Inspirational Wedding Magazine
January 2010 Issue 1
GAUTENG’S
most stylish digital WEDDING MAGAZINE
Décor Trends Flowers
FIRST LOOK AT
! 2010
dresses, ideas, and colours
Your RELATIONSHIP
Professional Beauty Advice for
BRIDES Wedding Planning Tools Techniques Tips
41-&/%*% Affairs Evegenia Poplett Publisher / Editor
Katharine Forsyth Resident Photographer
Sam Scaife
Hair and Make-Up Stylist
For Advertising and Material Submission Enquiries Click Here
Splendid
Editor’s Letter Welcome to the first issue of Splendid Affairs™- the only magazine dedicated to helping Gauteng brides not only to plan a perfect wedding, but also to remain sane during the planning months. Perhaps you got engaged over the festive season, or maybe you are in the final stages of your wedding planning, we are here to guide you through anything and everything wedding related. My name is Evegenia Poplett. I am a professional wedding planner and the owner of the wedding planning company Splendid Affairs. I am proud to be a professional wedding planner. I love my job. It is exciting and demanding and very often emotionally draining. It is stressful and it is a lot of hard work. I cannot even tell you how demanding it is mentally, and physically. Yet, I love it for it is ultimately rewarding and fulfilling. I treasure each and every one of my brides (and grooms too, but it is the bride that I form a deep relationship with). I learn from them and I grow because of them. I know I touch their lives too, and that is the ultimate “high” in my chosen profession. It is a true privilege to be a part of someone’s special day, and I feel honored knowing each one of these ladies on a personal level long after their wedding.
I have always dreamt of starting a wedding magazine. The immense task of putting this issue together for you was exhilarating and exhausting. I had an amazing team behind me - Kat, Sam, Cat, Milda and the wonderful staff from Toadbury Hall and Ehire. Thank You to all of you! Wedding planning encompasses so many topics - budgets, trends, decor, flowers, stationery, cake, etc - enough to make anyone’s head spin! However, there is a real human element that brings all of these separate things together, and that is you!
Our digital magazine is aimed at inspiring you, but also educating you and arming you with invaluable choices, allowing you to As a wedding planner I face many chal- make informed decisions regarding planlenges when working with brides. Please ning your special day. read our feature about wedding planners to gain a greater insight into the profession. ENJOY!
Splendid
Contributors Katharine Forsyth Professional Wedding Photographer www.katforsythphotography.co.za 082 486 8492
Katherine Forsyth was raised in the “wedding photos are boring” tradition, and it was only after Kat began searching for a photographer for her own wedding that she began to fall in love with amazing wedding photography. “Give me a couple in love, a radiant bride in a gorgeous dress, family and friends full of emotion, and guests full of joy, and I’m in heaven,” she says. “Your photos are the only thing you have left after your wedding to remind you of that emotion and joy, and they need to be as beautiful as your day.”
Sam Scaife Professional Make-Up Arist www.lashline.co.za 082 576 3498
Sam Scaife is a head make-up artist and founder of LASHLINE; she is incredibly talented, and focused. Her make-up brushes bring out the best of our features. “Having worked in a studio as a stylist and make-up artist for the past three years, I have established a keen eye for detail and knowledge of what works behind the camera. I have been fortunate enough to be involved with Jo Borkett, Miss Italia SA, Top Billing and various other high profile publications. I find very little more rewarding than achieving great pictures and even better, a glowing bride”.
Splendid
Wedding Beauty Do You Believe in Fairytales?
Maybe you should... Or at least in fairytale colours for nails that are dreamy, girly, and altogether too pretty to pass up. Check out the new Fairytale Bride SoftShades by OPI -- four delectably delicate gossamer shades of light pink, as well as a pink-kissed nude. Utterly feminine -- and too beautiful to save for weddings. Pink happily ever after.
Jo Malone www.jomalone.co.za
Add the finishing touch to your wedding by decorating the interior with Scent Surround. The Scent Surround™ philosophy is pure brilliance and makes entertaining an art form. With delicately scented products to be spritzed on to napkins or candles that harmoniously add to the dining experience, there’s no end of combinations for providing the perfect ambience when entertaining guests at home. Scent Surround™ is also perfect for adding unique touches to wedding venues, or indeed, at any celebration. Imagine creating a space that’s a tranquil haven of herbaceous lavender, mint and jasmine. Or, if you seek inspiration, try scents that are invigorating – the effervescent character of grapefruit combined with the zesty nature of lime make perfect partners.
Bobbi Brown
Beautiful
Bobbi Brown believes that 'every woman would gain confidence if she understood more about applying her make-up using the right tools, finding the colours that work for her and perfecting the basic techniques'.
Platinum Collection
On your wedding day you should be confident, and radiant and simply glowing. Bobby Brown Make-Up offers ideal tools, palettes and advice to help you achieve a glorious bridal look.
Nude Lip & Eye Palette
Platinum Collection Silver Pack
Shimmer Body Oil
TIP: To add depth and drama to the eye, smudge a deep medium shade in the crease of the eye (it should be slightly darker than the lid shade)
Glowing Bride +
Bridal Kit
Hydrating Eye Cream
Sam Scaife Professional Make-Up Arist www.lashline.co.za 082 576 3498
Why should a bride have a professional make-up artist?
