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    Unique ceremony seating arrangements

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    Wedding are usually pretty standard, but they don’t always have to be. Those that want a unique take on their wedding ceremony can make a statement in a variety of manners, from an alternative wedding arch to personalised vows. But what about your ceremony seating arrangement? Your guests need to sit, so they might as well do it in style. Small touches like rearranging your seats in shapes or replacing the seat all together with another object will give our guests something to Instagram about.

    Take some inspiration from these unique ceremony seating arrangements.

    A seat with a view:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1jX6m9BAAa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Rose-tint my world:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ZxSz7AKRL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Stylish side seating:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Xwj_spZTd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Ring, ring:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BtUZOLRnY8p/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Poolside perfection:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3j9Xbqnljg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Pretty picnic:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B45hSWSH1lD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Simple stumps:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqz8-2dgpk3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Hay there:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BNc7PBggQRc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Classy curves:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B18_xiqiGn9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Rounded out:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3IcTUVH92l/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Beautiful benches:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5DpOdRpC5a/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    Perfect proposal ideas

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    Proposing to your partner can be a daunting task, and coming up with the perfect way can be stressful. Fret not, brave warrior. We have rounded up the most romantic ways to propose, complete with practical tips on how to avoid disaster. However, we strongly recommend weighing up our suggestions to your knowledge of your partner, as not everyone will appreciate the same things. At the end of the day, there is no substitution for the personal touch.

    Include the furry friends

    Who can resist the cuteness? Tie a card around your (or someone you know) dog or cat, and casually say you want your partner to check out something on their neck.

    Holiday proposal

    What’s more romantic than getting away together and proposing in an exotic destination?

    Write a song

    If you’re an avid musician, writing your loved one a song is the obvious choice. If not, you can hire a band to serenade them or play them a romantic song that conveys your feelings perfectly.

     

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    A post shared by Marriage Proposals Hong Kong (@a1000timesyes) on

    Make a slide show

    If your fiancé-to-be likes pictures, why not take them on a trip down memory lane? Create a collection of photos of the two of you, with a soundtrack to match an end off with the words popping the question.

    Go to an aquarium

    Not only is it beautiful and has a tranquil atmosphere, you can go one step further and ask the aquarium to send divers into the tank and hold up signs asking the big question through the window.

     

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    A post shared by Engagement 101 ™️ (@engagement101) on

    Hire a skywriter

    From under water to up in the air, this one’s an oldie but a goodie. Hire someone to write the question in the sky, and point towards the sky at just the right moment.

     

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    A post shared by ARTS&FOOD®️ (@artsandfoodmagazine) on

    Surprise dinner

    If your almost-spouse is not into grand gestures, keep it simple and surprise them with a dinner. Opt for a home-cooked meal, picnic or their favourite restaurant.

     

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    A post shared by DIGITAL TRAVEL COUPLE (@digitaltravelcouple) on

    Picture: Pexels 

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    In Advice

    Dresses we love: Bridal jumpsuits

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    Some rules are meant to be broken. Bridal jumpsuits have been trending for quite a while now. Modern yet feminine, the bridal jumpsuit is a unique take on the wedding dress.

    If dresses aren’t your style, consider donning one of these stylish suits.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3U7bN-n_QB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/B42JvUkhhqd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image:Instagram/donatellegodartparis

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    In Advice

    Textured wedding cakes

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    Cake decorating today is an art form. Gone are the days of a basic cake. In recent years, couples have been opting for unique cakes with dimension and detail. From ruffles to embossed prints and intricate designs, there are a multitude of ways to add fancy flair to your wedding day dessert.

    Get inspired with these textured wedding cakes:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4JtgITlCMJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5JZWuAnc_m/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1BjnDgA27L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

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    How to cure the wedding hangover

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    This is not your grandmother’s hangover we’re taking about it. Wedding hangovers mean something different to wedding professionals. Theirs is a kind that does not rely on the consumption of alcohol.

    The process of planning a wedding is exhausting. Those who commonly facilitate them, like wedding planners, photographers and event coordinators, experience a range of tough physical symptoms following wedding days. Because they don’t really get formal breaks on the day, wedding vendors often push their bodies to the max when they’re working.

