Marriage Meander KwaZulu-Natal 2022/2023

WEDDINGVENUES

3 NotefromtheEditor 4 Publisher’sDetails 5 OfftoaGreatStart

Weddingplanningwisdom:Our15toptips|6 Yourlastflaminglewhileyou’restillsingle|11 Yourmoneymatters|14 Weddingbudgetbreakdown|16 17 IDo Planningyourweddingceremony|19 Livestreamingyourceremony|20 Legallyspeaking|21 23 Venues Howtopicktheperfectweddingvenue|25 Venueinformation|28 Howtomakeanoutdoorweddingworkforyou|35 39 Tastes Choosingthebestcateringpartner|40 Questionstoaskyourbaker|43 10Caketrendstolookoutforin2023|44 45 TheWriteStyle Weddingstationerytrendstowowyourguests|47 Stationerytimelines|50 Proinsight:Giftregistry|50 51 Hair&Make-up 9Weddingmake-uptipseverybrideshouldknow|53

57

AllDressedUp Weddingdresstrends2023|58 Thegroom’sgameplanforgettingready|67 69

SettingtheScene

Howtopickyourweddingcolourpalette|71 Theriseoftheweddinglounge|76 Planningyourweddinglighting|78 FloralFAQforbrides|80 81

Photo&Film

Yourphotoposescheatsheet|83 Choosingtherightphoto&filmteamforyou|88 Yourweddingdaytimingguide|90 93 Music

Howtocreateasensationalsoundtrackforyourwedding|95 40Songsuggestionsforyourfirstdance|98 99

Honeymoon Theperfecthoneymoon:Ourtop10tips|101 Yourhoneymoonessentialspackinglist|106 109 Advertisers’index 111 Partingwords

Notefromtheeditor

Thequestionwasasked.Theanswerwasyes.Congratulations,you’re engaged!Anyonewhohaseverplannedaweddingwilltellyouthatit marksthestartofabusybutthrillingjourney.

So,wheretobegin?Well,righthereamidstthepagesof the2023MarriageMeanderpublication,ofcourse!Our weddingplanningmagazineisdesignedtoeducateand inspire.Wesharevaluableinsightsandtipstomakeyour planningthatmuchmorefunandefficient.Allthe weddingsfeaturedinourmagazinetellthelovestories oflocalbridesandgrooms,justlikeyou.

The MarriageMeanderpublication and website serveas adirectoryforsomeofKwaZulu-Natal’smosttalented andtrusted weddingprofessionals andsomeofthe country’smostspectacular weddingvenues and honeymoondestinations.Youcansourceyourentire weddingdreamteamrightherewithintheMarriage Meanderportfolio!

Asyoufindyourselvesatthestartofyourwedding planningjourney,mayIencourageyoutodothesethree things:

1.Don’trushthroughthestages

Yes,youareexcitedaboutbecomingaMrs (#totesnormal)butyouareonlyafiancéefora shortwhile.SavouryourlastdaysofbeingaMiss.

2.Dosomebigpicturedreaming

Don’tgetsoconsumedwithplanningyourwedding daythatyouforgettotalkaboutLife.After.The. Wedding.Day.Chattoyoursignificantotherabout whatyouwantyourlifetolooklikeasamarried couple.What’sonyourBucketList?Whatareyour personalgoalsandambitions,andhowwillyou supportoneanothertoachievethem?

3.Havefun

Ifplanningyourweddingdoesn’tfeelfun,ask yourselfwhy.Areyoutoobusy?Areyouparalysed bytoomanychoices?Areyouafraidtodisappoint otherswithyourchoices?Yes,lifeisgoingtoget busyduringthisseasonandthereareboundtobe dayswhenyouarejusttootiredtoworkonyour seatingplan.Butthisshouldbeatimeofjoyand excitement!Iwouldlovetoconnectyouwitha supportive,skilledandenthusiasticteamtohelp removesomeoftheroadblockssothatyoucan enjoyallthestagesleadinguptoyourbigday.

Remember,aslongasloveisatthecentreofyour celebrations,everythingelsewillfallintoplace.

Enjoyyourplanning—andmostimportantly,yourhappily everafter.

Love,

Jacqui

PS Forregularweddinginspo,follow MarriageMeander on Facebook and Instagram.And signup forour WelcomeBrideemailseries toreceiveourfreewedding planningprintablesandaweeklydoseofwedding planningwisdom!

PUBLISHINGDETAILS

EDITORINCHIEF JacquiNeumann

CREATIVEDIRECTOR KarenSchmidt

DESIGNSTUDIO TiaraCreative

ADSALES JacquiNeumann 0827185311 jacqui@marriagemeander.co.za

COVERIMAGE BaileeGuyWeddings

PUBLISHER

CONTENT

MarriageMeanderCompany ManagingMemberJacquiNeumann

Contentcreatedbythe MarriageMeanderCompany with editorialsubmissionssuppliedbyandcreditedto contributingadvertiserswithinthepublication.

PRINTING ColourDisplay(Pty)Ltd

DISTRIBUTION

DISCLAIMER

TheMarriageMeanderKZNpublicationispublishedannually anddistributedthroughoutKZN,andviaMarriageMeander’s variousonlineandsocialplatforms.

TheMarriageMeanderCompanyendeavourstoprovide clientswithcontentthatisrelevantandaccurate,giving credittoourvariouscontributorswhereverpossible.Weare, however,dependentontheinformationsuppliedtousby ouradvertisersandtothisend,wecannotaccept responsibilityforanyerrorsoromissionsoncefinalsign-off hasbeenreceivedandthemagazinehasbeenpublished.

COPYRIGHT

Copyrightappliestodesignconcept,text,covers,titles,and distributionofthe2022/2023MarriageMeanderKZNbook.All rightsreserved.Reproduction,inwholeorinpart,is forbiddenwithoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher.

greastarttatOffo

Credit:

OUR15TOPTIPSplanninwisdomWedding g

Congratulationsonyourengagement,lovebirds!Whatanexcitingchapteryouareabouttoembarkon. Forsomecouples,planningaweddingisexhilaratingandfun,whileothersfinditdauntingand overwhelming.ThisarticleprovidesyouwiththebarebonesofyourWeddingPlanningToDoList. Thekeytomakingsurethatyouenjoythistime—inspiteofthedelugeofdecisionsanddeadlinesyouwill befacedwith—isgettingorganised.Giveyourselfampletimetoplanandrecruittherightteamtohelp youcreatetheweddingofyourdreams.

Hereare15toptipstogetyourweddingplanningofftoagreatstart:

1.Doa‘bigpicture’brainstorm

Chattoyourpartnerandagreeonwhatyouboth wantyourweddingtolooklike.Prioritisethedetails thataremostimportanttoyouandbewillingto makesomecompromisesontherest.Gatherideas andinspirationfromsourceslikeInstagram, Pinterest,orbridalsitesbutalwaysstaytruetoyour personality,preferencesanduniquestyle!Itis importanttohaveagoodgrasponthedesign

PROTIP

Attendingwedding planningevents,suchas the LoveontheLawn weddingshowcase hosted byMarriageMeander,isa reallysmartandeffective waytoengagewitha numberofservice providersinasingleday. Youwillleavefeeling inspiredandinformed— andwithashortlistof weddingvenuesand suppliersforyourown specialday!

aestheticandoverallfeelyouwanttocreateat yourweddingbeforeyoustartmeetingwith potentialsuppliers.

2.Drawupabudget—andsticktoit

Beforeyoudiveintoyourweddingplanning,you andyourpartnerneedtodecidehowmuchyouare preparedtospendonyourdayandestablishwho elseiscontributing.Althoughitmaybeanawkward topictobroach,theseconversationsneedto happen.Bearinmindthatwhilstyourparentsmay bewillingtocontribute,theymayalsobeoutof touchwithcurrentweddingcosts.Beopenand transparentaboutyouranticipatedexpensesso thatallpartiesareonthesamepage.Onceyou’ve determinedyourbudget,sticktoit!

3.Draftyourguestlist

Itisimportanttoironouthowmanyguestsyouwill beinvitingtoyourweddingbeforeyoustartsetting upsitevisitsatpotentialweddingvenues.Chatto yourotherhalfandkeyfamilymemberstoput togetherawishlistofinviteesanddecidewhether toinclude‘PlusOnes’andkids.Now,morethanever before,engagedcouplesshouldfeelfreeto envisionthesizeweddingtheyhavealways wanted—whetheritbealargegatheringof300 guests,orasmall,intimategatheringofyour nearestanddearest.

4.Createaweddingplanningfile

Getorganisedandconsolidateallyourthoughts,

ideas,listsandbudgetsinoneplace!Tohelpyoudo justthat,MarriageMeanderhascreatedaWedding PlanningBlueprint,whichincludessomelovelyfree printablessothatyoucanpopulateyourwedding planningfilewithallthechecklistsyouneedtostay ontrackandtackletaskslikeapro. Signup forour emaillistandyou’llreceiveregular(free)downloads ofweddingplanningwisdom.

5.Chooseadateandsecureyourceremonyand reception venues

Selectafewpossibledatesforyourweddingbefore youstartvenuehunting.Dependingonwhetheryou haveguestsflyinginfromafar,werecommend sendingyourSavetheDateatleastsixmonths beforeyourdaytoallowyourgueststomakethe necessarytravelarrangements.

6.Bookyour marriageofficer early

Yourofficiantisakeypartofyourceremonyasthey usheryouintoyourunionandsetthetoneforthe startofyourmarriage.Goodpeoplearehardtofind sodoyourresearch,obtainrecommendations,and asktherightquestionssuchas,‘Willyoupersonalise theservicetoourrequirements?’and‘Areyou involvedinobtainingamarriagelicense?’

7.Securetheservicesofa weddingplanner

Don’tunderestimatethevaluethatawedding

plannercanaddtoyourspecialday.Aprofessional plannercanhelpyouavoidmakingcostlymistakes andguideyouinyourselectionofflowersand décor.Theywillhelpyoustayontopofdeadlinesso thatyoucanenjoythelead-uptoyourcelebration, knowingthatthedetailshavebeentakencareof!

PROTIP

Evenifyouintendtooverseemostofyour weddingdaypreparations,enlistingthe servicesofaday-ofcoordinatortooverseethe nittygrittydetailsonthedayisdefinitelyworth considering!Wehavesome fabulous planners withinthe MarriageMeanderportfolio ifyouare lookingforrecommendations.

8.Book suppliers thatmakeyoufeelatease

Whenitcomestobookingserviceproviders,it’sano brainerthatyouwantyourteamtobetalentedand professional.Butyoualsowanttoworkwithpeople thatyoufeelcomfortablewith,especially consideringthatyouwillbespendingalargepartof yourweddingdaywithmanyofthem.Duringyour researchphase,arrangeacoffeedateorvideocall

withyourshortlistofsupplierstomakesurethatthey aretherightfitforyou.

9.Chooseyourweddingpartywisely

Thefriendsandfamilyyouinvitetobepartofyour weddingpartywillprovideemotionalandpractical supportduringtheweddingplanningjourney,and onyourbigday.Whenyouandyourpartnerchat abouthowmanypeopletoincludeinyourwedding party,bearinmindtheexpensesassociatedwiththis specialresponsibility.Alsoconsiderwhethertheyare capableofprovidingthesupportyouneedleading uptoyourwedding,andiftheyarelikelytoplaya significantpartinyourmarriedlifegoingforward.

10.Readthesmallprint

Beforesigninganycontracts,makesureyouread andunderstandallthedetailsincludingdates, location,times,deposits,additionalfees,colours, quantities,cancellationclausesetc.Insistthatall servicesareaccuratelydocumentedinyour contractsothatbothpartiesareonthesamepage. Acontractshouldoutlinewhathappensifeither partycancels,notjusttheclient.Carefullyread policiespertainingtoachangeinthescopeofthe serviceprovided,whichmayresultintheratebeing revised.Thisisstandardpracticeinthewedding

industrybuttheonusisonyoutofamiliariseyourself witheachsupplier’stermsandconditions.For example,ifyourcateringquoteisbasedona minimumof100guestsbutyourfinaltallyendsupat 60guests,thismayaffectthecateringfeeperhead.

11.Theinvitationprocess

Onceyou’vegotyourdate,venueandwedding partybuttonedup,it’stimetonotifyyourbroader circleaboutyourupcomingnuptials.Inan increasinglydigitalworld,manycouplesareopting foradigitalinvitationandRSVPprocesswith beautifulon-the-daystationery.Ofcourse,ifyou havethebudget,aprettypaperinvitationreally makesastatementandcanbeapreciouskeepsake foryourguests!

12.Prioritiseyourceremony

Manycouplesputthemajorityoftheirfocusonthe reception.Butwithouttheceremony,thereisno reception.Duringthelead-uptoyourbigday,set asidetimetogatheryourthoughtsandputdownin blackandwhite,thepledges,promisesand declarationsofloveyouwishtoexpresstoyour beloved.Rememberthatyourceremonysetsthe tonefortherestoftheday.

Credit: VixPhotography

13.Buildinsomequality’Youtime’

Mostpastbrideswilltellyouthatthe lead-uptotheweddingdayfeelsalot likearollercoaster.Don’tletthe demandsofyourwedding planningschedulerobyou ofthejoyofthisseason. Buildinsomespecial timeforthetwoofyou tojustbetogether. Usethistimeto connectand doanythingbut talk aboutwedding plans.Ifpossible, takeaweekorat leastafewdaysoff workbeforeyour weddingsothatyou cantendtolastminutedetails,andfit insomepampering appointments—likehaving amassage,andgettingyour nailsdone.

14.Makeyourmarriagethefocus

Alwaysstayfocusedonwhatis mostimportant.Thereareboundto bethingsonyourweddingdaythat don’tgoaccordingtoplan.Don’tlet themgetyoudown.Nothingabouta weddingisassignificantasthemarriage thatfollows.Yourweddingissimplythefirst chapterinyourbrandnewadventureas newlyweds!Enjoy.Every.Single.Moment.

