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    In Advice

    Here’s your chance to get married on Robben Island

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    Every year, the Department of Home Affairs and Robben Island Museum work together to offer a yearly opportunity for couples to say ‘I do’ on Valentines Day on the island. Here’s how you can get in on the action.

    On Valentines Day, the island is transformed into a stunning venue where couples can participate in a mass wedding. 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of this tradition, making this year very special. This Valentines Day, 20 couples will tie knot to honour the anniversary.

    Couples chosen will take the ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway to the Robben Island Museum, and their ceremony will be held at the Robben Island Chapel. Following the exchanging of their vows, couples will head off to a wedding reception for lunch and thereafter go on a tour of the Museum. The area will also be an opportunity for the couples to take their wedding photos on the beach and to capture the iconic and other scenic areas on the island.  The couples will return to Cape Town in the afternoon.

    Couples wishing to participate may contact Wilhelmina Booysen on 021 468 4510 or [email protected] and Yolanda Mdutywana on 021 413 4226 or [email protected]. The last day to apply is February 5, 2020.

    Feature image: Pexels

     

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    In Advice

    Saving money on wedding flowers: tips and tricks

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    Flowers have always been an important part of wedding décor, and we assume they will continue as such. From bouquets and boutonnières to centrepieces and decorations, the wedding flowers play a big role in creating an atmosphere.

    The only problem is that flowers are quite pricey; they can extensively push up your expenses list. This is the opposite of the goal…right? We all want to save some money and bring that wedding expenses down as low as possible.

    Here are a few ways you can save money on your wedding flowers:

    – Keep it local and seasonal 

    Avoiding importing your flowers will save you big bucks. A local option is definitely the better choice for your budget. A similar principle applies to in-season blossoms. While you probably could find your desired out-of-season flower somewhere, it’ll be way more pricey than picking something in-season. The flowers will be fresher too!

    – Go for greens 

    Adding some lush leaves and greenery can do wonders for your budget and your floral arrangements. They add a whimsical feel to your decor  and fill up your arrangements in a stylish way, saving you from purchasing large quantities of flowers.

    – Bigger blooms 

    This one is simple. The bigger the flower, the less you have to buy. Save yourself some cash and opt for a larger or statement bloom.

    – Limit yourself to three flowers 

    In most cases, a florist will order the flowers in bulk, even if you don’t need too many of a specific one. If you keep the flower variations to three or less, it’ll save you some money because a bulk purchase will be necessary and none will go to waste.

    – Mix and match decor elements 

    Add tea lights, fairy lights and candles or whatever trimming your heart desires to your venue. Opting for some different decor elements will cut your flower expenses drastically.

    – Leave flowers out where you can 

    Perhaps you could skip the boutonnieres and corsages. While some people might want to keep them for tradition, they are not a necessity and can be replaced with alternatives if need be.

    – Forget a February wedding 

    Valentine’s Day pushes up the price of flowers! You’re likely to pay much more than usual for whatever flower you want in February. Best avoid this month to keep the costs down.

    Image: Pexels

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    In Accessories

    Brilliant bridal hair accessories to top off your look

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    From the top of your head to the tip of your toes, accessories can make or break a look. Have some fun with a few well-placed pins to take your hair from drab to fab.

    Here are some ideas to make sure your hair game is on point on your big day.

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    Feature image: Pexels

     

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    In Emotional

    Wedding pictures: Before vs after the ceremony

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    Many couples are unsure about when to have their official wedding photoshoot. Some hold fast to the tradition of seeing each other for the first time when entering the ceremony venue and walking down the aisle. All pictures of the couple then usually follow after the ceremony and before the reception. Others love the idea of the “first look” trend where the see each other privately beforehand, and some then choose to have the entire shoot before the actual wedding.

    We take a look at the pros and cons of both to help you decide which is right for you.

    Before the ceremony

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Don’t mind us while we just sob over here, this grooms face is EVERYTHING. ✨ . . . PHOTO: @macyfrances VENUE: @thestvrain FLORAL: @freshbloomsfloraldesign CATERING: @sugarpinecatering DESSERT: @sweetcowicecream @downrightsweettreats BEAUTY: @bellohavenhairextensions @antoniadg @glam__gall PLANNING: @rootandgatherevents . #rockymountainbride #rockymountainbridemagazine #rmbcolorado #coloradowedding #coloradoweddings #stvrain #firstlookwedding #firstlook #groom #coloradobride #coloradogroom #groomsface #ido #tohaveandtohold #couplesgoals #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #thefeels #feels #howsweet #sweetness #shesbeautiful #weddinginspiration #wedspo #weddinginspo

    A post shared by Rocky Mountain Bride (@rockymtnbride) on

    Pros:
    -It will ease up the nerves

    Your wedding day can have you feeling very nervous, especially in the moments before you head to the ceremony. If you decide to see each other beforehand, it might make you loosen up and have some fun together, before you take the final step.

