Planning a wedding is a big deal, and can be a time-consuming process. Especially if you want to do it yourself. With full-time jobs and other time constraints, not to mention other surprises that life throws at us (Covid19 anyone?) it might happen that you are forced to go online. Luckily, in today’s day and age social distancing doesn’t mean technological distancing. We are more connected than ever, and that makes it possible for you to plan your entire wedding from the comfort of your couch (or bed). With or without a glass of wine!

Whether you have been forced by circumstances, or you just prefer working at odd hours, or the thought of doing all of this with real-life people leaves you breaking out into a cold sweat, then this is the guide you have been waiting for. Planning your wedding online has never been easier! Here are our links, tips, and must-have sites (in no specific order):

Invitations and stationery

Whether you want to send paper invites or go for the more modern digital alternative, there is a site for that. A list of stationery that you (might) need includes Save-the-dates, invitations, programs, menus, table seating chart, name cards for table placement, thanks you’s, and more. If you want to keep your save-the-dates and invitations, as well as the thank you’s digital, your options include sites such as Lily Young (also does printed stationery), My Wedding Online (they have custom-packages that includes a wedding invitation website, as well as other services such as playlist recommendations and a guest planner) and Gray Solutions who also offer Whatsapp invitations. Pistachio Designs offer the full spectrum, from table numbers to name cards, thank you cards and even wine bottle tag designs. If you are particularly creative, and a bit tech-savvy, you can design your own invites using Canva, then print them yourselves at your local printer.

Venue search

Finding and contacting the venues you love is off course an option. Any venue worth their stars should be able to send you a customised quote, as well as a document explaining their costs, added services, and more. If you are unsure off what to ask, download our Questions to ask your potential wedding venue below. There are also online services such as Our-Venue (the site gives you an estimated quote based on the info you supply, meaning you can shortlist venues even before you need to reach out to them), SA Venues, and Leading Venues (we find this website a bit non-user friendly, but still worth it to try and figure out how to navigate it). But a word of caution – most of these sites only list the bigger and more well-known venues. If you are looking for something different, those hidden gems, new venues or good-but-older ones, then it is best to make Google your friend.

Questions to ask your potential wedding venue

The venues that we love working at:

Choose the right venue

Colour coordination

If you want a seamlessly effortless look, then choosing coordinating colours is the way to go. Saw a colour that you just loved, but not sure what the name let alone the Hex code is? Then MyPantone is your best bet. You take a photo of the colour in question, then Pantone will give you the closest colour it has together with the code. Unfortunately, this is not a free service, but one that can be very helpful. Our favourite? Coolors.co – you upload a photo that you love, and it pulls out a colour palette. You can then work out your colour scheme from there.

An example of how Coolors works

Registry for gifts

Here your options are almost endless. From bespoke small businesses to bigger ones, there is a myriad of places that you can register an online registry. If you do choose a few different online (or even brick and mortar) businesses, we would highly recommend also getting a wedding website so that you can have all the links and other info in one place. This makes it easier for your guests to actually buy what you and your partner want. A few of our favourites include YuppieChef, Bespoke, Wrapistry, and GiftTree.

Wedding website

We have already touched on this with the stationery – many of the service providers who do online invites etc. also offers wedding websites. But if you want something more specialised, we recommend Appy Couple – you pay a once-off fee and then have full use of a beautiful website. And for a local service, try Say I Do.

Bridesmaid dresses

If you are planning on having a bridal party who might be scattered across the city/country/world, then opting for an online option is basically your only option. Locally we have Gelique, who offers online shopping as well as branches across SA, and The Maiden offers custom-made dresses, made to order. For more wide-reaching options, look at Victoria’s Queen or Bonnyin.

Groom’s attire

Although a bit more tricky, not entirely impossible. EuroSuit offers an online service, and through them, you can kit out your groom as well as his entire bridal party.

Catering

Of course, you won’t be able to taste the food, but between their websites and recommendations on Google and Facebook, you will get a good idea of which caterers are worth looking into, and which to steer clear off. Contact those on your shortlist, give them your specifications and get their proposed menus as well as cost breakdown. Not sure what to ask or how to approach this? Download our Questions to ask your potential caterer here, as well as what info to give your prospective caterer for an accurate quote.

Our wedding menus as well as more information

Flowers

You can get a big headstart online, then book a telephone call with your shortlist of florists to finalise the details. Should you want a table mockup, that will, unfortunately, have to be in person. But up to that point, there is no real need to see each other! Visit Floom for an online budget calculator, as well as a digital “check my date” or Bliss Floral Creations for personalised service. Other florists that you can check out include Oopsie Daisy, Jeweled Florist, and The Bloom Room.

Decor

Ginger Ray offers decor items such as bunting, candy buffet set up, guest books and more, and through SA Wedding Decor you can get almost everything, from charger plates to chairs. All of these items can be viewed online, then booked and paid for. Wedding Party is another one-stop-shop for most of your decor hiring or buying needs. Belle Doux offers stylish decor such as candelabra, linen, and more.

Budget

The all-important BUDGET. To keep track of your expenses, and reel you in money-wise, download an app to make life easier. Hitched has an easy-to-use one, as does The Knot.

