Planning Archives | Page 9 of 31

In Do's And Don'ts

Tips for virtually meeting vendors during lockdown

April 9, 2020 No Comments

There’s no more meeting up in cozy coffee shops to discuss photoshoot ideas, tasting scrumptious samples of delicacies with the caterer of dreamily viewing venue after venue to get the feel for your big day.

However, lucky for us, technology makes it possible to have those essential meetings with vendors online, so you don’t have to fall behind schedule on your wedding planning during lockdown.

Here are some tips to get the best out of your meetings with different planners and service providers, from the comfort of your couch.

Photographer

Although you will want to meet them in person if you haven’t yet, it’s quite easy to view their work online, discuss ideas and plan your photos over the phone. It’s a good idea to set aside examples of their work you really love and want to recreate, so they know what you like.

Read: Post-lockdown wedding photo inspiration

Caterer and baker

Nothing beats a tasting session of delicious goods and nibbling on some cake. In the meanwhile, try asking your the caterer if they are able to deliver some samples you can try at home. Then arrange a video chat so they can walk you through each sample and discuss your options while you dig in.

Venue

Venue visiting is a super important part of the planning. Of course, you can see photos of places online but best would be if you can ask each venue for video material if they have any. After watching it, make a list of questions you have and arrange a call or video chat (include your partner!) to discuss your concerns. Then, try to go there in person as soon as you can.

Hair and makeup artist

Your trials still need to happen, of course. But gathering ideas and discussing them with your stylists can happen beforehand, and a great idea is to create an inspiration board on Pinterest of makeup looks and hairstyles you like and share it with them. Then set up video chat consultations with them so they can look at your skin complexion, hair texture and other physical traits that will affect their work.

Read: Bridal makeup tutorials to inspire your look

Dress designer

Arguably the most important part of your wedding look, do not, we repeat do not skip the actual fitting. There’s just no guarantee, even with exact measurements. If you have already fitted and bought a ready-made dress, confirm with the boutique that all is in order with the delivery to make sure it reaches you in time, or what you should do if they are not able to deliver as planned.

Read: Trying on virtual dresses

If you are in the process of having one designed and made, keep in touch with your designer to let them know should anything change (like your measures – try not to stress eat during lockdown!). It’s a good idea to ask them to send you good pictures of parts of the dress as they progress and also a video chat where they can show you the dress and you can discuss any concerns.

Also read: How to have a fun online bachelorette party

Image: Pixabay

In Planning

Beach wedding venues in South Africa

April 8, 2020 No Comments

Just because weddings have been put on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, doesn’t mean you have to stop planning for the future. Keeping your eye out for the wedding venue of your dreams is important!

If you’re considering a seaside wedding, then you’re lucky that you live in South Africa. Our country is overflowing with magnificent beach wedding venues.

Here are some of out favourites:

Tintswalo Atlantic

Within the Greater Table Mountain National Park, at the base of Chapman’s Peak, you’ll find Tintswalo Atlantic. You’ll have unmatchable views of the bay and the mountains on your special day. The lodge includes their luxurious suites in their wedding package too. This venue is best for an intimate wedding, as it seats about 25 guests.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4wga_Bjfc_/

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

The Oyster Box Hotel

This Umhlanga wedding venue is truly like no other, offering you a a stunning backdrop which includes a lighthouse for your nuptials. The hotel overlooking the ocean offers a variety of venues to accomodate almost any size wedding.

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

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

Birkenhead House

On the cliffs of Hermanus overlooking Walker Bay, lies Birkenhead House. The coastal setting is perfect for a beach wedding. The venue caters for weddings of up to 50 guests.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B37Ou7-BxCh/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BottMM7FRh3/

Strandkombuis

For a more laidback beach wedding, head to Strandbombuis in Yzerfontein. You’ll have your reception on the deck only a few steps from the untouched beach. With a capacity of up to 200 guests, you can fit everyone in.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6yhPy_hBEf/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9hlVMtJzDr/

Twelve Apostles Hotel

If a luxury seaside wedding is what you’re looking for, then the Twelve Apostles Hotel is where you need to be. Situated between the Twelve Apostles Mountain range, the setting is perfect for anyone looking for a dramatic backdrop. This hotel is suitable for a wide range of wedding options.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4t2sLZJ0hF/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6IWlacJMMz/

Blue Bay Lodge

Undisturbed beaches, quiet surroundings and Saldanha Bay in the background. What could be more perfect? Blue Bay Lodge offers wedding co-ordination, seating for 150 guests, and a wooden deck at the end of a walkway on the beach where your ceremony can be performed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvY1ocjhDF-/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3uinz4pONP/

Image: Unsplash

In Planning

Post-lockdown wedding photo inspiration

April 8, 2020 No Comments

We’ve made it past halfway through the nationwide lockdown in South Africa, and fingers crossed things will slowly but surely start returning to normal.

