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    Black wedding decor inspiration that isn't depressing
    In Decor

    Black wedding decor inspiration that isn’t depressing

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    So, you love the colour black. For many reasons, it has stayed a classic in fashion throughout the years. Timeless, elegant and sophisticated.

    However, when it comes to events, some might tend to think of funerals or a Halloween theme when you mention black. But there is more to black than grief or scare tactics.

    It can also be stylish, glamorous, tasteful and inspiring. We take a look at some beautiful black wedding decor that still says: Yes, we are happy!

    If plain black feels too heavy, lighten it up with one metallic colour like silver or rose gold. White also works well, or another dark colour like maroon or purple.

     

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    Valentine's Day ideas to bring you and your loved one closer
    In Emotional

    Valentine’s Day ideas to bring you and your loved one closer

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    Valentine’s Day is drawing closer, and that means that you need to find the perfect present for your lover before time runs out.

    The past year has been tough, and it’s fair to say everyone deserves a bit of pampering. If you were planning a wedding or forced to postpone one during the madness of 2020, you are in even greater need of a special treat.

    This year, Valentine’s Day may look a little different since so many experiences and places are off the cards amid the pandemic. However, there are still some items that will stimulate and inspire intimacy in your relationship. For the most intensely intimate Valentine’s Day ever, choose from one of these amazing and affordable experiences.

    The sensual spa day

    You could easily book a couple’s massage, or you could opt for the more sensual, do-it-yourself approach. Run a bath with rose petals and light it up with candles to set the mood and get the relaxation going. Next up, pour some aromatic oils onto your partner and give them a massage from top to bottom. Not only will you be easing their strained muscles, but it will also bring you much closer, quite literally.

    A cooking class

    They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Regardless of gender, however, everyone loves a good meal. The satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself is even better. There are many cooking classes available in Cape Town, all you need to do is pick your favourite cuisine and roll up your sleeves. If you don’t have the cash right now, simply pop on your favourite Food Network show and recreate a dish at home. Learning a new skill together is a great bonding experience, and will encourage team-building skills as you work together.

    A photoshoot

    Selfies are great, but sometimes you need a professional to capture your true beauty. Hire a local photographer to take sweet images of you and your loved one. You could opt for an outdoor sunset shoot or a more intimate boudoir aesthetic, the style is completely up to you. In the years to come, you’ll look back at these images and reminisce on how in love you were (and hopefully still are!).

    Play the We’re Not Really Strangers card game

    We’re Not Really Strangers is a purpose-driven card game and movement all about empowering meaningful connections. There are three carefully crafted levels of questions and wildcards that allow you to deepen your existing relationships and create new ones. The original game offers questions suitable for friends, family and partners, while the relationship expansion pack delves deeper into being in love and what that means for you.

    Have a movie marathon

    We know, we know, you’ve probably spent all of 2020 watching movies in the comfort of your home. However, you can easily elevate the experience to make it more romantic. Build a fort, pop some popcorn and gather your favourite snacks, and find your cosiest blanket to cuddle under. Create a playlist of your favourite romantic films to get in the mood for love.

    Games night

    If you’re the competitive type, games may be right up your alley. From Scrabble to Trivia, it could be cute to challenge each other’s minds. Raise the stakes by making a bet: Whoever wins gets a romantic massage.

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    Why this Valentine's Day is something to make a big deal out of
    In Advice

    Why this Valentine’s Day is something to make a big deal out of

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    There are plenty of us who roll our eyes at the very idea of Valentine’s Day. The day of love has become so commercialised that many couples have opted out, and then there’s the argument that “every day should be Valentine’s Day”.

    But this year it’s all different. It’s been a difficult time for most since the onset of COVID-19. Many life partners have been tragically lost, and we’ve all generally had very little quality time with our significant others as we grapple with all the extra demands of living in a global pandemic.

    So if ever there was a Valentine’s Day to celebrate the love of your life, this is it! And here are some great ideas about how to make it special:

    Be day tourists in your city 

    This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, making it easy for couples to spend the entire day together. You could use the time to do some safe sight-seeing in your own city. For those in Johannesburg, you could explore the historical sites before grabbing a bite to eat or something to drink in Maboneng.