How to get the most out of your wedding budget

The DRESS, as well as accessories

Our absolute favourite wedding dress service provider in the whole of South Africa has to be Whimsical Bridal – they have the most gorgeous dresses, at the best prices. For pre-loved dresses, have a look at Vintage Lace. And Coco Melody offers a completely online solution. Little Lace offers a wide variety of bridal accessories, including sashes, hairpins, etc.

Photographer

Again, Google will be your best friend. Choosing a photographer is such a personal and important decision. You need to pick someone whom you feel 100% comfortable with. Remember, they will be spending the whole day with you, and probably see you in a few compromising situations… If you don’t already have your dream photographer, or the venue didn’t recommend one, Google local photographers in the area where you will be getting married (remember you most likely will pay their transport). Our recommendation? Santie Korf Photography!

Questions to ask your potential photographer

Wedding planning tools

There are awesome apps out there, but the ones we recommend include Hitched, Bride Control and Appy Ever After. Of course, you can also use our handy timeline (download it below). And pushed for time? Here is our guide on how to plan a wedding in 21 days flat!

Wedding planning timeline printable
Wedding planning timeline post
Plan a wedding in 21 days

Bachelorette and Kitchen tea essentials

From printed bags to personalized T-shirts, you can get most of these items online. Visit Blooming Wonderful for shirts, cake toppers, tags, and cards, or Love and Sparkles for an even greater selection. If you are looking for the perfect way to ask your closest friends or family to be part of your special day, you can order a “will you be my bridesmaid” gift box from various online shops, including A life lead simply, Pink Cosmetics, and Box Boutique.

Plan a zero waste kitchen tea

Wow! That was a post and a half. Of course, there are a lot more we can say, but once you have done the above, you have covered most of the basics. Best of luck, and remember – enjoy the process!

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Weddings are a chance for couples to celebrate their life together by incorporating the things that matter most to them in their ceremonies, which is why veganism and sustainability are top wedding trends of 2020.

Planning a vegan wedding without any animal-derived products can be difficult, so Zola created the ultimate vegan wedding planning guide to help couples plan their dream wedding.

Planning a plant-based wedding:

1. Choose a vegan-friendly caterer

Delicious food is a top priority for a great party, and this can be extra intimidating for vegan couples hosting non-vegan guests. This means choosing the right caterer is huge. Luckily caterers are beginning to embrace veganism and are creating menus to accommodate any guest’s dietary needs.

Plant-based meals of flavorful seasonal produce are perfect for vegan plates and are extra sustainable. If you’re a fan of comfort foods, there are plenty of vegan recipes so you can serve favourite dishes that every guest will love.

2. Hire a vegan baker

Sweet treats are a wedding tradition and many guests will be looking forward to the cake. There is no shortage of vegan alternatives to butter, milk, and eggs in baking, and many local bakers already offer vegan options in their shop. So you can have your choice of cake, macarons, or doughnuts and eat it, too.

3. Prepare creative food stations

Interactive food stations are a growing trend that’s perfect for a vegan wedding. A vegan charcuterie board or olive oil bar is fun and unique, and dessert tables are always a hit that can show how vegans can enjoy sweets, too. Everyone is guaranteed to find something they like, and it’s great entertainment.

4. Plan for a vegan bar

Alcohol isn’t always vegan—beers and wine often use animal-derived ingredients for flavour and filtration. Liquor is typically vegan, so you can get creative with themed-cocktails. If you prefer wine, no worries! There is no shortage of vegan breweries and wineries to support. Just be sure you communicate your preferences with your bartender ahead of time.

5. Buy fresh flowers

Making your own bouquet seems like an easy DIY, but it takes a lot of time, money, and storage without any guarantee it will turn out well. Faux flowers are often made of silk and their production and shipping carry a huge carbon footprint. Save yourself the time and guilt—hire a local florist and know that your floral arrangements will be perfect.

6. Choose fruit and veggie centrepieces 

Fresh produce can be the perfect way to add colour to your decor. Bonus, they taste great and reinforce your plant-based theme. Clean-up is extra easy since leftovers can be taken as favours, donated, or composted.

7. Accept donations instead of gifts

Skip the registry and request that guests donate to your favourite charity. Prove your commitment to ending animal-cruelty and save yourself the time organizing hundreds of gifts. If you already have a wishlist, you can donate in your guests’ honour instead of ordering favours.

8. Style a cruelty-free look

Many cosmetic brands still heavily rely on animal parts and testing, but there is a growing collection of vegan alternatives. There’s a good chance you’ll find a great vegan beautician in your city, but if you’re hiring a non-vegan make-up artist ask that they use vegan products. Look out for common ingredients like beeswax, shellac (secretion from beetles), and carmine (made of crushed bugs).

Your outfit may not be vegan, wither. Avoid fabrics like silk and wool that are popular in formal wear. Keep an eye out for vegan-leather when accessory shopping, and try to find ethically-sourced garments and jewellery to make sure no animals or people were harmed for your big day.

Your ceremony is your celebration of love and lifestyle, so make sure it’s an authentic reflection of you. Start the rest of your life without guilt and have a happy vegan wedding!

Warning: This post may cause you to want to get married all over again 🙂

Food stations and interactive bars, whether grazing tables, dessert stations or canape buffets, have really taken the wedding world by storm. Over the past few years, the trend just didn’t want to dissipate, and it is easy to understand why. Your special day will probably go on for 12 to 16 hours, and you do not want hungry guests, making food stations a great idea. Not only are they infinitely customisable, but they are also adaptable to any type of wedding – from formal to informal, as a full meal or snacks, a serve-yourself bar or something more interactive that serves as part of the entertainment. Sounds good? Then here is the list of our all-time favourite wedding food station ideas.

