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In Decor

Romantic Wedding Decor Trends

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Your wedding will be a romantic affair regardless of your theme. However, a romantic theme is always appropriate for the day, especially if you are wanting your wedding to be a traditional, fairytale day.

Make use of an abundance of flowers, draping, calligraphy on stationery and signage, soft lighting, blush tones and delicate details to turn your wedding into a romantic rendezvous.

Have a look at these beautifully romantic wedding ideas:

Candle-lit and flower petal-strewn aisle:

 

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Blooming backgrounds:

 

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Archway to heaven:

 

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Floral ceiling:

 

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Central attraction:

 

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Monochrome magic:

 

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Cake it up:

 

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Blushing beauty:

 

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In Advice

Engagement parties: Yay or nay?

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Getting engaged is a big deal. We get it. When your loved one pops the question, or says yes, all you want to do is shout it out to the world. Adventure awaits. But how practical are engagement parties really?

The upside:

FUN

There’s really not much to explain here. It’s a good time. You get to celebrate this special time in your life with people you care about!

Sharing stories

It’s natural that everyone will want to know how it happened, who asked whom and how. Was it a grand gesture or a private moment? It’s all pretty exciting. So instead of having to answer a bunch of questions over and over, it’s a great opportunity to tell your love story while everyone is gathered.

Show off the bling

The real reason most ladies want to throw a party! If your partner gave you a customary ring, you are bound to be super proud of it. Everyone will want to see it up close, and you will want to show it off. Sometimes, it’s okay to brag.

The downside:

The money issue

Sigh. Why is everything so darn expensive? Unless you’re a celebrity, it will probably hurt your wallet. You’re already spending money on the wedding, the honeymoon, the ring and dress… An engagement party seems like an unnecessary expense.

It can be stressful

Planning a wedding is already pretty stressful. There is a lot to do and there are many people involved, all wanting to weigh in on how it should go. You have a ton of things on your mind. Planning one more event might add to the stress and only make you anxious.

Finding the time

We know it is supposed to be about the couple, but the reality is, everyone’s busy. Supposing you and your fiancee can find an open date, all your guests might not be available. They are already putting time aside to attend the wedding itself, and it might be hard to find another date and time that suits everybody.

Yay or nay?

In conclusion, of course, it’s a personal choice so it’s up to you as a couple. However, we think it would be wise to rather put the time, money and energy towards the big day. You’ll see everyone there anyway, and those who really care will call or drop by to say congrats and share in your happiness.

Picture: Pexels

 

 

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In Advice

The pros and cons of having a barn wedding

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Have you always dreamed of having your wedding out in the farmlands? If so, you should consider looking into using a barn as your wedding venue. Barn weddings are perfect if you would like to have a rustic theme as you get the rural vibe in an indoor setting.

The location

If you are renting out a barn on a working farm, the cost will not be that high and the barn will be a blank canvas for you to decorate however you like. However, this means that you will have to rent all furniture and decor items which will bring the cost up. Another issue with the barn being on a working farm is that it is not fit to accommodate a large number of people and there will not be bathrooms nearby unless you rent.

While a barn wedding is beautiful, the work that goes into getting it ready to be used as a wedding venue could be a bit much. What many farm owners have done is actually renovate their barns to turn it into a wedding venue. This means that there will be all the basic necessities needed but the price might be significantly higher.

 

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The vibe

What is great about this location is that it is an escape from city life and it manages to bring the outdoors in while still providing shelter and ambience. You can decorate elegantly or keep it casual. If the barn is on a working farm, it could have been used to house animals up until a day or two before your event and you will therefore need to work hard to get it cleaned so that guests with allergies don’t have any issues, and also to get rid of the smell of farm animals.

 

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The logistics

Due to the fact that this is not specifically a wedding venue, there won’t be electrical outlets or plumbing which is a necessity for vendors. The venue won’t be climate controlled meaning that if your wedding is being held during the summer months, it will get very hot or if it’s in winter, very cold.