    If Cape Town is your home, what about a day out enjoying some of a long list of pocket-friendly experiences compiled by Cape Town Tourism. All the details on how to enjoy Cape Town for under just R150 per person can be found here. Or if you’re into art and culture, pop into Zeitz MOCAA for some of the best art on the continent all in one place.

    Make this year the year of the splurge 

    If you’re seeking a really special Valentine’s Day break, then definitely consider booking into one of the world’s top new hotels – Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge. Suspended over the Sabi River in the heart of the Kruger National Park, this hotel assures an exceptionally romantic getaway. Visitors enjoy a unique vantage point from above the river, soaking up unparalleled views of the Kruger National Park and the majestic Sabi River below.

    Do something different from the comfort of home

    Did you know that you can still enjoy a local jazz club’s cocktail hour, experience a cooking experience in France, take part in a dance class in Brazil, get involved in a fun scavenger hunt hosted by someone in the USA, or get your zen on in a meditation session with a Japanese monk – all from the safety of home? With Airbnb’s Online Experiences, you can explore the world from your sitting room, while also helping these Experience hosts continue to earn a living.

    Enjoy a stay-cation

    If you don’t want to venture too far from home, but you are keen to get away, then take a look at what hot deals your local hotels are offering for Valentine’s Day. Many hotels create special Valentine’s Day packages, like Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Cape Town, for example. Their special Valentine’s staycation includes a romantic picnic-style dinner in your room. You can enjoy it while watching the sunset over the ocean from your balcony – the perfect backdrop to a romantic getaway. If you’re not Cape Town-based, just get on to Google and check out the romantic escapes on offer in your own city.

    Have a dance party at home 

    If spending money isn’t on your agenda this Valentine’s Day, what about organising a fun, old-fashioned dance party at home?  Download YouTube music on to a device of your choosing and blast some of your favourite songs – or any songs significant to your relationship. Then take your significant other for a whirl around your living room dance floor! Love is free, after all.

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    Four perfect e-invites for your wedding
    In Planning

    Four perfect e-invites for your wedding

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    Wedding invites used to be printed and delivered to each address but technology is now helping us save the trees and our time.

    While e-invites used to be tacky, these days they are the most practical and often better solution. They have expanded beyond the standard, unflattering email. Now you can send beautifully designed invitations and have guests RSVP all through the same programme.

    The RSVP can also include important information you need from guests like food preferences, plus-one details and even a song request. You can then easily access these spreadsheets without having to have put them together yourself.

    Here are a few online sites that will do it all for you:

    E-Vite

    E-Vite offers free and premium invite options. The free versions are a bit simpler and don’t offer quite as much customisation but are a great option if you’re trying to save.

    Greenvelope

    Greenvelope allows you to upload your own custom design or use one of their templates. It has a built-in RSVP tracker which even reminds guests about RSVP deadlines if they are about to miss them. The pricing is scaled for the number of invites starting at R350 up to R1050.

    Paperless Post

    Paperless Post is one of the most popular e-invites on the market. You can add links to gift registries, to your wedding website and even guest accommodation options all within the beautifully designed online invite.

    Rsvpify

    RSVPify focuses more on the backend. While it has customisable design and you can create the perfect invite. It has a strong engagement tracking, You can see if who and how many people have opened the invite, who RSVPd and easy follow-ups.

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    Bring on the bling with a glitzy wedding dress
    In Wedding Gowns

    Bring on the bling with a glitzy wedding dress

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    Your engagement ring doesn’t need to be the only thing sparkling on your big day. If you subscribe to the ‘more is more’ belief, then your wedding is the perfect day to show that off.

    From glitter to beadwork, Swarovski crystals to diamanté, you have so many ways to elevate your wedding dress. The key with this trend is to opt for a simpler silhouette so that you don’t overwhelm your look. Some well-placed applique goes a long way in taking you from drab to fab.

