THE SHADES OF FALL (cont.)

 

As promised Im back with more colourful  inspirational pictures for  choosing a colour for your Fall wedding.  The colours of Fall featured in this article are:

 

• Champagne
• Olive Green
• Hot Pink

 

 

Champagne Themed Wedding Pictures
 

Olive Green Themed Wedding Pictures
 

Hot Pink Themed Wedding Pictures

So these are the colours perfect for a Fall wedding.  If you have a colour you have in mind and would like some inspirational pictures to help you out lemme know by sending a message on our facebook page and we will definately oblige.



 

 

THE SHADES OF FALL

 

 

As fall is approaching, the weather becomes less...warm (lol) with the leaves falling off trees and everything is brown.  Well this month I have some colours that would go well with the fall.  they are as follows;

 

• Turquoise
• Burnt Orange
• Plum
• Red

 

These colours add a warm feeling to the wedding instead of dull and boring colours just like nature.  Now I can go on and on about these colours, but I think the pictures should speak for themselves.  Here are some inspirtation pictures for you guys to get a clear view of what they would look like.

 

 

Turquoise Wedding Inspirtation

 

 

Plum Wedding Inspiration

Burnt Orange Wedding Inspiration

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Wedding Inspiration

 

 

 

These are just a few of the colours for a Fall wedding!  But dont worry I will be posting more tomorrow.  Please let me know what you think of these inspirational pictures and if you have a specific colour you have in mind and would like some inspiration. I will gladly help you out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





A WEDDING ON A BUDGET

 

 

Don’t you just turn green with envy when you go to a wedding where the couple arrive in a Lamborghini or better, a helicopter!  The bride’s dress is an original Vera Wang, worth thousands and the groom’s wearing Loubiton shoes and an expensive suit.  The decor and catering are done by the best service providers in town.  And you sitting there thinking ‘gosh, I can never have a wedding this nice’ and ‘eish, vanhu ava vane mari (whoa, these people are rich)’.  Well to be honest, most people use all their money on the wedding and forget to save up for life.  But that’s a story for another day.

To be honest we all want lavish weddings, but not all of us can afford it.  But what should stop us from having the wedding of our dream, for less.  So here are some tips on how to save money when planning for your big day.

1.   Make a List

Make a list of all the important things you want for your wedding.  For Example; What is more important to you;  gorgeous flowers, inviting 400 guests, a particular venue location or serving cavier and lobster to your guestsJ.  Pick whats most important to you that you are willing to pay any price for it.  Then the rest you can compromise.

 

2.    Less Guests

Always keep in mind that you are charged per guest.  So keep it short.  Ok, I have to admit, as Africans, we can never have less guests.  I mean God forbid if your mother’s sister’s husband’s uncle’s grandchild is not invited!  ABORMINATION!!lol

Have a maximum amount you can afford and split it into 2, half for you and half for your hubby.  For your half, divide it further, into family, friends and workmates.  This helps you to really evaluate your guests and cut off the unimportant people.  Like...hmmmm I don’t know, EXES maybe??lol

 

3.   Signature Drink

Serve a custom made cocktail (alcoholic and/or non-alcohol) for guests instead of full bar which cost a lot of money.  It would be advisable to have 2 or more cocktails to give guests a variety.  If you guys want some cocktail ideas, lemme know and i will hook you up.

 

4.   Bridal Team Outfits

This saves money BIG TIME! Your bridal team should be understanding and be able to come up with the money for the outfits and shoes.

 

5.    Keep the Menu simple
There is no need to serve a 5 course meal at a wedding.  Keep it simple; a main meal and dessert will do.   Buffet tends to be more expensive so plated service is a better option.  No need to serve lobster and cavier to your guests!  Something simple and yet delicious will save you money.   Now the traditional rice and chicken has been overdone so you can try something different but still within your buget

 

6.   Online Shopping

E-bay and Light-in-the-box are some popular online shopping websites where you can find some beautiful items such as bridesmaid dresses, suits for groomsmen, wedding favours and even a wedding dress for yourself.  Now I’m sure you are all asking ‘and how will i get it shipped here?’  Well these sites do not ship here but they do ship to the United Kingdom and South Africa.  So you can ship them to a friend or family member’s address and then have it posted here.  Long process? Yes but it’s worth a try.  But please be careful people, make sure the sellers are top rated or well reputable to avoid being robbed online!

