Choosing a signature fragrance that represents who you are as a person is one thing, but finding a special one, separate from your everyday life, is another. If you’re planning to buy a special fragrance for your wedding day, take these thoughts into consideration:
What do you like?
Consider the type of fragrance you’re usually drawn to, and eliminate the ones you absolutely don’t like. If you want to try something new and different, make sure to get a sample of the fragrance so that you can wear it beforehand and figure out if it suits you. Remember, fragrances smell different on you than it does in a bottle. Furthermore, experiment and try out scents with different notes, but from the fragrance families you like. So if you usually wear a floral fragrance, try something with citrus notes – perfect for a summer ceremony al fresco. Or if you want something warmer for an evening reception, try jasmine, amber or musk notes.
What flowers will you have at your wedding?
Taking inspiration from your floral arrangements or bouquet is a clever way of tying your elements together, as well as creating a special scent memory. You’ll likely have beautifully fragrant flowers throughout your wedding space, so choose a fragrance that carries those same notes. If you’re having roses, choose a scent with geranium as one of the heart notes. If you’re having a forest of eucalyptus, choose a scent with fresh, herbaceous notes such as bergamot and pine. And if you’re using local fynbos and Proteas as your floral focus, go for a fragrance with woody or earthy notes such as vanilla, sandalwood and oud.
Will you and your partner share the fragrance?
Although you and your partner probably don’t usually share the same fragrance, it’s a good idea to do that for your wedding. Your sense of smell is directly linked to the olfactory processing system in the memory part of your brain, which is why a certain fragrance can immediately take you back to a certain moment in your life. With this olfactory element, it also triggers emotions, which your wedding day will definitely be filled with. Choose a fragrance that will represent both your personalities, with an added element that represents you as a couple, too. If you like a floral fragrance, and your partner likes something spicy, combine the two, then add a note of something you both like, like the smoky scent of a campfire or the crisp scent of freshly cut grass.
Carry your scent through
After you’ve picked your wedding fragrance, whether you and your partner will share it or not, carry the fragrance through to the rest of the space as well. A lot of fragrance houses have candles and diffusers within the same fragrance range, so place these elements on the tables, in the bathrooms or in spaces where guests will be spending a lot of time to create a sillage that goes beyond just you.
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Weddings are filled with customs and tradition that still play a role in weddings today. While some come from sweet superstitions, others have pretty archaic roots. Nowadays, people…
You’re planning your big day and you’re deciding on venues. A beach, forest and traditional chapel have all crossed your mind, however, those options aren’t engrossing you. So why not think outside the box and set sail by having your wedding on a cruise ship? Here’s how to plan one:
There are many things to consider when planning a wedding on a cruise ship:
- Will you get married in port or destination – If you choose port, your guests can come for the ceremony and leave before you sail away with your newlywed partner. Be sure to consult your wedding planner about this.
- Decide if you and your partner will be taking the cruise by yourselves or with family and friends.
- Consider your options if your guests are coming along.
- How much can your guests afford and how long can they stay away.
- Look for cruises that offer wedding packages or options.
1. Pick your destination
Maybe you’ve had your heart set on a specific place and if not, have a look at the options that fall within your budget. Consider when you’d like to go as it’s not always perfect weather year round, unfortunately. Remember, things get pricier in high season as well.
2. License to wed
Consult your wedding planner about this. Your romantic nautical nuptials will require a marriage license before the ceremony.
3. Take your pick
Once you’ve decided on a destination that fits your budget, have a look at various packages. See what each place has to offer and what their bundle entails. Do they have group rates? Do they include free things with the wedding package? Don’t be afraid to ask.
4. Communicate
Be sure to inform your guests well in advance. They may need to plan their leave and save up some money. Keep them updated on all the details and expenses that might come up.
5. Dress the part
If you’re going to be staying on the ship, it’s important to factor in your comfortability. It may not be easy to wear a constricting wedding dress on board. If that’s what you want, however, then go for it! But a cruise ship wedding is also the chance to make things more casual.
6. One-stop shop
You’ll be getting your ceremony, reception and honeymoon all in one go! If your loved ones come along it’s a great getaway for them too. Smiles all around.