    Here are some shining, shimmering, splendid bridal looks we are loving:

     

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    How to be the best wedding MC
    In Advice

    How to be the best wedding MC

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    When deciding on an MC for a wedding, many opt for their closest and loudest friends to lead the day. However, being the Master of ceremonies is a top job, and not everyone is cut out for it.

    If you’ve been asked to MC but you’re a bit nervous, fear not. All you need is some pre-planning and a lot of courage. Here are some tips to make sure you are on top of your game come wedding day.

    Fewer laughs, more sentimentality

    Weddings are all about sentimentality, so why not lean into it? Of course, you want to get guests laughing but humour is subjective, and some jokes will likely fail. This is why its best to be sincere and focus on the love of the bridal couple.

    Get the names right

    The most crucial rule with MCing is to get your facts right. There are many people involved in a wedding, and it’s easy to get things wrong if you’re not careful. Make sure you know how to pronounce the names and surnames of everyone giving a toast – you don’t want to offend your bestie’s new father-in-law!

    Custom-build your speech

    Don’t just turn to Google to write your speech and recycle the same tired jokes people have come to expect from weddings. Instead, spend some time thinking about what you’re going to say and get creative. It will help if you focus on the couple. Identify what is unique about them and their relationship, and then create something special based on that. 

    Keep an eye on the programme

    It’s always better to have a plan or programme of events written down to guide you on the day. Even if you know everything you need to say off by heart, having it written down will help to reassure you when your task begins. The running order and timing are extremely important. It is your job as MC to ensure that the guests are never left waiting for something, or that the food does not come out 20 minutes before it should be served. Know your schedule and keep to it.

    Be interactive

    Read through your speech as often as you can before you take the stage. This will ensure that you don’t spend the entire time looking down at a script. It will give you a chance to interact with the audience and make sure you use that shining personality that the bride and groom love about you! Remember, however, that you don’t have to stick strictly to your speech.

    Most importantly, no matter what happens, try to relax and enjoy the day. Just because you’re working the day, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!

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    COVID-19 couple wed in hospital moments before groom was intubated
    In Emotional

    COVID-19 couple wed in hospital moments before groom was intubated

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    An engaged couple was lucky enough to say their I do’s in hospital, moments before the groom needed to be sedated and put on a ventilator.

    Elizabeth Kerr, 31, and Simon O’Brien, 36, were both admitted to Milton Keynes University Hospital with breathing difficulties on January 9 after contracting COVID-19.

    The pair were kept in separate wards, and a kind nurse offered Kerr the opportunity to marry in the hospital as it may be their last chance, reports the BBC

    They began putting plans together but needed to fast track the wedding as the groom’s condition deteriorated further. On January 12, it was so severe that he needed to be put on a ventilator in the intensive care unit.

    The wedding ceremony was held in the ward moments before they intubated O’Brien. The ceremony was filmed for family and friends, and the hospital’s catering staff even provided a cake.

    “With lots of teamwork… we were able to give them a wedding, not necessarily the wedding that they would have initially intended, but certainly something positive, remarkable and memorable for them to really hold on to,” nurse Hannah Cannon told the BBC.

    Both are now recovering in hospital, and have been reunited in a recovery ward where they were able to kiss for the first time as a married couple.

    This wedding was a special moment for Kerr, one she is eternally grateful for.

    “If we hadn’t had each other and we hadn’t been given that opportunity to get married, I don’t think both of us would be here now,” she said.

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    Marvelous macaron towers to impress your guests
    In Wedding Cakes

    Marvelous macaron towers to impress your guests

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    Not one for wedding cake? There are so many unique alternatives that will please your sweet tooth. Among them is the macaron tower, a luxurious treat that stands proud.

    The beauty of macarons, like cake, is that it comes in so many delicious flavours. Match your tower to your wedding colours for synchronicity. While macaron towers are perfect on their own, but those wanting an extra special touch can add florals to elevate it.

    Macarons don’t come cheap, neither do wedding cakes. This may be a more affordable alternative for those lacking a big budget,

    Here are some terrific towers to inspire your own.

