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Weddings

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In Fashion

Movie wedding dresses we can’t forget

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After binging the wedding movie watch list there are a few wedding dresses we just simply can’t forget. Even though none of the marriages are real, we can’t help but fall in love with these nuptial gowns. The list is endless, but have a look at a few of our favourites:

Funny Face (1957)

Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire star in this musical romantic comedy. Audrey wore a Givenchy dropped-waist gown. It consisted of a tight bodice and full skirt.

The Sound of Music (1965)

This classic film followed a postulant that eventually becomes a governess for a family of seven children and a widowed naval captain. Julie Andrews wore a beautiful A-line dress consisting of a V-neck and button-up bodice.

 

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Wedding ?

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Ever After (1998)

This movie was inspired by the Cinderella fairytale. Drew Barrymore wears a Renaissance inspired wedding dress. It featured a pair of wings, beaded bodice, detailed sleeves and is often referred to as the ‘breathe gown’.


Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)

Natalie Portman starred as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequels. When she wed Anakin Skywalker she wore a dress made by film costumer designer Trisha Biggar. The gown was very intricate and featured a lot of beads, pearls and lace detail.


Sex and the City (2008)

Set after the series that took place from 1998-2004, the movie sees Sarah Jessica Parker finally marrying Mr Big. Unfortunately, the wedding didn’t happen, but Carrie still looked as fashionable as always in her Vivienne Westwood dress.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)

After three movies and the constant frustration of the famous Twilight love triangle, Bella finally chose Edward. Kristen Stewart looked beautiful in her simple and elegant Carolina Herrera gown. The back of the dress consisted of intricate lace and an open back cut.

 

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#thetwilightsagabreakingdaw #twilightwedding#bellasweddingdress #foreveralways

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In Advice

Non-alcoholic drink options that aren’t boring

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The wedding reception normally involves speeches, food, drinks, dancing and laughter. For most people, drinks are a crucial social element a party cannot be without, but not everyone enjoys an alcoholic beverage. So what can you do to spice up your non-alcoholic options? We’ve got the solution:

Presentation

Before thinking about anything else, considering how you’d like to present your drinks is important. Serve up your non-alcoholic beverages with style by using snazzy straws (eco-friendly please), adding fruity or leafy finishings and serving them in elegant or stylish glasses. If you’re not wanting to make individual drinks then serve your drinks, such as refreshing lemonade or home-made ice tea, in beautiful glass beverage dispensers. The way you display things makes a big impact.


Mocktails

If you have a favourite cocktail, then change it up to exclude the alcohol element. This way you can have tasty alternatives that are still on par with the rest of the drink options. Making your own mix is another great idea and it could be your wedding’s signature mocktail. Creating a special drink is definitely a step up than just serving juice or water, while remaining inclusive of all your guests.

 

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Mocktails anyone? Your signature drink should reflect the vibe your event exerts. Visit our Bohemian-Inspired 16th Birthday Party Blog to discover our recipes for “Flower Child” and “The Wanderer”. pc: @colljeffers https://www.laurenashleystudio.com/blog/https/wwwlaurenashleystudiocom/blog/2019/06/17/a-bohemain-inspired-16th-birthday-party ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⁠ #homemadecocktails #cocktails #mocktails #pink #pinkcocktails #pinkmocktails #wedding #weddings #weddingdrink #weddingdrinks #weddingcocktails #weddingmocktails #pinkweddingcocktails #pinkweddingmocktails #boho #outdoor #rustic #bohowedding #outdoorwedding #rusticwedding #weddinginspiration #bohemianinspired #thewanderer #flowerchild #signaturedrinks #sweet16birthdayparty #partyfavors #weddingfavors #weddingshowergifts #curatedgiftboxes

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Poppin’ Bottles

There’s nothing wrong with serving non-alcoholic beers, wine and champagne. Chances are, people may not even notice, especially if it’s good quality, and they’ll thank you when they wake up fresh as a daisy the next day.

Plain and simple

Serve your cooldrinks in their original glass bottles for a retro touch.

Childish Delight

Most people think weddings need to have alcohol or more ‘mature’ drinks, but who doesn’t love a great chocolate milkshake? Opt for a few milkshake options and hot chocolate to bring out the kid in everyone!

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In Weddings

First-look prank groom will never forget

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The first-look is the initial glimpse that your partner sees when you make your way down the aisle. Traditionally, your partner doesn’t see the grand wedding outfit until the big day. One bride-to-be, however, decided to add a humorous touch to her first-look reveal.

Megan Martin decided to pull the ultimate prank on husband-to-be Logan Martin. Instead of her future hubby seeing her for the first time she asked Logan’s best friend Ryan Sowder to take part in the big joke. As Logan waited with his back turned, Ryan made his way down the aisle in a wedding dress.