What you need to know about wedding food stations

Before you get dead-set on having food stations as your wedding food, there are a few things you need to consider:

  1. Would your venue allow it?
  2. Is there enough and suitable space for the station(s) in the venue?
  3. Would you need a caterer, or can you do it yourself? And – do you want to do it yourself?
  4. Would you need extra staff to man the station(s)?
  5. How many guests are you inviting?
  6. How many stations would you have?
  7. Who would do the set-up and styling?
  8. Would you need extra equipment?

It’s important to mention here that all food stations are not created equally! Some options such as candy buffets or popcorn stations can be set up the day before (as long as you have access to the space – make sure to check this with your venue), while others, like tapas or carving stations, will need to be manned by staff for the ease of your guests. Then there are the foods that must be kept refrigerated or frozen, like oysters, sushi and ice cream, or heated, like curry stations. Some food stations need professional caterers to pull them off safely, and timing is often crucial, so your wedding timeline is of utmost importance.

Wedding food stations that you can do yourself

These food stations are super easy and simple to put together because you can prepare them in advance, particularly if you’ve got access to the venue the day before the wedding. If this sounds like something you would love to incorporate, we highly recommend delegating this job to a trusted bridal party member or friend – just do a practice run at home and take photographs to give to your designated volunteer, along with a list of all the items for your station, so they know exactly what they need to do!

Popcorn bar

Popcorn bars are one of the easiest and cost-affordable stations to set up. We have done our fair share of them over the past few years! This station is perfect as a pre-ceremony snack, a pre-dinner snack or as a late-night snack. You can even set it up for the entire time your guests will be at the wedding. The popcorn can be popped a few days in advance, just be sure to store them in airtight containers. Add flavoured salts, a few drizzles like salted caramel or browned butter, and maybe a few other bits and bobs (think lucky charms, small chocolates or other candy) and you have one popping bar! (remember the brown paper bags, nobody wants to be walking around with fistfuls of popcorn!)

Candy buffets

For candy buffets your list of choices are endless! You can opt to go with childhood favourites, more modern nibbles, or even themed ones according to colour, flavour, or country of origin. We recently did a German-inspired candy buffet chock full of traditional treats. You can also include nostalgic eats such as fudge, marshmallows, lollipops or coconut ice. All of these treats can be packed or placed into glass jars and bottles beforehand and then simply packed out on the day. Remember to add pretty paper bags for guests who would like theirs as a takeaway.

Cookie bars

Similar to a candy buffet, only better since it is cookies! Get an assortment, pack them out in piles or heaps or jars, put a name card or sticker on and you are good to go. They can be baked or purchased in advance, just store them in airtight containers until the day. Again, remember the brown paper bags!

Doughnut walls or stations

This is what most of our sweet dreams are made off – a selection of yummy doughnuts, for us to take from to our heart’s content. Order, bake or buy a selection of doughnuts, then on the day either hang them from a pegboard, stack them on cake plates, pile them on the table or thread them onto standing poles. Whatever you do, just make sure guests can get to them and get them off quickly, because they are sure to go fast!

Macaron towers

Another type of food station that just doesn’t go away. Buy (or bake if you are talented) a selection of delicious macarons, then display them however you find attractive. You can even serve this food station as part of your wedding cake, or as the wedding cake!

Oyster bar

This is our favourite food station – the oyster bar! Get a lot of shucked oysters (get them shucked, don’t do it yourself), put them out on crushed ice, then add a few hot sauces, lemon wedges, and other toppings such as salsa, caviar (if possible), etc. and allow your guests to help themselves. For the truly adventurous you can serve a shot of tequila with every oyster.

Gin bar

Gin is still the flavour of the moment, with rum coming in fast. For this boozy bar, you can substitute any hard liquor or even wine of your own choice. Pack out enough glasses, have enough ice, place the unopened bottles of drink of choice with the necessary mixers on the table or in an ice bath, add a few interesting details such as cucumber ribbons, lemon wedges, etc. and you are good to go!

Wedding food stations that need a little bit of help, from the professionals

Even though your guests will most likely still serve themselves, these are the food bars or stations that either requires a bit more setup, more specialised equipment, more hands, or even someone to cook the food on order. For these stations to be successful we would highly recommend getting in a professional, and you will most definitely need the cooperation and approval of your venue.

Tapas station

Tapas have become the word used to describe any and all bite-size food not traditionally thought of as a canape. What used to be Spanish is now global. For your tapas station, you can stick to traditional Spanish bites or go for International flair, including little bites from around the world. Usually easy to eat, with minimal utensils needed, these bites can be served hot or cold, depending on what you have available. A great way of serving the main meal!

Charcuterie or grazing tables

Although an easy station to set up you would want to have a dedicated professional do it. Consisting of cold meats, fresh bread, spreads and butter and cheese and all sorts of other antipasti, this type of station can quickly look messy if there is not someone who can tidy it up every now and again. And also refill butter and loaves of bread and olives as needed. This is one of our most popular options, we serve it as a starter at almost ALL of the weddings we do.

