a strapless chiffon number might leave you feeling frosty during an outdoor winter wedding in the mountains.

SEASONAL

Remember to keep the season in mind when picking your perfect gown. You may want to add sleeves if you’re having an autumn/winter wedding or opt for less fabric during a summer wedding. Whether your big day will be outdoors or not is also a factor to keep in mind when thinking about style, especially if you don’t want a low hem or long train to get dirty outside.

MOVE ON

Once you have settled on your gown, stop looking for other options. This will only cause unnecessary stress. If you’re ever feeling unsure, sneak a try-on (carefully, of course) or look at some snaps of you in the gown to remember why it’s perfect and why you love it.

Your dress should be one that captures your personality while emphasizing your best qualities, but it’s not all about the looks. Try to remember all of the smaller details about the dress that will make it perfect for you and your wedding.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

What to do if you forgot your anniversary

June 10, 2020 No Comments

Even the best of us experience a bout of forgetfulness every now and then. However, when we forget an anniversary it may land us in the dog box. The day is, for obvious reasons, special to both partners and it stings just a bit when your significant others forget.

If you’re the one who’s forgotten, not to worry. While your partner may be a bit upset, you definitely can fix it with a few simple but thoughtful gestures.

Here’s what you have to do:

– A simple apology goes a long way

Saying sorry genuinely makes the world of difference. A simple apology, taking the time to acknowledge that your partner’s feelings are hurt, is always appreciated. Make sure you note how this may have hurt them, and ask what you can do to make it up to them.

– Explain, but don’t hide behind excuses

Explain to you partner what it is that led to your forgetting your anniversary. When you’re explaining, ensure that you note that you are not using these occurrances as an excuse. You shouldn’t try to play the victim or downplay its importance.

– Plan an intimate celebration

Once all is forgiven, you should make an effort to celebrate, whether its a belated celebration or not. Cook dinner and lay the table out with candles and flowers. Make it intimate and personal.

Others may want to make a day of it. Celebrate by spending quality time doing different things throughout the day. Perhaps you could recreate a few of your early dates in your relationship, or take a day trip to somewhere pretty. The world is your oyster.

– Do something sweet and unique

Do something quirky and cute, to make your partner laugh. Maybe you decide to make matching anniversary t-shirts, maybe you’ll decide to go big and get a tattoo of your anniversary date (although admittedly this has not turned out well for many people), or maybe you’ll make a funny anniversary video. Whatever you do, try to make it personal, adding details only you and your partner would understand.

– Remember it next time!

Do not forget it ever again! Set a calendar reminder, write it down, memorise it, do what needs to be done. When you remember it next year, all the effort will be worth it when you see the joy and love on your partners face.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Tips for writing a wedding toast

May 8, 2020 No Comments

Since you’ve been given the honour of speaking at a loved ones wedding, you probably don’t want to dissapoint them. However, as much as a wedding toast is privilage it can also be a daunting challenge.

“There are so many things that could go wrong,” is likely along the lines of what you’re thinking. It seems that wedding toasts commonly take one of two paths. On the one hand they are either extremely memorable and everyone is in tears (of laughter or emotion), or on the other they are disastrous, inappropriate and downright cringe-worthy.

Of course, you’ll be trying your hardest to be the former, rather than the latter. To ensure you’re giving the best toast possible, here are some tips:

– Open with how you know the newly weds

It will give context to your speech for those who are not aware of who you are, and is generally considered to be more a police gesture.

– Address both partners

Just because only one of them have been through thick and thin with you, doesn’t mean you get to completely ignore the other! They are sharing this special day and you have been asked to share it with them. It would be rude to make it about only one of them.

– Be sure to add personal touches

Weddings are very personal occasions. The couple and the audience will love hearing your anecdotes and emotions and they will repond better than if you used a generic speech that could have been taken staight of of the internet.

– Things you shouldn’t include

There are some serious no-go’s when it comes to wedding toasts. These are: crude language, inappropriate or explicit stories, and anything about the exes of those getting married. No matter what. Do not include these in your speech.

– Be aware of time

We all know that nobody really wants to listen to a long, dragged out speech at a wedding. People will get bored. Be sure to stick to a reaonable time frame, maybe 3 to 6 minutes long. Don’t make it too short either though, it will seem as though you were uninterested and didn’t take the job seriously!

– No inside jokes

Most of the audience wouldn’t understand the joke, and the reaction will not be what you want it to be… I can assure you. Don’t add it, it’s not worth it.

Image: Unsplash

In Do's And Don'ts

Tips for virtually meeting vendors during lockdown

April 9, 2020 No Comments

There’s no more meeting up in cozy coffee shops to discuss photoshoot ideas, tasting scrumptious samples of delicacies with the caterer of dreamily viewing venue after venue to get the feel for your big day.

However, lucky for us, technology makes it possible to have those essential meetings with vendors online, so you don’t have to fall behind schedule on your wedding planning during lockdown.

Here are some tips to get the best out of your meetings with different planners and service providers, from the comfort of your couch.

Photographer

Although you will want to meet them in person if you haven’t yet, it’s quite easy to view their work online, discuss ideas and plan your photos over the phone. It’s a good idea to set aside examples of their work you really love and want to recreate, so they know what you like.

Read: Post-lockdown wedding photo inspiration

Caterer and baker

Nothing beats a tasting session of delicious goods and nibbling on some cake. In the meanwhile, try asking your the caterer if they are able to deliver some samples you can try at home. Then arrange a video chat so they can walk you through each sample and discuss your options while you dig in.

Venue

Venue visiting is a super important part of the planning. Of course, you can see photos of places online but best would be if you can ask each venue for video material if they have any. After watching it, make a list of questions you have and arrange a call or video chat (include your partner!) to discuss your concerns. Then, try to go there in person as soon as you can.

Hair and makeup artist

Your trials still need to happen, of course. But gathering ideas and discussing them with your stylists can happen beforehand, and a great idea is to create an inspiration board on Pinterest of makeup looks and hairstyles you like and share it with them. Then set up video chat consultations with them so they can look at your skin complexion, hair texture and other physical traits that will affect their work.

Read: Bridal makeup tutorials to inspire your look

Dress designer

Arguably the most important part of your wedding look, do not, we repeat do not skip the actual fitting. There’s just no guarantee, even with exact measurements. If you have already fitted and bought a ready-made dress, confirm with the boutique that all is in order with the delivery to make sure it reaches you in time, or what you should do if they are not able to deliver as planned.

Read: Trying on virtual dresses

If you are in the process of having one designed and made, keep in touch with your designer to let them know should anything change (like your measures – try not to stress eat during lockdown!). It’s a good idea to ask them to send you good pictures of parts of the dress as they progress and also a video chat where they can show you the dress and you can discuss any concerns.

Also read: How to have a fun online bachelorette party

Image: Pixabay

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

Do’s And Don’ts