15.Post-weddingadmin

Ifyouareheadingoffonhoneymoonstraight afterthewedding,arrangeforfriendsor familytoreturnanyrenteditemse.g.suits, décor,vehiclesetc.andtakeyourdressfor cleaning.Makesurethatyouhaveorganised someonetofeedyourpets,wateryourplants andtakecareofanyotherhome-related choressothatyoucanswitchoffandenjoy everymomentofyourtimeaway!

MARRIAGEMEANDER byJacquiNeumann

Credit: BaileeGuyWeddings

Credit: VixPhotography

KatyaFedkina Photography

RubyJean Photography

Theresponsibilityofplanningabachelorette partytypicallyfallsontheMaidofHonourbut anyoneinthebridetribecanfulfiltherole—and oftentheplanningdutiesaresharedbyafewof thebride’snearestanddearest.Thebridewill mostlikelydesignatetheroleofchiefplanner.

shindig,youarereadytodiscussideasforthevenue anddate.Abachelorettepartyusuallytakesplace abouttwomonthsbeforetheweddingsothatthe bridedoesn'tfeeloverbookedwithpre-wedding commitmentsrightbeforeherbigday.Youalso don’twantthebachelorettetobescheduledtoofar inadvanceasyouwanttheexcitementfromthis eventtocarryherthroughtoherweddingday.

4.Setabudget

Talktotheinviteesupfronttoseehowmuchthey arewillingtospend.Normally,eachguestpaysher ownway,withthehostess,orbridalparty,covering thebride’scosts.

5.Secureaccommodation,transportandsuppliers

It’sagoodideatoprovisionallybookyour accommodationandanyothersupplierse.g. caterersorentertainers before sendinginvitesto makesurethateverythingisinplacebeforeyou startreceivingyourRSVPs.

6.Createsomehype

Thebestwaytostartcreatingsomebuzzaroundthe partyistosendoutathemedSavetheDatewithall theeventinfo.Thetalentedstationersinour portfoliocanhelpwiththat!

7.Dresscodeprotocols

Dressingupinthemedoutfitsmakesforgreat photosbutrememberthatsomeguestsmaynotbe

keentoinvestinelaborate/expensive/revealing outfits.Ifthat’sthecase,ratherprovideadresscode guideline(e.g.Tropicalfloralsifyou’rethrowinga Flaminglestyledpoolpartygetaway)whichallows gueststowearitemstheyalreadyhaveintheir cupboard.

8.Lockinthedetails

Thisiswhentheplanningstepsupanotch.Once youhaveaheadcount,it’stimetofirmupyour accommodationbookings,liaisewithsuppliers aboutschedulesandservices,finalisecatering (makesureyouknowifanyofyourguestshave dietaryrestrictions)andpaydeposits.Youalsoneed tocommunicatewithattendeesregardingtheir travelplansandestimatedarrivaltimesand documentthisinfoonyourplanningspreadsheet.

9.Getcreative

It’stimetoplansomespecialtouchestogiveyour girlanInsta-worthy‘MisstoMrs’send-off!Areyou doingthemedballoons,poolinflatables,floraldécor, welcomeboards,barsignageoraphotobooth area?Whataboutsomebridetribeswagsuchas sashes,sunnies,slipslopsorveils?Makesureyou bookservicesandorderitemswellinadvance— especiallyiftheyarebeingorderedonlineandmay haveaprotracteddeliverytime.Whatsortof entertainmentdoyouhavelinedup?Istherea musicsystematthevenue,orissomeonetakinga portableboomboxwithaplaylist?Whoisgoingto

10.Finalchecksandreminders

Inthe2–3weeksleadinguptotheparty,makesure youcheckinwith all serviceproviders,guestsand felloworganisers.Yes, again.Thisisyouropportunity toremindthemoffinalarrangementsandmake sureeveryoneisontrackforthebig par-tay!

Thevisualsfeaturedinthisarticlearefromour‘Last Flamingle’styledshootatQambathiMountainLodge,an intimateboutiquehotelintheKamberg.

Ourdreamytwo-day‘LastFlamingle’itineraryincludeda horseencounter,prettybruncheononthepooldeck, pyjamaparty,GnTgamesnightinthepub/loungeanda sun-kissedpoolparty,givingyouoptionsforafull weekendofgirlyfun.

Thisishowweflamingle,MarriageMeanderstyle!

MARRIAGEMEANDER

Yourmoneymatters

Credits: (photos)BeyondMeasure (engagementring)DavidBatchelor (venue)GhostMountainInn (banner)HandmadebyJanine (florals)etcevents

Withallyourexpectationsforyourweddingday,you,likemostcouples,arelikelytofindthatfinancesand issuesaroundmoneywillcausemorestressandmoredisagreementsthananythingelseinyourwedding planning.It'simportanttoberealisticandcreateaweddingwhereyourdreamsalignwithyourbank balanceandyouremaintruetoyourvalues.Muchconflictcanbeavoidedbylearningfromthemistakes ofothers,sohereareafewtipstohelpyouescapeargumentsandprepareforyour‘happilyeverafter’:

1.Startwithyourbudget

Thatmightsoundunromantic,buthavingabudget istellingyourmoneywheretogo,ratherthanyour moneycontrollingyou.

Celebratingthestartofyourlifetogetherisa significantmilestone.Butdoyoureallywanttostart yourmarriageindebtduetooverspendingonone day—justtoliveuptounrealisticexpectationsorto impressyourfriendsoryourfamily?Thinkaboutthe realreasonyouwanttosplashoutbeyondyour means.

Beforeyougoinsearchofyouridealvenue,startby decidingwhatyouwanttospend,orcanaffordto, andwritethatnumberdown.Youcanthenstartto

planthedayofyourdreamsthatfitswithinyour means.

Rememberthatyoucanhaveabeautifulday,and atthesametimehaveeverythingyouwantoutof yourspecialday—itjusttakessomecareful consideration,communicationandplanning.

2.Havethe‘moneytalk’withyourfamily

Traditionally,etiquettetolduswhatrolestheparents ofthebrideandgroomplayed—includingwhopaid forwhat.Buttimeshavechanged.Theaverage couplenowadayspaysforatleasthalfofthe weddingcosts,dependingonyoursituationand families,soit’sagoodideatostartsavingassoon asyouhavesaid“Yes”.

Itmayfeelawkwardtodiscussfinances,butbeingopenandhonestup frontwillsavealotofdisappointmentandpotentialconflictlater.Havea conversationwithbothsetsofparentsabouttheirroleinyourweddingand letthemknowyourplansandbudget.Theydon’toweyouanythinghere, butifthey’rewillingtohelpout,it’sgoodtoknowhowmuchtheywantto contribute.Yourparentsmaybeoutoftouchwithwhatweddingscost thesedays.

3.Discussyourpriorities

Asacouple,communicateyourexpectationsanddecidewhat’smost importanttoeachofyou.Forexample,ifyou’reafoodie,youmaywantto ensureyourguestshaveamealtoremember,whileyourpartnermaywant toputmoreemphasisonthephotography,ormusic.

Ofcourse,oneofthesimplestwaystocutcostsistolimityourguestlist. Butifhavinglotsofpeoplecelebratingyourbigdayisyournumberone weddingwish,youwillhavetogetcreativetokeeptoyourbudget.

So,chooseyourtopthreeprioritiesandalsothinkwhat’snotimportant. Keepyourmostandleastimportantprioritiesinmindasyouplanyour journeytogether.

Plantospendmoreifsomethingistoppriority,andbudgetlessonthings thataren’tasimportanttoyou.Youwillprobablybothneedtocompromise onsomethings,toavoidweddingcostsgettingoutofhand.

Youshouldalsobudgetabout5%foranythingyoumightforget!Ifyoudon’t endupspendingthis,splurgealittleonyourhoneymoon,orputitin savingstowardsyourfirsthome.

Mostcouplestendtospendatleast15%morethanbudgeted.Thisresultsin havingtousesavingsearmarkedforsomethingelse,borrow,orgointo debt.Don’tmakethismistake!Plannowsoyoudon’tpaymorelater.

4.Finally,focusonwhat’smostimportant

Aboveall,rememberthatyourweddingisacelebrationofyourlovefor eachother,sharedwithfamilyandclosefriends.It’snotaboutimpressing othersordoingwhateveryoneelseexpects,sostaytruetoyourselvesand you’llenjoyyourweddingdayandtheyearsaheadsomuchmore.

Asyouplanyourwedding,youshouldalsobeplanningyourlivestogether. Whiletherearemanywaystogetmarriedandmanywaystoexpressyour love,youonlyhaveonelifetolive.Keepyourheartsintherightplaceand enjoythejourneytogether.

WEDDINGBUDGET BREAKDOWN

Sobynow,youknowthatyouneedtoknuckledownand getyourweddingbudgetsortedbeforeyoucanstart divingintothemoreexcitingaspectsofplanningyour wedding.Butonceyouhavecalculatedthetotalfigure thatyouareabletospendonyourwedding,howmuch shouldyouallocatetoeachcategory?

Basedonrecentpollsdonewithbridalcouples,hereisa generalguidelinetogetyoustarted.Butremember,your weddingisaboutwhatworksforyou.Chattoyour partneraboutwhichaspectsofyourdayaremost importanttoeachofyou.Ifyouwanttospendmorein onearea,youwillneedtoreduceexpenseselsewhere.

PLAnnINGYOUR

weddinceremony

Yourweddingceremonyisthemostimportantpartofyourweddingday becauseitisthemomentthatushersyouintoyourunionwithyourpartner, andwhenyoulegallytietheknot!

Mostweddingceremoniesincludetheseelements: processional(whenthebridewalksin),welcome, readings,vows,ringexchange,kiss,pronouncement,and recessional(whenthecoupleleavestheceremonyarea asMrandMrs).Butthisisjustaguidelineandyoucan tailoryourceremonytosuityourneeds.

Sinceyourceremonysetsthetoneforyourwhole weddingday,herearesomeofourtoptipstohelpyou planaceremonythatismemorable:

Bookyour marriageofficer early Securetheservicesofamarriageofficerassoonasyou havebookedyourvenue.Communicateyourvisionfor yourspecialdaywiththemsothattheycanhelpyou planaceremonythatreflectswhoyouareasacouple.

Considerthepracticalitiesofyourceremonylocation Onceyouarefamiliarwiththelayoutofyourceremony venue,makesurethatyouhaveconsideredpractical detailssuchas:

•Isthereenoughspaceforthecouple,bridalparty, photographerandvideographertomovearound?

•Ifyouplantohaveamusician,bandorDJ,where willtheybepositionedanddotheyhaveaccessto power,ifneeded?

•Areyoureservingseatsforparents/grandparents andthebridalparty(iftheywillbeseated)?Appoint anattendantwhoknowsthesegueststodirectthem totheirseatsontheday.

•Makesuretheregistrationtableislargeenoughfor signingtheregister.Ifyouareonabudget,usethe bridalbouquetonthesigningtabletosavecostson anotherfloralarrangement.

•MakesuretohaveaplanBifyouhaveanoutside ceremonysoyoudonothavetostressonthedayif theweatherdoesnotplayalong.

Thedurationofyourceremonyisimportant

Yourweddingceremonyshouldbemeaningfulforyou asacoupleandatthesametime,holdtheattentionof yourguests.

Areyougoingunplugged?

Ifyouwantyourgueststobefullypresentduringthe ceremony,considerhavingsomesignagerequesting thattheyturntheirphonesoffandrefrainfromtaking photosandvideosduringtheceremony.Askyour marriageofficertoreinforcethismessagewithan announcementpriortothestartoftheceremony.

Decidehowyouwouldliketopersonaliseyourday

•Chattoyourmarriageofficeraboutthetoneand contentofyourceremony.Wouldyoulikeittobe joyful,celebratoryandlight-hearted,orreverent, quietandsacred?Chataboutyourbeliefsandhow youwouldlikethesetobereflectedinyour ceremony.

•Yourvowsshouldbemeaningfulandfromtheheart sosetasidetimetoworkonthese.Werecommend thatyoueitherrepeatyourvowsafterthemarriage officerorhavethemprintedonacardratherthan tryingtorememberwhatyouwanttosay.Evenif youhavepracticed,yournervesmightgetthe betterofyouanditisimportanttofocusoneach otherwhenexchangingvows.

•Chooseyourmusicwisely,especiallythesongsto beusedbefore,duringandasyouexitthe ceremony.Thinkabouttherelevanceofcertain lyricsinthecontextofthissacredmoment.

•Ifyouareaskingafriendorfamilymembertodoa readingorpoem,orsingasong,makesureyoupick someonewhoisconfidentandequippedforthejob.

Homeaffairsrequirements

Itisimportantthatyourmarriage officeriswellinformedaboutallthe legalregulationssurroundingyour weddingday.Yourmarriageofficer willcompletethemarriageregister, whichwillbesignedandwitnessed ontheday,issueyouwitha handwrittenSAmarriagecertificate andwillthenregisteryourmarriage withHomeAffairswithinthe stipulatedtimeframe.

Mostimportantly,rememberthatthis isthedayyouhavebeenwaitingfor andworkingtowardsformonthsand possiblyevenyears!Cherisheach moment.

byAJ&Beulah Haasbroek

DREAMCEREMONIES

YOURCEREMONY Livestreaming

Technologyhasmadetheworld amuchsmallerandmore connectedspaceandmany couplesarenowoptingtolive streamtheirweddingceremony sothatitcanbeenjoyedby lovedoneswhoarenotableto attendtheceremony.Sincethis canbetechnologically challenging,wehighly recommendusingaprofessional team.You’llfinddetailsforlive streamingspecialistsinthe Photo&Film sectionofthebook.

