Weddings Archives | Page 181 of 190

In Advice

10 quirky wedding ideas perfect for summer

November 27, 2018 No Comments

Make your big day a fun and festive affair with exciting and thoughtful quirky wedding ideas perfect for a beautiful summer’s day!

1. A FLOWER WALL

A flower wall can create a stunning fixture for your guests to take photographs. Make sure to use bright summer blooms to suit your theme.

2. OUTDOOR GAMES

Let your guests bring out their inner child with fun outdoor games during the wedding reception. See our favourites here.

3. DRINK INFUSIONS

There’s nothing like fresh fruit infusions to quench your thirst under the hot sun. Set up a station with fresh and summery drink infusions where guests can fill up a glass every now and then.

4. FESTIVAL VIBES

Go full carnival for your big day with mini rides, food stalls and games your guests can take part in.

5. LANTERNS

Decorate the interior or exterior of your venue with paper lanterns for a stunning whimsical effect. You can even give your guests wish lanterns and send them off altogether in a beautiful display.

6. PICNIC TIME

If you plan on having an outdoor wedding, set up picnic blankets and pillows for guests to relax on the lawns.

7. BONFIRE BRAAI

Following the picnic theme, light a bonfire or braai as the evening gets cooler for your loved ones to socialise around, marshmallows included!

8. SCENTED CANDLES

Decorate your tables with scented candles with fragrant floral scents that act as both a sweet display and keep the bugs away.

9. ICE CREAM STATION

Spoil your guests with yummy frozen scoops of ice cream at an ice cream station to keep cool during your big day.

10. FIREWORKS

Celebrate your nuptials with an extravagant display of fireworks over your venue that will both enchant and excite your guests.

Images: Pinterest

In Advice

Should you serve a buffet or plated meal at your reception?

November 26, 2018 No Comments

One of the most difficult parts of planning your wedding food is deciding whether you want a buffet or plated meal. We’ve laid out the pros and cons so you can easily decide what’s best for you.

A PLATED MEAL

The facts

A plated meal is the more traditional meal option, where your guests are each served three courses, plus canapés before the reception. Caterers will usually give guests an option of two to three main meals (with a vegetarian option as one of them).

The pros

All of your guests get their food at the same time. Since you know what everyone is eating, caterers will only buy for that amount of people, which makes it a more cost-effective option. You can also plan the entertainment – dancing, speeches and any surprises –
in-between each course.

The cons

It needs more waitstaff, which can get expensive (if your wedding package includes servers, however, this won’t be a concern). And more than likely, you and your partner will choose options based on what you love to eat, which may not appeal to everyone.

A BUFFET

The facts

Self-serve stations are set up. You can also hire servers to stand behind each warmer and dish up for the guests, which tends to be more hygienic and controlled. It is the non-traditional, more casual catering option.

The pros

Fewer servers will be needed and you can cut catering costs. You will also be able to serve more food options – which is a good idea, considering all the allergies, diets and intolerances guests may have. It encourages guests to mingle and chat, creating a relaxing atmosphere before party time.

The cons

Whether tables take turns heading up to the buffet or a long line forms, your guests will have to queue and wait for their food. If the buffet is not included in your catering package, you will have to rent the tables, linen, serving platters and warmers, which can be costly. People will always dish up more if they serve themselves, and caterers know this – the extra food purchased will beef up your catering bill. Guests milling around carrying plates laden with food may not bring the sense of elegance to the occasion that most couples would like.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

5 wedding hair trends to inspire you

November 22, 2018 No Comments

No matter your haircut, length or texture, these wedding hair trends are just for you. Check out some of our favourites for this season.

1. TIE THE KNOT

Take notes from stitch and knot techniques, and incorporate them into low ponytails and buns. Leanne Marshall, Marchesa and Mila Schön all included knot detailing in their runway looks, proving that this trend can be super-chic for any bride who wants an understated yet striking style. As an added bonus, should your knot start coming undone during the evening, you can let it loose and have perfectly wavy strands for a more relaxed look.

2. SLEEK AND CHIC

Best suited for brides with poker-straight strands or a shorter cut. Pull your hair back into a low ponytail, or opt for a sleek and shiny topknot that will stay in place, no matter how much fun you have. Be sure to tame any flyaways or baby hairs with a couple of drops of an anti-frizz serum or oil. Alternatively, show off your attention-worthy earrings with a middle parting and tucked-away strands for an uber-cool approach, as seen at Sachin & Babi.

