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Beach weddings are very popular and it’s easy to see why. The beach provides a beautiful and romantic setting and the soothing sounds of the sea add to this ambience – but how practical is a beach wedding?

Here are some points to keep in mind if you’re planning a beach wedding:

The location

 

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In South Africa, you can have your wedding on the beach simply by organising a permit with your local council. Permits cost between R300-R6000 depending on which beach you are looking at, the number of guests that will be attending and the complexity of the set up that you would like to achieve. You will save big in terms of location fees. However, you will have to spend on hiring furniture and decor for the ceremony as the beach is a blank canvas. On the plus side, your wedding photographer will be able to get the most beautiful shots, but just make sure that they have done beach weddings before.

The weather

 

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Since the setting is already so beautiful you will not need to have much decor, but remember that you are on the beach and you’re therefore exposed to the elements. This means that you might need to have a second location on option, which will be at an additional cost. You’ll also have to protect your guests from the elements – if it’s very hot, there will need to be sunscreen, water and maybe even hats for guests to wear, but if it suddenly turns cold, you might need to have blankets for guests to keep themselves warm. And although the soothing sounds of the sea make for ambient white noise, any wind that might be present could make it hard for guests to hear the ceremony.

The legalities

 

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Since alcohol is prohibited from beaches, this will also be a big money saver. However, if this is not what you want it’ll mean that you’ll only be able to have your ceremony on the beach and your reception will have to take place elsewhere. You’ll also need a location where you can sign your marriage certificate as it can not be done in a public space. Speaking of public spaces, there will be no privacy from beachgoers who will definitely want to have a peek at your beautiful wedding.

The accessibility

 

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If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe, then a beach wedding is a great option. The dress code will most likely be casual, which will save you and your guests a lot of grief in terms of finding outfits. But it might not be quite as relaxing when planning this wedding as there are a few things that beaches might not have. Handicap accessibility is non-existent on beaches due to the sand, and so any guests with physical handicaps will either not be able to attend or will have to have special arrangements made for them to get to the ceremony area. There will be public bathrooms, but you will not be able to control how sanitary they are. Due to the fact that it is a public space, there will only be public parking spaces available which could get filled up very quickly, leaving little parking for guests.

Feature image: Unsplash

The modern wedding is one of fun, and unique-ness. Couples of today are eschewing tradition to create a personal story for their big day, one that will stay with them forever. As such, we have seen a number of new and different trends flare up in the wedding industry over the years. From neon signs and dried botanicals, to bridal jackets and artful cakes, couples are making statements with their wedding elements.

While there is no one-size-fits-all for weddings, wedding trends often help to guide couples when planning their Big Day. These are the biggest wedding trends predicted for 2020.

Individuality:

The main trend of the 2020 wedding season is individuality. People are embracing what makes them unique and incorporating that into their weddings. With so many options, engaged couples are no longer pigeon-holed into particular styles that may not suit them. It truly has become a free-for-all for the upcoming 2020 wedding season.

Bridal Fashion:

Bridal designers of today has moved away from the traditional bridal look. Bridal fashion has become less of a focus on the ‘bridal’, but more on the ‘fashion’. The millennial bride is ready to take risks and be bold, and designers are loving it. With more brides opting for separate ceremony and reception looks, there is more opportunity to have fun.

Vera Wang, Victor and Rolf and Monique Lhullier all featured puffy sleeves in their Bridal 2020 lines.

Credit: Instagram / Vera Wang gang

Victorian romance was featured in shows of Mira Zwillinger and Costarellos.

Credit: Costarellos Bridal

Reem Acra and Galia Lahav are putting the leg on display with side split wedding dresses.

Credit: Instagram / Reem Acra Bridal

The bridal jumpsuit is having a huge moment, and featured in collections by Cushnie, Pronovias and Viktor & Rolf.

Credit: Instagram / Cushnie Bridal

Statement veils are having a moment in 2019, and will extend to 2020. We most recently saw Hailey Bieber feature this accessory in her wedding to Justin Bieber.

Veils are traditional and timeless, but with small finishes, they can be given a modernised look.

