• Category

    Weddings

    Category
    In Advice

    Dinner Service: Buffet vs. Plated

    No Comments

    Should you serve a plated dinner or buffet dinner at your wedding? A few things to consider when making this decision: What sort of atmosphere are you trying to create? What is your budget? And how many guests will be attending?

    Generally, a buffet dinner is much more casual than a plated dinner as the evening is less structured than a plated dinner. A plated dinner can be structured in the sense than you can plan speeches and toasts and even dancing in between courses. If you want your wedding to be a formal affair, then serving a plated dinner is the best option. Plated dinners ensure that there is no chaos that could come with buffet dinners when everyone goes to get their food.

    With a plated dinner, everyone eats at the same time and will be finishing up at the same time and you can move on to the next part of the evening.

    In order to control the chaos that comes with buffets, you have to think of ways to control the traffic by setting up lines to get food or setting up two buffet tables with the same food to limit long lines or sometimes even scheduling times for each table to go and get their food. This results in each table eating at different times and can hinder your desired proceedings for after dinner.

    Buffet caters for larger groups and a variety of tastes, meaning there is usually something for everyone, which is appreciated by your guests. But being served is also appreciated; and if you offer special meals for people with dietary requirements, everyone will be happy.

    Budget-wise, it is tricky to determine which style of dinner service is more cost-effective as there are many factors that will influence the cost of the type of dinner service that is chosen.

    Buffet style is generally considered more cost-effective as you do not have to hire as many waitstaff as you would have to if you do plated. However, you cannot determine exactly how much food will be needed and can therefore end up over-catering or have the possibility of running out of food.

    Plated dinners are easier to plan as the caterer will know exactly how many portions of each dish are needed and there is no possibility of waste or running out of food. You can also save in this way as you control each persons’s portion size.

    At the end of the day, it is your wedding and you will need to decide on the type of atmosphere you are trying to create. If you want a formal wedding, a plated dinner service is the better option as it is much more structured and guests are not expected to stand around and attempt to balance their plates while trying to get their food all the while being in their formal clothing.

    If you want a more casual wedding then buffet is the better option because  guests have the freedom to structure their own evening by eating when they want and how much they want, just ensure there is enough food.

     

    Image: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    Should you tip your wedding vendor?

    No Comments

    By Mariska van Zyl

    There’s no denying that planning your wedding can be exciting, overwhelming and very expensive. So establishing a budget and planing ahead is crucial. There are a few hidden costs when it comes to your wedding day, tipping vendors being one of them.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    @adellet all the way from australia!!

    A post shared by Justin & Simone Photography (@justinandsimone) on

    Photographers & Videographers:
    It’s not necessary to tip the photographer and videographer if they own their own business as all the costs will usually be included in the contract. If you feel that they went the extra mile you can add an additional amount to the agreed price or you can send a thank you gift after the wedding.

    Catering staff and Bartenders:
    If your contract doesn’t include tip, you should tip 10 to 20 percent of the total catering bill. If you have an open bar, bartenders do expect to receive a tip from guests as they serve the drinks but it isn’t necessary as they’ll already receive a fixed amount from the venue.

    Hair & Makeup artist:
    When you hire a hair and makeup artist that owns their own business, you aren’t obligated to tip them. However, if you go to a salon you are expected to tip as you would going for a normal appointment.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    This forest ceremony area is just mind blowing at @beloftebos_wedding_venue What do you guys think?

    A post shared by Kobus Tollig (@kobustollig) on

    Officiant:
    While it isn’t customary to tip religious officiants, however if you want to thank them for their service, you can send them a thoughtful gift or better, make a donation to their place of worship.

    Musicians and DJs:
    If you are hiring an independent band or DJ, you aren’t obligated to tip, however when the band or DJ is being booked through an agency, tipping each member is standard.

    Tips are meant to to be given to vendors who go above and beyond their contracted duties, so remember to have a look at the vendors’ contracts to see if any gratuity is added in the costs. If your budget is tight, there are other ways of giving “tips”. You can give your vendors excellent reviews or refer them to other friends that are getting married.

    Picture: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Wedding Gowns

    Wedding dresses to dip-dye for

    No Comments

    When it comes to weddings, the small unique details make every moment memorable. There’s simply no better way to personalise your dress than by adding hand-dipped colour details.

    Artist Taylor Ann treats weddings dresses like canvases and creates amazing works of art that suit the exact style of each bride that dawns them.

    Taylor takes a blank dress and adds a touch of personality that not only makes the dress look like a designer piece but also helps to incorporate the specific style and favourite colours of each woman who wears them.

    “I’m just an Artist that wanted a wedding dress as colorful as my soul; then found out I wasn’t the only one.
    Custom Bridal Art Creations are now my specialty.”

    The dress that started it all was Taylor’s very own wedding dress. An image of her amazing Technicolor creation skyrocketed to fame being shared across social media and even featured in popular UK magazines.

    The idea of incorporating shocking colours into a wedding dress took the world by storm.

