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    In Advice

    Wedding anniversary symbols and meanings

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    The milestones don’t end after you get married. Every year holds new significance, with a particular symbol to represent it. If you’re about to celebrate an anniversary, you might want to take a tip from these traditional wedding anniversary symbols and their meanings.

    Year 1: The traditional gift is paper, to symbolise the fragility of marriage and the need to look after it carefully. For a gift, a necklace with a charm in the shape of a paper plane would be fitting.

    Year 2: Cotton is the traditional gift, meant to symbolise the strength and flexibility of your union. Consider purchasing matching bathrobes or branded pillowcases to celebrate.

    Year 3: This year’s symbol, leather, represents strength and security. To honour it, gift your partner with a handbag or monogrammed wallet.

    Year 4: This anniversary symbol is quite literal. Fruits and flowers represent the flowering of your marriage and the resulting fruits of your labour, or in other words, your happiness. Celebrate with fruit-scented products or gardening tools.

    Year 5:  Trees have always represented strength and wisdom, which makes wood a perfect symbol for a five year anniversary. A wooden clock or jewellery box would make excellent gifts.

    Year 6: This anniversary celebrates the sweetness of your marriage, which is why sugar/candy is the symbol. Take your partner out for their favourite sweet treats in honour of the day.

    Year 7: Copper and wool both produce heat, and are thus representative of the warmth couples provide each other. Gift your loved one with copper homeware or woollen clothing items.

    Year 8: Bronze is the symbol of your eighth year together. As bronze is made of copper and tin, it represents the blending of two elements creating a stronger product. Bronze homeware or a sculpture would make for excellent gifts.

    Year 9: From a simple lump of clay, potters can craft a beautiful work of art. It thus makes sense that pottery would be your ninth anniversary symbol. Celebrate with pots, pans or ceramics.

    Year 10: Tin/Aluminium has the ability to last forever, and hopefully, your marriage does too. Vases, goblets, paperweights or homeware make great gifts.

    Year 15: Crystal represents beauty and investment. There are so many great gift options, such as vases, wine glasses, dishes, bowls, candle holders and jugs.

    Year 20: China is elegant yet fragile and requires care and consideration, just like your love. Purchase china ornaments, mugs, jugs, plates, bowls, vases or flower pots in honour of this anniversary.

    Year 25: As an incredibly valuable and precious metal, silver makes for a fitting 25-year anniversary symbol. Jewellery would be the perfect gift for this year.

    Year 30: Pearl represents a hidden beauty that is crafted over the years. Pearl jewellery or something encrusted with pearls is the obvious gift of choice here.

    Year 35: Coral was once believed to have magical powers that prevent sickness and harm. Likewise, in your relationship, you do all you can to protect your partner from harm. Gift your partner with coral jewellery or simply just something in the colour.

    Year 40: Ruby is one of the most sought-after gems, representing love and passion. The obvious gift for this anniversary would be a ruby, most likely in the form of jewellery.

    Year 45: Sapphire is the stone of royalty and wisdom, making it the perfect gem to celebrate a love this long.

    Year 50:  Gold symbolises strength and prosperity, richly shining bright. It is the perfect crowning glory for a 50 year run. Celebrate with new wedding bands and renewing your vows.

    Year 55: Emerald is the stone for lovers, signifying true love and adoration. Let your partner know how you feel with emerald jewellery.

    Year 60: Nothing shines brighter than a diamond. This strong stone represents undying love, making it incredibly fitting for a 60-year marriage.

    Year 65: Blue sapphire is symbolic of loyalty, integrity and inner peace. Any relationship that lasted this long would have to have all of these traits.

    Year 70: Platinum is rare and can weather anything, just like a 70 year marriage. Honour your long-term commitment with beautiful platinum jewellery.

    Image: Pexels

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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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    In Advice

    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.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    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 Beauty

    Five timeless make-up looks

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    Your make up will determine your whole look, and it’s important that it suits your personality, dress and overall theme. Here are five looks that have always been popular to give you some inspiration.

