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    On Sunday, March 22, social media was abuzz after seeing David Tlale’s traditional wedding gown aired on Our Perfect Wedding. The dress was worn by Noluthando Nxasana (now Sakayi). She won the wedding dress that was designed by the world-renowned fashion designer in collaboration with Tastic Rice.

    Tlale and Tastic held a competition last year, during Heritage Month. They requested that brides-to-be share their stories on social media and on radio in order to stand a chance to win this unique dress.

    Noluthando, who comes from Table View in Cape Town, was triumphant and wore the dress at her wedding. South Africans offered much praise for the dress.

    “This is truly a dress made for a queen,” said one Twitter user, @Shazzy_D. Another user commended Tastic for making this possible and said that the bride looked amazing in her custom dress.

    “Being African means something unique to all of us. When designing the dress, I took inspiration from the way in which I saw how the country’s women and men express themselves during Heritage Month,” said Tlale.

    The collaboration between Tastic and Tlale exhibits how we celebrate our differences as well as what unifies us. The design is a stunning depiction of life as an everyday South African and celebrates te character, texture and colours that define us.

    “Every bride deserves a coutour moment and we are very excited to have made one special bride’s dreams come to life,” said Thembi Sehloho, Marketing Director of Rice and Pasta at Tiger Brands.

    Noluthando’s two-day wedding took place in Cape Town. The happy couple celebrated their white wedding as well as their traditional union, which were both attended by friends, family, and the community.

    Images: Supplied

    You may be under the impression that the wedding dress is all that people will be looking at on the big day. If that’s the case, you’re in for a wake-up call. The grooms attire is equally important! A wedding suit is one of the most special outfits a man will ever wear.

    Buying this suit, however, is a huge expense. You may not be willing, or be able, to spend that much money on your outfit. If you’re considering your options, then you should keep in mind that renting a suit is possible too.

    Here are some pros and cons of both buying and renting, to help you make your final decision.

    Buying a wedding suit 

    Pros

    – You’ll have it forever 

    If you buy the suit, you’ll be able to keep it forever. Whether it’s just a great memory hanging in your cupboard, or you pull it out to wear to every fancy occasion, it’s always nice to have.

    – You’re the first to wear it 

    You won’t spend your entire wedding day wondering who else has been in the suit that is currently on your body. We know that can be a bit creepy!

    – Originality 

    You can customize it as much as you want, and you can add whatever accessories you prefer. This is the upside for many grooms.

    Cons

    – Expensive 

    This is the most glaring and most commonly cited con. New suits are tremendously pricey.

    – Bang for your buck 

    If you only wear it once, all that money essentially goes to waste.

    – Won’t always fit

    We all know that our bodies change over time. This is true for everybody! Your body won’t be the same in 10 years, as it is on your wedding day. If you’re keeping it, it might not look as great in the future.

    Renting a wedding suit 

    Pros

    – This is often the cheaper option 

    If you’re a more informal type of guy, buying a suit makes no sense! Forking out a large sum of cash for a one-time outfit is simply not worth it. On top of this a suit that costs R5000, for example, is likely to only cost you around half of that price to rent. That’s a lot of savings.

    – A nicer suit 

    Since it’s cheaper to rent than buy, you’ll be able to afford a higher-end suit. You’ll look dapper for less money.

    – Additionals included 

    In most cases, when you rent a suit, all extra’s are included. This means you’ll get your shirt, cufflinks and tie all at once. You’ll spend much less time shopping.

    Cons

    – The fit 

    Renting means that options for tailoring are limited. If you’re “average” sized, then you might be able have some temporary stitches put in, but if you’re extremely tall, for example, it’ll be much more difficult to find a suit that fits well.

    – You may feel it’s not special 

    Since it’s not really yours, and somebody else has worn it before, you may feel its less special than a bought suit.

    Image: Unsplash

    The world has come to a standstill following the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the globe, every industry has been affected. What’s meant to be a happy, special moment in peoples’ lives have been postponed or cancelled. This couple, however, got creative and decided to hold a virtual wedding.