As a bride’s wedding pictures will be treasured long after the big day, it is very important to ensure that she looks her absolute best. Making use of a professional make-up artist guarantees that the correct products and techniques will be used, taking into account her skin type and specific emphasis of her features. Foundations will be photogrammatic and hypoallergenic, preventing her from looking ghostly white on the photos and suitable for all skin types.
What beauty regime should a bride follow before her wedding?
The bride should follow her normal beauty routine of cleansing, moisturising and toning. The make-up artist will usually shape her eyebrows at the time of the trial. Should the bride be going for any spray-tanning sessions, she should then notify the make-up artist at the time of the trial. The most important beauty regime - get lots of sleep!!!
What to bear in mind when meeting with a make-up artist?
If the make-up artist does not have a website, request that she sends through a few pictures of her previous jobs to get a good idea of her standard of work. Upon meeting, it is always a good idea for the bride to have a few reference pictures handy in order to more easily explain the look she would like to achieve on the day. Remember that a make-up artist will know how to bring out your best features using specific techniques and colours, but will always be open to a bride’s specific requests.
How to voice concerns to your make-up artist?
This is the reason a trial is held - as on the day there is no time to get it wrong! A discussion will be held first to go over the overall theme of the wedding, the colour scheme, the flowers, and last but not least, the look the bride would like to have on her wedding day. The bride will explain her normal day-to-day look and which colours she would be comfortable wearing on the day. The make-up artist will apply as many variations of looks as required until one is agreed upon for the day of the wedding. The bride is encouraged to give the make-up artist as much feedback as possible in order to create a look she loves. It is vital that the bride is 100% happy at the end of the trial.
How to make sure the make-up artist you choose is qualified?
I have always felt that a string of happy brides means so much more than a qualification. Although the bride can request details for her degree, ask her to send through pictures of recent work and/or testimonials.
Splendid
Wedding Trends
TURQuoISE
201 Pen 0 to Col our ne of Year the
A Per Letterpress stationery is luxurious and suits a bride with impeccable taste. After all luxury, archival-quality invitations ensure that no matter how rambunctious the festivities become, posterity will always remember her impeccable good taste. Go to The Letterpress Company Website (www.theletterpresscompany.co.za) to learn more.
A Perfect Pear we and there is so m on the stationery, pears at the postyour guests a pair hom
rfect Pear
edding theme is incredibly sweet much you can do with it - pears pears as centerpieces, baskets of -ceremony site, and even giving r of pears, or a pear jam to take me as a Thank You.
Splendid
Wedding File Heart Warming Idea
Give your guests a party pack to take home (just like when you were children) filled with your favorite sweets.
A wedding theme featuring birds is very popular at the moment. Also, this theme invites the bride to consider outdoor dining, and even an early morning wedding set in a lush garden surrounded by birds and beautiful nature.
Birdcage veils are HAUTE! Customise your veil with pearls, feathers, diamantĂŠ to match your look, features and wedding style.
Simple Bouquets made out of Roses only tied with a gorgeous ribbon make a statement.
Splendid
Technology
The awesome world of
AP P L E M AC
Allow me to introduce Apple Mac and the iPhone -the best tools you can have in planning your wedding. The added advantage is that you can keep it after the wedding bells have rung to use it in every day life to improve the quality of your life and your work.
A Mac is designed to give you the best computer experience possible. Because Apple makes both the hardware and the software, everything just works. Like a computer should. So whether you’re accessing a Wi-Fi network, organizing your photos by faces, or video chatting, everything is surprisingly simple. The Mac also opens and works with Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel, and even runs Windows — so it’s compatible with the PC world. That includes sharing documents with people who use PCs, printing to just about any printer, and working over Windows networks. The easy to use software and applications will allow you to plan your wedding, track budgets, build schedule lists, design your wedding website, create professional looking stationery and much more.
The iPhone can become your sanity saver, with all relevant information backed up on your device. It has enough memory to store those inspirational boards, pictures, and seating plans. Small things make life so much better. For example, you can have your important wedding songs with you when you are meeting with a DJ. The images you take as you are ‘shopping around for your wedding’ can make decision making much easier. Amazing iPhone applications are available on iTunes (many of which are free) and they will make your wedding planning a breeze. Top iPhone Wedding Planning Apps: • Bento • Wedding 911 by The Knot • The Wedding Link • 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Planning your Wedding
Splendid
Websites More and more brides turn to the internet for inspiration and information when planning their wedding. You wouldn’t be reading this magazine if you were not one of these tech savvy brides. The internet is a valuable source of all things related to weddings, but too much information can confuse and even frustrate you. It can also create unrealistic expectations, and lead to overall dissatisfaction with your own wedding planning experience. When browsing international sites, always bear in mind that unless you are willing to import the wedding paraphernalia, you will have to get creative in using local resources to create your vision. Another important note to all brides using the web for inspiration is to remember that most of the images you will come across are edited by the photographers. The colours in the flowers may be adjusted to suit the specific photograph, and that perfect shade you may fall in love with may not exist in the real world.
