Weddings Archives | Page 177 of 190

In Engagements

Say I do with a ring tattoo

May 27, 2019 No Comments

More and more young couples are moving away from wedding traditions. From having both parents and siblings walk the bride down the aisle, to not throwing the bouquet, and now swopping out wedding bands for tattoos.

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The exchange of wedding bands after saying “I do” is symbolic of tradition. Unfortunately though, wedding bands can be removed, stolen or lost. You could also be the indecisive type, like my mother, who has melted down and re-designed her wedding band, as the original was everything but timeless.

For men, wearing a wedding band may be a bit unappealing. My father for example, never wore his wedding band. When I asked him why I got a simple, “I hate wearing jewelry”. He instead kept it and gave it to me when I turned 13. I now wear it on a thin silver necklace.

Getting a tattoo on your ring finger is more appealing to some, especially those looking to move away from traditional norms. Those who do not enjoy wearing jewelry can opt for a more edgy symbol of their eternal commitment to their partner. A tattoo is far more permanent than a wedding band after all.

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Matching wedding tattoos are also an option for couples. Or alternatively, you can pair your wedding bands with a wedding tattoo underneath. Getting a tattoo together is also a unique bonding experience.

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There are many wedding band tattoo designs out there. From Roman Numerals of your wedding date, to each other’s initials, to an actual ring design to Mr and Mrs – Mr and Mr – or Mrs and Mrs, to something simple as a single thin band. If you are interested in exploring the idea, click here.

If you’re already married, then getting a wedding band tattoo as a sort of vow-renewal, or as an anniversary gift could also be an option.

We saw Beyoncé and Jay Z get matching “IV” tattoos, Dax Shepard has a ‘bell’ tattoo on his ring finger for his wife Kirsten Bell and Behati Prinsloo’s has three dots on her ring finger too. The symbolism of a permanent wedding band tattoo emphasises the eternal commitment of being married. There is nothing more romantic than that.

Tattoo parlour recommendations:

Body Architects in Claremont, Cape Town

Cape Electric Tattoo in Gardens, Cape Town

Descriptive Art Collective in Woodstock, Cape Town

Image: Instagram @lindsay_k_evans

In Advice

How to decide who gets an invite to your wedding

May 15, 2019 No Comments

In terms of wedding decisions, choosing who will – and won’t – be getting an invite to your big day is right up there with the date and the dress. Unless you’re in a position to cater for 500 of your closest acquaintances, you’re going to have to be selective. So … who makes the cut?

START WITH WHAT YOU KNOW

Ultimately, the maximum number of invitations you send out depends on your budget and the size of your venue. Once you know how many guests you can afford or accommodate, you can start tailoring the guest list to match.

DON’T PLAY A NUMBERS GAME

A 50-50 split between you and your fiancé sounds logical, but don’t be constrained by ratios. You’ll definitely have some friendships that overlap. Plus, if one of you has a smaller family, there’s no point filling that ‘side’ with nice-to-have acquaintances while the other person has to tell a beloved uncle that there’s just no more room.

BUSINESS AND PLEASURE

It’s a reality that you spend as much time with your colleagues as you do with your fiancé. But do you want them at your wedding? Do you ever socialise with them other than after-work drinks? Do your topics of conversation start and end with bashing that annoying client? Have they met your husband- or wife-to-be? Do you see them still being in your life if you changed jobs? Be tactful in inviting those who do pass muster by keeping wedding office chatter to a minimum.

‘YOU REMEMBER AUNT SANDRA…’

Family is where you’re likely to run into trouble; it’s a mire of obligation and potential for someone to take offence. This is where blanket rules become handy. For example, not inviting family members you haven’t seen in years, or who haven’t met your fiancé. Sticking to rules leaves little room for those who don’t make the list to complain.

IT’S MY PARTY

Your parents and future in-laws may expect to have a say in the guest list, especially if they’re helping to pay for it. They may want to invite friends who watched you grow up – or maybe just want to show off to the Joneses across the street. Allocate the parents an equal number of guest suggestions, but let them know the final decision rests with you. And stick to your guns – the only people you should invite are those you couldn’t imagine celebrating it without.

