• SERVICES
    • Wedding catering
    • Private cheffing (In-home entertainment)
    • Corporate catering
    • Baby showers and Kitchen teas
    • High Teas
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    • Platters and Canapes
    • Cakes and Bakes
    • Gifts and Favours
    • Workshops and Team Building
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Laughing Chefs
  • SERVICES
    • Wedding catering
    • Private cheffing (In-home entertainment)
    • Corporate catering
    • Baby showers and Kitchen teas
    • High Teas
    • Grazing Tables & Nibble Boards
    • Platters and Canapes
    • Cakes and Bakes
    • Gifts and Favours
    • Workshops and Team Building
  • BLOG
  • Gallery
  • CONTACT US
    • PRIVACY POLICY

Cool Groomsmen Gifts for a Hot Summer Wedding

Learn More
Why booking a private chef is the new going out, Laughing Chefs private chefs

Why booking a private chef is the new going out

Learn More
How to plan a backyard wedding, Laughing Chefs caterers Pretoria East

How to Plan a Backyard Wedding

Learn More
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering

Vouchers and gift cards

Learn More
Food delivery, Pretoria East, Laughing Chefs caterers, weddings and events

Food delivery in Pretoria East

Learn More
How to plan a backyard wedding, Laughing Chefs caterers Pretoria East
Laughing Chefs July 23, 2020

How to Plan a Backyard Wedding

Isabella Caprario

How to plan a backyard wedding, Laughing Chefs caterers Pretoria East

Getting married is a major life event that you’ll never forget. If you’re planning to walk down the aisle with that special someone, a backyard wedding is a great way to say your vows and tie the knot on a budget. Whether your outdoor space is large or small, it’s easy to plan a backyard wedding if you know where to start. From summer celebrations to a beautiful autumn ceremony, read on to learn how you can plan your wedding for a special moment right in your own backyard.

How to Get Started: Review the Logistics

Before you pick out favors and décor, start with the logistics. How successful your wedding is will depend on where you live, the time of year, and the weather. Try to nail down a date where you feel confident the weather will hold out for a glorious day. You should also determine whether or not you need a special license to get married in your backyard, as some locations still require a permit to perform official ceremonies in a private space. You’ll also want to find out how to get the right amount of power for music, lighting, and more. An extension cord might do the trick but be aware that it also poses a trip hazard. Determine how much equipment will be needed for the wedding so you can get the proper power source set up. You’ll likely need a generator to create power for things like speakers and catering equipment.

 In addition to permits and power, now is the time to clean up your yard and get it ready for the big day. Get rid of old dead plants, tree branches, and weeds to create a clean slate for your ceremony and reception. Come up with a layout for seating and the stage now so it will be easier when it’s time to set everything up. Another crucial thing to keep in mind is wedding insurance. You might not think you need it in your own backyard, but it’s good to see what’s covered in case a guest gets injured on your property. Other things to consider include parking, notifying your neighbors in advance, and creating your official wedding program.

Once you’ve listed all of the logistics, the fun part begins. Think about the special features you’ll want to include in your backyard wedding. From a specific theme to your flowers, write down a list of ideas and tweak them as you go. Do you want an outdoor dance floor or stage? How about separate tables and chairs for the reception? Think of planning your backyard wedding the same way you would in any other venue. If you love music, add outdoor speakers so everyone can dance to your favorite tunes. A beautiful fountain can add a nice touch to an outdoor wedding, too. Brainstorm several different features you’d like to see so you can start planning ahead as early as possible.

Benefits of a Backyard Wedding

While a formal venue is always nice, there are plenty of awesome benefits to getting married in your backyard. First and foremost, you’ll save a ton of money on the cost to rent a venue which can run you into the thousands of dollars. That fact alone makes considering a backyard wedding worth the effort! Aside from saving money, here are some other benefits of hosting a backyard wedding:

  •   If your pets are part of the family, you can enjoy their company at the wedding. Most venues won’t allow pets, but you can certainly enlist your pooch to be the best man if you decide to get married DIY.
  •   Aside from the wedding itself, you can also host a backyard rehearsal dinner. Have casual food like barbecue catered in, or just cook some food on the grill for your wedding party to enjoy.
  •   Since your backyard probably has limited space, that means you can keep your guest list small, too. The fewer guests you have, the less money you’ll need to spend on things like food and entertainment.
  •   Backyard weddings give you the flexibility to choose any date you want to get married. Instead of planning around the “wedding season” to find an open slot, you can pick any day you like when you host your own backyard wedding.
  •   You might be nervous about getting married but doing it in a familiar place is a great way to calm those nerves and help you feel more relaxed and at home.

