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    A new buzz word going around wedding circles is the “management ring”, if you can’t decipher what it is, we’ll just tell you: an engagement ring for men!

    Gender norms are out the window and equality is in as men are joining in on the bling. Why should women only get exciting jewellery to tell the world they will soon be a Mrs (or just a married Ms)?

    The term “management” doesn’t refer to any high-level oversight a woman has to do on her man. Rather it’s a fun combination of the word man and engagement.

    The trend has becoming increasingly popular especially since it is a common practice among gay men, with each giving the other mean ngagement ring or going to pick out ones together. In addition, a few celebrities have been seen sporting them over the years including Michael Bublé and Ed Sheeran.

    Management rings come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from clumsy-proof silicon to blinged out statement pieces.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Comfort is key during your wedding, and what’s comfier than a pair of sneakers? Bend the rules and rock your favourite pair on your big day

    Wedding sneakers are all the rage right now. You have the option of wearing them all day or styling some dress shoes for the ceremony before swapping out for your favourite sneakers to dance all night long during the reception.

    For an extra special touch, you can even have your sneakers customised to match your suit. Go matchy-matchy with your partner and have ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ or ‘husband’ and ‘husband’ written on the back for an epic picture.

    Check out these awesome gents rocking cool kicks:

     

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    Weddings are serious events but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun! Inject some flair and personality into your wedding dress with fringe detail.

    Fringe is reminiscent of the roaring 20s, a time of decadence and overconsumption. Get in the spirit and layer your gown with some fringe detail to channel your inner Daisy Buchanan. Think of how beautiful it will look as your twirl and shake on the dancefloor!

    Here are dresses to inspire you to have fun with fringe:

    Picture: Instagram / Naeem Khan Bride

    Although the skin-bearing styles of wedding dresses are a lasting fashion, sleeves add feminine sophistication to a demure gown.

    Wedding dress sleeves were previously considered for a more conservative, cautious bride but have become a fashion statement and added accessory.

    There are many reasons why someone may want to cover their shoulders. Whether you are insecure of the shape or size, it’s important that you feel truly comfortable and beautiful on your big day.

    Luckily, sleeves are super trendy in the wedding world right now. Puffy and over-the-top sleeves have been revamped into a variety of styles.

    The cap sleeve is short, covering just the shoulders and extending no further than the armpit. The boat neck sleeve has a wider neckline and slides just off the shoulders, highlighting the collar bone. Another favourite is the one-shoulder sleeve which ultimately speaks for itself.

    When opting for a sleeved gown make sure to pick the right fabric. Lace and sheer fabric are fashion-forward, light and breathable but are also often less stretchy and forgivable, so they need to be fitted well.

     

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    The length of your sleeves will also be determined by your style of dress and your preference. You can opt for a full lace sleeve or choose a style that incorporates lace fabric with hints of diamante detailing, adding a little extra sparkle.

    If you’d still like to show a bit of skin, then perhaps you can choose a dress style with sleeves that also features a backless detail or a high slit.

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    A new study has found that variations in a specific gene could possibly determine how successful your marriage is in the first few years of your union.

    Data by researchers at the University of Arkansas published in the journal Nature Scientific Report indicates that a variation called ‘CC’ in the gene CD38 is linked with increased levels of gratitude. The University’s Anastasia Makhanova, along with her colleagues studied a group of genotyped newlyweds to explore whether this gene variation had a relationship with levels of trust, forgiveness and marriage satisfaction.

    “We were interested in seeing if some of the reasons that people might have a harder time maintaining relationship satisfaction in the newlywed period is due to some potential underlying genetic predispositions,” explained Makhanova.

    The research team analysed 71 couples which amount to 142 newlyweds. They collected data over the course of the first three months of their marriages and had them complete a survey every four months for three years.

    Analysts then compared the survey results between those with and without the CD38 variation and found that those with the variation reported higher levels of positive perceptions around their relationship, especially when it came to trust.

    “CC individuals felt more grateful for their partner, reported higher trust in their partner, were more forgiving of their partner, and were more satisfied with their marriages than were AC/AA individuals,” the study read.

    They thus conclude that there may be a possible genetic link to marriage satisfaction. However, it is important to note that this does not mean that those without the variation are doomed to a loveless marriage.

    Makhanova explains: “So it’s not that people who don’t have the CC genotype are doomed to have problems. It’s just that they’re more likely to have issues in some of these domains, and so those people might have to work a little bit more in those domains.”

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    Times have changed and so have traditions. It’s the year 2021 and most people have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Budgets are tight and health concerns are real. If you’re getting married but don’t feel you need to have both a bachelorette and a kitchen tea, there are several ways to combine them into one awesome bridal event.

    There are loads of benefits of combining the two events into one. Weddings tend to happen in a shorter span of time between getting engaged and getting married due to ever-changing COVID-19 regulations. One bridal event will save time and energy, as well as money. It will also mean you get exposed to fewer people and environments, keeping your immediate bubble small and staying within that bubble instead of hanging out with different groups of people.