3. BRAID OF HONOUR

Probably the biggest hair trend at the moment! Usually thought of as a more free-spirited Bohemian style, braids are being incorporated into bridal hairdos in new ways, proving to be perfectly sophisticated. For the bride seeking a classic style with a hint of romanticism and whimsy, any kind of braid can be altered to fit your personal style. Try a Dutch or milkmaid plait with wispy pieces for a Boho take, or sleek miniature braids neatly tucked away for a contemporary look.

4. A NEW WAVE

Curls will always be a winner, whether they are soft, beachy waves or mega-bouncy Hollywood twirls. This can be tricky if your hair is super-straight, so if you wish to go curly on your big day, rather opt for waves and add a tiara or birdcage veil for a cool-girl effect. If you have naturally curly hair, embrace it with a volumising mousse and a frizz-tamer to smooth flyaways.

5. UPDATED UPSTYLING

Gone are the days of an updo being confined to a little nest on top of your head with hundreds of pins holding your hair in place. The modest style gets reinvented with modern details to embrace a bride’s natural texture, adding tiaras, flowers or headpieces, as seen at Lela Rose, Theia and Mark Zunino. Whether you prefer your hair slightly dishevelled and tousled, or slick and neat, the classic chignon can offer the answer.

In Advice

5 statement veils that won’t make you look tacky

November 19, 2018 No Comments

Your veil doesn’t just have to be a piece of chiffon you plonk on your head, these statement veils have become the ultimate piece for the chic bride this season.

1. CATHEDRAL

The most dramatic of all the veils, with a minimum length of 2.5 m. The veil usually has plenty of lace and embroidery detail to further enhance the dramatic effect, and can sometimes even have a mantilla finish incorporated on top. It is best worn with an updo or bun that has been tightly secured, as the veil can be heavy!

2. CAPE

This is for you if you’re not a fan of the traditional veil, but still like the idea of having one. A cape is worn over the shoulders, and the possibilities for hairstyles are countless, as there are no restrictions. For a sophisticated look, go for a topknot or sleek ballerina bun; for a more Boho feel, opt for loose, textured curls.

3. FINGERTIP

The fingertip veil comes down to just where your fingertips are when your arms are relaxed. Best worn with a delicate updo or low ponytail so that the veil can be clipped into the back and still reach the fingertips. For a softer effect, hold the veil in place higher on your head with a headpiece so that it falls softly over your shoulders like loose curls.

4. BLUSHER

This is the part of the veil that covers the face, and comes in different lengths and styles. Although the more traditional option is to keep the blusher short, other styles use it to more dramatic effect, such as a longer-length veil with an equally long blusher. This veil works well with any soft, romantic hairstyle whether a low bun with loose strands or hair worn completely down. Stay away from a high ballerina bun, as you want to avoid having volume on top of your head. It can be held in place with an Alice band or tiara, but can also be delicately draped over your head if the edges have heavier finishes to weigh it down.

5. BALLET/WALTZ

This veil falls between the calves and ankles. It’s longer and more dramatic than a fingertip veil, but shorter and easier to dance in than a floor-length option. Best for a shorter hairstyle or a lower updo, where it can be clipped in securely.

In Accessories

Outdoor wedding games to celebrate your summer nuptials

November 19, 2018 No Comments

Give your guests a day they’ll never forget (and something to do while you have your photos done) with fun and creative outdoor wedding games perfect for a summer soiree! From jJengato karaoke, the list of fun activities is endless.

By Taryn Wilson

1. BRIDE & GROOM TRIVIA

Let your guests put their knowledge to the test in an exciting game of bride and groom trivia with fun questions relating to your relationship.

2. GIANT CHESS

If you’re hosting your big day at a big outdoor venue, be sure to include this fun and competitive game for your guests to take part in. Use giant chess pieces, or simply paint big water containers black and white to fit the chess board theme.

3. POKER

Adding a few poker tables to your reception area is a great way to keep guests entertained, and can go along with a fun casino wedding theme.

4. WORD SEARCH

Set up a chalkboard word game with words relating to your big day and let guests use their skills to find them all.