Inspiration Online .
TOP SITES For Brides theperfectpalette.blogspot.com www.stylemepretty.com www.thebridescafe.com www.eco-beautifulweddings.com www.bridesbuzzing.com
Be realistic, be optimistic, be inspired and then be ready to get creative! Visit www.bridesbuzzing.com - South Africa’s premier bridal blog and you will be able to get in touch with other brides planning their weddings, get advice and come across real inspiration.
YOU could be Bridesbuzzing’s next blogger! Visit the website to find out how
Splendid
Wedding Venue
TOADBURY HALL Toadbury Hall is the perfect country wedding venue. Located on the Beyers Naude extension just beyond Muldersdrift, in the world renowned Cradle of Humankind lies this spectacular venue on the banks of the Crocodile river.
Whilst Toadbury Hall is well known for its breathtaking beauty and magnificent grounds, another distinctive feature of Toadbury Hall is its creative, talented and attentive staff.
Toadbury Hall always strives for Founded in 1997, Toadbury hall service excellence. was developed to provide an exclusive country house which Everyone works harmoniously offered the finest cuisine and together to allow the bride to outstanding service in an immac- have a quality wedding that is ulate country garden setting. It stress-free. The staff at Toadbury was not long thereafter that the Hall will work hard at making a venue became sought after as an bride and her family feel like a exclusive and intimate venue for royal family, whilst making sure their guests are well taken care wedding celebrations. off. As a Gauteng’s finest wedding venue with a continued focus Contact Details on exclusivity and high service www.toadbury.co.za standards- their five star rating is functions@toadbury.co.za a proof of this. 011 659 0335 079 512 0554 082 529 2178
Splendid
Wedding Fashion
Wedding Dresses & Accessories: Honey Boutique Models: Cat Coxon Milda Pylvinyte Hair & Make-Up: Sam Scaife Photographer: Kat Forsyth Venue: Toadbury Hall
Special moments last forever and should be remembered with joy. Patricia Nascimento is one of Brazil’s top designers, her creations have been described as truly wearable pieces of art. Since the designer has brought her brand from Brazil, she has been impressing people with her unique style and is being loved by the glamorous women of South Africa.
BRASIL | SOUTH AFRICA | PHONE 011 465 6350 SHOP 7 SHOWROOM ON LESLIE CORNER WILLIAM NICOL & LESLIE | FOURWAYS | GAUTENG WWW.PATRICIANASCIMENTO.COM
Splendid
Designer Spotlight
A bride’s perfect dress is... One that enhances women’s beauty (specially a thin waist!) The happiest bride is... The one who feels she is the most special girl in the world. I draw my inspiration from... The glamorous 17th and 18th centuries. I’m best known for... Shaping women’s bodies with beautiful corsets.
My biggest achievement to date is... Opening the shop in South Africa – My first international branch. My evening ranges.. from chic casual to red carpet glamour, both making my clients’ special moments unique. How do I get my wedding dress designed by Patricia Nascimento? Simply visit my shop in Fourways, you can even schedule an appointment via web cam if you want the dress designed exclusively for you by me. You probably won’t know this but.... I cut every single piece of every garment that is produced in my atelier.
David Tlale
legend in the making
A bride’s perfect dress is.... a DT dress. The happiest bride is... The bride that walks down the aisle knowing she is the bell of the ball…. IN A DT DRESS! I draw my inspiration from... life, textures, where I am in my head-space, and Africa. I’m best known for... Attention to detail My biggest achievement to date is... yet to come
My evening range is... Couture How do I get my wedding dress designed by David Tlale... Making a call to 011 214 2700 You probably won’t know this but... I’m fun loving.
Splendid
Wedding Decor Having an outdoor wedding is now being followed by the trend of outdoor dining. In summer with warm weather and long days, there’s no better way to celebrate a wedding in style than by enjoying the great outdoors. There is something alluring and intoxicating about the mix of aromas and head spinning fresh air to complement a wedding atmosphere.
Another great requirement for a truly successful outdoor dining experience is a steady flow of chilled drinks – be it champagne or juice, and even bottles of chilled water.
Things to bear in mind: When selecting your venue, pay attention to the shade factor. You do not want your guests to be sweating when it gets too hot. Always have back up plans and inform your guests about the outdoor setting.
Author: Evegenia Poplett Splendid Affairs
Be sure to put out citronella candles to get rid of the bugs so that your guests won’t spend the whole dinner swatting at the air.
Even though you will be surrounded by natural However, an outdoor reception requires you to beauty, there is still work to be done to create be more flexible and easy going. If God decided an ideal wedding setting. Beautiful table cloths, to water his plants on the day of your wedding, cut crystal on the tables, and hurricane lamps you have to be OK with that. However, with a with big candles will add magic. For the finishlittle planning and some creative ideas, you can ing touches, drape fairy lights or hang chandeimpress your guests with incredible scenery liers from tree brunches for an exquisite and whilst they are enjoying a wedding feast. unexpected touch of glamour.
