Planning Archives | Page 2 of 31

In Advice

How to plan the perfect theme wedding

February 12, 2021 No Comments

No, we aren’t talking about superheroes or cats. But hey, if that’s your thing, go for it! Your themed wedding is used to showcase what is important to you and your partner, through all aspects of your wedding.

A theme is a style which is incorporated in everything including stationery, decor, table settings, and invitations. Whether this is a colour, a symbol, or a popular movie genre, it’s totally your call, and you can be as creative as you like.

Here’s what you need to consider:

Pick a theme that’s meaningful to you

Your wedding theme needs to be something that you absolutely love. Maybe purple is your favourite colour and you love the smell of lavender, or the ocean is you and your partner’s favourite place. Whatever it is, the theme should be of interest to both you and your partner, as it is a celebration of your love.

Research, research, research

You have now chosen your theme and need to incorporate it into all the wedding planning details (Hello Pinterest!). If you can afford to hire a wedding planner this will help immensely, but it’s not impossible to create the wedding of your dreams on your own. You will need to do research on where to get all the materials to put your theme together, such as fabrics, flowers, stationery, etc. Once you have done this, the work really begins!

Subtle but sweet

A beach themed wedding does not have to be as on-the-nose as hosting your wedding right there on the shore. Instead, you can opt for smaller and subtler ways to allude to the theme in your decor. No matter your theme, there are fun ways to bring it to life, like using shells as escort cards. The key is to not go overboard so that your wedding doesn’t read as themed but rather inspired by a theme.

Get your family and friends involved

Putting together your ideas and crafting everything for the big day will most probably take months of planning (and asking mother dear for help), but nothing is better than seeing your vision come to life. Don’t be afraid to get your partner and other family members in on the fun, but remember to be stern about what you want and what is expected. You can even hold a fun family day where you spend time together creating the beautiful stationery and decor items that will fit with your theme.

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In Advice

Must-have wedding photos to take on your big day

February 12, 2021 No Comments

Your wedding album is the best way to look back on your special day. Make sure to have it captured in style with an expert wedding photographer

While you probably want most of your photos to have that beautifully candid effect, it’s important to sit down with your photographer and plan out a few must-have wedding photos.

Here are some moments you won’t want to miss:

The process of getting ready

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The day is finally here! Remember to take a moment and have your photographer capture you enjoying a cuppa with your besties, or all of you listening to your mom talking about old romantic stories as you get ready for the special day. Sweet shots of you staring in the mirror, or your maid of honour zipping your dress up will remind you of your excitement.

The shoes

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Your wedding shoes are often hidden beneath the long dress, not affording them the attention they deserve. Make sure to get a snap of your shoes in all their glory, before you kick them off to dance the night away.

The invitations

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These guys usually take months of planning, yet they’re sometimes easily forgotten about. Take a snap for posterity’s sake so that you can always remember the details of your big day, from the time it started to the dress code.

Details, details, details

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It’s easy to get caught up in taking general pictures of the bridal couple and the reception, but make sure to take a moment to hone in on the finer details. The bouquet and groom’s boutonnière play a pivotal role in your wedding attire. Also consider taking close up shots of your ring, the food, and decor so you won’t forget a thing.

An aerial shot

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Everything happens so quickly during your wedding. Have images taken of the entire space so you can go back and appreciate what you and your partner planned together and see things from a different angle.

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In Advice

How to pull off the perfect pop-up wedding

February 11, 2021 No Comments

The love of your life has finally popped the question. You’re happier than you can imagine and you can’t wait for your wedding day where you can share your love in front of friends and family. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the wedding world, meaning you can’t follow tradition as easily.

Even without the pandemic. planning a wedding can be stressful with all the decisions you need to make. Venues, colour schemes, food, guests, the list is endless! How will you and your partner make the right choices so your guests are comfortable on the day? Where will you buy your dress from? Heck, you’ll need to start saving for that dress now.

Why not avoid the stress, scale down on the admin and do something a little spontaneous instead? Think pop-up store meets surprise party and you’ll know where we’re headed with this – a pop-up wedding! Sound interesting? Here are our top tips to help you plan the perfect one – with zero stress and all the chill.

The venue

While they’re fun and spontaneous, pop-up weddings are more than just eloping. You still need to do some planning. A lot of pop-up weddings happen in public spaces such as parks, carnivals and at events – there really are no limits! You can have it at the end of a marathon you ran together, at a festival you’re attending, or on an intimate little camping trip with your friends.

