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    We’re all familiar with dreamy afternoon weddings that celebrate late into the evening. While this can be a beautiful and more traditional approach, there’s something simply magical about a breakfast wedding.

    1. They’re way more budget-friendly

    Hosting a morning wedding can often mean cutting costs on venue and food, with certain locations lowering their prices as it’s a less busy time. There also won’t be nearly as much drinking in the morning, and simple mimosas, coffees and teas should suffice. Planning this kind of wedding in off-peak season will also help you save on venue costs.

    2. The timing will be more flexible

    Starting the celebrations earlier allows you much more time to either carry on celebrating or to head home early and jet off for your honeymoon. There will be no rush to hurry any part of the event, and you will find guests will feel more refreshed and calm during the entire affair.

    3. There’s more room for intimacy

    A breakfast/brunch wedding is perfect for smaller groups and more intimate moments between guests and the bridal party. Placing small picnic blankets out, snacks and wedding games for guests to enjoy will encourage conversation and bonding between the families.

    4. You can enjoy a wide range of delicious foods

    There’s a reason they say ‘breakfast all day’. Everyone loves breakfast food, and there’s is such a variety to choose from. From a coffee bar to cereal stations and a hot breakfast buffet, the options are endless (and delicious!)

    5. The decor will be easier to work with

    Morning receptions are very versatile. You can go big with a glamorous affair or small and intimate, it’s all down to your own preference. Lighting won’t be an issue, and if you’re choosing to host your wedding outdoors you can make use of an abundance of greenery to decorate the venue. Breakfast wedding decor also tends to be much simpler and cleaner, and less is needed to brighten up the space.

    Image: Pexels

    If you’re having a seaside wedding then a nautical theme will tie in perfectly. This is ideal for a relaxed feel while still having a strong theme. Think shades of blue and beach and sea motifs.

    Get inspired by these elements to include in your wedding:

    Stationery

     

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    A post shared by Invitations & Stationery ? NY (@fatcatpaperie) on

    Backdrop

     

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    A post shared by Caitlin Hartley (@itgirlweddings) on

    Escort cards

     

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    A post shared by Lindsey | Calligrapher (@yellowrosecalligraphy) on

    Table setup

     

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    A post shared by Gina Marie Weddings & Events (@ginamarieevents) on

    Centrepiece

     

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    A post shared by Del Cabo Weddings (@delcaboweddings) on

    Place setting

     

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    A post shared by Swift + Company (@swiftevents) on

    Dessert

     

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    A post shared by Hali Jacobucci (@flourchildfarmbakery) on

    Favours

     

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    A post shared by Ocean State Wedding (@ocean_state_wedding) on

    Feature image: Peet Mocke

    Weddings are incredibly meaningful days for everyone in attendance. However, for those that have lost loved ones, they feel that emptiness. One bride decided to fill that void and give her groom the wedding gift of a lifetime when he could hear his late brother’s heart beat again.

    When he was only 13-years-old, Derick Smith’s brother Jake was hit by a car and killed. His family donated his organs, hoping that Jake would live on and do good things for others in need. Now an adult, Derick and his family have never had the opportunity to meet anyone that received Jake’s organs. Until now.

    Derick’s future wife, Katy, wanted to give her husband-to-be a gift he would treasure forever: the opportunity to hear his brother’s heart beat again. She thus decided to find the woman who received Jake’s heart.

    “I had asked Derick’s mom, I said, you know this is going to be a really personal question, and you can tell me no, but I’m really interested in trying to find the person that received Jake’s heart and would you be willing to do that?” Katy told Inside Edition. “She cried and she was really happy and she said, ‘Absolutely, I think this will be a great idea’.”

    After a year of searching, Katy found Gracie Wilkinson.

    “I found out her name and I found her on Facebook, and so I sent her a message… within two minutes she responded saying, ‘Absolutely, I would love to be there, just tell me when and where and I will be there,’” Katy said.

    On their big day, Derick and Gracie had a heartfelt embrace and shared many tears. Derick was able to listen to his brothers heart again, and Gracie gifted him with a keychain with an image of his brother’s heartbeat from an EKG.

    Credit: Inside Edition
    Credit: Inside Edition

    “What it was like to hear his heartbeat was a flood of different emotions,” Smith said of the moment.  “There’s not a word to describe it. She gave me the gift of closure.”

    And it meant just as much for Gracie, who was only 6-years-old when she received Jake’s heart,

    ”Getting to meet everyone and getting to be part of their day and a part of that moment for Derick and kind of bringing Derick some closure from losing his brother means the absolute world to me,” she added.

    Image: Inside Edition

    For most men, the classic necktie is a standard part of the wardrobe. You’ve worn them to school, to work, and to many a formal function. Now, however, your wedding day is approaching. The thought of wearing a tie is not exciting to you. Perhaps the tie doesn’t feel special enough, or maybe you just want to switch things up a bit.