If your wedding is coming up later this year or next, don’t forget about all the planning (and dreaming!) you can do while stuck at home. While you can’t go out cake tasting, dress shopping or venue scouting in person, cuddle up and feast your eyes on these amazing photo ideas.

Think magic and celebration meets soft romance. We’re seeing a lot of nature backdrops, playing with sunlight and wind and incorporating flowers.

When you next meet up with your photographer, discuss some of the looks you and your partner want to go for, and some poses, colour schemes and backdrops you like to give them an idea of what you want.

Here’s some inspiration to get you going:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-rMz1Rgon5/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-oPFnalH6q/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsYY7canxoX/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd7qa5fFHnZ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6CnQQWpYg-/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjo0AyOFvkm/

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

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

How to have a fun online bachelorette party

March 30, 2020 No Comments

We know, we know. It’s not exactly what you had in mind. But hey, sometimes doing things a little different can be tons of fun! So, if you were planning to host your own or someone else’s bachelorette party soon and you don’t feel like postponing, don’t worry. You can easily move it online. Here’s how:

Choose your platform

If you’re tech-savvy, you will be spoiled for choice. There are loads of different group communication platforms, including Skype, WhatsApp video call, Zoom, Google Hangouts and more. Choose the one you and your mates are most comfortable with and go for it.

Invite everyone and make sure they can access it

Of course, you and everyone attending will need reliable and strong internet access. It might be smart to do a test run a few days before to make sure everyone can access it and that it will work well. If not, you might consider trying a different platform. Then, the fun part starts. Make some awesome e-vites and get everyone to pin down the date (they’ve got no excuse not to be there!).

Go all out with the dress code

The most important part of the event is (arguably) the theme. If you have a theme or a dress-code, don’t leave it behind! You will still be able to see each other, and you will feel all the vibes if you dress the part.

Have plenty of games on hand

No bachelorette is complete without a bunch of games. Granted, this might not be the wild night out you planned, but it doesn’t have to be any less fun. Games like Heads Up, charades and Never have I ever will have you crying with laughter!

Don’t forget the drinks

This is can be combined with the games for best results. You can even all make cocktails together during the party (assuming you have all the ingredients already, since no alcohol will be for sale during lockdown). If not, get that steaming cup of coffee or heavenly tea ready!

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

Who to leave off your wedding guest list

March 30, 2020 No Comments

Let’s be honest, there are quite a few wedding guests who fall under the ‘non-essential’ category. We tend to invite people to be polite, because our parents expect us to, or because that’s what tradition dictates.

Eventually, the list will grow too long. Your venue’s capacity may not allow for the long list of guests, or it could be the gaping hole in your pocket calling for you to cut down on the invites. Whatever your reason for a shorter guest list, you need to remember that in the end it’s your special day. You can invite (or not invite) anyone you please.

If you’re wondering where to start trimming, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some people you can leave off your wedding guest list:

– MIA friends and family

Your wedding is an opportunity to celebrate your love and the big steps you’re taking in life. Those who are present in your life should have a chance to share that happiness with you. If there are family members or friends you haven’t spoken to in years, there is no need to invite them. This is not a reunion, it’s a wedding.

– Neighbours

Physical proximity should not be a factor in choosing your wedding guests. Just because they live next to you, doesn’t mean they get an invite. If you’re very friendly with them, it’s a different story, but if they’re the “wave and keep it moving” types of neighbours, then an invitation is not necessary.

– Kids

There is a lot of debate about whether kids should be invited to weddings. Ultimately, the choice is yours. But if you wanting to cut down on the amount of mouths you need to feed, this is a great place to start.

– Your parents’ friends

No doubt your mom’s friend will see all your wedding photos on Facebook (and like them all individually). There’s no need for her to see it live.

– Badly behaved guests

If you have a friend who is notorious for getting smashed and wrecking the cake at weddings, why would you invite them? Be smart, don’t do it!

Also read: Should you invite kids to your wedding?

