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    Livingstone is one of the most popularly visited locations in Zambia. The town is only 10 kilometres from the Zambezi River and is the hub for tourists looking to visit the Victoria Falls.

    Boasting the title of home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the town is perfect for a romantic getaway. Not only is there stunning natural elements, but the town is steeped in history too.

    Here are some things you should get up to with your partner when you visit Livingstone:

    – Visit the Victoria Falls 

    Being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it would be a huge mistake to miss the Victoria Falls. It’s not every day you get to witness things like this, and to see it with your loved one by your side makes it that much more special.

    It’s likely that you’ll catch a very special rainbow show too – the side effect of tons of water flowing over the edge of the cliff.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B79RRoCAynD/

    – Take a dip in the Devil’s Pool 

    While the name sounds scary, the activity is a must-do. It is the perfect way to top off your visit to the Victoria Falls.

    The pool is located on the very edge of the waterfall. Get your heart racing as you stare down at the unnervingly drop, and get the adrenaline rush that’ll make your romantic getaway unforgettable.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8jbsC0AuA9/

    – Visit The Elephant Café

    This sanctuary allows you to get a glimpse of some wildlife, ethically. The elephants have been rescued from dangerous situations such as culling and drought and are kept here where they roam freely.

    After spending some time with these gentle giants, you can have a delicious meal at the café. Relax on the wooden deck and experience a meal like you never have before.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BkR-nD_FuAq/

    – Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River 

    Sit back, relax, and take in the views with a drink in hand. Sundowners are a staple of any getaway, but sundowners on a river cruise makes for the perfect romantic activity.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7qSulcFljl/

    – Visit the Livingstone Museum 

    Learn about the town, its history and its culture. You’ll gain some interesting knowledge and see some cool exhibitions, including a life-sized village display. Add a dose of culture to your romantic getaway!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BkdKXhGAMiW/

    – Have a fancy meal on a steam train 

    Taking you on a sunset ride on the Victoria Falls Bridge,  the Royal Livingston Express will be a trip that you never forget. Indulge in some fancy, local cuisine as you take in the sights and sounds from the window of the old school train.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bne2VnMFFjU/

    Featured image: Instagram / livingstoneislandzambia

    If you’re planning on getting married this year and, for whatever reason, you haven’t set a date yet then you’ve come to the right place! Zola, a company who have modernised the wedding industry with their free suite of wedding tools, have released its list of the most popular wedding dates for 2020.

    Zola’s Editorial Manager, Lindsay Dolak said “We’ve  actually heard of a lot of couples who had longer engagements so they could get married in 2020”.

    Their list of the most popular wedding dates is as follows:

    1. Saturday, May 16, 2020
    2. Saturday, May 30, 2020
    3. Saturday, June 6, 2020
    4. Saturday, June 20, 2020
    5. Saturday, September 12, 2020
    6.  Saturday, September 19, 2020
    7.  Saturday, September 26, 2020
    8. Saturday, October 3, 2020
    9. Saturday, October 10, 2020
    10. Saturday, October 17, 2020

    “Choosing a date with a special pattern means your partner has literally no excuse to forget your anniversary,” said Dolak. The top five are dates which are patterned and easy to remember include, 10/10/2020, 9/19/2020, and 6/6/2020.

    Saturdays are clearly the winners, with every date falling on this day of the week. Presumably, this is because it’s the most convenient day for both the couple and those attending the wedding.

    Previously, September was the most popular month to get married. However, it has been surpassed by October for 2020.

    If you’re wondering what day Zola found to be the least popular,  that would be Tuesday, November 3. This is election day in the US.

    No matter what the research says, you should choose the best wedding day for you. Don’t be pressured by the numbers!

    Image: Unsplash 

     

    If your friend loves to have a good time, you might as well join the party. Get creative with your wedding present by gifting something that will add to the festivities. From a racy game of Cards Against Humanity to a Fujifilm Instax mini camera, these gifts are sure to have your newlyweds loving their new lives.

