Do's And Don'ts Archives | Page 5 of 8

In Advice

Groom style: Stand out from your groomsmen

December 5, 2019 No Comments

A bride is usually very easy to spot. She wears a wedding gown that stands out from the crowd, and there is absolutely no chance she’ll be mistaken for a bridesmaid. The groom on the other hand, may get lost in a sea of suits.

This seems a bit unfair. It would be a shame for a groom to not be seen on his big day. There are ways (some more subtle than others) for a groom to stand out from his groomsmen. Have a look at these ideas:

– Different neckwear

If you’re wearing a tie, have your groomsmen wear bowties or vice versa. You could even switch it up completely by having your groomsmen sport classic neckwear while you wear an alternative neckpeice. There are way more alternatives than you think.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4IqX5Unjdg/

– Vary in suit colours

The colour of your suit makes a tremendous difference. This is one of the easiest ways to stand out from your groomsmen. You’ll be the main focus, without a doubt. This works especially well when your groomsmen wear more dull toned suits while you wear something brighter.

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– Accessorize

Add something extra to your outfit. You could add a hat, a pocket watch, a brooch, or really anything you want. All you need to do is find the best way to incorporate it.

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– Play with patterns

If you really want to make a statement, you should consider adding some patterns. Keep your suit the same colour as your groomsmen, but add some pizzaz by adding a pattern. Alternatively, you could do this on a smaller scale by simply wearing a shirt with pattern or print while your groomsmen wear plain shirts.

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– Smart-casual groomsmen

By simply having your groomsmen ditch their blazers, you’ll be the centre of attention instantly.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3jC5K_FSfQ/

– Switch up your tie colour

If you’re the type of groom who wants to be set apart, but does’t want too much attention, simply switch the colour of your tie. This one is very subtle, but very effective.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bew5n3WnUeV/

– Get creative with your boutonniere

Similar to the tie switch above, you could keep it simple and just vary in the colour of your boutonniere. You could also personalise it and get creative, there are endless possibilities. Have your groomsmen wear the classic flower, and hand craft your own boutonniere.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnTY6NRh4OF/

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

Wedding planning mistakes to avoid

December 3, 2019 No Comments

Remortgaged your house to afford the wedding of your dreams? Stop! Avoiding these wedding planning pitfalls in your process will ensure you get your happily ever after.

1. Not sticking to a budget

Planning a wedding spans a few months or more, so it can be difficult to keep track of every cent spent. Before you plan anything, draw up a realistic budget and do your best to stick to it. You’ll likely underestimate some costs (‘Fairy lights are how much?’), but this will help you make the right choice when it comes to your venue and the size of your guest list, which are often the two biggest expenses.

Add a ‘Miscellaneous’ column to your spreadsheet for unforeseen costs that may crop up. If you don’t end up using that money, treat yourself and your partner to a spa day on your honeymoon. You won’t regret that few thousand you cut from the decor column when you’re having the holiday of your life.

2. Starting too late

If you want to lose five kilos (who doesn’t?), start now. Don’t subsist on lettuce leaves and water for the month leading up to your big day – not only will you have to make major alterations to your dress at the eleventh hour, you’ll have no energy to enjoy the celebrations. Slow and steady wins the race.

Same goes for booking your venue and vendors. The best ones get snapped up a year in advance, so get in there as early as possible to ensure you bag the team of your dreams.

3. Having too many ideas

Mason jars! Polaroid guest book! Giant Jenga! Rustic, modern, country glam, city chic… The wealth of wedding inspo on the internet can clutter your brain and turn your day into a mishmash of random themes, colours and styles. Before you go down the rabbit hole, decide on a theme or colour scheme, then search for reference images based only on this.

When in doubt, KISS (keep it simple, stupid).

4. Sweating the small stuff

Your groom’s tie doesn’t match your shoes, the linen isn’t quite the shade of off-white you wanted or the doves don’t fly off on cue. It’s easy to get bogged down in the tiniest details, but every bride will tell you their day didn’t go exactly to plan – and it’s 99.9% likely yours won’t either. When the confetti hits the fan, take a deep breath, and ask yourself if this will matter tomorrow (hint: it won’t), then move on.