Once your tables have been set and decorated you cannot move them around. Therefore, ensure that you listen to the staff at your venue regarding best possible positioning for your tables. You have to ensure that there is plenty of shade, and that spare umbrellas/parasols are available. Think about printing your wedding program on a fan so that guests may cool themselves. Always have a back up plan. If you are not interested in using a tent, then the ideal outdoor wedding location has an indoor location waiting just in case. Fill a basket with sunblock and hats. Your guests maybe very uncomfortable with prolonged sun exposure.
Outdoor Dining in Style
Flowers and Design: Splendid Affairs www.splendidaffairs.co.za Decor Stock: Event Hire www.ehire.co.za Photography: Kat Forsyth Photography www.katforsythphotography.co.za Venue: Toadbury Hall www.toadbury.co.za
BLOOMING
good advice
in the gardens, you will not need too many flowers. Outdoor dining provides an amazing way to use clear glass vases w i t h f l o w e r s simply i m m e r s e d i n wa t e r. Most brides know that it makes sense to use seasonal flowers for the wedding. This will not only save money, but will also help to avoid frustrations.
Wedding flowers are a major part of your wedding. From your bridal bouquet, to the boutonniere tucked into the groom’s lapel, to the centerpieces, flowers help set a joyous mood for your wedding day. However, flowers are incredibly expensive and not every bride can afford to have lavish floral displays at her wedding. This does not mean that the only way to get around the budget is to cancel all the flowers. Rather, creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness need to be exercised to achieve maximum impact.
Moreover, choosing your colour palette to coincide with seasonal flowers can stretch your budget even further. For example, the colour purple is a hot favorite this season. In Gauteng, purple flowers are most abundant and relatively inexpensive in August/ September and rather costly in October/November. Whereas the complete opposite can be said about roses for the same months. You might want to consider having potted flower arrangements for an altar area, a guest-book table, and even as centerpieces. This will work especially well if you have an avid gardener in your family. In November/December you can opt for gorgeous Hydrangeas (considered an expensive flower), which you can purchase at a Nursery. The flowers will make stunning, lush arrangements, and you can plant the bushes in your garden afterwards. This is a great idea if you have a new garden which requires attention.
If you are on a tight budget, the worst thing you can do is attempt to create a cheaper version of traditionally expensive arrangements. Instead opt for flowers that create impact. For example, King Proteas, Arum Lilies, Succulents and Chrysanthemums can be used on their own in a variety of ways to create a signature look for your Using one type of flower can be striking, and you wedding. can think broader than just roses. Sweet peas are incredibly beautiful, soft and elegant and cost far If you choose a stunning venue, with lush gardens less than many other flowers. and have your wedding reception during the day
Splendid
Wedding Flowers
In Spring, you can arrange for cherry, apple or plum blossoms to be cut especially for you. These delicate flowers are gorgeous in tall, clear vases. This will make a statement at any ceremony. Get creative with your containers; look around for those that are inexpensive or disposable. You can opt to borrow vases from relatives and friends. At your wedding reception, you can use/arrange/ place small, loose flower arrangements for a simple, country look. This will also allow you to send floral displays away as beautiful favours after the wedding. Don’t forget to look around your home or your parents and grandparents homes to see if they have anything you can use at the wedding - old books, mirrors in stunning frames, paintings, vases, bird cages, candle sticks, the list o f p o s s i b i l i t i e s is endless. Another key element is to be flexible about your wedding flowers. Prices on flowers change daily and many factors play a crucial role in determining the price of the blooms - supply, demand and even the impact of global warming. If you order very specific flowers you will pay a higher premium to ensure your order is correct and specific. However, if you are willing to wait until the week of your wedding, you will be in a better position to negotiate the price of the flowers - this option requ i r e s n e r v e s o f s t e e l a n d i s not s uitable for th e fa in t-h e a rte d ! Flowers & Decor: Splendid Affairs Photography: Kat Forsyth Photography Venue: Toadbury Hall
Splendid
Real Wedding
Lara and Jean 7 September 2009 Positano, Italy
O ur wedding took place on September 7, in the most romantic little fishing village ever. It is a small village on the Amalfi coast in Southern Italy, called Positano.
Positano is known as one of Italy’s jewels and is a holiday destination for people with a love of authentic Italy. We chose this little town for several reasons. First, my family-in-law often visits Positano and got to know some of the people and my family and I went there on a family trip four years ago and I fell in love with this town. I told my relatives that I want to get married there. Well, a few years passed and when Jean and I got engaged and decided that we wanted a small, intimate wedding only for our immediate family and close friends, Positano came up.
This would be the perfect, most romantic setting ever where we can declare our love and where our two families can bond and unite. Ionnis Dekas, a pastor we know from Doxa Deo in London flew all the way to marry us in a special ceremony held on the veranda of the villa where we stayed.
The veranda overlooked the Mediterranean ocean with nothing blocking our view. It was breathtaking. The villa where we stayed was villa Giardino. All the people in Positano are well familiar with the villas. Our wedding reception was held at the grandeur Le Sirenuse hotel in Positano. You can go to their website for all the related information, www.sirenuse.it. There they bedazzled us with their Italian food and wine and of course the best service one can ever expect in ones life. We wanted an elegant and classic wedding with authentic Italian food. We therefore had white as our main colour with a hint of light green that is used all over Positano. I wore a short wedding dress, just below the knee, made by Christa B out of lace to fit the setting. Also, since our getaway vehicle was a vespa, I thought this appropriate.