5. DRESS UP PHOTO BOOTH

Go big with your photobooth and include boxes with dress-up goodies. You can even be funky and include a few Snapchat filter look-a-likes to get some great pics and loads of laughs.

6. BOARD GAMES GALORE

Stack up on all of your favourite boardgames and lay them outside on a table with some picnic blankets for fun activies that will remind your guests of fond childhood memories.

7. KARAOKE

This one’s always a winner! One way to get the party started at your reception is to set up a karaoke station and get everyone to take part in singing their favourite hits.

8. PIN THE TIE ON THE GROOM

Similar to pin the tail on the donkey, set up a picture of the man of the hour and get guests to attempt to pin on a tie while blindfolded. It’ll be loads of fun!

9. LOTS OF LEGO

If you have children at your wedding, setting up a play area with big lego pieces will keep them busy and entertained during your reception. It may even attract some adult guests too!

10. A JENGA STATION

You can’t go wrong with Jenga! This simple game is an easy way to let your guests have a great time. Set up a few Jenga games on some tables and let your guests do the rest.

Image: Pinterest

In Weddings

Real wedding: Raelene & Nathaniel

November 16, 2018 No Comments

Former Miss Teen SA Raelene Rorke and Bostonian Nathaniel Clarke brought their two worlds together for a special weekend-long celebration in Hoedspruit.

THE VENUE

We loved the setting of Kapama River Lodge. It’s so luxurious and was big enough to accommodate 126 people comfortably, with lots of different areas to entertain our guests throughout the weekend – we didn’t have to use the main hall until the night of the actual wedding! The Kapama team was unreal, and the game drives were filled with wildlife action (almost everybody had an incredible viewing story). It was such a perfect safari-wedding experience.

THE THEME

With some 40 of our guests visiting Africa for the first time, the weekend was about them as much as it was about us, so the decision to have a safari wedding was an easy one. The theme was vintage African bush. We had a very romantic candlelit spit-braai under the stars on the Friday evening, with local dancers for entertainment, and finished with a traditional Xhosa wedding ceremony. Everybody came in traditional clothing and learnt some local dance moves!

THE DRESS

I had chosen a dress way before the wedding date, but it got stuck at customs and was shipped back to the US. I tried on about 25 other dresses in Joburg, but they all started looking alike to me. On a trip to Boston before our wedding, I went to Vows Bridal Outlet and fell in love with three dresses, which I had no idea were all from the same designer, Monique Lhuillier. I chose the one I felt most comfortable in; it was perfect!

THE DECOR

We kept the decor natural and elegant – canvas chairs, a hessian carpet for the aisle and lots of greenery, with a pink, red and lime green colour scheme for the flowers. The reception was set in a beautiful dining hall with simple wooden furniture, huge chandeliers, more than 200 candles and plenty of romantic roses.

THE FOOD

We worked with the hotel to plan a simple, elegant menu that had something for everybody: roasts, vegetables, and for the starter, hearty soup. It was delicious. We also ordered 11 of our favourite cakes from Châteaux Gâteaux and had their Mozart cake (layers of Japonais with hazelnut praline cream and chocolate shavings) for our wedding cake.

THE DETAILS

There were so many amazing moments throughout the weekend, but at about 10 pm on the night of our reception, the skies opened up with a torrential downpour – the first of the season! Rainfall on your wedding day is meant to be a blessing, and as the area was experiencing an extreme drought, the timing was even more special.

We also asked guests to donate to Umgazana Primary School, near my hometown in the Eastern Cape, instead of giving us gifts.

THE FIRST DANCE

‘There Will Be Time’ by Mumford & Sons

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Venue: Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Private Game Reserve
Photography: Louise Meyer Photographers
Co-ordination: Adiel Tryon at Umvini
Rings: Park Lane Jewels
Flowers: Flower Market
Decor: The Wedding Warehouse
Stationery: Lime By Design
Cakes & dessert: Château Gâteaux
Band: Tokyo Groove

In Destination

Make your wedding a royal affair at the Royal St Andrews Hotel

November 13, 2018 No Comments

Set in the picturesque town of Port Alred and along the Sunshine Coast, the Royal St Andrews Hotel prides itself on its luxury service and beautiful facilities. With a range of options at your disposal, you’re spoiled for choice with what’s on offer at this magnificent venue.