    -It’s a special, private moment

    Because the day is very emotional for both of you, spending the moment in private together will be extra special. This way, the groom can let his guard down and expose his vulnerable side when he sees you for the first time on the day, which is more intimate than in front of a crowd.

    Cons:

    -It changes tradition

    The longstanding tradition in Western weddings is that the bride and groom don’t see each other before the wedding, with the first time they lay eyes on each other being when the bride walks down the aisle. However, some feel like it might be time to let go of certain rituals and embrace new trends.

    -It influences your timeline

    If you want to incorporate the “first look” and do the photoshoot before the ceremony, you will have to keep in mind that it takes time. Your schedule might have to move up to accommodate a few extra hours.

    After the ceremony

    Pros:

    -You get the best lighting

    If you have the traditional late afternoon ceremony with an evening reception, doing the photoshoot after the ceremony will mean you get that golden hour hue. Of course, you can still split it so you do a first look before the ceremony and then do the rest of the shoot after, so you get the best of both worlds.

    -You capture a different kind of moment

    The groom’s expression when he sees the bride walking down the aisle might not be as private as the first look, but it can be just as special. It captures a special moment of a different kind, and the wonder in his eyes will be just as beautiful.

    Cons:

    -You don’t have privacy

    Depending on how many guests you have, it might be nerve racking to see your partner for the first time in front of all those people. It might make you both feel slightly exposed, but then again, you might want to share the moment with the people you love.

    -You don’t spend time before the ceremony

    If you see each other at the ceremony for the first time, you don’t have the chance to spend some alone time together. The day will probably be busy and you won’t get to take a breath until after the whole wedding.

    In the end, both ways can be wonderful and solely depends on your personal preference. There is no wrong way to do it.

     

    Image: Instagram/Thewoodsweddings

     

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    In Advice

    Small touches to personalise your wedding

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    People get married all the time, so you want to make sure your wedding stands out from the crowd. Adding a personal touch to parts of your wedding makes the day memorable not only for the betrothed couple but also for the guests. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Small touches can make a big difference if done well.

    There are a multitude of ways to add personal touches to your big day. Here are a few ideas:

    Signature drinks

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3f0xXeDaeI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Quirky wedding favours

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BrP8fTJFrwR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Unique cake topper

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2LVEFeH-LZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Choreograph a dance routine

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwHnC42hlxb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    A paw-some ring bearer

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    Special embroidery

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5YJehEqB9J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Set up a wedding hashtag

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5TkwwTnvB2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Write your own meaningful vows

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    Get punny

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByiJm3dpom-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Play some games

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BvzZo64jsae/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Pexels

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    In Fashion

    Bright suits for gorgeous gentlemen

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    Grooms these days have endless options when it comes to wedding attire. Even the most extra groom can voice his wildest dream-suit, we bet it’s out there. Depending on hubby-to-be’s personality, the dress code and the theme and colour scheme of the wedding, colourful suits can be stunning and shine bright to make your wedding day extra memorable.

    Remember, certain patterns pair well with certain colours and we recommend wearing a plain tie with a printed suit, and vice versa.

    Let’s take a look at what’s hot.








     

    Feature image: Instagram/Weddingsonpoint

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    In Planning

    Wedding photo trend: City skyline

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    Wedding photographers who want to stay ahead of the game do not have an easy job. These days, each wedding’s pictures are more stunning than the next and there are endless trends and styles depending on the couple’s vision.

    A massive wave hitting the industry -unexpected amongst the bloom of nature-focused weddings- is the city skyline. Think urban jungle with a sleek twist. This shoot can be classy, modern and cutting-edge. Here is some inspiration if you feel that way inclined:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    ? It’s windy in this city! Don’t fly away!?⠀

    A post shared by ???Ꭵ ᗩℕη? : photographer (@sodafountainphoto) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A perfect NYC wedding. Win your dream wedding at Carnegie Hall. Link in bio.

    A post shared by Andrea Adelstein (@nyluxevents) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Finishing up the gallery of these two beauties this week. I can’t get over how timeless and elegant they looked ?.

