This morning I spoke to a friend of mine about wedding stuff. I have to say I've been afraid to share anything with my friends who are also tying the knot in the near future, Ive heard so many stories about friends stealing each others ideas and shortly becoming enemies thereafter. But people are completely wrong about this, I find that friends who are also engaged (and have a few months more experience in planning than you do) could serve as a great mentor, sharing ideas and talking budget and just general wedding do's and don't's this morning actually gave me renewed inspiration! (Thanks Kriek**)
I've been taking it slow lately concerning everything wedding, Im Waiting for my Maid of Honor to come back home from Cape Town!(My little lioness) Ive chosen a few options for wedding songs in the mean time. Basically there are 3 main songs I'm Looking at:
-The First dance song
-The Father daughter dance song
-And the mother daughter dance song (Some brides might think this is not traditional, but because my mum is such a huge part of my life, I think she deserves the chance to dance with the bride)
Here are my options:
First dance song:
-"Cant help falling in love" by Ingrid Michaelson
-"Lucky" by Jason Mraz
Father daughter dance:
-"The Prayer" by Celine Dion
Mother daughter dance:
-"Close to you" by The Carpenters
Ive chosen these songs because they all have personal meaning to the people they are related to.
Also... and here is some exciting news...
I finally got my ring back last night after waiting for almost two weeks for it to be resized...
YAY!!!**
Friday, 31 May 2013
Thursday, 30 May 2013
The Dress **
The most important thing at your wedding -by far- will be what you will be what the bride is wearing on the day! Here are some tips and some of my favorite pick's:
If you are Broad:
If you are Full-Figured
Of course all of this is gripped of TheKnot, Please visit the website for amazing advise and ideas on your wedding!!**
If you are Busty:
Petite, plus or average size, you've got a full bust.
Dress dos: Accentuate the positive with an uplifting foundation garment, like a good bra, or a corset. Or minimize your curves by balancing your top with a full skirt.
Dress don'ts: Be careful that your dress isn't too revealing -- you want the focus to be on your face. And don't forget to move around in your gown during fittings to make sure everything stays in place.
Petite, plus or average size, you've got a full bust.
Dress dos: Accentuate the positive with an uplifting foundation garment, like a good bra, or a corset. Or minimize your curves by balancing your top with a full skirt.
Dress don'ts: Be careful that your dress isn't too revealing -- you want the focus to be on your face. And don't forget to move around in your gown during fittings to make sure everything stays in place.
If you are Broad:
You're built like a swimmer, with wide-set shoulders.
Dress dos: Highlight your toned shoulders with a halter neckline, or go for drama in a gown with long sleeves worn off the shoulder. Select a dress with a bodice that highlights your waistline to offset your shoulders and create an hourglass shape.
Dress don'ts: Trying to conceal your shoulders is not recommended, as it sometimes produces the opposite effect. Stay away from cap sleeves, which can add width to the shoulder area.
Dress dos: Highlight your toned shoulders with a halter neckline, or go for drama in a gown with long sleeves worn off the shoulder. Select a dress with a bodice that highlights your waistline to offset your shoulders and create an hourglass shape.
Dress don'ts: Trying to conceal your shoulders is not recommended, as it sometimes produces the opposite effect. Stay away from cap sleeves, which can add width to the shoulder area.
If you are Pear-Shaped:
Though small on top, you round off toward the bottom.
Dress dos: A dropped-waist style or a strapless ball gown will cover your bottom half and put more emphasis on the top. An off-the-shoulder neckline will keep the attention on your upper body, and an A-line gown is always a flattering choice.
Dress don'ts: A sheath can be unflattering, and a V-neck will draw the eyes downward.
Though small on top, you round off toward the bottom.
Dress dos: A dropped-waist style or a strapless ball gown will cover your bottom half and put more emphasis on the top. An off-the-shoulder neckline will keep the attention on your upper body, and an A-line gown is always a flattering choice.
Dress don'ts: A sheath can be unflattering, and a V-neck will draw the eyes downward.
If you are Full-Figured
You're voluptuous, with a well-endowed bust and curvy hips.
Dress dos: Try a mermaid- or trumpet-style gown, which will have a slimming effect. A high-waisted A-line dress with a low neckline also complements curves.
Dress don'ts: A slim sheath or slinky bias cut will cling and may accent any extra inches; also avoid spaghetti straps because they won't provide the support you need.
Dress dos: Try a mermaid- or trumpet-style gown, which will have a slimming effect. A high-waisted A-line dress with a low neckline also complements curves.