    Metallic
    This style is perfect for the rockstar-bride. Go for shades of purple, bronze and silver for a dramatic look.

    Classic
    Over the years, the classic neutral eyes with bold red lips have always been a favourite. It speaks of timeless class and sophistication.

    Smokey
    The smokey eye is a good option if you are looking to make a lasting impression. Pair it with nude lips to make your eyes pop!

    Fresh
    Depending on your skin tone, the natural, spring-inspired look will have you looking radiant.

    Contoured
    Keep up with the Kardashians who practically invented (and perfected) this edgy style.

    Picture:Pixabay

     

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    In Engagements

    KFC couple to wed in December

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    South Africa’s favourite couple have officially set a date for the wedding of the year. Hector Mkansi and Nonhlanhla Soldaat are officially getting married on December 31, 2019.

    In a tweet, KFC South Africa officially announced that Hector and Nonhlanhla, who stole our hearts when they became engaged in a Vaal KFC in early November, will say ‘I Do’ on New Year’s Eve.

    The couple are already married, but because of their financial situation, they could not have the wedding they truly wanted. This time, they’re doing it big and the nation is fully behind them.

    Precious the Planner, one of the country’s top wedding planners, is already on board to plan the big day.

    Other notable businesses that have offered support include Takealot, Capfin, Kulula, Sun City Resort, Koo Food.

    Popular photographer Austin Malema has offered to be the official photographer, DJ Fresh has offered to donate a DJ set for the reception, and Zakes Bantwini has offered to perform at the wedding.

    Drum magazine has offered a two-page spread on the couple, and it is rumoured that Mzanzi Magic’s Our Perfect Wedding will capture the wedding in all its glory.

    It’s not only businesses feeling the love. People are offering to support in any way they can, from donating money to supplying cars, outfits, accessories, invites and drinks.

    If you would also like to support the happy couple, all media queries, donations and pledges can be directed to [email protected].

    Image: Twitter

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    In Food

    Seven over-the-top wedding cakes

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    We’ve seen it all. The weird, the wacky, the gorgeous and glamorous. Some people prefer subtle and understated, but not these brides. They go all out or nothing. Call it what you will, here are the some very over-the-top wedding cakes.

    I heart you
    We guess this is one way to portray romance.
     

    Mine is bigger than yours
    Bigger is better, right?

    Fairytale wedding
    We hope they lived happily ever after.

    Head over heels
    Which way is up (and how does it stay together)?

    Crystal towers
    It’s all about the bling.

    You light up my life
    We’re not saying it’s a bad thing, but this reminds us of a night light in a child’s bedroom.

    Plenty of fish in the sea
    Is the cake served with sushi?

    Image: Instagram/Pakistanibride

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    In Venues

    Beluga whale attends wedding

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    Nobody likes uninvited guests at their wedding. But what if it’s a Beluga whale? One couple was delighted when the friendly sea creature swam up to them during their aquarium wedding in Connecticut, US.

    The couple obviously love the ocean and its inhabitants, and we agree, they are beautiful. Standing beneath a dome of blue water and coral fish, this was already the perfect setting. Then one more attendant swam over to be included in the festivities.

    They had a whale of a time!

    Belugas are naturally curious like most sea mammals, and are known to have a friendly nature. And apparently, they’re really good photobombers! The internet is having a party with the picture, captioning cute comments like: ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something Beluga!’

    Picture: Bored Panda

     

     

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    In Bridal Shower

    Bride buys pit bull matching wedding dress

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    You’ve heard of miniature brides, but this one is pretty paw-some. Although it’s generally considered disrespectful to wear white to a wedding, this bride made a special exception for her cute little pup.

    They say that dogs are man’s best friend, so why not include them in your wedding? That’s the exact thought New York-based bride Jennifer Hindieh, now Najman, and her then-fiancé Alexander Najman had. Their family of three was made when they adopted their adorable pit bull Bailey, who has since been there for every important moment in their lives.