Have A Plan B in Place

There’s no way you can predict the weather to a T, so be sure you have an alternate “Plan B” in place just in case the storms roll in. Weather can change in an instant which means you might end up dealing with unexpectedly cold temperatures or a dangerous rainstorm. Draft up a reasonable Plan B where you can move everyone inside your home. If you’re insistent on keeping the celebration outside, reserve a tent that you can use in case of an emergency. Make sure someone can pick the tent up just in case you need it in a pinch. Ensure that the sides of the tent are covered to protect everyone from the rain. If the weather happens to be unseasonably hot, have plenty of fans available to keep the air circulation. If it’s cold, stock up on outdoor heaters. Having these safeguards in place will keep your stress level low and the wedding moving along.

Timeline

Wedding planners are experts at creating the perfect timeline. If you’re doing everything on your own, it’s crucial to make sure you create a timeline that works. Do your best to schedule the ceremony somewhat early so the skies don’t get dark before you’ve said your vows. Try to avoid too much downtime between the ceremony and reception since the guests won’t need to travel between venues. If possible, try to schedule your wedding photos before the ceremony begins so you can mingle and visit with guests directly after the ceremony is over. If you can’t get pictures beforehand, consider a few fun backyard games or activities to keep everyone entertained while they wait. Finally, remember to be mindful of your neighbors and try to agree on an official time when the reception is over. You can always move the party to a local bar or another hot spot later in the night.

DIY Décor and Inspiration

If you’re planning a backyard wedding, you’re likely already working on other DIY ideas when it comes to themes and décor. Doing everything yourself gives you the freedom to create almost any style décor using any theme imaginable. Here are some suggestions to inspire you and prompt you to create a memorable theme with beautiful décor that’s all done DIY:

  •   Hang outdoor string lights throughout your backyard to create a warm, magical glow when the sun goes down.
  •   For autumn weddings, focus on beautiful colors like orange, red, and gold for décor, flowers, and bridesmaid dresses.
  •   Place clear glass vases on each table and fill them with freshly cut flowers you picked from your own yard.
  •   Laminate some of your favorite photos of you and your better half to protect them from the weather, then display them on rope or string and hang them from a tree or around a fence line.
  •   Consider jewel-toned plastic goblets in lieu of glassware. It’s a great way to serve beverages in a beautiful way without having to worry about broken glass.
  •   Use texture and patterns outdoors by adding beautiful printed tablecloths or runners over tables. A pair of sheer curtains can add a gorgeous, romantic touch to the stage, too.
  •   Get creative with seating and place a few vintage sofas and chairs outside. You can also use some hay bales as seating if you’re aiming for a wedding with a rustic or farmhouse theme.
  •   Instead of paying tons of money for custom invitations, consider printing some at home or through a local printing service. Create the layout and design using a simple program, then print them in full color on heavy cardstock paper.

 Sentimental Value

Besides saving money and enjoying a smaller guest list, having a backyard wedding carries quite a bit of sentimental value, too. Imagine saying your vows right in the place where you grew up. If you don’t still live in the same house from your childhood, you likely still have plenty of wonderful memories from this special place. Your guests will probably feel sentimental as well, especially if they’ve spent a lot of time at your home and in your backyard. Have your furry friends join in the celebration, which is another great way to make this day more sentimental and special. Getting married in this place can create a very meaningful moment for you and your new spouse. Remember to enjoy the moment and capture the memories with lots of photos, family, and friends.