Always have a plan B for major disasters. Hire a tent in case your outdoor wedding gets rained out. Pack an emergency kit (wet wipes, deodorant, safety pins, needle and thread, tampons). Have a designated helper on the day (if not a coordinator) to deal with any MIA vendors. Back-up plans save lives.

5. Going DIY crazy

Yes, it guarantees your wedding will be one of a kind and keeps the costs down, but it also means you’ll be running around on the morning of, setting everything up instead of having pink bubbly for breakfast. Rather choose one or two things you really want to do to avoid overloading yourself. Don’t forget to ask for help. If you’ve made your own flower arrangements and bunting, nominate a reliable family member/friend to set them up for you on the day. Or get your bridal party together to handmake wedding favours.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Food to avoid on your wedding day

November 28, 2019 No Comments

It’s the day you’ve been waiting for. Months of hard work and sacrifices have all led up to this moment, and nothing should take that away from you. Especially not something you ate.

In all the excitement of your big day, it’s easy to mindlessly munch on snacks. However, the snacks you eat could spell disaster if you’re not careful. These are the foods to avoid on your wedding day:

Processed sugar: Sugar causes an insulin-spike that can lead to a pretty bad down. To avoid crashing on your big day, keep the sugar-loaded snacks at bay.

Fried food: Oil-fried foods can cause your stomach to feel heavy and bloated and leave you feeling fatigued, so you might want to steer clear of the vegetable oil.

Too much caffeine: This is a tough one, but it has to be done. Caffeine can cause jitters, sweating and anxiety. If you need your morning cup ‘o joe to get you through the day, make sure its only one small mug.

Spice: Spice is nice, but heartburn isn’t. Spicy food can lead to bad breath and heartburn or acid reflux, which might come back in a nasty way.

Cheese: Cheese board, be gone! We all love a slice of brie, but you might want to avoid it on your big day. Many cheeses contain hard-to-digest fats that can leave you experiencing nausea, bloating, and fatigue.

Cruciferous vegetables: Yes, vegetables are healthy but they are not made equal. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and brussel sprouts, while being great superfoods, have the downside of being difficult to digest and thus causing gas. Not the fragrance you’re going for on your wedding day.

So what can you eat? We suggest a breakfast of oatmeal with a side dish of assorted berries and tropical fruit and chia seeds. Oatmeal slowly releases glucose, keeping your blood sugar levels steady for a longer period. The fruits will offer hydration and natural sugar, while the chia seeds will help your skin glow.

At the end of the day, a slice of cheese is not going to ruin your wedding. And if you want a piece of cake, you eat that piece of cake! The important thing is to be aware of these foods’ side-effects and be make sure you eat nutritiously so that you are the best you on your wedding day.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

How to cure the wedding hangover

November 25, 2019 No Comments

This is not your grandmother’s hangover we’re taking about it. Wedding hangovers mean something different to wedding professionals. Theirs is a kind that does not rely on the consumption of alcohol.

The process of planning a wedding is exhausting. Those who commonly facilitate them, like wedding planners, photographers and event coordinators, experience a range of tough physical symptoms following wedding days. Because they don’t really get formal breaks on the day, wedding vendors often push their bodies to the max when they’re working.

“Those of us who facilitate a wedding day are on our feet for hours – HOURS – at a time,” explains Rachel E.H from Rachel E.H Photography. “We’re rushing around, the adrenaline is pumping, we’re contorting our bodies in weird positions (at least us photogs & videographers are), we’re being personable & friendly, barely getting time to eat or drink, and keeping an eye on a million things at once it feels like. Our switch is basically in the ON position all day long.”

“The second the day is over – literally to the second – our bodies know the fun is over, the adrenaline shuts off, and the pain sets in. We realize our feet have swollen to three times their normal size, our backs ache, our shoulders are hunched, our hands are cramped, and we feel like we just aged about 30 years.”

It’s not just wedding professionals who experience this. More and more, newlyweds are relating to this post-nuptial pain. From aching feet, headaches, dehydration and sore muscles, the wedding hangover is real.

Here are some handy tips to keep you in fighting form the day of and post-wedding:

The day of:

– Drink LOTS of water:

We know, we know. Drinking water is the number one tip for curing pretty much anything. Want clearer skin? Drink water. Want to lose weight? Drink more water. Humble H2O is constantly brought up because it truly is the cure. Water flushes out body waste, helps maintain blood pressure, aids in cognitive function and delivers oxygen throughout the body. Perfect for an aching body to quicken recovery.