 

7.   Rent a Wedding Dress

There is no shame in renting a wedding dress for your big day.  Besides, its only one day and that dress is gonna take up loads of space in your cupboard until ure forced to see it anyway!  You can rent a high quality dress, enjoy and create memories in it and pay half the price that you would have paid if you were buying it.

 

8.   Save Money on Church Decorations

Most churches are very well built and decorated as it is.  So there is no need to spend money on expensive flowers and so on.  Keep it simple; a few flowers at the entrance, petals on the floor and some candles here and there.  The ceremony is more of a spiritual event (the joining of 2 souls), so the decor must be simple. 

You can save by moving the flowers at the church to the reception after the ceremony.

 

9.   Learn to ask for help from Family

Don’t be embarrassed to ask for financial assistance from family.  And yes I mean asking that rich uncle of yours that drives a Range!  lol!  As Africans we are very family-oriented and you will always find some people waiting eagerly to contribute to your wedding in any way. Family and friends can also help by donating a service.  Like their cars to transport the bridal team to the church and reception venue, and a family member being the M.C rather than hiring a professional.  This can save you a lot of money, which you can allocate in other important areas. 

 

10.               Get Crafty

Embark on some DIY projects to save money for your wedding.  For example wedding favours, invitations and centrepieces.  Now keep in mind that these projects will take time and need to be prepared well in advance. 

I would suggest you throw a craft party for friends and family to pitch in and put the various items together.  All you need are some snacks and a bit of music to turn it into a fun venture.

I will be posting some DIY projects for you guys in the future to inspire you for your weddings.

 

Well these are the few ways you can save money for your wedding. Hope these tips can help you guys out.  Lemme know if I missed one or two

 

 

 

 

Wedding Planning Schedule

 

6 Months Before the Wedding

1.      Pick a date

2.      Make an appointment with the minister or priest.  This gives the couple enough time to go through marriage counselling.  You may spend millions of dollars for a wedding, but remember, a wedding only lasts one day and a marriage is forever.  So be prepared

3.      Set a date with the minister/priest

4.      Establish the size of your budget.  This determines the type of venue you choose as well as the service providers

5.      Decide on the colour for your wedding.  Is it going be one colour or two? Choose carefully to make sure your wedding is classy.

6.      Select Bridesmaids and Groomsmen (Choose the Maid of Honor and the Best Man)

7.      Decide on the venue and book for the preferred date.  The venue depends on the couple’s preferences

8.      Book anything that needs to be rented; linen, tables and chairs and even dresses if necessary.  This is to make sure you are able to get what you want on the date you want

9.     Order wedding cake

10.   Order invitations and reply cards

11.   Book the videographer and photographer

12.   Decide on the best dress for you

13.   Draw up your guest list ; divide the total amount of guests decided on between the Groom’s family and friends and the bride’s

14.   If you wish to start to lose weight in order to fit into that size 0 wedding dress, you better start now!:)

15.   Decide who will be in your bridal team and what they will wear

 

4 Months Before

1.       Meet with designer  for  the bride’s dress or the visit the wedding dress shop to get your fitting

2.       Purchase the bridesmaid’s dresses and groomsmen’s suits.

3.       Choose your master of ceremony and let them know (or book a professional if necessary)

4.       Choose guests that will make speeches and toasts in order to give them time to prepare

5.       Start taking dance lessons if necessary (which it usually is)

6.       Have the invitations printed

7.       Organise the seating plan.  Seat people who know each other and those you know will get on well

 

3 Months Before

1.       Finish off paying any payments for all service providers that have not been settled.  This ensures commitment from the service providers and avoids the awkward situation of being asked for payment on the day of your wedding (yikes!)

