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    What’s trending in the wedding world of: Decor and food

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    Trends are ever-changing in the wedding world. If you’re looking for inspiration or maybe want to avoid what’s being overdone, then have a look at what’s trending in the wedding world of decor and food. Whatever the reason, these trends are great ideas or additions to your wedding.

    Decor

    – Coral

    It’s the colour of the year! What’s more trendy than that? Trendiness aside, it really is a beautiful colour. What’s really nice is, it’s feminine without being ‘that typical’. You can use coral as your accents of colour.

    – Balloon backdrops

    Flower backdrops are out and balloons are in. Use it to make a statement or fun photo back-drop.

    – Non traditional and traditional colour palettes

    Some couples tend to stick to the norm while others are making use of ‘edgy’ colour schemes.

     

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    This morning I shared some stories about the Amazon rainforest -(very briefly though because I am off to Cadiz tomorrow to start round 2 of the wedding season and I’ve only just finished for the day!) – I feel overwhelmed by the coverage on my news feed, together people are waking up, getting involved and showing their support. @darkmaito is giving away a private mentorship for everyone who collaborates with @wwfspain and he has lost count of the number of entries he has received today! This is just one example, so many of you out there are doing everything in your hands to protect and restore our planet and this means everything. . Saying goodnight and leaving you with a warm earthy place setting and optimistic vibes ✨ . Photographer @darkmaito

    A post shared by Opi ⌖ Wedding Planner Spain (@openthedoorevents) on

    – Royal flowers

    Even though balloons are in, some couples are incorporating a little ‘royal affair’. Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding, making use of  big flower installations are in! The royal couple had a beautiful and dramatic flower-filled entrance. Ellie Goulding followed this royal trend too!

    – Smoke bombs

    It makes for great pictures. Remember a couple years back when the in thing was to have your guests hold sparklers as you kiss your partner and the camera goes off? Now it’s smoke bombs!

     

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    Totally in love with this!!!@bekkamabaudi⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hair and make up: shell sullivan make up⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Flowers: @perfect_day_wedding_flowers ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Dress shop: @purecouturebridal ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Dress designer: @essenseofaustralia ofaustralia⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Suits: @fogartyformalhire ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Bridesmaids dresses @nabbd ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Venue: @latimer_estate_weddings_ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #katiehamiltonphotography #weddingphotographyinspiration #bravegreatphoto #bridalparty #inspiredbythis #instaweddings #oxfordwedding #oxfordshireweddingphotographer #oxfordshirewedding #cotswoldswedding #cotswoldsweddingphotographer #cotswoldsweddingvenue #weddinginspiration #wanderlustwedding #theknot #junebugweddings #justengaged #bride2019 #wedaward #weddingmoments #weddingphotography #vscowedding #lookslikefilm #onefabday #isaidyes #bridebook #happilyeverafter #rockmywedding #weddinginspo #weddingsmokebomb

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    Food

    – Speciality food trucks

    Food trucks have been trending in general so there’s no reason why your wedding can’t feature them either. Since they’re so popular, there’s a variety of different kinds available. From food to bars to dessert!

    – Statement cakes

    Couples seem to be reviving the old trend of wedding cakes as a ‘centrepiece’. Weddings are starting to feature big and bold statement wedding cakes again.

    – Banquets and harvest tables

    If food trucks aren’t your thing but you don’t want to stick with the norm of sit down or buffet dinners, then how about Banquets and harvest tables? They look so grand and your guests will be able to choose from a variety of dishes.

    – Gin bars

    Gin is in! Well, it has been for a while and it still is. So incorporating a gin bar where people can customise their cocktail is a really funky and great idea. You can have a few gin options available along with different mixers.

    Picture: Unsplash

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    6 Wedding cake trends we love

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    While it is still traditional to have a wedding cake, the nature of these cakes are changing. Due to the exorbitant cost of wedding cakes in this day and age and the desire to keep up with current trends, we have moved away from the traditional fruitcake to make way for new takes on wedding cakes.

    Here are a few cake trends that we can’t get enough of:

    Semi-naked

    Naked cakes seem to be a trend of the past but the semi-naked is still very much in.

    Drip cake

    Drip cakes have been around for quite a while now, because it can be added to pretty much any style of cake and still look good. It also adds extra flavour and an element of fun.

    Metallic

    A metallic element can be added in a variety of ways, making this a continuous trend.

    Red velvet

    Red velvet as a flavour has become one of the most popular dessert options so it is not surprising that it has made its way to wedding cakes as well.

    Florals

    A beautiful and natural addition to any cake.

    Alternatives

    While this cake makes use of another trend, doughnuts, as an alternative to a wedding cake, there are other alternative options such as macaroons, croquembouche and if you’re not a cake lover, cheese.