– Wear comfortable shoes:

While heels are a popular shoe choice for brides, they’re not the greatest for your feet. Before the wedding, make sure to break your shoes in if they’re new. The best course of action is to keep a second pair of comfortable shoes for midway through your reception. Believe us, your feet will be begging you for flats at this point.

– Eat a nutritious meal:

It is imperative to fuel up before your wedding. To avoid crashing mid day, skip foods high in sugar. You’ll want to enjoy a hearty breakfast that will give your enough energy for the day ahead. Think complex carbs, protein and healthy fats.

Post wedding:

– Massage:

Your body probably has all sorts of aches and pains from all your wedding day standing and dancing. Treat yourself to a couple’s massage the day after to relax your muscles. This doubles up as a great bonding experience with your love.

– Avoid alcohol:

We know this is asking a lot, but it’s all for your benefit. Alcohol lowers blood sugar, which can result in fatigue, cravings and irritability. All theses sensations will just worsen your wedding hangover. So make sure to replace your mimosa with something natural like tea.

– Sleep:

Sometimes, the best course of action is to do nothing. Give your body a chance to recover by sleeping the day away.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Tropical wedding decor inspiration

November 20, 2019 No Comments

If you’re getting married in paradise, why not have your wedding decor reflect it? Tropical wedding decor is a great way to bring the island to your wedding, even if you’re not there. Incorporating natural elements and lots of colour gives your wedding a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for the laid-back couple.

Invites:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B47BPVEAHa9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Aisle:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3emeXXA5sk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Table numbers:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Cja6Gn_j8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Table decor:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B45kkAwocww/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Coconut drinks:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B441S2JDse-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Chill zone:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4tqZiWFQ3j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Bouquet:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5A_MhzFAo-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Getaway car:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5A6dqTKttW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Surfboard drinks menu:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-8dXkDBwX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Floral chandelier:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-ErabhXI4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Photo backdrop:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B48xQkrAoR5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Simple tips for writing great wedding vows

November 19, 2019 No Comments

Writing wedding vows can be a daunting task. It can be overwhelming to attempt to sum up all the things that you want to say to your partner. The vows, which at the end of it only add up to a few minutes of talking, are a summary of the love you have for your partner, the promises you are making to them, and the hopes and dreams you have for your future together.

What makes this more difficult for many, is that it has to be done not only in front of your partner but also in front of all your guests.

We’ve compiled a list of tips to ensure that you’re writing the best wedding vows you can.

Things to say in your vows

– First, mention your own name and your partner’s name. There are probably many people in the audience staring at you; this could take away some of the intimacy of your vows. Emphasise the intimacy by adding something like, “I, Harry, take you, Sally.”

– Second, add some anecdotes and personal stories. The guests will enjoy listening to this, and your partner will enjoy the trip down memory lane.

– Third, make sure you’re saying meaningful things. Cute and funny stories will only get you so far. Say things that also show how serious you are about this commitment.

– This final one should be a no-brainer, but we know that the stress of vow writing can cause some forgetfulness so we’ll mention it just incase. Always say “I love you”.

Writing tips

– Do not, we repeat, do NOT write them at the last minute.

– Read through some samples of vows before you start writing. This may help you to work out what your tone should be and could give you some inspiration.

– Actually write your vows down. “I will remember them”, never works out.

– Cut out clichés and things that might embarrass your partner.

– Make sure your vows are not too long. Your audience may get fidgety.

– Get somebody to proofread it. An outside opinion always ensures improvements.

-Preparation tips

– Practice your vows. Say them out loud. Say them in the mirror. You’ll be nervous on the big day and the practice will ensure you’re familiar with what you want to say.

– Carry a written or typed copy of your vows with you. If you do end up stumbling on your words, this will be a great help.

– With all of these tips in mind, remember to also get creative and take into account the finer details and context of your relationship like Jimmy Gisondi, who wrote a set of vows not only for his bride, Kelsea, but also for his new step-daughter, Olivia.