Parking is another factor to consider, while there will be space for guests to park on the grass, if you’d like to have your ceremony outside of the barn, the cars could take up valuable space.

 

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In Advice

Hors d’oeuvre ideas your guests will love

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All you need is love and food. Your wedding should offer both. Cocktail hour is a crucial time for guests to whet their appetites before they sit down for the wedding feast.

Typically running after the ceremony, cocktail hour is a perfect time for guest to mingle while enjoying some delicious dishes. Beyond just lining stomachs, it sets the tone for the rest of the evening. Whether you want to go big with fancy finger foods or prefer the more modest morsel, these appetisers are sure to get your mouth watering.

Pretzels:

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Popcorn:

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Feta and watermelon skewers:

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Charcuterie:

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Ice-lollies:

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Mini-tacos: 

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Fries:

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Crostini:

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Fish fingers:

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Chicken skewers:

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Sliders:

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Milk and cookies:

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Arancini pops:

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In Advice

Have a fabulous staycation honeymoon

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We all know how expensive weddings and honeymoons can be. As amazing as your big day might have been, your bank account will probably not love you for it. There’s no pressure to go away and have an expensive honeymoon. Whatever decision is right for your budget, will be the right one for your future, no matter what others say. You can always have that grand trip later.

In the meantime, there’s no reason you can’t still celebrate your new life together right where you are in a budget-friendly way. Take a day or a weekend off to spend some time together. Here are some great ideas. Choose your fave or combine them all!

Feast on love

Picnics are super fun and a great way to get creative, since you can plan exactly what you want to pack. Grab a comfy blanket and set it up anywhere you like. A pretty park, botanical garden, a riverside and the beach are all great options. It might be nice to choose a theme, for example Greek food. Alternatively, just pack your favourite snacks and drinks!

 

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Spa day

After all that wedding stress, you both deserve some relaxation. Spa’s are excellent for some spoiling and usually have couple’s activities you can do together. Couple’s massages, facials or saunas good options. If that’s a stretch on your budget, the easiest thing on earth is to have a spa day at home! Get some lovely pamper products and give each other massages, followed by a steamy bubblebath…

 

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Camp in the backyard

Now, we know what you think: This is just for kids. No, it absolutely is not! Depending on your backyard, you can have a whole weekend getaway all outdoors. Pitch that tent, roll out the sleeping bags and roast marshmallows around the campfire. If you don’t have a backyard, there’s bound to be some camping spots near you, and they’re usually quite affordable.

 

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Hike

There’s nothing like watching the sun rise with a spectacular view. If you’re an active couple, check out some nice hiking routes and lace up to get a fresh perspective!

 

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Wine tasting 

If your tastebuds tickle at the sound of wine tasting, this one’s for you. Most wine farms have beautiful surroundings that are perfect contributions to a romantic atmosphere. Of course, you can swop it out for beer tasting, gin tasting or anything else you prefer.

 

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Candle-lit dinner and stargazing 

Ah, the magic of candles. For some reason, candle-lit dinners just never go out of style. For this one, you could either go to a cosy restaurant or consider cooking together and setting up a nice dinner table at home. After dinner, spread a blanket and gaze at the stars if the night is clear. Cuddle up close and dream about your future together.

 

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In Advice

Art-deco inspired wedding decor

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Flappers, fringe and fancies, oh my. The 1920s characterised the Jazz Age, a time of lush decadence. Dubbed art-deco, this time period featured geometric shapes, mixed metallics and lots of glitz. Gatsby glamour at its finest.

As 2019 comes to a close, we are quickly approaching the new decade and will soon usher in the 2020s. Many 2020 weddings are predicted to take on a roaring 20’s theme in honour of the new decade. Here is how to do it right.

Invites:

Incorporate gold accents and geometric shapes for an invite Jay Gatsby would be proud of. Gold and royal blues are swell together and give a sleek yet decadent look perfect for the Jazz age.