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Unique Engagement Rings:

Unique, vintage inspired rings will be the big trend for 2020. Mia Moross, founder of The One I Love NYC, says she has seen a rise in cushion-cut, hand-mined diamond rings being purchased, and predicts that there will be a rise in yellow-gold rather than platinum bands, as well as Art Deco pieces. She believes that modern couples want their rings to tell a story, and are looking for pieces that reflect history and soul.

She also notes that couples are choosing the rings together, rather than the one proposing doing it themselves.

Informal Venues:

Informal and relaxed venues have been trending for years, and do not seem to be going anywhere. Forests, barns, backyards and beaches have been popular wedding venues for a good reason. It’s less stuffy, more inviting and often times more affordable than renting out halls and wine farms.

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Sustainability:

Today’s couples are much more environmentally conscious, and are actively looking for eco-friendly alternatives to many wedding staples. Many venues and suppliers are starting to incorporate sustainability into their services. One such South African venue, Cederkloof Botanical Retreat, provides various elements of sustainability in their wedding offerings, covering aspects of social, environmental and financial health.

Seasonal Flowers:

Dried botanicals have been featuring in many bridal bouquets, and are as popular as ever. Engaged couples are also leaning towards local, seasonal and sustainable flowers to feature in their weddings.

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Statement decor:

2020 wedding decor will focus on statement pieces. Think balloons, neon signs, elaborate wedding arches and massive floral centerpieces. Over sized decor makes for a wonderful talking point, and gives weddings a personal, unique touch.

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Exposed lighting:

Mood lighting is still all the rage. Exposed bulbs dangling from the ceiling, floating candles and twinkling fairy lights create a beautifully romantic setting perfect for weddings.

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Picture: Unsplash

A Pretoria couple couldn’t believe their luck when their friends and family got together and arranged a surprise wedding for them.

Nompumelelo Somdaka-Ndesi (28) and Nkosiphendulo Ndesi (32) got engaged in 2018.

“When she said ‘yes’ I was over the moon. We had built a solid friendship over the years. We were able to sit down and talk about real-life issues and I would have done anything to be with her. But the challenge is that I was broke at the time,” Nkosiphendulo told W24.

The church they both regularly attended decided to take matters in their own hands. This is how it all went down:

One morning after the church service, Nompumelelo went to her friend’s place for a visit.

“When I got there, I was surprised to see a wedding dress, shoes, a wig and a make-artist. I was shocked when my friend told me that it was all for me and the church had been planning the surprise wedding for a while. Everything fit and the wig was beautiful,” exclaimed Nompumelelo.

Meanwhile, Nkosiphendulo was surprised by another fellow church member with a suit and shoes. They were asked for their sizes separately before the day and had not picked up any hints at the time. The couple was then driven back to church separately and arrived to find a beautifully decorated church hall.

Poor Nkosiphendulo’s first thought was wondering how he was ever going to pay for it all.

Nompumelelo, in turn, was afraid of how her family would react to the suprise. “But, when they saw me in that white dress, I could see happiness in their faces.” Both the couple’s parents were invited.

The couple said that they had the time of their life, and are forever thankful to their church community who made this dream come true for them.

Picture: W24

This Colorado-based bride was blessed with a free wedding after surviving her battle with breast cancer, proving that there is still kindness in humanity.

Credit: Instagram / Cloud9Denver

 

Sabrina Blosky’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer just before her 27th birthday in April 2016.

“When I got the news, obviously, it was like a kick in the stomach,” Blosky told 9 News. “I was like, ‘No way, I’m too young. There’s no way that’s ever a possibility.’ As much as I hate to admit it, I didn’t want to be afraid. But I think that’s just the nature of the beast.”

Her battle with breast cancer deeply affected her confidence. As a result of all the surgeries and treatments she had to endure, Blosky says she stuggled to see her beauty.

Her now-husband, Rex, a Retired US Marine, has been her greatest support thoughout her cancer journey, and always reminded her how beautiful she is.

“Rex always made me feel so pretty all the time,” she said. “So I was like, ‘OK, nothing’s wrong with me. I’ll go to the grocery store bald.”

The became engaged in March 2017. Watch the video of their enagement here:

Blosky recently completed her final treatment, and to honour her journey, The Wedding Pink gifted her with a free wedding.

The Wedding Pink is an annual wedding giveaway package presented to a couple whose lives have been recently touched by breast cancer. Held annually in Colorado, USA, one deserving couple wins a wedding to the value of $40 000.

