Two words almost guaranteed to put a smile on the face of your guests are “open bar”. However, open bars come with benefits as well as downfalls. So which option is right for you and your wedding, an open bar or a cash bar?
What is an open bar?
An open bar is when drinks are served for free from a bar at a function. Those hosting the event pay per head and usually covers a variety of alcohols including beers, ciders and wines.
Pros
– guests will appreciate it, especially after spending money or travelling for your wedding
– liquid courage will encourage guests to have more fun
– it makes your life easier as you don’t have to plan out estimated costs per beverage
Cons
– it is costly
– guests can take advantage and drink too much
– drunk people may put a negative effect on your wedding
What is a cash bar?
A cash bar is when guests can purchase drinks from a variety of alcohols at the bar at a given function.
Pros
– it is the more affordable option, allowing you to put the money towards something else
– guests are less likely to go overboard with drinking, thus avoiding messy moments
Cons
– can be considered a little tacky (it’s not!)
– guests might feel like it’s inconsiderate to have to spend even more money at a function where they’re considered to be the guest
We’ve seen them just about everywhere, but the last thing you want is a standard, non-significant flower crown on your special day. But don’t stress – we’ve gathered 6 very significant flower crowns for you to incorporate into your wedding day beauty look. You don’t even have to stop and smell the roses – just wear them!
Keep things subtle and simple with a greenery-inspired flower crown that adds just the right amount of green to your look, without looking too boho. Ideal for a forest or garden wedding and, in addition, quite complimentary to redheads!
Big blooms are never a bad idea, especially ones with burgundy tones to contrast your wedding dress. This flower crown demands attention, and this one definitely has ours.
Who said flower crowns need to only go around your head? Why not try this alternative which consists of cascading peonies, orchids and hydrangeas giving brides that boho-chic look.
The highest flower crown you’ve ever seen? Yes please! Ivory colours to match your wedding dress, incorporating a bit of flowers and the very trendy pampas grass as well – this is definitely an eye-catching flower crown fit for a queen.
Pink roses never disappoint when it comes to adding that something extra to your wedding look. Flowers out of season? Try silk flower crowns that will last long after the wedding day is over and you can use it again in the future!
Really want to make a statement with your flower crown? Try this completely covered floral hat in soft tones of purple and lavender which can fit over your hair perfectly. With such an extravagant floral headpiece, keep jewellery simple to keep the attention focused on the crown.
Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo and Mohale Motaung’s traditional wedding was an extravaganza of epic proportions. The couple, dubbed #SomHale on social media, wed in a lavish traditional African ceremony at Kibler Park, Johannesburg on Saturday, September 28.
The couple had numerous, often matching outfit changes throughout the day. Their first look was designed by Gert Johan Coetzee, who was inspired by a North African theme.
Have a look at everything that went on at the spectacular event:
A host of local celebrities were in attendance, including Bonang Matheba, Casper Nyovest, Kelly Khumalo, Lerato Kganyago, Pearl Thusi, Julius Malema, and Thando Thabethe.
According to Liquid Image Consulting, the creative team behind the wedding, the pair had a particular dress code for guests. “Dresscode: #Somhale wanted to showcase African Tradition and they personally selected a region from Africa for each guest detailing what they should wear and sent extensive dress code mood boards to ensure everyone stayed on theme!!” they wrote in an Instagram post.
Because stationery is such an important part of a wedding, we wanted an expert opinion on everything that it entails. We spoke with Alexa from Directional Designs about how she creates stationery for the couple and where you can save some bucks.
Some of these general components are:
Save the date cards (optional)
Invitations and envelopes
RSVP cards
Ceremony booklet
Seating plan
Place cards
Table numbers
Menu
Q: What do you need to know in order to help the couple choose their stationery style?
A: Colour scheme and theme is key for us to know in order for us to design the stationery for our clients. We also need to know exactly what they would like, as the list of items for event stationery is endless. For example, does the couple want menus per person or just per table? Do they want a seating board or are guests able to sit anywhere? What kind of table numbers would they like – perspex, paper, wooden etc? Our speciality is customisation. We want the couple’s stationery to be unique and different, therefore the more we get to know our clients, the better for us to understand their likes and dislikes
TIP: Don’t be shy about sitting with your stationer to go over all the items that you need and the elements that you like and dislike. The stationer wants to create something unique and so they would rather have too much information than too little.