THE VENUE

The venue hosts up to 160 guests, and couples can arrange to have both their ceremony and reception on site. With a state-of-the-art ballroom, incredible gardens and the exquisite beach backdrop, you’ll have everything you need and more for your dream day. Guests can enjoy canapés and cocktails in the modern and scenic courtyard whilst they await your arrival, before moving to the dining area with high ceilings and glass doors perfect for transforming the wedding reception area.

THE FOOD

Being part of the award-winning Manti Collection, the Royal St Andrews Hotel is renowned for its delicious cuisine, hospitality and a one-stop wedding weekend itinerary. The Thistle restaurant boasts a decadent menu and extensive wine list fit for catering to your big day.

THE ROOMS

The luxury rooms allow you to get settled in style before your wedding day, and also offer the perfect honeymoon escape. With ten elegant rooms in the Heritage section and another fifty stylish suites, there is more than enough space for your guests and bridal party.

THE FACILITIES

Be whisked away on a romantic Kowie River Cruise, or spend your time lounging at the on-site Camelot spa in the outdoor jacuzzi. The hotel also offers croquet, golf and beach horse rides, all suited to a full wedding weekend for you and your guests.

For more information, visit www.royalstandrews.co.za.

In Advice

Lookbook: A midsummer night’s dream

November 12, 2018 No Comments

As night falls, the forest becomes a scene of drama and mystery, complemented by plush fabrics and rustic details. Scroll through our magical lookbook for all your forest-themed wedding inspiration.

From left: Brass candleholders (to hire), Propeller Props; silver candleholders (to hire), Plush Props; tall candleholders, @home; small jug, flask and medium jug (to hire), all Plush Props; tapas bowl and cutlery, both Check My China; dinner plate, side plate, wine glass, tall glass with short stem and short glass with short stem, all Woolworths; linen, Fabric City; velvet runner, Fabric Centre

Rolled menus, Secret Diary; feathers, Epanouir Flower Studio

Cake from, Kanya Hunt from The Hunt House Kitchen; cake stand (to hire), Check My China; velvet fabric, Fabric Centre; crystal wine glass, Woolworths

Plate and spoon (to hire), both Check My China; blueberries, Pick n Pay; bottle, Merrypak; thank-you tag, Secret Diary; glass, Woolworths

Chairs (to hire), Propeller Props; fairy lights and ping-pong balls, both Game

Menu, Secret Diary; feathers, Epanouir Flower Studio

Decor styling: Francoise Jeanne de Villiers
Food styling: Chiara Turilli
Photography: Gareth van Nelson
Venue: D’Aria, Cape Town

*Products all subject to availability

In Weddings

Real wedding: Ané & Marius get married between heaven and earth

November 2, 2018 No Comments

Surrounded by their nearest and dearest, Ané Bartleman and Marius Eksteen celebrated their special day on a sprawling estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

THE VENUE

We scoured the internet for a venue, which is where I stumbled across Bona Dea Private Estate. I lined up three venues for us to view around Cape Town in one day, but Bona Dea was our first and last stop. It is truly the most spectacular venue along the Whale Coast. With astonishing views, a lavish ballroom (as well as perfectly groomed gardens), we knew our guests would be entertained at all times.

THE THEME

We really wanted an elegant, exciting, fun and comfortable wedding. We all had a blast over a long weekend with wine tasting, great food and even some whale-watching! Our wedding day was even better than we imagined it would be.

THE DRESS

My dress was made by Casper Bosman of Casper Designer Wear in our hometown of Bloemfontein. I wanted something very simple, fitted and sophisticated. There were times I thought I should add something here or there, but your first instinct is always the best choice.

THE DECOR

We wanted decor that wouldn’t date, so went for a clean look and feel with shades of grey, silver and white. Bona Dea has a wide variety of decor options available for a perfectly tailored wedding. We loved everything from the tree branches and fairy lights dangling from the ceiling to the delicate flowers and gorgeous cake stand.

THE FOOD

For our entrée, we had a creamy wild mushroom and biltong soup. The main course was beef fillet on a bed of vegetables with pumpkin fritters – absolutely delicious! Our wedding cake was just perfect. I found a picture on Pinterest and we were so lucky to have Charlotte from Krummels Sugar Art make a red velvet cake, with cute cake toppers that looked like Marius and me.

