Weddings Archives | Page 109 of 194

In Advice

Pros and cons of weekday weddings

March 26, 2020 No Comments

Weekend weddings are all the rage, with Saturdays being the most popular by a long shot. But couples haven’t totally discredited the idea of a weekday wedding. In fact, while they are often considered difficult, weekday weddings are quite do-able!

Perhaps you’ve chosen a special date for a sentimental reason, or you just are not willing to let go of your dream venue even if it means an “inconvenient” date. Whatever the reason for your weekday wedding, we’re sure you’ll pull it off.

If you’re on the fence about whether the weekday wedding will work for you, here are some pros and cons to help you find your way:

Pros

– Much cheaper

Vendors, venues, and hotels will all be much cheaper during the week. Most companies and service providers in the wedding industry are likely to charge much less on a weekday. Saving money? That’s always a plus!

– More availability

Your planning and co-ordination will consist of less back and forth calls and appointments because wedding service providers are more readily available on weekdays. Weekday weddings are uncommon, so you’ll have vendors almost completely to yourself!

– Good for intimate weddings

It’s likely that quite a few people won’t be able to make it, so you’ll be left with a smaller crowd. Of course all your nearest and dearest will make the effort to be there, which means it’s only those who you are not that close to you who won’t pull through. This means your wedding will only have guests who intimately know you. It could turn out being even more special that you ever imagined.

Cons

– Lower attendance

If you’ve always wanted a massive wedding, then a weekday is a big no. Many guests won’t make it during the week.

– Might end earlier

People have obligations the next day and thus may leave earlier than they would at a weekend wedding. It could bring your celebrations to a close before you’re ready to end the night.

– Quiet crowd

Your guests will be attending your wedding after school, work and other such daily tasks. This means they might be a bit tired and low energy. If you’re fine with a quieter crowd, then go for it! But if you want loud cheers and overly excited onlookers, then a weekday wedding may not be for you.

Image: Unsplash

In Planning

No marriage certificates issued during lockdown

March 26, 2020 No Comments

Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi announced that no marriage certificates will be issued during South Africa’s 21-day lockdown.

From midnight tonight [Thursday, March 26], South Africans are required to stay in their homes, with all social events prohibited. This includes weddings, which have already been a struggle as a result of social distancing rules.

Motsoaledi was outlining what his department will still be able to do during the lockdown, which includes no processing of new documents.

“We won’t issue any marriage certificates, new or old, because there won’t be any emergency [requiring marriage]. You can wait until the 21 days,” said Motsoaledi.

While that could have been the end of the announcement, Motsoaledi took the opportunity to offer some advice to those who might be disappointed by the news.

“Maybe the 21 days will also give you time to think whether you want to get married or not. It will be a good time to reflect,” he said.

Many vendors and wedding venues have already closed, meaning many weddings were put on hold anyways. While the Minister might have sounded flippent about your marriage, maybe use the 21 days to iron out those small details that were bugging you and take extra time to connect to your partner.

Feature image: Pexels

In Celebs

Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell marry at Australia Zoo

March 26, 2020 No Comments

Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell said ‘I do’ in a small ceremony on March 25. Despite planning their big day for over a year, all their plans had to change amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Irwin shared the news on social media, explaining that the wedding was a small ceremony at the Australia Zoo where they all live, with no guests in attendance beside her mother and brother.

“March 25th 2020 ❤️ We held a small ceremony and I married my best friend. There are no words to describe the amount of love and light in my heart right now. We’ve planned this beautiful day for nearly a year and had to change everything, as we didn’t have guests at our wedding. This was a very difficult decision but important to keep everyone safe,” Irwin wrote on her Instagram page.

“We wish all of our friends and family could have been there with us, however it’s lovely that we will be able to share photos and videos. Right now we’re encouraging the world to hold onto hope and love, which will carry us forward during this profound time in history.”

The wedding was a meaningful moment for her family. Irwin’s mother helped her get ready, her brother walked her down the aisle and they had a special tribute to her father, Steve Irwin.

“Today we celebrated life and revelled in every beautiful moment we shared together in our Australia Zoo gardens. Mum helped me get ready, Robert walked me down the aisle, Chandler became my husband and together we lit a candle in Dad’s memory. We shared tears and smiles and love. Thankfully, since we all live at Australia Zoo as a family, we could be there for each other. To everyone reading this – stay safe, social distance and remember LOVE WINS!”