Dress don'ts: A slim sheath or slinky bias cut will cling and may accent any extra inches; also avoid spaghetti straps because they won't provide the support you need.
If you are Short or tall, you have a boyish waistline.
Dress dos: Empire-waist gowns are made with you in mind. And a ball gown with a basque waistline, which is a V-shaped dip in the front, will give your waist a nipped-in look for more shape.
Dress don'ts: Steer clear of sheaths and dropped-waist styles, which will make you appear boxier.
Dress dos: Empire-waist gowns are made with you in mind. And a ball gown with a basque waistline, which is a V-shaped dip in the front, will give your waist a nipped-in look for more shape.
Dress don'ts: Steer clear of sheaths and dropped-waist styles, which will make you appear boxier.
If you are Petite
You're tiny.
Dress dos: The key word here is elongation. It's best to keep it simple. A column-like sheath or an A-line dress works best: These will keep the eye moving and create the illusion of height.
Dress don'ts: Almost all silhouettes will flatter your figure, though a big ball gown or a dress with lots of voluminous fabric may look overwhelming on your small frame.
You're tiny.
Dress dos: The key word here is elongation. It's best to keep it simple. A column-like sheath or an A-line dress works best: These will keep the eye moving and create the illusion of height.
Dress don'ts: Almost all silhouettes will flatter your figure, though a big ball gown or a dress with lots of voluminous fabric may look overwhelming on your small frame.
If you are Tall
You're five foot ten or taller.
Dress dos: Taller women look great in everything from sheaths to A-line styles and full ball gowns. A long veil is great for you because you can carry it off.
Dress don'ts: Skip gowns with high necklines because they'll draw the eye upward and create more length. And avoid updos and headpieces that add too much extra height.
You're five foot ten or taller.
Dress dos: Taller women look great in everything from sheaths to A-line styles and full ball gowns. A long veil is great for you because you can carry it off.
Dress don'ts: Skip gowns with high necklines because they'll draw the eye upward and create more length. And avoid updos and headpieces that add too much extra height.
If you are Bony
Short or tall, you're not a fleshy woman.
Dress dos: Bateau necklines and sleeveless gowns are flattering options for you. A ball gown is a very feminine shape that will balance out your overall silhouette and visually create curves. Try one with a dramatic cutout back.
Dress don'ts: If you're concerned your collarbone is too bony, stay away from portrait, off-the-shoulder or halter necklines. And if you're flat-chested, avoid a bodice with pre-designed cups.
Short or tall, you're not a fleshy woman.
Dress dos: Bateau necklines and sleeveless gowns are flattering options for you. A ball gown is a very feminine shape that will balance out your overall silhouette and visually create curves. Try one with a dramatic cutout back.
Dress don'ts: If you're concerned your collarbone is too bony, stay away from portrait, off-the-shoulder or halter necklines. And if you're flat-chested, avoid a bodice with pre-designed cups.
If you happen to be Pregnant
You've got a baby bump, anywhere from four to nine months along!
Dress dos: Buying a gown while pregnant can be tricky, since you can't predict how big you'll be come the wedding day. An Empire waist is your best bet for its loose structure and relaxed silhouette. For the mom-to-be who wants to show off her belly, a soft, clinging sheath in a stretchy fabric makes a proud statement.
Dress don'ts: Avoid anything that's too constricting or uncomfortable, including tight bodices and ball gowns, which will emphasize your middle.
You've got a baby bump, anywhere from four to nine months along!
Dress dos: Buying a gown while pregnant can be tricky, since you can't predict how big you'll be come the wedding day. An Empire waist is your best bet for its loose structure and relaxed silhouette. For the mom-to-be who wants to show off her belly, a soft, clinging sheath in a stretchy fabric makes a proud statement.
Dress don'ts: Avoid anything that's too constricting or uncomfortable, including tight bodices and ball gowns, which will emphasize your middle.
If you have Arm Issues
You're self-conscious about your arms, whether they're heavy, jiggly or too skinny.
Dress dos: Choose long or three-quarter-length sleeves in a sheer illusion fabric, or add a bolero to your look, which can be removed whenever you like!
Dress don'ts: Steer clear of off-the-shoulder styles and cap sleeves, which will highlight the upper arms.
You're self-conscious about your arms, whether they're heavy, jiggly or too skinny.
Dress dos: Choose long or three-quarter-length sleeves in a sheer illusion fabric, or add a bolero to your look, which can be removed whenever you like!