Credit: RubyJeanPhotography

Legallspeaking y

Congratulations—you'regettingmarried!Beforeyougetcarriedawayonthewhirlwindofpreparation thatwillconsumeyouforthenextfewmonths,pleasedoyourhomeworkandmakeaninformeddecision regardingyourmatrimonialregime.

InSouthAfrica,youhaveachoiceofthreematrimonial regimesthatcouldapplytoyourmarriage:

1.Marriageincommunityofproperty

IfyoudonotsignanAntenuptialContract(“ANC”) beforeyourwedding,thelawautomaticallystepsin, andyouwillberegardedasmarriedincommunity ofproperty.Thismeansthatalltheassetsyou ownedbeforethemarriageaswellasthoseassets thatareacquiredduringthemarriagewillbelongto bothspousesinequalshares.Evenifyouowneda housebeforedateofmarriage,yourspousewould automaticallybecomejointowneroftheproperty, regardlessofwhetherhis/hernameappearsonthe titledeedornot.Similarly,anydebtsowedbyeither partybecomethedebtsofbothspouses.Ajoint estateisthereforecreatedwherebythespouses sharealltheirassetsandliabilities.Thisaffectsyour contractualcapacityandyourabilitytoconduct businessorbuyandsellimmovableproperty.

2.Marriageoutofcommunityofproperty

—withoutaccrual

IfyousignanANCwiththeexclusionoftheaccrual system,itresultsinnosharingbetweenyouand yourspouse.Inotherwords,“whatisyoursisyours, andwhatismineismine.”Youwillcontinuetodeal withyourassetsandliabilitiesexactlyasyoudid priortoyourmarriage.

3.Marriageoutofcommunityofproperty

—withaccrual

Thisregimewascreatedtoensureanequitable divisionoftheparties’assetsacquiredbytheirjoint effortsduringthemarriage.Thisoptionresultsinthe spousepartiallysharinginwhathasbeenaccrued fromdateofmarriagetodateofdissolutionof marriage(whetherbydeathordivorce).Duringthe marriagethespousesmaintainseparateestates andcannotbeheldliableforeachother’sdebts.On thedissolutionofthemarriage,thespousewhose

Gettingmarriedisoneoflife'sbiggestadventures!

Wewouldlovetohelpyouprepareforyourfutureby drawingupyourAntenuptialContractandwills.

ContactSunèTaljaardorBelindaVermaakon0333454230 sune@masoninc.co.za |belinda@masoninc.co.za www.masoninc.co.za

Photo:Barefeet

Makingtheregistra�onof yourAntenup�alContract aquickandsmoothprocess isjustoneofthemanyways wecanhelpyou.

GarthBurne:0315731773 info@burneandburne.co.za www.burneandburne.co.za

estateshowsnoorsmaller accrualthantheestateofthe otherspouse(orestate,ifheis deceased)shallhaveaclaim againsttheotherspouse(orhis/ herestate)foranamountofhalf thedifferencebetweenthe accrualoftherespectivespouses.

Shouldyouwishtobemarriedoutof communityofproperty,youneedto signyourAntenuptialContract before yougetmarried.OnlyaNotaryPublic canexecutetheAntenuptialContract, whereafteritwillberegisteredinthe DeedsOffice.Ifyougetmarried withoutsigninganAntenuptial Contract,youwillautomaticallybe marriedincommunityofproperty.

It’sverycostlytochangeyourmarital regimeaftertheweddingsodoyour homework,getexcellentadviceup frontandmakeaninformeddecision thatisbestsuitedforyourintended marriage.

DonotseeanAntenuptialContract aspreparationfordivorce.Itis preparationforlifetogetherandit factorsinthepotentialtwistsand turnsthatyourmarriagejourneymay takealongtheway.

Itmayseemoverwhelmingbutthe legalaspectofgettingmarried doesn’tneedtofeeldaunting.With therightlegalteamguidingyou throughtheprocess,youshouldfeel excitedandencouragedtostartyour uniononasolidandunitedfooting.

byBelindaVermaak &SunéTaljaard

MASONINC

Credit: LauraJeanPhotography

PROTIP

Sinceyouwillbemeeting witha legalprofessional to getyourANCdrawnup beforeyourwedding,thisis agoodtimetoupdateyour wills!Gettingmarriedisa significantchangeandyou willwanttotakeyournew spouseintoaccountinyour will.Ifyoudon’tchange yourwill,yourspousewill notautomaticallyinherit anything.

WildOlivePhoto

Venues

weddinvenueperfecg t

Findingtheperfectweddingvenueisn’taneasyjob.Therearesomanygorgeous optionstochoosefromandsomanydifferentcriteriatoconsider,thatitcanbea littleoverwhelming.Tohelpmakethisprocesseasierforyou,we’vecreateda checklistofkeyconsiderationswhenstartingthehuntforyouridealweddingvenue.

1.Getagriponyourguestlist

Drawupyourguestlistbeforeyoustartlookingat venues.Knowinghowmanypeopleyouareinviting willhelpyouavoidchallengesdowntheroad.For example,youmayfallinlovewithavenue,onlyto discoverthatitcannotaccommodateyourguest numbers.Understandingyourguesttallyalsohelps youbreakdownyourbudgetsothatyouknowwhat venuesyoucanafford.

2.Respectyourbudget

Anotherimportantsteptocompletebeforeyoustart trawlingforvenuesistofigureouthowmuchyou havetospendonyourwedding—andmore specifically,yourweddingvenue.Refertoourbudget breakdownonpage16foraguidelineofhowtosplit costspercategory.Ifyoufindavenueyou absolutelylovebutitblowsyourbudget,youwill needtoeitherscalebackonotheraspectsorcut yourguestlist.

3.Chooseavenuethatsuitsyourvision

Seekoutavenuethatoffersanaturalfitwithyour overalldesignaesthetic.Forexample,ifyourstyleis minimalist,cleanandcontemporary,itdoesn’tmake sensetobookavenuethathasalotofdetailed vintagestyling—nomatterhowcharmingitmaybe. Conversely,avenuewithlotsofbuilt-inpersonality anddécorelementslikechandeliersandwallpaper mayresultinyouneedingtodolessonthedécor andfloralfrontandifthat’swhatyoulove,thenthis isagoodoptionforyou.Whetherit’sa‘blank canvas’venueyouareafter,oravenuewith personalitythatmatchesyourpersonalstyle,bear thisinmindwhendoingyoursitevisits.

4.Consideryourguests’experience

Thinkaboutthefriendsandfamilymembersyou

wanttoinvitetoyourcelebrationandconsiderthe practicalitiesofyourweddingvenue.Ifyour receptionismorethananhourawayandguests cannoteasilyreturnhome,determinewhetherthere isenoughaccommodationonsiteornearby.

Ifyouareplanningadestinationwedding,factorin proximitytoairports,easeofroadtravel,ample accommodationatthevenueandanentertainment programmefortherestoftheweekend.

5.Understandwhatthequoteincludesandexcludes Makesureyouunderstandexactlywhatisincluded inthevenuehirefeeandthecostperperson.Some venuesquoteafeetohirethereceptionhalland thenchargeperheadforcatering,whileothersmay giveanall-inclusivecostperperson,incorporating thevenue,cateringandvariousotherservices.

Generally,thevenuehireincludestheuseoftables, chairs,basiclinen,cutleryandcrockerybutinsome instances,thesewillneedtobehiredseparately. Somevenuesmayevenincludetheuseof specialisedchairsandalimitedselectionofdécor. Don’tbeshytofindoutthesedetailsupfront,asit willavoidunnecessarydisappointmentwhenextras areaddedtoyourbillafteryouhavepaidadeposit.

6.Enquireaboutthevenue’sceremonylocation

Mostvenueshaveachapelnearby,butifthisisnot ontheproperty,itmayresultinadditionalcosts.If thevenuedoesnothaveachapel,youcoulderecta marqueeorstretchtentontheproperty,butyouwill needtocheckifthevenuewillpermitthis.The settingmightbeidealforagardenoroutdoor ceremonybutrememberthatyoucannotcontrol theweatherandyouneedtohaveabad-weather planinplace.

7.Prepareforallweatherpossibilities

Noonewantstobetoohot/cold/wetontheir weddingday!Checkwhatweather-proofingoptions yourvenueincludesshouldtheweatherbe swelteringlyhot,freezingcold,windyorwet.Doesit haveairconditioning/heating/fans?Ifit’sina marqueeoronanopenverandah,areheatersorair conditionersincludedorcantheybehiredasan additionalextra?

8.Consideryour‘gettingready’spaces

Gettingreadyonyourweddingdayshouldbe relaxingandfun.Findoutfromyourvenueifthey offeraplaceforyouandyourpartytogetready andbesuretocheckitoutwhenyouconductyour sitevisit.Ifthereisn’taspaceavailable,andyour venueisfarfromhome,youwillneedtosourcean alternativenearby.Andpleasedon’tforgetthatthe groomandhisguyswillneedagettingready spacetoo.

9.Establishifthereareminimumrequirements

Checkwiththevenueifyouneedtomeeta

minimumheadcountorspend.Bearinmindthat thismayvarydependingonthedayoftheweek, timeofday,orseasonofyourwedding.Some venuesofferdiscountedratesformid-weekoroffseasonbookingssoitmaybeworthwhileexploringa lesspopulardatetobenefitfromthesesavings.

10.Findoutifthevenueoffersexclusiveuse

Askifothereventswillbepermittedatthevenueon thesamedayasyourweddingandifso,thinkabout howthatwillimpactonyourwedding.Whatfacilities willbeshared,andhowwillthevenuemanage thingslikenoiselevels,guestaccess,bartabsetc?

11.Understandthevenue’soperatingparameters

Manyvenueshavepre-determinedstartandfinish times,whichyouneedtoabideby.Willyouneedto sendyourguestspackingatmidnightoristherean optiontoextendthepartyintotheweehoursif everyoneishavingagoodtime?Askabouttheirsetupandpack-downarrangements.Willyouhavea fulldaybeforetheeventtosetup,orjustthe morningofyourevent?

Credits: (toprow,fromleft)HaycroftFarm,ConwayPhoto&Film|BoschHoek,VanillaPhotography|HighgateWineEstate|(bottomrow,fromleft) HarringtonHouse,VanillaPhotography|GracelandsFarm,BeyondMeasure|SaniValleyNatureLodges,StormStorahPhotography

12.Askifthereisapreferredvendorlist

Somevenuesmakerecommendationstohelpyou buildyourdreamteamwhileotherswillonlypermit youtousetheirtried-and-trustedsuppliers.Itis importanttonotethatmostvenueswhodonothave aninhousecateringteamhaveaprescribedlistof outsidecaterersthattheywillpermitattheirvenue.

13.Understandwhatisallowed—andwhatistaboo

Thinkaboutanyspecialdécortouchesor celebratoryactivitiesyoumaywanttoincludeand besuretoaskyourvenueifthereisanythingthey won’tpermit(e.g.pets,confetti,sparklers,lanterns, suspendeddécorinstallations,rosepetalturn-down inthehoneymoonsuiteetc.)beforeyougettoofar downthelinewithyourplanning.

14.Enquireaboutanyotherpoliciesyouneedto knowabout

Yourcontractwiththevenueshouldcoverdetails suchaspaymenttimelinesandcancellationclauses. Readthesecarefullyandbesuretoqueryanything

youdon’tunderstandoraren’thappywithbefore yousignanything.

15.Howdoesthevenuemakeyoufeel?

Lastbutnotleast,doesyourvenuemakeyoufeel warmandfuzzyinside?Whetherit’stheofferofa complementarysuiteforyourweddingnight,abottle ofbubblywhenyoufinishyourtourofthevenue,or thewaythatthestafftreatyouduringyoursitevisit, thesearethingsthatshouldbefactoredintoyour decisionmaking.Youwanttofeelspecialand prioritisedbytheteamthatispartofyourbigday.

Wishingyouheapsofadventureandfunasyousetout tofindyourdreamvenue!

byJacquiNeumann

MARRIAGEMEANDER

Credits: (toprow,fromleft)HluhluweRiverLodge|Fordoun,LauraJeanPhotography|Sweethome|(bottomrow,fromleft)GhostMountainInn &Safaris,BeyondMeasure|ThornerEstate,BaileeGuyWeddings|RockabillyRanch

Venuinformation e

Venue Area Numberofguests VenueHireFees

BayalaPrivateSafariLodge NorthernKwaZulu-Natal 48–120 R38,000–R48,000

BonamanziGameReserve NorthernKwaZulu-Natal 20–350 Varies

BoschHoek Midlands 24–200 Pricesuponrequest

CathedralPeakHotel Drakensberg 200 Nochargewith15roomsbooked

FordounHotel&Spa Midlands 180 R42,000–R47,000

GhostMountainInn&Safaris NorthernKwaZulu-Natal Upto170 R13,200–R27,400

GracelandsFarm UpperHighway 30–120 R23,000–R35,000

HarringtonHouse Midlands Upto400 R22,000–R27,500

HaycroftFarm Midlands 40–180 FromR38,000

HighgateWineEstate Midlands Upto80 R55,000

HluhluweRiverLodge NorthernKwaZulu-Natal 30–120 R15,000–R36,000

LythwoodLodge Midlands 60–300 R39,500

RockabillyRanch Pietermaritzburg 10–200 Varies

SaniValleyNatureLodges SouthernDrakensberg 30–200 FromR25,000

SwallowCliffHall SouthernDrakensberg 14–100 FromR10,000

Sweethome TalaValley Upto200 Varies

TheGroves Midlands 20–200 R35,000–R55,000

ThornerEstate TalaValley Upto200 R22,000

Accommodation #Beds Accomratepppn Caterer Cateringpp Chapel

DB&B 96 FromR1,850 In-house FromR440 Outdoor

B&BandSC 184 FromR1,200 Various FromR350 Outdoor

B&B 16 FromR1,160 RC Varies Outdoor

FullBoard 254 FromR1,440 In-house R430–R480 Chapel

B&BandSC 78 R790–R3,680 RC&In-house Varies Chapel

B&B 74 FromR1,060 In-house Varies Garden

SC 5 R460 RC&In-house R250–R440 Garden|CoveredTerrace

Bridalsuiteand2 cottages,SC 8 Included RC&In-house Varies Garden

SC 34 R550 RC Varies ForestorFarmChapel

B&B 1 R1,500 In-house R420–R650 Garden|CoveredAtrium

FullBoard 32 FromR1,100 RC&In-house R400–R450 Forest|Garden

B&BorDB&B 72 R990–R1,700 In-house R270–R400 Chapel|Garden Glass-enclosedTent

SC 18 FromR650 Various Varies Chapel SC 28 FromR950 Various Varies ForestChapel|MountainView

B&B 164 FromR450at Bushman’sNek In-house R375–R650 Openterrace

SC 32 FromR550 RC Varies Chapel B&BandSC 14 FromR305(based on18pax) In-house Varies Chapel|Garden OutdoorRiverDeck

SC 19 R450 In-house R450–R550 Chapel|Outdoor

Photos:KateMartens

Everylovestoryisbeautiful butyoursshouldbeunique

BoschHoekisthequintessentialvenuefor thosewhowantthefreedomtobringthe visionoftheirdreamweddingtolife, offeringanexquisiteblankcanvasandtruly allowingimaginationstorunwild.