2.       Confirm the playlist with the DJs

3.       Organise a team of people who will usher people to their seats.  This can be people from your church or people hired by the wedding planner

4.       If you have chosen a band to play on your wedding, organise to go listen to them play

5.       Go see the makeup and hair service providers and do a sample exercise to make sure they know how to meet your tastes and preferences

6.       Book the florist and decide on the flower design

7.       Bride and Groom can go buy a suit for the groom

8.       Book a classy car for transportation of the bride, groom and bridal party

 

2 Months Before

1.       Mail invitations and include a map at the back to avoid guests getting lost on their way to your wedding

2.       Book accommodation for the wedding night (oooohhhh!)

3.       Choose readings for the ceremony and give copies of the readings to those who have been asked to do the reading so they have time to practice.

4.       Go and select the wedding rings

 

 1 Month before

1.       Finalise the menu with the caterer.  Do a sample tasting in order to have an idea of the quality of food.  It would be advisable to attend a wedding that the caterer is catering for in order to ensure that the caterer can handle preparing quality food for hundreds of people.

2.       Finalise the number of bouquets with the florists, including finalising the corsages, floral decor, flower confetti, everything!

3.       The bride and groom must begin working on their speeches

4.        Update the guest list to accommodate any changes.  Call anyone who did not RSVP to confirm if they can make it

5.       Arrange the pearls or any other jewellery and accessories that will be worn by the bride as well as the bridal team

6.       Buy stockings and lingerie as well as bath oils, foam bath and perfumes.  This to pamper yourself on the big day so as to stay relaxed before the ceremony begins

 

2 Weeks Before

1.       Do the final confirmation of the guest numbers with the caterer

2.       Work out the programme of the ceremony and reception and print it out.  Work out how long each person can talk

1 Week Before

1.       Assign a friend to be in charge of your gifts for when you go off to your honeymoon

2.       Double check to make to sure your dress fits well (hope you haven’t gained any weight!)

3.       Check to make sure the cake is ready and collect it for safe keeping

4.       Finalise the programme  and print it

5.       Do a rehearsal in the church to make sure everyone knows what they are doing on the big day

6.       Buy everyone involved in the organising of your wedding a gift as a token of appreciation

7.       Buy the groom a gift, something special and sentimental, but not too expensive; remember it’s the thought that counts

 

One Day Before
 

1.       Enjoy a nice day with your husband to be, cause that is the last time he will see you until you walk down the aisle

2.       Do not sleep too late.
 

On Your Wedding Day

1.       No need to wake up early, make sure you have enough rest.

2.       Read your bible – a message will relax you and give you time to reflect on your big day

3.       Take a nice long bath

4.       Have a light meal do not eat too much

5.       Do your nails (or have someone do them for you)

6.       Pamper yourself, use those bath oils we talked about and go get a massage and facial if possible

7.       Moisturise your skin well

8.       Put your dress on carefully to make sure your hair and makeup is in tact

9.       Give your parents gifts to thank them for their help and support

10.   And finally enjoy your day ladies and don’t worry about the small stuff coz guests don’t even notice it anyway.

After the Wedding/Honeymoon

1.       Check to make sure all rented items have been returned.  Remember, all contracts have your name on them so you will be held accountable for breakages or losses

2.       If possible, contact all the service providers (or at least a few) to thank them for their service.  You don’t have to, but it’s just out of courtesy you know.  If necessary complain about anything they did not do right.

3.       Marriage has begun people!  God bless yal and may you live happily ever after

 

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION...

