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http://www.falaza.co.za

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Second Edition...The Countdown ............................................................................................................6

Bridal BlueprintWedding Co-ordinators ...........................................................................................8

The Dream TeamStationery ..........................................................................................................................11

Prints CharmingVenues ................................................................................................................................12

Dream LocationsPhotography ..................................................................................................................23

Making MemoriesVideography ..................................................................................................................28

On LocationDécor ....................................................................................................................................29

Inspired ReceptionsFlowers ...............................................................................................................................32

Bridal BloomsCakes & Catering ......................................................................................................33

Simply DeliciousTransport ...........................................................................................................................36

Arrive in StyleMusic .....................................................................................................................................37

Sweet SoundsHair & Beauty ..............................................................................................................39

Absolutely FlawlessBridal & Grooms Wear .........................................................................................44

Wedding Belles & Beaus32

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AcknowledgementsPublisher:Jenny Du PreezAzalea Promotions Email: jen@azalea.co.za

ContributorsEditorial:Louella Morgan-Jarvis

Photography:A special thank you to all the advertisers and photographers who contributed to our second edition

Design & Layout:Lyn GrandemangeEmail: lyn@azalea.co.za

Printers:Paarl Media

Advertising:Jenny Du PreezDianne WardFiona Fryer

Contact Details:P.O. Box 201288Durban North, 4016Tel: +27 31 564 3425Fax: +27 31 564 3428

Publication Details:Your Wedding Planner is published annually and can be viewed online at: www.azalea.co.za

DisclaimerThe content provided in this publication is done so in good faith and while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any omissions or errors; or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise. All rights are reserved and NO material from this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers.

Cover Photo: David Weeks

Batchelorettes Parties ....................................................................................49

Girls Just Wanna Have FunJewellery.....................................................................................................................50

What A GemNew Trends .............................................................................................................51

New fads & fanciesHoneymoons .........................................................................................................52

Romantic RetreatsHow To ........................................................................................................................55

Helpful AdviceCalendar/Notes .....................................................................................................58

Set the DateGallery.............................................................................................................59

A Picture Paints a Thousand WordsBudget Planner ......................................................................................62

For the RecordIndex ................................................................................................................63

Bridal Directory 49

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WE’RE EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU TO THE SECOND EDITION

OF YOUR WEDDING PLANNER KWAZULU-NATAL, WHICH IS

BECOMING THE BRIDE-TO-BE’S INDISPENSABLE REFERENCE GUIDE

FOR PLANNING A WEDDING IN OUR BEAUTIFUL PROVINCE.

We hope you’ll find tried and trusted tips as well as new

inspiration to help you create a dream wedding that will

bring you special memories for years to come.

The first step on the path of this exciting journey is the

engagement party. After that, you’ll need to take a look at the

bigger picture and start setting some plans in motion. You

already know who your special someone is, but have you

thought about the ‘what’, ‘when’, ‘where’ and ‘how’ of your

big day? Time to ask yourself a few questions!

What sort of wedding have you always dreamt of? What

inspires you and your partner? Country romance or big-city

sophistication? Lavish and luxurious or green and eco-

friendly? Get some inspiration on themes and décor on

page 29 and news on the latest trends on page 51.

When will you tie the knot? Think about the season and your

wedding theme, as well as practical considerations such as

taking time off work and whether your chosen date is over

a long weekend or during the holidays: some venues and

service providers book up well in advance and may be more

expensive at those times.

BRETT FLORENS

05 STUART DODS

How will you be getting married? Church wedding or civil

ceremony? What are the legal requirements? Will you be

marrying under the Marriage Act, Customary Marriages

Act or Civil Union Act?

South African marriages are legally valid in the vast

majority of countries, making it even easier for overseas

brides and grooms to get married here. Consult our ‘How

to’ guide on page 55.

Where is your perfect location? Town or country? Near

or far? Indoor or al fresco? From boutique hotels and

5-star accommodation in the city to bushveld locations,

sugar plantations, beach resorts and mountain manors,

we’ve got the best venues in the province covered in our

‘Venues’ section, starting on page 12.

Who do you invite? Who do you choose as your wedding

attendants? Who pays for what? Take the guessing out of

guest lists and wedding protocol on page 56. We’ve also

included a handy budget planner on page 62.

Finally, how do you work out a timeline and make sure

everything runs according to plan?

When should you start booking service providers and

scheduling appointments? Get the lowdown in our Bridal

Blueprint on page 6.

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12 months to go Tell friends and relatives you’re engaged and introduce

both families.

Compare calendars and select a wedding date.

Set your budget and find out who will be paying

for what.

Decide on guest numbers.

Visit reception locations and book venue.

Book ceremony location, fixing a date and time

with your registrar or celebrant

11 Start a wedding scrapbook, looking at photos of

wedding décor, dresses and flowers for inspiration.

If needed, hire a wedding coordinator.

Make the first draft of your guest list.

Send out a save-the-date card or email.

Visit a bridal salon to find your wedding gown and veil,

or make an appointment with a dress designer.

10 Decide on your bridesmaids, ushers, master of

ceremonies and best man.

Start researching honeymoon locations and

package deals.

Book your photographer and videographer.

Decide on wedding day colours and theme.

Decide on your dress, allowing at least six months

for it to be made up if using a couturier.

9 Select and order bridesmaids’ outfits.

Look at sample menus and book caterers.

Research and book ceremony musicians and

reception band/DJ.

Interview and select florist.

Find out how much time you’ll be able to take off

work for your honeymoon.

8 Start an exercise routine or healthy eating plan.

Book your honeymoon.

Book wedding-day transport.

Create a wedding website.

Shop for bridal accessories such as shoes

and lingerie.

7 Discuss ceremony ideas, music and readings

with celebrant.

Decide on order of ceremony and choose

programme wording.

Choose your baker and finalise wedding cake.

Decide on whether groomswear will be hired

or custom-made.

Research registry options and start compiling

a wish list.

BRETT FLORENS

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6 Choose and order wedding favours.

Purchase wedding rings and send for engraving

if applicable.

Start looking for wedding-day jewellery.

Schedule bridal gown fittings.

Book rental equipment, such as table linen

and accessories.

Order invitations and other stationery.

5 If hiring groomswear, confirm order.

Check whether your passport is up-to-date and if

visas are required for your honeymoon.

Create a gift registry.

Research accommodation options for

out-of-town guests.

Approve invitations.

Get ideas for wedding hair and make-up and

book consultation.

4

Coordinate outfits for mothers of the bride and groom.

Let friends and family know if you’d like them to

give readings, sing or help in any way.

Finalise guest list and send out invitations.

Finalise flower and décor requirements.

Plan pre-wedding showers.

3 Find gifts for attendants and parents.

If needed, start dancing lessons for that first dance.

Meet with your celebrant to finalise ceremony details

and have service sheets printed.

Write your personalised wedding vows, if desired.

Start working on speeches.

Book your wedding-night hotel.

2 Prepare a list of essential photos for your photographer,

including important family members and guests.

Book final beauty and body treatments and wedding

dress fitting.

Finalise your jewellery, including something old, new,

borrowed and blue.

Confirm honeymoon and travel arrangements, including

travel insurance.

Buy a guest book.

Call guests who haven’t replied to your invitations.

1 Pick up wedding rings and have final wedding

attire fittings.

Plan and shop for your honeymoon wardrobe.

Finalise wedding-day details, confirming number of

guests with caterer, wedding music and playlists with

musician and DJ, and flowers with florist.

Work out a seating plan.

Have final hair and make-up practice, booking

appointment for wedding day.

Hold your bachelor and bachelorette parties.

ON THE DAY Eat a good breakfast.

Make sure all vendors, attendants and other

helpers have been given written checklists.

Have corsages, bouquets and buttonholes

picked up / delivered.

Take a soothing bubble bath and give yourself

at least 15 minutes of quiet time.

Pack a wedding-day kit with lipstick and

nail polish, tissues and powder compact.

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HEATHER FITCHET

Whether you’ve been

looking at - and sighing

over - images of

beautiful brides your whole life,

or whether you’re an absolute beginner in bridal territory, the first

order of business is to do some thorough research. Begin by looking

through bridal magazines and consulting wedding websites for

ideas and advice. Even brides who are super-organised and start off

with a basic plan of action, thinking it should all be smooth sailing,

may in reality find that coordinating a wedding can be very stressful

and time-consuming.

You’ll need to do your research and make long lists of potential

service providers and venues, conduct interviews and then make

final decisions, sign contracts and still keep track of all the finer

details. While friends and family might be happy to lend a hand,

most brides will find the services of a professional wedding planner

hugely helpful.

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RSA coordinator brings with them a wealth of knowledge - what’s hot

in wedding themes, who’s who in the wedding industry, where to find

the ideal venue, and how to get you the best possible deals. In the end,

you’ll need to weigh up how much your time is worth and whether or

not you have enough know-how to plan such an intricate event. At the

very least, think about hiring a coordinator to take care of the wedding

day itself, leaving you free to savour the moment!