A LESSON IN BEING RUTHLESS

1. ‘My number-one rule was that I wouldn’t meet anyone for the first time on my wedding day,’ says Storm Wilkinson, who put a ring on it in 2013. ‘I’m sorry if you’ve been dating for “like a million years” – I don’t know them, they’re not coming. Budgets are a harsh reality.’
2. Once you’ve worked out a per-head cost, apply it to any guests you’re on the fence about. If spending that figure on that person makes you go: ‘Pffft,’ take their name off the list.
3. Avoid fake-smiling on your wedding day. ‘You don’t want to have anyone at your wedding that you have to pretend to be happy to see,’ says Aleisha McCormack, host of The Bridechilla podcast. ‘Ditch them.’

Image: Unsplash

In Fashion

5 autumnal bridal looks we can’t get enough of

May 13, 2019 No Comments

With golden leaves and a slight chill in the air, autumn is here and so are the fall bridal make-up trends of 2019! This year there’s a fun mix of colour bold designs, while some looks are heading to back to simple glamour. Find your perfect autumn look with our top five picks.

1. VAMPIRE GLAM

A dark lip is a perfect look for all skin tones. Keeping the eyes light and naturally creates a gorgeous contrast effect that will leave you glowing. Go for a dark cherry or blackberry shade for a rich shade of red.

2. ALL BLACK

This isn’t your average smoky eye. The all-black eye look really embraces the cool and darker tones associated with the coming of winter and lets your eyes stand out. Pair this with a light and natural lip to balance out the boldness of the make-up.

3. METAL MAGIC

Will we ever stop loving metallic shades? Not when these shimmery looks keep coming back as top contenders in all aspects of the wedding day. Dazzle your eyes with rich shades of shimmering orange and gold to mimic the fallen leaves of autumn for your bridal make-up.

4. BOLD EYES AND DEWY LIPS

Graphic designs have added an artistic touch to bridal glam, with fine line work, extended cat eyes and pops of colour. Match this look with some dewy lips to perfectly complement the light and minimal feel.

5. ALL THAT SPARKLES

Imagine the glitter on your eyes as little snowflakes falling on your face and you have a stunning magical wintery look. But don’t just stop at your eyes, bring the glitter down along your cheekbone for some added highlight and a more whimsical style.

Images: Pinterest

In Venues

Our 5 favourite winter wedding spots in South Africa

April 25, 2019 No Comments

Is there anything quite as dreamy as a winter wedding? Crisp white and bold, rich shades come together to create a stunning celebration, usually with a backdrop romantically draped in mist. Because of South Africa’s diverse climate, winter is different everywhere, with famous sunny days hitting Johannesburg, intense rains in Cape Town, and humid temperatures in Durban.

You’ll find something different everywhere you go, but one thing is for sure – you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the rich variety of destinations. Take your pick from our 5 favourite locations below.

1. Magaliesburg, Gauteng

This small village lies just below the Witswatersrand mountain range and is filled with natural bushveld and such a variety to experience. The exclusivity of this stunning escape has made it a popular destination for many and, being just a short distance away from Johannesburg and Pretoria, now a winter wedding destination. A host of lodges, hotels, farms and more await you and your big day.

2. Franschhoek, Western Cape

The rich and expansive mountainscape of Cape Town’s Franschhoek makes this area a magical and misty forest during winter. And with such a wide range of wine farms in the area, you definitely won’t be short for venues and dreamy destinations to escape to for your big day and honeymoon.

3. The Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal

There’s nothing quite like the Midlands Meander in South Africa. With stunning cascading landscapes, dams and an abundance of greenery, this setting makes a perfect backdrop to a mystical winter wedding. The small towns that make up the area offer farmlands, lodges, hotels and more just waiting for you to say your ‘I dos’!