Think about a place that you and your significant other love, somewhere that has meaning for both of you and that will create an incredible memory or make for epic images. If you’re going to have it at a business like a restaurant, store or tourist attraction, make sure they know what you’re planning so the surprise goes smoothly.

The look and feel

Once you know where your wedding will be, you can decide what you want it to look like. If you’re going to have it in a park or on the beach, you can keep it casual. If you’re opting for something more quirky like a festival or party, why not dress up in crazy costumes or have props on standby? In some instances, all you need is a veil, bow tie and some flowers to seals the deal. You can do whatever you want – that’s the beauty of the pop-up wedding.

Vendors

A pop-up wedding is as intimate as you can get. You only need a handful of guests and if you want to have a little celebration afterwards, all you need to do is head to your favourite restaurant or bar (call ahead to make a reservation so you don’t end up waiting in a long line). Let them know that you’ll be celebrating your union but with a small number of people so you don’t get saddled with a bill for 20 when it’s just you, your bae and two mates. You can also get creative with who you choose to use for your special day. Depending on your venue, you can get food trucks, picnic baskets and great novelty items that will look cute in pics.

Keep it a secret

The loose nature of a pop-up wedding allows you total freedom for your ceremony. You can decide on which traditions you want to keep (such as a bouquet, a veil or throwing confetti) and completely disregard the rest. But one thing you definitely need to stick to is keeping it a secret – imagine the look on your guests’ faces when they realise they’re actually at your wedding! Come up with a great cover for the day, something that will get your guests excited enough to attend and in the right attire without giving too much away. It may be a good idea to let one person in on the surprise, so they can help you execute your plan.

In Planning

Here’s how couples changed their wedding plans in 2020

February 5, 2021 No Comments

An in-depth report by wedding website The Knot delves into how couples changed their plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey includes findings from over 7600 couples who had originally planned to marry in 2020.

It found that while 96% of weddings in 2020 had to be modified in some capacity due to the pandemic, nearly 93% of engaged couples did not cancel their wedding celebrations altogether.

In Emotional

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

January 27, 2021 No Comments

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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In Planning

Four perfect e-invites for your wedding

January 27, 2021 No Comments

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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In Guys

How to get your groom involved in wedding planning

January 22, 2021 No Comments

When it comes to weddings, the groom is often relegated to honeymoon duty. But there’s so much more your beau can take charge of – and he may even enjoy it.

If you’re struggling to encourage your partner to take an active role in wedding planning, the best thing to do is to start small. Here are ways to get them talking.

The food

We all know the saying ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’, so what better way to get him into wedding prep than by roping him in when it comes to your reception menu. Whether you’re having a totally over-the-top do or a rustic country affair, he’s sure to have dishes in mind that he’d love to sink his teeth into on the day.

The bar

Cocktails may be your cuppa, but a pint or two may be more to your male guests’ liking. This is exactly why you should have your significant other organise the bar. He’ll add drinks that he knows you love (hello, basil and cranberry mojito!), as well as ensure there are plenty of craft beers and single malts for the boys.

The suits

Your beau will want to make sure you have your dream wedding day, so tell him exactly what you are planning for your and your bridesmaids’ dresses, and ask him to coordinate his groomsmen accordingly. You’d be surprised how stylish he can be when left to his own devices.

The gift registry

Many couples who’ve been living together may not need – or want – gifts for their home, but whether or not you do, it’s important to allow your guests the option of getting you something. Decide what types of gifts you’d like together, then have your beau register and select them or set up a honeymoon fund where guests can deposit monetary gifts.

The vows

If you plan to write your own wedding vows, present your fiancé with mementos that will remind him of your relationship. This will help spark some memories that could kick-start the process for writing his own vows.

The music

A DJ or band might be the last thing on your mind right now, but your man will be counting on some tunes he won’t need to waltz to. Make sure he knows the type of atmosphere you envision for your reception, then let him have at it and be surprised when the DJ hits play.

The ring

The ring is perhaps the most important item on this list as it is a symbol of your love for each other. You might have given him the inspiration for what you’d like, but it’s his duty to hunt down the perfect one and take care of logistics and safekeeping before he finally slides it on to your finger.

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In Advice

What couples should discuss at pre-marital counselling

November 24, 2020 No Comments

Counselling might seem like it’s only for those who have been married for a while and are struggling. However, if you’d like to avoid this fate, it is recommended you try pre-marital counselling.

This isn’t to say you need it because your marriage is likely to be doomed but rather, it can help couples identify their stances on some important things that many often don’t realise they even need to discuss.