Everything was as Italian as it could come. We first drove in a Fiat 100, a very small very old little Fiat. In Positano there are only a limited number of these classic vehicles and lots of politics surrounding them, which of course made it a lot of fun for us to ride in one.
After we drove in the little Fiat, we rode on a Vespa through the town. This, I must admit, was one of the most precious experiences of our wedding and one of the memories that will last a lifetime. Positano only has one road and it is a one-way street. So everyone goes in the same direction and walks alongside this road. Since it was wedding season, with about three weddings a day held in September, the whole town is in high spirits and very cheerful. As we departed our villa to go to the hotel for our reception, Jean and I rode our vespa with our wedding party walking behind us. People would bless us, wave at us, stop us to take photos with them, clapped hands and cheer us on. It felt as if the whole town was part of our wedding party. It was such a wonderful experience full of fun.
This was our dream wedding, in a dream town, not for anyone else, but for us - the way we wanted it. This is a piece of advice for any bride to be. Have the wedding you want, don’t have a wedding for someone else, it is your special day.
on that day. I took Christiaan David (the best photographer in the world), www.christiaandavid.co.za, with me and I am ever as glad that I did. He captured the essence of my wedding, and we will never in a million years forget anything about our special day because he captured it as the perfect story.
To arrange a wedding in Italy is a lot different from arranging one in your home country. You cannot have as much detail and you cannot control everything. My parents-in-law as well as my mother went to Positano to arrange most of the wedding. The language is a barrier and the people are very kind and warm-hearted but their English is not good enough to allow you to arrange the wedding over the phone or e-mail. It took a year to get everything in place, not that you need to arrange so much, it is rather a situation of arranging certain things at specific times. If you want to contact me for information about a wedding in Positano, feel free to email me at lara1louw@gmail.com.
My second piece of advice would be not to stress With lots of love unnecessarily about detail, it spoils the journey Lara of being engaged, it spoils it for your fiancé and for the people around you. If something doesn’t go according to plan, laugh about it and enjoy your big day. That day only comes once and you can really spoil it if you stress to much. The last piece of advice is this: get the best photographer ever to capture all the memories made
Splendid
Real Wedding
Heleen & JD 17 October 2009 Diamond Hill Country Estate, Cullinan
We got engaged on the 1st of May 2009, thus we had a quick 5 ½ months to plan our wedding. We still wanted to get married in 2009 on the 17th of October since this was the only available date at the venue of our choice, We only realised afterwards that this is the date of our 3 year and 3 month anniversary! I wanted something different and I loved the colour “teal”, so I decided to go with the this as our colour scheme. It turned out a bit harder than I thought because few people knew this colour and a few people told me that it wouldn’t work. Luckily my florist also liked my ideas and we followed it through. We used dusty pink and silver for the groom, bridesmaids and best man’s attire – who said that you can only have one colour scheme? For my flowers I couldn’t choose between O r c h i d s and Anchaverias (Desert Roses). In the end we decided to use them both. An unlikely combination, being that the one flower is fragile and the other is a succulent that could endure anything, but at the end it looked great. We used the different flowers as a metaphor for our marriage; Two totally different people co m i n g together to form the perfect match. We went for an engagement shoot with our photographer, Annalene, which was a lot of fun. We decided to “personalize” our wedding with the photographs. We used the photos together with our favorite movie and love quotes to create a fabulous “portrait” for the layout of the table plans. Lastly my favorite “special detail” was an engagement photobook which we printed with open pages between the photos for our guests to write a special wedding message. As a gesture, every guest got a special “Thank you for sharing this day” bookmark with a photo and a love quote on. The most memorable element about our wedding day was the rain! When I was planning my wedding the mere thought of rain on our wedding day brought me to tears. When it however started raining at two o’clock on the day, I was really calm about it. Instead of the rain being a curse it was welcomed, because it broke the terrible October heat, g a v e t h e w e d d i n g a cosy atmosphere and provided us with a chance to take the most stunning photos with beautiful rain clouds in the background. There is also a belief that if it rains on your wedding day you’ll have a blessed marriage – that was what the rain was to us – a blessing.
Flowers by: Joy Anassis
083 713 6555
Instead of having a normal wedding cake, we wanted something different and decided on a “cheese cake”. The cake consisted of 8 types of different cheeses stacked on a cake stand to get the same effect when you cut the “cake” but with a totally different taste! The guests loved the idea and while they were enjoying cheese and cocktails, we were taking photos with the peace of mind that the guests are neither bored nor hungry.
you – Involve her with the organising, take her to the dress fittings and go to a spa the day before the wedding. Let’s face it – she’s been there your whole life and has made so many sacrifices for you, involving her in your big day is just a small way of saying “thank you”. Enjoy it! - Make the most of every fitting, rehearsal, kitchen tea, the silly moments spent fighting about the colour of ribbon or where to put the napkin. Before you know it, it’s all over! Don’t sweat the small stuff. In years to come you will not remember incorrect napkin placement, who did not arrive for your wedding, the song that did not start playing at the right time... but what you will remember is how much fun you had! The only certainty on your wedding day is that everything will not go according to plan. Accept it, laugh a lot and make the most of your day.