LEMONTREE CONCEPTS

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find out exactly what they are able to offer you. Most will

only take care of specific wedding-day issues and give you

a list of their preferred service providers, so hiring your

own dedicated wedding coordinator is most likely still a

good idea.

At the outset you might think that hiring a coordinator is

simply an additional expense; however, remember that in

the long run they are often able to save you money.

When interviewing a potential wedding planner, it’s

important to find someone you’re comfortable with and

who understands the vision you and your fiancé have for

your wedding.

Ask yourself a few questions.

Did you establish a good rapport with the coordinator?

Does he or she understand budget limitations and what’s

most important to you?

Then go with your instincts; if that someone doesn’t tick all

the boxes or feel quite right, chances are they simply are

not the best choice for you.

MichelleDonnelly 072 594 3272

Wedding Planners, In-house Design, Floral Decor & Make-up.Let us create magical ambiance and decor, scrumptious food, delectable

drinks, party pleasure and an all-round wonderful day to treasure.

michelle.xceptionalevents@yahoo.co.uk www.xceptionaleventsplanners.com

HEATHER FITCHET

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Bling Cake Toppers Bride 2 Be

Lee-Anne Mack 082 494 4373mrsmack@iafrica.com www.idoinvitations.co.za

Voted Best in KZN for 2010, 2011 by AbiaMake Your Dream Wedding A Reality

Abia Member

Wedding invitations reflect the

personality of the couple, and wording

is more personal and heart-felt than the

traditional expressions of days gone by. Although it remains

customary for invitations to come from the bride and groom’s

parents, many couples opt to send the invitations themselves.

Traditional wording such as ‘we request the pleasure of your

company’ is being replaced with simpler phrasing such as ‘join us

in celebrating our wedding’.

White is still a popular choice for invitations; consider warmer

tones such as vanilla and ecru, as well as eggshell and ivory,

which are timeless and elegant. Contemporary colours are mixed

with patterns such as floral prints, lace, paisley, polka dots or

stripes. Black and white prints in lacy designs are in vogue at the

moment, and could be teamed with deep purple, electric green

or jazzberry.

Other winning combinations include pink and chocolate brown;

pink, orange and green; pink and red or even pink and green. A

single flower could provide a memorable motif, or you could opt

for a monogram or duogram.

Modern couples might prefer to go the paperless route and issue

an electronic wedding e-vite, or use social networks to spread the

word about their upcoming nuptials. However, remember that not

everyone is computer-savvy, so you’ll probably need to send out

traditional invitations as well.

HEATHER FITCHET

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As the best venues book up several months in advance, you’ll need to

start your research as soon as possible. You could choose a theme for

your wedding, and then find a place that fits in with your overall plan, or

you might prefer to start with the venue itself. That perfectly placed ‘just-

right’ location could be exactly the inspiration you need for the wedding

of a lifetime!

When it comes to finding a dream wedding venue in the beautiful

province of KwaZulu-Natal, brides are spoilt for choice, whether beach,

bush or ‘berg appeals. There are eco-friendly destinations surrounded

by lush coastal forests and pristine golden beaches, stately colonial

manors set amid sugarcane plantations, country estates in the rolling

hills of the Midlands, exclusive game lodges in ‘big-five’ country, a variety

of hotels and guesthouses in the majestic Drakensberg mountains, and

sophisticated five-star or boutique hotels in the city. One of these special

destinations could become the place where you and your partner

celebrate the next chapter in your relationship together.DAVID WEEKS

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HOW TO FIND THE IDEAL VENUE

If you plan on having a church wedding, the location of your

reception venue will need to be in fairly close proximity to that of

the ceremony. However, if you’re content with a civil wedding, this

will widen your options greatly.

Today many reception venues host both the wedding ceremony

and the reception; a practical option which also minimises potential

transport complications.

You should have a rough idea of how big your wedding is going to

be before looking at venues - you don’t want to set your heart on

a particular place only to discover it’s too small to accommodate all

your guests!

Also think about the type of reception you’re planning. You’ll

need more space for a formal, sit-down dinner than a cocktail-style

affair.

And don’t forget the entertainment; a band or DJ will take up lots of

room, as will a dance floor!

Another prime consideration is your budget. Get a price estimate,

including menu and bar prices and corkage fees, and the cost of

waitering staff.

Some venues offer discounts on accommodation as well as other

services if you’re prepared to be flexible.

The state-of-the-art wedding facility seats 140 guests and a large breakaway facility with a full height glass wall framing the splendour of Cathedral Peak.

Let ideas expand beyond the offi ce• Bordering on the upper Thukela area north and east, Lesotho in the west and Monk’s Cowl in the south, this section of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is 32000ha in extent. • The magnifi cent Didima Valley contains many examples of San rock art, a wide selection of plants and animals in the extensive grasslands patches and is a hiker’s paradise.• Didima is situated within the magnifi cent mountain setting of the Didima and Cathedral Peak Valley, a unique blend of modern luxury and ancient cultural heritage.

To Book CallT: +27 (0)36 488 8000F: +27 (0)36 488 1346E: didimaconf@kznwildlife.comW: www.kznwildlife.comBooking online: bookings.kznwildlife.com

DIDIMA CONFERENCE CENTREYour Ultimate Wedding VenueMake your big day perfect with unlimited privacy, breathtaking scenery, birdlife, wildlife, scenic trails, luxury accommodation, delicious meals and personalised service. Go Wild. Book your wedding with us!

Activities • Guided trails, Bushman paintings and a variety of scenic destinations • River fi shing• San Art rock in-camp trail • Braais at the gazebo • Walking and hiking trails• Sundowner walks • Mountain streams with rock pools within walking distance to the resort • San Art interpretive centre • Swimming pool and tennis courts • Curio shop and Eland View Restaurant

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DIFFERENT VENUE OPTIONS

What type of wedding venue best suits your plans? Hotels are an

excellent option - anything from an elegant boutique hotel, to an

upmarket international resort or a charming country inn.

A hotel will also be able to provide in-house food and drink as well

as accommodation for the bridal couple and the guests. However,

remember that the larger hotels may host more than one wedding on

the same day so there could be issues with a lack of exclusivity.

Perhaps a golf or country club is just what you’re looking for. Many

have beautiful buildings and grounds that are ideal for a wedding

reception. Like a hotel, they’re also used to catering for large numbers

of guests, particularly if you’re after buffet-style catering.

For a smaller wedding party, a restaurant could offer a sure-fire recipe

for success! It’s often the most cost effective venue option as you

won’t pay for venue hire, only for food and beverages.

DEAN DEMOS

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You’re free to do things your way at a home wedding, and could save

money by hiring the caterer of your choice and providing your own

bar requirements. It can nevertheless end up being quite costly in the

long run once you take all the extras into account, such as cutlery,

crockery and linen, tables and chairs, and probably a tent or marquee,

generators, portable toilets and flooring.

In addition, you may have to undertake some home improvements,

supervise the set-up of equipment and organise parking for all

the guests.

Another option is a hired hall. While this type of venue may feel a little

impersonal when compared with a home wedding, at least it has staff

available to clean up after the event!

If you’d prefer something outdoors, KwaZulu-Natal has a huge variety

of beautiful spots for you to pitch a tent or marquee! Although

romantic and scenic, al fresco weddings can nevertheless be a lot of

work to organise.

Take into account things like the privacy of your location and

competition from the elements, such as sun, heat, rain or insects.

Accessibility and parking facilities should also be considered.

• Self-guided trails for the energetic• The team at Ntshondwe will tailor make your wedding to fulfi l your dreams and objectives which could include bush braais or boma braais, game drives, champagne breakfasts or a sunset reception overlooking the Phongola River.• There is a 1.2km tarred airstrip • Tarred access road (capable of carrying 48-seater coaches) to the resort. • 4 1/2 to fi ve hour drive from Johannesburg and 4 hours from Durban.

To Book CallT: +27 (0)34 983 2540F: +27 (0)34 983 2566E: ntshondwe@kznwildlife.comBooking online: bookings.kznwildlife.com

NTSHONDWE RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTREIthala Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

Why choose Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for your Wedding Venue?Because we have it all, and more...

We have the freshest of air, an abundance of diverse wildlife, the best adventure tracks and trails, most breathtaking sights and mountain views, but most importantly, we have a thatched state-of-the-art venue in magnifi cent surroundings. Situated outside Louwsburg in Northern KwaZulu-Natal at the foot of the Ngotshe Plateau.

We offer:• Open-vehicle game drives, guided walks where one may encounter elephant, white and black rhino, leopard, giraffe, kudu, tsessebe, waterbuck and eland

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WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS

Also take the weather and the time of year into account when

deciding on where to host your reception. While Durban and the coast

enjoy wonderful weather all year round, with glorious, long summer

days, there is also the chance of rain and humidity during the

warmer months, so bear that in mind if you’re planning on celebrating

al fresco.

Conversely, the subtropical coastal areas experience warm and dry

winters: even during the coldest months the average maximum

temperature rises to 23°C during the day and rarely drops below 10°C

at night.