0761649009| events@boschhoek.co.za www.boschhoek.co.za

Aluxury,versatileweddingvenue. Fromourgrand300-seatermarquee sitetoourintimatehall,wecanhost anystyleandsizewedding.

YOURWEDDING,YOURWAY

www.harringtonhouse.co.za Jen: info@harringtonhouse.co.za 0664738699

Photos:BaileeGuyWeddings

HOWTOMAKEANOUTDOORWEDDING WORKFORYOU

Outdoorweddingsareontherise,andwhenyou liveinSouthAfricawithsomanybeautiful locationstochoosefrom,whywouldn’tyouwant totakeadvantageofthegreatoutdoors?

Oneofthereasonsyoumayshyawayfroman outdoorweddingistheunpredictabilityofthe weather.Whilstrainisconsideredtobeasymbol ofgoodluckonyourweddingday,mostbrides wouldprefernottobeinconveniencedbya downpour.

Thatsaid,ifyourheartissetonanoutdoorsy celebration,don’tgiveuponyourdreamof beingsurroundedbyNaturewhenyoutiethe knot.Simplyputplansinplacetoensurethat theshowcangoon—rainorshine.

Herearesomepointerstoplantheperfect outdoorwedding:

1.Ensurethatyouandyourguestshave adequateshelterfromrain,windand sun—whetherthatbeintheformofastretchtentormarquee.

2.Anticipatetheelectricalneedsofyourvarioussuppliers.Briefthemonthe facilitiesavailableandhaveaclearunderstandingoftheirpowerand spacerequirements.

3.Iftherearenoonsiteablutionsortheyarefaraway,youmayneedtohire inadditionalrestroomfacilities.

4.Prepareyourguestsforwhattoexpect.Ifyourweddingistakingplaceona lawn,yourguestsmayappreciatetheheads-upsothattheycanoptfor flatsorwedgeheels.insteadofstilettos.Ifthereceptionistakingplacein theeveningandislikelytobecool,encouragegueststobringextralayers, orprovidethemwithblankets.

5.Anoutdoorweddingrequiresalotmoreforethoughtthananindoor weddingaseverythingwillneedtobehiredinforyourday.Werecommend usingaprofessionalplannerastheyhavedonethismanytimesbeforeand cansaveyoualotofheartache.

byJacquiNeumann

MARRIAGEMEANDER

Welcometoourintimateforestlodge withsweepingviewsoflakeStLucia. Ourpropertyoffersyouachoice oflocations,includingabespoke ceremonysiteintheSandForest, thedeckoverlookingthelake, oroursweepinglawns.

events@hluhluwe.co.za |0355620246 www.hluhluwe.co.za

Credits: LauraJeanPhotography

Photos:TroyBishopPhotography

Tastes

ISABESPOKEMENUAND CREATIVELYPRESENTED FOODIMPORTANTTOYOU?

Thenengageinternationallyacclaimed chefJackieCameron.

Jackiecatersfor,andhosts,weddings atherimpressivevenueinscenic Hilton–andisequippedtocaterat avenueofyourchoice.

Yourmenuwillbepersonalisedand platedtoperfection!

www.jackiecameron.co.za 0765057538| jackie@jackiecameron.co.za

CHOOSINGTHEBEST

PARTNERCatering

It’snosecretthattherecipetosuccessforany greatpartyisdeliciousfood—especiallywhenit comestoyourweddingday.Peoplemayforgetwho caughtthegarter,whatwassaidinthespeechesor whichsongyouchoseforyourfirstdancebutthey'llremembertheir meal—forbetterorworse.

Herearesometipsforcoupleswhoarehuntingfortheirideal weddingcaterer:

1.Doyourhomeworkwhenitcomestoyourweddingvenue

Beforeyoustartenlistingtheservicesofacaterer,researchyourwedding venue.Somevenuesinsistthatyouusetheirin-housecateringteam,which isfineifyouareafanoftheirmenuandstyleofcooking.Butifyouhave yourheartsetonaparticulardish,orcaterer,findoutifyourvenuewill permitoutsidecaterers,orareflexibletotailoryourmenutosuityourstyle andflavours.

2.Discussyourbudgetwithyourcatererupfront

Beforeyoustartdrawingupyourmenu,determinehowmuchyouareable tospendonyourweddingfood.Makesurethatyousharethisfigurewith yourcaterer.Aprofessionalandexperiencedcateringteamwillbeableto evaluatewhetherthemenuyouwantcanbeachievedwithinyourbudget. Theyshouldalsobeabletoprovideyouwithalternativesthatmaybe moreaffordable. 3.Decideonthefoodservicestylethatbestsuitsyourwedding: Thesedaystheworldreallyisyouroysterwhenitcomestochoosinga menustyle.Herearesomeoptionstoconsider:

4.Beclearaboutyourmost—andleast—favouritefoods

Tellyourcatereraboutwhatdishesyoureallyenjoy,aswellasthethings youfindunpalatable.Makesureyoualsoadvisethemofanyfoodallergies.

5.Shareyourcreativepresentationideas

Doyouhavespecificreferenceimagesofhowyouwantyourfoodtolook? Sharethesewithyourcaterer.Ifyouhaveyourheartsetonaparticularly unusualfoodpresentationthatyourcatererneedstosource,bearinmind thismayimpactthemenuprice.Youcanalsoaskyourcaterertoshare imagesfrompreviousweddingsofhowthefoodwillbepresentedontheday.

6.Includeavegetarianand/orveganoption

It’simportanttoincludeavegetarian/veganoptiononyourmenu.Not everyonewillremembertonotifyyouoftheirdietaryrequirements, andthisgivesyousomewiggleroomforanysurprisevegetarians whoturnupontheday!

7.Pickacatererwhoinspiresconfidence

Youwillbeworkingcloselywithyourcatererforasubstantial partofthelead-uptoyourweddingsomakesureyoualign yourselfwithsomeonewhogetsyourvisionandinspires confidence.Youwantsomeonewhowillbecalmunderpressure andwhowillmakesurethatthefoodonyourweddingdayis remembered,foralltherightreasons,foryearstocome. Bonappétit!

byRenzo&SherreeHamblin

HAMBLIN’SCATERING

Ourexperiencedteam

Yourbaker QUESTIONSTOASK

Gonearethedayswheneveryweddingcakewasafruitcakeneatly wrappedinwhitemarzipanicing.Today’sbrideandgroomhaveendless optionstochoosefrom,whichmeansthatyourweddingcakecanreflect thestyle,coloursandflavoursthatexciteyou!

Doyouknowwhatquestionsyouneedtoaskyourbaker beforearrangingacaketasting?Fearnot—we’vegotyou covered!Ifyouaskthebelowquestions,findingyour dreambakershouldbe,well,apieceofcake!

1.Whataremyflavourchoices?

Chattoyourbakeraboutwhatflavourcakesthey canoffer,aswellasthefillingchoices.Areyouafan offruitfillings—suchasstrawberry,orangeorpassion fruit—ordoyouprefersomethingmoredecadentlike chocolate,butterscotchorsaltedcaramel?

Rememberthatifyouarehavingamulti-tieredcake, ormultipleminicakes,youaren’tlimitedtojustone flavoursoitcouldbefuntohavearangeofflavours tosuitallpalettes.

2.Doyouworkwithfondantorbuttercreamicing?

Somebakersspecialiseinfondant,whileothers prefertoworkwithbuttercream.Andsomedoboth. Fondantisthetypeoficingmostoftenusedfor detaileddecoration.Ithasasmooth,professional finishbutsomepeoplefindthetastetobesickly sweet.Buttercreamhasaricher,creamiertaste, whichmostpeopleprefer.Buttercreamcan’tbe mouldedwiththesameprecisionasfondantbutit canbepipedintoattractivedesigns.Ifyouhave yourheartsetonaparticulartypeoffrosting, confirmthatyourbakerisproficientinthatstyle.

3.Whatcakedecorationsortoppingscanyou provide?

Askyourbakeriftheyareabletocreatesugar flowersorothersculpturalelementstodecorateyour cake.Ifyouwouldliketogarnishyourcakewithfresh blooms,askyourbakeriftheyarehappytopartner withyourweddingfloristtoensurethattheflowers usedonthecakematchyouroveralldécor.Ifyou wouldliketoaddabespokecaketopper,askyour bakerifshecanarrangeacustomdesignforyou.

4.Whatareyourprices?

Askyourbakertosupplyyouwithapricelistbased onestimatedguestnumbers.Bearinmindthatif youserveyourcakewithcanapés,orinsteadof,you willprobablyneedtocaterforallyourguestsas theyarelikelytobehungry!However,ifyouserve cakeatyourreception,it'stypicallynotadvisableto caterforeveryoneasyourguestswouldhaveeaten bythenandthepartywouldhavestartedsonot everyonewillpartakeincake.Particularlyifyouhave otherdessertalternativesonoffer.

5.Doyouprovideacakestandandcakeknife?

Acakestandandknifearetypicallynotincludedby yourbakerbutitdoesn’thurttoaskiftheyhave someoptionsavailableforyoutohire.Alternately, askyourcaterer,weddingplanner,venueordécor companywhatstandsandknivestheyhave availabletohire.

6.Willyoudelivermyweddingcaketothevenue?

Whilstdeliveryisusuallyquotedasanadditionalfee, westronglyrecommendthatyouhaveyourcake delivered.Transportingyourweddingcakeisahuge responsibilityandittakessomeseriousskillto assemblethetiersandaddthefinaldecorations onceinsitu.

Andincaseyouwerewondering,cakeisalwaysagood idea!

WHISKEDCAKERY byJanineEhlers

WhiskedCakery, VixPhotography

10CAKETRENDS

Thewritestyle

Credits: BeyondMeasure|HandmadebyJanine|(ring)DavidBatchelor

Weddinstationerytrends

TOWOWYOURGUESTS

Backintheday,weddingstationeryconsistedpredominantlyofpre-madetemplateinvitations,a seatingchartandplacenamesonthetable.Thesedaysyourweddingstationerysuiteoptionsare limitlessandstationeryhasnowbecomeanextensionofyourweddingdécor.

Yourweddinginvitationgivesgueststheirfirstglimpse intothecolourpaletteandthemeofyourbigday.Ifyou areoptingforaprintedinvitation(ratherthanane-vite) itwilloftenhaveprideofplaceonyourguests’fridgeor

pin-upboardsotaketheopportunitytomakean impression!Similarly,yourday-ofstationeryhasthe powertoamplifythebeautyofyourceremonyand receptiondécor.

Credits: HandmadebyJanine|VixPhotography

Credits: HandmadebyJanine|etcevents|ConwayPhoto&Film

Hereare11waystohelpyouelevateyourwedding stationeryfrom‘snoozefest’tosensational:

1.Creativecustomisation

Personalisingthedetailsofyourweddingisnothing newbutthistrendisontherisewithcouplesoptingto weavetheintimatedetailsoftheirlovestoryintotheir weddingday.Youmay,forexamplenameyourtables accordingtothecitiesyouhavevisitedtogether,print agiantscrollorfloorrunnerdocumentingthe milestonesofyourrelationship,orcreateamini newspapergazetteaboutthetwoofyou.

2.Hand-drawnillustrations

Weareseeingmorebespokeillustrations–whetherit beasketchofthevenue,acustomisedskinforyour tablewine,oracaricatureofthecouple.Thisisa reallyfunwaytomakeyourweddingstationerya reflectionofyourpersonalstory.

3.Unusualseatingplansandtablenumbers

Thesedays,seatingplansandtablenumbersare bustingoutoftraditionalconfines.Whynotconsider applyingvinylstoelegantacryliccolumns,or unexpecteditemslikevases,jarsorterracottapots?

4.Vellumoverlays

Vellumisasemitranslucentpaperthathasafrosted finishwhichgivesitanetherealfeel.Itcanbeusedon itsownoroverlaidontocardofvariouscoloursor prints.Ifafullvelluminvitationistoomuch,considera vellumbellyband,overlayorenvelope.Whetheryour designpreferenceissleekandminimalist,orluxurious andornate,vellumaddstextureandresultsinareally polishedfinish.

5.Laserlove

Whetherit’sacut-outofyourguests’names,acake topperoratablenumber,wearenowintheeraof bespokelasercutting,whichmeansthatyoucan createlasercut-outsforprettymuchanythingthese days!