4. Clarens, Free State

Celebrate your love up in the clouds in the town of Clarens, with its famous landmarks and rich culture. Known for their colourful blooms in autumn, it’s the perfect opportunity to host your wedding among the flowers in a winter wonderland that will have your guests in awe.

5. Dullstroom, Mpumalanga

Prepare for the ultimate country wedding in Dullstroom. Its lush and green farms create a romantic setting in cooler months, sprinkled with mist and rain. Take advantage of the luxury stays nearby for your venue, while you discover the local heritage and find the perfect spot for wedding pictures. You can’t beat the view of an icy lake while warming up by a fireplace!

Image: Pinterest

In Wedding Cakes

Around the world in wedding cakes: Be inspired by global cake traditions

April 16, 2019 No Comments

For you, it may be a classic choc cake with vanilla icing. Your friends over in Norway or Korea, however, may prefer something different. Be inspired by global cake traditions.

1. LITHUANIA

A sakotis, the traditional cake for weddings and special occasions, is cooked by rotating batter on a spit. As it cooks, the drips harden, creating a spiky tree shape.

2. ENGLAND

A fancy fruitcake made with brandy-soaked dates, prunes, currants and orange peel is traditional. The icing can range from marzipan to brandy butter. Instead of saving a piece of the cake for their first anniversary, couples will keep the entire top tier (called the christening cake) until the birth of their first child.

3. INDONESIA

The wedding cake is usually a big multilayered creation called kek lapis. The layers can be simple chocolate and vanilla, or all sorts of flavours and bright colours.

4. KOREA

American-style wedding cakes are too sweet for Koreans. They might opt for mini rice cakes made from steamed rice flour, covered in red bean powder, ground sesame seeds or other toppings.

5. NORWAY

At Norwegian weddings, guests are served kransekake. Almond-meal biscuits are stacked up to form a tower and held together with icing.

6. FRANCE

The French enjoy croquembouche, a tower of cream-filled pastries that are soaked in caramel. They’re then formed into a tall pyramid – quite a showstopper!

7. ITALY

A popular dessert choice at many weddings is zuppa inglese. A bit like a trifle, it is made up of tiers of sponge cake layered with custard, rum, cream and fruit.

8. BERMUDA

On this island in the Caribbean, the groom’s cake is topped with gold and the bride’s cake is coated in silver icing. For an extra touch, tiny saplings sit on top of the cakes as symbols of growing love.

Images: Pinterest

In Accessories

Embrace metallics for your wedding day

April 11, 2019 No Comments

Let’s face it, metallics are more than just a colour scheme for your big day. They’re bold, fun and glamorous! You can instantly liven up any piece of decor or your wedding look by adding one of these sparkly hues to the mix, meaning they’re fantastic for any part of your day. Be inspired by shades of gold, rose, silver and metal for your wedding day.

THE DRESSES

Have your bridesmaids sport sparkling ensembles in a variety of styles to suit their body types. They will feel like princesses by your side while still matching the wedding theme. And if you really feel like making a statement, drench yourself in one of these gorgeous hues for a bold and sophisticated bridal gown.

THE CAKE

Your wedding cake is where you can really let metallics shine, and they fit with beautiful florals, geometric shapes, marble and many more trends. Even just having a simple white 3-tier cake with some metallic finishes is an elegant choice.

THE DECOR

Let your reception decor flourish with an array of gold, copper and silver pieces that provide a warm yet stylish setting for your guests to indulge. Take it to the silverware and table setting and mix in some greenery for something slightly more rustic, or opt for a glamorous affair with striking pieces.

THE FLOWERS

Create a metallic effect with your wedding florals by spray-painting your chosen shades on to fake greenery and flowers and arrange them amongst your bouquet or flower arrangements. It’s an easy way to glam up your wedding decor and add a touch of sparkle.

THE STATIONERY

When it comes to wedding stationery, there can never be too much glamour! You can opt for simple touches of metallic to liven up some pastel shades, or make it the focus of your theme. Have this flow throughout your wedding stationery, from the save-the-dates right through to the table menus.