     

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    The donut stack of dreams ? ?@paulbamford

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    Image: Pixabay

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    Not-so-traditional wedding cakes

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    The wedding cake is an important element at any reception. It serves as a centrepiece on the big day, and is often one of the most spoken-about things (along with the bride’s gown and the décor!) at the wedding. As hard to believe as it may be, though, some people don’t enjoy cake. We’ve found some alternative options for those who aren’t a fan of this soft, baked dessert, or for any couple who wants to try something different.

    1. Croquembouche Wedding Cake

    Croquembouche is a French dessert made up of choux pastry puffs. It usually forms a cone-like shape and is strewn with strings of caramel. There are many variations, including chocolate, sugar-coated, or fruit-topped.

    2. Pancake/Crêpe Wedding Cake

    Sounds odd, right? But for all the pancake and crêpe lovers out there, you can finally fulfill your fantasy and have a cake, made up of layers and layers of the thin flat cakes. They are stacked to form a ‘typical’ wedding cake shape. They can create a one-tiered ‘cake’ which at first glance looks like a normal cake. This is called Mille cake. The crêpes can however also be spread out and be made up of various sizes to have a multi-tiered wedding cake.

    3. Doughnuts galore

    Who doesn’t love a good doughnut? If you answered yes, you may want to look into a doughnut wedding cake. They come in all shapes and sizes. There are oversized one-tiered ones, doughnut-hole cakes and multi-tiered cake stands filled with normal doughnuts.

     

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    What better way to say ?? to your wedding diet being over | @saltimages_

    A post shared by Betches Brides (@betchesbrides) on

    4. Macaroon Wedding Cake

    Layers of macaroons are stacked to give the illusion of a tiered cake. You can choose to have one colour, or many! The options are endless.

     

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    #macaroons#macaroonweddingcake#shaadibymarriott#cheflife#chefscroll!

    A post shared by Enamul Haque (@e.haque3918) on

    5. Cheese cake

    Not cheesecake. This wedding cake is comprised of various cheeses – yes, you read that correctly. It’s a savoury-lover’s dream!

    6. Pies, pies and more pies

    You can go sweet or savory with this one. Have them on different layers to create pie-tastic centerpiece.

     

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    Don’t want a traditional wedding cake? Celebrate with a Freshly Baked Pie instead! We loved being a part of Cat and Daniel’s day and baked a delicious #weddingpie just for them!⁠ ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Planning: @purelavishevents @purelavish_lauren⁠ Catering/Bar Service/Desserts (including pie): #CanyonCatering⁠ Florals, Design, Shot Glass Wall: Bottles & Blooms⁠ Specialty Rentals: @JakeDukeStudios⁠ Napkins & Chargers: @BBJLinens⁠ Photography: @AllieMarion⁠ Venue: Private Home, Corona⁠ DJ/Silent Disco: @Extreme DJ⁠ Dancefloor: @StarEventProductions⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #canyoncatering #passionatelycreative #weddingplanning #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingcatering #dessert #catering #weddingfood #ocwedding #weddinginspo #instawedding #desserttable #weddingdetails #coronawedding #californiabride #cutthecake #cakecutting #letthemeatpie #eventcatering #weddingfoodideas #backyardwedding #weddingplanning

    A post shared by Canyon Catering (@canyoncatering) on

    7. Actual (little) cakes

    You can have a wedding cake made up of cute cupcakes or, alternatively, have mini individual cakes for everyone! A dessert cup stand is a great idea too.

    8. Cookie cake

    Stack some cookies to create a wedding tower or have a giant cookie be your ‘cake’.

    Picture: Pexels

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    Save the planet… one eco-friendly wedding at a time

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    By Yashna Balwanth

    Contrary to popular belief, being environmentally and socially responsible on your wedding day is easier and possibly cheaper than you think. What could possibly be more important than protecting the Earth? Small considerations can make a world of difference – like using seasonal and local flowers flowers instead of importing them.

    Being eco-friendly is fashionable, will boost your eco-consciousness levels – and perhaps even turn a few guests into eco-warriors. We’ve put together a few conscious decisions to consider to make your special day more eco-friendly and your wallet a little happier.

    Disposable confetti
    Every bride wants to be showered in glittery confetti. In reality, you are throwing microplastics everywhere. An eco-friendlier alternative to this is to use biodegradable confetti which are made from flower petals. Or punch out confetti circles from leaves, colour them metallic and voilà. These are materials that still look as beautiful in pictures and will do exactly the same job.

     

    Re-use wedding attire
    Being eco-friendly also means finding more than one use for certain items, this includes wedding attire. By allowing your bridal party to choose their own style of dress within your colour palette, they will wear the dress again since it is something they have chosen for themselves. The bride’s dress can also be a vintage or pre-loved garment, perhaps handed down through generations. Don’t grow too attached to your wedding gown, you can have it altered once the wedding is over into two separate pieces of a top and skirt, then mix and match it within your closet for multiple uses.