6.It’stasseltime

Ribbonstillhasitsplaceontheweddingtable, especiallyrawsilkribbon,butwearelovingthecute andquirkypersonalityofatasselonmenus,place namesandthankyoucards.

7.Gimmesomegold

Atouchofgoldfoilorgoldleafonyourwedding stationeryissynonymouswithasophisticated celebrationandelevatesyourprintedelementstothe nextlevel.

8.Ampedaboutarches

Surpriseanddelightguestswithunconventionalshapessuchasarched welcomeboardsorcircularmenus.Noteverythingneedstobea rectangle!

9.Customisedmonograms

Stylishmonogramsofthebrideandgroom’sinitialshavealsotakenon awholenewlook,withtouchesthataremeaningfultothecouple.

10.Colourpalettesgetbolderandbrighter

Moveoverpastelsandmakewayforboldanddramatic colourpalettes.

11.Printedenvelopeliners

Nothingshoutsluxurymorethanagorgeousenvelope linersoifyouaredoingprintedinvitations,consider askingyourstationeryspecialisttodesignanenvelopein yourthemecolours,withabeautifullyprintedliner.

Letyourstationerybeasuniqueasyourlovestory!

HANDMADEBYJANINE byJanineDickson

Gifregistry t PROINSIGHT

STATIONERYTIMELINES

Herearesomeguidelinesforwhenthevariouselementsofyour stationerysuiteneedtobeready:

SavetheDate

Your‘SavetheDate’shouldbesentat leastsixmonthsbeforeyourbigday, especiallyifguestsneedtomake travelarrangementstoattendyour celebration.ASavetheDatecanbea usefulwaytowhittledownyourguest listbeforedistributingyourinvitations.

Invitations

Sendtheseoutroughlythreemonths aheadofthewedding.Invitationsset thetoneforyourweddingandgive yourgueststhehonourofaccepting.

Weddingwebsite

Formostcouples,talkingabout whatgiftsyouwouldliketo receiveasweddingpresents, feelsawkward.Andaskingfor moneyinsteadofgiftsraisesthe discomfortlevelsevenfurther. Youmayfinditreassuringto hearthatmostguestsattending yourweddingwanttogetyou somethingandtheywould appreciatesomeguidancefrom yousothattheycanmakesure it’ssomethingthatwillbe meaningfultoyouasacouple.

Includingthedetailsofyourgift registryorspecialrequestssuch asaskingforcontributions towardsahoneymoonfundis quitecommonthesedays.These detailsgenerallygoonthe‘Info’ page,whereyouwillfinddetails suchastheRSVPdate,and directions,etc.ratherthanon themainpageofthewedding invitation.

Ifyouplantohaveone,createyour weddingwebsiteatleastfourmonths

before.Aweddingwebsitecanserve asanalternativeoranadd-onto yourweddinginvitationandenables youtoshareadditionaldetailsabout yourpersonallovestory—andyour weddingday.

Day-ofstationery

Aimtohavethisbackfromthe printersatleastoneweekpriortothe event.Ifyoususpectyoumayneed tomakelastminutechangestoyour guestlist,youmaywanttoleavethe printingofyourplacecardsand seatingplantolast.

FuschiaFineEvent

Stationery

Hair&makeup

PROTIP

Trynottobetrend-led. Yourweddingphotos willbewithyouforthe restofyourlifeso consideralookthatis timelessandwon’tlook completelydated twentyyearsfromnow.

Credits: (circle,top)Dio’sGracia Make-upArtistry&Aesthetics, VixPhotography|(circle, bottom)SoléHair&Beauty,Vix Photography|(below)BlushPro Makeup|(right)Lau.Artistry, DavidBatchelor,A’mour, BeyondMeasure

1.Factorinseasonality

IfyouaregettingmarriedinWinter,yourskinislikely tobepaleranddrierthanifyouareplanninga Summerwedding,whichmeansyouwillneeda lightercolourfoundationinWinterthantheoneyou useintheSummermonthswhenyourskinismore tanned.IfyouaregoingtobeaWinterbrideyouare likelytowantafoundationthatdoesn’tlookdryor caked,whereasifyouaregettingmarriedin Summer,youmayneedaprimerthatcombatsshine andexcessivemoisture.

2.Permanentmake-upoptions

Permanentmake-up(PMU)isa(semi-permanent) cosmetictattoo,thatdefinestheeyebrows, enhancestheeyesandcontoursthelips.It replicatessomeofyoureverydaymake-up—andisa fantasticoptionifyouareplanningabeachykindof honeymoon!IfyouareconsideringPMU,booka consultationwithareputableaestheticianand rememberthatthisshouldbedoneafewmonths aheadofyourwedding.

PROTIP

Allocateenoughtimeforyour bridalhairandmake-up whenplanningyourwedding dayschedule.Youwantto enjoythistimeofpampering andnotfeelrushed.

3.Consultaprofessionalbeautytherapist

Ifyouarenotaregularvisitortoabeautysalon,nowisthetimetoenlist theservicesofaprofessionalbeautytherapist.Shewillbeabletohelpyou customiseaskincareroutinetosuityourskintype,lifestyleandbudget.Not onlywillregularfacialsleadinguptoyourweddingensurethatyourskinis lookingitsbest,italsogivesyouafewopportunitiestoliebackandtake timeoutfromthestressesofweddingplanning!Yourbeautytherapistwill beabletoassistyouwithshapingyoureyebrows,removingunwantedhair andadviseontanning.

4.Bookahairandmakeuptrial

Yourhairandmakeuptrialisareallyimportantpartofyourwedding preparationsasthisallowsyoutoplaywithideasuntilyoufindalookyou love—onethatcomplementsyourweddingdressandpersonalsenseof style.Sharereferenceimageswithyourhairandmakeupartistandhave somefunexperimenting!Whenbookingyourhairtrial,takereference photosandyourhairaccessories(tiara,hairvine,clips,veiletc.)withyou. Aphotoofyourdresswillalsohelpinchoosingasuitablehairstyle.

PROTIP

Don’tbeafraidtowearlipstickshadesthatareabitbrighterordeeper thanyouwouldnormallychoose—youdon’twanttolookwashedoutin yourphotos.Blush,berryandrosehuesareclassiccolourchoicesfor mostbrides.

5.Lockinalipcolourthatmakeyoufeelbe-you-tiful

Aboldredlipisdefinitelyatrendinglook—andifthatisagoodfitforyour personalityandtheoverallaestheticofyourwedding,thenrockthosebold lippiesallday!Butifyoufeelmorecomfortablewithanaturallook,then chooseashadeinthebrowntopinkrangethatsuitsyourskintone.If there’sacolourinyoureverydaymakeupkitthatyouabsolutelylove,take itwithyoutoyourtrialtoshowyourmakeupartist.Shemaysuggest addingsomedepthtothecolourtoensurethatyoudon’tlookwashedout inyourphotosbutitwillbehelpfultohaveyoureverydayfavouriteasa startingpoint.

6.Createanon-the-daymake-upkit

Thereareafewessentialsthatyouarelikelytoneedonyourweddingday afteryourceremonysopreparealittleemergencymake-upkitfortouch ups.Werecommendincludinglipstickandeitherblottingpaperora powdercompacttocombatshine.

7.Drinklotsofwater

Wewouldliketothinkthatdrinkingwaterisahabityoufollowallyear roundbutthisisyourfriendlyremindertouptheantewhenitcomesto yourwaterintakeleadinguptoyourbigday.Skinthatiswellhydrated providesamoreoptimalcanvasformake-up.Theamountofwateryou shoulddrinkwillvaryaccordingtofactorslikeyourweightandactivity

levelsbutasageneralrule,aim todrinkaroundtwolitresperday.

8.Don’tneglectyournails

Fromthetimeanengagement ringisslippedontoyourfinger untilagoodfewmonthsafteryou aremarried,youwillbeflaunting yourfingersalot!Wedding-ready nailsdon’thappenovernightso starttakingcareofyourhands andfeetafewmonthsbeforethe bigday.Bookregularmanicures andpedicures,stopbitingyour nailsandcuticles,andinvestina goodcuticlecreamand moisturisertonourishyournails andskin.Ifyouaredoinggelor acrylicnails,bookyourfinalpreweddingappointmentoneortwo daysbeforetheweddingto ensurethattheyarestillintiptop shapeontheday.

9.Haircare

Visityourhairstylistregularly beforeyourbigdayanddiscuss anyhairorscalpconcernsthat youhave.Theywillbeableto recommendprofessional productstoassistinachieving andmaintainingoptimally healthyhair.Buildinplentyof timeifyouareplanninganew cut,colourordramaticchange, justincasetheresultisn’twhat youenvisaged,andyouneedto fixit! Andremember,happybridesarethe

byJacquiNeumann

MARRIAGEMEANDER

96MainStreet,Howick|0768158892| diosgracia99@gmail.com

0714134043 lau.artistry@gmail.com

Youcatchsightofyourreflectionandcan’thelp butsmile.ThatisthepowerofBlushProMakeup.

CandiceMatthee 0837566013 info@blushmakeup.co.za www.blushmakeup.co.za

PROTIP

Avoidlipsticksthatare eithertooglossy(theywon’t lastlongonyourlips)ortoo matte(theywillleaveyour lipsfeelingdryandcaked.) Buyalipstickinthesame colourtokeepinyourpurse totouchuplaterinthe day—andtoenjoyonyour honeymoon,andafterthe wedding.

dressed Allup

Weddindresstrends g

Choosingyouridealweddingdressisarguablyoneofthemostimportantappareldecisionsyouwillever makeandsinceit’slikelytoalsobeoneofthebiggestinvestmentsyouwillevermakeinasingleoutfit, thepressureison!Youmayevenfeellikethereisawholenewdresscodelanguagetodecipher— mermaidstyle,sheath,maximalist,peek-a-boo,cathedralveils…etc.

Inthisarticlewehaveroundedupsomeofthetopinternationalweddingdresstrendsfor2023tohelp younavigateyourwaytoyourdreamdress.Thediverserangeofstylesaretestamenttohowthebridal industryhasembracedchange.Whatthatmeansforyouisthattherearemorestylesavailablethan everbefore,andadresstosuiteverybride.

Whysettleforonedresswhenyoucanhavetwo? Decadesago,itwascustomaryforabridetochange outofherweddingdressandintoa‘goingaway’outfit justbeforedepartingthereceptionandheadingoffon honeymoon.Well,wehavegoodnewsforourfashionista brides!Thetraditionofwearingtwooutfitsonyour weddingdayisback—butinaspectacularand reimaginedway.Manybridesthesedaysareoptingto wearaformalgownfortheceremonyandcreative shootandswitchingtoasecondoutfitforthereception. Thelatteristypicallyamorefunandflirtynumber,the perfectcueforthosedancefloorpartyvibes.

Madaboutmaximalism Sometimes,moreismore. Althoughbarely-thereslip dresseshadabigmoment lastseason,maximalistball gownswithamplified featuressuchasmegaplush,off-the-shoulder sleeves,longtrainsand cathedralveilshavestaked theirspotinthelimelight.We lovehowdesignershave reinventedthequintessential ballgownwithdetailslike exaggeratedpuffsleeves,cascading trains,detailedcorsetryandexquisiteembroidery.

BellaBride|(circle)NALAPhotography

Credits:

PROTIP

Whenyougodresshunting, keepanopenmind.Youmay thinkyouknowexactlywhat styledressyouarelookingfor, onlytotryitonandrealise thatyoudon’tloveitasmuch asyouthoughtyouwould. Allowyourdressspecialistto guideyouduringyourfitting becauseyoumayfindthatthe perfectdressforyouisone youwouldn’thaveeven considered.

Straightnecklines

Straightnecklinesandstrapless silhouettesarebigthisseason.A sharplyangledbodicehighlightsthe décolletage,neckandshouldersand isathrowbacktotheninetiesand early2000’s.Thebestpartaboutthis 2023weddingdresstrendisthat straightnecklinesworkforpretty mucheveryweddingstyle:whether youoptforaclassiclook incorporatingheavysatin,a whimsicalstylewithlighttulle,ora moreseductivesilhouette withform-fittingcrepe.

Crushingoncorsets

Intricatecorsetryanddetailed boninginthebodiceofyourdress addsgorgeouscontrasttofullskirts andlayersoftulleandchiffon. Originallywornasanunder-garment, thereissomethingalittlerisqué(and alotsexy)aboutadresswithabuiltincorset.

PROTIP

Shopearlyforyourwedding dressasgownsmaketake betweenfourtoeightmonths tobeproducedorordered fromoverseasandyoustill needtofactorintimefor alterationsandaccessorising onceitisready.Thatsaid, don’tstartdressshoppingtoo earlyeither.Youdon’twantto chooseadressthatfeels datedbythetimeyougetto wearit.

Addwowwithabow

Whenindoubt,putabowonit!Bows arepretty,feminine,andfun.High impactdressesboastoversizedbows whilstotherdesignersareweaving bowdetailsintotheirdesignsina moresubtleandromanticway.

Courageouscut-outs

Thistrendisforthebold,fashionforwardbridewhoisnotafraidto showoffhersilhouettewithfigureskimmingfabricsandpeek-a-boo cut-outs.

Simplicity

Ifyouareasimplegirlatheart,you don’thavetogofluffyorfrillywith yourweddingdress.Abridaltrend thatwillnevergooutoffashionisa well-constructeddresswithsimple, cleanlinesinabeautifulfabric.

Credits: (clockwise,fromtopleft)Sposabella| A‘mour|A‘mour|SposaBella|BellaBride| (circle,top)A‘mour|(circle,bottom)Sposabella

PROTIP

Shoptruetoyoursize.Evenif youplantoshedacoupleof kilogramsbeforethebigday, shopforadressthatfitsyou atyourcurrentsizerather thanonethatistoosmall.Itis easiertotakeadressinthan tryingtoworkwithonethatis toosnug.