Also read: Wedding plus-one etiquette: Rules for the couple

Also read: The ex-factor: Should you invite them?

Image: Pexels

In Advice

Pros and cons of weekday weddings

March 26, 2020 No Comments

Weekend weddings are all the rage, with Saturdays being the most popular by a long shot. But couples haven’t totally discredited the idea of a weekday wedding. In fact, while they are often considered difficult, weekday weddings are quite do-able!

Perhaps you’ve chosen a special date for a sentimental reason, or you just are not willing to let go of your dream venue even if it means an “inconvenient” date. Whatever the reason for your weekday wedding, we’re sure you’ll pull it off.

If you’re on the fence about whether the weekday wedding will work for you, here are some pros and cons to help you find your way:

Pros

– Much cheaper

Vendors, venues, and hotels will all be much cheaper during the week. Most companies and service providers in the wedding industry are likely to charge much less on a weekday. Saving money? That’s always a plus!

– More availability

Your planning and co-ordination will consist of less back and forth calls and appointments because wedding service providers are more readily available on weekdays. Weekday weddings are uncommon, so you’ll have vendors almost completely to yourself!

– Good for intimate weddings

It’s likely that quite a few people won’t be able to make it, so you’ll be left with a smaller crowd. Of course all your nearest and dearest will make the effort to be there, which means it’s only those who you are not that close to you who won’t pull through. This means your wedding will only have guests who intimately know you. It could turn out being even more special that you ever imagined.

Cons

– Lower attendance

If you’ve always wanted a massive wedding, then a weekday is a big no. Many guests won’t make it during the week.

– Might end earlier

People have obligations the next day and thus may leave earlier than they would at a weekend wedding. It could bring your celebrations to a close before you’re ready to end the night.

– Quiet crowd

Your guests will be attending your wedding after school, work and other such daily tasks. This means they might be a bit tired and low energy. If you’re fine with a quieter crowd, then go for it! But if you want loud cheers and overly excited onlookers, then a weekday wedding may not be for you.

Image: Unsplash

In Planning

No marriage certificates issued during lockdown

March 26, 2020 No Comments

Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi announced that no marriage certificates will be issued during South Africa’s 21-day lockdown.

From midnight tonight [Thursday, March 26], South Africans are required to stay in their homes, with all social events prohibited. This includes weddings, which have already been a struggle as a result of social distancing rules.

Motsoaledi was outlining what his department will still be able to do during the lockdown, which includes no processing of new documents.

“We won’t issue any marriage certificates, new or old, because there won’t be any emergency [requiring marriage]. You can wait until the 21 days,” said Motsoaledi.

While that could have been the end of the announcement, Motsoaledi took the opportunity to offer some advice to those who might be disappointed by the news.

“Maybe the 21 days will also give you time to think whether you want to get married or not. It will be a good time to reflect,” he said.

Many vendors and wedding venues have already closed, meaning many weddings were put on hold anyways. While the Minister might have sounded flippent about your marriage, maybe use the 21 days to iron out those small details that were bugging you and take extra time to connect to your partner.

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Wedding movies to binge-watch during self-quarantine

March 23, 2020 No Comments

Across the world, people are working from home and self-quarantining amid the COVID-19 pandemic. After clocking out of your imaginary office, you’ve probably got a lot of time on your hands. Now seems like the perfect time to do your wedding research.

Whether or not you’re getting married, these films are sure to inspire you as well as show you what NOT to do in the lead-up to your big day.

The Wedding Planner

Jennifer Lopez plays Mary Fiore, San Francisco’s most successful wedding planner. However, she breaks a crucial rule when she falls for one of the grooms, played by Matthew McConaughey. This movie offers early 2000s romcom at its finest.

Father of the Bride

In this heartwarming tale, a father, played by Steve Martin, struggles to come to terms with the fact his eldest daughter is getting married. This film gives great insight into how parents feel when their children take this big step.

My Best Friend’s Wedding

When Julianne Potter (Julia Roberts) finds out her best friend Michael O’Neal (Dermot Mulroney) plans to marry in a few days, she realises she is actually in love with him and sets off to get the wedding cancelled. Many hijinks and a famous musical scene that catapaulted the song “I Say a Little Prayer (For You)” can be expected.