Images: Pinterest

In Diy

Create your own DIY wedding journal

April 9, 2019 No Comments

If you’re someone who’s creative and loves to put their thoughts together in a collage, creating a DIY wedding journal for your big day is the way to go for organising, planning and brainstorming. Depending on your personal style, you can create your wedding journal in a number of ways:

1. MESSY COLLAGE

If you love doodling, pasting down pictures, using real-life references, like petals and fabrics, using a blank journal is the perfect start for you to create your wedding planner. You can create your own headings, lists, style references, and more to suit your creativity and make a wedding journal that is worth saving as a fond memory.

2. PLANNING DIARY

For someone who prefers neater, more organised and structured methods of planning, creating a wedding journal with matching fonts, colours and headings is definitely the best option. Nowadays, you can purchase digital wedding journals to download and put together yourself – still giving you the freedom to choose your base and play around with styles you prefer.

3. BUDGET-SAVVY

If all you’ve got are some pens and a notebook, but loads of creative talent, you can design a beautiful and personal wedding journal filled with doodles, lists, contact details, ideas and everything you want to put down to plan your big day.

Images: Pinterest

In Advice

10 ways to go green on your wedding day

March 19, 2019 No Comments

With a strong emphasis on living a sustainable life, there is more and more pressure to go green in all aspects of our lives – and that includes your wedding day. But going green for your big day is a lot easier than you think, and will give you plenty of options to play around with to create a unique event. From everything including your food down to your dress, check out our top 10 ways you can make your wedding more green.

1. LOCATION

Your wedding venue plays a big part in how your day will look, feel and be represented, but it’s also one of the key ways to making your wedding greener. Aim to choose a location that is already promoting sustainability with their food, electricity, water usage, etc. This will make it easier for you when sorting out your decor and catering. To save on fuel, try to find a venue that is more central so that most of your guests can carpool and travel shorter distances.

2. STATIONERY

When it comes to creating greener stationery, there’s plenty to play around with. Apart from it being a major trend in the digital era, creating a wedding website where your guests can find all the details and RSVP saves you on paper (and printing costs). As for the menus, seating charts and stationery present at the wedding, you can get creative with materials like recycled cotton for that high-end look. You can also get away with only one menu per table, instead of giving one to each individual guest.

3. DIY

While DIY doesn’t necessarily equal planet-friendly, creating things yourself will help you keep track of the materials and methods you’re using so that you can avoid anything harmful. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for second-hand or recycled goods that can be used to for your wedding decor. For example, placing candles or organic flowers inside old mason jars can create a rustic look on the tables for your wedding reception.

4. FLOWERS

Source the flowers for your wedding from a local organic florist, or even plant them and pick them yourself from your garden. Try to use florals that don’t require a lot of water – succulents are beautiful and modern – and create a beautifully unique arrangement. They can even serve as your wedding favours too, so your guests can take them home and plant them in their own gardens.

5. FAVOURS

There is a wide variety of thoughtful and fun wedding favours when it comes to sticking to green options. Spoil your guests with some herbal tea leaves and a personalised ‘Thank You’ note, or offer them organic seeds that they can grow at home to symbolise your new journey of growth with your loved one. Plants, birdseed or homemade organic beauty products are also lovely options.

6. THE DRESS

Every bride wants that special and unique dress that feels perfectly made for her, but this can be an expensive and taxing reality. It’s much greener and cheaper to hire a dress or have a vintage one altered to suit you. However, if you do plan on buying a dress or having one made, aim to use more planet-friendly materials and create a piece that you will be able to wear again or pass down.

7. FOOD

If your venue is sustainable and offers catering, it’s a perfect deal! If not, look for a caterer that makes use of organic produce. Maybe even opt for going completely meat-free for your wedding menu and serve colourful fresh foods for your guests to enjoy that have a lower impact on the environment.

8. CONFETTI

Instead of plastic or paper confetti, opt for flower petals (which are much softer), birdseed, grains or plant seeds. These make light and pretty confetti pieces that can be carried in hand-woven baskets or bowls to save on plastic or paper cups. They are also affordable, easy to find and utterly unique.