Sexyslits

Makewayforsomevavavoom!High slitsbroughtthesexappealtoBridal FashionWeek.Ifyou'relookingtostep outandshowsomelegwithout bravingashorthemline,thisisthe trendforyou.

Eyecatchingheadwear

Veilsareiconicandtheyarestilla firmfavouritebutifyou’relookingfor somethingalittleunusual,hereare somealternativestoconsider: hoodedcapes,hairvines,bespoke tiarasorcrowns,andhats.

byJacquiNeumann

MARRIAGEMEANDER

Credits: (toprow,fromleft)A‘mour|Sposabella| (bottomrow,fromleft)BellaBride,(hat)model’s own|TheRiveraCollection| (circles)TheRiveraCollection

Credits: (toprow,fromleft)A‘mour,SuitYourself|Belle &Bravado,(rings)DavidBatchelor|Belle&Bravado| (centre)SuitYourself|(bottomrow,fromleft)A‘mour, SuitYourself|A‘mour,Belle&Bravado|SuitYourself| (circle,left)SuitYourself|(circle,right)HISApparel, BellaBride|(oppositepage)LauraJeanPhotography

FORGETTINGREADYgame gplanTheroom’s

Yourbride-to-bemaybedrivingtheweddingbusbutyouneedtohaveagameplanforyourbigday, too!Belowareourtoptipstomakesurethatyouandyoursquadlookthepartonweddingday.

Chooseattirethatmatchesyourweddingaestheticand colours

Chattoyoursignificantotheraboutyouroveralltheme andweddingcolourssothatyouareonthesamepage whenyougoshoppingforyouroutfit.Youcaneither purchaseorhireyouroutfit.Hiringisagreatoptionifyou havealimitedbudgetespeciallyifyouareunlikelyto wearyoursuitagain.

Practiceknottingyourtie

Dependingonwhatyoudoforaliving,thechancesare, youmayberustyattyingatie!Maywesuggestthatyou practiceknottingyourtieagoodfewtimesbeforethebig daytomakesurethatyouareconfidentandproficient. Yourweddingdayisnotthetimetobegooglinghowto doabowtieorWindsorknot.

Getahaircut

Scheduleatrimfortheweekleadinguptothewedding butpleasedon'tleaveitforthedaybeforewhenthereare alwaysamillionlast-minutethingstotakecareof.Top tip:Donottryoutanewstyle,colourorhairstylistforthis crucialpre-weddingcut!Rathersticktowhatyouknow.

Whattopreparethedaybefore

Youandyourgroomsmenshouldtryonyoursuitsor tuxesthedaybeforetheweddingasafinalcheck.Iron shirts,pocketssquaresandtiesandrunthrougha checklistofalltheitemsyouwillneedfortomorrow.This includesshoes,socks,underwear,cufflinks,acopyof yourvows,acopyofyourspeechand therings!

Incaseyouaren’twellversedinsuitetiquette,hereare 10suitrulesyouneedtoknow:

1.Yourjacketfitsproperlyiftheseamshugyour shouldersbutyouarestillabletomoveyourarms, chestandback.Ifyoufeelrestricted,thefitisn’t rightandyouneedtosizeup.Weunderstandthat slimfitisavibebutyoudon’twanttolooklikeyour suitwascellophanedontoyourbody.

2.Yourjacketshouldbelongenoughtocoveryour pantszipperandbutt.Ifit’slongerthanthat,itwill looklikeahand-me-downfromabigbrother,andif it’sshorter,itwilllooklikeyougrewtallersinceyour lastfitting.

3.Thesidepocketsonyourtrousers shouldlayflatagainstyourlegs. Ifyourpantspocketsbulgewhen youarestanding,theyaretoo tight.

4.Whilstonthesubjectofyour pantspockets,eliminateall unnecessaryclutterandtryto keepyourpocketsemptyof phones,keysandwalletonthe weddingday.

5.Yourtieshouldjustreachyour waistbandorthetopofyourbelt buckle.

6.Ifyouarewearingaboutonnière, pinitsecurelyon,ornear,the lapelbuttonhole.Feedthepin throughfromthebackofthe lapelsothatthepinisnotvisible fromthefront.

7.Foramodernandsophisticated look,chooseanarrowbeltthatis thesamecolourasyourshoes.

8.Ifyouopttowearbraces,forego thebelt.Botharedesignedto holdyourtrousersupwhich meansyouonlyneedone.It’s consideredafashionfauxpasto wearbraceswithabelt.

9.Ifyourjackethasmorethanone button,alwaysleavethebottom oneundone.

10.Alwaysunbuttonyourjacket beforesittingdown,oryourisk ruiningit.

byJacquiNeumann

MARRIAGEMEANDER

Settinhe g

tscene

Weddincolourpalette g

Yourweddingcolourpaletteschemeisacollectionofcoloursthatwillbeusedinvariousways throughoutyourweddingday.Theweddingcoloursyouchoosewillinfluencealmosteveryfacetofyour wedding:stationery,floralarrangements,tablelinens,dresses,suits,cakedesign,andsoon.Thatmeans it’simportanttopickyourcolourspectrumearlyoninyourplanning.Herearesometipstohelpyou arriveatacohesivecolourpaletteforyourbigdaythatyouwillloveforyearstocome.

1.Beledbyyourlocation

Visualiseyourvenueandits surroundings.Aneutral‘blank slate’venueisversatileand adaptabletoanycolour combinationwhileamore decoratedspacemayhave designelementssuchaspainted walls,brickwork,hangingart,floor finishes,curtains,surrounding treesandplantsetc,thatyou needtotakeintoconsideration.If youhavealreadychosenyour venue,takenoteofthenatural coloursintheceremonyand receptionareastoguideyou whenchoosingyourcolour palette.Ifyouhaven’tdecidedon avenueyetbutyouhavea specificsetofcoloursyouwant toincorporateintoyourwedding, takesomeswatcheswithyou whenyoustartvenuehuntingto makesurethattheexisting coloursofthespacedon’tclash withthepaletteyouwishto incorporate.

2.Thinkseasonally

Certainshadeshaveanatural seasonalfit.Forexample,soft pinksandfreshgreensare perfectforSpringwhilebright citrusycolourslikecoraland papayaareSummerstaples. Jeweltoneslikerubyand

emeraldarewellsuitedtoAutumn whilemauveandsilvermakefora stunningwinterpalette.Thatsaid, donotfeellikeyouhaveto conformtoseasonalcolour‘rules’. Ifyouhaveyourheartsetona particularcolourscheme,a seasonedfloralstylistwillfinda waytomakeitworkbybuildingin

lighter/darkeraccentcoloursto liftordeepenyourlooktosuitthe season.Themostimportant seasonalcriteriatotakenoteof isthatsomeflowersareonly availableatcertaintimesofyear anditcanbeverycostlyto sourcethemoutofseason.

Yourend-to-endfloral, décorandwedding planningspecialists

3.Identifyyourweddingstyleor theme

Pinpointingyourweddingstyleor themeisanimportantstepwhen choosingyourweddingcolours. Justlikeseasons,someshades arebettersuitedtospecific stylesthanothers.Forexample,a laid-backbohostyleprobably wouldn’tmeshwithsilverand blingyblue,justasanold Hollywoodglamthemeisbetter suitedtoivory,gold,silverand black—ratherthananexplosion ofcitrusshades.Onceyouhave settledonyourthemeorstyle, youwillfinditeasiertowhittle awaythecoloursthatdon’tfit.A consultationwithawedding plannerordécorandfloralstylist isagreatwaytonaildownyour stylepersonality.

4.Don’tfixateontrends

Trendswillcomeandgo,sodon’t bepressuredintochoosing coloursthatare‘sorightnow’but sonotyou!Ratherchoose coloursthatresonatewithyou— andthatyouarelikelytolove, longintothefuture.

5.Choosecoloursthatare universallyflattering Yourflowers,décor,stationery andbridesmaiddressesformthe backdropformanyofyour weddingphotossomakesure youchooseacolourschemethat complementsyou,yourgroom andyourbridesmaids.Ifthereis aparticularcolourinyourpalette thatdoesn’tlookgreaton everyone,trytoincorporate someshadesthatwillhave everyonelookingtheirbest.

6.Don’tchoosetoomanycolours

Unlessyouareplanningafestival stylewedding,havingtoomany colourswillresultinalookthatis disjointedanddistracting.Rather startbypickingonesignature

shadethatyouabsolutelylove. Addtwotothreeaccentcolours toroundoffyourcolourpalette, whichwilladddimensionand variation.

7.Gethelpfromacolourwheel

Youdon'thavetobeagraphic designerorfashionguruto understandhowacolourwheel works.Thereareafewsimple principlestofollow.Ingeneral, coloursthatworkwelltogether areoppositeeachotheronthe wheelbecausetheycombinea coolandwarmshadee.g.lilac andyellow,orblueandorange. Otherpairingsthatworknicelyare ‘neighbouring’colours,whichare shadesthataresimilartoeach otherandshareaprimarycolour e.g.plumandlavender.

8.Factorinnon-negotiable elements

Ifthereareanymust-havedécor

ANNIEHEDLEY

0824111110|0332666454 info@petals-midlands.com www.petals-midlands.com

itemsthatneedtobeincluded, buildtheseinfromthestart ratherthantryingtoaddthemin later.Itwouldbedisappointingto planyourflowersanddécorto theminutestdetail,onlyto realiseduringset-upthatyour granny’svintagecreamtable runner,orthosesentimental coppercandlesticksstickoutlike asorethumbamidstthecolour paletteyou’vechosen.

Whileyourcolourpalettewillgovern manyofyourweddingdecisions, don’tfeellimitedbyyourcolour chart!Seeitasaguidelinerather thananabsoluterule.Notevery aspectofyourweddinghastobea perfectcolour-match.

byJacquiNeumann

MARRIAGEMEANDER

PETALPINK& MUTEDMAUVE

Ifyouareaimingtoachievea serene,prettyandtasteful colourpalette,amixtureof petalpinkandsubtlemauve createsanupscalelook.These coloursarealsoextremely flatteringonmostskintypes whichmakesthemagreat choiceforbridesmaiddresses.

Credits: studioPetals| Weddings&Functionsby Jackie|Kikitography

Photos:ConwayPhoto&Film

THERISEOFTHEWEDDINGLOUNGE

Comfortableloungeseatingisarealwinduringcanapésandgoldenhourwhen thebrideandgroomareoffontheircreativeshoot.Laterintheevening,when feetaredancefloor-wearyandguestsarelookingforaquietandcomfortable spottochillandchat,couchesandottomansonceagainstealtheshow.

Thetricktoexecutingastylishweddingloungeistomakesurethatitfitsthe overalldesignaestheticofyourwedding.Thegoalistocreatecomfortablebut alsovisuallyattractiveloungeareas.Considerincludingoccasionalchairs, ottomans,cubes,coffeeandsidetables,rugs,potplantsorflowers,mushroom gasheaters(tocombatthechill),andgardenumbrellasforshade.

Andtheultimateadditiontoanoutdoorsloungeareaisacutecaravanbar servingallyourfavouritedrinks.

Credit: (aboveandright)VanillaPhotography

EMERALDGREEN

Credits: SpottedOwlEventsandPromotions|ConwayPhoto&Film

PLANNINGYOUR WEDDINGLIGHTING

Addsomesparkletoyourwedding daywithaselectionofwell-chosen lightingsolutions.Doneproperly, lightingmakeseverythinglook prettier—fromyourtablescapesto yourweddingcaketoyourguests’ faces!

Thefirstthingyouneedtodois familiariseyourselfwithyourspace. Establishwhatlightingfixturesare alreadyinplace,wheretheplug pointsare,andwhetherthereare restrictionsimposedbythevenueon suspendedinstallationsetc.

Nextyouneedtofindyourwedding lightingspecialist.Therearesome experiencedteamswithinthe MarriageMeanderportfoliowhohave festoon(bulbstring)lights,fairylights andawiderangeofchandeliers.

Chooselightingthatcomplements yourweddingstyle.Doesyourvenue andtheoverallaestheticofyour weddinglenditselftoromantic vintagechandeliers,Bohemianwoven rattanpendantlights,orsomethinga bitmoremodernandedgy.

Aprofessionaldécorteamthat specialisesinlightingwillbeableto guideyouonyourchoicesandget yourweddingreadytoglow!

Credits: TheWeddingCompany|LauraJean Photography

EMERALDGREEN &GARNETRED

Donecorrectly,aredandgreen doesnotneedtolook Christmassy.Seductivejewel toneslikeemeraldandgarnet makeforaclassycolourpalette, especiallywhenthey're balancedoutbysomelighter shades,likeivory,andset againstaneutralbackdrop.

Credits: TheWeddingCompany|TheGroves|TroyBishopPhotography

FLORALFAqFOrBRIDES

ShouldIadoptaDIYapproachtomyweddingflowers?

Ouradviceregardingyourweddingflowers—donottry anddoitallyourself.Outsource!Flowerstaketime,effort andenergy.Ifyouhaveaflowerfundiinyourfamilywho hasofferedtotakecareofyourweddingflowers,make surethattheyhavetheexperiencetotacklethis demandingjob.Generally,werecommendusingafloral specialistastheyarefamiliarwithorderleadtimes,are abletosuggestsuitablealternativesshouldanyofyour preferredflowersnotbeavailable,andtheyhavecold roomstokeepyourbloomsintip-topshapeuntilyour wedding.

HowdoIchooseafloraldesigner?

Everyfloralartisthasauniquestyleandtheydelightin theopportunitytocreatesomethingbespokeforyou. Taketimetoresearchwhoyouwouldliketodesignyour flowersandchoosesomeonewhosestyleresonateswith you.Onceyoufindafloraldesignerwhosestyleyoulove, andwhoyouwouldliketoworkwith,sendanenquiryto seeiftheyareavailableonyourdate.