Dress don'ts: Steer clear of off-the-shoulder styles and cap sleeves, which will highlight the upper arms.
Even though certain styles work best on certain body types, don't let the "rules” narrow your search too much. It helps to try on all different kinds of dresses and then decide what shape and style you look and feel best in.
Of course all of this is gripped of TheKnot, Please visit the website for amazing advise and ideas on your wedding!!**
Bridesmaids **
Deciding who your Bridesmaids will be might be one of the most difficult decisions you will make throughout the entire wedding. It might terrify you to commit to someone who you would want to stand next to you at your wedding, I mean lets all be realistic, it doesn't matter how strong the friendship is... anything could happen in a year, and what if they turn into the bridesmaid from hell and try to take over the entire wedding. Etiquette suggests that you have one Bridesmaid for every 50 guests attending, you might want more if you need more help organizing everything due to a busy schedule, 12 however is the limit.
By reading some of the advice on TheKnot I've come to find the perfect girls for my bridal party:
Maid of Honor #1 (Yes it is okay to have two) -The Best friend
Maid of Honor #2 -The Sister
Bridesmaid #1 - The Close Friend from School
Bridesmaid #2 - The Close Friend from School
Bridesmaid #3 - The Close Friend from University
Bridesmaid #4 - The family pet (Might be weird but the groomsmen will have a dog bringing in the rings) (See pictures)
TheKnot Also has some awesome advise on what a Bridesmaids duties are, duties of the Maid of Honor, Things to avoid saying to your bridesmaids and what to do when you feel like you might be losing a friend.
By reading some of the advice on TheKnot I've come to find the perfect girls for my bridal party:
Maid of Honor #1 (Yes it is okay to have two) -The Best friend
Maid of Honor #2 -The Sister
Bridesmaid #1 - The Close Friend from School
Bridesmaid #2 - The Close Friend from School
Bridesmaid #3 - The Close Friend from University
Bridesmaid #4 - The family pet (Might be weird but the groomsmen will have a dog bringing in the rings) (See pictures)
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
What's Next...
Your LookBook might take a while to complete and it will definitely slow down the process of planning (In a good way of course!!) Thats why it might be a good idea to set up a planning check list.
Start by adding the most important things to do in the first +12 months before your big day. This will include things like talking budget with your new Fiancé (I can't help but smile when i say that) and your family if they are contributing at all, Finding insurance for your new Bling, and interviewing wedding coordinators -should you choose to get in some outside help.
*9-11 months: start looking at having your engagement party (if you haven't already done this), checking out venues for your ceremony/reception and choose the lucky girls and boys who will be part of your Bridal party. Its also important to settle on wedding colors by now.
*6-8 months: decide on your various vendors (cake, florist, ceremony music etc.) and make final appointments with them to make sure they get everything exactly right on your perfect day. Also have some engagement photos taken, not all couples like doing this but they make the coolest "save the date" cards. Most important of all you need to decide on and buy the dress of your dreams so that the fittings can begin! (Pressure much...?)
*4-5 month: book and pay deposits with all vendors, sort out your groom and groomsmen, start booking what you need for your honeymoon, and address those invitations!!
*2-3 months: A good time to be shopping for your guest favors, finalize wedding documents and get everything you need for the "under the dress essentials" (Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink) (which you will need to be wearing on your first dress fitting to make sure nothing shines through or pops out...) Also work on your vows and send out those invites :D
*6 Weeks: make sure all your bridesmaids and groomsmen are on top of their outfits and the details of the ceremony and reception. Have your dress fitting to make sure everything is still in place, make hair and make-up trial appointments to experiment with different looks for your big day. It's also time to have your bachelor and bachelorettes! Go out, Have fun, and don't be to naughty!!
*3-4 weeks: decide on a guestbook (remember to be creative), work on getting your marriage license and changing your name (if you decide to do so), pick up your wedding dress and work out a "Day-of" schedule.
*2-1 week :CONFIRM, CONFIRM, CONFIRM!!! Make sure every one knows where to go and what to do on your wedding day including your vendors!
*Day Before: Rehearse, Review and Relax.
*Day-of: Remember to thank your parents, and smile and enjoy your magical day!
*After the Wedding: Make sure all bills have been paid in full, upload your wedding pics and enjoy this new life you have started together!