In his separate vows to Olivia, he said “I promise to never treat you [like] anything less than my own child”. This thoughtful additional set of vows brought the crowd to tears.

Last but not least, don’t forget to add your personality. Your partner-to-be loves you for who you are, so staying true to yourself will make the vows unforgettable for them.

Image: Pexels

In Advice

Couple celebrates 82 years of marriage

November 19, 2019 No Comments

What is the secret to a long-lasting and successful relationship? Maybe we should turn to the experts on this one. This American couple celebrated their 82 year wedding anniversary, proving that love is not dead. And their secret? It’s much simpler than you might think.

103-year-old D.W and 100-year-old Willie from Charlotte, North Carolina are defying the odds. From both world wars, the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Era, they’ve seen the world through its many phases and changes. Yet here they are, still loving it up.

To honour and celebrate their love, granddaughter BJ Williams-Greene threw the centenarian couple a massive party. In addition, they each celebrated a birthday, making this party extra special.

“To see them at this age and still doing well, it’s just a blessing to have them here,” Williams-Greene told WSOC-TV.

So what’s the key to a strong relationship? How do they make it work this long?

“I don’t have no secret for that, just be nice to each other,” D.W. and Willie Williams agreed.

“It’s communication and loving each other and working together.” their granddaughter added. “They are each other’s best friend.”

This truly is a love for the ages.

Image: WSOC-TV

In Advice

How to elope – legally

November 14, 2019 No Comments

When you think of elopements, visions of secret romantic getaways spring to mind. A day of shared love with you and your partner is endlessly meaningful and simple. However, that doesn’t mean it will be effortless. While often marketed as the easy option, there are still a number of variables to consider when opting to elope. Here is what you need to know.

Legality in South Africa:

The solemnisation and registration of civil marriages, customary marriages and civil unions are all managed by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs. As a South African citizen, your marriage has to go through the necessary paperwork in order to be legal.

In order to receive a marriage licence, you must:

– ensure that you are legally allowed to marry

– understand the legal consequences of a marriage, particularly that marriages in South Africa are automatically in community of property, unless a valid ante-nuptial contract has been entered into before the marriage, and

– make sure that your marriage will comply with all the legal requirements for a valid marriage.

Necessary documents:

On the day of your wedding, the following documents must be produced:

– Identity documents for each person getting married

– If a foreign national is marrying a South African citizen, they should both present their valid passports as well as well as a completed BI-31 Form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of no impediment)

– If the wedding is for a minor (a person under the age of 18 years), the written consent of both parents/ legal guardian or the Commissioner of Child Welfare or a judge should be submitted on Form DHA-32 as well. If the minors getting married are under the ages of 18 for boys or 15 for girls, the written consent from the Minister of Home Affairs will also be required

– If any of the persons getting married are divorced, then the final decree of divorce should be furnished

– If any of the persons getting married are widowed, the deceased spouse’s death certificate must be submitted.

A Home Affairs-wedding requires at least two witnesses. These witnesses and the marriage officer must then sign the marriage register following the solemnisation of a marriage. The marriage officer will issue the parties with a handwritten marriage certificate (BI-27) free of charge. The marriage officer must then submit the marriage register to the nearest office of the Department of Home Affairs, where the marriage details will be recorded in the National Population Register (NPR).

Marrying abroad:

If you want to marry abroad, you will be subject to the laws of that particular country, so it is of utmost importance to research their specific requirements at their official embassy. In most cases, you will be required to submit a Letter of No Impediment (LNI). The LNI is a certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs Head Office to confirm the current marital status of an individual and that they are free to marry.

Application forms can be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs or an SA High Commission office. If you are divorced, you will have to submit your decree of divorce along with your application. It can take up to six months to receive your letter depending on processing time, so the earlier you can apply, the better. The certificate is valid for six months from the date of issuing.

Importantly, it must be issued by the Department of Home Affairs Head Office, not a Regional Home Affairs Office, in order to ensure legality. The LNI can only be legalised if an original, official Home Affairs letterhead, signed and stamped by the authorised Home Affairs official (Head Office only) has been provided.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Groomsmen pranks for an extra memorable day

November 14, 2019 No Comments

Pranking the groom on his wedding day can be risky business. He is likely already on edge and any small thing could set him off. If you’re planning on pranking the groom, be sure to tread carefully. After all, you don’t want to be the guy who ruins the day for the groom. “Harmless” is the mood you should aim for with your pranks.