    Andrew and Cassidy Dayton from Missouri had planned to tie the knot on April 25. However, as the pandemic worsened, they realised their dream day could not go on the way they had planned.

    “The important part for us was being married,” Cassidy said. “Getting married was kind of secondary to becoming husband and wife.”

    So, they hatched a plan. They contacted all their wedding guests and invited them to their big day which would be streamed live on Facebook. The pair said ‘I do’ at the Community of Christ’s Arnold congregation where they first met. They always wanted to get married there but because of their large guestlist, they needed a bigger venue.

    “When we got the notification yesterday that the pastor was going to allow us to go inside the church, I just started crying because it was literally something I had dreamed of being able to do. So, it made yesterday even more special for us,” said Cassidy.

    200 of their friends and family tuned in for their wedding, including quarantined family members all the way in Italy.

    “Even though there weren’t people there, it turned out to be a bigger wedding than we planned,” Andrew said.

    Their guests even got into the wedding spirit.

    “We had several friends send pictures to us or Snapchat of themselves all dressed up: ties, dresses, with their little kids,” Cassidy said. “They were watching as a family. It was amazing.”

    While the decision to go ahead with their wedding despite not being able to have their family physically present was a hard one to make, Cassidy could see that it was necessary.

    “I was convinced by [Andrew] and some other family members that, especially right now, people could use some joy,” Cassidy said. “And if we could share that with them, even just a little bit, by letting everyone see us get married and be there with us virtually, that we should do it.”

    Also read:Don’t cancel your wedding, live stream it

    Feature image:Unsplash

    Going out is fun and all, but sometimes you just want to stay in. If your newlyweds are lovers of the great indoors, fear not. There are still many great gift ideas for the self-isolation prone.

    Considering we’re all spending a lot more time indoors amid the COVID-19 pandemic, your newlyweds might be even more appreciative of these gifts than ever before. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

    Extendable Bamboo Bath Caddy – R345 from Builders Warehouse

    Matching personalised fleece gowns – R600 each from Netflorist

    House Of York Breakfast Tray – R279 each from Takealot

    Aura Eternity Ultrasonic Diffuser – R749 from Yuppiechef

    Pure Pleasure Queen Fitted Electric Blanket – R899 from Makro

    DIY Homemade Gin Kit Gift Box – R519 from Yuppiechef

    Mellerware Popcorn Maker – R549 from Makro

    Volkano Bazooka Series Bluetooth Speaker – R469 from Takealot

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Many couples across the globe have made the tough decision to postpone or cancel their wedding day as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens. While this is the responsible thing to do, it doesn’t mean you can’t still get married.

    Courthouse or Home Affairs weddings can still go ahead, meaning you may still tie the knot in these trying times. Remember, its about the love you have for each other, not an extravagent wedding day, that makes a marriage.

    If you’d still like to go ahead with your big day, albeit on a much smaller scale, here is some fashion inspo for what to wear to the courthouse.

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    Feature image: Unsplash

    As the COVID-19 situation worsens, people across the globe are cancelling their big days to do their part in flattening the curve. This couple decided to go through with their wedding while still maintaining social distancing in a very creative way.

    Reilly Jennings and Amanda Wheeler from New York City were set to marry in October. However, the current climate has shown that even the best laid plans can go awry.

    “We were supposed to get married in October. The reality of that happening in our current climate seemed slim,” explains Reilly in an Instagram post. “Amanda’s business closed and everything has just blown up. We got our marriage license yesterday and were walking out the door to get hitched at the courthouse when the mayor announced the immediate closure of the marriage bureau.”

    Luckily for the couple, they had a very good friend who could lend them a helping hand.

    “After several hours of crying (& drinking), one of our dear friends @iknowmattwilson sent us a message saying he was ordained and could marry us through the state of NY (NYC has weird laws that you have to be married by someone ordained by this county clerk). We said YES, finished our work meetings, walked down the street to his apartment and got married below his fourth story window as the neighborhood looked on alongside 4 of our best friends @kktapper @harold_gibbons @joselynmujica (& @erikahenningsen through a car because #socialdistancing).”