If you need any more information or to find a more complete form of this checklist, visit TheKnot (They also have amazing pics for your LookBook)
And remember to give your almost Hubby a kiss every chance you get!! **
Start by adding the most important things to do in the first +12 months before your big day. This will include things like talking budget with your new Fiancé (I can't help but smile when i say that) and your family if they are contributing at all, Finding insurance for your new Bling, and interviewing wedding coordinators -should you choose to get in some outside help.
*9-11 months: start looking at having your engagement party (if you haven't already done this), checking out venues for your ceremony/reception and choose the lucky girls and boys who will be part of your Bridal party. Its also important to settle on wedding colors by now.
*6-8 months: decide on your various vendors (cake, florist, ceremony music etc.) and make final appointments with them to make sure they get everything exactly right on your perfect day. Also have some engagement photos taken, not all couples like doing this but they make the coolest "save the date" cards. Most important of all you need to decide on and buy the dress of your dreams so that the fittings can begin! (Pressure much...?)
*4-5 month: book and pay deposits with all vendors, sort out your groom and groomsmen, start booking what you need for your honeymoon, and address those invitations!!
*2-3 months: A good time to be shopping for your guest favors, finalize wedding documents and get everything you need for the "under the dress essentials" (Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink) (which you will need to be wearing on your first dress fitting to make sure nothing shines through or pops out...) Also work on your vows and send out those invites :D
*6 Weeks: make sure all your bridesmaids and groomsmen are on top of their outfits and the details of the ceremony and reception. Have your dress fitting to make sure everything is still in place, make hair and make-up trial appointments to experiment with different looks for your big day. It's also time to have your bachelor and bachelorettes! Go out, Have fun, and don't be to naughty!!
*3-4 weeks: decide on a guestbook (remember to be creative), work on getting your marriage license and changing your name (if you decide to do so), pick up your wedding dress and work out a "Day-of" schedule.
*2-1 week :CONFIRM, CONFIRM, CONFIRM!!! Make sure every one knows where to go and what to do on your wedding day including your vendors!
*Day Before: Rehearse, Review and Relax.
*Day-of: Remember to thank your parents, and smile and enjoy your magical day!
*After the Wedding: Make sure all bills have been paid in full, upload your wedding pics and enjoy this new life you have started together!
If you need any more information or to find a more complete form of this checklist, visit TheKnot (They also have amazing pics for your LookBook)
And remember to give your almost Hubby a kiss every chance you get!! **
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
The LookBook
Introducing The LookBook!!
All wedding websites suggest the same start to your wedding planning experience... Make a book with ideas and wedspirations that you love for your special day!! I started mine, and i have to admit this is an intense therapeutic way to get rid of the wedding stress... I call it The LookBook. Force yourself to make a minimum of 2 pages on every single subject you can think of. Print the pictures you have pinned to your boards! It will help with categorizing them. This will calm you down enough and give you some excellent ideas along the way... every time you find pictures you get new awesome inspiration.
And don't forget to be completely creative with it, treat it like a scrapbook or memory book which you can look back on. Who knows maybe this can become a go to guide for future brides in the family...
I got my LookBook at A shop called Typo, its a Large A4 notebook that already has subsections in it to help you divide the LookBook into sections like: The LookBook, Wedding planning Checklist (I'll give more on this later), Budget planing, Different vendors, Vendor contracts etc.
I also got an assortment of stamps from Typo to help narrow down the final choices ;) **
All wedding websites suggest the same start to your wedding planning experience... Make a book with ideas and wedspirations that you love for your special day!! I started mine, and i have to admit this is an intense therapeutic way to get rid of the wedding stress... I call it The LookBook. Force yourself to make a minimum of 2 pages on every single subject you can think of. Print the pictures you have pinned to your boards! It will help with categorizing them. This will calm you down enough and give you some excellent ideas along the way... every time you find pictures you get new awesome inspiration.
And don't forget to be completely creative with it, treat it like a scrapbook or memory book which you can look back on. Who knows maybe this can become a go to guide for future brides in the family...
I got my LookBook at A shop called Typo, its a Large A4 notebook that already has subsections in it to help you divide the LookBook into sections like: The LookBook, Wedding planning Checklist (I'll give more on this later), Budget planing, Different vendors, Vendor contracts etc.
I also got an assortment of stamps from Typo to help narrow down the final choices ;) **
Dream, Dream, Dream **
Every girl dreams about her big day long before it arrives. And when it does, you seem to forget all you have ever dreamed about and get wrapped up in what is trending at the moment. Don't let this happen!! Take the time to sit down and go back to that fantasy wedding you have always wanted and just doodle !! Think about your dream dress, the setting and just redraw that wedding in a notebook, just doodle and make notes! Of course it won't hurt to have a look at what other Brides have done and draw some inspiration from it... Just try to incorporate everything with your own little touches.