Cake by: Cheese Gourmet 083 656 5209
Heleen’s advice to brides
Shop around – Weddings are expensive, and every
bride knows that it is quite a skill to plan a stunning wedding and still stay within your budget. Shop around for the best prices. It also pays to look beyond your borders. My wedding stationery came from Mosselbay and my DVD from Newcastle – their quotes were 4 times cheaper than anyone in Pretoria or Jo’burg. Also try new and upcoming service providers – they are a lot cheaper and will go out of their way to give you what you want. Make time for your mother – Like it or not, this is just as big a day for your mother as it is for
Prepare for your marriage, not just your wedding day – Isn’t it shocking how many hours you put into planning your wedding day, but when it comes to preparing for your marriage, couples don’t find the time or have the money to go to wedding seminars. My husband and I made it a priority to go to as many pre-wedding seminars as possible in order to give us the tools to have a happy marriage. Venue: Photographer: DVD: Stationery: Dress: DJ: Make-up:
Diamond Hill Country Venue www.dhcv.co.za Annalene Rautenbach www.momentsbyannalene.com Benette productions www.bennette.co.za Designer Graphics www.designergraphics.co.za GF Bridal Couture www.gfbridal.co.za Rey’s Music 083 4329171 Louisa Pieterse www.makeupfromheaven.yolasite.com
Splendid
Wedding Stationery The stationery plays an important role in your wedding. It is the first clue your guests will have about your wedding. Therefore, to communicate the formality and style of the wedding you will need to use the appropriate style of stationery.
Traditionally, the bride and the groom need to send out formal wedding invitations to inform the guests about the details regarding the wedding - date, venue, location, formality, dress code and other relevant details.
Stationery by: Splendid Affairs
Wedding Stationery you will need Save The Date Formal Invitations Ceremony Programs Seating Chart Table Numbers Name Cards Thank You Cards
Modern Twist On Wedding Stationery Modern brides are becoming more creative in seeking different ways of planning their weddings and communicating with their guests. When it comes to wedding stationery, the focus has shifted from printing to seeing what online solutions can offer them.
A FEW IDEAS
Wedding websites, e-invitations and RSVP systems have taken off across the globe and are enabling couples to reach their guests and become more effective in their communication. There are a number of advantages to combining traditional paper-based wedding stationery with online tools. Brides can save time and effort by having guests RSVP on the couple’s unique wedding website. Guests can confirm their attendance to the wedding on the website, leave a special message for the happy couple and capture contact information such as phone numbers, e-mail or postal addresses for thank you cards after the wedding. Brides can post important information leading up to the event on their website, instead of cluttering their wedding invitations with leaflets of information. Directions, gift registry information, recommended accommodation can all be posted on the couple’s website. As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, forward thinking couples are doing just that and are exploring different ways of reducing their wedding’s carbon footprint. Reducing paper-printed stationery is a good starting point.
Replace printed menus and table arrangements with chalkboards with beautiful artwork on it. Make use of recycled paper where printing is required. It has become not only affordable, but a variety of colours and textures have also become available. With so many alternatives to traditional stationery, the modern bride can experiment with a wealth of media, ideas and designs to truly support the style of her wedding. Author: Carike from Canvas Events Media www.canvaseventsmedia.co.za 0823937070
Splendid
Ideas
Save The Date Magnets will announce your special day to your friends and family, and give your guests a beautiful wedding keepsake. These personalised magnets also give your guests the courtesy of being able to plan for your special day, well in advance, as well as increasing your positive R.S.V.P’s. With many customised options available these magnets will give your guests a hint of the style and elegance to come on your big day. Essential for out of town guests and weddings.
www.savethedate.co.za
INVITATION IN A BOX
A Box Invitation is an amazing way to announce your wedding details. Using box invitations allows for great personalisation, as you can fill the box with little embellishments that suit your wedding theme.
Images: www.mypersonalartist.com
some facts about
Wedding Planners All brides have heard about wedding planners - thanks to that program called Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? This article is aimed at dispelling some myths and shedding some light about what it is like to be a wedding planner and working with brides in planning their special day. - A wedding planner will know things that you order to save on the florist set-up fee). The may not even consider during your planning pe- venue will reserve the right to charge for last riod, and especially on the day of the wedding minute changes that do not directly involve the venue. - A wedding planner is in a position to negotiate great deals for you and save you money without Besides, their job is highly demanding as well, compromising on the quality of the wedding and their time schedules and rosters are compiled at least a week before the wedding to ensure that - You can choose to have a DOC (day of the they fulfill their contractual obligations. wedding only co-ordinator). You will start working with the planner a month before the So‌ if your wedding programs still need to be wedding. You planner will be able to make sure folded, then it is up to your bridal party to make that your wedding day goes smoothly and is as sure this gets done before the ceremony. stress free as possible On the other hand, the wedding planner will do - A wedding planner will provide a great deal everything that needs to happen from ensuring of direction that your decor and flowers are arranged as per your requirements to making sure no unsightly - We are an invaluable source of inspiration, boxes are left behind. All your personal requests coupled with experience as to what works and and smallest details are tended to. If there is a what does not. We appreciate all of the bride’s crisis situation, we fix it, we make a back-up ideas, but are able to foresee whether or not plan. it can work given the setting, the budget and many other factors. At the same time, we are - A professional wedding planner will proable to arrange alternatives and find creative solutions vide you with the luxury of a truly stress-free to seemingly impossible dreams. day. You and your family will not deal with any elements that would require lifting, moving, - What most couples do not realize is that an unpacking, deliveries, setting up, hangin-house wedding co-ordinator at the venue ing, stringing or arranging. will make sure that the venue’s responsibilities are fulfilled. They have the right to decline All you will have to worry about is looking gorany additional last minute requests made by the geous, remembering your vows, and enjoying bride. every moment of your wedding day. The venue does not have any obligation to set Author: Evegenia Poplett up your tables for free (if you chose to have Splendid Affairs your flowers simply delivered to the venue in
E R O F E B
after...