The muscular best man wore a strapless white gown and shocked the groom. Logan was completely taken by surprise and the prank resulted in endless laughter.

The happy (and funny) couple wed on July 19, 2019.

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In Flowers

In-season wedding flowers

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Your wedding is approaching and planning is in full swing. You’ve thought about the outfit, the food, but what about the flowers? Flowers are used for your bouquet, boutonniere, decor, garlands, nosegays and more. Maybe you have an idea of which predominant flowers you’d like but how many of them are actually in season?

Normally you can only get specific flowers in season when they bloom. This can be very unfortunate when you’re looking for something specific. Some brides end up importing flowers which can be quite costly.

South Africa’s weather is usually warmer year round and therefore not as defined. The country is incredibly fortunate when it comes to flowers. With over 9000 species of fynbos, there shouldn’t be any issues with finding flowers, but it may be hard to decide! Here are a few in-season flower options:

Spring and Summer in-season flowers
  • Hibiscus

  • Hydrangea

  • Peony

  • Roses

  • Lavender

  • Dahlias

 

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#flowers #dahlia #dahlias #victoriaparkswansea #flowersofinstagram Aug 5, 2019

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Autumn and Winter in-season flowers
  • Daffodil

 

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Happy Daffodil Day ??? . . . . . #blissfulblooms #daffodil #happydaffodilday

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  • Protea

  • Hyacinth

 

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#çiçek #sıfıredit #noedit #sümbül #flowers #hyacinthflower

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  • Snapdragon

  • Anthurium

 

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Anthurium 8 settembre 2018 #fiori #balconifioriti #anthurium #settembre2018 #estate2018

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In Food

Delicious midnight snack ideas for your wedding

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You’ve said ‘I do’ and tied the knot, the first dance is done and the sappy speeches are over. The evening turns into a party, you’re working up a sweat, and the caterers have packed everything away. What can you serve when your guests are feeling a bit peckish? Here are a few snacks that your guests will love.

There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on what snacks to serve:

  • Are your guests older and more mature or younger and hip?
  • What’s the vibe like? Is it more sophisticated and elegant or is it chilled and laid back?
  • Dietary requirements. For example, it might be awkward to only serve pizza slices when someone is lactose intolerant. So it’s important to cater your snacks as you would for you dinner catering.

When you have your answers you’ll be able to customise your snack table accordingly.

Pizza=Life

Serve up tasty slices of pizza or have mini ones available. It’s simple and not too messy. Pizza is also a massive crowd-pleaser.


Spill the corn

Opt for ready-made mini boxes or have a machine and a self-help option. Don’t forget the spices! What’s popcorn without flavour?

 

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Yum!!!! #wedding #weddingsigns #popcorn #weddingsnacks #alwayshanddrawn #signage ##fishermensinn

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A cop’s dream

Can anyone say doughnuts? Mini, holes or custom packaged boxes! The options are endless and so are the flavours!


Not your usual burgers and chips

Serve up some sliders with a couple of chips. Serving these tiny burgers makes it easy enough for your guests to eat and leaves them totally satisfied.


Chopsticks and noodles

Who doesn’t love chow mein? Set out cute Asian take-away boxes with chopsticks. Whatever your guests don’t eat, they can close up and take home.

 

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Can’t say enough about Bham Eats (Kathy and Rick Claypoole) catering and Chef Wendy! They created a fantastic menu for my mother’s surprise birthday party this past weekend and everything was incredible! More about the catering and Bham Eats in a future blog post but meanwhile, so sorry if you are drooling over these sweet and spicy noodles with toasted sesame seeds in Chinese takeout boxes! They were as delicious as they look!!! ? . . . . #southernsenora #blogger #latinablogger #photographer #iphonephotography #canonphotography #birminghameats #sweetandspicynoodles #chefwendy #bhamfood #bhameatscatering #hooveral #chinesetakeoutbox #alacarteal #aroundtheworldin80years #barbturns80

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Cookies and cream

You can have mini cookies laid out with milk in shot glasses. Serve a few options of cookies so your guests can mix and match. Set out cute packets so your guests can take some home as well.

 

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It’s #nationalchocolatechipcookieday and I’m here for it! ???

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I love candy

Candy bars are always popular. Provide packets or mini buckets so your guests can make a candy pack to take with them.

 

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If you missed my “Candy Bar” You missed something special!! #welovecandy #canttellcanya #weddingcandybar #swannerkivettwedding2019

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Getting to know the cultures: Traditional Zulu wedding

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The Zulu people are a Bantu group native to Southern Africa. They are the largest ethnic group in South Africa. So what happens at a traditional Zulu wedding?