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Venue:

A venue that features sharp angles and gold finishes will work best. A grand hall will give off the feeling of grandeur, which is exactly what you want.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B39pzH6nypp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Geometric backdrop:

This geometric backdrop perfectly nods to the angular lines of art deco.

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Escort cards:

Guide your guests to their seats in style with these escort cards. White and gold is effortlessly chic and the simple lettering is a more modern take on art deco.

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Round tables:

Round tables were popular at 1920s soirée’s because they would circle the dance floor, which was the most important part of the venue. We love how this table is covered in a black glittery fabric that creates an understated opulence.

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Gold touches:

Gold was a mainstay at 1920s parties, and your wedding should be no different. Encase candles in gold vases for a modern yet romantic finish. The table numbers below make a simple statement without competing with the other decor.

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Gold tableware:

Gold cutlery and guilded plating creates an opulent yet romantic look. Pair your cutlery with a simplistic menu to avoid overdoing your tableware.

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Themed drinks:

The prohibition stopped nobody from drinking during 1920s America. Honour their love of alcohol by creating custom drinks featuring 1920s favourites like gin, bourbon and rum.

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Cake:

Black, white and gold are art-deco staples. Have your cake adorned with geometric shapes and different textures to create a dynamic finish. Gold pearls and white feathers accessorise this sweet treat perfectly.

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Go for Gatsby:

The Great Gatsby is the most iconic text set in the roaring 20s. Make subtle hints to it with signage throughout your wedding venue.

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In Bridal Party

Fun alternative bachelorette ideas

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Your bachelorette is seen as the last time you get to party with your girlfriends as a single woman. It’s often associated with wild nights out, drinking way too much and some scantily-clad well-built men. We’ll stop there.

This special event can be so much more. If you want to do things a little different, it can become a treasured memory of best friends coming together to spend some much needed girl-time, allowing you to share your hopes and dreams for the future while getting rid of the wedding stress.

Here are some fun, alternative ideas to the traditional bachelorette party:

Take a hiking-trip

If you like being active, getting outdoors with the gals is a great way to recharge, forget about your phone and get close to nature. Remember to do research beforehand and only hike on established routes. Booking a tour-guide might also be a good idea, so you don’t have to worry about anything! For a full weekend of fun, you can even consider setting up camp and sleeping over.

Take a cooking or cocktail class

If you’re not that adventurous, why not keep it indoors and take a culinary class together? Learning to make something yummy to eat or drink is guaranteed to result in loads of laughter and a satisfied tummy. Plus, adding skills to your repertoire is always a plus!

Guided garden tours

If you like sunshine, beautiful flowers and fresh air, but you’re not keen to do a full on hike, get out there with a botanical garden tour. Many botanical gardens have amazing histories and it’s always interesting to have someone knowledgeable to teach you about the birds and the bees. End it off with a lovely picnic!

Sing your heart out

If you have the talent (and even if you don’t) a sing-off is always a goodie. Karaoke is a great way to let your hair down and forget the world. Take a trip down memory lane and sing to your high school favourites, or strut your stuff with the latest pop song.

Get creative: Clay, soap or candles

Art is known for being therapeutic, and having something to show for it will be a special memory. There are many different options, like pottery, candle making and soap making. Choose something that strikes your fancy and will look lovely in your home.

 

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In Do's And Don'ts

Best and worst engagement photoshoots

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You know how it goes: Photos or it didn’t happen. Recently, it has almost become a competition, with some couples going to extreme lengths to do certain poses and photographers bending over backwards to capture it on film. Some fail hilariously, others make for incredibly beautiful photos. We’ve found the best and worst.

The best

We’ve all seen them, and we’ve all wished we were in them. Some engagement photoshoots out there are simply jaw-dropping, and here are the best ones we found.

Playful:

Include your pet:

Romantic:

Funny:

The worst

From going horribly wrong, to just plain uninspired, here are the worst. Don’t try this at home.

