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    Weddings can be quite costly, which is why micro weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Otherwise known as small weddings, these micro nuptials are not just smaller guest lists.

    It should consist of all the typical wedding elements: just on a smaller scale.

    Cutting the guest list down means that your wedding can be more intimate as it will only be your loved ones around. The ceremony duration is normally shorter. There is usually not a lot of bells and whistles involved. This cut back means that you can save quite a lot of money.

    Less people means that you can splurge on things that you wouldn’t be able to in bulk. For example, expensive champagne or snacks. Since you’re only catering for about 20 people you can afford to get those special things.

     

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    – G R A Z E –

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    The micro wedding will be less stressful as you’re planning your big day on a smaller scale. Since you’ll only have a few people it will also be less nerve racking and you’ll be able to connect with your guests more.

    Instead of having to mingle with over 50 people, your time can be divided among the few at your micro wedding.

    If you choose to have the smaller scale nuptials your venue options are also endless. You can try approaching your favourite restaurant or garden. Keep in mind even if a place doesn’t advertise hiring their venue for weddings they may be able to accommodate your micro wedding.

    Micro weddings are a great option and a good way to celebrate your wedding especially if you don’t have a lot of guests to invite.

    However it may not work if you want a wedding with everyone including your extended family and co-workers.

    Picture: Unsplash

    It’s your nearest and dearests wedding coming up and you’ve been given a plus one. With no partner, you have to pick a lucky someone to accompany you to the big bash.

    It’s important to remember that it’s not just a plus one, but rather someone you know you can have fun with. The wedding is an important day for your loved ones as it sees the union of two people ready to tie the knot.

    So how do you choose the perfect partner to bring along?

    1. Respectful

    Aretha Franklin said it. The person you pick should be mannerly and respectful. You don’t want to pick someone that will talk during the ceremony and speeches. Or someone that may have their eyes glued to their phone rather than the wedding itself. Choose someone that will show their gratitude for being invited.

     

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    Cheers to the Crenshaws! ?

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    2. Outgoing and fun

    Your date should be sociable and friendly. They should be able to hold a conversation and feel comfortable on their own, if you need to step away for some reason. Bonus is if they bring along some whit and charm.

     

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    ⁠ Party on the dance floor !! ? ⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ ? @37frames ⠀⁠ ? @silveradoresortweddings @silveradoresort⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ #37frames #firstdance #weddingsaroundtheworld #silveradoresortwedding ⁠#silveradoresortweddings⁠ #silveradoresort⁠ #silveradoresortwedding⁠ #napavalleywedding⁠ #winecountrywedding⁠ #historicweddingvenue⁠ #destinationwedding⁠ #resortwedding⁠ #uniqueweddingvenue⁠ #countryclubwedding⁠ #outdoorwedding #napawedding #tokyoweddingphotographer #destinationweddingphotographer #firstdancegoals #bridesrealweddings #bridetobe #bridesmagazine #golfclubwedding #weddingreception #bridalparty #dancefloor #weddingdance #theknotwedding #destinationweddingspecialist #bestweddingdance

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    3. Bust a move

    They don’t need to be able to take part in Step Up or Shall We Dance? As long as they can move their feet and have a great time. You don’t want someone that’s afraid of dancing and will just at the table while everyone else dances.

    4. Moderate

    If there is alcohol involved, your partner should be able to handle their liquor. There is nothing worse than someone who had a bit too much to drink and is falling all over the place. Pick someone that won’t go overboard but knows how to have some fun.

    5. Independent

    Since it is your loved ones wedding, you will obviously know quite a few people. You’re going to have to mingle with everyone and there may be a few times throughout the night where you’ll need to excuse yourself from your partner. Hopefully they won’t just sit at the table or stand in the corner awkwardly. If they are on their own, they should be independent enough to know what to do with themselves.

    6. Smartly dressed

    It is a wedding and there’s normally a dress code. Your partner should dress accordingly. They should look great on your arm and should compliment what you wear.

    Picture: Unsplash

     

    American socialite Amanda Hearst and Norwegian film director Joachim Rønning had a four day nuptial celebration. The wedding ceremony took place on August 2, 2019. The romantic love affair was held in California at the Hearst Castle. Amanda is the great-granddaughter of American publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst, and Joachim is known for directing Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019).