    Many may not be aware of the wide variety of neckwear available to choose from. A tie can easily be replaced. Have a look at this list of alternatives to the classic necktie.

    No Tie 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BmtQ9ayHbbY/

    Bow Tie 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1a_E5thcwh/

    The Ascot/Cravat

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BsnkusinmxD/

    Collar Chain 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B0e8yNblbwF/

    Bolo Tie 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5PvABvBVrG/

    Continental Tie 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/4kuiadHK7J/

    Western Bow Tie 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/fWXwVSPWw9/

    Neckerchief 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ZHJV0BIDc/

    Collar Clip 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Zs_Z6iMC8/

    Neck bow 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxC6ljSnX9z/

    Image: Unsplash

    It’s almost Christmas and then before you can say ‘Happy New Year,’ It will be January. We’re super excited for the Oakfield Farm’s Bridal Exhibition in Krugersdorp coming up soon. There will be exciting prizes to win (including a honeymoon in Mauritius!), a free fashion show and loads of advice, ideas and inspiration to make your dream wedding a reality.

    The team from WeddingETC will also be there on January 25 and 26, 2020 at Stand BB B54. If you’re attending the event, come say hi!

     

    Picture: Pexels

    Hear us out: Having your wedding invitations only electronic can be special. In fact, there are many reasons why it’s actually way better than paper invites. It’s economic, has no effect on the environment and has no chance of getting lost in the mail (South Africans will understand). You can also add great features, like an RSVP button and an option for guests to synchronise it with their calenders.

    In creating your e-vites, you can either approach a professional graphic designer or create it yourself with various paid or free online tools. Here are some ideas to get you started:

     

     

     

     

    Picture: Pexels

    Anyone with curly hair knows it can be temperamental. If you’ve decided to rock your natural texture on your big day, fear not. The joy of curly hair is that is it can be anything it wants to be.

    There are a wide variety of creative curly hairstyles to choose from. Whether you’r rocking locks, braids, a ‘fro or your wash ‘n go, we’ve got styles to suit everyone.

    Shining star:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1NxqBRByic/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Relaxed updo:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B12U4W1FKdM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Romantic faux-hawk:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4U9RwIFUeo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Sleek simplicity:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3YQ2OaJsaj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Locked and loaded:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxsO94pHGjX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Chic chignon:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3XA0qvnj3i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Fantastic ‘fro:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4k7_gxJvbZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Textured twists:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2rsVBHJRpK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Brilliant braids:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5TPSsWHs7Z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Crowning glory:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BylAFGjhZAj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Pexels

    It’s the day you’ve been waiting for. Months of hard work and sacrifices have all led up to this moment, and nothing should take that away from you. Especially not something you ate.

    In all the excitement of your big day, it’s easy to mindlessly munch on snacks. However, the snacks you eat could spell disaster if you’re not careful. These are the foods to avoid on your wedding day:

    Processed sugar: Sugar causes an insulin-spike that can lead to a pretty bad down. To avoid crashing on your big day, keep the sugar-loaded snacks at bay.

    Fried food: Oil-fried foods can cause your stomach to feel heavy and bloated and leave you feeling fatigued, so you might want to steer clear of the vegetable oil.

    Too much caffeine: This is a tough one, but it has to be done. Caffeine can cause jitters, sweating and anxiety. If you need your morning cup ‘o joe to get you through the day, make sure its only one small mug.

    Spice: Spice is nice, but heartburn isn’t. Spicy food can lead to bad breath and heartburn or acid reflux, which might come back in a nasty way.

    Cheese: Cheese board, be gone! We all love a slice of brie, but you might want to avoid it on your big day. Many cheeses contain hard-to-digest fats that can leave you experiencing nausea, bloating, and fatigue.

    Cruciferous vegetables: Yes, vegetables are healthy but they are not made equal. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and brussel sprouts, while being great superfoods, have the downside of being difficult to digest and thus causing gas. Not the fragrance you’re going for on your wedding day.

    So what can you eat? We suggest a breakfast of oatmeal with a side dish of assorted berries and tropical fruit and chia seeds. Oatmeal slowly releases glucose, keeping your blood sugar levels steady for a longer period. The fruits will offer hydration and natural sugar,  while the chia seeds will help your skin glow.

    At the end of the day, a slice of cheese is not going to ruin your wedding. And if you want a piece of cake, you eat that piece of cake! The important thing is to be aware of these foods’ side-effects and be make sure you eat nutritiously so that you are the best you on your wedding day.

    Image: Unsplash

     

    Weddings leave a surprisingly heavy footprint on the planet, and as a sustainable bride, it might be overwhelming to think about all the elements of an eco-friendly wedding. Decor carries the theme of your wedding and creates an atmosphere of romance, celebration and nostalgia. But creating that atmosphere while keeping to your ethical ethos might be a challenge.