In the Drakensberg mountains and KwaZulu-Natal Midlands the

weather is much more temperate. Mild winter days are followed by

cold nights and the possibility of snow between July and September.

During summer the days are warm and generally sunny, although

afternoon thundershowers are a fairly frequent occurrence.

A bushveld wedding in Zululand or the Elephant Coast is usually more

pleasant in the cooler months, between May and October, with January

being the wettest month: the average daytime temperature in January

is 280C, while in July it is 220C.

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CATHEDRAL PEAK HOTEL

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VENUE CHECKLIST

Before making a final decision on a location, you might like to

make a venue checklist, asking the following questions:

• Accommodation: Is there adequate accommodation, either

at the venue itself or situated nearby?

• Facilities: Is the venue accessible by wheelchair and

suitable for disabled guests? Does it have adequate seating

for the elderly and does it cater to the needs of young

children? Are there sufficient bathroom facilities?

• Catering: Must you provide your own caterer, or does the

venue come with its own kitchen and catering staff?

• Liquor: Does the venue have a liquor license and would

you be allowed to supply the bar requirements? If so,

what is the corkage fee?

• Parking: Is there enough parking, and how close is the

parking lot to the reception area?

• Restrictions: Are there specific venue limitations, such as

a ban on candles and confetti, loud music or dancing?

• Entertainment: Does the venue have its own sound and PA

system with adequate

speakers, or will this need to be hired separately?

• Décor: Does the venue provide table linen, floral arrangements,

menu and place cards, as well as other decorations, or will you

need to supply your own?

• Extra items: Will items such as a cake stand and cake knife be

available, or must you hire your own?

• Coordinator: Is there a manager or coordinator available to

supervise the set-up of the wedding? To what extent will you be

able to liaise with them?

• Photography: Does the venue have scenic grounds with sufficient

natural light for good photographs? If not, is there an attractive

spot nearby?

• Payment: What sort of deposit is required, and what is the

cancellation policy? Find out details such as overtime charges

and whether there are any hidden costs before signing

the contract.

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LOCATIONS IN KWAZULU-NATAL

The seaside playground of KwaZulu-Natal is bounded by the

warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the east and the Drakensberg

mountains to the west. In between beach and berg lie the Midlands,

while further north there are historic battlefields and world-renowned

game reserves.

East meets west in the cosmopolitan city and tourist capital of

Durban, the cultural melting pot of the Zulu Kingdom. Durban, or

‘eThekwini’ as it is also known, boasts colourful markets, oriental

bazaars and modern shopping malls, golden beaches and water

sports, as well as top-class hotels, restaurants and casinos, and

attractions such as the Botanical Gardens, uShaka Marine World and

Valley of 1000 Hills.

Some forty minutes northwest of Durban is the town of

Pietermaritzburg, beyond which are the green hills of the Midlands,

where the crisp climate and crystal clear air offer a refreshing respite

from the coastal humidity. Venture further inland to witness one of

the great natural spectacles of the African continent, the uKhahlamba

Drakensberg mountain range, which extends some 200 kilometres

from north to south, rising to heights of over 3 400 metres.

The tropical paradise of the South Coast, which stretches from

Port Edward up to Scottburgh, and includes the holiday towns of

Margate, Southbroom and Pennington, is known for its beaches and

golf courses, annual Sardine Run, and Oribi Gorge nature reserve.

From Durban, a coastline of sun-drenched beaches extends through

the North Coast’s premier holiday resorts of Umhlanga, Ballito and

Zinkwazi, along the unspoilt Elephant Coast to Sodwana and Kosi

Bay in the north. This is the site of the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, a

marine treasure trove and World Heritage Site with whales, dolphins,

turtles, elephants and rhinos.

Travelling inland through indigenous coastal forests and thornveld

plains teeming with wildlife are the famed game reserves of Zululand,

including the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Reserve, which was once the hunting

ground of Zulu kings like Shaka and Dingiswayo. Zululand and the

Battlefields area of northern KwaZulu-Natal were also the site of

military conflicts between British, Boer and Zulu armies. These areas

encompass the towns of Ulundi, Melmoth and Eshowe, Vryheid,

Utrecht, Dundee and Ladysmith, and legendary battles such as

Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift and Spioenkop.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Another option is the destination wedding. With the exception of the

venue’s online photo gallery, you probably won’t be able to scope out

the location and grounds yourself before you get there. While some

brides might find this a bit unnerving, remember that destination

weddings can produce some of the most relaxed and fun-filled

celebrations, provided you ask the right questions and find out all the

finer details beforehand.

In the case of a destination wedding, ask whether they have a

dedicated wedding planner on site, and if they can be contacted via

email. This will make the logistics of planning your wedding much

easier! Also establish exactly what services the wedding coordinator

will provide, and whether there is a fee. Find out what reception

and ceremony areas are available, how many guests each can

accommodate, and whether they are air-conditioned. Also ask the

manager to email you a layout of each, including pictures. If you’d like

to have a wedding on the beach, will this be possible? It’s also vital

that you find out what the legal obligations are for a wedding in your

destination of choice, and what paperwork is required.

DAVID WEEKS

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MICHAELA PHOTOGRAPHY

CHOOSING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

It’s important to remember that at some point the beautiful bridal bouquet will have been tossed, the

three-tiered wedding cake will have been eaten, and that designer wedding gown will have been

packed away with moth balls. The only things you’ll have left are the wonderful memories, and the

photographs of the day to ensure that those memories stay fresh in your mind forever. That is why

choosing the right photographer for your wedding is critical.

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Y Firstly, you need to make sure that your photographer is organised

- wedding photography is a highly skilled profession and these

photographers not only know how best to capture the moments that

you’ll forever treasure, but also how to make sure that the events of

the day flow smoothly. Secondly, you need to ask yourself what type

of photography appeals to you the most.

Perhaps you might like the photojournalistic approach, where the

photographer is really behind the scenes and is capturing the day

as it unfolds. You might like what you see in the latest fashion

magazines and favour an editorial fashion technique.

Maybe you are a traditionalist and would prefer the more classic and

conservative style. Most photographers are able to shoot a mix of

different styles, which will give you a wonderful variety.

The majority of photographers will have a distinctive style, but don’t

choose your photographer because all your friends chose them - it’s

about what you like and how the photographer’s style resonates

with you.

Photographers that are in demand can be booked up to two years

before a wedding, so if you are after a specific photographer,

you may need to make sure you do your photographic

investigations early.

WEDDINGS • CORPORATE EVENTS • CHURCH SERVICESProfessional photography and video fi lming since 2003

We specialise in • Wedding and Event co-ordination • Th e hiring of traditional wear amabheshu imibhlaselo• Th e fi lming of Zulu wedding traditions such as: - Udwendwe - Umbondo - Umembeso - Umemulo• Music video fi lming• Traditional white weddings

Contact Nkosikhona Mchunu on 0763611625Facebook: Mashelea Productions

Nkosikhona MchunuEMail: mashelelam@gmail.com

www.mashelelaproductions.co.zaBester Market Place

(opp Bridge City, Kwamashu)Room 70, Ntuzuma Access Rd.

We will fulfi ll your dream wedding or event and keep the memories alive..We will fulfi ll your dream wedding or event and keep the memories alive..

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YSpend time scouting portfolios on the web. You may ask other

brides about their experience with their photographers; however,

remember that they don’t have any other photographer to compare

their experience with, so getting advice from other suppliers in

the wedding industry is an even better way to get to know which

photographers are preferred.

You will spend more time with your photographer on your wedding

day than anyone else, including your groom, so it’s very important

that you not only like their product, but also their character! It’s

therefore important to meet before the wedding to get to know each

other a little.

At this meeting, don’t be afraid to show images from other weddings

or magazines that you like. It will give the photographer a clearer

idea of your expectations.

The wedding package and contract should be clear as to how many

hours the photographer will be working on the day, overtime and

travel expenses. Also chat to them about the post production process,

who gets to choose the final images, whether the images are

available online, and how long it will be before you can expect the

album - this can take anywhere between a week to three months,

so if you know how and why, you won’t have your mother-in-law

asking you every ten minutes about the pictures!

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Y Take advice from your photographer about the timings for the

wedding. Timing of the light is critical; you don’t want to spend a

large percentage of your wedding budget on photography and then

inhibit the creation of the images. Ask how long the photographs

between ceremony and reception will take and if you’ll need to

entertain guests during that time. You may want to consider doing a

post-wedding shoot, where there’s no stress about time and it doesn’t

matter too much if you get you dress dirty or wet.

When deciding on the budget for your photographer, spending

around 10 percent of the total wedding cost is a good ballpark figure.

Once you have chosen your photographer, allow them the latitude

to create the images they want to create - you have booked them

because you like them and their style, now let them do what they do

best. If you want to ensure that all family members are included in

the family photos, give a list to a bridesmaid or groomsman to tick off.

A good photographer knows how to handle the family and shoots

different combinations to ensure everyone that needs to be included

is - giving a list to him is like giving a recipe to a chef!

Trust that you have chosen the right photographer and enjoy

the experience.