Uhm…

Breaking bad indeed

Careful now!

Why though?

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In Advice

Romantic literary quotes to inspire your vows

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Writing your wedding vows but lacking inspiration? Turn to the literary giants. Let these words of love get your romantic juices flowing.

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“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

“You are sunlight through a window, which I stand in, warmed. My darling.” – The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

“The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you.” – The Illustrated by Jalaluddin Rumi

“You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.” – Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell

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“I choose him over and over again, and he chooses me. – Allegiant by Veronica Roth

“I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who’s ever lived: I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.” – The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

“It was love at first sight, at last sight, at ever and ever sight.” – Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

“Love lets you find those hidden places in another person, even the ones they didn’t know were there, even the ones they wouldn’t have thought to call beautiful themselves.” – Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

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“You don’t love because, you love despite; not for the virtues, but despite the faults.” – The Sound and The Fury by William Faulkner

“You and I, it’s as though we have been taught to kiss in heaven and sent down to earth together, to see if we know what we were taught.” – Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

“I’ve never had a moment’s doubt. I love you. I believe in you completely. You are my dearest one. My reason for life.” – Atonement by  Ian McEwan

“I don’t ask you to love me always like this, but I ask you to remember. Somewhere inside me there’ll always be the person I am tonight.” – Tender Is The Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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“I look at you and I would rather look at you than all the portraits in the world.” – Having A Coke With You by Frank O’Hara

“For the two of us, home isn’t a place. It is a person. And we are finally home.” – Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

“You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought.” – The White Company by Arthur Conan Doyle

“We are asleep until we fall in love!” – War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

“Soul meets soul on lovers’ lips.” – Prometheus Unbound by Percy Bysshe Shelley

“In case you ever foolishly forget: I am never not thinking of you.” – Selected Diaries by Virginia Woolf

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In Advice

Pros and cons of a courthouse wedding

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Nowadays, weddings are elaborate events. However, bigger isn’t always better. Home Affairs -or courthouse weddings- are a great alternative for couples that don’t want a big fuss or simply don’t have the funds.

If you are considering having a courthouse wedding, you need to be aware of the positives and the negatives that it entails.

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Pros

More intimate:

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to have a large amount of guests. With a courthouse wedding, you go back to basics with the people that matter. Generally at courthouse weddings, it’s just you, your partner, the officiant and two witnesses. Up to six guests are usually allowed to participate in the proceedings. Invite your best friends or family members to share in your special moment.

Cheaper:

Weddings are expensive. Many South African couples spend upwards of R70 000 – R80 000 on their big day. If you don’t have the funds, a courthouse wedding is essentially free of charge (you still have to pay for the marriage licence), leaving you to spend your money in other ways.

Little planning necessary:

With a courthouse wedding, all you really need to do is make an appointment and show up. There is no dress rehearsal, no event planner, no real planning necessary. If you’re a more chilled person that doesn’t want to be bogged down by details, this might be a great option for you.

Less stressful:

Wedding planning can be overwhelming. With vendors, schedules and seating arrangements, it can quickly become a stressful time moving around multiple elements that need to fit together. Cut out the stress by having a simple courthouse wedding.

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Cons

Loved ones don’t get to witness your wedding:

Weddings are a great time for family and friends to gather together and celebrate their loved ones. What other opportunity do you get to have everyone you love under one roof on such a special occasion? With a courthouse wedding, however, there is little space for guests, as many only allow a maximum of six. Many of the people you love will thus not be present on your big day.

Location is not always pretty:

Most Home Affairs offices are not exactly aesthetically pleasing. With dull brown furniture and bare white walls, you venue can leave you begging for some vibrancy. If you want beautiful pictures and a decorated venue, a Home Affairs wedding might not meet your standards.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xnyx8gtyN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

At the end of the day, your wedding day is about you. If a smaller wedding feels right, then do it. Alternatively, if you’ve always dreamed of having a big wedding then live your fantasy. There is no one-size-fits-all for weddings.

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