Here are some areas you should consider talking about with a therapist before getting married:

Conflict resolution

While it is likely you’ve been together for a bit of time and had your fair share of fights, conflict is a bit different when you’re married. This is mostly because you can’t just break up, you have to stick it out.

With your counsellor you can discuss how you can fight and resolve your fights in a more constructive manner than you may have previously been doing.

Sex expectations

Again, you may have been having great sex for a while but going into a marriage can mean different expectations, especially since this is the most time you’ll be spending together.

A counsellor can help you openly discuss the expectations you have for sex in married life and work on ways to carry communication in this arena forward.

Division of labour

Some couples move in together before marriage so discussing how to divide up the chores but for those who don’t or those who haven’t managed to communicate this properly, discussing it with a counsellor can help.

Even though you could do this on your own, having a third neutral party makes it easier in the case you feel that the other person is being unfair or not shouldering enough responsibility.

Finances

This is a big one. No matter what kind of contract you sign, discussing finances is vital. Money is a hard topic for most people and not knowing your partners’ financial situation and expectations is guaranteed to cause problems later down the line.

Since money is such a touchy subject it is a lot easier to discuss it with another person who can help you set boundaries and find a common ground to build from.

The kid question

While the big overarching question of whether you should have kids might have been broached, more nuanced discussions on whether you want more than one and how you hope to raise them can be discussed with a counsellor.

You can also look early at how kids will affect your life, without just being thrown into it.

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In Advice

Pros and cons of moving in together before marriage

November 12, 2020 No Comments

In previous decades, living together before marriage was a big taboo and completely unheard of. Following the sexual revolution of the 1960s and the growth of women’s autonomy, many couples choose to move in together as a step before marriage.

While some believe that moving in is a logical step before marriage is even considered, others still stand firm that it can hurt a relationship more than it can help. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to move in.

Pros

– It is a good way to test a relationship

-You get to know your partner incredibly intimately

-It can be a step towards marriage if that is what you’re discussing

-Helps financially so you can split living costs

Cons

-It sometimes confuses the situation as one partner may expect it to mean marriage while the other just sees it as the next step

-It can break your relationship if you’re not ready

-It takes a little shine off the newlywed sparkle since you’ve already experienced living together

So? Should you do it?

While there are studies regarding the statistics on whether couples who move in make it, there is no real way to quantify or decide for each couple. A couple who has never moved in together could get married and realise they can’t stand living together just as easily as a couple could move in, get married later and live happily ever after. It is really about the two individuals and their relationship.

If you’re concerned, ask the following questions regarding the move before making the leap:

Why do you want to move in with your partner now?
If you don’t, consider asking yourself why not
Have you discussed what moving in signifies to each of you?
Are you prepared for the possibility that you may break-up even after moving in?
What are some deal-breakers you need to discuss before making this decision?

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In Advice

How to include your blended family on your wedding

November 12, 2020 No Comments

Parenthood doesn’t require DNA and some people already have children, either from a previous relationship or before marriage. When they decide to marry other people and bring their families together, they create a blended family.

Bringing your families together and including them in your big day is a sweet way to honour them. Here are some ways to do it, and make sure no one feels neglected or left out.

Have a unity Ceremony

Unity ceremonies are meaningful rituals performed during your wedding to represent becoming a union and the joining of lives, families and communities. Being highly symbolic, there are multiple ways you can do this, which can be personalised to your new family. One idea is to write meaningful letters to each other and read them out during the ceremony, then put them in a jar to keep as a family symbol.

Give them roles

Another way you can include your blended family is by assigning them roles. From a ring bearer to a flower girl, the possibilities are endless. This is guaranteed to make them feel included in the ceremony and when you are all looking at the wedding album, they will be delighted to see themselves featured and having participated.

Give them gift

Gifting is one of the five universal love languages, it shows the next person that you have thought of them and value them enough to gift them. Give them the same or similar gifts to your biological kids, or get them something they have always wanted.

Presenting something special to your new child/children is a wonderful gesture to symbolise that they are an important part of this new family.

Include them in the planning

Kids love doing exciting things, to them everything is playtime and by including them in the planning process, you get the chance to bond with them. Let them participate in everything from cake tasting to licking invitation envelopes.

Encourage them to invite a few of their best friends and their family members to the wedding so that they have familiar faces apart from you.

Have a family dance

After the first dance, invite the kids to come out and join you on the dance floor to their favourite tune. It would be extra fun and special if you practiced a dance prior to the wedding. You can even give them the task of coming up with the steps to our dance routine as the kids of the family.

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