• Category

    Weddings

    Category

    When crafting a wedding look, many brides keep their culture close to their heart. For Muslim women who choose to wear a hijab in everyday life, it seems natural to wear one on their big day too.

    A hijab is a headscarf worn by Muslim women. It covers the hair, neck and upper chest in accordance with Islamic tradition. Wearing a hijab is not compulsory, which is why it is a choice for women to wear one from puberty onwards.

    Those who do choose to wear one do so stylishly. Many work it into their personal style, and your wedding look should be no different. Customise your bridal look by using the detail on your dress to adorn your hijab. From lace to beads and pearls to tulle, anything goes.

    Here are some wonderful hijabi brides to inspire you:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Muslim Brides & Nikkah (@muslimbridesandnikkah) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Bride and Motherhood (@muslimbridesng) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Hijabs ByRasha (@hijabsbyrasha) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Muslim Brides & Nikkah (@muslimbridesandnikkah) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Muslim Bride Magazine (@muslimbride) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Muslim Bride Magazine (@muslimbride) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by TURBAN – HIJAB EXPERT ?? (@turban.makeup.familly) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Hijabi Bride Fashion ?? (@hijabiwedding) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Hijabi Bride Fashion ?? (@hijabiwedding) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Tanya W – UK Photographer (@tweekesweddings) on

    Picture: Unsplash

    Bachelorette parties are best known as a night out with your best friends, drinking at a bar while dressed up in all sorts of bright and fluffy accessories. While this is appealing to some, others may not find running from bar to bar to be a good night out.

    Luckily, bachelorettes don’t have to conform to any plain standard anymore. If you’re more of an active person who likes to get out there and do some exciting activity, why not make your bachelorette about that. Group activities are also a great way to bond with your friends before the big day.

    Zip-lining 

    Flying through trees or over large ravines is always a thrill but isn’t quite as high risk as bungee jumping which makes it perfect for the thrill-seeker who may have friends who aren’t quite as adventurous. There are many zip lining experiences all over South Africa so you won’t be out of options when it comes to the kind you would like to do.

    Stand-up paddle boarding 

    A more recent sport that has risen to popularity, stand-up paddle boarding gives you all the excitement of surfing without the stress of having to learn to pop-up. You can paddle your way through a canal or out in the ocean beyond the break with your friends and an instructor. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try paddle-board yoga before a relaxing brunch.

    Hike

    This one is quite simple, if you’re into hiking why not pick your favourite hike and go with your friends. Try keep the route do-able for everyone and take some snacks to have a picnic at the top before making your way down.  Hikes give you loads of time to catch-up and talk as you marvel at nature around you and don’t leave you with a painful hangover.

    Paintball

    Who said paintball is just for the men. Traditionally part of many male bachelor parties, this could be a great way to get out some wedding stress and have fun with your friends. While going with a mixed group can often be stressful when things get competitive, you can set the tone when it comes to your paintball day.

    Kayaking 

    Whether it’s down a river or out in the ocean, kayaking is a really peaceful activity that can be done by most people. There are many companies that give you all the tools you need and instruct you on how to paddle properly so you don’t get stuck in one place. It makes for a great morning or afternoon out and can be followed by a lunch, brunch or drinks.

    Pole Dancing Class

    This one is almost a staple for the adventurous bride who has a decent amount of upper body strength. Pole dancing studios have been popping up all over the place and many offer a bachelorette package to show you some sexy, and acrobatic moves. Partially a workout, partially a laugh with your friends when you struggle, this is a great time to try if you’ve never done it. 

    Picture: Unsplash

    On Saturday, October 31 Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that they will be going to another hard lockdown that will last four weeks in preparation for Christmas and to reduce the number of rapidly growing infections.

    Couple Jo Loosemore, 33, and Matthew Goffin, 37 were meant to get married on November 14. Instead, they married 24 hours after the announcement. 

    Matthew said that they already had a set date, venue, and 200 guests as part of their plans for their wedding day. The ceremony was going to take place in  Devon but because of the impromptu decision to get married a day after the announcement, they got married at Church of St Martin in Witcham, Cambridgeshire instead.

    Initially, the venue in Devon was chosen because of the proximity to Jo’s parents but the change forced them to get married where they lived with their son.

    Jo said: “I was having a shower on Saturday morning and I heard about the news coming out so I just thought, ‘Well I’ll see if we can get it done this weekend”

    The couple ran around trying to get everything ready for their new wedding date, they posted an appeal on their village’s Facebook page, which led to offers from musicians, with friends and family also helping them and they had a beautiful ceremony.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Etsy has announced the winners of its second Etsy Design Awards, and a wedding dress has made it on their list of favourites.

    The Etsies is a global design competition in which people from around the world can submit their creations for categories from home and art to fashion, kids and pets.

    Winners of the Etsies are chosen with the help of two star judges. This year, actress Drew Barrymore and NBC’s Making It judge and Etsy Trend Expert, Dayna Isom Johnson were part of the panel.