Photography editorial courtesy of Brett Florens

STUART DODS

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If a picture paints a thousand words, then a video has the ability to tell a thousand stories; capturing those special, never to be repeated moments, from the walk down the aisle to the heart-felt speeches, the smiles and the tears. You could opt for the cinematic approach, where the video of your day is captured and edited for dramatic effect and mood. Or you could choose a storytelling video that relies on sound bites, usually from the bride and groom, recorded before, during or after the wedding.

TYRONE CROSSMAN

A2Z EVENT SPECIALISTs

Reception décor has moved away from the tried and trusted formulas of yesteryear, becoming instead an exciting expression of the couple’s own creativity, from the theme and colour scheme down to personalised favours and centrepieces, lighting and décor accents.

Before you decide on the different elements of décor you’d like to use, it’s a good idea to establish what the theme will be. Different themes lend themselves to different colour schemes: a garden wedding might feature florals and pastel hues with lots of natural touches, while a vintage 1920s wedding could incorporate bold designs in black and silver with retro aspects in linen and tableware.

The type of wedding venue you choose will also play a part. A charming country hotel or themed restaurant will need far simpler decorations than a plain function room or marquee.

29

DÉC

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DÉC

OR Then, you’ll need to check how much of the décor your venue is able

to supply, and how much you’ll have to hire. These days, professional

hiring companies supply an amazing array of stylish furnishings and

themed décor.

SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS

Look to the seasons for inspiration on décor and wedding themes.

Spring suggests fresh pastels and bright or delicate florals, while

summer’s lush vegetation and abundant blooms might prompt

tropical or beach themes infused with bold, dramatic hues. Although

December weather doesn’t present a typical Christmas scene in the

southern hemisphere, you could pick up on other festive season

elements. Consider colours like burgundy, forest green and ivory, with

touches of gold and silver; incorporate holly and mistletoe in the table

centrepieces; festoon your reception hall with Christmas lights, and

create Christmas tree decoration favours.

Autumn celebrations are always popular as the weather’s likely to

be more temperate, there’s less chance of rain on the day, and your

wedding can be timed to coincide with the Easter holidays! Favourite

fall colours include the mellow tones of amber, russet, green and

cream. While coastal winters are pleasantly cool and dry, the colder

weather inland could inspire glittering fairy-tale themes against a

backdrop of roaring log fires, candle-lit dinner tables and mountain

retreats. It’s also a great time for an out-of-Africa wedding in the

bushveld; perhaps colonial elegance or an eco-experience!

33 Overport Drive, Durban | Tel : 031 2092555Cell: 083 786 0028 | Email: classic786@telkomsa.net

www.classic-events.co.za

Shenaaz Fakroodeen

By Appointment Only

EVENT CO-ORDINATORS & DECOR SPECIALISTS

31

HIRING AND FAVOURS

Most weddings require the hiring of equipment and décor, especially

in the case of outdoor events, with many companies offering a fully

comprehensive service, complete with event managers to help with

the planning. Equipment needs might include marquees; gazebos;

walkways; flooring and carpeting; wall and ceiling lining; dance

floors and stages; air-conditioning and heating units; a variety of

chairs, tables, crockery, cutlery, glassware and linen; pot plants and

water features; hanging lights, fairy lights and chandeliers; audio-

visual equipment; floral arrangements and displays; kitchen facilities;

generators and portable toilets.

On the reception tables, wedding favours for guests consist of gifts

like prettily packaged boxes of chocolate, wine stoppers, picture

frames or themed candles. Innovative alternatives might include a

DVD with a message from the bride and groom or a mini-book of

love poems. These days the accent is on DIY favours that incorporate

a personal touch, such as canisters of sugar infused with citrus,

coffee or lavender, homemade cupcakes or cookies with a special

message, or potted succulents in recycled containers, which could

also double as place card holders!

DÉC

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HEATHER FITCHET

HEATHER FITCHET

DAVID WEEKS

32

FLO

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Chosen for their colour, perfume, foliage, texture and durability, the

wedding bouquets, buttonholes and flower arrangements are vital

decorative elements in your overall wedding scheme. For this reason,

wedding planners suggest that at least eight percent of the total budget

should be spent on flowers.

Whether you prefer informal bunches of spring flowers or elaborate

sculptural arrangements, your decision will be influenced by the season

and availability of flowers as well as any particular favourite flower that

you might like to include.

Some popular varieties include lilies, irises, orchids and roses, or local

choices such as Proteas. Hot pinks or brightly hued corals look great at a

summer wedding, while yellow and pastels suit springtime. Texture can

be created through succulents, grasses and berries.

Your bridal bouquet is a crucial part of your total look and needs to be

created with your wedding dress in mind. Show a photograph of the

gown to your florist so he or she will be able to design a bouquet that

complements it.

Consider the colour of the bouquet, perhaps incorporating bolder hues

from your chosen scheme. Monochromatic bouquets are also very

contemporary, with brides choosing lush bunches of roses, tulips

or ranunculus.

email: fl orafl owers@iafrica.com www.fl orafl owers.co.za

DURBAN: Shop 8, Cowey Road, Berea | Tel: 031-208 7095HILLCREST: Shop 13, Christians Village Shopping Cnt,

Old Main Road, Hillcrest | Tel: 031-765 8616WESTVILLE: Shop L02, Westwood Mall, Westville | Tel: 031-266 0300MIDLANDS & DRAKENSBERG: Prairie Roses | Tel: 036-488 1630

• Fresh Cut Flowers • Floral Accessories

• Weddings & Special Functions

Shop 4 Elvira Centre, 8 Elvira Road, Westville082 574 4255 • fl oralgemsdurban@gmail.com

031 266 1683

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The best celebrations bring together good family and friends with superb food and drink. Unless your reception is being held in a restaurant or hotel, you’ll most likely need to hire a wedding caterer. The best tend to specialise in a certain type of cooking, so find one to suit the style of your wedding, and make sure that you sample the food in advance. Your caterer should be able to give you an approximate cost per head at your first meeting, as well as meet your specific requirements, such as Halaal or Kosher food, or even organic, free-range or locally-sourced produce.

While you may want to choose your favourite foods, keep your guests’ preferences in mind too, as there’s no point in serving venison when most guests would rather eat chicken or a vegetarian option. Also ensure that the menu comprises a wide range of different tastes to avoid becoming repetitive. Another sensible tip is to look for menus that work well with the time of year - light, fresh dishes in spring and summer and heartier, more robust meals in autumn and winter. Finally, check your theme: sushi won’t suit a traditional wedding, while a conventional carvery would be out of place at a modern, trendy affair.

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ING THE SWEETEST TREATS

The wedding cake has long played a symbolic role in Western

culture. In the Roman Empire, the ‘cake’ was a loaf of bread that the

groom broke over the bride’s head to signify his dominance over

her. Today, it’s all about mutual love and respect. The action of the

bride and groom cutting the cake represents their first joint task in

married life, while the gesture of feeding cake to one another denotes

commitment and devotion.

The traditional wedding cake is a large, multi-layered or tiered affair

made from a heavy fruit mix and decorated with icing, often over

a layer of marzipan, or fondant. These days, however, anything

goes! Consider a nourishing carrot cake, the zing of a lemon cake,

a delicious coffee-flavoured creation for a morning wedding or a

swirled vanilla and chocolate surprise for a more sophisticated affair.

Modern variations on the classic cake feature miniature cheesecakes,

lemon meringues, cupcakes or even brownies arranged on vintage

stands. Contemporary looks in icing include ruffles and lace, toning in

with your wedding colour scheme and décor. You could also decorate

with fresh-cut flowers instead of the iced variety.

HEATHER FITCHET

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INGFOOD FOR THOUGHT

A new trend in wedding catering is the banquet-style reception,

where guests are seated at a few extra-long rectangular tables

instead of several smaller ones. Finger food is served on big platters

and guests are encouraged to share food and pass the serving

dishes around, thus promoting a more intimate and friendly

atmosphere. This works well at a relaxed, daytime wedding.

If you’d prefer your catering to be elegant and chic, a taster menu

might be more to your liking. This option sees guests served a

series of smaller-sized dishes paired with different wines: from five

or six up to ten mini-courses. While this is a very fashionable choice,

be aware that taster menus take a long time to serve and tend to

be fairly expensive.

Signature recipes or ethnic cuisine is also popular, as the menu can

be put together to reflect the different backgrounds of the bride and

groom, or particular dishes that are of special significance to them.

Health-conscious couples might like to include more raw, organic

and vegetarian selections.

LIQUID REFRESHMENTS

While an open bar will take up approximately 15 percent of the

total wedding budget, this figure could drop to as little as 5 percent

if you’re limiting drinks to beer, wine and a signature cocktail, or

supplying alcohol and other beverages yourself. If opting for a cash

bar, it’s still a good idea to put a set amount towards wine and beer,

and include a complimentary welcome drink. Two bartenders and

three servers are recommended for every 120 guests.