    Spoil the host with the most in your life with one of these fun gifts.

    Personalised Cheeseboard with Knives – R599.95 on Netflorist

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    2l carafe with oak stopper – R549 on Superbalist

    Cards Against Humanity – R995 on Wizards

    Crystal White Wine Glasses (set of 4) – R260 on Woolworths

    SA Craft Gin Tasting Box – R600 from The Gin Box

    Nachtmann Noblesse Shot Glasses (Set of 4) – R249 on YuppieChef

    Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Camera – R1 089 on Takealot

    JBL GO 2 Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers – R499.90 on Sportsmans Warehouse

    Mellerware Popcorn Maker – R549 on Makro

    Nespresso Cappuccino Cups (set of 2) – R449 on Nespresso

    Feature image: Pexels

    Brides opt to do their own makeup for a multitude of reasons. Maybe you want to save more money, maybe there’s a specific look you want or maybe you just enjoy doing makeup. Regardless of the reason, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared to take on this task.

    Here are some tips to have you looking your best on your big day.

    Keep your location, theme, wedding dress and weather in mind:

    First things first, think logistics. If you’re going for a specific theme for your wedding, you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb with your makeup. For example, a bold smokey eye might clash with a botanical-inspired wedding in a local garden. You also have to consider how the wedding might affect your face beat. If it’s going to be hot, you’ll want to use products that reduce oil and won’t melt too drastically in the heat.

    Start with eyes first:

    If you’re doing a specific eye look, its best to start there first before applying your face makeup. This way, you can clean up any fallout and avoid the dreaded mascara flecks on your under eyes.

    Don’t go beyond your abilities:

    Love a bold winged liner but whenever you try, it ends up looking like a chunky piece of liquorice on your eye? You’re not alone. Yes, there are so many trends and looks that are beautiful but if you can’t do it, you’ll end up frustrating yourself on what is meant to be a happy day. Stick to what you know and you won’t start your day cursing the heavens above for your wonky cut-crease.

    Practice, practice, practice:

    Ideally, you want your makeup application to be stress-free and easy. The best way to do this is to practice your final look a few times so that it becomes second nature. Before your wedding day, make sure to give your application three trial runs in which you time yourself to see how long it takes to complete your look. Make sure to also wear your look throughout the day to see how it wears, and take photos under a variety of lighting to see how your look will photograph. No one wants flashback on their big day!

    Blend the day away:

    Every part of your makeup will be made so much better if you remember the cardinal rule: blend! Want flawless skin? Blend. Perfectly diffused eyeshadow? Blend. Remember to blend your foundation down your neck, chest and even onto your ears to maintain an even finish.

    Give yourself time:

    Please, please do not leave doing your makeup to the last minute. You might end up feeling rushed and end up not doing as great a job as you would have liked. Ideally, you should set aside an hour and a half to do your makeup, and still have plenty of time afterwards for any final touches once you’ve got your full look on. Remember, this is your big day and you want to look your best!

    Also read: How to find your best foundation fit

    Feature image: Pexels

    Child-free weddings are the best option for some. But if you’re somebody with lots of kids in your life, like little nieces and nephews, then you probably want to have them around on your special day.

    There are a couple of things you need to consider if you’re having a kid-friendly wedding. First, weddings can be long and overwhelming for kids. In all likelihood, there will be a few tantrums. Second, you want the parents to enjoy the occasion and not be running after their kids all day.