Q: What are some tips to save costs on wedding stationery?
A: There are various ways to save on wedding stationery. This can be in terms of paper choice as well as quantity of items. For example, if you have an invitation or any other stationery on paper, then this is where a lot of the cost comes in. There are so many different paper options available that we can source so it can fall within your budget. You also don’t need to have an order of ceremony booklet for each guest that is attending the ceremony as some guests don’t take a booklet. You could also choose paper tent table numbers over laser cut numbers, which look just as beautiful. We have loads of ways of making your stationery fit within your budget and still look unique and beautiful.
TIP: Talk about your stationery budget with your stationer before anything else. This will help to establish which items are essential and which items you can leave out of your stationery. It will also help to determine what materials are available to you.
Information supplied by Alexa at Directional Designs: https://directionaldesigns.co.za/
Trains were originally added to wedding dresses as a symbol of wealth due to the extra fabric needed. The style became popular as brides all over wanted to emulate the royal and wealthy style and you have to admit, they do make a huge impression.
Here are some of the latest wedding dresses featuring trains:
They haven’t got a long way to go anymore. Cassie Ventura and fiancé Alex Fine wed in an intimate ceremony on September 25 only a month and one day after they got engaged.
The pair tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Malibu, California. Cassie wore a flowing off-the-shoulder gown with a lace veil, and styled her hair in soft waves, while Fine wore a black tux to say “I do”.
Film director Peter Berg officiated their wedding, sharing this picture to Instagram after the ceremony.
The couple have had a whirlwind romance this past year. They began dating in late 2018 and in June 2019 the couple announced that they are expecting their first child together. Fine got down on one knee on August 24 and asked Ventura to be his wife.
The Compton Cowboys, a group that works to dispel stereotypes about African Americans, helped Fine pop the question. In an IGTV video posted by Cassie, the pregnant beauty can be seen being escorted by Compton Cowboys leader Randy Savvy to Fine who is waiting for her atop a horse. He then dismounts, gets down on one knee and proposes, to much happiness from Cassie.
Cassie is best known for her hits “Me & U”, and “Long Way 2 Go”. She previously dated P Diddy for eleven years before calling it quits in early 2018. Fine is a celebrity personal trainer. His clients include many cast members of the hit TV show, Riverdale.
Make-up is a great way to enhance your natural beauty but having great skin is the first step to achieve that undeniable glow. Attaining a natural glow may seem like just a dream but rest assured, it’s more real than you think. Have a look at these juices that will give you that wedding glow.
What should be in your glowing juices?
Carrots
This vegetable contains vitamins C and A, which reduces skin inflammation and helps reduce pigmentation, uneven skin tone and blemishes.
This fruit boosts the production of collagen and elastin, which nourishes the skin and in return makes the skin glow. It also contains those famous antioxidants.
Besides keeping the doctor away, this fruit is known to calm the skin and provide a lot of nutrients. They also contain ample amounts of vitamin A and C.
It goes without saying, but water helps to hydrate your skin from within. Optimal hydration means fresh, bouncy skin that replenishes tissue quicker than drier skin.
What’s the take?
Fruits and vegetables are a great way to achieve a natural glow on your wedding day. Make sure they’re high in antioxidants and you’ll be glowing in no time. Just remember to start at least a week before the wedding for any juice to be effective. The sooner you start, the better the results!
For those planning their wedding, some things may seem out of their financial reach. Most modern weddings have become extravagant and costly, but they don’t have to be. There are a number of ways an engaged couple can save some coins whilst planning their dream wedding. Here are some tips to reduce your wedding budget:
Turn to technology:
Cut costs by sending out digital wedding invites and having guests RSVP online. Simply find a great digital artist to design your online invite (or design it yourself using apps like Canva) and set up a link to a website, Google Drive document, app or a phone number guests can use to RSVP.
Of course, dedicated wedding venues are popular for a reason. However, there are a variety of other locations that can work just as well for a fraction of the price. Consider having your wedding reception at country clubs, community halls, parks, restaurants, galleries or even a family member or friend’s property.