     

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    Our cathedral ❤️

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    Micaela Erlanger was Amanda’s stylist for the big weekend. The rehearsal dinner entailed a Viktor and Rolf Soir dress, which was a beautiful white garment that was paired with a Judith Leiber Crystal Castle clutch and Sergio Rossi shoes.


    Amanda wore an Oscar de la Renta gown for the ceremony. The bride requested that her gown be completely sustainable. This meant that nothing was imported or specially requested and all materials were sourced locally or taken from the designer’s own supplies. Even the boning of the dress was reused as it was taken from a previous gown. The silk was bought from the Taroni mill, which the Green Carpet Fashion Awards in 2017 announced as their ‘sustainable producer’ winner.


    After the ‘I dos’ Amanda slipped into a Galvan halter dress for the reception. To end off the night, she wore a Giambattista Valli couture dress, and on Saturday Amanda turned heads with yet another Oscar de la Renta dress.

     

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    Maybe blondes do have more fun ??‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️ @parishilton #makeupbydianebuzzetta

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    The Moroccan-themed reception included caviar, champagne and a traditional white wedding cake. Their guest list included Paris and Nicky Hilton, Jay McInerney, Kick Kennedy and Candace Bushnell. They indulged next to the famous Hearst Castle pool.

     

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    Blonde crew ✨ #KathyHilton #ParisHilton @AmandaHearst @AnneHearst #NickyHilton

    A post shared by Nicky, Kathy & Paris Hilton❤ ✨ (@hiltonempresses) on


    Amanda and Joachim didn’t have a typical and ordinary rehearsal dinner though. To incorporate a bit of Norwegian flair on the day, guests were encouraged to visit a reindeer that had a special invitation to the party.

     

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    The bride and honorable guests #hearstgoesrønning

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    The Hearst Castle wasn’t just any venue for the happy couple. The castle was partly designed and conceptualised by Amanda’s great grandfather, William Randolph Hearst. The estate is a national historic landmark and belongs to the state of California.

     

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    Golden hour ✨

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    Picture: Instagram/Amanda Hearst

    Heidi Klum and Tom Kaulitz wed for the second time in a beautiful ceremony in Italy on a yacht off the picturesque coast of Capri. The couple have been romantically linked since early 2018. They appeared at the Cannes Film Festival together the same year and announced their engagement over Instagram on December 24, 2018.

     

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    I SAID YES ❤️

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    Heidi and Tom secretly wed in February 2019. They obtained their marriage certificate in California.

    The ex-supermodel wore a stunning white gown with flowing puffed sleeves, white veil, sweetheart neckline and empire waist for her Italian affair.

     

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    Heidi Klum and Tom Kaulitz just got married (again!) ? Link in bio for the pics from her luxurious Italian wedding. (?: Splash)

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    The couple were also spotted at the Restaurant da Paolino Capri. They stayed with the theme of white wedding bliss by wearing white to the restaurant.

     

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    ?????? @heidiklum

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    Wedding guests included Simon Cowell, Tim Gunn and fashion designer Michael Kors. This is Klum’s third marriage, the first was to stylist Ric Pipino in 1997 and the second to musician Seal in 2005.

    Picture: Instagram/Heidi Klum

    The wedding between Prince Charles and Lady Diana was anything but happily ever after. To the avid royal follower, it was nothing short of a fairytale. From her dreamy ivory silk taffeta and antique lace gown, to her impressive 7.62m train and a 1.4m tulle veil – it was picture-perfect.

    What most didn’t know is that there were a string of unfortunate incidents throughout the day – even a princess has mishaps on her special day. Here are a few rather interesting things that didn’t go according to plan.

    Princess Diana Spilled perfume on the front of her dress. Picture: Fox Photos/Getty Images

    1. Spilled perfume

    After Diana put her gown on she tried to dab some perfume onto her pulse points and mistakenly dropped the bottle on her dress. According to her makeup artist, Barbara Daly, the signature scent created especially for her big day spilled down the front of the wedding gown. Daly tried frantically to wipe the dress but it left a large stain behind. The best advice Daly could give the princess was to hold the dress where the scent had spilled and pretend as though she is lifting it up to avoid tripping over it. Luckily, no one even noticed.