    In order to minimise tantrums and keep the kids occupied, you should provide some sort of entertainment. Here are some fun ways to keep them busy:

    – Kids tables 

    Let them keep each other company! The kids can make new friends and play together as the adults catch-up and enjoy the festivities. You’d be surprised how well this works, it’s like a day-long play date.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8HM8MfhjV1/

    – Games galore 

    If you’re having a summer wedding, or if the winter weather allows, ensure that you have lots of outdoor games. Running around in the fresh air, playing games in the sun will keep the kids busy and might even tire them out.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8wDrbrncc5/

    – Napping area 

    Once they’ve participated in the various activities, and maybe had a snack or two, they may want a nap. Set up a cozy sleeping corner and they’ll be off to dreamland! A mid-wedding nap decreases the likelihood of tantrums, so this one is important.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Yk5H_AUbh/

    – Kid friendly drinks 

    Make them feel as though they’re part of the festivities. They’ll see all the adults with drinks in hand, and if they’re given their own little drinks station, they’ll feel included and welcome.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Hnq9KlxSz/

    – Kid friendly snacks 

    Kids are not intrested in fancy starters and several course meals. They don’t even want your decadent desserts. It’s best to provide some familiar snacks for the little ones. It may even be cool to set up a buffet table just for them.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8PXT50DuUp/

    – Hire entertainers 

    When in doubt, hire a professional. There are baby-sitters and entertainers who specialise in taking care of kids at weddings. They’ll bring games, costumes for entertainment, and much more. You won’t have to worry about a thing.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8q3NMJB9a_/

    Also read: Should you invite kids to your wedding? 

    Image: Unsplash 

    Renewing your vows may possibly be better (for you) than saying them for the first time. You’re likely to be a hundred times less nervous, which means your day will feel much smoother. You also may have started a little family to celebrate alongside you in the years after your vows were first uttered.

    There are many more up-sides to having your vows renewed. One of these being that there are less expectations, norms and rules to follow for vow renewals. Your parents won’t require you to invite that one aunt you’ve never really clicked with, for instance.

    Weddings are steeped in tradition and thus come with many do’s and don’ts. But with vow renewals, you can let your imagination run free.

    If you’re worried about updating paper work, there’s no need! A vow renewal ceremony is not a legal one and thus requires no registered officiates or trips to Home Affairs. This ceremony is more about romance, celebration, commemoration and for some, spirituality.

    Some couples renew their vows on a big anniversary, while others use it as a way to celebrate making it through a tough time together. But in all honesty, you don’t need a reason. Maybe you just lacked the funds for a big celebration the first time around and now have the means to throw a fancy party. That is reason enough to celebrate your love again.

    So if you’re planning on a big day 2.0 here are some quick tips:

    – Get creative

    Since you have free reign you should go wild with your ideas. Choose a loved one to officiate, have your kids walk you down the aisle, pick that venue that you’re worried will be too much. Just go for it!

    – Vows 

    Since it is a renewal, you’ll want to update your vows to be more relevant to your life together as it is now, not as it was back then.

    – Wedding party and registry 

    These two things are usually left out of the renewal ceremony. But if you want to have them, you definitely can.

    – Photographer 

    Be sure to book a photographer to capture all the memories! An occasion as special as this should always be documented.

    Here are some real life vow renewals to inspire you:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8u6iH6BwgW/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8sorEcBqLn/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8svXP8FVJG/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ucBBPDdsi/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8tn3K6jKVj/

    Image: Unsplash 

    While it seems like a minor detail, the bridal bouquet is no small task. Flowers seem more simple than they truly are, and picking the perfect set of blooms becomes complicated.

    You have to ensure that it matches and suits your wedding gown, it should fit the atomosphere in general, and all of this needs to be done on a budget. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, worry not. You’re not alone!

    Here are some tips to help you pick your bridal bouquet:

    – Dress first

    Since your flowers need to match your dress, having a picture of the dress before you begin your flower shopping will ensure the best possible results. The dress will affect what size, shape and type of bouquet a florist will suggest. Picking your dress first makes this a much easier task. Additionally, you wouldn’t want to be stuck choosing your dress based on the flowers you chose!

    – Think about size and shape 

    If your dress is small, a big bouquet with large blossoms will drown out your dress and may even make it look disproportionate. Ensure that you’re opting for the correct size and shape! If you aren’t certain about what the right dimensions are, don’t be afraid to ask your florist, they are happy to assist.