    “She’s pretty much my little partner in crime, my best friend, like our kid. She completely changed our lives from the day we adopted her,” Jennifer told I Love Dogs. “We love giving her the best life she can have and wouldn’t feel right not having her be a part of our wedding.”

    So when wedding planning came around, they decided that Bailey should match her mom in a wedding dress of her own. Bailey’s custom made wedding dress was ordered from Etsy, and featured a ruffle skirt with diamante applique.

    “I decided to get her a dress because honestly, she is my family, my baby and our life with her is what makes every day so special,” Jennifer told The Dodo.

    Bailey looked absolutely adorable as she walked down the aisle alongside her mom. We’re sure the wedding was a barking good time.

    Image: Instagram / baileythehousehippo

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    In Advice

    Tropical wedding decor inspiration

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    If you’re getting married in paradise, why not have your wedding decor reflect it? Tropical wedding decor is a great way to bring the island to your wedding, even if you’re not there. Incorporating natural elements and lots of colour gives your wedding a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for the laid-back couple.

    Invites:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B47BPVEAHa9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Aisle:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3emeXXA5sk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Table numbers:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Cja6Gn_j8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Table decor:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B45kkAwocww/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Coconut drinks:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B441S2JDse-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Chill zone:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4tqZiWFQ3j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Bouquet:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5A_MhzFAo-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Getaway car:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5A6dqTKttW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Surfboard drinks menu:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-8dXkDBwX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Floral chandelier:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-ErabhXI4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Photo backdrop:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B48xQkrAoR5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

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    Simple tips for writing great wedding vows

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    Writing wedding vows can be a daunting task. It can be overwhelming to attempt to sum up all the things that you want to say to your partner. The vows, which at the end of it only add up to a few minutes of talking, are a summary of the love you have for your partner, the promises you are making to them, and the hopes and dreams you have for your future together.

    What makes this more difficult for many, is that it has to be done not only in front of your partner but also in front of all your guests.

    We’ve compiled a list of tips to ensure that you’re writing the best wedding vows you can.

    Things to say in your vows 

    – First, mention your own name and your partner’s name. There are probably many people in the audience staring at you; this could take away some of the intimacy of your vows. Emphasise the intimacy by adding something like, “I, Harry, take you, Sally.”

    – Second, add some anecdotes and personal stories. The guests will enjoy listening to this, and your partner will enjoy the trip down memory lane.

    – Third, make sure you’re saying meaningful things. Cute and funny stories will only get you so far. Say things that also show how serious you are about this commitment.

    – This final one should be a no-brainer, but we know that the stress of vow writing can cause some forgetfulness so we’ll mention it just incase. Always say “I love you”.

    Writing tips 

    – Do not, we repeat, do NOT write them at the last minute.

    – Read through some samples of vows before you start writing. This may help you to work out what your tone should be and could give you some inspiration.

    – Actually write your vows down. “I will remember them”, never works out.

    – Cut out clichés and things that might embarrass your partner.

    – Make sure your vows are not too long. Your audience may get fidgety.

    – Get somebody to proofread it. An outside opinion always ensures improvements.

    -Preparation tips 

    – Practice your vows. Say them out loud. Say them in the mirror. You’ll be nervous on the big day and the practice will ensure you’re familiar with what you want to say.

    – Carry a written or typed copy of your vows with you. If you do end up stumbling on your words, this will be a great help.

    – With all of these tips in mind, remember to also get creative and take into account the finer details and context of your relationship like Jimmy Gisondi, who wrote a set of vows not only for his bride, Kelsea, but also for his new step-daughter, Olivia.

    Credit:Abigail Gingerale Photography

    In his separate vows to Olivia, he said “I promise to never treat you [like] anything less than my own child”. This thoughtful additional set of vows brought the crowd to tears.

    Credit: Abigail Gingerale Photography

    Last but not least, don’t forget to add your personality. Your partner-to-be loves you for who you are, so staying true to yourself will make the vows unforgettable for them.

    Image: Pexels 

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