A large chunk of one’s wedding budget often goes towards the dress. Spend your money wisely by searching for sample sales, repurposing a family member’s dress, picking something off-the-rack or even thrifting a wedding dress. Remember that any dress can be good as new with some custom-additions. Think of it as your ‘something old’!
Have a friend or family member become ordained online so that they can marry you and your partner, saving you money and giving your wedding a personal touch.
There are so many simple DIY’s that will save you money and personalise your wedding. Use thrift shopped mirrors, chalkboards or window panes to create one big wedding program. Besides being cost-effective, it’s also better for the environment to not print out individual programs.
Off-peak dates can get you your dream venue at a cheaper price. As most weddings are held on Saturdays, consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday to cut venue and food/drink costs.
Use more affordable flowers as decoration. Mismatched, smaller centerpieces are cost-effective and cute. You can also add bulk and dimension to your bouquets by using foliage.
Flowers are expensive. Make sure they work double-duty by reusing them throughout the day. Consider reusing bridesmaids bouquets after the ceremony to create one large centerpiece or add them to table decor.
We get, it, sometimes things can run overtime during your wedding. However, photographers and musicians will charge extra if they have to stay longer than originally agreed, or wait around unnecessarily. Ensure you stick to a swift schedule between your ceremony and reception to avoid paying more than you bargained for.
Shareable family-style meals are more cost-effective and interactive than 3-course sit-down meals. Consider designing a shareable menu filled with fan favourites that will cater to every diet.
Wedding favours don’t have to be extravagant. Something small and travel-friendly is ideal. Think mini-wine bottles, handmade soaps, individual succulents or tiny jars of your favourite sweets. You can also offer shareable favours for couples, such as a bottle of wine, to cut costs. You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools
The 1950s were a wild time. The Cold war was escalating, Elvis and his pelvis were gyrating to the amazement of adoring fans and television had not even been introduced to South Africa. It is also in this time period that women were being given some, uh, interesting advice on relationships.
A 1958 article published in American Women’s Magazine, McCall’s, titled “129 Ways to Get a Husband” gives us insight into what life was like for women in the 1950s:
The magazine article advises women on the best ways to find a man.
Kim Marx-Kuczynski from Madison, Wisconsin found the article in a rummage sale and was fascinated by its contents. “I think the article is reflective of the social mores of the era, and I found the comparison between what was acceptable then and what is acceptable now fascinating. It also made me grateful that so much progress has been made,” she told Bored Panda.
“It’s outdated and absurd and funny, but it had serious intentions,” Kim concluded. “Society has changed so much in the last sixty years, and this article exemplifies the differences between what our moms and grandmas grew up with compared to ourselves and the coming generations. It’s fascinating.”
The article had invited 16 “experts” to analyse what the “sixteen million women over the age of seventeen who are not married,” and who would presumably like to be married, according to the article, could do to find a husband. The results are nothing short of hilarious. Here is some of the funniest advice from the article:
On where to find Mr. Right:
– Have your car break down at strategic places.
– Look in the census reports for places with the most single men.
– Read the obituaries to find eligible widowers.
– Become a nurse or an airline stewardess – they have very high marriage rates.
– Be nice to everybody – they may have an eligible brother or son.
– Be friendly to ugly men – handsome is as handsome does.
– Don’t be afraid to associate with more attractive girls; they may have some leftovers.
How to let him know you’re there:
– Wear a band-aid. People always ask what happened.
– Stand in a corner and cry softly. Chances are good that he’ll come over to find out what’s wrong.
– Buy a convertible. Men like to ride in them.
– “Accidentally” have your purse fly open, scattering its contents all over the street.
On how to look good to him:
– Get a sunburn.
– When you are with him, order your steak rare.
– Don’t tell him about your allergies.
– Don’t whine.
On how to land him:
– Talk to his father about business and agree that taxes are too high!
– If he’s rich, tell him you like his money – the honesty will intrigue him!
– Never let him believe your career is more important to you than marriage.
– Point out to him that the death rate of single men is twice that of married men.
Wild ideas:
– If your mother is fat, tell him you take after your father. If he’s fat too, tell him you’re adopted!
– Rent a billboard and post your picture and telephone number on it!
– Paint your name and number on the roof and say, “Give me a buzz, pilots.”