    – Research 

    Add some images to your Pinterest board, find out the names of the flowers you like the most, and read up on which flowers are in season. If you approach a florist with all of this information, they’ll have a much better idea of what you want and what options are on the table.  They can make suggestions based on the information you have provided.

    – Consider your wedding itself 

    You want to ensure that the bouquet fits the occasion. It may look a bit confusing if your wedding is very formal and black-tie, but you’ve opted for a more boho-style bouquet.

    – Budget

    Before you go anywhere or talk to any florists, set your budget. A budget helps you narrow down the list of options, and also ensures you don’t get attached to something you actually can’t have.

    – Comfort

    This one is important and many often forget to take it into consideration. You’ll be carrying the bouquet all day long. Don’t choose flowers that may be awkward to carry.

    Image: Unsplash 

    One wedding trend that won’t be going out of style is classic boho. Characterised by warm-tones and odes to nature, the boho style is perfect for the free-spirited couple. Its romantic and relaxed yet vibrant. This style can easily be brought into any element of your big day, from your wedding dress all the way to your cake.

    Get creative by incorporating colour, dried botanicals and unique shapes haphazardly into your wedding cake. The result will be nothing short of marvelous. Here are some beautifully boho treats to inspire you.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B0rIlBRnXPj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3R9wT5ndAU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8qaJoeJAa2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6-7mn3gnxV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8IyAiZhPBC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8OrF4Cl0TD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B63cmuDjky8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxuVyspnChd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Everyone has that one food-obsessed friend that is constantly coming up with delightful dishes. They know the best brunch spots, are expert food-and-wine pairers and can detect flavours you haven’t even thought of. If your foodie friend is getting married, you’re in luck. Shopping for someone who has a clear passion always makes your job that much easier. Bonus: gifting newlyweds with food-related gifts is not only up their alley, it also prepares them for their new life together.

    Here are some ideas to spoil your favourite foodie on their big day:

    Humble & Mash Oil & Vinegar Pourer – R139 on YuppieChef

    Le Creuset spoon rest (25cm) – R 369  on @Home

    Jamie Oliver Pizza Stone and Serving Rack, 33cm – R549 on YuppieChef

    Spaza Madiba Dish And Bowl Cover – R179 on Faithful to Nature

    The Great South African Cookbook – R 464 on Exclusive Books

     

    André Verdier carving set – R469 on Superbalist

    Personalised Braai Master Tong Bag – R399 on Netflorist

    An interactive cooking class with The Kitchen Collective – R875 per person

    Acacia Wood Knife Block Set (6pieces) – R799 on @Home

    Yuppiechef Gift Boxes Deli Gift Box – R739 on Yuppiechef 

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Most people have insurance for different kinds of potential emergencies in life. Medical expenses, break-ins at your home or work and car accidents are all valid things to take out insurance for. However, not that many people think about getting wedding insurance. And believe us, things go wrong. From venues getting flooded to brides getting thrown off horses, to wedding rings getting lost to (touch wood) the wedding getting cancelled by the bride or groom, it’s all happened before.

    So yes, we highly recommend getting cover for your big day! Plus, various insurers have quite reasonable packages with contributions as low as R6 000. The average wedding insurance should cover around R75 000 or more, depending on your wedding.

    Speaking to W24, Fiona Fitzpatrick from IF Administrators said that it’s important to follow the correct procedure should something go wrong. “We may require documents such as confirmation from an expert that damaged property is beyond repair, medical reports from a doctor, contracts signed with the relevant wedding contractor like florist, photographer, wedding coordinator, etc.

    “In the event of any incident which is caused by theft, attempted theft or malicious or criminal damage should be informed to the authorities within 24 hours and the reference number submitted with the claim,” she adds.

    Rather safe than sorry, we always say.

    Image: Unsplash