     

    Potted vs cut flowers
    Cut flowers do not have a long lifespan. Why not opt for a potted centerpiece instead? These can also double up as wedding favours for guests to take home, which help save on costs. However, if you really do want cut flowers for decor, work with a company that can have the flowers reused after the function or even donated to a hospital or community centre.

     

    Digital stationery
    Let’s be real for a second… how many of us actually save wedding invites of friends and family? This is wasted paper and a waste of money printing invitations that still need to be hand delivered to guests. Besides the digital realm keeping us in touch with one another, it has also helped with invitations and notices to guests. Wedding websites can be set up for minimal costs and can also keep track of the guests who have rsvp’d and those who have not.

     

    Food donations
    It comes as no surprise that weddings attract a lot of wastage when it comes to food. Whether guests didn’t show up, or caterers over prepared, there is always waste of perfectly good food that shouldn’t be thrown away. Perhaps leftovers can be donated to a shelter for the homeless or even handed out to a nearby children’s school. Ensure your caterers are aware of your plans to donate so the food is not thrown out unintentionally.

    Picture: Pixabay

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    Hire a food truck for your wedding

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    Let’s make a toast to food trucks! Whatever would we do without their deliciousness? We’ve rounded up some of our favourites from all across SA to make your catering decision easier.

    DURBAN

    1. Fudart STREATery 

    Just that name is amazing, right? They serve an array of awesome options including, beef burgers, falafel and even Durban bunny chow!

    2. Love Coffee

    This Durban favourite goes about their day making sure locals are getting the caffeine boost they need to keep going all day long. And a good cuppa will also keep the energy high on your big day.

    3. Salted Candy

    You can look forward to exciting and easy-to-eat food including jaffles, old-school fish and chips, gourmet paninis, burgers and bunny chow.

    JOBURG

    1. Culture Kitchen

    They go beyond food norms. You can expect everything from eggs Benedict to trendy pulled pork buns.

    2. Maison Belge

    A tiny slice of heaven, your guests will be lining up for waffles, chocolate, beer and much, much more.

    3. The Brohemian

    Pizza is always a good idea. Always! Enjoy authentic wood-fired pizzas (yes, from their truck!). Another bonus is that all their ingredients are free-range and organically sourced.

    CAPE TOWN

    1. Cosmo Cafe

    Offering food from around the globe, tuck into their home-made Tuscan fettuccini, a New York lox bagel, a Pakistani mince lolly wrap, Thai pork or chicken, and Moroccan tagines and salads. Sold!

    2. The Mad Batter

    Focussing on all things sweet, you can enjoy treats such as waffles on a stick, popcorn, Nutella cigars, double-thick milkshakes, pancakes and cakes.

    3. HeMazing

    Gourmet Indian cuisine? Check! From curry bowls to Indian-style quesadillas, Aloo tikka burgers, chickpea and potato chaat, crispy chicken tikka strips, and even Indian nachos, they’re definitely living up to their name!

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    3 Tips to cut your catering costs by half

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    Don’t let a strict budget conquer your big day – with a little elbow grease and some planning, your perfect wedding menu needn’t be just a dream. Follow these handy tips that don’t skimp on delicious food but will definitely score you big savings!

    1 Keep it simple

    Mussels in a pan

    At cocktail hour, your reception area will be buzzing. Not only will guests be excited to see you, but they’ll also want to get some light treats in while they wait. Avoid appetisers such as shrimp cocktail or scampi as they’re easily double the price tag of alternative seafood such as calamari or mussels. Don’t be shy to ask your caterer for a list of less costly appetisers or try these snacks for your guests to enjoy during cocktail hour!

    2 Do it yourself

    Cupcakes on a tower tray

    As time-consuming as it may sound, preparing your own appetisers is quite simple and will save on costs. Choose foods that can be made ahead of time, frozen and warmed up right before they need to be served. A simple, delicious home-made recipe will do wonders – and your guests don’t even have to know! Most caterers heavily inflate the cost of easy-to-make appetisers, which could cost you way more than if you made them yourself. You could even turn the preparation into a cooking evening as apart of your bachelorette celebrations – don’t forget the champagne!

    3 Self-service

    Plate of food

    Most venues include servers in the hiring cost but if you don’t want to spend a lot on the venue or are using your home, skip hiring servers. Serve your food buffet style and invite your guests to help themselves when meal time comes around – they’ll love having the freedom to choose what they want to eat. Plus, seocnds will be easily accessible too.

    Photography Jay Wennington/Raw Pixel/Clem Onojeghuo/Lucas Alexander/Adrien Sala/Unsplash

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