Personally, My dream wedding is an outside wedding. Whether it's in a magnificent garden, or an autumn forrest or event in the veldt hasn't been decided... Remember this blog takes everything step by step so I'll try not to get ahead of myself :)
It would be good at this stage to start journaling, write about ideas, make a few sketches and jot down all those mixed feelings of stress and excitement!! Trust me you will love reading this when all the planning is done and you are looking for a little laugh!
And remember to Doodle!!!
Personally, My dream wedding is an outside wedding. Whether it's in a magnificent garden, or an autumn forrest or event in the veldt hasn't been decided... Remember this blog takes everything step by step so I'll try not to get ahead of myself :)
It would be good at this stage to start journaling, write about ideas, make a few sketches and jot down all those mixed feelings of stress and excitement!! Trust me you will love reading this when all the planning is done and you are looking for a little laugh!
And remember to Doodle!!!
Pin it ;)
After the realization that i am now engaged. The excitement took over completely. The first thing i did was open a Pinterest account. I made a board for every subject of the wedding that i needed inspiration for.
These where the boards i made:
Dresses, (For some inspiration on the perfect style dress that will suit my figure)
Bridesmaids, (For some insight in what they will be wearing)
Bouquets and cakes, (Ideas and different meanings of different flowers)
Photography, (Some inspirational shots)
Pretties, (Some ideas on hair and make-up)
Invites and stationary, (Some awesome and creative ideas)
Colours, (To see what swatches match my wedding)
And last but not least: (and my favorite) Wedspiration, (Inspiration on everything wedding!!)
Please Check them out and let me know what you think :)
And follow me **
These where the boards i made:
Dresses, (For some inspiration on the perfect style dress that will suit my figure)
Bridesmaids, (For some insight in what they will be wearing)
Bouquets and cakes, (Ideas and different meanings of different flowers)
Photography, (Some inspirational shots)
Pretties, (Some ideas on hair and make-up)
Invites and stationary, (Some awesome and creative ideas)
Colours, (To see what swatches match my wedding)
And last but not least: (and my favorite) Wedspiration, (Inspiration on everything wedding!!)
Please Check them out and let me know what you think :)
And follow me **
Intro
Wedding planning can be a nightmare and most Brides will be so caught up in where to start planing what, that they forget to just be happy and let it all sink in. I got engaged last week (19 May 2013) and to be completely honest, I was completely overwhelmed by what was happening! That next day, something inside me was slowly but surely starting to crawl... Where do i start???
The first thing i wanted to do is send out Bridesmaid requests to all my favourite girls. What colour will they be...? What theme...? What style...?
I started freaking out! If i do decide to send out the bridesmaids requests in a certain style and colour will I later change my mind on the theme...?
Panic started to fill me entire body! The reality of being engaged finally started sinking in. I am starting the rest of my life, everything HAS to be perfect!!! Soon i realised that i was so busy thinking about these finicky wedding things, that i forgot to just be happy about this huge step i was taking with the man i love. Coming home to him everyday after work, Calling him my fiancé every chance i got, these are the things i should be concerned about now. The wedding planning will happen as it comes.
Thus i started this blog. This is me: Jolene Degenaar, newly engaged to Andre Bester and taking it easy whilst opening a new world of questions and answers, advise and comments, and general things any wedding beginner should know, and think about before she starts the rest of her life. **
The first thing i wanted to do is send out Bridesmaid requests to all my favourite girls. What colour will they be...? What theme...? What style...?
I started freaking out! If i do decide to send out the bridesmaids requests in a certain style and colour will I later change my mind on the theme...?
Panic started to fill me entire body! The reality of being engaged finally started sinking in. I am starting the rest of my life, everything HAS to be perfect!!! Soon i realised that i was so busy thinking about these finicky wedding things, that i forgot to just be happy about this huge step i was taking with the man i love. Coming home to him everyday after work, Calling him my fiancé every chance i got, these are the things i should be concerned about now. The wedding planning will happen as it comes.
Thus i started this blog. This is me: Jolene Degenaar, newly engaged to Andre Bester and taking it easy whilst opening a new world of questions and answers, advise and comments, and general things any wedding beginner should know, and think about before she starts the rest of her life. **
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