    “Those of us who facilitate a wedding day are on our feet for hours – HOURS – at a time,” explains Rachel E.H from Rachel E.H Photography. “We’re rushing around, the adrenaline is pumping, we’re contorting our bodies in weird positions (at least us photogs & videographers are), we’re being personable & friendly, barely getting time to eat or drink, and keeping an eye on a million things at once it feels like. Our switch is basically in the ON position all day long.”

    “The second the day is over – literally to the second – our bodies know the fun is over, the adrenaline shuts off, and the pain sets in. We realize our feet have swollen to three times their normal size, our backs ache, our shoulders are hunched, our hands are cramped, and we feel like we just aged about 30 years.”

    It’s not just wedding professionals who experience this. More and more, newlyweds are relating to this post-nuptial pain. From aching feet, headaches, dehydration and sore muscles, the wedding hangover is real.

    Here are some handy tips to keep you in fighting form the day of and post-wedding:

    The day of:

    – Drink LOTS of water:

    We know, we know. Drinking water is the number one tip for curing pretty much anything. Want clearer skin? Drink water. Want to lose weight? Drink more water. Humble H2O is constantly brought up because it truly is the cure. Water flushes out body waste, helps maintain blood pressure, aids in cognitive function and delivers oxygen throughout the body. Perfect for an aching body to quicken recovery.

    – Wear comfortable shoes:

    While heels are a popular shoe choice for brides, they’re not the greatest for your feet. Before the wedding, make sure to break your shoes in if they’re new. The best course of action is to keep a second pair of comfortable shoes for midway through your reception. Believe us, your feet will be begging you for flats at this point.

    – Eat a nutritious meal:

    It is imperative to fuel up before your wedding. To avoid crashing mid day, skip foods high in sugar. You’ll want to enjoy a hearty breakfast that will give your enough energy for the day ahead. Think complex carbs, protein and healthy fats.

    Post wedding:

    – Massage:

    Your body probably has all sorts of aches and pains from all your wedding day standing and dancing. Treat yourself to a couple’s massage the day after to relax your muscles. This doubles up as a great bonding experience with your love.

    – Avoid alcohol:

    We know this is asking a lot, but it’s all for your benefit. Alcohol lowers blood sugar, which can result in fatigue, cravings and irritability. All theses sensations will just worsen your wedding hangover. So make sure to replace your mimosa with something natural like tea.

    – Sleep:

    Sometimes, the best course of action is to do nothing. Give your body a chance to recover by sleeping the day away.

     

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Accessories

    Wedding flower trends for 2020

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    Your long list of wedding planning to-do’s is slowly but surely shortening. The next item on your list happens to be flowers. The problem: there are so many choices and not enough time to give them all some consideration. On top of that, you’re not sure if you know enough about flowers to make a good choice.

    Not to worry. Have a look at this list of wedding flower trends for 2020, to make your decisions and planning a little easier.

    Bouquet Trends:

    – Big and Bright 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B429pi7A-DK/

    Larger, brighter flowers are popping up more and more at weddings. Big flowers can make your bouquet look much fuller for less money. In addition to this, the bouquet becomes a statement in itself because it catches the eye and stands out. The bright colours do well to create excitement and bring out a more playful feeling, lightening the mood of the venue instantly.

    – Unstructured and untamed 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3JoDvwn8I6/

    For a push towards a more natural and lush look for wedding flowers, a trend seems to be growing around variety. Bouquets are looking less and less uniform, as if they have been effortlessly thrown together with not much consideration to having a pattern or multiples of the same flower. Many who have gone for this trend have added some greenery, dried grass, or foilage for a more boho feel.

    – Blushes and bleached 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1cIqb0hdDd/

    If you want something more understated or minimalistic, then this wedding flower trend is for you. The classic blush pink and white used at weddings can be upgraded and updated by adding some bleached tones and bleached foilage into the mix.

    Decor trends:

    – Arches/Moongates 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3247xThIrS/

    A decorated arch, under which you say your vows, makes for beautiful photograph opportunities. The arch draws the attention of the attendees to the right place and ensures that the couple has all eyes on them.