    2. The tiny carriage wrinkled her dress

    The ideal arrival is a horse-drawn carriage… unless you are wearing a massive ballgown with a 7.6m train and big puffy sleeves, of course. Lady Diana and her father John Spencer were transported to St Paul’s Cathedral in the Queen’s ceremonial glass coach. While very beautiful, the carriage is also rather small. When Diana hopped out of the carriage, her dress and train was noticeably creased. Alas, she had to walk down the aisle all a little wrinkled.

    3. Getting married was a headache

    Quite literally, according to Charles Spence, Diana’s brother, she had a massive headache the entire day because of the heavy tiara. While it is tradition to wear one of the Queen’s tiaras, Diana instead opted for a Spencer family heirloom, which weighed heavily on her head.

    4. The wrong name

    All of England loved her for it – when it came time to recite her vows at the alter, in front of the entire world watching, Diana mistakenly called the Prince, “Philip Charles” Arthur George, instead of “Charles Philip” Arthur George. A tongue twister of note, and with so many people watching, all was forgiven.

    5. Charles returned the favour

    Charles laughed off Diana’s faux pax, then returned the favour. While reciting his vows to her, he ‘accidentally’ changed the wording – instead of “my worldly goods,” he said “thy goods”.

    The lesson from all of these missteps? Some things will always go wrong – even fairytales don’t have it all together.

    Pictures: Getty Images

    When it’s your big day, you only want the best of the best. Some couples decide to go all out and opt for grand entrances or exits. Arriving in a classic car or on horseback is just the start of some of these exquisite wedding entrances and exits.

    1. Tractor

    You and your loved one adore the rustic outdoors and choose to have your special day on a farm. Why not leave the ceremony venue on a tractor? Your guests can have some fun too and hop on one as well. This farm vehicle also makes for great photo props.

     

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    Make an entrance ♡ #scenicrimbride

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    2. Parachute

    Channel your inner James (or Jane) Bond by arriving at your wedding by parachute. Imagine how surprised your partner and guests will be when they see you swinging in from the skies. If you’re an adrenaline junkie and looking for that wow factor, this is an option to consider.

    3. Sleigh

    Obviously this option depends on where your wedding is, but you could choose to leave your reception on a sleigh pulled by ‘Rudolph’. This may be the perfect way to exit your winter wonderland wedding.

    4. Motorcycle

    If you’re a biker at heart, why not arrive or exit your wedding on a motorbike. You can opt for one or have a biker run where a couple of two-wheel vehicles lead you in or out.

    5. Scuba dive

    A ceremony underwater is sure to appeal to the water babies out there. Your guests can wait on the shore for the newlywed couple.

    6. Helicopter

    Arriving or leaving your wedding in a helicopter is one way to make sure all eyes are on you. Overlooking the world with your partner by your side is also a romantic way to start or end your big day.

     

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    Perks of getting married at an airport hangar ☝️ // ? @sethsanker / event planning @itsblushandbloom / venue @hangar21venue / floral design Fleur.ish / catering, cake, dessert, and bar @jayscatering / cotton candy @skinnypuf / hand drawn cocktails @electriceunice / ice cream cart @nichosicecream / dj @bouquetsound / makeup @elartistry / hair @bibbidy_bobbidy_beauty / wedding dress @theiacouture / bridal cape + veil @camillachristinebridal / bridal accessories @twigsandhoney / bridesmaids apparel @matchmade.co / grooms apparel @friartux / rentals @hangar21venue@3littlebirdseventplanning / photo booth @puffinbooth / laser-cut signage @happilyeverethced ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #junebugweddings #loveauthentic #realwedding #justmarried #loveintentionally #weddinginspiration #weddingphotography #huffpostweddings #ido #loveandwildhearts #belovedstories #dirtybootsandmessyhair #photobugcommunity #helicopterwedding #weddingdress

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    7. Ice-cream truck

    Maybe the options above don’t really tickle your fancies. How about choosing something extra unique – even a little bizarre-sounding – like hiring an ice-cream truck to make your grand entrance or exit. The frozen desserts on board are a bonus. It’s fun and different, and great if you’re looking to do something outside of the norm.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Cody Williams, the youngest child of the late and great Robin Williams, honoured his father by getting married on Robin’s birthday, July 21. The beloved comedian and actor would have been 68. Cody married his long-time sweetheart Maria Flores at his childhood home.