Originally posted at porch.com

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Laughing Chefs August 27, 2020

Cool Groomsmen Gifts for a Hot Summer Wedding

Written by Emma from vowtobechic.com/

Summer days, drifting away to… uh oh, those summer nights. Getting hot under the collar when looking for a summer wedding groomsmen gift? Stay cool as we’ve got the lowdown on some of the hottest presents around.

Now you may be in the throes of planning a destination wedding, beach wedding or an event during the warmer months. Regardless, you will need to ensure your bros are well covered and we aint talkin’ bout from the shade!

And the options are as endless as an open bar… that’s if you are having one. First things first. You might want to ponder about a practical groomsmen gift that’s great for a wedding of this nature. 

Something that your gang will want to use again and again and yet is functional enough for him to not discard when landing at the airport. 

Show some appreciation for your buddies with a perfect pair of flip flops, great for a stroll or to kick back after your big bash. Or how about a few tasteful and contemporary accessories to elevate his wedding attire? 

Just hang on…don’t sweat about it. Whether distinguished gent, debonair man or inner nerd, consult our top picks to ensure you don’t melt under pressure. 

1. Hampton Collection Personalized Ice Bucket

Keep your bro’s champagne permanently on ice thanks to this sleek ice bucket chiller.

Etch a name and memory that will serve your pal long after the rice has been chucked. Made from sturdy stainless steel, if bubbly’s not his game, he can keep his favorite tipple secure – ideal for those long summer soirees. 

Rust and tarnish proof, double insulation walls prevent ice from melting away. Oh that’s cool, that’s very cool. Featuring a handle and removable lid, this classy groomsmen gift is as handsome as Piers Brosnan and as tough as Brock Lesnar. 

So chill out and keep those drinks coming.

Visit Personalization mall

2.Personalized BBQ Grill Tool Set

Nothing says summer more than a barbecue. 

For pit lovers and grill fiends, this comprehensive tool kit is perfect for hosting your gang and whipping up a culinary storm outdoors. Maybe there’s a big grill where your event is taking place.

Portable and ergonomic, take this 4 piece super set to the beach or round to his homies for a foodie frenzy. But what’s in the box? Check out the prongs on those forks while the spatula is versatile for all manner of delights. 

From sizzling steaks to marvellous marinades, your buddy will have all the tools he needs to make a feast. Whack on personalization including his family name for the ultimate summer wedding gift. 

Now that’s smokin!

Purchase it at Groomsmen gift source

3. Personalized Golf Ball Pint Glass

Why not kill two birds with one groomsman stone with this sublime personalized golf ball glass. 

Crack open a cold frosty one and enjoy the moment with your gang under the sun. There’s really nothing like pulling up a pew at the bar and sipping from your own glass.  Toast your big day effortlessly as sport and drink come together in the greatest of matches. 

The neat thing about this gift is the fact that the actual golf ball is suspended within the glassware. Add your friend’s name, wedding date or initials for that memorable gift he will want to use, not just at the 19th hole. 

Head to A gift personalized

4. Custom Sunglasses

Make a specstacular impression with your buddies and go all out with some sunnies. 

Ideal for outdoor weddings, your bros will totally look the dapper gent in a pair of shades. Transform your men into the King of Cool while offering protection to those all important peepers. 

A must have groomsmen accessory, make it a memorable gift that will last for many summer weddings. We love the personalization and detail on these babies. Choose from different types of frames, lenses, wings and ear socks. 

A practical gift if ever there was one, your men can use these groovy glasses for a variety of summer celebrations and more. 

So as Pink once declared… it’s time to get this party started. 

Buy it now at Oakley

5. Personalized Whiskey Stone Gift Set

Sip and pore over your future nuptials together with a fabulous engraved whiskey stone gift set. 

Nothing beats a nice wee dram of whiskey on the rocks. And with these stones, make his scotch cool in no time without compromising on taste or flavor. 

But don’t stop there as it works precisely the same for bourbon and rye. Presented in a smart gift box made from bamboo, your men can enjoy 9 stainless steel stones and tongs for good measure.

However hot your big day is, your boys can enjoy their honeyed nectar both shaken and stirred. 