    – Flowers down the aisle 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba9O3FUHdUQ/

    Create a whimsical, fairytale feel by lining the aisle with flowers. This simple addition will do wonders for the ambience at your wedding.

    Bonus Trend:

    – Locally Sourced

    This is one of the best wedding flower trends we’ve seen so far! Brides and grooms are opting for the more environmentally friendly option of locally sourced floral arrangements. Not only is this trend eco-friendly, but it is good for your budget too.

     

    Image: Unsplash 

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    The pros and cons of having a vineyard wedding

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    Vineyards are a lovely setting for a wedding with romantic appeal. This type of venue is a breath of fresh air from your typical wedding venue and it makes for an interesting view.

    Check out the pros and cons of using this type of venue for your wedding:

    The location

    Vineyards are lush and charming and therefore will provide a beautiful backdrop for pictures. This is assuming they haven’t harvested yet, which you will need to enquire about as some vineyards only allow weddings after harvest season. Due to the fact that vines need lots of space, the venue will be big enough to host all your guests and there will most likely be areas for both your ceremony and reception. Make sure that there is an inside venue in case the weather isn’t looking too great on your wedding day.

    Since vineyards are generally out of the city, guests will either have to travel to and from the venue, or stay over somewhere nearby. Hopefully guests will be willing to make the trip and won’t leave too early. The great thing about the venue being some distance from the city is that escape from city life and the total privacy that you will have. Find out if there is a noise curfew as often vineyards have strict end times, and you don’t want to have to cut your reception short when everyone is having a good time.

     

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    A post shared by Keswick Vineyards Weddings (@keswickweddings) on

    Food & drink

    If you’re a wine lover, then this is the perfect venue for you as you can incorporate wine elements into your wedding theme. You also might be able to have custom wine labels made for their wine bottles which adds a touch of personalisation to your wedding. Just check that they can serve liquor other than wine as it is not everyone’s drink of choice. You might have to use the catering options provided by the vineyard but this should not be a problem as vineyards usually have great restaurants.

     

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    A post shared by Mink & Rose (@mink_and_rose) on

    The logistics

    You should be able to decorate as you would like but you will also pay for all your rentals. The cost for this type of venue hire is high and so with the rental fees you could be paying a very high figure. However, the venue will most likely have wedding packages that you can choose from and depending on the type of food, drinks and decor you choose, you could get a good deal.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Fashionable World (@fashionablecosmos) on

     

    If you love the sound of being surrounded by beauty and have the money to pay for this type of venue, then this could be the wedding of your dreams.

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    Vintage-inspired wedding dresses

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    The timeless bride deserves a dress to match. From Gatsby glamour to Victorian silhouettes, there is a wealth of fashion inspiration from yesteryear.

    Get inspired by the trends of the past when picking your dress for the big day. The focal trends will differ depending on your favourite era, so the best plan of action is to do your research.

    Victorian:

    The Victorian-era was all about drama in a modest fashion. Women wore pouffed out dresses adorned with lace and romantic charm. Opt for a high-neck, lace number to harken back to a Victorian style.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Q_kHOl8Uw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4sVWq5Jka6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5JySSJFpIP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Gatsby:

    When we picture the roaring 20s, we envision opulence, flash and drama. A time of decadence, 20s fashion reflected of the spirit of bold women. Think elaborate beading and geometric designs for a flapper-inspired 20’s look.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz8_o6_hH0I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4SCT30g4je/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3AodUFpkWH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    60s bohemian:

    The 60s was all about peace and love. Boho fashion entered the mainstream during this time, dressing women in flowing fabrics and unique lace/crochet detailing. Channel your inner hippie with these elaborate looks.

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5H4VzbhQ44/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

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    Louisvale: love in the winelands

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    Romance among the vines, what more could you ask for? South Africans and international couples alike have been choosing from the country’s many beautiful wine farms as wedding venues. For a modern yet traditional venue, look no further than the luxurious Louisvale wine farm.

    Located in the picturesque Devon Valley area of the Stellenbosch wine district, Louisvale carves its own spot in the fluctuating foothills of the 3-million-year-old Cape Folded Mountains.