Howdoesthequotingprocessforweddingflowerswork?

Mostfloralartistswillonlyquoteafteraninitial consultation,aseveryweddinghasitsownunique requirements.Duringyourearlydiscussionswithyour designer,theywillaskyouquestionsinorderto understandyourvisionforyourspecialday.Thiswill enablethemtoputtogetheravisionboard,whichisa reallyfunandexcitingpartoftheprocess!Basedonyour storyboard,yourfloralspecialistwillfurnishyouwitha quotetoachieveyourvision..

DoIneedtodoaflowermock-upbeforemywedding?

Ifyouwouldlikeyourfloristtodoamock-up,youcan certainlyrequestone.Thesearetypicallypaidfor separatelyandtheflowersarethenyourstotakehome andenjoy.Thepurposeofafloraltrialistosimulatethe personalityandoverallaestheticthatyouwouldliketo achievewithyourweddingflowersratherthanselecting specificflowertypes.Remember,flowersareseasonal andavailabilitycanchangeonadailybasis,which meansthatyourfloraldesignercannotpromisethatthe flowersonyourweddingdaywillbeidenticaltowhatyou sawduringyourtrial.Ifyouhaveselectedaprofessional designer,youcantrustthattheywillapplytheircreative energiestoyourfloralartusingthebestavailableblooms foryourday.

CHEATSHEETPhotoposes

Ofcourseyouwantanamazingweddingalbumfullofgorgeousphotographs!Butsincemostofusaren’t professionalmodels,whenwesuddenlyfindourselvesinfrontofthecamera,itcanfeelalittleawkward.

Enlistingtheservicesofagreatphotographeristhefirststeptogettingspectacularphotosonyour weddingday.Havingafewposesyouwouldliketotrymayalsogiveyoualittleconfidenceboost. Especiallyifyouandyourpartnerhavetestedafewoftheseoutbeforetheweddingday.Herearesome ofourfavouriteweddingphotographyposesthatyoumightliketotry:

1.Thehandhold

Holdinghandsisaclassicposeforareason,and youwilldefinitelywantsomeoftheseshotsinyour album.Createalittlespacebetweenyouandyour partner(Iknow,thisisabigaskonyourwedding daywhenyouwanttobeascloseascanbe)and linkfingers.

2.Cuddleupandwhispersweetnothings

Cosyupwithyourpartner’sarmaroundyouforan intimateshot.Forsomelovelycandidshots,youcan whisperintoeachother’sear,whichinvariably resultsinsomegigglesandlovelyfunshots.

3.Thecasualstroll

Takeyourpartner’shandandgoonalittlestroll whileyourphotographerclicksawaycapturing somenaturalshotsofthenewlyweds.(Bonuspoints ifhecarriesyourtrainoryourbouquetwhileyou walk!)

4.Thewalkoff

Oftenthebackofyouroutfit(nottomentionyour hair!)isasnoteworthyasthefrontwhichmeansyou willwantsomebeautifulphotosfrombehind.Ask yourphotographertofollowyouasyouwalkaway. Youcanwalkawayholdinghands,witharms interlinkedorperhapsevendancing.

5.Thelookaway

Thisposehasbecomeatrendyfavourite.Stand besideoneanother,holdinghands,withsomespace betweenyouandstareoffinoppositedirections.

6.Allkindsofkisses

Everyweddingalbummustincludeatleastone greatkissingshot.Sinceit’syourweddingdayand youprobablywon’thaveseenmuchofeachotherin theearlierpartsoftheday,itshouldn’tbetoomuch ofahardshiptonabsomesmoochingshots!

Thecheekkiss

Apeckonthecheekisamoredelicatekissing optionthanafull-onliplock,butit’sstillworthyofa placeinyourweddingalbum.

Thealmostkiss Getyourphotographertocatchyouleaninginfora smoochbutnotallthewaythere.

Theforeheadkiss Sweetforeheadkissesareagreatwaytocapture theintimacybetweenyoutwolovebirds.

PROTIP

Minimisethenumberofshootlocations

Tomaximisephototimeonyourweddingday, ratherminimisethenumberofphotoshoot locations.Youdon’twanttospendmoretime travelingfrompointAtopointBthanactually takingpictures.Agreatphotographershouldbe abletomakealmostanylocationwork.

Kissfrombehind

Thisposeworksparticularlywell ifyourpartnerisonthetaller side.

Thehandkiss

Gooldschoolandofferyourlady agentleman’skissonherhand. Thisis,afterall,herdaytofeel likeaDisneyprincess!

7.Anosepingorforeheadbump Alittlenose-to-noseintimacyis anendearingwaytogetupclose withyourfavouritehuman. Similarly,youcanshareatender momentbyfacingoneanother withyourforeheadstouching andyoureyesclosed.

8.Golow

Youdon’thavetobestandingfor theentirecreativeshoot.Finda spottosit—orlie—down,get close,chat,exhaleandenjoythe moment.

9.Theoverhead

Findaprettyspottoliedownand haveyourphotographertakean overheadshotofyou.Ifyour photographerhasadrone,a zoomedoutversionofthiscan bereallyepic!

10.Veilshot

Ifyou’rewearingaveilonyour weddingday,you’lldefinitely wanttonabsome‘undercover’ shotsbeneathyourveil.The optionshereareendless—look intoeachother’seyes,doa foreheadbump,smileatyour photographerthroughthemesh orgetanotherkillerkissing pictureshroudedinveilromance.

11.Thefacetouch

Keepalittledistancebetween yourfacesandstarelovinglyinto yourpartner’seyeswhilst touchingyourpartner’sface gently.Ifyouuseyourlefthand,

it’salsoagreatwaytocaptureyour ringbling!

12.Thetwirl

Considerthisalittlewarmupfor yourfirstdance.Itallowsyour photographertocapturesome movementinyourdressandifyou cantimeittocoincidewithgolden hour,whatawin!.

13.Thelift

DirtyDancingisproofthatyoucan’t gowrongwithalift.Andwhilstwe lovetheoriginaloverheadliftcareof PatrickSwayze,unlessyou’ve practisedthismovemultipletimes,I recommendstickingtoasimpler versionofyourpartnerhoistingyou intotheair.Itwillstilllookvery romanticandimpressive oncamera.

14.Thedip

Youwoulddowell topracticethis uberromantic dance-inspired posesothatyou cangetafeelfor howfaryoucanlean withoutlosingyour balance.

15.Thepiggybackorfireman’slift

Lookingtoaddatouchoffunand playfulnesstoyouralbum?Timefor apiggybackorfireman’slift!This givesyouanopportunitytoshowoff someprettyshoes,orforaneven morerelaxedshot,gobarefoot.And it’sboundtoresultinsomefunand candidshots!

16.Theringshot

Yes,you’llwantallthekissing, snugglingandsmilingshotsbut whatweddingalbumwouldbe completewithoutaphotoofyour gorgeousnewring?Poseinaway thatshowcasesyournewgem,like placingyourlefthandaroundyour partner’sneckorplacingyourhand

ontheirchest.Ifyouwantto capturebothofyourrings,find somethingtodotogether,such aspushopenaswinggate.

17.Thelean Findacoollookingdoorway,wall ortreetostandagainstandlet yourpartnerleanintoyoufora dramaticandsexypose.

18.Headonshoulder

Layyourheadonhisshoulder andletthelovejustradiate.

19.Cheektocheek

Pressyourcheekupagainsthis andbothlookintothecamera. Thisone’sgoingtobeareally cool,Instagrammablecloseup.Wishingyouheapsof adventureandfunasyousetout tofindyourdreamvenue! Lights,camera,action…VOGUE!

MARRIAGEMEANDER byJacquiNeumann

CHOOSINGTHERIGHT

FORYOUphoto&filmteam

Youonlygetoneshotatcapturingyourweddingdaymemoriessowhenitcomestopickingtheright team,thestakesarehigh!Whenresearchingtomakesurethatyourphotographer’sskilllevelsand photographicstylematchesuptoyourexpectations,makesureyourtakethetimetoevaluatewhether theyarethekindofpeopleyougenuinelyenjoybeingaround.Usethebelowpointstoguideasyouset outtofindyouridealmemorymakers:

1.Determinewhatphotographystylebestreflectsyou asacouple Doyourhomeworkandgetafeelforthestyleof photographyyoulike.Thereareanumberofpopular stylesthesedays,suchas:

3.Meetface-to-face

Trytomeetwithyourmemorymakersbeforeyour weddingtomakesureyoufeelcomfortablewith them.Youwillbespendingthemajorityofyour weddingdaywithyourphotoandfilmteamsofind peoplewiththesamekindofenergyasyou.Ifa face-to-facemeetingisn’tpossible,aZoomcallor video-chatwillgiveyousomeinsightintotheir personalityandofferyoutheopportunitytoask questionsthatmightotherwisenotbecoveredin writtencommunications.

Oftenyourweddingalbumwillincludeamixofstyles butifthereisaparticularaestheticyoulike,this shouldbeyourstartingpoint.

2.Setyourbudget

We’vementionedthisbefore,butitreallydoeshelpto knowhowmuchyouareabletospendbeforeyou startmeetingwithprospectivephotographersand videographers.

4.Bookanengagementshoot

5.Pickprofessionalpartners

Choosinganexperiencedweddingphotographer andvideographerisessentialifyoudon’twanttobe disappointed.Theirprofessionalcamerasandlenses willensureyoureceivequalityimagesandvideos, whiletheirtechnicalskill,experienceandartistic abilityenablethemtocapturethemoodand fleetingmomentsoftheoccasion.Theirknowledge oflightandtheirabilitytoadaptquicklytodifferent situationsandweatherconditionsmakeabig differencetotheendresult.Theyshouldalsohave backupequipmentincaseofanemergency.Thisis soimportantasyouwon’tbeabletoreplaytheday ifbatteriesdie,equipmentfailsorthereareother technicaldisasters.Checktoseewhattheirprevious clientshavetosayaboutthem.

6.Scrutinisethesmallprint

Mostphotographersandvideographerswillinsist thatyousignabookingformorcontract,whichwill stipulatetheirpaymenttermsandpost-production

detailssuchastheabilityforthemtousephotos fromyourweddingintheirmarketingmaterials,and soon.Thesedocumentsarenotjustforthebenefit ofthesupplier;theyalsogiveyoupeaceofmind thatyourchosenprofessionalswillhonourtheir commitmenttocaptureyourmemoriesonyour chosendate.Whendocumentingthedetails,make surethatyouunderstandhowmanyimagesyouwill receive,howthesewillbepresented(e.g.haveyou optedforadigital-onlypackage,oraleather-bound album?),whetheryourequireadditionalprints, albumsorDVD’sforparents,howsoonyoucan expecttoreceivethefinalproduct,andsoon. Remember-qualityworktakestimeandyour serviceproviderswillspendmanyhoursafterthe eventeditingandcraftingthefinalmasterpiece.

byJacquiNeumann

MARRIAGEMEANDER

YOURWEDDINGDAY TIMINGGUIDE

Hereisaroughoutlinetohelpyou buildarelaxedtimeframeforyour weddingday:

Hairandmake-up

Trytocompletehairandmake-up1½ hoursbeforetheceremony.Letyour make-upartistknowsothatshecan workoutwhattimetostart, dependingonhowmanypeople needhairandfacesdone.Thebride’s makeupshouldalwaysbedonelast.

Gettingdressed

Startgettingdressedaboutonehour priortotheceremony.Thisgivesyou plentyoftimeforbridalportraitsand pictureswithyourbridesmaids,mum, flowergirlsetc.

Ceremony

Dependingonthetypeofceremony, thismaytakeanythingfrom30 minutesto1½hours.Confirmthe durationwithyourmarriageofficer. Afteryourceremony,buildintimefor yourgueststocongratulateyou. Enjoysometimewiththemasthe newMrandMrsanddon’tbetoo hastytorushoffforyourcreative shoot.30–40minuteshereshouldbe adequate.Youmaychoosetocut yourcakeorservecanapésduring thistime.

FamilyPhotos

Bearinmindthatittakesaroundfive minutespergroupphoto.Takingthe picturesistheeasypart,herdingthe peopleisthechallengingbit!Sixto eightphotosisagoodnumberto aimfor.Trytotakethesephotos closetowhereyourguestsare,so youstillfeelpartoftheaction.Top tip:appointareliablepersontohelp roundupthefamily.

Creativeshoot

Beautifulphotosarepossibleatany timeoftheday,butthebestlightis usually‘goldenhour’,aboutanhour beforesunset.Ifyouworkbackfrom thistime,thisgivesyouagood startingpointwhenplanningyour timeline.Yourcreativeshoot shouldn’ttakelongerthan45 minutes.

Reception

Schedulethe‘formalities’thatyou wishtoincludeandgivespeech makersasettimetotalk.

Photographersnormallyhavean‘end time’somakesurethateverything youwantdocumentedhappens beforethistime.

Traveltime

Ifyourweddingincludestravel, includethetimeittakesfromone placetoanother,allowingextratime fortrafficcongestionetc.

Anexperiencedphotographerwillbe abletohelpyoumapoutatimeline tosuityouruniquerequirements.

MARRIAGEMEANDER byJacquiNeumann

PROTIP

Packcomfyshoesforyour creativeshoot

Ifyouarewearingheelsfor yourweddingceremony,pack somecomfortableshoesfor yourcreativeshootsothat youarecomfortableandable tomovearoundwithease. Haveabridesmaidtuckthem awayneartheceremonyarea (orpoptheminthe photographer’scar)before theproceedingsbeginsothey arehandywhenyouheadoff foryourcreativeshoot.

PROTIP

Bookprofessionalsto photograph,filmandlive streamyourday Yourweddingisaonce-in-alifetimekindofdayandyou oweittoyourselves(andyour lovedones)toentrustthe documentationofyour preciousmemoriesto professionalphotographers andvideographers.Ihave neverheardacoupleregret thedecisiontoenlistthe servicesofaproteamto capturetheirmemoriesbut therearecertainlyhorror storiesoutthereaboutusing anamateur.