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Congrats to the couple!

Feature image: Instagram / Bindi Irwin

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

What to wear to your bridal shower

March 25, 2020 No Comments

As part of your wedding festivities, the bridal shower offers a perfect moment for you to celebrate your upcoming nuptials with your nearest and dearest.

As the bride, you definitely want to look the part. Remember, this is your day! To tease your walk down the aisle, it seems fitting to wear white to your bridal shower. Naturally, this outfit would be more daytime appropriate than a wedding dress.

Here are some fashionable ideas for you to put your best foot forward:

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Bride hosts drive-through wedding shower

March 25, 2020 No Comments

As the coronavirus pandemic continues throughout the world, couples are forced to be creative in maintaining some sense of normalcy.

Ellie Morgan in Chattanooga realised she’d have to think out of the box if she wanted her wedding festivities to go ahead safely. Her May wedding had already been postponed to limit large social gatherings.

“You have this picture of the perfect wedding and all that stuff and then it all comes crashing down,” Morgan told Channel 3.

Her wedding shower was ready to go, but could not continue the way it was planned. Instead, her bridal party threw her a drive-through shower. Guests drove up to the driveway and, while maintaining a safe distance, presented Morgan with gifts.

“They would just drive up and hand us our gift out of their window,” laughed Morgan. “We would open the gift in front of them, take a quick picture beside their car, hand them a cookie and a squirt of sanitizer and send them on their way!”

Despite all the amazing gifts she received, Morgan says the best one was seeing her loved ones again.

“We were just excited to see each other because we have been at home for the last week,” Morgan told Channel 3.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Weddings

Why millennials are getting married later in life

March 24, 2020 No Comments

Millenials have changed the status-quo of many things, including marriage. In years gone by, it was generally expected that you get married early in your twenties. These days, people are taking a longer route to the destination.

Data from Pew Research has shown that the median age of people getting married (men and women) is the highest it’s ever been. But this doesn’t mean that millenials are against marriage. It simply shows that they are delaying it.

So why is an entire generation opting to push back their plans for nuptials? Well, there are a few reasons.

The most commonly cited reason is that millenials prefer to have their own lives in order before taking on a life-long partner. Careers, goals, bucket lists, travelling, studying, job promotions – these are all things millenials want to accomplish before marriage.

They are more concerned with establishing themselves as individuals, instead of rushing to share their lives with another person. Experts have reported that this, in fact, results in a more fulfilling marriage in the end.

Another reason is that divorce rates are high. Many millenials have been children of divorce. Having experienced this, they would prefer to ensure that they protect their own children from it. In order to do this, they are postponing marriage to be certain of their readiness and their compatibility with partners.

Quite notably, the importance of marriage has also decreased. This has also resulted in delayed marriages. In the past, marriage was a huge part of peoples lives and was even used to define people, especially women. Marriage no longer adds to (or lessens) a womans value, so women are in less of a hurry to go through with it.

Finally, the social norms have changed. Previously, you could not have kids without being married or it would be a scandal. You could not live with your partner without it being the talk of the town. These rules, in most places, are no longer a factor in the marriage equation. People are more free to live their lives and do as they please.

Of course, if you want to get married early in life that’s okay too. However, the trend seems to be that the age at which people marry is increasing.

So if you’re planning on marrying later in life, and you’re being questioned as to why you’re 28 and not married yet, feel free to provide your examiner with any of the reasons listed above!

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Father-daughter dance songs to sway away to

March 24, 2020 No Comments

A wedding day is always meaningful, but one of the most memorable moments for many is the father-daughter dance. If you’ve got a special relationship with your dad, you’ll want a beautiful moment on your big day to encapsulate it.

To help you find that perfect tune, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite songs guaranteed to bring some tears to your guests eyes when you take to the floor with your pops.

Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

Favourite lyrics: “We have been heaven blessed / I can’t believe what God has done / Through us he’s given life to one / But isn’t she lovely made from love”

Father and Daughter – Paul Simon

Favourite lyrics: “I’m gonna watch you shine / Gonna watch you grow / Gonna paint a sign / So you always know / As long as one and one is two / Ooh ooh / There could never be a father / Love his daughter more than I love you”

My Girl – The Temptations

Favourite lyrics: “I’ve got so much honey the bees envy me / I’ve got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees”

I Loved Her First – Heartland

Favourite lyrics: “From the first breath she breathed / When she first smiled at me / I knew the love of a father runs deep”

Slipping Through My Fingers – ABBA

Favourite lyrics: “Slipping through my fingers all the time / I try to capture every minute / The feeling in it”

Make You Feel My Love – Adele

Favourite lyrics: “When the evening shadows and the stars appear / And there is no one there to dry your tears / I could hold you for a million years / To make you feel my love”

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – Rod Stewart

Favourite lyrics: “Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness / Ease my troubles, that’s what you do”

You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker

Favourite lyrics: “You’re everything I hope for / You’re everything I need / You are so beautiful to me”

Unforgettable – Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole

Favourite lyrics: “Never before has someone been more / Unforgettable in every way / And forevermore (and forevermore) / That’s how you’ll stay (that’s how you’ll stay)”

(They Long to Be) Close to You – The Carpenters

Favourite lyrics: “On the day that you were born the angels got together / And decided to create a dream come true / So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue”

Daddy – Beyoncé

Favourite lyrics: “Even if my man broke my heart today / No matter how much pain I’m in I would be okay, oh / ‘Cause I got a man in my life that can’t be replaced / Father’s love is unconditional, it won’t go away”

Your Song – Elton John

Favourite lyrics: “I hope you don’t mind / That I put down in words / How wonderful life is while you’re in the world”

Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion

Favourite lyrics: “You were my strength when I was weak / You were my voice when I couldn’t speak / You were my eyes when I couldn’t see / You saw the best there was in me”

Feature image: Unsplash

In Wedding Cakes

Pretty in pastel wedding cakes

March 24, 2020 No Comments

Bold colours are great, but sometimes you want something a bit softer. If you’re planning a Spring wedding, what colour scheme goes better than pastels?

Pastel cakes are delicate and oh so sweet. If you’ve got a more gentle aesthetic, then this ones for you.

Here are some sweet treats to inspire you.

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Feature image: Unsplash

In Drinks

Vegan wine for an eco-friendly time at your wedding

March 24, 2020 No Comments

Vegan wine is fast becoming a sensation in South Africa. People are seeking out ethically made wines in exchange for their hard earned money. Providing guests with vegan wine on your wedding day will not only tantalise their tastebuds, it will also teach them about the incredible variety that is available in South Africa.

What classifies wine as vegan?

Vegan wines are made without animal products. During the typical winemaking process, the wine is filtered through substances called fining agents. These are used to remove unwanted flavours or colours, protein, yeast, cloudiness and other organic matter. Typical fining agents are animal-based. These, according to PETA include

– Blood and bone marrow,

– Casein (milk protein),

– Chitin (fiber from crustacean shells),

– Egg albumen (derived from egg whites),

– Fish oil

– Gelatin (protein from boiling animal parts),

– Isinglass (gelatin from fish bladder membranes).

Vegan winemakers will leave the particles to sink naturally to the bottom of the wine or otherwise they will use fining products like bentonite (type of clay) or pea protein – both of which are non-animal fining products, to remove the organic matter. Voila! Your wine is vegan.

Some delicious vegan wines that are produced in South Africa include:

White:

– Franschhoek Cellar La Cotte Mill Chenin Blanc 2019

– Franschhoek Cellar Statue de Femme Sauvignon Blanc 2019

– Franschhoek Cellar Town Hall Chardonnay 2018/9

– Boschendal Le Bouquet 2018

– Bellingham Bernard Series Viognier 2018

– Boschendal Rachelsfontein Chenin Blanc 2017

MCC:

– Boschendal Brut NV MCC

– Backsberg Kosher Brut Méthode Cap Classique

Red:

– Franschhoek Cellar Baker Station Shiraz 2018

– Brampton Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

– Brampton Roxton 2015

– Boschendal Noble Late Harvest Vin d’Or 2017

– Franschhoek Cellar The Old Museum Merlot 2017/18

– Boschendal Lanoy 2017

– Brampton OVR (Old Vine Red) 2016

– Brampton Shiraz 2016

Pink:

– Alvi’s Drift Rosé Wines

– First Cape Five Cellars Rosé

– First Cape Rosé

– Delheim Pinotage Rosé

Picture: Unsplash