    A distinct history is honoured here.  The first man-made structures in the area were created by the Nomadic Khoekhoen. Their designs typically featured domed structures resembling tortoises and made from Taaibos laths covered with woven reed mats and animal skins. When the European settles arrived in the 17th century, they brought with them Cape Dutch architecture.

    Louisvale as we know it today combines these design aesthetics: Neo Cape Dutch meets modern Khoekhoen architecture. With a Rheinzink dome roof, open spaces, floating glass and a stunning concrete floor infused with abalone shell chips, the function area is nothing short of breathtaking.

    The original manor house still stands proud, perfectly juxtaposing the modern function area with its traditional gables and lime washed, plastered walls.

    It’s easy to see why Louisvale would make the perfect wedding venue. Couples can have their wedding ceremony outdoors with an impressive 280° view of the winelands, then move their wedding indoors for the reception. With floating glass windows that can be slid open, there is no sacrificing the incredible view.

    It costs R50 000 to rent out the venue for the day, which includes all existing furnitures, tables, ceremony chairs, standard cutlery and glassware and exclusive use for the day. The bridal party organises their own decor and can bring in third suppliers for whatever they desire.

    For in-house catering, Louisvale’s menu’s start at R500 per head depending on the final menu selected. And believe us, you’ll want them to cater. From grilled lamb steak on a bed of creamy polenta to confit duck leg with butternut puree and a citrus glaze, their dishes will have your guests’ mouths watering.

    Louisvale is well-known for their high quality wines, many of which are award-winning. From Chardonnay to Merlot, every wine is expertly crafted by winemaker Simon Smith to suit multiple taste palettes.

    Louisvale is perfect for the modern-yet-traditional couple. Ring in your nuptials at this beautiful venue for a memorable day and even more memorable views.

    For queries and inquiries on holding your wedding at Louisvale, please contact [email protected]

    Address: Devon Valley Rd, Devonvallei, Stellenbosch

    Trading hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am – 4pm.

    Image: Instagram

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    In Guys

    Groom showers: What, why, and how

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    We can’t claim that groom showers are a new trend. We can, however, say that it is a trend that has seemingly slipped under the radar. Now, you may be wondering what a groom shower is, why you would want a groom shower, and how you should go about planning one. Not to worry, we’re here to give you the low down.  A groom shower, or BRO-dal shower as we’ve seen it called, may be something you want to consider.

    A groom shower, much like a bridal shower, is a celebration of the upcoming nuptials. It is an occasion for the groom to bring together all of his closest male friends and family. Guests bring gifts, there is food and drinks galore, and everyone simply comes for some good conversation and quality time with the groom-to-be before the wedding. This is much, much different to the bachelors party. It’s much more low-key and family friendly.

    Family friendly is key here; it’s what makes this event appealing. Some of your older or more conservative relatives may want to have pre-wedding celebrations with you, but you probably don’t want to invite them to the bachelor party. You may also have younger relatives like nephews or young cousins who probably would love to celebrate with you too but for obvious reasons, they wouldn’t be allowed at the bachelor party. A groom shower is how you accommodate everybody and make sure that you’re celebrating with everyone who is important to you.

    So, how do you plan this type of event?

    It’s probably best to keep it simple. You’ll have a wide variety of guests, so anything too specific or outlandish might be difficult to pull off. Fill the table with some snacks, put some decorations up, and perhaps plan some party games. Just don’t forget to invite all the relevant people.

    If you want something a bit more interactive or activity-based, here are some ideas:

    – Sports

    You could plan a sports match of some kind. Separate your guests into teams and have a soccer (or your preferred sport) tournament.

    – A cookout 

    A beer and a conversation around a fire.  A classic way to spend a relaxing day.

    – Mini fishing trip 

    Well known for its facilitation of bonding, we think a day trip to catch some fish is a great option. This one may be a bit tougher to co-ordinate.

    How ever you decide to spend the day, groom showers are a great way to include everybody in your celebrations. You may want to drop some hints to your groomsmen so they can get to organising.

    Images: Unsplash 

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