    A post shared by MN Weddings + Portraits (@kyliemariemoore) on

    Also read: Wedding photo trend: Smoke bombs

    Image: Instagram/Kyliemariemoore 

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    In Advice

    How to: white bridal party dresses

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    Many believe that wearing white to a wedding is downright sinful, but these bridal parties say otherwise. All-white bridesmaid dresses have been loved for many years by brides and stylists alike, and we can see why. Follow in the footsteps of Kim Kardashian and Kate Middleton by having your bridal party rock elegant white frocks.

    The key to pulling off this trend is contrast. Even though everyone is wearing white, guests should immediately be able to tell who the bride is. Keep enough difference between your dress and your bridesmaid dresses so that the roles are clear. Here are some tips to do it right.

    Detail, detail, detail:

    Go big on detail for your wedding dress and simple for your bridesmaid gowns to create contrast. Using texture and fabric, a wedding gown can easily stand out and emphasize the bride.

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    Mix shades of white:

    Bone, ivory, pearl, cream…white comes in so many tones. Another way to create a point of difference between the bride and the bridesmaid is to have gowns in different shades of white. Just remember that more than three shades can appear overwhelming, so don’t go too crazy.

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    Show some leg:

    Keep the wedding dress a full-length gown and go shorter with your bridesmaid dresses. Shortening a gown makes it slightly less formal, thus making the bride stand out that much more.

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    Feature image: Unsplash

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    In Bridal Shower

    Adorable first look wedding images

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    Modern couples are skipping the time-honoured tradition of not seeing each other before walking down the aisle on their wedding day. More and more photographers are snapping ‘first look’ images, capturing the first time the couple sees each other in their wedding best. Often emotional and highly moving, these images are great for the non-traditional couple.

    First-look images don’t just have to be between the betrothed. You could also share the moment with a parent, your bridal party or even your pet.

    If you’re not yet convinced, maybe these emotive images will sway you.

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    If you want to have a little fun, why not consider a first-look prank? Here are a few of our favourites.

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    Featured image: Pexels

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    In Advice

    Registry mistakes you might be making

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    A wedding registry seems like one of the easiest tasks in preparation for a wedding. You go to a store, pick the items you think you need (or want) and have the store create a list with your name on it. It may, however, not be as simple as you think.

    There are a few common mistakes that couples make when it comes to the registry. These slip-ups could have your guests criticising and will have you cringing! Ensure that you steer clear of any awkward situations by avoiding these common registry mistakes.

    – Waiting too long to register 

    Once you get engaged, putting together a wedding registry should be on the top of your list of things to do! Ensure that you have this done within a month of your engagement. You’ll be receiving engagement gifts soon, and the registry will help people to get you a gift for the engagement too. Don’t worry about looking greedy, the registry is simply to help your guests, not to demand things from them.

    – Including the registry on the wedding invitation 

    This could make it seem as though you’re demanding a gift. After all, it isn’t compulsory for guests to give gifts.

    When you put the registry on the invitation it feels like you’re asking for a gift in exchange for entrance into the wedding. Many people will find it rude that you’ve added it.

    Instead, you could direct people to the registry via your wedding website or the save the date.

    – Only registering in one place 

    While registering at only one store is probably the easiest option for you, it probably will be inconvenient for your guests. Some guests will want to buy gifts at real stores instead of online and some may be too far away from the one physical store you’ve chosen.

    Be sure to have one or two online stores and one or two physical stores with your registry. Limit the amount of stores to three or four. Too many stores could also be a bad idea, as this may make you look greedy or self-indulgent.

    – Asking directly for cash 

    Here, it’s more about tact than anything else. These days it’s okay to ask for money if you do it in the right way. You shouldn’t directly say that you want money.  However, you can indicate that you will be happy to receive contributions to a down payment on your new home or to your dream honeymoon.

    The trick is to choose your words wisely and ensure that you’re showing people that their money will go to good use.

    – Not varying the prices of gifts 

    Putting only expensive, dream items on your list may be a bit presumptuous. Remember that some people may not be within the means to buy you an expensive gift, and some simply may not want to. A colleague, for example, wouldn’t want to splurge on a wedding gift for you.

    Similarly, don’t assume that nobody will buy you one of those dream items on your list. Add a few! Maybe a few people will come together and get one big gift, or maybe your siblings are so happy for you that they decide to go all out.

    Add a good variety of gifts to the registry, with prices from very low to quite high.

    – Not writing thank you notes

    While this is not registry related, it is gift related and failing to send out thank you notes is a big no-no!

    Keep track of who gives you what, to make the thank you note process easier. After the wedding, you have no more than three months to get your thank you notes sent out. Don’t put it off!

    Also read: Wedding gifts for every budget

    Feature image: Pexels

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