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Weddings

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Everything is organised: Your dress, your hair and make-up. The catering and photography are all systems go and you and your spouse-to-be are super excited for the big day. There’s just one issue left to tackle: the guests. You both love your families, but they can be a handful. This cousin is angry with that aunt, and that uncle hasn’t spoken to this one’s dad in years. Hopefully, you or your partner’s family members are mature enough to behave well at the wedding for your sakes and not ruin your day. But you never know!

So how do you handle family feuds on what’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life? Here are some things to keep in mind to help you prevent the much-dreaded drama:

1. Be smart with seating arrangements
When it comes to practical things like seating, be mindful of who sits next to whom. Of course, it might not be possible to keep everyone happy, but you can at least try to arrange it in a way that arguments will be least likely to break out.

2. Never get involved in the details
Remember, if it’s not your fight, it’s not your place to intervene. You have bigger things to worry about! For you to try and get in between will waste energy and emotional resources you’re supposed to save for joyous moments. Keep out of it as far as possible. When either of the parties involved try to drag you in, just calmly but firmly say something like “I understand that it’s tough for you, and I really appreciate that you’re here for me. I will not be able to talk to him/her about this, but why don’t you join me on the dance floor? I love this song!” This way, you move the attention away from the issue and hopefully remind them that you’re all there to enjoy the wedding.

3. Try to give everyone equal attention
Again, don’t choose sides. It’s important that you show everyone you are happy for them to be there for you and that you appreciate and love them all equally. Avoid spending too much time with any particular person or table so as not to create more friction.

4. Communicate beforehand
If things are that serious and you’re worried it might actually get out of hand, it might be wise to talk to each of the parties involved separately before the wedding day. Schedule a coffee date or write them a personal email explaining that you are looking forward to spend time with them but that you also expect them to behave a certain way on the day out of respect for you. Make it clear that you want them to be comfortable, but that you can’t control everything. Ask them to consider you and your partner during the day and set their differences aside.

5. Enjoy your day – regardless
At the end of the day, you have to choose whether you will allow other people’s behaviour to upset you or not. We know this isn’t always easy, but for one day you are allowed to focus on you and your own joy. Focus on the happy moments and the well wishes, the delightful food and beautiful surroundings. This is meant to be a celebration of love and all you should really be concerned about is the fact that your partner can’t stop smiling at you.

Picture: Pexels

 

 

You won’t be seeing any images from Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ 2012 nuptials on Pinterest and The Knot anymore. The prominent websites joined other platforms taking a stand by placing a shadow ban on all images relating to plantation weddings.

Pinterest, The Knot Worldwide, Brides and Zola recently announced that they would be making changes to their platform that would restrict all references to plantations, as well as any language attempting to romanticise these locations as wedding venues.

Those searching for such content will receive a notification that the images may violate Pinterest’s policies. The sites will no longer work with vendors that are plantations or attempt to romantacise such locations.

This means that images from Ryan Reynold’s and Blake Lively’s 2012 wedding held at Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina, have now been shadow banned from these popular sites.

This move is in response to a campaign led by racial justice organization, Color of Change, who argued that the weddng industry was glamorising and capatalising sites of human rights atrocities.

“The decision to glorify plantations as nostalgic sites of celebration is not an empowering one for the Black women and justice-minded people who use your site,” Color of Change wrote to the Knot Worldwide executives. “Plantations are physical reminders of one of the most horrific human rights abuses the world has ever seen. The wedding industry routinely denies the violent conditions Black people faced under chattel slavery by promoting plantations as romantic places to marry.”

Many plantations in America thrived off slave labour and became places of human rights abuse for the people forced into these demeaning positions. As such, they’ve become painful reminders of a dark and sordid history for many African Americans who descended from such slaves.

“Weddings should be a symbol of love and unity. Plantations represent none of those things,” said a Pinterest spokesperson. “We are working to limit the distribution of this content and accounts across our platform, and continue to not accept advertisements for them.”

“We want to make sure we’re serving all our couples and that they don’t feel in any way discriminated against,” The Knot’s chief marketing officer Dhanusha Sivajee told Buzzfeed News.

Image: Instagram / Ryan Reynolds

Wedding arches have come a long way from the simple dome structures they used to be. Now popular in both indoor and outdoor weddings, the wedding arch can be a beautiful symbol of the home you and your partner will build together. This tradition is, of course, one more way for you to decorate and create a focal point. Here are some creative ideas that are perfect for your outdoor wedding.