THE FIRST DANCE

I’m a dance teacher, so this was crucial. Afrikaans music is great to dance to, so we opted for Juan Boucher’s ‘Gebore Om By Jou Te Wees’.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Co-ordination, decor & venue: Bona Dea Private
Photography: Johan Koegelenberg Photography
Flowers: The Flower Scene
Cake: Krummels Sugar Art
Catering: Two Chefs
Audio-visuals & DJ: Event Music Solutions

In Diy

Ready, set, wed! Your wedding planning timeline

November 1, 2018 No Comments

Your wedding planning timeline is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s how to stay sane and make sure everything – from the big stuff to the tiniest detail – gets ticked off your list.

12+ MONTHS BEFORE

1. Create a wedding file or make a Pinterest board to keep track of all your ideas and inspiration.
2. Work out your budget.
3. If you’re going to hire a wedding planner, do that now.
4. Choose your date and reserve a venue (one of these is likely to depend on the other).
5. Book the venue for your reception, if it’s going to be different to the ceremony venue.
6. Choose the wedding party.
7. Start planning your guest list.
8. Book your officiant.
9. Choose and book an MC (see tips on page 40).
10. Have an engagement party, keeping in mind that anyone invited to this should also feature on your wedding guest list.

9-12 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Order your dress or book a designer.
2. If they’re not included in your venue hire, choose a caterer.
3. Book your DJ or entertainment (including ceremony musicians).
4. Research and hire a photographer and videographer.
5. Book your florist.
6. Reserve accommodation for out-of-town guests and pay deposits.

6-9 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Meet with your officiant to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork covered.
2. Have invitations made.
3. Send out save-the-dates.
4. Start organising bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s suits and flower-girl outfits.
5. Start planning your honeymoon (including renewing your passport and getting any required vaccinations).

4-6 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Fit and purchase your rings.
2. Do tastings and order your cake.
3. Buy your wedding shoes (and start taking them to dress fittings).
4. Book your hairstylist and make-up artist.
5. Plan the big-day timeline.
6. Start choosing the playlist.
7. Contact rental companies for anything your venue isn’t providing, from seat covers to fancy Portaloos.
8. Book the venue for your rehearsal dinner.
9. Compile your registry.

3 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Finalise the menu.
2. Finalise the flowers.
3. Order wedding favours, if you’ll have any.
4. Choose people to give toasts
5. Buy your wedding lingerie.
6. Make your vendors aware of the day’s schedule (they may have helpful feedback).
7. Hire wedding-day transport.
8. Book your spa treatments for the week of your wedding.

2 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Send out invitations.
2. Meet with your photographer to discuss specific shots, locations and people to be photographed.
3. Do a trial hair and make-up run.
4. Have menus and programmes printed.
5. Write your vows.

4 WEEKS BEFORE

1. Make a list of your RSVPs and follow up with anyone who has not yet responded.
2. Make a seating chart and have place cards printed.
3. Have your final dress fitting. You should bring along your maid of honour so she can learn specifics such as how to lace your corset or bustle your train (we’re not kidding).

2 WEEKS BEFORE

1. Let your venue contact know about any special vendor requests, such as additional power outlets for the DJ or refrigeration for the cake.
2. Send your DJ your final playlist, including any songs you definitely don’t want to hear.
3. Have your pre-wedding haircut and colour.
4. Wear in your wedding shoes.
5. Stock the bar.

THE WEEK OF

1. Give venue and caterers a final headcount.
2. Confirm times, dates and final details with every vendor.
3. Hand over programmes, menus and place cards, and any hired or DIY decor, to your reception manager.
4. Delegate wedding-day and post-wedding tasks – someone to be in charge of getting your gifts home, someone to handle rental returns while you’re on honeymoon.
5. Pick up your dress!
6. Make sure the bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s suits and flower-girl attire are ready to go.
7. Pack for your honeymoon.
8. Make final payments to vendors, and prepare cash tip envelopes for waitstaff on the day.
9. Organise snacks and drinks for the dressing rooms.

THE NIGHT BEFORE

1. Rehearse the ceremony with your wedding party, immediate family and officiant.
2. Introduce the manager of your reception venue to the best man and maid of honour, or whomever you’ve delegated as the go-to person for any questions or problems during the reception.

THE BIG DAY!

1. Give the wedding bands to the best man and maid of honour.
2. Eat breakfast, stay hydrated and don’t rush!

Image: Unsplash