The Wedding Singer

This 1998 romantic comedy tells the story of wedding singer Robbie (Adam Sandler) and waitress Julia (Drew Barrymore), both of whom are engaged to other people. When Robbie’s fiance breaks things off, Julia helps him find happiness again and they begin to fall for one another. This is just one of many classic Sandler / Barrymore films that has gone down in history.

Bridesmaids

An all-star cast of funny women leaves us with a laugh-a-minute movie. The movie follows Annie, played by Kristen Wiig, who begins unravelling when she becomes maid of honour to best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph). The limit does not exist for quotable moments in this film.

Runaway Bride

New York columnist Ike, played by Richard Gere, is assigned to write an article about Maggie Carpenter (Julia Roberts), a woman who has a history of leaving fiance’s at the altar on their wedding day and thus earning her the nickname ‘The Runaway Bride”. As she prepares to walk down the aisle again, Ike and Maggie grow closer, threatening history to repeat itself once more.

Monster-in-Law

Everthing is plain sailing for Charlie (Jennifer Lopez) and Kevin (Michael Vartan), who quickly fall in love and get engaged, until Charlie meets Kevin’s mother Viola (Jane Fonda), who is determined to keep her son all to herself. After watching this movie, we hope you’ll feel a lot more grateful for your own mother-in-law.

Sweet Home Alabama

When New York-based up-and-coming fashion designer Melanie Carmichael (Reece Witherspoon) becomes engaged to famed politician’s son Andrew Hennings (Patrick Dempsey), she is forced to return to her secret Southern roots to divorce her first husband Jake, who refuses to sign the papers.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Decor

Classic black and white wedding decor

March 20, 2020 No Comments

Colour is great, but sometimes you just want to keep it simple. If you’ve got a more classic style, going with a black and white colour scheme will appeal to all your senses.

Easy to pair and oh so glamorous, black and white wedding decor screams style and sophistication. Here are some styling ideas for your own big day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3THU0UFfxM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B983LLZAkhv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B98Coz9n5ln/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B911Y3gpmZq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/1QhOvnRLn3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9tCUKxjxQn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9LSjboghpZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw8l7RKjLsY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpmN2DahQlw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Date ideas to keep romance alive during self-quarantine

March 19, 2020 No Comments

As the outbreak of coronavirus gets more and more serious, governments across the world have urged people to practice social distancing. We all know by now that with social distancing comes a lot, if not all, evenings spent indoors.

This has affected date nights everywhere. Oh, the horror! No more movie theatres, bars, restaurants, or any activity that causes a large amount of people to gather in one place at one time.

We’re sure there are a few rebellious souls out there, risking infection for an evening on the town. However, for those of us who prefer living life far away from the edge, safely in quarantine, date nights don’t have to be boring either.

Here are some quarantine date ideas:

– Netflix (with or without the chill)

This one works for those of you who are fully committing to self-isolation. You don’t even have to be in the same room. All you need is two separate Netflix accounts.

Add the Chrome extension called “Netflix Party” to your browser. Click on your date night movie, then click on the extension icon that should have appeared on your browser tab. You’ll see a chat bar appear on the side of the screen. Send a link, which is provided by the extension, to your date. There you have it – Netflix date night from separate houses!

– Cook together

There’s nothing more romantic than cooking together. Get your hands dirty in the kitchen with a recipe you’ve never tried before or better yet, have a cooking competition! Limit yourselves to only what’s in the cupboards presently (since we’re limiting our trips to stores anyway) and cook a dish each. After, you can have a tasting and decide that in the end you’re both winners since you have the prize of each others’ company.

– Couples at home spa

Head to Pinterest for some great DIY face masks, hair treatments and the like. Spend the evening pampering yourselves and relaxing as you take advantage of the extra down time quarantine has provided.

– Picnic

Who says you need a park for a picnic? If you have a garden or a yard, lay a blanket out and get picnicking! Alternatively, for those without a grass patch at their disposal, have a picnic on the floor in your home. All you really need is the right energy. Light some candles, lay out a snack-spread, play some music and you’re good to go.

– Games night

There are plenty of two person games out there. Card games, board games, jenga, don’t limit yourself. Unleash your playful side with those games that have been gathering dust in your closet.

– Make plans

For the extrovert out there who can’t wait for the self-isolation to end, spend an evening making a bucket list. Plan all the things you want to do together as soon as the quarantine ends…and commit to doing them! No bailing out once the time comes.

Don’t forget, being in quarantine doesn’t mean you get to skip your shower! Happy date night!

Featue image: Unsplash