Guests are traditionally given a drink or arrival, such as a glass of

sherry, bucks fizz, champagne or Pimms cocktail, and there should

also be soft drinks available. At the table, it is standard to provide

white and red wine, as well as still and sparkling water, and a bottle

of champagne or sparkling wine for toasts. While there’s usually a

50-50 split between white and red wine, this depends on the season

and time of day: you would probably need more white wine at an

al fresco summer wedding and more red at an evening reception

held during winter.

DEAN DEMOS

DE FLEURIOT CHOCOLATE

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It’s been said that the journey

is often as important as the destination,

so make sure that yours is memorable

...for all the right reasons!

The type of transport chosen should be in keeping with the general

wedding theme. A sophisticated event would lend itself to luxury

transport in a stretch limousine, a country wedding could see you

arrive by horse and cart, while a 60s or beach theme might feature

a hippie-era kombi. An eco-friendly affair might call for a hybrid

car or scooter, or see the accommodation, ceremony and reception

venues all within walking distance of one another!

Whatever form of wedding transport you decide on, it will probably

also be used as a backdrop for some of the wedding photographs,

so ensure its colour complements that of the bridal party and

bouquets, and don’t forget about decorative items, such as ribbon.

Your wedding transport should be hired well in advance, with

vehicles checked beforehand to ensure everything is in good order.

Remember to include bridesmaids, groomsmen and the bride’s

parents when calculating how many vehicles you’ll need to hire. HEATHER FITCHET

37

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TYRONE CROSSMAN

The sweet sounds that are played on

your wedding day form the backdrop

to your celebrations, adding atmosphere

and feeling.

At a church wedding, the bridal

procession is welcomed by the

wedding march, the most popular

being Wagner’s ‘Bridal Chorus’ from

Lohengrin, often called ‘Here Comes The Bride’.

Some couples may opt for a more modern piece, such as

Pachelbel’s ‘Canon in D’. At the end of the ceremony, the bride and

groom march down the aisle to a joyful recessional tune, a favourite

being Mendelssohn’s ‘Wedding March’.

38

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SIC In addition to pleasant background music, the reception

celebrations call for a live band or DJ to entertain your

guests. Bear in mind it’s best to select music that appeals to

a broad range of tastes. Styles to draw from include classics/

oldies, big-band, R&B, rock, Latin, indie, swing, hip-hop and

jazz. If you’re organising the music yourself, the Internet is

an excellent resource. You’ll also need to select songs for

specific events, such as the bridal party entrance, first dance,

father-daughter dance, bouquet and garter toss, and cutting

the cake. For your first dance, why not surprise everybody

and prepare a special bride and groom ballroom routine;

executing a romantic waltz or a spicy tango?

CHOOSING YOUR MUSICIANS OR DJ

Musicians for the big day could comprise instrumentalists

and vocalists for the ceremony and a live band or DJ for the

reception dinner. Before deciding on the type of musicians

you’d like at both events, have a look at how much room

is available at the ceremony and reception venues. Does

the church have enough space for a string quartet or just

a pianist or harpist? Is the reception hall sufficient for a big

band or only a DJ? Also check whether your chosen venues

have rules about the type of music that’s allowed.

Begin your search through referrals; ask friends or family

members, obtain recommendations from the church or

ceremony venue organiser and the manager of the reception

site. Get references from your prospective musicians, who

should be happy to provide you with endorsements from

former clients. Once you’ve narrowed the list down, listen to

a demo CD or DVD, or visit the musician’s webpage and play

a video or audio clip of their music.

Professional musicians will require that you sign a written

contract and put down a deposit. Before doing this find out

exactly what is included and what their protocol is for future

meetings to discuss the music selections and order of events.

Tips for the best wedding music on a tight budget include:

• Hiring a talented amateur band instead of the professionals

• Not holding your wedding during peak season or on

a Saturday

• Hiring musicians to play for a limited period only, opting for

pre-recorded classical or contemporary sounds for the

rest of the reception

If opting for a DJ instead of a musician, find a professional

who is technically proficient, has an excellent knowledge of

music and a good selection of different types of genres. Find

out what their specialty is and if they are familiar with your

favourite style of music. It also helps if you strike up a good

rapport with your prospective DJ, and find them easy to get

along with. Before signing the contract, make sure your DJ

has a contingency plan in the event of equipment failure or

ill-health.

BRETT FLORENS

39

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SHUTTERSTOCK

While cosmetics, grooming and a healthy diet and exercise regime all play their

part, the idea of beauty being something that comes from within is perhaps

never more apt than on your wedding day. However, there’s nothing wrong with

giving that inner glow a little helping hand!

Top-to-toe bridal beauty begins months before the wedding with a

comprehensive health and fitness routine, which should include a sensible diet

and exercise plan as well as the correct creams and treatments for your skin

type. Leading up to the wedding, a beauty spa visit for that essential manicure,

pedicure, body massage and facial will leave you radiant as well as feeling

relaxed and stress-free.

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UTY Your wedding hairdo has a huge impact on your bridal style. Elegant

and glamorous, the classic up-do creates a timeless look. Alternatively

keep it short and snappy with a sleek bob or a pixie crop. Long, loose

bridal hair, with large sculpted waves or tousled curls,is also flattering.

LOSE WEIGHT AND LOOK GREAT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life

and you want to look your best, in fact you want to look fabulous.

You will be the focus of your guest’s attention and the wedding

photographer will capture how you looked in photographs

throughout the day... pictures and memories that will last forever.

Then there’s the honeymoon and you want to be bikini body ready.

The last thing you want to be doing is worrying about your weight!

Weight-loss success is a challenge at the best of times, particularly if

you are someone who tends to eat more when you are under stress.

Plan your weight-loss like you plan the rest of your wedding, do not

leave it until the last minute. Set a realistic goal weight and break it

up into manageable mini-goals, promise yourself little rewards when

you achieve these.

Losing weight requires commitment to

a healthy eating plan, vigilance and

ongoing monitoring and support.

Remove temptation foods from

your cupboards, and drink plenty

of water. Plan your meals

in advance so you know

what you are eating that day

and watch your portion size.

Always keep a small

healthy snack on hand

to avoid temptation if

you feel hungry when

you are out and about.

No matter how much

weight you have to lose,

knowing you have a

wedding to prepare

for should provide

you with the incentive

to find a weight-loss

programme that

suits you, and then

you need to

follow it.

BRETT FLORENS

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UTY ABOUT FACE

While staying-power is important, bridal make-up should be all

about enhancing your natural look rather than covering anything up.

A good make-up artist will be able to create a more polished version

of your existing look. However, if you do want to try out something

a bit different, then experiment with a new style well ahead of time,

taking photographs of the finished product to see whether you like

the end result.

If you’ve decided to do your own make-up, there are a few tricks

of the trade you should learn. Apply make-up in natural light if

possible, and remember to blend your foundation and blusher well,

as the camera will show up any lines.

Sweep some bronzing powder across your chest and neck so your

face doesn’t look a different colour to the rest of your body.

Don’t use foundation too near your gown’s neckline as it could end

up staining the dress. Opt for waterproof mascara and navy blue or

charcoal eyeliner.

Choose a bright lip colour, and carry it with you on the day - along

with a handy powder compact and mirror - in case you need a

touch-up.

BRETT FLORENS

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HA

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BEA

UTYCROWNING GLORY

Choose a wedding hairstyle that suits your type of hair. No matter

what look you may have set your sights on, it’s advisable not to fight

what nature gave you - straight hair is unlikely to hold a very curly

look for the duration of the ceremony and reception, and humidity

will soon undo the work of a straightening iron on curly hair.

Top stylists advise playing up natural curls, which will benefit from

frizz-minimising styling products and a few strategically placed clips

or pins. Straight hair is good for an ultra-sleek look, with either a low

bun or French twist; and if you still have your heart set on curls, then

keep them big and loose. Thick hair can be worn up or down: flaunt

your luxuriant locks by twisting them into a semi up-do, or wear a

simple braid or French plait.

Even if your hair isn’t your crowning glory, it can still be dressed up

to look magnificent on the day. Disguise fine, thin or greasy hair in an

ornate up-style, and complete the look with a fabulous hair accessory.

MICHAELA PHOTOGRAPHY

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EAR

A fabulous wedding gown is the centrepiece of a fairy-tale wedding, and

perhaps the most important of all the elements that go into making a truly

memorable day. Contemporary styles allows for every type of creation, from

traditional to off-beat, depending on what suits your character and body type.

While you can always find a dress to go with your wedding theme or current

fashion trends, remember that this also needs to be a personal decision, so

go with your instincts and choose a gown that makes you happy.

Give yourself plenty of time to find the right dress. Bridal boutiques stock

a huge variety of off-the-peg gowns to suit any style, figure and budget.

However, many brides will feel it’s important to have a one-of-a-kind,

custom-made wedding dress. Choose a designer whose trademark look best

matches your own style sensibilities.

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EARFor grooms, there’s the option of visiting a suit hire company or

having a wedding suit tailor-made. While basic black is a safe choice,

other colours such as grey and navy blue are also gaining popularity.

Whichever route you decide to follow, first check that the style

and colour of the suit and accessories complements the bride and

bridesmaids’ attire.