Pizza station

A tricky station to pull off if you do not have access to a big enough pizza oven or even a conventional oven. To do, simply pack out piping hot pizzas as they come out of the oven. They can all have the same topping, or different toppings, with extras that your guests can add afterwards such as fresh herbs, guacamole, etc. A great way to feed guests if you dream of having a fun, informal wedding.

Carvery station

More towards the traditional buffet, having a carvery can be turned into something special by included not so traditional cuts of meat such as smoked brisket, lamb ribs, or even venison. Serve with accompanying sauces and you have a delicious offering.

Tacos and nachos bar

What avo-filled dreams are made off. Serve bowls of pulled pork, chicken, salsa, corn on the cob, sour cream and guacamole with a choice of either nacho chips or taco shells and allow guests to build their own Mexican experience. Just remember the serviettes since this gets messy!

Breakfast or brunch station

A more “newish” station, the breakfast or brunch station has a lovely appeal. Serve your favourite breakfast food so that guests can build their own perfect breakfast. Think sausages, quiche, coddled eggs, pastries, toast, and more.

Dessert stations

You would think we have covered all of the sweet possibilities, but no – wait there is more! For dessert, you have so many options, from a lollipop bar with a selection of lollies on ice to a cupcake tower. You can have a fruit bar for the more health-conscious, or a chocolate fountain if you really want to indulge. Just remember to display all of the goodies beautifully since this is the last picture your guests will mentally take of your big day, and you want it to really stick!

How to style your wedding food station

The images should give you some inspiration and ideas, but here are the tips: use on-theme containers, remember your signage, have enough cutlery and crockery if needed, and don’t forget the serviettes. Add height by using taller containers, boxes to place the platters on, and cake stands, display stands, cutting boards or trays can add interest and visual impact. If you are hiring a professional, be sure to chat to them about your expectations as well as any colours or themes you would like to incorporate.

Feeling inspired?

Food stations are a wonderful way of getting the guests involved, serving a bigger selection of food and having fun. It can be pricey, so make sure you spend your money where it counts, and get professionals in to do it as far as possible. There is still a long list of other station and bar options, including sushi, candy floss, raw/salad, canape, curry, burger, and more, but the ones featured here are the ones we see most often.

And lastly…

For all the retro lovers out there, why not consider a champagne tower – you know you want to!

Wedding fever has taken off, and Stripes is loving every moment of it. For those planning to tie the knot in 2020, here are her predictions of what will be in.

Get your guests drinkingly to the table

Ditch the boring table seating cards and rather opt for a boozy alternative. Use shooters, cocktails, glass of bubbly or any other drink as your escort cards. Simply stick the guest’s name on a toothpick, swizzle stick or any other stick and place it in the drink. Guests can enjoy finding their table!

Colour for the win

Go for bold, eclectic or even clashing colours to make your reception not only stand out but be memorable. Vibrant colours can help guests feel at home, and can also be used to convey you and your partner’s personalities. Love Cherise pink, then go ahead! Pair it with canary yellow and neon green if that takes your fancy. Have fun!

The age of the bespoke cocktail

If you really want to impress your guests, hire in a mixologist. You can still have your normal bar, serving normal drinks and cocktails. And then you have THE mixology bar, serving creations that blurs the line between refreshment and entertainment. Mixologists make use of interesting ingredients and liquids, such as green tea, activated charcoal, jellies, etc. and are bound to give you that extra touch of drama.

Experiential favours

Luckily you don’t have to choose between giving a keyring or a bag of spices, there are so many other options for the couple who still want to give their guests a thank you gift. Favours that either invoke the scences or ask of the guest to get involved are all the rage. Think DIY perfume blending bars, make a terrarium, string a necklace, etc. Use your imagination and incorporate something, whether a hobby or a passion, into your wedding for the guests to take home.

Food boards

Communal eating is bigger than ever before. More and more couples are opting for shared starters and even main meals, with the food being served on large serving platters or wooden boards. Guests help themselves to tasty morsels such as cheese and cold meats, antipasti, bruschettas, even DIY pasta with various sauces. If you want a relaxed and laidback wedding, this is the trend for you.

Creative seating

You no longer have to choose between round or rectangular tables, 6 or 8 seaters. Go crazy with your seating plan. Think long tables that snake through an orchard or a variety of tables to create interest. Use square tables to all the guests can see each other, or one long table with the bridal couple on one end. Use what you have, and don’t fret if it is not all uniform.

Moon bouncing

Yes, you read right. Bouncing on a jumping castle as part of your reception is a thing. These jumping castles are specially designed to allow the BIGGER kids to jump to their heart’s delight, and most come in white to reinforce the wedding feel. If that sounds like you, then go ahead! Hire a moon bounce castle and make all your little girl/boy dreams come true.

DIY refreshments

Beer on tap, blend your own margaritas, g&t on tap, basically a drinks bar but with equipment. Get your favourite keg, or gin brand, and allow guests to pour for themselves. Less finicky than a cocktail bar, more rewarding than an ice tea station.

Modern blended with traditional

Want a super modern wedding with monochrome colours and clean lines but wish you could incorporate your Grandma’s crocheted runners or placemats? Now is your chance! Mix old and new and have fun!

Simplicity

Stripe’s favourite trend – keeping it simple. Less is often more, so if you want long vases with a single stem in them and a couple of candles then you go ahead and do you.

Those are Stripe’s predictions; if you have any to add, please leave a comment!