I would like to thank you all for the great support!  And for that I have a gift for you!  I have uploaded an e-book for you!  its only 2 pages but its somethings you will really appreciate!  I wish you all success and love and in your lives!

the link below will take you to a site where you can view the e-book or download.  Hope you love it, and trust me there will be more to come

https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!topic/that-sophisticated-bride/s1NGg17EDdw

Wedding Cakes:  Old school vs New School

Fruit cake has been a traditional wedding cake for years, it takes a while to make due to the maturing of the cake with alcohol.  But once the fondant is placed on top and designed to perfection, it looks amazing.  But lets be honest, nobody really likes fruit cake; its hard, its filled with raisins and it tastes weird.  On the other hand, lets not overlook its benefits.  Fruit wedding cakes can last for a very long time (upto a year or more).  So couples may wish keep the cake and eat it once in a while for memories.  So basically its a sentimental way of keeping the flame alight in the relationship.  I won’t hate on that.

I personally like the Sponge Cake Idea.  This is basically an ordinary sponge cake that is layered and designed with fondant.  I like this because you can share the cake with the guests and of course, ITS SO TAAASSTYYY:)!  Although you want to have a cake to store away for 10years, you still have the memories right?  And that must count.

Now ive been to quite a few weddings and I can count the number of times I have actually gotten a piece of cake (what’s the point, all fruit cake taste the same), and that is what guest usually want.  By giving your guests a piece of cake, they will feel important and included.  

However, Sponge wedding cakes have their disadvantages; too much handling and transportation can cause the cake to crumble – or so I’ve heard (cake bakers, feel  free to chime in or disagree)

So to sum up this sweet topic, its safe to say each cake its pros and cons.  So the question is which do you choose??  Another option would be to have a little bit of each.  Ofcourse you can enjoy the best of both worlds! Why not??

What do you think?  Do you prefer traditional fruit cake or sponge cake for your big day?  Please comment below so we can see what you think!

Wedding Expo, Harare, Zimbabwe

 

So I went to the Wedding Expo in Harare to check out what Zim has to offer in terms of the wedding industry, and I must say I was impressed.  It’s nice to see some innovative people bringing in some nice designs and ideas.  It was a great opportunity to meet some great people who are in the business too.  There were quite a few stalls with eye-catching displays.  But i’ll let the pics do the talking, but please bare with me ladies, the quality may not be the best (lol)

 

This beautiful purple design was done by Decor8 Events.  I love this design!!  The table design in Pic 1, is very classy and the centre piece is a nice touch.  Or maybe I just have soft spot coz my favourite is purple J!  The sofa concept is really cool, this will be the seating for the bride and groom.  Talk about feeling like royalty!

 

 

 

 

 

The dazzling pieces of jewellery above are by ANGELIC LOOKS BRIDAL.  The owner is a lovely woman called Maggie (Mai Natasha) and she sells wedding dresses too (as you can see in the background of pic 2).  She also does some lotions sprays for you to pamper yourself on your big day.  She also does rose petal confetti in jars as shown in the third picture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for something to wear for your daughter or son's wedding??  Then DRESS CODE are the shop ure looking for!  They have classy dresses and outfits for different events such as wedding and cocktail parties.  And I must say the staff is very accommodating so you will feel right at home.

 

 

OOOOOOWWEEEEE!!  Classy huh?  And whose responsible for these beautiful designs?  Its called PRETTY LITTLE THINGS (yes indeed) and their designs with crystal centrepieces are to die for.  I personally love the second one, it’s simple yet elegant.

 

Beautiful wedding cupcakes by Mi Brands Bakers Cupcakes!  I simply love the pictures on the top, very innovative!  This idea is trending and definitely something to consider for your guests.  Baby showers and bachelorette parties are also events where you can have these kinds of cupcakes (in my opinion).

Elegant design by PARTY 4 HIRE.  The pink satin cloth and centrepiece is a nice touch.  Simple, yet elegant...

 

Well that’s all ladies, I wish I had more pics but unfortunately some businesses did not feel comfortable allowing me to display their pics on my blog and I can’t hate on that!  But trust me there’s more to come, just keep following the progress and I’ll keep you entertained.