    Yellow roses were held before a lit candle in remembrance of Robin and other late loved ones.

    Cody’s sister Zelda shared the news over Instagram in a post in which she explained why July 21 is such a meaningful date for her. She stated that this date was also the last time she saw her dad before his passing. It became a tough day to remember but with the nuptials of her younger brother, it has brought a new, joyous meaning.

     

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    The 21st of July has meant many things to me over the years. It’s the birthday of one of my favorite souls still on this earth, @junotemple. It’s the day Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon (as a space nerd, that’s pretty damn important). And it was the day my Dad was born, and the last day I got to see him. That last one had begun to usurp the joy of the first two in recent years… that is, until two days ago, when it became something new. On the 21st of July, 2019, it became the day I officially gained a new sister! To @mariaaafloresssswilliams and Cody, you are a light in all of our lives. I’m so grateful to have paid witness to your love over the years, to have watched you grow and care for each other in ways we should all be so lucky to experience. You were already part of the family in my eyes, but now there’s an official slip of paper somewhere that agrees! Zak, Mom and I love you both dearly, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BRIDE AND GROOM!!! ?????? ♥️ Photos by @cassievalentephoto

    A post shared by Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) on


    Robin Williams took his own life on August 11, 2014. The actor was known for his roles in Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), Aladdin (1992), and Mrs Doubtfire (1993).

    He is survived by his children Zachary Pym Williams, Zelda Rae Williams and Cody Alan Williams. Zachary and his fiancé Olivia June recently welcomed a baby boy and named him Mclaurin Clement Williams. Mclaurin was Robin’s second name.

    Picture: Instagram/Zelda Williams

    Amit Shah and Aditya Madiraju recently wed on July 19, in a traditional wedding ceremony at a Hindu temple. The two grooms shared their magnificent wedding pictures on social media and these quickly went viral, with people amazed at the fact that the two grooms had gotten married in a traditional temple.

     

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    Love is meant to be celebrated. Outfits | @anitadongre #l Photography | @charmipena

    A post shared by Amit Shah – Creative Director (@amit_aatma) on


    Both grooms, originally from India and now living in New Jersey, come from conservative and traditional backgrounds, and so wanted a religious ceremony where they could say their Hindu prayers. The lovebirds had actually been legally married earlier in the month at a city hall.


    On September 6, 2018 homosexuality was decriminalised by the Supreme Court of India when it declared Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code unconstitutional. This change being so recent, many LGBTQ people still live in fear of their families disowning them as it is often viewed by many as ‘shameful’.

     

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    We are all born to love – just live your truth. Outfits | @anitadongre Photograph | @charmipena

    A post shared by Amit Shah – Creative Director (@amit_aatma) on


    After Amit and Aditya posted their magical moments over social media comments flooded in, many saying that couple brought hope to them. The pair are extremely happy that their love has evoked such happiness and spread hope to others.

    Picture: Instagram/Amit Shah

    Planning your wedding and finding inspiration can be tough. Luckily, wedding expos and fairs are there to guide soon-to-be wed couples. Not only can you get tips, ideas and special deals by trawling these, but they can also be a lot of fun. These events showcase decor, stationary, colour schemes, cakes and more to help you envision and plan out your perfect wedding. Some expos even offer the opportunity to meet with vendors that can assist you on your big day.

    Have a look at wedding fairs and expos you can visit in South Africa:

    1.Winelands Bridal Fair

    This event will be taking place on August 3 and 4 with stunning Stellenbosch as its backdrop. The bridal fair offers everything you may need for planning a wedding all under one roof. There are even experts there who can assist you.

    2. The Wedding Expo

    This annual expo takes place in Johannesburg and Durban and sees brides- and grooms-to-be from far and wide paying it a visit. You’ll find a variety of services to help you with your wedding planning.