    While still maintaining social distancing, the couple tied the knot in an incredibly creative, memorable way. While unusual, this moment was meaningful for the pair.

    “What a day. Amidst the uncertainty and despair we all feel right now, marrying the love of my life in the most NYC moment was perfect. I’ve waited 4 years to call @wheelsfit my wife and this was all just the cherry on top of the love i feel every day. ❤️”

    Watch the amazing video below:

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/B9_98yxpw7Z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    We’re happy to see couples still keeping the love and positivity alive. Please remember to stay safe and responsible during this time

    Feature image: Instagram / Reilly Jennings

    As a society, we’ve (thankfully) moved away from the skinny brow trend of the 90s and early 2000s. Today’s beauty icons are sporting a fuller, feathery brow that commands attention.

    Just because you haven’t been blessed with naturally full brows, doesn’t mean you have to stay that way. Microblading has become a popular cosmetic procedure across the world, allowing people to have the brows of their dreams. This can be an amazing confidence boost for those with naturally light or sparse brows and those who lost their eyebrow hair from alopecia.

    If you’re keen to ditch the eyebrow pencil, here’s what you need to know.

    Pre-procedure:

    Microblading is essentially a semi-permanent face tattoo. Tiny, fine-point needles creates hair-like strokes in you brow area, after which pigment is deposited into it.

    The difference between microblading and eyebrow tattooing is that microblading needles do not penetrate deep layers of your skin, thus making them far less permanent.

    Once meeting with your technician, you will discuss the type of brow you want. Full, feathery, straight, whatever shape and style you desire is possible. Your technician will draw the shape you want with an eyebrow pencil so that you can imagine how your brows will look when they’re done. Once you’re happy, your technician will consider your natural hair colour to determine the ink colour or colours.

    The procedure:

    The brow area is cleaned and numbed with a topical ointment. Using a handheld tool, your technician will begin creating superficial cuts along your brow. A pigment is then deposited into the cuts to stain the skin to appear hair-like. Once all the cuts are made, a final layer of pigment is applied for 5 minutes and then cleaned to reveal your new brows.

    Pain levels vary based on the person, but most people say this procedure feels similar to the pain of eyebrow threading. It’s mainly the scratching noise that people have an issue with.

    The procedure typically takes about 40 minutes to an hour from start to finish. Depending on your skin, aftercare and lifestyle, results can last from one to three years. However, you should get touch-ups every 12 months after your initial four week touch-up.

    Post-procedure aftercare:

    As your brows are like a tattoo, similar aftercare rules apply.

    – Don’t get your brows wet for the first seven to 10 days. You need to keep the area as dry as possible. After this time, you may gently wash the area with antibacterial soap and water, and gently pat dry. Avoid any cleansers containing acids or exfoliants.

    – Avoid exercise and swimming for a week

    – Make sure to apply sunscreen daily to enhance your brows longevity, as well as avoid direct sunlight for a week.

    – Don’t scratch! Your eyebrows will likely be itchy and flaky but it is important to let them heal.

    – Don’t panic! Your brows can appear up to 40% darker in the first few days of the healing process. Be patient, within a week the ink will fade into a more natural shade.

    – Clients are encouraged to schedule a follow-up appointment for 4-6 weeks time to any touch-ups that need to be made.

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Across the world, people are working from home and self-quarantining amid the COVID-19 pandemic. After clocking out of your imaginary office, you’ve probably got a lot of time on your hands. Now seems like the perfect time to do your wedding research.

    Whether or not you’re getting married, these films are sure to inspire you as well as show you what NOT to do in the lead-up to your big day.

    The Wedding Planner

    Jennifer Lopez plays Mary Fiore, San Francisco’s most successful wedding planner. However, she breaks a crucial rule when she falls for one of the grooms, played by Matthew McConaughey. This movie offers early 2000s romcom at its finest.

    Father of the Bride

    In this heartwarming tale, a father, played by Steve Martin, struggles to come to terms with the fact his eldest daughter is getting married. This film gives great insight into how parents feel when their children take this big step.