    The competition has 12 categories, including a wedding category. This year, Lithuania-based designer Inge Stalyte took home top honours for her celestial-inspired wedding dress.

    The tulle gown is adorned with silver and gold stars, and features a cascading cape.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Inge (@allthingsdulcinea) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Inge (@allthingsdulcinea) on

    “Inge Stalyte’s intricate, celestial bridal gown is full of sparkling silver and gold sequin stars, carefully sewn into satin and tulle. Her collection of free-spirited, bespoke bridal pieces are completely made-to-measure, with a focus on comfort and inclusive sizing,” Etsy explains.

    Picture: Instagram / Etsy

    Three years of marriage is no small feat. While the honeymoon period is over and you’ve likely settled into wedded bliss, it is still important to honour every moment.

    Every year is a special year for a married couple, as it marks another 365 days of their union. However, each anniversary has its own special meaning, according to tradition.

    The third wedding anniversary is symbolised by leather, meant to represent strength and security. At this stage in your relationship, you’ve developed habits and patterns that have solidified, and you’ve faced ups and downs. Like leather, your love is durable and resilient.

    Of course, it does not have to be real leather. You can easily opt for vegan leather alternatives to stay on tradition while not compromising your principles.

    Here are some leather-related gift ideas to honour the day:

    – A handbag

    – A monogrammed wallet

    – An office chair

    – Boots

    – Driving gloves

    – Camera strap

    – A leather-bound notebook

    – Matching bracelets

    Picture: Pexels

    Got a special island wedding planned? Or even if you can’t have the destination wedding of your dreams, you can bring the island vibes to your special day with some tropical-inspired touches.  

    Bring your wedding cake to life with some fun and fancy tropical extras. A tropical theme is all about bright, fun colours, from vivid greens to sharp yellow, any bold hue will work. Of course, you’ll need to incorporate flowers of some kind. If you’re hosting a destination wedding, use a popular local flower. Otherwise, palm leaves will work perfectly.

    If you’re not into the botanical look, you could also use items like coconuts or pineapples to complete the feel.

    Here are some stunning cakes to inspire you:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Whisk & Drizzle (@whiskdrizzle) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by AutumnCakeDesign? (@autumncakedesign) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Chic & Sweet Artisan Cakes (@csartisancakes) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by LeiAloha Planners (@leialohaplanners) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Frances Mencias (@francesmencias) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Riany Clement (@bellariacakedesign) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by The London Baker (@thelondonbaker) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by sayaBAKE by Nora (@sayabake) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Lorie | Destination Weddings (@hllovely) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Sugarcoat (@sugarcoat.hk) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by OmaStyle Bride (@omastylebride) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Comfort Onyemaenu (@comfortworldcakesandmore) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by The Bridal World (@thebridalworldny) on

    Picture: Unsplash

    Planning your wedding to the last detail can greatly help to cut down costs. Importantly, not everything needs to be outsourced, You can easily serve up some delicious DIY drinks to your guests, adding an extra interactive element to your big day.

    Not only will it save you costs, but this will also create a fun vibe and you won’t have people complaining that eadrink menu did not have their favourite drink. Here are 5 DIY drinks your guest can make for themselves.

    Cool lemonade 

    For the non-drinkers and possibly children (if you will have them at your wedding) a cold lemonade is always a winner, it is very easy to make and you can easily be creative when making it. Another plus about this drink is that you don’t need a lot of ingredients. All you need are some lemons, water, and sugar/syrup.

    Cut the lemons in half and then juice them.  Pour water and stir in sugar. Continue stirring until sugar is dissolved and the liquid looks clear again. Combine sugar solution with lemon juice. When ready to serve, add water to taste.

    Mimosa 

    This lovely two ingredients cocktail is a favorite amongst champagne lovers. It is easy to make. All you need is some chapmpagne and orange juice.

    Ensure both ingredients are well chilled, then mix into the glass. Serve cold. To get the best taste, stir and not shake. For the ambiance you can add cherries, grenadine, strawberries
    Gin bar
    For gin lovers, Here’s an easy option that only requires one main ingredient and that is gin. Have mint, rosemary, and basil ready, slice up limes, lemons, and grapefruit to let guests add a refreshing twist to the classic. Look at how you can set up a gin bar.
    Mojito
    This is a sweet cocktail that is also very easy to make. It has versatility because you can have it as a non-alchoholic beverage but you can also add  your rum. You will need white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves and soda water.
    Whiskey cocktails
    For guests who like hard liquor, this is the perfect thing for them. If you are tired of drinking it in shots, you can make cocktails out of them. You can have whiskey with apple tiser or red bull. The options are endless.
    Pictures: Unsplash

    A young Indian couple has received mounting backlash after posting an intimate post-wedding photoshoot that has since gone viral on social media.