Stripes love her some wedding cake, so this topic is very close to her heart – as in her stomach! Luckily for her, 2020 is seeing a bigger move back to actual cake, something we have not experienced for a number of years. Sure, the cheese-tower and alternative “cakes” like pies and tarts are still big news, but more and more couples are opting for a more traditional selection of chocolate, vanilla and carrot. Yeah!

As part of this series of trends, here are Stripes’ other predictions when it comes to wedding cakes for 2020:

  • Mini cakes

Adventurous couples, or those who simply cannot make up their minds, are opting for a selection of mini cakes, all in different flavours. This trend is wonderful if you consider that they can have all the flavours they dreamt off without wasting cake. Mini cakes are much bigger than cupcakes, but also much smaller than a normal celebration cake.

  • Different shapes

Simple round cakes are so 2019. For 2020, couples are going for squares, hexagonals, geometric designs, even cakes that look like they have been sliced in half. The emphasis is on individualism, so live out your biggest cake fantasy!

  • Interesting displays

Cake stands are so boring. 2020 couples are looking for other interesting ways to display their wedding cake, from suspending the cake from the ceiling to displaying it on a swing. We have seen floating cakes, swinging cakes, even cakes that hang upside down!

  • Non-traditional colours

A decade ago having a black cake would have been taboo. Today, that is just one of the colours that you could consider. In 2020, the cakes are leaning toward the dramatic, with lots of deep dark colours such as burgundy, black, maroon, etc. Your cake should fit in with your overall decor and theme, and with the resurgence of heavy fabrics such as velvet, of course cakes would follow suit. Another big trend? Metallic cakes! Bronze will be THE colour next year, taking the spot of the once-very popular rose gold. Cannot wait!

  • Interesting details

From geodes bursting out of the cake to geometric shapes, cakes are becoming more and more interesting. Now is your chance to work in any detail special to you as a couple, be it butterfly wings, mosaic or superhero logos. Your creativity is your only boundary!

  • Hand-painted cakes

Brush-stroke cakes, watercolour cakes, cakes that look like the design was quilted on – artisan cakes are all the rage!

  • Floral cakes, as in pressed or crystalised flowers

Decorate your cake with dainty pressed flowers, crystalised leaves and other botanicals, or even sugar flowers that look real enough to eat!

  • New flavours

This year has seen a huge movement away from the traditional flavours of vanilla, fruit and lemon, and instead has replaced them with flavours far more exciting and a little unexpected. In place of the British fruitcake is the equally British flavour of Earl Grey, which creates a delicate yet fragrant sponge that won’t overwhelm your guests. Other flavours that are popping up in wedding cakes around the world are pistachio, pink champagne and lime, which all add a beautiful flavour and pastel shade to a simple sponge.

  • Alternative cakes

From cheese cakes (cakes made out of *actual* cheese) to doughnut towers, cakecicles (yes, cake in the form of an ice cream!) taking a step away from a traditional wedding cake is more popular than ever.

  • Vegan cakes

Want to ensure your wedding cake is inclusive to guests with dietary and allergy restrictions? Get yourself a vegan wedding cake!

With that being said, we hope you have a sweet day! Had an interesting wedding cake or planning on having one? Please share!

As consumers are becoming more and more aware off our natural environment’s plight, there is a massive shift towards more sustainable and responsible practices. And weddings are no exception. Stripes is so happy to hear this! All this wasting of natural resources and leaving the planet in a terrible state is playing with her lunch and you do not want a hangry zebra!

If you are getting married in 2020, consider incorporating a few (or all) of these ideas to help make your nuptials a bit more earth-conscious, and you a lot greener and happier.

  • Say no to disposables and single-use items

Ditch the straws, umbrellas and other decors usually reserved for after-ceremony drinks and special cocktails. Decorate your glasses with bamboo-skewered fruit sticks or the rim with salt/sugar. Opt for ceramic plates and bowls, real glass glasses and metal cutlery. Frankly, you can use whatever you like as long as it ticks the “this can be used again and again” box. Say no to paper serviettes, choosing cloth napkins, table cloths and runners instead. And ditch the balloons! If you want to have a flower wall, why not make a make-shift one with potted plants or go for a vertical garden?

  • Keep it local and seasonal

This applies to the food, the flowers, and even the drinks. Not only will you save money, you also help save the planet. Choose caterers and florists who support this honourable goal, and have the guts to say no when a suggestion does not prescribe to these requirements. It is your day after all.

  • Be smart with your decor

Choose decor that can be borrowed or hired, or at the least re-used in your home after the wedding. That goes for everything from table cloths to charger plates, centrepieces and lighting. If you just have to have those lanterns, arrange beforehand that a few select guests may take them home as a thank you gift – nobody wants to be left with 30 lanterns to store!

  • Consider the menu

Steering more towards a vegetarian menu will not only save you money but keep your earth impact a bit lower. If a vegetarian menu just won’t cut it, then at least keep the menu simple. Restrict it to a single starter, main course and wedding cake as dessert. This will keep your waste down. To further lower food waste, consider a plated meal with only one protein. Guests waste less food when plated versus having a buffet meal where they can dish as much as their eyes and plates will allow.

  • Keep it close to home – choose your location with intent

By choosing a venue that is close for most of the guests you cut down on travel, which saves fuel-miles. You can also encourage guests who live close to each other to carpool. Further, pick a venue that has the ceremony and reception areas on the same property, which again means guests do not have to travel extensively.