    What seemed as though it would be a once-off creation has turned into a booming business and brides all over the world are looking to have their dresses hand painted and dip-dyed.

    Now Taylor specialises in helping brides bring the colours of their soul out onto their dresses and she doesn’t spare any work to make sure they’re perfect.

    From sunsets to hand-painted flower details, the sky is the limit with this unique personalising technique.

    Each work Taylor creates is different from the one before and truly gives each bride a masterpiece to wear on their special day.

    Picture: Facebook

    https://www.taylorannart.com/shop

    https://www.instagram.com/taylorannart/

    https://www.facebook.com/TaylorAnnArt/

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    Which classic wedding hairstyle is right for you?

    No Comments

    When it comes to hairstyles for your wedding day, you need to take account for the type of hair that you have. This will help to determine what kind of style will work best.

    You also need to consider what comes with each style in terms of needed products and up-keep/touch ups. If you don’t want to worry about what your hair looks like, then choose a style that is quite structured. These generally come with little maintenance.

    For styles that are less structured, as you will either have to have a touch up at some point or accept the fact that your hair will look different to how it was when the wedding started.

    So let’s take a look at each classic hairstyle and you can decide which one will work best for you.

    Bun

    You can choose a high bun or a low bun, both are elegant looks. A bun keeps your hair in place for the whole event. It is also a great option if you don’t like having your hair in your face. It’s also great for those who get hot easily as having the back of the neck open helps one to keep cool. The bun style also allows for you to add hair accessories or clip your veil into the bun.

    Half up/half down

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    ❤️❤️❤️??? #

    A post shared by Olga Hampshire wedding hair (@bridal_hairstylist) on

    This is hairstyle is for those who want to keep their hair out of their face but still want the flowing look. It is, however, difficult to keep the hair in place throughout the wedding. If you do decide on this style, you should be okay with your hair being a little messier towards the end of the event. This style works for most hair lengths and textures.

    Ponytail

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    SWIPE LEFT – It’s WEDDING (natural)HAIR!!!!!!! My absolutely beautiful sister with her pony! Book @napturalrootz for all your hair needs! Located in Metro Detroit ❤️❤️❤️❤️ LOC EXTENSION SERVICES WILL BE OFFERED WITH NAPTURAL ROOTZ IN 2019!!!!! Stat Tuned & follow @napturalrootz @napturalrootz for UPDATES❗️❗️❗️❗️ #detroithairstylist #detroithairstylist #locrepair #menwithlocs #womenwithlocs #detroitbraider #locextensions #detroitlocspecialist #detroitsfinest #menwithlocs #passiontwist #boxbraids #naturalhair #fulanibraids #feedinbraids #boxbraidstyles #silkpress #blackownedbusiness #detroitsmallbusiness #bookwithme #supportblackownedbusinesses #supportblack #fauxlocs #ponytailweave #blacklove #weddinghair #weddinghairstyle #blackweddinghairstyles #blackweddings #detroitweddings #beyonce #beyoncehair

    A post shared by Mariah Zockheem (@napturalrootz) on

    You can do a high ponytail or a low one for a more romantic look. This style allows you to keep your hair out of your face and works for short and long, thick and thin hair. It also shapes your face.

    Loose, flowing curls

    This is an effortless and laid-back look. It works for most hair lengths and textures. Those with thicker hair might need a touch up as the weight of the hair will cause the curls to drop. Also, those with difficult hair will have to be weary of the weather because frizz is a real thing.

    Braids

    Braids are great for creating a styled look but still making sure that your hair is structured. If you have unruly hair, then a braid would be a good option for you. The only issue that comes with braids is that for them to work best, you can’t have any layering in your hair.

    Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, so of course you want to look your best but you also want to be comfortable and enjoy the day or night without constantly worrying about your hair.

    Image source: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    My favourite wedding moment

    No Comments

    Wedding Etc asked a group of brides and grooms to share their best memories of their weddings … and whether there was anything they’d do differently.

    1. COMPLETE SURPRISE

    ‘The thing that I enjoyed most about my wedding was NOT the planning. I am blessed to have a fabulous mom who did everything for me, all based on three Instagram pictures I showed her when I got engaged. I walked into the venue on the day not knowing a thing – I was blown away and appreciated every little detail. I felt like it was done for and not by me, which only made me feel more special on my special day. It’s a cliché, but it was a fairy tale and I thoroughly enjoyed every single bit of it. Thank God for moms!’
    – Zakia

    2. LIKE A PRINCESS

    ‘Being all dressed up isn’t usually me. I’m normally a plain Jane, but on the day, I felt like a completely different person with all of the make-up, the jewellery and the dress – like a princess!’
    – Paashanta

    3. DREAM GOWN

    ‘My most memorable moment was when my father told me how proud he was of me. After that, he walked me down the aisle with the biggest smile on his face. We decided to have a small wedding, so my dress wasn’t anything glamorous. If I could turn back the hands of time, I would get my dream gown, regardless of how big or small the wedding was.’
    – Stephanie