    Couple Lekshmi and Hrushi Karthik tied the knot in September, and wanted a memorable photoshoot to make up for their downscaled wedding ceremony in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    In the images, they can be seen laughing, hugging and chasing after each other in a tea plantation, while covered in white silk comforters borrowed from their hotel room. Hrushi’s photographer friend Akhil Karthikeyan was enlisted to be behind the camera, reports the BBC.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Hrushi Karthik (@painmaker143) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Hrushi Karthik (@painmaker143) on

    “It was great fun. We laughed through it. We were really excited about it. It was a part of our honeymoon, we were just married and we felt free,” Hrushi told the BBC.

    Just a few days later, Akhil uploaded the images onto Facebook and was shocked at the amount of hate the images received. Most of the abuse was directed at Lekshmi.

    “We received two days of relentless hate,” Lekshmi explained. “People said we were showing nudity, they asked if we were wearing clothes underneath, they said we were doing it for attention and seeking publicity.”

    “It was really awful for me. They were harassing me much more than him. They were telling me to act in porn films, I was body shamed,” she says. “The trolls included a lot of women too. They found my earlier photos where I was wearing no makeup and began comparing, saying look how ugly she looks in these photos.”

    However, there were those publicly supporting the couple. Many advised them to ignore the haters.

    Unfortunately, their family was not in full support of the images. Many asked them to remove the images and even removed the couples from family WhatsApp groups for refusing. The pair told the BBC they refuse to take the images down, as that would mean they are giving in to their bullies.

    “If we do, they will take it as admission of our guilt, that we did something wrong,” says Lekshmi. “But we didn’t do anything wrong.”

    Picture: Unsplash

    The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the wedding world upside down. From the guestlist to the fashion, it seems like everything has changed in 2020.

    Many modern couples are hosting micro weddings in 2020, and hope to have bigger affairs later on when it is safe to do so. Smaller-scale celebrations call for less dramatic gowns.

    We’ve seen quite a few pandemic brides opting aginst the traditional ballgown-length look in favour of a minidress or jumpsuit. Oscar de la Renta even showcased a bridal minidress in his 2021 bridal collection, meaning this look is right on trend.

    Just because you’re wearing a minidress, does not mean it has to be simple. Go big with statement shoulders and dramatic detailing, or incorporate fun fabrics to add edge to your look.

    Here are a few dresses to inspire you:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by The Knot Bridal | Nottingham (@theknotbridal) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Maison Rime Arodaky (@rimearodaky) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Black Bride®️ Est 1998 (@blackbride1998) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Maison Rime Arodaky (@rimearodaky) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by The Wedding Club (@theweddingclubofficial) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Manchester Wedding Photography (@marni_v_photography) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Black Bride®️ Est 1998 (@blackbride1998) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Oscar de la Renta (@oscardelarenta) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Bridal Blogger (@itswedding_tea) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Elope bridal (@elopebridal) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Lake district Weddings (@phweddings) on

    Picture: Unsplash

    Making your first entrance as a married couple at your wedding reception is a big deal, and you need the perfect soundtrack to back it up.

    The song you choose to punctuate your steps will set the tone for the rest of the evening. What kind of story do you want to tell? It’s important to pick something that is true to you and your partner. The best thing to do is to match the song to your personality.

    Whether you make your debut as a married couple to an upbeat song or a tear-jerker, there is no right or wrong answer. There is a wealth of options to choose from, here are a few of the top tracks people have been loving.

    1. Linger – The Cranberries
    2. Best Part – Daniel Caesar
    3. Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding
    4. You Make My Dreams Come True – Hall and Oates
    5. Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe – Barry White
    6. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
    7. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) -Whitney Houston
    8. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gay and Tammi Terrell
    9. All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
    10. Best Day of My Life – American Authors
    11. Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon
    12. Raise Your Glass – P!nk
    13. What I Like About You – The Romantics
    14. Riptide – Vance Joy
    15. On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons
    16. Lucky – Chelsea Cutler
    17. Cheerleader – Omi
    18. Crazy in Love – Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z
    19. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
    20. Cake by the Ocean – DNCE
    21. This Is What You Came For – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
    22. How Will I Know – Whitney Houston
    23. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
    24. We Belong – Pat Benatar
    25. Waiting For A Girl Like You – Foreigner
    26. I.F.L.Y – Bazzi
    27. You’re The One That I Want – The Grease soundtrack
    28. Beyond – Leon Bridges
    29. Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
    30. I Wanna Have Your Babies – Natasha Bedingfield
    31. Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
    32. Stuck With You – Ariana Grande feat. Justin Bieber
    33. Dangerously In Love – Destiny’s Child
    34. We’ve Only Just Begun – The Carpenters
    35. Marry You – Bruno Mars
    36. My Girl – The Temptations
    37. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing – Leo Sayer
    38. It’s Tricky – Run DMC
    39. We Are Family – Sister Sledge
    40. What I Like About You – The Romantics
    41. Let’s Hear It for the Boy – Deniece Williams
    42. T.N.T. – AC/DC
    43. You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate
    44. Dear Future Husband -Meghan Trainor
    45. Get Your Number – Mariah Carey
    46. Stuck On You – Lionel Richie
    47. Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer
    48. This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
    49. Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
    50. Crazy in Love – Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z

    Picture: Pexels