  • Rethink your florals and avoid floral foam (oasis)

When picking out your flowers, choose local and seasonal blooms and substitute with as much greenery and foliage as possible. Luckily for you, one of the floral trends for 2020 is using potted plants and dried grasses as part of your decor! If you do decide to go for fresh blooms, ask your florist to place them in glass bottles or vases and not the floral foam commonly used. These oases are single-use items that cannot be broken down in a landfill nor can they be recycled.

  • Forego the gifts for a worthy cause

Instead of receiving wedding gifts (how many fondue pots can you have?) and setting up a gift registry, rather ask your guests to make a donation to a worthy cause, in your name. You can also do the reverse, where instead of you giving the guests favours you make a donation to a cause.

  • Go plastic-free

Ask the venue if they use black plastic bin bags, your caterers if they use glad wrap, etc. and if they will be open to the idea of not using those items for your wedding. Give them viable alternatives. For the ceremony, leave the plastic containers of soap for bubbles, straws, or any other plastic item that either won’t be missed or can easily be substituted with something else.

  • Re-use and repurpose

Incorporate things that you already have as part of your decor. This will make the day more special and more sentimental in any case. Furthermore, choose items that can be used afterwards, such as your wedding shoes – choose shoes that you can wear again. Even your dress – choose a dress that you can either sell afterwards (if you don’t hire it to begin with) or repurpose for something else. Some brides turn their wedding dress into scatter pillows or clothes for their first child.

  • Vintage is a game-changer

Not only for dresses and other clothes, but even for things like table cloths, cutlery and crockery, decor, etc. By buying second hand and loving as if new, you keep these items out of the landfill. You give them new meaning and purpose by incorporating them into your love story.

  • Recycle and dispose of smartly

Encourage the venue and your guests to recycle, even during the wedding. Place special bins for glass, tin, wet waste, etc. and make sure there are clear signs explaining the difference. Ask your caterer to not throw food waste away, but rather donate it to a worthy cause such as shelters, old-age homes or soup kitchens.

  • Keep your numbers small

The fewer guests you have the less money you give out, the less environmental impact you have. So keep your guest list small, your pocket and planet will thank you.

  • The bridal party

Firstly, keep your bridal party small. Secondly, allow them to choose their own clothes. You can give guidelines such as style and colour, but then leave it up to them. In this way they can choose things that they will wear again, meaning less waste. Keep the hair and makeup look natural and effort-free, meaning less makeup and product. And for the makeup and product – choose local, natural and organic as far as possible!

  • Keep it digital

Your save-the-date, invite, thank you card, gift registry, and more. All can be done digitally, with even more bells and whistles than if you had your stationery printed. If you do want to print stationery, do so on recycled paper or even support companies such as Growing Paper who prints on paper containing seeds – so you can plant the paper and grow a garden!

  • Hire instead of buying

Dresses, decor, cutlery, crockery, glassware. If you can hire it instead of buying then do so! Most often it will work out a fraction of the cost, and you don’t have to wonder what you will do with the items afterwards.

  • Use candles instead of electricity

Opt for natural soy-based candles instead of harsh electrical lights. If you do go for conventional lighting, choose eco-friendly bulbs and only turn on the lights once it is dark.

  • Rethink confetti

Choose more natural options such as dried veld flowers, local seeds or even small shapes cut out of dried leaves. Using things such as rice and popcorn can be detrimental to wildlife, so if you are getting married somewhere where birds or other wildlife will have access, stick to less harmful options.

  • Don’t trash the dress

And Stripes last piece of green advice? Don’t do a trash the dress shoot. Rather sell/donate your dress to someone who will get just as much value out of it as you did.

Those are Stripes’ tips, hope you find them useful!

Stripes is loving this series about wedding trends for 2020. Seems she loves the guessing game 😉 To continue the series, today we will focus on the decor trends that are predicted to go big in 2020. Of course, we are only listing the ones that Stripes find fascinating.

Colour:

Although the much anticipated Pantone colour of the year has not yet been revealed, experts are predicting it will be somewhere in the green category. This comes as no surprise to Stripes, who has been seeing a steady incline in the number of green weddings we have been doing over the last few months. The green that is in the lead? Neo mint. According to Italianbark.com, neo mint can be described as “a fresh tone of green that has a cool futuristic feel thought to be fit for the new decade ahead; in fact, it is a colour chosen to harmonize science and technology with nature.” But don’t let that stop you! And also, gone are the days of only having two or three colours in your wedding pallet. 2020 is all about creating the right atmosphere and if you need 20 colours to do that, then go for it!

Walls and murals:

The “Insta-wall” is showing no decline in popularity, with more and more couples opting for a balloon focus wall. And yes, murals are making an appearance, with anything from historical backdrops to specially designed and painted artworks taking centre stage. If you want to focus on plants and florals, keep the botanical trend in mind, using mostly foilage and potted plants to create your desired look and effect.

Indoor will move outdoor:

The trend that is set to blow most guests’ minds will be this one. In the coming year, Stripes is predicting that more and more couples will opt for an outdoor reception that looks like an indoor reception, just without the walls and roof. That means whole rooms will be set up outside as if they are inside. Think long dining tables, sofas with coffee tables, lamps, etc. All placed under the stars or strung fairy lights. Not a marquis or tent in sight.