Picture: Pexels
Come experience the ‘good life’ at Monte Vista Boutique Hotel. The brand-new boutique hotel, situated along South Africa’s famed Route 62, offers up all the creature comforts of…
Looking for a premium quality bottle of bubbles to celebrate with on your wedding day? Look no further than the Lourensford Brut 2014 Méthode Cap Classique from the iconic and beautiful Lourensford Estate in Somerset West.
Something to sip on as you get ready, a private Cheers with your loved one after you say “I do” and a delicious glass (or four) for your guests at the reception, the Brut 2014 MCC is one of Lourensford’s most sought-after wines.
Cellarmaster Hannes Nel refers to the MCC as mysterious, unassuming and surrounded with finesse. “The natural beauty and fine integrated bubbles enhance the iodine-like minerality that reminds you of fresh seaweed and freshly crushed oyster shells, complimented with a rich creamy allure and elegance. Expect rich, complex flavours of lemon cream and Pink Lady apples on the nose with hints of citrus, pineapple and kiwi fruit on the palate.”
If you’re looking for a tasty food paring, the Brut 2014 MCC is sophisticated but likes simplistic, raw, fresh produce. Hannes suggests a beef and East Coast oyster tartare with soy mayonnaise and quail egg. It also pairs well with goat’s milk and feta cheese, tempura oysters, deep fried fish, game carpaccio, avocado and fresh bread.
Lourensford has exciting other wines to compliment your big day and celebrations. Take your pick from the flagship Chrysalis, Limited Release, The Dome or River Garden ranges.
For more information or to order wine visit www.lourensford.co.za. You can also follow Lourensford’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
If you would like to enquire about weddings at Lourensford’s Laurent then visit The Aleit Group’s website.
Prize Details:
Win Lourensford Brut 2014 Méthode Cap Classique worth R1 055.00
How to enter: Fill in the form below.
Our Winner:
Hanlie Engelbrecht.
Competition Ts & Cs:
– Competition is not open to persons under the age of 18.
– Prizes are not refundable for cash
– Winners must be able to provide a day time delivery address within South Africa. No PO BOX addresses accepted.
– Winners must be able to provide a day time delivery address within South Africa. No PO BOX addresses accepted.
Just outside the red flower-lined streets of picturesque Roberston is a place that’s truly seen a renaissance that captures its rich past. Jan Harmsgat Guest House is a…
Picture the moment your mom pulled out her wedding dress for the first time in years and your little-girl-heart fluttered with awe and excitement. That was your first chance to be a real princess. Could your mom’s dress transform to its former glamour-giving glory? Most certainly.
Repurposing your mom’s wedding gown has become a sentimental trend that we can’t get enough of. It’s an opportunity not only to breathe life into ”something old” but to carry a piece of your mom and your childhood with you down the aisle. Not everyone is on board the vintage train and your first play-dress might be a far cry from what you envision wearing on your Big Day. Fortunately there are a plethora of ways that your mom’s dress could make the cut.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming there to be only one way of reusing your mom’s gown (merely wearing it). The scope of alterations varies greatly: use the fabric to make your wedding shoes, cover your wedding album or wrap your bouquets. You can also incorporate your favorite parts of the original dress in more subtle ways such as adding snippets of lace onto your bodice, create delicate sleeves or adding trimmings to your veil.
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Other than altering the original dress and wearing it as is, something else to consider is combining old and new fabrics. Don’t be afraid to create layers – if the colour and style of your mom’s dress is too far of a stylistic stretch, disguise the gap under a layer or two (keeping mom even closer to your heart). If you are completely sold on your own design, making yourself a going away dress is also an idea to keep in mind.
Nostalgic and personal motivations aside remodeling a dress that’s been ready and waiting for you all your life is a budget-savvy move. Wedding dresses tend to come with hefty price tags, so getting creative with an old canvas is both a fun and touching way to ease pressure on the bank.
Whether you decide to embrace the retro trend wholeheartedly or transform the best parts of your moms dress into something entirely new, kicking off a possible family heirloom is an added bonus to what is already the most important dress you’ll ever wear.
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