Tree hugger

Full circle

Blown away

Free spirited

Modern vintage

Draped in love

Rustic flair

Floral fun

Feature Image: Instagram/Foreverlyafter

 

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While they may not be for everyone, abandoned buildings and structures have been trending in the wedding world recently. Couples have been opting for outdoor venues featuring crumbling walls, open ceilings and overgrown bushes for a memorable venue guests are sure to marvel at.

While it may seem macabre and weird at first, these venues offer their own kind of romance. There is something special about a place left behind. Venues like these have a history, a story to tell.

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Take, for example, this ancient convent in the Amalfi Coast. The stunning architecture still stands, giving a glimpse into a time once lived. You barely need any decor: the venue itself is the masterpiece.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5LU3GxhC_z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The spaces don’t have to be abandoned, they just need to give off an old world spirit. It’s even better if they’ve existed for decades and once had a different use. This stunning venue was originally an icehouse.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxf8GRoHs6p/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This building is reminiscent of a rundown castle that once existed. You can almost hear the clipping of horse hooves, the rustling of trailing medieval gowns.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5i0xQyBYP2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

These wedding venues are timeless, unique spots to say ‘I do’. If you want your wedding day to stand out, this just might be the type of venue for you.

Image: Instagra / Emily Battles

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a…groom? This groom’s head was in the clouds, literally, on his wedding day. Instead of walking down the aisle, he decided to make a grand entrance by skydiving to his wedding venue.

Akaash Yadav married his bride Gaganpreet in spectacular fashion at their Los Cabos, Mexico wedding. A video of the groom skydiving into his wedding was posted to Instagram page ‘wedmegood’, and quickly went viral. It currently has over 11 000 likes.

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Talk about taking a leap of faith! Yadav shared a video on his personal account, writing, “It’s a bird, it’s a plane…it’s me. On 11/25/19, I skydived into my baraat and into hundreds of screaming people. It ended up going viral and getting shared all over the world, which is insane in itself. But more importantly, it ended up being one of the craziest, most amazing experiences in my life.⁣”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5qPBDyFGx8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Instagram / Akaash Yadav

Modern couples are bold and not afraid to take risks, even with their weddings. The result? Unique elements that personalise their big day into memorable experiences, from the choice of shoe all the way to their wedding cakes.

Wedding cakes have been mainstays for decades, but their styles have changed so much. The simple, two-layer buttercream sweet treat doesn’t cut it any more. Modern times have seen multiple new wedding cake trends exist concurrently, each one appealing to specific tastes. From geometric designs to abstract art, wedding cakes are taking on a life of their own.

Geometric designs:

Characterised by geometric designs and bold symmetry, art deco has been given new life in this decade. Rather than the over-the-top, shiny look of yesteryear, this trend is much more simple to allow the geometry to stand out. Stick to no more than three key colours to maintain the sleek look.

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Square cakes:

Round cakes are so last decade. Square cakes have been trending for the last year, offering up an alternative shape and design that is wonderfully modern. Add florals to soften the look.

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Modern florals:

Florals and weddings go hand-in-hand. However, cake artists have taken this design to new heights, creating stunningly delicate sugarflowers placed artfully. The result is a stunningly modern yet soft cake.

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Texture:

Adding dimension is a simple way to elevate a cake. Take inspiration from these cakes that feature delicate ruffles and draping to add interest and sleek flair. This style is perfect for the understated couple who still want a showstoppingly unique cake.

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Abstract designs:

Abstract design is a hallmark trend of modernity. With simple yet impactful brushstrokes, a blank canvas can be transformed into a masterpiece. Keep the design to a specific spot or have it appear small with lots of white space to maintain a sleek, modern look.

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Image: Unsplash

Want to take your wedding to a higher level? Gather your best buds for an evening that incorporates CBD into your wedding decor and food. You’re ganja have a good time with these lit ideas.

CBD has been smoking hot in South Africa since marijuana was legalised for private use in 2018. From food to skincare, pretty much any product you need can list CBD as an ingredient. Since cannabis has become so mainstream, why not incorporate it in your wedding?

Kind Mind, a small American cannabis business, will soon be offering cannabis wedding planning and catering. In a Facebook post, the business shared some images on how they would incorporate the herb into your big day, and their ideas are far from half-baked.

From a Bud-bar to punny wedding favours, Kind Mind leaves us with high expectations.

 

South Africans wanting a cannabis-infused menu, we won’t leave you high and dry. Local green thumb and award-winning chef Matthew Smith’s budding new venture, Blazed and Infused, blends cannabis and cooking. Blazed and Infused offers private event catering with a unique THC twist. They even have a cannabis expert is on board to do infusion demonstrations to entertain your guests.