Centrepieces:

Throw out all your “old” ideas about which colour or texture is associated with weddings – next year you can go wild in terms of colour, texture, patterns and objects. It is predicted that fruit will make an appearance as part of centrepieces – think lemons down the table, or apples in vases (for the green?). The textures that are reported to be in high demand are velvet, tapestry and other thick heavy material, and floral patterns.

Lighting:

Last but not least, Stripes is predicting that there will be a greater move towards mood lighting. Couples will also incorporate interesting light sources as part of their decor, from standing lamps next to the tables to neon signs and even spotlights. If you want to create a magical atmosphere, incorporate soft lighting such as fairy lights, desk lamps, and lots of candles. Just remember, if you use candles – always go for the non-drip variety!

There you have it, Stripes run down of her predictions for decor in 2020. If you have any more to add, please leave her a comment!

2020 seems to be the year of the individualist and Stripes couldn’t be happier. What is not to love – you can plan and execute a wedding day as unique and special as your love. You just need a touch of daring, a pinch of creativity and a dash of self-confidence and you can pull off the wedding that will be talked about for years to come. For all the right reasons!
Wedding food trends are no exception. The overall look and feel seem to be leaning towards casual and relaxed fare with a lot of personalisation. According to Stripes, the trends that you should be on the lookout for are:

1. Brunch is all the rage

In the last couple of years, there has been a shift towards earlier weddings, with the brunch wedding taking the crown. The benefits are many, from saving money on the cash bar to serving waffles as part of your menu (win-win!), having a brunch wedding means you get to spend a few extra hours enjoying your day, and if you plan it right, an extra night for your honeymoon. 

2. Think fresh and organic

More and more couples are opting to forego heavy starters, settling rather on light green salads made from fresh and organic ingredients that are locally sourced. This ties in with the green trend, with caterers serving free-range, pasture-fed, wild-caught foods as opposed to the factory-farmed alternatives. 

3. Involved eats

Skip the passed platters of canapés and rather go for smaller food bars that allow guests to build their own bite/meal. Think oyster bar where the chef shucks them in front of you or a taco bar where the chef chops up the ingredients as he is making the tacos. 

4. Trucks are still big with street food taking over

The food truck trend is continuing strong, but for 2020 it is moving squarely into the street food arena. No more fancy food served from a truck, next year emphasis will be on casual and messy grub. Burgers with loaded fries, cheezy pizzas and beer floats are all clambering for your attention. 

5. Themed menus centred around an ingredient

Think a whole menu built around olive oil. Or a food bar serving only food that contains cheese. Or a bacon-themed brunch menu. Pick an ingredient and get creative! Another idea is to build your menu around your drink of choice. So if you love gin, serve 3 or 4 types and pair each with a plate. 

6. Skip the traditional cake

Forget the layer-cake and cupcake towers. Hello, stacks of pies, large cookies or brownies, cheese wheels with dripping chocolate or cutie pies stacked in a pile. Serve what you love to eat and don’t get caught up in the traditional. 

7. Late-night snacks

Serve sliders, hot dogs or any other small snack-sized food an hour or two after dessert. This will give your guests the needed energy to keep on dancing into the small hours of the morning. And will minimize hangovers the next day… 

8. Grazing tables are THE thing

Grazing tables are basically a table groaning under small Savoury bites, fresh bread, cheeses, cold meats, etc. Basically, anything that guests can eat without a plate and that won’t spoil if it stands at room temperature for a few hours. What makes this trend awesome is the fact that you can start the grazing table at starters and then continuously add bites as you move trough main course. Then finish by adding more sweet cheeses, sugared fruit and sweet bites. 

9. Pay homage to your hometown or country of origin

Your wedding day gives you the perfect excuse to serve that dish that reminds you of home. Whether that is a wedding cake consisting of milk tart or incorporating a braai into your mains, pick a dish or dishes that will transport you to where you grew up. 

10. Vegan is big

Nothing seems to stop this trend, with couples now even choosing to have an entirely vegan wedding – even if they themselves aren’t even vegan! If you want to incorporate this trend then opt to have an entire course veganified or serve a few dishes that are vegan worthy. 

11. Go green

The sustainability trend is picking up speed with couples requestion as minimal plastic use, waste and imported food as possible. Rather they are choosing locally sourced ingredients served in reusable crockery, saying no to straws, disposables and any other thing that causes environmental harm. 

rbt

12. Family style is creeping in

Serving food directly on the table for guests to dish for themselves is the happy medium between buffet and plated. This trend is going to be huge as it taps into a few important things: couples can serve fancier or more complicated dishes without worrying about loss of quality, they have better portion control so less waste, comfort food is best enjoyed this way and guests can interact. So if you are getting married anytime soon, consider incorporating this trend. 


With these trends, Stripes is sure that you will be able to put together a menu so delectable and delicious that you will definitely win the wedding of the century, never mind of the year. 

Stripes love this topic the most, probably for the same reason that we love talking about food… With that being said, she is ecstatic that the main predicted trend for 2020 seems to be natural. As in, more relaxed, informal and left a bit rough around the edges. Couples are leaning more towards greenery and foliage, with sustainability being one of the keywords. She knows that #localislekker and is so happy that more and more people are coming to this realisation!

This year saw lots of dusty, muted blush tones. Next year the emphasis will be on hot pinks, from fuchsia to magenta. Anything to make a statement!