    Here are some ideas of ways your bridal event can include everyone from your mom and aunt to your besties. Activities that everyone will enjoy and don’t break the bank is the way to go.

    Private picnic

    Picnics never get old. It’s chic, low-fuss and absolutely yummy. You can choose a theme or let the theme be the food! Gather your closest ladies and avoid the crowds by finding a private spot. You can also book a picnic from a vendor so it can be all set up in a cosy little nook when you arrive, ready to dig in.

    Day by the pool

    It’s summer! Sun’s out, which means bikinis and sarongs are on. Plan a fun day of leisurely lounging by the pool if you have access to one. Make cocktails together and get your dose of Vitamin D. Remember to wear adequate sunscreen, hats and seek out some shade every now and then.

    Board and card games

     

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    Who doesn’t love a good games night? Collect all your favourite board and card games and let your competitive side take over. You can even go as far as to place bets so there’s real incentive to win, or take it easy and just have a good laugh with your mates for the sake of it.

    Cook or bake together 

     

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    Food, glorious food. Whether you’re an aspiring fine-dining chef or just a plain old sweet tooth, get everyone together for a day of creating a beautiful meal, dessert or even just snacks. You can go for a cooking class or go DIY, as long as you walk away with a full belly and happy heart. Oh, and don’t forget to open a bottle of wine.

    Spa day

    Look, we’re not saying it’s never been done before. But honestly, who wouldn’t want to do it again (and again and again)? Book a day at your favourite spa for some serious relaxation. Plus, it will leave everyone looking and feeling refreshed and in top form for the big day!

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    Let’s be honest, food is a crucial part of your big day. After spending tons of money on a gift and an outfit, your guests will be looking forward to a delicious spread and party.

    Grazing tables are super popular among modern couples. While it may seem like you just place a bunch of random snacks on a table, there is an art to the perfect grazing table.

    When crafting your grazing table, remember to opt for a variety of treats to appeal to a number of tastes. Cheese and crackers, fruits, meats and nuts pair beautifully together. Throw in some fun spreads, dips and sauces as well as tons of different bread to act as a vehicle for all this deliciousness.

    You can use your discretion to place your items on your table, but keep in mind you want it to look super colourful so think carefully of your placement. Add height with cake stands to create some variation and interest.

    If you need inspiration, check out these stunning spreads:

    Picture: Unsplash

    Every year of marriage is one worthy of celebration, but the ones that land on multiples of five are always extra special. Every year that passes takes your marriage to a new level and holds new significance, with a particular symbol to represent it.

    Traditionally, the 15th year of marriage is symbolised by crystal to represent beauty and investment. Highly revered and quite costly, crystal is an extravagant item reserved for the finer pieces in life.

    There are many examples of crystals like diamonds, salt, quartz, and various gemstones. This makes the gifting process so much easier, as you have more variety.

    Here are some crystal gift ideas to stick to tradition:

    Nachtmann Lead-Free Crystal Harlekin Glass Vase – R990 from YuppieChef

    Bohemia Crystal – Empery Candlestick – R699 from Makro

    Shift Smoky Quartz Crystal Elixir Water Bottle – R1090 from Faithful to Nature

    Spiegelau Lead-Free Crystal Style White Wine Glasses, Set of 4 – R499 from Yuppiechef

    Brillante Whisky Decanter – R549 on Kitchenique

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    Comedian Amy Schumer is opening up and giving fans an inside look at her secret 2018 wedding to Chris Fischer in honour of their third wedding anniversary.

    The pair tied the knot in a secret ceremony at a private mansion in Malibu on February 13, 2018.

    Taking to Instagram, Schumer shared a video recapping moments from their special day. The video revealed that her bridesmaids wore pink lace gowns and flower crowns.

    Watch her recap here:

     

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    Schumer told Howard Stern that she had planned their impromptu wedding in a mere four days, and invited her guests via a text that read: “I’m getting married on Tuesday. I hope you can come.”

    Celebrity pals Jennifer Aniton and Jennifer Lawrence were among the guests at this short notice soiree.

    Schumer and award-winning chef Fischer met through her assistant Molly, who is Fischer’s sister. The pair welcomed their first child together, a son named Gene David, in May 2019.

    Picture: Screenshot from video

    For decades the rose has held the privileged position as the most romantic flower. As such, it’s rare to come across a wedding venue that hasn’t been decorated with at least a few of these sweetly scented flowers.

    The rose has been a symbol of love since the beginning of time: the birth of Venus was marked with white roses and the text of the Medieval poem, ‘The Romance of the Rose’, lured the suitor to a rose garden.

    The flower represents the phases of romantic bonds, from the initial butterflies that you feel in your tummy to the twilight years of unwinding on the porch at sunset.

    It’s the perfect flower for a wedding day. Go for a mix of red, white and pink for a sweet yet romantic look, or go monochromatic for a bolder finish. Of course, you can stick strictly to roses but they also pair beautifully with other blooms like orchids and carnations.

    From your wedding arch to your reception table, here are some stunning setups that are coming up roses:

     

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