     

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    Tips for capturing indoor wedding pictures
    In Advice

    Tips for capturing indoor wedding pictures

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    Natural light is great, but it’s not always necessary. However, if you and your partner have opted for an indoor wedding, this adds another challenge for your photographer to capture all your special moments.

    If you are concerned about the lack of sunlight and unexpected shadows, fear not. All you need is an expert photographer and a sharp eye. Here are some tips for you to follow to ensure your day is picture-perfect.

    Voice your opinion

    Don’t be afraid to speak out. If you want a specific photo, mention it to your photographer. It is also a good idea to take your photographer around the venue and give them a shot list before the big day, so they can prepare accordingly. Remember that things can be moved and rearranged to better capture the space, so don’t be afraid to change things up.

    Focus on the guests 

    Candid moments of your guests are important to have because they serve as a memory and show the personality of your special occasion. Ideally, you have a key light source in the dining and reception area, and since your guests will already be gathered together the lighting should be mostly uniform.

    Embrace indoor lighting

    Indoor lighting creates a stunning moody vibe. Get your photographer to take a few shots of the venue before everyone arrives. Windows also create a stunning silhouette and the burst of natural light adds a unique moodiness to the images.

    Stand out from the darkness

    As a bride, you can use the darkness to your advantage. Indoor photos allow you the opportunity of having details, like your bouquet or train as the star of the photo, without the background or scenery stealing the show. Make sure to focus on detail shots of the getting ready process.

    Go for black and white photography

    A black and white image can turn a simple moment into a wow-worthy image. With this finish, you won’t have to worry as much about how lighting affects colours.

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    Ways to incorporate the sheer trend into your big day
    In Weddings

    Ways to incorporate the sheer trend into your big day

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    There’s a lot to be said about the sheer look, especially when it comes to a wedding. Translucent materials, both the fabric and the paper kind, can easily accentuate the elegance of the occasion.

    We’ve rounded up five ways in which sheer fabric and stationery can be effectively incorporated into your wedding, be it as part of your ensemble, or on every placemat at the reception.

    The dress

    Wearing a wedding dress made from sheer fabric is a great means to look radiant and daring while walking down the aisle. The delicacy of the material will give you an angelic, almost ethereal look, which is suitable for such a romantic occasion.

    This look will be enhanced if you are wearing several layers of the fabric. Also, given that sheer materials are so lightweight, you won’t have many hassles donning them on your wedding day.

    The veil

     

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    You might not be that keen on an outfit that’s got too much sheer. But there’s nothing wrong with a touch of it. That’s where the veil comes in. It’s not compulsory to wear one, but it’s a lovely embellishment to an outfit, and will almost certainly be made of sheer fabric.

    And if you’re dress is a bit simple, then your veil can add a bit of energy to the ensemble. For example, a veil that’s longer than most, or one that features an intricate detail will definitely turn heads.

    The décor

     

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    There are plenty of ways in which sheer materials can be used to decorate your wedding venue or reception area. Tie it around the back of the chairs or at the end of every pew; cover the tables in it; or hang it from the ceiling.

    What’s particularly satisfying about using see-through fabrics as décor is their subtlety. If you were to use a heavier fabric, the venues might begin to feel stuffy and claustrophobic after a while.

    The invitations

     

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    Stationery plays a bigger part than you might realise when it comes to planning a wedding. After all, the whole thing starts with an invitation. And this is where we start talking about vellum, or translucent paper.

    Its particular delicacy contributes to the idea that a wedding is an important, elegant and refined affair. Added to that, it can easily be combined with other materials of different colours to make your invitations look particularly festive.

    The reception

     

    There is also the matter of your guests’ comfort, and sheer paper can help with that as well. You don’t only need it for the invitations, and can use it at the reception. Create menus or place cards with fonts that match your colour theme.

    These items, made for the sole purpose of giving your guests an easy time of it, will make the occasion all the more charming for them. But don’t stop there. Why not also hand out your wedding favours in wonderful packets made with see-through paper? A lovely way to end things off!

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