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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

In Advice

The pros and cons of having a beach wedding

October 18, 2019 No Comments

Beach weddings are very popular and it’s easy to see why. The beach provides a beautiful and romantic setting and the soothing sounds of the sea add to this ambience – but how practical is a beach wedding?

Here are some points to keep in mind if you’re planning a beach wedding:

The location

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A post shared by Vanessa Jaimes Floral Design (@vanessajaimesfloraldesign) on Oct 17, 2019 at 4:55am PDT

In South Africa, you can have your wedding on the beach simply by organising a permit with your local council. Permits cost between R300-R6000 depending on which beach you are looking at, the number of guests that will be attending and the complexity of the set up that you would like to achieve. You will save big in terms of location fees. However, you will have to spend on hiring furniture and decor for the ceremony as the beach is a blank canvas. On the plus side, your wedding photographer will be able to get the most beautiful shots, but just make sure that they have done beach weddings before.

The weather

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A post shared by Destination Weddings (@destweds) on Oct 18, 2019 at 7:00am PDT

Since the setting is already so beautiful you will not need to have much decor, but remember that you are on the beach and you’re therefore exposed to the elements. This means that you might need to have a second location on option, which will be at an additional cost. You’ll also have to protect your guests from the elements – if it’s very hot, there will need to be sunscreen, water and maybe even hats for guests to wear, but if it suddenly turns cold, you might need to have blankets for guests to keep themselves warm. And although the soothing sounds of the sea make for ambient white noise, any wind that might be present could make it hard for guests to hear the ceremony.

The legalities

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A post shared by @dwhamagazine on Oct 7, 2019 at 7:53am PDT

Since alcohol is prohibited from beaches, this will also be a big money saver. However, if this is not what you want it’ll mean that you’ll only be able to have your ceremony on the beach and your reception will have to take place elsewhere. You’ll also need a location where you can sign your marriage certificate as it can not be done in a public space. Speaking of public spaces, there will be no privacy from beachgoers who will definitely want to have a peek at your beautiful wedding.

The accessibility

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A post shared by July e Patty Stabile (@casamentoembuzios) on Oct 15, 2019 at 1:43am PDT

If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe, then a beach wedding is a great option. The dress code will most likely be casual, which will save you and your guests a lot of grief in terms of finding outfits. But it might not be quite as relaxing when planning this wedding as there are a few things that beaches might not have. Handicap accessibility is non-existent on beaches due to the sand, and so any guests with physical handicaps will either not be able to attend or will have to have special arrangements made for them to get to the ceremony area. There will be public bathrooms, but you will not be able to control how sanitary they are. Due to the fact that it is a public space, there will only be public parking spaces available which could get filled up very quickly, leaving little parking for guests.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

The ultimate maid of honour’s emergency kit

October 17, 2019 No Comments

As a maid of honour, you’re one of the most important parts of the wedding. You are the bride’s greatest support system, and will be relied on to help with any- and everything in the lead up to and the day of the wedding.

To be the ultimate maid of honour, you’ll need to be prepared. There is no better way to do this than to carry a maid of honour emergency kit.

This is what every maid of honour needs in her emergency kit.

Hair products:

hairbrush/comb
bobby pins
hairspray
hair ties

Beauty products:

makeup wipes
cotton swabs
miceller water
extra brushes
makeup for touch-ups
lip-balm
tweezers
nail polish
nail polish remover

The outfit:

a sewing kit
lint roller
scissors
stain-removing products
fabric tape
safety pins
extra jewellery
lotion (body and hand)
sunscreen

Medical:

ibuprofen/pain pills
anti-allergy medication
anti-anxiety medication
eye drops
band-aids

Organisation:

a copy of the bride’s toast/wedding vows
a contact list of all vendors for the day
a time schedule for the day

General:

tissues
gum
snacks
deodorant
perfume
superglue
phone chargers/powerbanks
cash

Picture: Unsplash

In Advice

Wedding stationery with Directional Designs

September 27, 2019 No Comments

Because stationery is such an important part of a wedding, we wanted an expert opinion on everything that it entails. We spoke with Alexa from Directional Designs about how she creates stationery for the couple and where you can save some bucks.

Some of these general components are:

Save the date cards (optional)
Invitations and envelopes
RSVP cards
Ceremony booklet
Seating plan
Place cards
Table numbers
Menu

Q: What do you need to know in order to help the couple choose their stationery style?

A: Colour scheme and theme is key for us to know in order for us to design the stationery for our clients. We also need to know exactly what they would like, as the list of items for event stationery is endless. For example, does the couple want menus per person or just per table? Do they want a seating board or are guests able to sit anywhere? What kind of table numbers would they like – perspex, paper, wooden etc? Our speciality is customisation. We want the couple’s stationery to be unique and different, therefore the more we get to know our clients, the better for us to understand their likes and dislikes

TIP: Don’t be shy about sitting with your stationer to go over all the items that you need and the elements that you like and dislike. The stationer wants to create something unique and so they would rather have too much information than too little.

Q: What are some tips to save costs on wedding stationery?

A: There are various ways to save on wedding stationery. This can be in terms of paper choice as well as quantity of items. For example, if you have an invitation or any other stationery on paper, then this is where a lot of the cost comes in. There are so many different paper options available that we can source so it can fall within your budget. You also don’t need to have an order of ceremony booklet for each guest that is attending the ceremony as some guests don’t take a booklet. You could also choose paper tent table numbers over laser cut numbers, which look just as beautiful. We have loads of ways of making your stationery fit within your budget and still look unique and beautiful.

TIP: Talk about your stationery budget with your stationer before anything else. This will help to establish which items are essential and which items you can leave out of your stationery. It will also help to determine what materials are available to you.

Information supplied by Alexa at Directional Designs: https://directionaldesigns.co.za/

Feature image: Gareth van Nelson

Do’s And Don’ts