The purpose behind the organisation, founded by fellow breast cancer survivor Sheryl Ungar, is to present a silver lining to couples that have been through the extremely rough battle with this disease.

“I know what all these young women are going through and it’s just a hard time in your life,” Ungar said. “I mean, it’s probably the one time in you life where you just look at yourself in the mirror and it doesn’t look like you.”

Ungar works with a team of wedding vendors in Colorado who have generously donated their services and products to give one couple a year a spectacular wedding in Colorado.

“It’s just really a way to let these couples start their life off,” Ungar said. “It’s a new life. You’re done with cancer, you’re well and now this is a beautiful marriage. You’re starting over with this beautiful life and we’re just sort of giving them that start.”

Sabrina and Rex were chosen as the 2019 recipients, and married on October 17 at the Spruce Mountain Ranch in Colorado.

Credit: Instagram / Ali and Garrett
Credit: Instagram / Ali and Garrett
Credit: Instagram / Cheryl Ungar

 

Picture: Instagram / Cheryl Ungar

Sustainability is the next big thing, and rightly so. There are many ways to make sure your wedding is kind to the earth. One particular South African wedding venue, Cederkloof Botanical Retreat, helps you do this easily.

This farm is located just outside Citrusdal, a quiet and tranquil space set in a beautiful valley. Part of the landscape is still wild and opens to numerous views with beautiful rock formations from where you can watch stunning moon rises and have the stars put on a show just for you.

Their vision for a more sustainable village is varied and they are concentrating on the hard and soft elements of sustainability, covering aspects of social, environmental and financial health for a kinder, gentler, restorative and resilient future.

To learn more about all their current projects, take a look here.

Here’s how they will make your wedding sustainable:

– All flowers and green decorations are recycled on-site.

– Flowers, greens, fillers and other decorations are picked from the gardens and the surrounding areas.

– Couples plant trees or sponsor a ceder tree planting as part of their ceremony.

– The outdoor wedding ceremonies and the natural setting gives the couple and the guests the opportunity to spend the entire weekend immersed in nature.

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–  Natural, organic and no-waste confetti are made from plants from the gardens.

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– The accommodation, venue and ceremony spaces are close together, so there is no driving once on the retreat.

–  All glass is recycled on-site.

–  All organic waste from the kitchens are recycled on-site.

If you want to have an environmentally friendly wedding, there are a number of things you can do. Other ways of reducing your carbon footprint include making sure there are no single use items, especially regarding place indicators and table numbers. Use materials that can be recycled and donate decor items and food that is left over afterwards. You can also rent all the decor and catering ware, instead of buying them.

It is important to remember that eco-friendliness doesn’t start and stop at the wedding. Participate in ethical ring shopping (do research on companies who can prove that they don’t engage in “blood diamonds”) and incorporate green tourism in your honeymoon.

Try to find a wedding gown to hire, instead of buying one or letting a new one be made. If you do end up having one made, try to make sure the designer is eco-friendly and uses sustainable production methods.

Picture: Pixabay

Your wedding day is a wonderful moment to celebrate love, one you want to go off without a hitch.  According to many, every aspect of the wedding process will affect your Big Day, even the date you choose to celebrate it on.

Setting the date is often the first big step in the wedding process which will frame every consequent decision you make. Religion, superstition, astrology and culture argue that there are certain days, dates and months more auspicious for weddings, while others are no-goes if you want good luck on your Big Day. If you are particularly superstitious, you might want to avoid some of these wedding days.

Lucky wedding days

Judaism:

In various religions, certain days are favoured as lucky. Those that practice Judaism are likely to consider Tuesdays to be particularly good days for weddings, because the Book of Genesis says “And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10 and 12) twice in the verse about the creation of the third day.

Jewish couples also favour the beginning of the month for weddings, as their religion’s calendar is lunar and believes that the moon renews itself every month.

Astrology:

Astrology believers should look to the moon for guidance. According to astrologers, the position and look of the moon and planets can have a deep impact on our lives. Changes in its shape and appearance are said to affect our inner beings. A waxing moon is considered lucky, while a waning moon is seen as unlucky.