    3. SA Bridal Fair

    You can catch this wedding expo in Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg. The event hosts local vendors who can lend a hand in all your wedding plans. Make sure you save the dates. It will be at Makaranga in KwaZulu-Natal on August 11, the Hilton Sandton in Johannesburg on October 13 and the next Cape Town expo will be happening next year, so keep an eye out.

    4. Bridal Expo

    Hosted at the Oakfield Farm in Johannesburg, this bridal affair will be taking place on January 25 – 26 and June 27 – 28 2020. Meet with wedding specialists who can help you plan your big day. The event includes competitions, bridal fashion shows, and a big bridal gown pop-up store with the biggest wedding dress sale in South Africa.

    Picture: Unsplash

    As much as we love hashtags and Pinterest, it’s not always the best place to find unique ideas. If everyone is looking at Pinterest or searching hashtags, that means everyone is doing it and it’s not so special after all. Some wedding trends need the boot – they are overdone and border on being corny.

    We’ve put together a list of some wedding trends you should steer clear off:

    1. Monogram everything

    It’s cute to have the couples’ initials on various wedding items to add that personal special touch. But… when it’s on everything, it is a bit too much. Less is more. If you really want to go this route, select a few special items to mark.

     

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    Sometimes all you need is a chic monogram, a classic typeface, and some yummy food courses to make your menu card dreams come true. ?? Stay tuned to see how these beauties are styled this Sunday! ? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #laceandbelle #njweddinginvitations #weddingstationery #bespokeweddinginvitations #customweddinginvitations #customweddingstationery #ceremonyprograms #njwedding #newjerseywedding #njbride #newjerseybride #engaged? #njweddingvendors #hobokenbride #princetonbride #menucards #weddingmenu #weddingmenus #handlettered #moderncalligraphy #weddingcalligraphy #receptiondetails #2019weddings #2020weddings #sneakpeek #chaunceyweddingexpo #monogramwedding

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    2. Naked Cakes and unusual flavours

    They are beautiful cakes but remember it’s not different when everyone is doing it. Let’s be honest, we’re all missing that extra icing that a naked cake lacks. Give the people what they want. It’s time to bring back cake stunners – with the icing please.

    Once you’ve discussed the amount of icing on your cake, keep the flavours simple. People really don’t want to be tasting ‘daring’ flavours. Chocolate, vanilla and red velvet are crowd pleasers. Keep the apple and pear naked cake for your birthday.


    3. Rose gold and vintage themes

    No doubt, it is a beautiful colour – but so overdone. Your wedding should be a timeless affair. It should be personal and planned to represent you and your partner. Go for something completely unusual, pick colours you don’t see often. If you really like the colour incorporate it as an accent.

    Let’s talk about vintage themed weddings. It’s pretty and simple. It seems different and maybe once a upon a time it was, but not anymore. Brown string tied to everything, beverages served in mason jars and doily like finishes, not sure if you’re getting the picture.


    4. The central table

    As traditional as it is, it’s time for this wedding trend to end. Go for more of an inclusive wedding. The point is to celebrate and enjoy the evening with your partner and guests. Don’t section yourself off from the crowd. The bridal couple should be on display but don’t need to be propped on a pedestal like ornaments on a shelf.


    5. Too much signage

    We get that you want to help your guests as much as possible but over signage is a thing. You don’t have to mark and explain every aspect of your wedding. People can figure most things out for themselves. A few signs are cute and creative but when they’re all over the place with hard to read fonts, they serve no purpose.


    6. Dance entrances

    In 2009 a video of a bride, groom and their wedding party busting a move while making their way down the aisle went viral on YouTube. This idea quickly grew into a trend. But, unless you were an extra in Step Up or Take the Lead, no one really wants to see your awkward dance entrance. It is fun and cool when done by the professionals but if you can’t dance, it becomes a little laughable.

    Source: Unsplash

    7. Useful wedding favours

    You want to thank your guests for joining you on your special day. Let’s be honest, no one wants to collect useless things. It would be better to gift your guests something practical rather than a dust collector. Think outside the box. Customise the gift based on your wedding. Depending on your guests, mini plants such as cacti or spekboom are practical. These plants don’t require a lot of maintenance which is great because you don’t want to create work for your guests. Mini alcohol bottles or chocolate is a lovely idea too, keep it simple.


    Picture: Unsplash