Her other predicted trends when it comes to all things botanical:

Sustainable and local:

More and more couples are choosing florists that use locally grown seasonal blooms, wildflowers or dried flowers. Some couples are even going one step further and opting to grow their own flowers, or simply incorporating already existing gardens into their big day.

Living plants:

Incorporating living plants and shrubs into your wedding decor is a smart and more affordable way of getting the lush, green look. These plants can then be used in your home afterwards or gifted to friends and family as a way of saying thank you. By using bigger plants and even trees you can create height and interesting focus points on your tables as well as the rest of the reception area.

Personalisation is key:

More and more brides are opting for florals that mean something to them, whether that is sunflowers that remind them of the fields they played in as kids or hanging branches to create a willow-tree effect. Another interesting trend is to hide objects either in their bouquet or as part of the bouquet, for example, fastening the bouquet with a special brooch or incorporating your Dad’s favourite tie. Creativity seems to be the only barrier.

Scents:

Not only are flowers picked based on their interesting colours, textures and sizes (all big considerations for next year!) but also on how they smell. More and more brides are opting for a signature scent for their big day, whether that is vanilla through scented candles or jasmine from fresh flowers. Choose blooms that smell nice to make your day even more special.

Pops of florals:

Expect blooms to show up everywhere – from frozen ice to decorating the canapes to flower wreaths specially made for the bridal party. Edible flowers will also make a major comeback, with them even forming part of the ingredients and not just garnish.

Free-form bouquets and centrepieces:

Gone are the days of structured and formal arrangements. For 2020, the emphasis will be on free-form, loose and unstructured with bouquets resembling a bunch of flowers that were simply bunched together. There will be less planned balance and more spontaneous designs.

Creating illusions:

Since more and more couples don’t have extra money to throw around, florists and planners have had to become more and more creative to make a small budget look like a fairytale. One of their favourite and most successful, tricks are to use a lot of small vases and glass containers, some with single blooms or long-stemmed flowers and others simply with tealight candles in to fill up the centre of the table. The glass reflects the light which creates a beautiful look and ambience, especially at night.

Over-emphasised bouquets:

Bouquets are becoming bigger and bolder, or at the other side of the extreme, small and petit. When it comes to this trend it seems size does matter, whether that is stylishly small or statement big. Whatever you want, you will be able to get away with it!

Grasses and dried flowers:

More and more brides will opt for a harvest look with anything from sheaves of wheat to dried hops, veld grasses or even dried fruits. Especially fitting for autumn or winter weddings, although this trend can be incorporated year-round.

Hoop bouquets:

In keeping with the minimalist trend, brides are starting to gravitate towards smaller, lighter bouquets with fewer blooms. Hello hoop bouquet!

Unusual blooms and other botanicals:

The last trend that Stripes is very excited about is the use of unusual blooms and other botanicals such as vegetables and fruit as part of your flower arrangements. The hottest trend in Europe? Using mushrooms! So Stripes guesses that succulents are out and fungi are in?

Stripes will leave the deciding and planning to you, but she would like to know what do you think about these predicted trends?

Stripes has noticed that the bookings for 2020 have started, and with that a lot of questions about the upcoming trends. She doesn’t understand the preoccupation with trends, why can’t couples just do what feels right to them? Luckily for Stripes, the biggest trend for 2020? INDIVIDUALITY! At long last next year’s celebrations will be less about tradition and more about creating a celebration that speaks of you and your partner.

2020 wedding trends - the dress. Laughing Chefs.co.za wedding planners and caterers

First up: The dress 

The 2020 wedding season is predicted to feature a staggering number of over-the-top trends. From puffy sleeves and princess skirts to feathers, suits and gloves, if you are getting married in 2020 you have a wide range of looks to choose from. Some of the biggest trends that we are anticipating next year are:

Dresses with volume

Think puffy sleeves, wide skirts and long veils, these dresses are chosen for their impact and statement. The princess dress is making a comeback, but this time around with edgier details such as fringes, leather jackets and boots. The aim is to take a look and make it your own.

Coloured dresses

Although the use of colour in a wedding dress has lost its shock appeal (due to coloured wedding dresses making more and more of an appearance) it has in no way diminished the popularity. For 2020, the colours that are making a zing are macaron shades (think pistachio, caramel, butter yellow, etc.), ginger (something between blush and beige) and accents of black.

Interesting necklines

The two most popular necklines (or our prediction in any case) will be halter necks and bateau (boot), both thanks to the Markle-effect. This trend is highly inspired by the Duchess’ style and own wedding dress, where she emphasised simplicity, clean lines and comfort.

The new bridal suit

The two-piece is at long last making its well-deserved way into the wedding dress style books. When opting for a suit, ensure that it is tailored or else you will simply look frumpy or boxy.

Feathers

Fabulous and frivolous, feathers are the hottest decoration that you can use to zoosh up your dress. Think skirts, interesting sleeves or hemlines, or even headpieces – you only have creativity dictating how far you will take this trend.

2 dresses

Why have only one dress when you can have two? Many brides are opting for a second (or even a third) dress to attend the reception with. This trend is probably based on practicality – many of the trendy dresses are uncomfortable if not impossible to sit in, let alone dance. So the brides change out of their breath-taking gown into something a bit more comfortable, but in no way less fashionable.

These are our predictions for 2020, let us know what you think!

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