Splendid
Advice
Enjoy your engagement! Forget the wedding plans and stop worrying about your wedding day. You are getting married! Take time off to enjoy each other, learn new things about each other and talk about your future. Share your feelings about your upcoming marriage and how you anticipate the change to affect your relationship- laugh and create dreams! If you start feeling overwhelmed seek advice and reassurance, but choose your ‘experts’ wisely. Strongly consider premarital counselling as it can empower you as a couple. Seriously, just enjoy this chapter in your life. Photography: Kat Forsyth (taken at Christine Meintjes workshop)
BUDGET The world is slowly coming out of recession and there are many couples who are desperate to have a fabulous wedding, but their financial situation is putting a great strain on the impending nuptials.
matter(s)
Whilst everyone has a dream wedding in mind, not everyone has that dream wedding budget. This does not mean you cannot have an amazing wedding.
stationery. Do not leave it to the last moment. There are a few things that you should splash out on and they are: venue, bridal party outfits and the best photographer.
The bride and the groom have to look phenomenal on the day of their wedding. This may mean that you have to spend thousands of rands. But shop around, and bear in mind that hiring a dress Weddings are expensive, and everyone has heard may not be as cost effective as you think. Some that before. But how expensive? What does that wedding dresses that are made cost less than a elusive ‘expensive’ term means? hired gown! Find out about the end of the range sales from Bride & Co, and you will be amazed The problem with having a set budget in mind at the prices you can find there. However, always before you start any planning is that you do not remember that this is your wedding gown and know what weddings cost - the price of a wedperhaps other things should be sacrificed. ding venue, photography, music and other wedding related essentials. After all, these are serYour wedding venue is your crucial ingredivices not many people use in their every day life. ent to a successful wedding. The venue has to provide you with great service and your guests Yet, in our daily lives we have no problem com- with warm hospitality. The catering side has to ing to terms with how much things cost and be impeccable, and this can only happen at a understanding our individual points of affordvenue that charges the appropriate rate for their ability. For example, we all would love to live in services. If you are in love with a specific venue a R10m mansion, but accept that when purchas- but the cost of hosting your wedding there puts ing our first home we would be lucky to afford a an end to your dream, think again. Most venues R1m townhouse. have ‘special offers’ for weddings hosted on days other than a Saturday. Moreover, if you get The most important thing to bear in mind when married during the winter months, you can save planning a budget wedding is the fact that you up to R30 000! will have to compromise. For example, trading a Saturday wedding for a Friday (or any Another important thing is to capture your other day of the week) can save you thousands. wedding through the right set of lenses. Find Think about getting married out of the ‘wedding the best photographer and pay him/her. Trust season’ months. There are a few ways of cutting me, the photographer is the only service procost, but you have to be reasonable. vider that will stay with you for the rest of you life. His/her talent and quality of work will There are some things that you can do on your be kept by you for the rest of your lives. You own, but it will require discipline and a lot hard do not need to sign up for the most expensive work. If you choose to do you own stationery, package either. Perhaps, ask the photographer then be prepared for days of designing, purif you could have your photobooks printed a chasing the right materials, and assembling the year later.
be our GUEST
The date is set, and before any kind of planning happens you will need to know how many guests you will be hosting at the wedding. This is for two major reasons venue and budget.