THE BRIDAL GOWN

One of the best dress-shopping tips is not to bring too many people

with you to the appointment. A crowd of onlookers could be quite

nerve-wracking, and loads of different opinions will leave your head

spinning! Preferably keep it to just your mom, sister or best friend,

and don’t forget to bring along examples from bridal magazines of

the types of gowns you particularly like.

When trying on dresses, remember that while an outfit might have

no ‘hanger appeal’, it could look very different when you try it on.

Sample a variety of styles to find out what works for you.

Current trends on bridal catwalks are seeing the wedding gown given

a contemporary twist with oversized bows, belts and ribbons, loose

ruffles and lots of lace. Vintage and romantic looks are typified by

softer silhouettes, silk tulle and layers of organza, ornamented with

sparkling beads and floral detail.

There’s also a move away from plunging necklines and low-backed

dresses, with necklines moving higher and modern brides choosing to

cover up with illusion necklines, lacy sleeves, bolero jackets

and overcoats.

MASHELELA PRODUCTIONS

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LB REFLECTIONS

Follow us on facebook55A Old Main Road, Hillcrest

Website: www.dreamdresses.co.za Email: info@dreamdresses.co.za

Cell: 083 290 8999

OFFERING AND STOCKISTS OF• Exclusive custom-made bridal wear

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Exclusive imported bridal wear, formal wear and

matric farewell dresses

47

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DEAN DEMOS

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GOOD GROOMING

At a formal or semi-formal evening wedding, the groom could

wear a classic dinner suit or tuxedo, with a single or double-

breasted jacket, satin lapels and buttons, matching trousers, and

accessories such as a formal dress shirt and necktie with vest

or cummerbund.

A morning suit consists of a grey, single-breasted coat, which

fastens at the front with a single button and tapers to a long,

wide pair of tails at the back. It is worn with matching trousers

and waistcoat, a wing collar shirt, ascot and coordinating vest.

White tie - also known as evening dress or top hat and tails - is

the most formal type of grooms wear, usually comprising a black

dress coat, white bow tie, white waistcoat and wing collar shirt.

Modern grooms might like to ditch the traditional look and

explore their creative side! Instead of a floral boutonnière, opt for

a something personal, like a hand-stitched lapel badge. Bow ties

are currently scoring points over the conventional tie or cravat,

and colourful suspenders can add an interesting touch.

Retro looks are also in fashion: consider two-toned brogues, an

Edwardian frock coat or a 70s inspired velvet jacket.

49

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Just mix your best friends with good food and drink

and fabulous entertainment and you’re guaranteed a

great bachelorette party! A hen’s night is usually held

in addition to the more conventional kitchen tea, which

is traditionally a surprise party held in honour of the

bride-to-be and organised by her chief bridesmaid. If

you’re worried that the type of party your bridesmaid

is planning might not really be to your liking, it’s quite

acceptable for you to give her a brief about what you

want and don’t want. This could extend to the planned

activities, the invitation list - you’ll know if there are any

potential conflicts - and the budget too.

The bachelorette generally takes place in the evening,

about a week or two before the wedding. Themed

celebrations are popular, and could include a pool,

pamper or lingerie party, movies or a games evening.

Bachelorette party activities might consist of a spa day,

shopping trip, pottery workshop, cooking demonstration

or even a weekend away with the girls. You could also

opt for a sundowner cruise round the bay, a night out at

a karaoke bar or dinner at a favourite restaurant.

DEAN DEMOS

50

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Your wedding and engagement rings are most likely the two most

important pieces of jewellery that you will ever own, and may one

day become part of the legacy that you will pass on to your children

and grandchildren. As these rings are meant to be a timeless symbol

of your love and commitment, it’s probably wise to go with a classic

design that won’t date. While it is generally recommended that the

investment should be equivalent to at least a month’s salary, once

you’ve decided on how much you’re able to spend on the engagement

ring, it’s important to keep on budget.

After the ever-fashionable diamond, sapphires and rubies are the next

most popular gemstone because they are harder than other precious

jewels. While beautiful, semi-precious gems tend to be softer and are

more prone to damage through every-day wear.

Gemstone shapes include brilliant (round), oval, pear (tear-shaped),

heart, princess (square), emerald (rectangular) and marquise (an

elongated oval). Whether you choose 9ct or 18ct gold, platinum or

silver, make sure your wedding and engagement rings are made of

the same metal, as the harder alloy will tend to wear away the softer

one over time.

When it comes to bridal jewellery, choose your gown first, then the

jewellery to complement it.

RINGING TRUE

Engagement rings come in different styles and settings, from solitaire

to multi-stone, cluster and random-set. The thickness and height of the

band depends on the stone size and type of setting, and should be in

proportion to your finger size. An emerald or marquise shaped stone

would look good on a long-fingered bride, while brilliant or princess

would suit those with shorter fingers.

Select a style of ring to complement your personality and interests.

Romantic brides could choose a pink-toned heart-shaped diamond

set in rose or white gold, while active brides might prefer a practical,

flush-mount setting that will protect the gem and prevent snagging.

An exotic rose-cut diamond set in yellow gold could be perfect for a

bohemian bride. Trendy brides can add some bling to their look with a

fancy yellow diamond surrounded by a multitude of smaller sparklers

and set in a diamond-covered band. A lustrous bezel-set stone with an

elegant platinum band might suit a more understated bride.

• Design and make new, or remodel your old jewellery• Repairs to jewellery &

watches on the premises• Diamond dealers • Pearl Restringing

• Valuations • Engraving

Ground Floor (Checkers Level) Hillcrest Corner, Old Main Road Tel: 031-765 9000www.goldimpressions.co.za

As a general rule, white gold or platinum is a very flattering setting for

diamonds or sapphires, making them look even brighter, while yellow

gold settings are best for emeralds, rubies and opals. Also consider

your skin tone: brides with dark or olive complexions can wear yellow

or white gold, those with fairer skin might prefer white gold, and red-

heads could opt for rose or white gold.

Pure, rare, and low maintenance too, platinum is becoming an

increasingly popular metal for contemporary wedding rings, and it’s

not hard to see why. The strongest and most durable of the precious

metals, platinum provides an ultra-secure setting for a gemstone and

never loses metal. The naturally white colour of platinum won’t tarnish

or fade, and its 95 percent purity makes it the only truly hypoallergenic

precious metal.

Bridal jewellery might consist of a necklace with matching bracelet, or

a choker and earrings. While chokers look elegant on brides with long

necks, a strand of pearls or a longer chain might better suit a broader

neck. Short hair or an up-do lends itself to drop earrings, and a pair of

sparkling diamond studs complement any look. Wearing a stunning

piece of stand-out, statement jewellery is a winning trend.

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Mint, which complements current retro styles, looks fresh and

elegant, while azure blue and white is a wonderfully flattering hue

for the whole bridal entourage as well as looking fabulous as a décor

accent - think blue and white china crockery and centrepieces. Other

gorgeous combinations include olive green and topaz, peach and silver,

lavender and lime, or even a glorious rainbow-themed palette with a

kaleidoscope of colours offset by basic black.

PATTERNS AND PRINTS such as stripes, polka dots, chevrons, paisley

and gingham add a quirky element and are popping up in wedding

gowns, bowties, handkerchiefs, table linen and stationery. Lace is

another hot look, and is being seen everywhere from illusion necklines

and cap sleeves on bridal gowns to wedding cakes and reception

décor. Whether bold or delicate, sophisticated or playful, patterns can

create a wonderful sense of continuity in your wedding theme; just

remember not to overdo it ... sometimes less really is more!

GOING GREEN is a trend that can be applied to all elements of your

wedding celebration, from the invitations to the dress and even the

cake. Many couples already recycle their paper, plastic, glass and tin,

shop for organic, locally-produced food and conserve energy and

water wherever possible, so the next step is to extend these earth-

conscious values to wedding planning! Part of going green involves

downsizing, simplifying and sourcing local products wherever possible

so that your wedding doesn’t weigh heavily on the environment or

create a big carbon footprint. For example, you could use a succulent

like Echeveria for the table décor and then re-pot it afterwards. Or put

little plants inside condensed milk tins and give them to your guests as

favours. The concept of shunning excess and over-consumption should

also ring true for couples who have a limited wedding budget or

simply want to set money aside for another goal, such as purchasing

a home.

VINTAGE VIBES in wedding dresses are also huge, thanks in part to

Baz Luhrmann’s remake of the Great Gatsby and award-winning series

such as Downton Abbey and Anna Karenina. Signature looks from the

Roaring Twenties include beaded headbands, long strands of pearls

and gowns with dropped waists, while earlier fashions are typified by

costume jewellery, corsets, rich fabrics and intricate lace details.

NOVELTY NUPTIALS are also in the spotlight, with many playful

elements being introduced to contemporary weddings. These could

comprise imaginative catering choices, such as different food stations

and signature cocktails, or unusual entertainment like magicians,

dance instructors and party games.