A full moon is considered highly lucky on your wedding day. Astrologers believe that a full moon brings harmony, as the lunar yin energy is perfectly balanced with the solar yang energy.  As the forms of the moon is said to influence our feelings, a full moon encourages people to express their inner feelings fully. The full moon also brings seeds of intention to fruition.

The new moon is the first lunar phase, representing the resetting of the lunar cycle and letting go of restrictions or fears holding you back. This allows you to move forward with clarity. Couples looking to follow astrology should plan their wedding at least 12 hours after the new moon for optimal results.

Astrology lovers should consult the their zodiac signs before setting a date, as dates for auspicious marriages range in luck depending on personal star signs. Auspicious dates are said to bless the couple with a good and prosperous marriage while unlucky dates will curse them.

Roman mythology:

April and June seem to be the most auspicious months to get married according to Roman mythology. April is closely linked with Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty and fertility, while June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and commitment. Juno was the wife of Zeus and lorded for her unwavering commitment to him. She also was the one that paired soulmates, making her the mastermind behind ancient marriages, according to Roman mythology.

Chinese culture:

Chinese culture considers August 8 a particularly auspicious date because the word for the number eight sounds similar to their word for wealth or fortune. As a result, the eighth day of the eighth month is a highly symbolic date to get married.

Unlucky wedding days:

Judaism:

Jewish couples are less likely to marry on a Friday because in their religion Friday is the day of rest, also known as Shabbat.

Folklore:

An ancient Celtic folk rhyme suggests that Saturdays are unlucky days to wed. The rhyme goes: “Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, and Saturday no luck at all.”

According to folklore, July is an unlucky month for weddings. An old rhyme from the 1800s lamenting the fates of married couples based on their wedding dates predicted July marriages would curse newlyweds.

“Marry when June roses blow, Over land and sea you’ll go,” the rhyme goes, “Those who in July do wed Must labour [sic] for their daily bread”.

American folklore records from the 1930s echo this sentiment, saying that marriages from this month “are apt to be crisscrossed with sunshine and shadow”.

Roman mythology:

July also contained many mourning days for the ancient Romans, where they commemorated battles and no religious practices were followed, making many parts of the month off-limits for weddings.

Another unlucky month is May, according to Roman mythology. This month is said to be unlucky because it is between April and June, the two months closely associated with Roman goddesses Venus and Juno. Marrying in May could thus be seen as an insult to the two goddesses. This month was also traditionally when Romans celebrated Lemuria, a festival of the dead.

Chinese culture:

Chinese culture views April 4 as a bad day for a wedding as their word for the number four is similar to their word for death, thus symbolising bad luck for the fourth day of the fourth month. Many Chinese buildings and apartments even omit the fourth floor completely because of this superstition.

Unlucky number 13:

The number 13 is considered unlucky across various cultures in the world, and as a result, the 13th of any month is often seen as bad. Friday the 13th is considered particularly unlucky as it is closely associated with the horror film franchise of the same name.

Some Italians are superstitious of Friday the 17th, as the roman numeral form of the date, XVII, can be rearranged into “VIXI”, which translates from Latin into the meaning “my life is over”.

 

Picture: Unsplash

Traditionally significant, a delicious way to end your wedding, and utterly critical for all those with a sweet tooth, the cake selection is not to be trifled with.

Take a look at some of these gorgeous, and equally delicious, wedding cake trends:

Monochromatic Purple

If you’re planning a wedding packed with sweet-loving people and serving the cake for dessert, then this trend is your dream. It’s simple: a stunning monochrome cake with fresh fruit and sweet treats spilling off the top.

Cake by Just Baked – [email protected]

Asymmetrical

For anyone who likes to be a little different, here’s your wedding cake! Slightly less traditional, this is offset, which puts the attention on your wedding cake straight away. The flavours are 2019’s favourite combo: coconut and pineapple.

Cake by Carmen Eksteen Patisserie – [email protected]

Rectangular Floral

Rectangle cakes are the new ‘it’ cake. This flamboyant beauty is covered in colourful, fluffy Swiss buttercream and studded with vibrant fresh flowers. The best part about this? It’s easy to cut and the slices look simply gorgeous.

Cake by Sweet Lionheart / www.sweetlionheart.com

Black Cylinder

If you’re saving your money for an unforgettable honeymoon, think about an elegant and petite option – you can still stick to tradition without having to pay for a large, expensive cake. A dark, dramatic cylinder one such as this is the ultimate statement too.