    4. LOVE IN BRAZIL

    ‘We started dating in Rio while we were doing mission work for our church. A few months later, we got married. There with no notice, and we wouldn’t change a thing about our small, impromptu South American wedding. I would have preferred it if my husband hadn’t left his honeymoon packing for the last minute (making him late for our wedding), but at least we can laugh about it now.’
    – Verna

    5. CAUGHT ON CAMERA

    ‘I enjoyed how relaxed the atmosphere was, despite it being my wedding. We had a destination wedding, so our entire family was on this relaxed holiday buzz. It was so refreshing and it made everyone that much more present. If we could change one thing, it would probably be our video. We spent so much time, money and effort on the photographer that, come time and budget for the videographer, we were quite limited. Our video is beautiful and captures the memories, but seeing how professionally done it could have been, with the fantastic technology nowadays, we secretly want to redo ours!’
    – Hassan

    6. RAIN DANCE

    ‘We got married in late December, and in a rain-starved Western Cape, so we didn’t really think we needed to have a plan in case the skies opened up. Well, they did – our wedding day was the only day it rained that whole summer. It was a blessing in disguise, though, because our very small wedding party all ended up huddling under a garden umbrella together, drinking wine (and the odd shot of tequila), laughing, smiling and taking turns to dance in the rain. Weddings don’t always go to plan, but they often turn out better than you could’ve ever imagined.’
    – Andrea

    7. LAUGHING ALL THE WAY

    ‘The best part of my wedding day was how much fun I had. I expected it to be a stressful day, but that wasn’t the case at all. My husband and I laughed so much and we weren’t stressed at all. The only thing
    I regret is that we didn’t take enough photos and I wish we had planned a bit better when it came to time management.’
    – Yumna

    8. THE FIRST LOOK

    ‘The best part of my wedding day was when I saw my wife for the first time. She looked absolutely angelic. It was at that moment that I realised that I would be spending every day with the most beautiful woman in the world. I don’t think there’s anything I would change about that day.’
    – Rameez

    Image: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    Throw the best wedding ever in 7 simple steps

    No Comments

    Want a truly unforgettable wedding day? Of course you do! Pull it all together and throw the best wedding ever with our simple 7-step guide.

    1. CONSIDER HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER

    Many couples set out thinking they can accomplish planning a wedding on their own. In the case of smaller weddings, this is definitely achievable, but if you have big plans for yours, hiring an experienced professional is the way to go. Other than having the benefit of them taking the reins and allowing you to really enjoy yourselves, wedding planners can customise specific packages according to your needs and budget, and recommend trusted vendors they have worked with in the past.

    2. TAKE TIME TO GREET ALL OF YOUR GUESTS

    Some of them will have travelled from far just to attend your wedding. Show them just how much you appreciate their presence by taking time to greet everyone. It doesn’t have to be all at once – spread the quality time throughout the evening so you get around to spending time with each person; whether it be a quick chat over a drink, visiting their table during dinner, or shaking it out later on the dance floor.

    3. SPEND 20 MINUTES JUST ENJOYING THE MOMENT

    It may seem like an obvious thing to do, but you’ll probably be so wrapped up in other aspects of the wedding that you may even forget to just take a deep breath, relax and live in the present moment. Set aside a few minutes to tell your spouse how much you appreciate them and how you’re looking forward to experiencing this next chapter of your lives together.

    4. CREATE CHARGING STATIONS

    We’re sure you don’t want your guests glued to their phones the entire night, but having a few plug points with chargers available in well-placed areas is a nice (not to mention modern) way to show your guests you care. This will also encourage them to capture some pics for Instagram, so be sure to put up a sign nearby with your wedding hashtag if you have one.

    5. HAVE AN MC

    While it may seem unnecessarily formal, choosing a family member or friend with a commanding voice to be the master of ceremonies on the day will come in handy for announcements or gathering people for group photos. Try to keep speeches to a minimum to maximise dining and social time.

    6. ASK FOR SONG REQUESTS

    A great way to make sure your guests are grooving it up on the dance floor until the early hours is to ask them for song ideas. Lock down the ones that are most special to you and your partner first, but pepper the big day with submissions from your friends and family. Ask them to RSVP with their top pick, or allow them to ask the DJ to play their favourite tracks on the day.

    7. SERVE LATE-NIGHT SNACKS

    If you plan to extend the wedding festivities late into the night, you may want to cater for those still standing. The last thing you want is for your guests to go home hungry, so hire a food truck to dish out midnight snacks, such as boerie rolls, popcorn cones and gourmet sliders, or simply order a few pizzas for the really ravenous. A coffee stand is also a great option – guests will be grateful for a warming pick-me up.

    Picture: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Fashion

    5 autumnal bridal looks we can’t get enough of

    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

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Venues

    Our 5 favourite winter wedding spots in South Africa

    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

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Wedding Cakes

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

    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

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Accessories

    Embrace metallics for your wedding day

    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

    by
    Continue Reading