    The eco-friendly wedding can be daunting and sometimes overwhelming, however, not everything has to be perfect. Every small decision you make to decrease the impact of waste on your wedding helps the environment, so don’t be too hard on yourself.  Here are a few achievable tricks and tips on how you can be mindful when planning your dream sustainable wedding:

    Flowers

     

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    Flower arrangements are usually the main mood setter at any wedding. It’s often suggested to forgo the idea of cut flowers and opt for potted greenery or herbs. However, if you are more of a traditional gal, ask your florist for locally grown flowers that are sourced within season. In order to give your wedding flowers a second life, donate them to a nursing home, local hospital or hospice afterwards. Also make sure to share your blooms with your guests, friends and family to make sure they’re enjoyed for a little longer.

    Venue

     

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    If you are looking for a botanical or forest themed wedding, opt for venues with built-in decor elements, such as luscious gardens or gorgeous patios for outdoor weddings. Booking a venue that requires minimal additional decor will save costs and decrease your carbon footprint.

    The small things matter

     

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    A post shared by Do it for David (@doitfordavid_) on

    Weddings, in general, have a large impact on the environment – some more so than others. As much as we love watching balloons and fire lanterns floating into the distance, it destroys our environment and wildlife. For safer, more eco-friendly alternatives, try bubbles, leaves or dried flowers instead of glitter confetti. Planting a tree is also a great eco-friendly and symbolic option to memorialize your special day.

    Rent, don’t buy

     

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    A post shared by STYLE YOUR SPACES (@styleyourspaces) on

    Instead of single-use elements such as paper napkins, plastic cutlery and plates, use rented glassware, cutlery and linen napkins. Making the switch automatically elevates the mood of your wedding. If you are opting to push the boundaries of the traditional wedding, bamboo or bio-degradable cutlery, plates and serveware offer an organic feel to your wedding.

    Vendors

    A big tip on creating the wedding of your dreams is finding the proper vendors that carry the same vison and ethos as you. In doing this you will ensure trustworthy services and transparent sourcing. Vendors in the business of creating a cleaner, greener planet often have trendy and budget-friendly ideas that will turn your wedding into a day to remember.

    Get thrifty, upcycle & recycle

    To add that unique flare, thrift special wedding decor or items that add a vintage, one-of-a-kind touch. Forgotten treasures are the perfect pieces to repurpose or upcycle into a beautiful centrepiece or focal point.

    For the budget-savvy bride, DIY is the way to go. DIY signage can be personal and quirky, so instead of creating permanent signs from wood or plastic, you can use reusable items such as chalkboards, glass jars and vases.

    Carbon emissions

     

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    A post shared by Fairmarry (@fairmarry) on

    When you go as far as thinking about specific lighting elements in your wedding, try LED lighting – it uses up to 75% less energy than regular light bulbs. To forgo the energy consumption completely, candles are a great way to illuminate your venue and create a romantic atmosphere. Paraffin candles are known to cause headaches or irritate sinuses, so choose candles that have a mixture of soy, beeswax or coconut wax. There are many shapes, sizes and colours to choose from when it comes to eco- friendly candles, plus you’ll be able to use it again.

    By Mia Smith

    Feature image: Unsplash

    The first-look trend, in which a bride shows her groom her final look before the wedding, has just been given a unique spin. Instead of surprising her groom with her bridal attire, this bride decided to show her beloved dog.

    When Duncan Dupree told his future bride, Kristen, that he didn’t want to do the popular trend in which the bride and groom have a outfit-unveiling photoshoot with each other right before they say ‘I do’, she decided to do one instead with their large black American Kennel Club Labrador retriever, Zeke.

    “Duncan decided pretty early on that he wanted to see me for the first time walking down the aisle with my father, rather than a ‘first look.’ In passing, we joked about me doing one with Zeke,” Kristen, a registered nurse, told Today.

    Zeke has always been an important member of the family. They adopted him to be a companion for Kristen when Duncan was working away from home as a landscape foreman. They’ve been inseparable ever since.

    “Anyone that knows us knows how much we love Zeke,” Kristen gushed to Today. “He comes everywhere with us. Family beach trips, hunting camp weekends, boat days, we bring him everywhere. He is one of the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet, and he makes every adventure better!”

    On the day, they had the special ‘first-look’, which really helped to soothe Kristen’s pre-wedding jitters. Perri Farlow of Farlow Photography beautifully captured the images. Since being posted, the images have gone viral on Facebook, amassing 46k shares, 18k likes and 28k comments.

     

    “My matron of honour went to get him for me and it truly was a special moment for me. In the middle of a busy day of hair, makeup, setting up and pictures, it was nice to just love on my dog,” she said.

    Image: Unsplash