What is a harmless prank, you ask? At a wedding, a harmless prank is anything that doesn’t offend the couple, doesn’t affect the day overall, and doesn’t come across as disrespectful.

If you’re looking for a few ideas, we’ve got some for you.

– “You’re late!!”

While the groom is asleep, change the time on his watch and phone. Set the time two or three hours ahead. Make sure you wake up bright and early to wake him up. Frantically run into his room the morning of the wedding shouting about how late he is. When he checks the time, he’ll panic too. Little does he know, he is not late at all.

– “You’re a joke”

This is not so much a prank, but usually gets people laughing. If you’re giving a speech, all you need to do is throw in tons of embarrassing stories about the groom. Another classic groomsman move.

If you want something a bit more risky, we’ve got two ideas for you. But be warned, pranks during the ceremony may not be well received, no matter how harmless. If you’re doing this, be certain that you know the groom AND BRIDE will take it well.

– “That’s not the ring!”

When the time comes to hand over the ring to the groom, hand him a toy ring or a ring pop instead. This is sure to catch everyone’s attention.

– “A for effort”

Get the other groomsmen in on this one. Each groomsman should hide a number written in bold inside their jackets. After the couple’s first kiss, get the guys to reveal the numbers as if they’re rating the kiss or giving it a score.

Finally, take a look at these two perfectly executed pranks on the groom, and decide if you have the pre-planning skills to pull them off:

– Best Man replaces bride in first look photoshoot

Groom-to-be Keegan prepares himself to see his beautiful bride for the first time. He is nervous and excited and surely can’t wait to see her. Little does he know, he is in for the surprise of his life. When he turns around, its not his bride but rather his best man in a wedding dress! If you’re going to try this one, you’ll have to get the bride in on it…and buy a wedding dress.

– Best man replaces groom’s suit

Best man Colm Carberry went out of his way to pull this prank on his brother. He requested that the suit company tailor a suit exactly like his brother’s, but two sizes smaller. He switched the real suit with the smaller one, and he set up a camera to catch his brother’s reaction to the extra small suit.

Which prank will you try?

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

The pros and cons of having a church wedding

October 22, 2019 No Comments

Having your wedding ceremony in a church or House of Worship is a beautiful thing for couples who feel connected to their religion and would like to keep religion in their marriage. Since the ceremony is in a religious setting, you will be bound by certain rules that govern the building.

The location

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A post shared by New Orleans Wedding Florist (@bellabloomsfloral) on Oct 5, 2019 at 4:50pm PDT

Churches and Houses of Worship are designed to house lots of people meaning there will be more than enough seating for your guests. Since it is indoors, you will not have to worry about the weather on the day of the ceremony. There will most likely be musical instruments that can be used during the ceremony however you might be only be allowed to play songs that are approved by the church.

The ceremony will certainly be traditional but it might not feel very personal as you might not be able to bring in your own decor and make the place unique to you.

The cost

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A post shared by Jodie Cooling Photography (@jodiecoolingphotography) on Oct 21, 2019 at 3:49am PDT

While the cost to have your ceremony in a Church is relatively low, you will end up having to pay for another location if you are wanting to have a reception after the ceremony. You also might be charged more for guests who are not members of the church.

An officiant will be included in the price which is also a bit of a save but you will not be able to choose your officiant as it will be whoever is available on the day. This can be very upsetting if you want to be married by the same person who married your parents.

The pictures

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A post shared by Couple Photography (@couple_photography_) on Oct 21, 2019 at 11:36am PDT

Despite the fact that you are limited in terms of decor, Churches are already made beautiful and so it will be a classic backdrop for your wedding photographs. The only problem that could occur is that your photos might only be from one or two angles as the photographer might not be allowed to move around the room as he/she sees fit. There is also the possibility that the Church does not allow flash inside so unless the Church has lots of windows and natural lighting, the photographs from your special day might not turn out as well as you’d hoped.

If you want your wedding to be classic and traditional, then the limitations that come with a Church wedding won’t bother you. If you’re looking for something unique, maybe find another location.

Picture: Unsplash

Do’s And Don’ts