LIVE-STREAM WEDDINGS broadcast in real time over the internet are

allowing even virtual guests to have a front-row seat at the ceremony

and reception. This is a great concept for friends and family far away,

as well as allowing couples to endlessly expand their guest list!

OTHER FASHIONABLE TWISTS include gowns with pockets, bird motifs

in wedding décor (bird cages, bird’s egg favours, bird necklaces,

origami birds, feathered accessories), or the ultimate in individual style

- the customised wedding, where DIY is the order of the day, with

homemade jewellery, clothing and décor. Another new idea for 2013

is the reception lounge: a quieter and more relaxed area set apart

from the main reception room and dance floor, where guests can chat,

mingle and generally ‘chill’.

COLOUR PALETTES in 2013 take in soft pastels such as pewter grey and blush pink as well as

the vivid, jewel colours of a tropical garden. Consider strong colours like tangerine, which can be

softened with pink and perhaps even a touch of yellow. Brides could accent a neutral tone with a

vibrant hue like violet or peach, mix different shades of white, or perhaps commit to a single colour

and add interest with different textures - embossing, foiling or even laser cut designs are big news.SHUTTERSTOCK

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LB REFLECTIONS

Take a well-deserved break at a romantic retreat, where the two of you

can relax and unwind. These days, many couples give themselves a day

or two to recover from the wedding celebrations before setting out on

their honeymoon.

Favourite international honeymoon destinations include the Seychelles,

Mauritius, the Caribbean and Europe. There are also stunning locations

closer to home, such as a mountain retreat in the Drakensberg, a beach

holiday at Kosi Bay or a bush break at one of KwaZulu-Natal’s world-

class game reserves.

South Africa is a popular and affordable destination for overseas couples

as well, with many international travel and tourism agents offering

romantic honeymoon packages to our magnificent wilderness areas.

This might include a safari expedition in the Kruger National Park, or an

urban adventure in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.

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SPARADISE FOUND

First and foremost, decide on a how much you can afford. Does your budget allow for a multi-destination European tour, a weekend at a wine farm, or somewhere in between? If strapped for cash or time, why not take a ‘mini-moon’ (a short break) and save up for a real honeymoon later on? In the case of a destination wedding, you could simply prolong your vacation at the wedding location.

Discuss what you and your partner consider to be an ideal vacation. Do you enjoy history and culture or the ‘Big Five’ in a game reserve? Relaxing in the sun or adrenaline sports and adventure? You might like to visit a location that holds special memories for you and your partner, or go somewhere you haven’t been to before. Although you might have made a list of sites to see and activities to take part in at your chosen honeymoon destination, remember also to set aside some time to do nothing at all.

The latest concept in honeymooning is the ‘twini-moon’, which sees newlyweds enjoying the best of both worlds by including two different holiday hotspots on their honeymoon.

Remember that most places have seasonal rates, and you’ll be able to get a much better deal in the off-peak season. When you book your honeymoon, let the resort know you’re newlyweds - you may be upgraded to a superior room at no additional cost, be given a complimentary bottle of champagne, and receive other types of preferential treatment.

An all-inclusive holiday is a great idea: if you’ve already paid for everything upfront you’ll be able to relax without having to worry about the price of everything. Just be sure to check what’s included; for example, local beverages might be included but not imported drinks such as wine.

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S ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS

Those in the know suggest using a travel agent. The service won’t cost

you any extra, and having someone else to take care of all the booking

arrangements will give you less to worry about leading up to the big

day. In addition, if anything does end up going wrong, you’ll have

someone to call.

If you’re travelling outside the country, check that your passport is

up-to-date and organise visas, if required, and travel insurance. Sort out

your foreign exchange needs, such as a credit card, traveller’s cheques

and cash.

Pack an overseas adaptor, spare batteries for your camera and a

cellphone charger. Put nametags on all items of luggage, and on the

day of departure don’t forget your e-ticket and itinerary.

Make photocopies of all cards, travel and traveller’s check documents,

vaccination documents, prescriptions, medical aid cards and medical or

trip insurance documents. In addition, leave contact numbers and copies

of your itinerary, wills and life insurance documents with a friend or

relative.

Alternatively, you could use Google Docs to upload copies of your

important travel documents, making them accessible from anywhere in

the world.

It’s better not to book an early departure if you’re leaving the morning

after the wedding; after all, you don’t want to spend the first day of your

honeymoon travelling on planes, trains or boats while you’re feeling a

little off-colour.

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WEDDING CEREMONIES

Despite religious and cultural differences, most wedding ceremonies

involve the offering of rings or some other symbolic item and the

exchange of vows before a religious or community leader. Ceremonies

usually incorporate readings from sacred texts, music and the recital

of prayers. Most religions, including Judaism, Islam and Hinduism, see

marriage as a sacred duty and an important facet of spiritual life. The

convention of the ‘white wedding’ is common to both Christian and

Jewish traditions and has been adopted by many other cultures.

In the Zulu tradition, it is customary for a marriage proposal to be

accompanied by ‘lobola’ (‘bride price’), which is the payment made

by the groom’s family to the bride’s family. While in times gone by

payment would be made in the form of cattle, these days cash is

usually considered acceptable. Zulu couples often hold a Christian

wedding service in addition to traditional rituals which honour the

ancestors. The wedding reception is a large celebration involving the

wider community and takes place over several days.

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According to the South African Marriage Act, the legal part of the ceremony must take place indoors, in a place of worship, a public office or private dwelling. The service must be carried out in front of at least two witnesses, and the entrance to the venue must be open.

In South Africa there are three laws under which couples may choose to be married. These include the Marriage Act (Act 25 of 1961), the Customary Marriages Act (Act 120 of 1998), and the Civil Union Act (Act 17 of 2006).

The Customary Marriages Act provides for the civil registration of marriages solemnised according to tribal custom. Same-sex marriages are permitted under the Civil Union Act, with partners given the choice of having their union called a ‘civil partnership’ or a ‘marriage partnership’ and enjoying the same legal and material benefits and responsibilities as couples married under the Marriage Act.

Overseas brides and grooms wishing to marry in South Africa should be aware of a few simple legalities, with information about the various acts available on the website of the Department of Home Affairs: www.home-affairs.gov.za. Foreigners need to fill in a B1-31 affidavit stating date and place of birth: this can be done by a Commissioner of Oaths and most marriage officers.

If relevant, copies of divorce decrees or death certificates must be produced. While you will be automatically be issued with an abridged marriage certificate, some countries require an unabridged certificate to register your marriage once you return home.

THE ANTE-NUPTIAL CONTRACT

Couples should visit a lawyer at least three months before the wedding to find out about the different options available for marriage contracts.

Other important documents such as wills and insurance policies also need to be dealt with. It’s essential that you have an ante-nuptial contract (ANC) drawn up before the wedding to clarify the legal and financial aspects of your union.

In Community of Property: This system applies if you do not enter into a specific ANC before marriage. All assets and liabilities, whether acquired before or after marriage, are shared equally. It can be problematic if one partner gets into debt, as the other will be held equally responsible for the amount owed. Furthermore, neither partner is allowed to sell an asset without the other partner’s written consent.

Out of Community of Property: If the ANC is ‘Without Accrual’, each partner retains separate ownership of all assets and debts brought into and acquired during the marriage. This can be unfair as non-monetary contributions, such as looking after the home, are not taken into account.

Contracts ‘With Accrual’ acknowledge both monetary and non-monetary contributions made during the marriage, while protecting each partner from the liabilities of the other. Assets acquired before marriage are excluded.

STUART DODS

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OFINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

While the contribution of parents toward the wedding day may not be as great as it was in times gone by, there are nevertheless still set expectations regarding who pays for what at a wedding. Today, with many couples getting married in their 30s, some brides and grooms are also opting to pay for the wedding themselves. Whichever route you decide to take, financial issues and responsibilities should be discussed openly with both sets of parents before the wedding planning begins.

Traditional Financial Responsibilities:

• The bride’s parents pay for the wedding reception, including food, décor and floral arrangements, the invitations and stationery, bridal gown, bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories, the photographer and videographer, and music or other entertainment.

• The bride pays for the groom’s wedding ring as well as her gift to the groom and gifts for her attendants and parents.

• The groom pays for the wedding ceremony, the bride’s engagement ring and wedding band, gifts for his parents, the attendants and the bride, as well as for the honeymoon.

• The groom’s parents pay for drinks at the reception, wedding favours, the bridal bouquets, corsages and buttonholes, the suit hire and their own outfits.

THE GUEST LIST

Before compiling a guest list, work out how many people you’re able to invite to your wedding. This will be determined by factors such as your budget and the size of your wedding venue. While inviting your closest friends and relatives to your special day may appear a fairly easy task at the outset, it can become an etiquette minefield, particularly in the case of smaller weddings.

Start by writing down the must-haves, such as immediate family members, close relatives and attendants. Thereafter, the bride and groom could each jot down the names of their friends, keeping their respective lists roughly the same length, followed by a list of their mutual friends.

Give your parents some input, especially if they are making a financial contribution to the wedding, as they may want to include other family members as well as colleagues and friends. If you are paying for the wedding yourself and are strapped for cash, it’s quite acceptable to ask your parents to pay for any additional guests they want to invite.