9. DECOR

Try to avoid any paper or plastic use. Rather use proper cotton napkins, bare tables and chairs, and lots of greenery. Write your table numbers on rocks, pebbles or shells, and ask friends and family for spare decorations and table settings that you can borrow just for the day. Mismatched decor may just be the next trend!

10. RINGS

A family heirloom or vintage ring is the perfect way to lower your environmental impact on the planet, while still spoiling your other half with something precious. Alternatively, you can source your ring from companies that work with recycled metals and gemstones and have fair trade labour practices to create a sustainable option for you and your partner.

Image: Unsplash

In Weddings

Real wedding: Braai in style with Jana & MC

March 1, 2019 No Comments

Combining her love of luxury with his passion for South African cuisine, Jana van der Spuy and MC Leonard’s wedding featured the best of both worlds.

THE VENUE

Our venue, Cabrières, was a dream come true! Not only was it the views that sealed the deal, but it was the lovely Jane Jordaan who kept us there. The venue was chic enough for me and down-to-earth enough for my husband.

THE THEME

We didn’t really have a theme, however, we tried to incorporate both our passions – style and luxury, with comfort and a braai! We wanted our wedding to really represent us as a couple, and I think we completely nailed it.

THE DRESSES

Both of my incredible dresses were made by Cindy Bam, who happens to be one of my best friends, so I may be slightly biased! I can’t imagine anyone else making my dream wedding dress come to life the way she did. As my traditional wedding dress was quite dramatic, we opted for a very simple silk-chiffon tattoo-lace dress for the reception party.

THE DECOR

Our wedding decor was mostly inspired by the less-is-more look, with lots of candles in gold candlesticks and home-made pink flower candle holders. Each table setting had a personalised handwritten letter with an accompanying menu and napkin. At the venue entrance, guests were greeted to 1.5m candelabras and a huge flower bouquet.

THE FOOD

We both have a slight obsession with braaiing, so our canapés, which were plankie–steak, mini roosterkoek and chicken kebabs, were made in this way and served alongside salad. Our main meal consisted of lamb roulade filled with spinach, feta and mushrooms, and roast veggies, a green salad and pumpkin fritters.

THE DETAILS

My dad passed away just before my 16th birthday and, for obvious reasons, walking down the aisle was quite a heart-wrenching idea for me. However, my mom walked me down the aisle with my dad there in spirit – my sister-in-law, Laurika, gave me a locket with a picture of my dad to tie around my bouquet. Other than my wedding band, it’s one of my most treasured gifts, and when I have a tough day, I wear it around my neck for support.

THE FIRST DANCE

We opened the dance floor with ‘I Love You Will Still Sound The Same’ by Oh Honey. It was a challenge for us to decide on a song that we both loved and that could stand the test of time. We bought confetti cannons and asked two of our friends to pop them for us during the dance.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Dresses: Cindy Bam
Hair: Carma Hair Studio
Rings: Black Key Diamonds
Flowers: Christa Chambers and Jane Jordaan at Detail Me Pretty
Decor & stationery: IC Graphix
Lighting: Best Event
Venue & catering: Cabrières
Audio-visual & DJ: Prime Audio
Photography: Duane Smith Photography
Videography: MW Productions
Hiring: Functions4U and Detail Me Pretty

In Planning

10 not-so-obvious first dance songs

February 28, 2019 No Comments

Weddings are all about celebration and coming together. But most of all, weddings are about love. Finding all of these elements in one song that you and your partner both enjoy is no easy feat, which is why we tend to fall back on old wedding classics (or every single Ed Sheeran song). While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, it’s important to remember the tune you pick will hold memories that last a lifetime, and to hear your wedding song blasted on the radio for months on end can be a bit – well – annoying.

If you really want to opt for a wedding classic for your song, consider using a cover or having someone perform the track on the day for a more personal experience. But for those who prefer something out of the ordinary, see our top 10 picks of wedding songs for the alternative couple.

1. Issues – Julia Michaels