Cake by Shake ‘N Bake – [email protected]

As seen in Wedding Album Magazine 1/2019 issue. Out now!

Styling by Chiara Turilli
Photography by Samantha Pinto
Photography assistant: Sean Dollery

The bridal procession do not often get more attention than the bride, but this wedding’s flower girls were exceptional and truly attention-worthy. Lyndsey Raby and her new husband, Tanner, felt so privileged to have their grandmothers present at their Tennesee wedding ceremony that they went a step further and asked them to be the flower girls.

“I knew as soon as I was engaged, I wanted to involve my grandmothers,” Lyndsey told the Huffington Post.

The beaming bunch included Tanner’s gran Joyce Raby (70), Lyndsey’s two grandmothers, Betty Brown (72) and Wanda Grant (76), and even her great-grandmother 90-year-old Kathleen Brown.

“I do believe they were more excited than my bridesmaids,” Lyndsey added.

Natalie Caho Photography

These matriarchs are an integral part of both Lyndsey and Tanner’s families and have a great influence on their lives. Lyndsey said that she felt honoured to have them at the wedding and encourages other couples to do the same. “I felt so blessed to have them all here so I wanted them to be involved.”

Natalie Caho Photography

Traditionally, the flower girls at the wedding are the cousins or nieces of the couple, and mostly they are little children. Of course, there’s no reason why the bride can’t skip a few generations! What a special moment.

 

Picture: Natalie Caho Photography

Neon wedding signs are having a moment. These trendy lights make for great decor pieces for your reception, as well as cool backdrop focal points. Here is how to include neon signs into your wedding day:

Minimalism is key:

Neon signs are already very eye-catching, so there is no need to go overboard with the design. A simple, easy to read script works best and will help to keep the decor timeless in the years to come. Another benefit is that you can keep the sign after the wedding and use for decor in you own home!

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Show your love:

Let everyone know how much you are in love with a romantic neon sign.

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Put a name on it:

If you are changing your name, it could be a cute idea to have your surname emblazoned on a sign.

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Boss up your backdrop:

A great element to add into your photo backdrops is a neon sign as it instantly adds lighting and a unique focal point.

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Lead your guests:

Got a food and drink station? Let your guests know with a bright neon sign to guide the way.

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Make your vows:

You make some deep promises during your ceremony, so why not include it in your reception?

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Get simple:

Not one for words? A cute heart has just as much impact.

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Fairytale fun:

This couple added a fairy tale inspired sign to their wedding decor. If you believe in the magic of fairytales, a cute neon sign announcing ‘happily ever after’ will be perfect for you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3WaIonAQTO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

     Get sappy:

This couples love was written in the stars, and now in a neon sign.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3tdvNrgvro/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Have some fun:

Weddings are fun! Get punny with your neon sign with a play on your wedding vows.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3i2brHA4YJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Picture: Unsplash

As a maid of honour, you’re one of the most important parts of the wedding. You are the bride’s greatest support system, and will be relied on to help with any- and everything in the lead up to and the day of the wedding.

To be the ultimate maid of honour, you’ll need to be prepared. There is no better way to do this than to carry a maid of honour emergency kit.

This is what every maid of honour needs in her emergency kit.

Hair products:

  • hairbrush/comb
  • bobby pins
  • hairspray
  • hair ties

Beauty products:

  • makeup wipes
  • cotton swabs
  • miceller water
  • extra brushes
  • makeup for touch-ups
  • lip-balm
  • tweezers
  • nail polish
  • nail polish remover

The outfit:

  •  a sewing kit
  • lint roller
  • scissors
  • stain-removing products
  • fabric tape
  • safety pins
  • extra jewellery
  • lotion (body and hand)
  • sunscreen

Medical:

  • ibuprofen/pain pills
  • anti-allergy medication
  • anti-anxiety medication
  • eye drops
  • band-aids

Organisation:

  • a copy of the bride’s toast/wedding vows
  • a contact list of all vendors for the day
  • a time schedule for the day

General:

  • tissues
  • gum
  • snacks
  • deodorant
  • perfume
  • superglue
  • phone chargers/powerbanks
  • cash

Picture: Unsplash