(or not)
In reality this is not the best option. You can trim away all you like by cutting out hors d’oeuvre at cocktail hour, forgetting premium liquor for house brands (or choosing the cash bar option), or skipping on overlays on tablecloths, but a wedding boils down to a cost You will need to have a venue in mind, as the per head affair, and eliminating some of last thing you want is to discover that the those heads is the single most effective way venue you’ve chosen is not large enough to to bring a wedding in on a budget. accommodate all of your close family let alone extended family and friends. Ask yourself, is the compromise worth it? Giving up the dream of a dream wedding for Drawing up a guest list can become one of the sake of feeding a large number of people the hardest tasks in your wedding planning a very trimmed dinner? This is not what is process. In fact, it can easily become the going to get you rave reviews, nor will it give source of many battles coupled with a heart- you your dream wedding scenario. wrenching exercise in emotional blackmail within the family and between the couple. A wedding of high quality in Gauteng will cost roughly R1 000+ per guest (this charge Certain cultures celebrate weddings on a takes into consideration your venue, a three mass scale, including virtually anyone and course plated meal, cocktail canapes, and a everyone the families know, may know, and few drinks plus stationery, favour, and even may get to know in the future. a cake portion that needs to be factored into the equation) then cutting down your guest In South Africa, the ‘white dress wedding’ list by 10 people will save you R10 000 is usually characteristic of 100-180 guests. ten thousand rand can go a long way to creTherefore, your wedding guest list will ate beautiful decor for your wedding day. look very different to your Facebook friend list, after all you do not need to invite 400+ When making your guest list, do not forget guests just because you know them. to include yourselves and the bridal party in the final guest count. Also, you will be This follows into the second reason - your expected to provide a fully catered meal to budget. Mindy Weiss, a legend in the field your photographer (and an assistant), a DJ of event planning, hit the nail on the head and anyone else working on your wedding when she pointed out that the number of during the reception. guests you include affects your costs more than any other element of the wedding. A nice way to accommodate those who got de-listed due to budget constraints is to send Many couples who have hard times downsizing them invitation to a more casual post-nuptheir guest list justify accommodating their tial bash later in the year. numbers by trimming away many wedding essentials.
Source: BRIDES July/August 2009
Antenuptial Contract think about it
When many couples think of an antenuptial contract the topic of divorce seems to come to mind. Are you planning for your marriage that has not even started yet, to end? The answer is no. An antenuptial contract (ANC) is the first major decision the two of you will be making together. People often get defensive when this topic comes up whilst planning their wedding. Issues like ‘for better or worse’ and ‘till death do us part’ tend to be mentioned and often a fight ensues.
Another concern is that of ‘for better or worse’. When you sign an ANC you are planning a safe way of dealing with ‘the worse’ (in financial terms). Financial concerns are one of the main stressors in any marriage and doing something that will lessen the effects of this particular stressor in your marriage is a smart idea. This is when the old saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ comes to mind.
How to discuss the topic of the ANC with your fiWhen addressing this issue you need to know what it is ancé: As mentioned before, communication is a vithat you are talking about; the facts. You need to know all tal aspect in all relationships. It is important to listen your options and what each option entails. These facts to each other and each other’s point of view. After are important to have before you and your partner be- talking to a lawyer or doing some research on what gin this conversation. You need to know what an ANC ANCs are available it is time to sit down and talk. entails and what each different type of ANC means. Firstly, you and your fiancé should sit down and Each couple is different with their own wants and discuss the pros and cons of signing an ANC. This needs. It is important, once you have talked to a law- will help organise your thoughts and give each of yer and know what the basic options are, that you sit you a turn to discuss your views and understanddown with your partner and discuss the basics. This ings of what it means to sign an ANC. This can is where the importance of communication comes up. be an important discussion for you and your fiEach person must voice their opinions to their partner ancé as it can lead to a conversation of what each and discuss what they understand an ANC to mean. It is of you expect from each other in your marriage. important to remember that each person is an individ- Secondly, each of you should talk about your conual with their own opinions and viewpoints surround- cerns surrounding having an ANC. This can ining any issue. We all have our own perspectives and volve your concerns of having one or not havit is important to acknowledge these differences. It is ing an ANC and why it is important to you. when we do not acknowledge these differences in each Finally, it is time to make the decision. With other that misunderstandings and arguments occur. all of your cards on the table you and your fiancé can make an informed decision, together. Another issue that also arises when talking about an ANC is what it means to be married. Does an ANC When looking at planning your wedding the last thing detract from what it means to be married? Does the you really want to do is sit in a lawyer’s office and talk ANC destroy the idea of marriage being a partner- about finances and ‘what ifs’ but it is an important deship; what’s mine is yours and vice versa? What a cision that only you and your partner can make. Comcouple must remember is that this is a decision that munication is a vital part in all decision making in any the two of you are both making, together. This deci- marriage and this is the first big and important decision sion is one that is safeguarding your financial future that you two will be making as a soon to be wed couple. together, on paper. When it comes to decisions about how you and your future husband live and spend the Author: Elizabeth Smith money that you make within the marriage is still a Registered Counsellor decision that is made by the two of you. The ANC does 0829279730 not take this away from you. Your marriage is still in your hands as well as the maintenance of your relationship with your partner.
Great Online Sources: www.antenuptial.co.za www.law24.co.za
Splendid
Fitness Do you need to get into shape before your wedding? But somehow you lack the motivation to hit the gym? Luckily, in the modern world there are a number of unconventional, yet truly effective ways, to get into shape before your special day.
Revolutionize your workout regimen with EA SPORTS Active, the ultimate interactive fitness program that’s designed for you. Get fit with a holistic approach to fitness that combines nutrition and lifestyle factors, with a variety of activities, all from the convenience of your living room. From customized routines that target upper body, lower body, and cardio to a guided 30-day challenge that tests muscle endurance, coordination and agility, stay in shape with fitness made fun and easy. www.ea.co.za
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