Photo:SayshaBakerPhotography

Factorinallthekeymusicalmomentsofyourday

Mostcouplesgiveconsiderablethoughtastowhich songtheywantplayedfortheirfirstdanceandthesong theywanttowalkdowntheaisleto,buthaveyou thoughtaboutmusicalaccompanimentforotherkey times?MakesurethatyourDJand/ormusiciansareon thesamepageasyouregardingyourpreferencesfor theseimportantmusicalmoments:

•Preludemusic(thesongsplayedbeforethestartof theceremony)

www.djgreig.com | info@djgreig.com |0837992510

PhotoofGreig:ColinBrownePhotography

•Processional/walk-insong

•Thesigningofthevows

•Recessional/walk-outsong

•Post-ceremonybackgroundmusic(usuallyduringcanapés/cakecutting/ cocktailhour)

•EntryintothereceptionvenueasthenewMrandMrs

•Firstdance

•Father/daughterandmother/sondances(ifyouplantoincludethis)

•Personalisedwalk-upsongsforspeechmakers

•Lastdance(beforethetwoofyouleavethereception)

Assesstheacousticsandlogisticsofyourvenue

Yourceremonyandreceptionvenueswillhaverepercussionsonthesound dynamicsatyourwedding.Theacousticsinasmallroomwillbeverydifferent fromalargeoutsidespace.Yoursoundcrewwillneedtoknowwherethe closestplugpointsare,oriftheyneedtorelyongeneratorsorbatterypower.

Chooseyourceremonysongswisely

Ifyouarehavingareligiousceremony,beawarethattheremayberestrictions onthetypeofmusicplayed(thinkabouttheappropriatenessofcertainsong lyricswithinthecontextofaplaceofworship).

Avoidawkwardsilences

Mostguestsarriveatleast20minutesbeforethestartoftheceremony,butthe waitwillseemmuchlongerifeveryoneissittingaroundinuncomfortable silence.Askyourceremonymusiciantostartplaying20–30minutesbefore yourintendedstarttime,whichgenerallysignalsgueststotaketheirseats,and createsalovelyatmosphereofjoyfulanticipation.Similarly,youwillwantto avoid‘deadair’whenguestsmoveintotheReceptionvenue.AprofessionalDJ knowswhatsortoftrackstoplayatthevariousstagesofyoureventsodon’t underestimatetheimportanceofentrustingyoursoundtracktoanexperienced crew.

Seekoutreferralsandrecommendations

AskfamilyandfriendsforrecommendationsofgreatDJ’sandmusiciansthat they’veheardatrecentweddingsorevents.Doyourresearchandmakesure theyhaveagoodreputation,professionalequipment,andplentyofexperience withweddings.Ifpossible,trytohearthematanothereventbeforeyouengage theirservices.

TheDo-Not-Playlist

Iftherearecertainsongs,oraparticularstyleofmusic,thatshouldnotbe played,communicatethistoyourmusicianorDJ.TheDo-Not-Playlistavoids potentialembarrassment,offenceandpossiblyanunintentionalemptyingof thedancefloor.

byJacquiNeumann

MARRIAGEMEANDER

40SONGSUGGESTIONSFORYOUR FIRSTDANCE

1.Nobodybutyou byBlakeShelton&GwenStefani 2.IChoose (FromtheNetflixOriginalFilm‘TheWilloughbys’)byAlessiaCare 3.Big,BigPlans byChrisLane 4.FromtheGroundUp byDan+Shay 5.10,000Hours byDan+ShayfeaturingJustinBieber 6.HistoryintheMaking byDariusRucker 7.Bright byEchosmith 8.GodGaveMeYou byBlakeShelton 9.TellHerYouLoveHer byEchosmithfeaturingMatKearney 10.LoveMeAnyway byP!nk&ChrisStapleton

byReneeDominique&JasonMraz 12.NeverStop (WeddingVersion)bySafetySuit 13.AtLast byEttaJames 14.FeelslikeHome byChantalKreviazuk 15.SecondGuessing (FromSongland)byFloridaGeorgiaLine 16.I’llBeAround byGarrettKato 17.Iris byTheGooGooDolls

(TheWeddingSong)byEmilyHackett&WillAnderson

byJohnLegend

byHollowCoves

bySarahBareilles

(FromDirtyDancing)byBillMedley &JenniferWarnes

byImaginaryFuture&KinaGrannis

(FiftyShadesFred)byLiamPayne&RitaOra

byImagineDragons

byJamesArthur

byJamesTW

byJoshuaRadin

byJoyWilliams

byCalebEdens

byJuliaBardo

byJustinBieber

byKaneBrown

byJackJohnson

byMarenMorris&Hozier

byJohnLegend

byMattStell

byPhillipPhillips

byRuelle

byTylerBrownWilliams

PROTIP

MakesurethatyourDJhas aback-uppowerplan— whetherthatmeansgetting permissiontohookintothe venue’sback-upgenerator, orhehashisownbatteryoperatedequipment.You don’twantloadshedding toputadamperonyour partyvibes.

Photo:TilanieGrotePhotography

1.Startplanningearly Doyourhomeworkearlyandbookwellinadvanceto securethevenue(s)youhaveyourheartseton.Be preparedtopaydepositstoconfirmyour reservationsaspopulardestinationsfillupquickly, especiallyinpeakseasons.

2.Takea‘slowliving’approachtoyourschedule Chancesare,thelead-uptoyourweddingwillleave youfeelingalittleexhausted.Avoidthetemptation tosqueezeasmanythingsintoyouritineraryas possible.Attheveryleast,trytostayatleasttwo

nightsinyourfirstlocation.Buildinsomeproper timetorelax,restandunwind.

3.Craftanitinerarythatperfectlysuitsyou Everycoupleisdifferent.Somecoupleswanttolaze aroundthepoolsippingcocktailsandsoakingup thesunwhileotherswanttoexploretheirsurrounds andtryalltheactivitiesonoffer.Don’tbe preoccupiedwithwhatotherssayahoneymoon shouldorshouldn’tbe.Yourhoneymoonisallabout thetwoofyou.

PROTIP

Wearingsomesexy,newlingeriewilldefinitely getyoufeelingsassyandthisis,afterall,your once-in-a-lifetimehoneymoontripsospoil yourselfandinvestinsomegorgeousitems from eLIntimates

4.Beabargainhunter

Ifyouplanwellinadvance,andyouarewillingto traveloutofseason,youaremorelikelytoscoop discountedrates.Asklocalluxurylodgesiftheyhave specialratesforSADCresidents.You’vegotnothing tolosebyenquiringwhethertheycanofferyoua preferentialrate.Theymaynotofferareductionin pricebutmaysurpriseyouwithanadditional activityorcomplementaryupgrade.

5.Looklocal

Couplesoftenviewtheirhoneymoonasan opportunitytogoalloutonanexoticoverseastrip, buttherearesomanyhiddengemsrightonour doorstep.DidyouknowthatSouthAfricaisoneof thetophoneymoondestinationsintheworld?

6.Ifyoubrag,you’relikelytogetswag

Ifyoulikealittlecomplementaryswag(andlet’sbe honest,whodoesn’t!?)thendon’tbeshytoshare aboutyournewlywedstatus!Letyourhotelorlodge knowaheadofyourarrivalthatyouarecelebrating yourhoneymoonwiththem.Iftheyknow,theywill oftenthrowinextraslikeawelcomegiftbasket,a privatediningexperience,oracomplementary activity—tomakeyourtimewiththemevenmore memorable.

7.Bebudget-savvyabout‘hidden’costs

Whendrawingupthebudgetforyourhoneymoon, don’tforgettofactorinexpenseslikecarhire, airporttransfers,meals,drinks,activitiesand gratuities.Unlessyoubookanall-inclusivepackage, thetotalcostofyourhoneymoonismorethanjust yourtravelandaccommodationcosts.

8.Ahoneyfundisagreatweddinggift

Thesedays,manycoupleshaveallthehousehold itemstheyneed.Ifwhatyouwouldlikemostasa weddinggiftisagreathoneymoon,setupa honeymoonaccountandinviteyourfriendsand familytocontributetowardsyour‘honeyfund’as theirweddinggifttoyou.

9.Whyadelayedhoneymoonmayworkforyou

Simultaneouslyplanningaweddingandhoneymoon isnotonlyexpensivebutitisalsoatimesucker— especiallyifyouhaven’toutsourcedtoawedding plannerand/ortravelagent.Delayingyour honeymoongivesyoumoretimetosaveandyou maypreferhavingtheextratimetoplanyour itineraryoncetheweddinghaspassed.More

Credit: eLIntimates

PROTIP

Youmaybetemptedtoshareallthejuicy detailsofyourmagical‘moononsocialmedia butmyadviceistokeepthepostingtoa minimumwhileyouareaway.Takephotosand videostodocumentyouradventuresbutdon’t feelyouneedtopostthemstraightaway.There willbeplentyoftimetogetsocialonceyou’re back!Takethistimetounplugandconnectwith yourbeloved.

couplesthesedaysareoptingfora‘minimoon’ straightaftertheweddingwithafull-blown honeymoontakingplaceatalaterstage.Two honeymoons?That’sanideaIcansupport!

10.Consulttheexperts

Whileitcanbefuntocreateyourowntravel itinerary,itcanalsobehardworktocoordinateall thedetails.Chattingtoatravelagentcanbehelpful astheywillbeabletoassistwithtailoringapackage thatsuitsyourbudgetandpreferences—andthey willbeabletoofferexpertadviceonthebesttravel routes,localattractions,seasonalityetc.

Wishingyouandyourbelovedahappyhoneymoonwith manysweetmemoriestocherishintheyearstocome!

byJacquiNeumann

MARRIAGEMEANDER

Photo:LauraJeanPhotography

Photos:LittleThingsPics

INDEX Advertisers’

5

OfftoaGreatStart SoMuchMore|15

17

IDo

Burne&BurneAttorneys|22

DreamCeremonies|20

MasonIncorporated|21

23

Venues

BayalaPrivateSafariLodges|31

BonamanziPrivateGameReserve|30

BoschHoek|32

CathedralPeakHotel|30

Fordoun|32

GhostMountainInn&Safaris|33

GracelandsFarm|34 HarringtonHouse|32

HaycroftFarm|36

HighgateWineEstate|33

HluhluweRiverLodge|35

LythwoodLodge|36

RockabillyRanch|34

SaniValleyNatureLodges|37

SwallowCliffHall|37

Sweethome|34

TheGroves|38

ThornerCountryEstate|33

39

Tastes

GraceofBakes|44

Hamblin’sCatering|41

JackieCameronSchoolofFood&Wine|40

WhiskedCakery|44

Advertisers’

INDEXCONTINUED

45

TheWriteStyle

AuroraDesigns|50 HandmadebyJanine|49

51

Hair&Make-up

BlushProMakeup|56

Dio’sGraciaMake-upArtistry&Aesthetics|55 Lau.Artistry|55 SoléHair&Beauty|56

57

AllDressedUp

A’mourBridalBoutique|64 BellaBrideBridalBoutique|64 Belle&Bravado|68 DavidBatchelorDesigns|64 eLIntimates|65 SposabellaBridalBoutique|65 SuitYourself|68 TheRiveraCollection|65

69

SettingtheScene CountryCo|76 Draperite|78 etcevents|74 LaurieKohrs|76 MidlandsStretchTents|74 Muirhead’sHiring|71 SpottedOwl|77 studioPetals|72 TheFloralTeam|80 TheWeddingCompany|78

81 Photo&Film

BaileeGuyWeddings|87 BeyondMeasure|91

KatyaFedkinaPhotography|90 LauraJeanPhotography|91 NALAPhotography|87 RubyJeanPhotography|90 Videoccasions|92 VixPhotography|92

93 Music

DJGreig|96 DJ-K|97 GraceBothaMusic|94 RenéTshiakanyiMusic|98 SoundMechanix|96

99 Honeymoon mFulaWoziWilderness|104–105 NambitiPlainsPrivateGameLodge|107 QambathiMountainLodge|106 UmngaziHotel&Spa|108

BACKCOVER

MarriageMeanderKZN LoveontheLawnWeddingShowcase

LauraJean Photography

RubyJean Photography

KatyaFedkina Photography

Parwords ting

Dearone, Thisbookwaswrittenjustforyou—withlove,insightand carefulconsiderationofthetriumphsandchallenges youarelikelytofaceonyourweddingplanningjourney.

Iamhonouredtohavetheopportunitytosharesome weddingwisdomwithyoualongtheway,andIamtruly excitedtothinkthatmanyofyouwillreachouttothe venuesandsuppliersfeaturedinourportfolio—tohelp youwritethenextchapterof your LoveStory!

Iconsideritablessingandajoytoworkinthewedding industryalongsidesomeprettywonderfulcolleagues, manyofwhomhavebecomefriends.

Beforeclosingoffthiseditionofthebook,Ineedtopay tributetoonesuchcolleagueandfriend,KarenSchmidt.

Karenismydesignerandthecreativedirectorofthis publication.Sheisthepersonresponsibleforbreathing lifeintoourbookbabyandtheeffortsheputsinto makingeverypageaworkofart,isagiftforwhichIam endlesslygrateful.

Ialsoneedtosayadeep,full-of-lovethankyoutomy hub.Iamsogratefultoyouforpatientlyenduringthe crazypre-book-launchscheduleandmostimportantly, foryourlove,admirationandrespect.Thankyoufor beingmybluecrayon.TheoneIneverhaveenoughof. TheoneIusetocolourmysky.

Itistimeformetobidyoufarewell,lovebirds,andasI do,Ipraythatyouwillfindsomuchjoyinthisjourney!

Love,

Jacqui

Credit: NALAPhotography