Cannabis-infused butter biscuits. Credit: Instagram / Blazed and Infused
THC infused bacon and sweet potato parcel. Credit: Instagram / Blazed and Infused

Contact: [email protected]

Website: https://blazedandinfused.co.za/

Image: Facebook / Kind Mind

‘Tis the season to be jolly. December brings happiness and the festive spirit as people all around the world get ready for one of the most popular holidays: Christmas. This month also doubles up as wedding season.

Many South Africans opt for December weddings as its the time most people are off from work and can travel. So why not hit two birds with one stone and have a Christmas-themed wedding?

Come on, get happy with these Christmas-inspired wedding decorations.

Invites:

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Ceremony decor:

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Seating guide:

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Plating:

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Decor piece:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5lF45bgr7F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Ceiling decor:

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Cake:

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Bouquet:

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Boutonnière:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5lYNK5B0_7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Unsplash

Remortgaged your house to afford the wedding of your dreams? Stop! Avoiding these wedding planning pitfalls in your process will ensure you get your happily ever after.

1. Not sticking to a budget

Planning a wedding spans a few months or more, so it can be difficult to keep track of every cent spent. Before you plan anything, draw up a realistic budget and do your best to stick to it. You’ll likely underestimate some costs (‘Fairy lights are how much?’), but this will help you make the right choice when it comes to your venue and the size of your guest list, which are often the two biggest expenses.

Add a ‘Miscellaneous’ column to your spreadsheet for unforeseen costs that may crop up. If you don’t end up using that money, treat yourself and your partner to a spa day on your honeymoon. You won’t regret that few thousand you cut from the decor column when you’re having the holiday of your life.

2. Starting too late

If you want to lose five kilos (who doesn’t?), start now. Don’t subsist on lettuce leaves and water for the month leading up to your big day – not only will you have to make major alterations to your dress at the eleventh hour, you’ll have no energy to enjoy the celebrations. Slow and steady wins the race.

Same goes for booking your venue and vendors. The best ones get snapped up a year in advance, so get in there as early as possible to ensure you bag the team of your dreams.

3. Having too many ideas

Mason jars! Polaroid guest book! Giant Jenga! Rustic, modern, country glam, city chic… The wealth of wedding inspo on the internet can clutter your brain and turn your day into a mishmash of random themes, colours and styles. Before you go down the rabbit hole, decide on a theme or colour scheme, then search for reference images based only on this.

When in doubt, KISS (keep it simple, stupid).

4. Sweating the small stuff

Your groom’s tie doesn’t match your shoes, the linen isn’t quite the shade of off-white you wanted or the doves don’t fly off on cue. It’s easy to get bogged down in the tiniest details, but every bride will tell you their day didn’t go exactly to plan – and it’s 99.9% likely yours won’t either. When the confetti hits the fan, take a deep breath, and ask yourself if this will matter tomorrow (hint: it won’t), then move on.

Always have a plan B for major disasters. Hire a tent in case your outdoor wedding gets rained out. Pack an emergency kit (wet wipes, deodorant, safety pins, needle and thread, tampons). Have a designated helper on the day (if not a coordinator) to deal with any MIA vendors. Back-up plans save lives.

5. Going DIY crazy

Yes, it guarantees your wedding will be one of a kind and keeps the costs down, but it also means you’ll be running around on the morning of, setting everything up instead of having pink bubbly for breakfast. Rather choose one or two things you really want to do to avoid overloading yourself. Don’t forget to ask for help. If you’ve made your own flower arrangements and bunting, nominate a reliable family member/friend to set them up for you on the day. Or get your bridal party together to handmake wedding favours. 

 

Image: Unsplash

One of Hollywood’s favourite couples, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, have just celebrated their one-year anniversary. Their touching tributes to each other prove that their love has only grown stronger.

Nick and Priyanka wed in spectacular fashion last year in a three-day wedding blending Hindu and Christian traditions. Fast forward one year, and the couple are still feeling the love. On Sunday December 2, both took to social media to proclaim their love for each other.

“One year ago today we said forever… well forever isn’t nearly long enough. I love you with all of my heart @priyankachopra happy anniversary,” wrote Nick.

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In her own post, Priyanka wrote, “My promise. Then..today.. forever. You bring me joy, grace, balance, excitement, passion.. all in the same moment…thank you for finding me..Happy First wedding anniversary Husband.. @nickjonas ❤️? And Thank you to everyone for the love and good wishes. We feel blessed.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5i5BuUnKqV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Instagram / Priyanka Chopra