 

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We love how they are looking at each other ?????? Double tap if you love this and tag them if you know them. . . . Follow @mzansi_weddings for more traditional wedding inspiration . . . Photography #tendai_mhlanga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______________________________________ #traditionalwedding #traditionalweddings #zulu #africanwedding #traditionalweddinginspo #traditionalweddinghub #traditionalweddingthings #traditionalweddingvibes #traditionalweddinginspo_za #southafricanwedding #africanbride #zuluwedding #zulunation #zululove #traditionalattire #africanweddings #zulunation #zululand #zululove #traditionalweddinginspo #lobolavibes #lobola #makotivibes #makoti #zulugirl #zulubeads #zuluculture #africanweddingbliss Reposted from @tendai_mhlanga

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Pre-wedding

Lobola

  • A form of payment. It’s an opportunity for the groom to show his appreciation for the bride-to-be. The groom compensates the brides family for the wonderful job they did.

Izibizo

  • The groom and his family present gifts to the bride and her family.

Umbondo

  • The bride will buy groceries for the groom and his family. It has been said that the lobola also enables the bride and her family to purchase the goods.

These traditions are said to create a strong bond between the families, and unites them.

 

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Isn’t this lovely? Double tap if you love this ???? . . Follow @mzansi_weddings For more traditional wedding inspiration . . Reposted from @misscurvylala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #mzansi #mzansiweddings #traditonalweddingdress #traditionalweddingfabric #traditionalweddinginspo_za #traditionalattire #traditionalfabric #traditionalweddingthings #traditionalweddings #traditionalwedding #traditionalweddingdress #traditionalweddingattire #traditionalweddinginspo #traditionalweddingvibes #zulu #xhosa #zuluwedding #xhosabrides #makoti #lobola #africanwedding #africanweddingbliss #southafricanbride #southafricanwedding #africanbride #traditionalweddinghub #traditionaljewelry #africanbeads

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Wedding

Umabo

  • In the morning the bride will leave her home wearing a blanket that her mother presented to her. Her father then walks the bride to her new family home. She is advised to not look back she heads off. It is considered bad luck. The ceremony takes place at the grooms family home.
  • Once there the father will call out the clan’s name. This is an announcement for the ancestors to know that his daughter is leaving.
  • The wedding usually begins at midday, and two cows are slaughtered. After the head of the family has spoken, a goat is slaughtered.
  • Bridesmaids hand out gifts to guests. The older women receive their gifts first then the groom’s sisters, men and finally the groom himself.
  • Once this is done the bride looks for her groom and lays a grass mat down for him to sit on. She then proceeds to present him with a gift. Normally she washes his feet. While this happens the bridesmaids and other women from her side will hit the groom with small sticks.
  • When the ceremony concludes there is dancing and food.

 

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Congrats to @touch_hefner and @fafa_kubheka????. . . Follow @mzansi_weddings for more traditional wedding inspiration . . . ??: @thabanimabika ?: @myphotographygroup_dbn in collaboration with @sxmediamarketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #umembeso #umembesovibes #traditionalwedding #traditionalweddingfabric #traditionalweddingdress #traditionalweddingattire #traditionalweddinginspo_za #traditionalweddings #traditionalweddinghub #traditionalweddingvibes #traditionalweddingthings #traditiinalweddinginspo #makoti #lobola #lobolavibes #zulu #zulunation #zulubride #zulubeads #africanbride #traditionalattire #mzansiwediings #mzansi #zuluwedding #africanmenkillingit #africanwomenkillingit #africanmen #africanwomen

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The Zulu people don’t believe that a couple is wed until this ritual is done. They believe that once this is done their marriage is accepted by the ancestors.

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In Engagements

Difference between the engagement and wedding ring

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An engagement usually includes a ring. Your partner gets down on one knee and pops the question. A beautiful ring is placed on your finger and you’re over the moon with happiness. When the big day finally comes is the same ring used? If not what happens to the ring? What is the difference between the engagement and wedding ring?

 

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“It was our ninth anniversary and Andy told me to pack my bags for a surprise trip. I was ecstatic because I had a feeling we were going to Banff — a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting. I packed my bag and we headed to dinner. On the way, I remember saying that he’d lost his touch for surprises because I had already figured out where we were going — or so I thought! After dinner, we went back to our apartment and he suggested that we take some photos on our rooftop because the sunset was stunning. As the doors opened to the roof, I saw a beautiful arch in the corner paired with a perfect view of the city. The arch was made of fresh flowers and moss, and so it truly felt like a concrete jungle up there. I still had no clue as to what was going on! I thought Andy had just this set up for photos. Suddenly, I heard a drone buzzing above me. I looked up and it began descending towards us with a ring box attached to it. I was shocked! Andy grabbed the box, got down on his knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes! It was a beautiful moment and truly everything I could’ve asked for. Oh, and there was no surprise trip… THIS was the surprise! So, he definitely hasn’t lost his touch.” — @jlinhh #justsaidyes

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Timing

One big difference between the two rings is the timing. The engagement ring is given when your partner proposes. The wedding ring is exchanged between the couple on their big day.