When it comes to work colleagues, if you work for a small company and are quite friendly with most of your co-workers, it’s advisable to invite everyone in the office. However, if your workplace is large then it might be preferable to invite nobody at all, or just one or two of your closest friends.

Deciding which relatives to invite can be a tricky area when you have a large family and don’t have much to do with the more far-flung branches of the family tree! It’s nonetheless hard to exclude specific individuals or groups from your guest list. While basic etiquette dictates that you include siblings, parents and grandparents, does this extend to step-parents and step-siblings, uncles, aunts and first cousins as well?

You’re least likely to hurt someone’s feelings by omitting a whole category of relatives. Perhaps explain that because the venue is small you’re not able to invite cousins from either the groom’s or bride’s side of the family. You could also specify that only adults are being invited, stating ‘Regrettably, no children’ on the wedding invitation. Unmarried friends are generally not a ‘plus-one’ unless they are engaged to or living with someone. Another option is to keep a back-up ‘B’ list of people to invite if any of those on the ‘A’ list decline!

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Expense Amount Estimated Amount Spent

RECEPTION (50% of Budget)

Venue

Hiring and décor

Catering

Drinks

Cake

Favours

Extras

OUTFITS & ACCESSORIES (10% of Budget)

Bridal gown

Headpiece and veil

Bridal accessories

Hair

Make-up

Groomswear

Groom’s accessories

Attendants’ outfits

Extras

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY (12% of Budget)

Photography

Videography

Additional prints and albums

Extras

FLOWERS (8% of Budget)

Arrangements for ceremony

Bridal bouquets and baskets

Corsages and buttonholes

Arrangements for reception

Centrepieces

Extras

Expense Amount Estimated Amount Spent

MUSIC (8% of Budget)

Musicians for ceremony

Reception band and/or DJ

Sound-system rental

Extras

WEDDING RINGS (3% of Budget)

Bride’s ring

Groom’s ring

STATIONERY (3% of Budget)

Save-the-date cards

Invitations and RSVPs

Programmes & service sheets

Seating and place cards

Thank-you cards

Postage

Calligraphy

Extras

CEREMONY (2% of Budget)

Location and officiant fees

Marriage licence

Ring pillows

Extras

TRANSPORTATION (2% of Budget)

Vehicle hire for bride & groom

Vehicle hire for bridal party

Guest shuttle/parking attendant

Extras

GIFTS FOR ATTENDANTS & PARENTS (2% of Budget)

Extras

TOTAL AMOUNT SPENT:

LET’S TALK LOGISTICSBefore you decide on the size, location or type of wedding you’d like, chat with your partner about what you would both feel comfortable spending on the wedding ceremony, reception and honeymoon, finding out how much each of your families are able to contribute. Use this handy worksheet, which includes suggested percentages to spend on each component of the wedding, to help you keep track of money matters and stay within your budget. Estimated budget: R ........................................... Whatever budget you agree on, it’s wise to allocated an additional 10 percent for unforeseen expenses.

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Your guide to an inspirational array of wedding services providers that

will help you plan the perfect celebration. Use this easy reference to

page numbers with colour coding as a one-stop-shop to find every

thing you need to make your day memorable.

BACHELORETTE PARTIES

Lingerie Lovers .................................................................................................................49

Nouveau Dance Studio ............................................................................................49

BRIDAL WEAR

Bella Dama Bridal Boutique................................................................................IFC

Dream Dresses .................................................................................................................46

Dress Couture ....................................................................................................................46

Forever After Bridal Boutique ............................................................................45

Jasmins Bridal ....................................................................................................................45

KFP Bridal Gowns ..........................................................................................................46

Lingerie Lovers .................................................................................................................45

LS Creations .........................................................................................................................47

Satin Candy .........................................................................................................................47

St. Tropez Shoes ..............................................................................................................47

The Fabric Gallery .........................................................................................................47

Forever After Bridal Boutique ............................................................................45

Wedding Belles .................................................................................................................47

Bridal Mall .............................................................................................................................44

CAKES & CATERING

Cakes by Cordi .................................................................................................................34

Cakes by Jen ......................................................................................................................34

Cakes ETC .............................................................................................................................34

Cupcakes by Taryn ......................................................................................................34

De Fleuriot Chocolate .................................................................................................35

Designer Cakes by Moyra......................................................................................35

The Cake Girl .....................................................................................................................33

The Sugar Mill Cakes ..................................................................................................33

CO-ORDINATORS

A2-Z Event Specialists ..................................................................................................9

Lemontree Concepts .....................................................................................................8

Satin & Roses ...................................................................................................................IFC

Something Blu ...................................................................................................................9

The Perfect Plan ..............................................................................................................10

Top to Toe Weddings .....................................................................................................9

Xceptional Event Planner ......................................................................................10

DÉCOR

A2-Z Event Specialists ..................................................................................................9

Charisma Hire ...................................................................................................................30

Classic Events ..................................................................................................................30

Dockpro...................................................................................................................................29

Highway Function Hire ............................................................................................30

Lemontree Concepts ..................................................................................................30

Satin & Roses ...................................................................................................................IFC

Wings of White .................................................................................................................31

FLOWERS

Flora Flowers .....................................................................................................................32

Floral Gems ..........................................................................................................................32

Sue Harding’s Flowers ..............................................................................................32

HAIR & BEAUTY

Awesym Skin & Beauty..........................................................................................43

Beauty Within ...................................................................................................................43

Carbon Black Image Co ...........................................................................................41

Lindsay Nixon ...................................................................................................................43

MakeUp4Art ........................................................................................................................43

Make Up Your Mind .....................................................................................................39

Metamorphosis Slimming Evolution ............................................................42

Serenity Skincare and Beauty...........................................................................42

Making Faces .....................................................................................................................42

The Firm Slimming & Health Clinic .............................................................40

The Perfect Factor .........................................................................................................43

Westville Laser Clinic ..................................................................................................43

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Amakhosi Lodge ............................................................................................................54

Cathedral Peak Hotel .................................................................................................53

MSC Cruises .........................................................................................................................54

The Gorge .............................................................................................................................53

Sani Valley Lodge ..........................................................................................................53

Umngazi River Bungalows ...................................................................................52

Umthunzi Boutique Hotel .......................................................................... 3 & 15

HOW TO

Clive Jacobson ...................................................................................................................55

Marriage Officers ............................................................................................................55

Morris Fuller ........................................................................................................................55

JEWELLERY

Gold Impressions ...........................................................................................................50

MUSIC

Dance School South Africa ...................................................................................37

First Dance ...........................................................................................................................37

Tangent Strings ...............................................................................................................38

Topjocks ................................................................................................................................37

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brett Florens Photography ................................................................................OBC

Dean Demos Photography ...................................................................................25

David Weeks Photography ...................................................................................27

Heather Fitchet Photography .............................................................................24

LB Reflections ....................................................................................................................25

Mashelela Productions ..............................................................................................24

Michaela Photography ..............................................................................................26

Milestone Photography ...........................................................................................IFC

Saysha Baker Photography .................................................................................26

Stuart Dods Photography .......................................................................................26

Tyrone Crossman Photography .......................................................................22

STATIONERY

I do Wedding Stationery ..........................................................................................11

Paper Trail ..............................................................................................................................11

Very Inviting ........................................................................................................................11

THE GROOM

Debonair Suite Hire ......................................................................................................48

Lord Louis Suite Hire ..................................................................................................48

Suite Up Suit Hire ..........................................................................................................48

TRANSPORT

In Style Transfers ...........................................................................................................36

Nigel Atherstone ............................................................................................................36

VENUES

Amakhosi Lodge ............................................................................................................16

Audacia Lodge .................................................................................................................13

Cathedral Peak Hotel .................................................................................................19

Coedmore Castle ............................................................................................................18

Didima ......................................................................................................................................14

Eden Lassie ..........................................................................................................................18

Falaza ................................................................................................................................1 & 2

Gold Circle (Greyville Racecourse) .................................................................19

Gooderson Leisure ..................................................................................................... .IBC

Illovo Africa Lodge ........................................................................................................13

Kloof Country Club .......................................................................................................16

Makaranga ...........................................................................................................................21

Mendola .................................................................................................................................IFC

Moorcroft Manor .............................................................................................................16

Nkuthu Gardens..............................................................................................................19

Ntshondwe Resort ...................................................................................................... 17

Penwarn Country Lodge .........................................................................................21

Sica’s Guest House .......................................................................................................12

The Little Chapel at Pineville Junction .......................................................21

Umthunzi Boutique Hotel .......................................................................... 3 & 15

VIDEOGRAPHY

Glen Bowden Videography ..................................................................................28

Joanelle Meyer Pictures............................................................................................28

Leo Video Productions ..............................................................................................28

MN Video and Photo Productions ..................................................................28

VIEW YOUR WEDDING PLANNER

& ALL OUR BROCHURES ONLINE AT:

www.azalea.co.za

http://www.goodersonleisure.co.za

http://www.brettflorens.com