    My Best Friend’s Wedding

    When Julianne Potter (Julia Roberts) finds out her best friend Michael O’Neal (Dermot Mulroney) plans to marry in a few days, she realises she is actually in love with him and sets off to get the wedding cancelled. Many hijinks and a famous musical scene that catapaulted the song “I Say a Little Prayer (For You)” can be expected.

    The Wedding Singer

    This 1998 romantic comedy tells the story of wedding singer Robbie (Adam Sandler) and waitress Julia (Drew Barrymore), both of whom are engaged to other people. When Robbie’s fiance breaks things off, Julia helps him find happiness again and they begin to fall for one another. This is just one of many classic Sandler / Barrymore films that has gone down in history.

    Bridesmaids

    An all-star cast of funny women leaves us with a laugh-a-minute movie. The movie follows Annie, played by Kristen Wiig, who begins unravelling when she becomes maid of honour to best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph). The limit does not exist for quotable moments in this film.

    Runaway Bride

    New York columnist Ike, played by Richard Gere, is assigned to write an article about Maggie Carpenter (Julia Roberts), a woman who has a history of leaving fiance’s at the altar on their wedding day and thus earning her the nickname ‘The Runaway Bride”. As she prepares to walk down the aisle again, Ike and Maggie grow closer, threatening history to repeat itself once more.

    Monster-in-Law

    Everthing is plain sailing for Charlie (Jennifer Lopez) and Kevin (Michael Vartan), who quickly fall in love and get engaged, until Charlie meets Kevin’s mother Viola (Jane Fonda), who is determined to keep her son all to herself. After watching this movie, we hope you’ll feel a lot more grateful for your own mother-in-law.

    Sweet Home Alabama

    When New York-based up-and-coming fashion designer Melanie Carmichael (Reece Witherspoon) becomes engaged to famed politician’s son Andrew Hennings (Patrick Dempsey), she is forced to return to her secret Southern roots to divorce her first husband Jake, who refuses to sign the papers.

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Colour is great, but sometimes you just want to keep it simple. If you’ve got a more classic style, going with a black and white colour scheme will appeal to all your senses.

    Easy to pair and oh so glamorous, black and white wedding decor screams style and sophistication. Here are some styling ideas for your own big day.

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    Feature image: Unsplash

    Calling off a wedding is tremendously stressful. The emotional toll alone is enough to justify this claim. So we hope that you will never need to know how to go about it. However, with the spread of coronavirus, many couples are deciding that cancelling the wedding is the best way to go.

    If you decide that you’re cancelling, instead of postponing, you have to consider how many people that will affect. Vendors, guests, family and so on will all be affected by this change of plan. Of course, the wedding is and has always been about you, but these people have made arrangements for you and it’s best to keep this in mind while going about the cancellation process.

    Here’s how you should handle it:

    – Check your insurance 

    If you have wedding insurance, your insurer should be the first call you make. Financially, this will help a lot.

    – Cancellation policies

    First and foremost, you should reread all contracts with each vendor. This will give you an idea of where you stand. In most cases, deposits are non-refundable, however you may be able to get some money back. Suppliers generally try to be accommodating, depending on timing and circumstances of course.

    – Make contact 

    After you’ve gone through the contracts, inform all your vendors and suppliers that the wedding has been cancelled. Suppliers online have claimed that some couples essentially just ghost. This is not acceptable. Apart from this being disrespectful, it also affects the livelihoods of vendors.

    – Guests

    Let your guests know. Be sure to prioritise those who are travelling long distances to be at your wedding, so that they have time to cancel their flights and possibly get a refund. People have spent money to ensure they’re present on your special day, don’t forget that.

    Don’t forget to let you bridal party know too! (And thank them for anything they’ve done thus far)

    – Be honest

    It’s always best to keep things simple and just be upfront about the circumstances. This goes for every conversation you’ll have about your wedding cancellation, but especially in conversations with your vendors. People appreciate honesty.

    – Be quick 

    We know its a tough time, and you’re probably very disappointed, but acting quickly will benefit you in the end. It increases the likelihood of getting money back and will place less strain on guests and vendors.

     

    Image: Unsplash