 

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“If you would’ve told me I was going to marry David, I probably would’ve laughed at you. We first met in college. We knew about one another (it was a small private college), but we both were in relationships at the time. I left that college after my first year there. Fast forward six years later and I get a private message on my Instagram (yes, he literally slid in my DM!) from David. At this point in my life, I was taking a much needed break from the dating seen. I had been single for over 2 years at this point, needless to say, I wasn’t paying any attention to men. But I thank God that I responded to his message. David wanted to hang out, but I didn’t want to take time out of my life to see him. So, I told him that I have a kickboxing class Tuesday night if he wants to hang out. Surprisingly, he showed up! After class we had a long and wonderful chat. From that night on, we spoke every day. There was something different about this guy.” Featured: @kimbsasser & @thedavidsasser

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Design

Usually but not always its the design of the two rings that differs too. The engagement ring is meant to make a statement and have a massive wow factor. It is meant to be an indicator of your partners wealth. It typically has a large beautiful stone or consists of many small ones. With that being said this is by no means necessary. Many couples opt for simple rings and have no desire for elaborate expensive rings. The wedding ring is normally quite simple and plain. It is usually a lot cheaper as it’s not as elaborate as the engagement ring.

 

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I Do.. I Do.. #wedding #weddingband #weddingring #ringshot #simpleband #100mmf28l #weddingday #weddingphotography #weddingblog

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Should you wear both rings at the same time, if you have both?

Your engagement ring will be worn for the full duration of the engagement up until the big day. Many people wear both after the wedding day or opt for only one. This is why the rings are generally purchased as a set. When buying both rings together as a set they match. This means that after the wedding you can wear both rings with ease.


Problems occur when the rings don’t match. It often looks odd or don’t fit together on the same finger and can become uncomfortable. It can be quite difficult to find two different rings that match when worn together.


The rings are worn on the fourth finger on the left hand. The vein in the ring finger is believed to be closest to your heart. It is called the vena amoris which means the vein of love.

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In Weddings

Getting to know the cultures: Traditional Xhosa wedding

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The Xhosa people are a Bantu group native to Southern Africa. They belong to various tribes such as amaGcaleka, amaNdlambe, imiDushane and more. A traditional Xhosa wedding doesn’t just see the union of two people, but of two families joining. So what happens at a traditional Xhosa wedding?


Pre wedding traditions

Picking your partner

  • The term is called ‘Ukuthwala’. This is where a groom will choose a partner to marry and once the lucky person is chosen, the groom will inform his family and approach the bride’s family. They will discuss their desires and reach an agreement followed by the bride-to-be being asked to spend the night with the groom’s family. This is a form of acknowledgement of the marriage.

Lobola

  • A form of payment – in order to wed the woman, the groom-to-be has to pay her family in exchange for her hand. Traditionally, payment was in the form of cattle, but nowadays people prefer money. The amount is usually more if the bride-to-be is more educated and is calculated on her success.

Wedding traditions

The ‘night before’ rule

  • The couple isn’t allowed to see each other the night before their big day.

 

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Regal ? #TheRiver1Magic . . . Who else watched this last night? ????let us know in the comments below . . Follow @mzansi_weddings For more wedding inspiration. Dm us for collabos/advertising . . . Reposted from @1magictv ?@lindo_mnguni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #mzansiweddings #mzansi #mzansicelebs #fashionweddingdress #weddingsonpoint #southafricanbride #traditionalweddingfabric #traditionalweddingdress #traditionalwedding #traditionalweddinghub #xhosa #xhosawedding #xhosabride #makoti #traditionalweddinginspo_za #traditionalweddingthings #weddingsouthafrica #maxhosa #isixhosa #xhosaculture #africanwedding #africanweddings #southafricanbride #africanbride

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Two-day event

  • Celebrations normally go on for two days and involve a lot of dancing and singing.

To the streets

  • The newlywed couple will take to the streets. They will walk together in the road to present themselves as a new couple to the community.

Two weddings

  • Not all couples, but many of them, have two weddings. They have their traditional one and choose to have a modern ‘white’ wedding as well.

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In Destination

6 Things to know when planning a cruise ship wedding

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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.

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In Fashion

Transforming your mom’s wedding dress

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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.

 

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Thanks to the amazing @katierobertsphotos for capturing the journey of the dress ???? #momsweddingdress #beforeandafter

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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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