Go to Amazon.com

Why booking a private chef is the new going out, Laughing Chefs private chefs
Laughing Chefs July 30, 2020

Why booking a private chef is the new going out

With the onset of the Corona virus, and all the restrictions that have been passed in its wake, our options in entertaining has been severely minimised

Today, should you wish to host a special celebration (given that the date of such celebration will be after level 2 at least) you have limited choices. And each choice comes with its own requirements and restrictions. Our best option and suggestion: host it in your own home.

Booking a private chef is the new going out.

For many years, having a private chef was the privilege of the wealthy. Then Corona came along as the great equaliser. What was once destined for the high and mighty is now the go-to for the ordinary. Going out has become socially frowned upon, somewhat risky and above all else, expensive.

By opening your home up and hiring a private chef, whether for a romantic dinner for two or a family get-together, even a bigger celebration like a milestone birthday, baby shower or a wedding, you can have the restaurant experience in the comfort of your own home.

Not only will this save you on the bill (yes, we can help you get away with a more affordable menu option), but you will also save on gratuity and exaggerated bar prices (if you are lucky enough to still have wine, then at least in your home you are allowed to drink it with your meal!). Furthermore you get the piece of mind of knowing with whom you are sharing the meal, helping to keep you and your family save.

Hiring a private chef for that special occasion means entrusting the celebration into the hands of a professional. The chef will do the menu planning, all the sourcing, the cooking, serving, as well as the kitchen cleaning afterwards. You get to enjoy a restaurant quality meal, while enjoying your time with your loved ones. And afterwards, you do not have far to go to get into your bed.

Doesn’t that sound like a winning deal?

Should that sound like a great plan, here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning a function with a private chef, now in the time of Corona:

  1. Have more than one date, and confirm whether the chef will be flexible enough to move to a different date should the restrictions become stricter or even change.
  2. Confirm whether you will be able to move your deposit to secure another date should the above be the case.
  3. Give the chef all the info necessary to plan a delectable meal. If you have allergies or intolerances, or simply do not like certain things, tell them upfront.
  4. Be honest about your budget. Do not say something like “I don’t know what these things cost, so just do a quote and then we can take it from there”. It takes time to work out menus and to do the costing, just so you can shoot us down because the price was too high. Be upfront so that we do not waste each other’s time – time is, after all, money.
  5. Be honest about your and your guests’ status – if anybody has tested positive, please communicate that so that the chef can ensure his/her own safety, as well as the safety of their employees and own loved ones.

What would the chef need in order to give you the best service?

  1. Budget
  2. Timeline – what time will your guests arrive, what time would you like the individual courses to be served
  3. Facilities and equipment – do you have a stove, oven, fridge, freezer, work surfaces
  4. Do you have enough cutlery and crockery
  5. Is it an open plan kitchen, and will the guests have access to the kitchen

The chef might have other specific questions, but these ones are the most common, and in our opinion some of the most important.

If you are considering hosting a special celebration, we highly recommend getting a private chef. And of course, we are available should you need a quote from us 🙂

Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs April 29, 2020

Vouchers and gift cards

When lockdown is over and done, there will be limited dates available for you to host your special celebration, have that party, give that cake, and host that event. And since we don’t know when restaurants and venues will be open again to serve in the traditional way, you will have to host at your home.

To circumvent these restrictions, we introduce: Vouchers and gift cards!

How does it work?

You buy the voucher or gift card of your choice – see below all the vouchers and gift cards that we have available. These vouchers and gift cards are only BOOKING vouchers, meaning, you are only confirming the use of our services. Once lockdown is done, we will contact you to finalise a date, and then when we have a date, you pay the final outstanding amount.

You can buy a gift card for someone else, which is especially helpful if you do not live close to family or friends. Pay the booking amount on the card, then give us the contact details of the person for whom you bought the service so that we can notify them via Whatsapp or email of the gift. Once lockdown is done, we will contact them for a date and you for final payment.

Please contact us for full menus as well as other options.

Sounds easy? We hope so!

More value, as always

We also offer more value, see the individual vouchers for extras, discounts and more

We give back

We will give 10% of every voucher sold to SA Cares, to help them support communities who are struggling during this time.

Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Laughing Chefs vouchers and gift cards, Pretoria caterers, wedding catering, celebration and event catering
Food delivery, Pretoria East, Laughing Chefs caterers, weddings and events
Laughing Chefs April 28, 2020

Food delivery in Pretoria East

For orders, please send a Whatsapp to Esrida on 0725114946

We will send you the banking details for EFT as well as further arrangements

R50 delivery fee for Pretoria East, R20 delivery in Elarduspark

For frozen pizzas and pies:

Deliveries every Friday, order before Wednesday 12h

For home-cooked meals:

Order before Wed 12h, deliveries Fridays between 8h and 14h

Sunday lunch:

Order before Wed 12h, deliveries Sunday between 8h and 11h

Laughing Chefs meal boxes
Laughing Chefs Boerekos Lunch, Koestertafel meal delivery, Pretoria East
Meal deliveries, Pretoria East, home-cooked meals with a restaurant twist, Laughing Chefs caterers for weddings, events and other celebrations
Laughing Chefs Pizza Lunch, meal delivery, Pretoria East
Meal deliveries, Pretoria East, home-cooked meals with a restaurant twist, Laughing Chefs caterers for weddings, events and other celebrations
Alifeleadsimply April 17, 2020

Host a tea party – how to keep your kids busy during the lockdown

Tired of the same old’ same old’ ideas of how to keep your kids busy?

Then this one is for you – host a tea party!


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Host a tea party to keep the kids busy at home during lockdown, Alifeleadsimply.com #covid #lockdown #quarantine

If you are anything like me then you have spent your fair amount of time scouring the internet in your search for activities and ideas to keep the kids occupied. Of course, you don’t want to spend every waking moment entertaining them, as is often the case, but you also do not want to just let them run free.

I have been trying to strike a balance between keeping them busy (or them keeping me busy) and allowing them free-play time. I mean, somewhere amidst all this chaos there should be a little time to get some work done, right? If you have succeeded in finding a way, please share your wisdom, there are many of us mere mortal moms who are struggling. If you have not had a zoom meeting that ended abruptly because you had to fish out cheese curls from your hair then you have not yet lived in quarantine. Oh, the stories we will have to tell…

Anyway, in my quest to keep the girls busy, and myself sane, I have come up with a few ideas that require little effort on my part but gives them a lot of time to enjoy, a.k.a. precious work time for me. Their best one so far? The tea party I hosted for them and their VIP guests – the teddies.

It all started on a cold and rainy morning. Mama thought to herself, “what will we do today”. She remembered that the littlies have been begging her to bake something since this all began, and a plan started hatching. Knowing that she will have to feed them in any way and that there will have to be tea served somewhere in the day, she decided a tea party was the obvious solution.

My best (tongue-in-the-cheek) tips to stay sane during the lockdown – the mom-edition


Host a tea party to keep the kids busy at home during lockdown, Alifeleadsimply.com #covid #lockdown #quarantine

So she gathered the supplies and ingredients, then gathered the kids, and allowed them to help her bake a cake. Using the cooling cake as a reward, she got them to actually take their nap (this never happens! Thank goodness for cake…). During this time she quickly finished the cake, set the table, threw together an easy savoury eggin, and got to her own work. She had all this time!

When the kids woke up, refreshed and a whole lot less difficult, they sat around the beautifully decorated table and had their lunch. This was followed by some cake, numerous cups of tea, and uplifting conversation. After eating, Mama could sneak away to again have a bit of time for herself, all the while listening to her eldest trying to teach the youngest how to hold a cup without letting her pinkie drop.

Super easy chocolate brownie roulade with peanut butter-cream filling

Priceless, even when staring at the mountain of dishes.


Host a tea party to keep the kids busy at home during lockdown, Alifeleadsimply.com #covid #lockdown #quarantine

Any ideas that you have tried that worked like a charm? Please share!


Host a tea party to keep the kids busy at home during lockdown, Alifeleadsimply.com #covid #lockdown #quarantine


Tips for achieving work-life balance, A life lead simply.com #balance #worklifebalance
How to postpone your wedding
Laughing Chefs April 06, 2020

How to postpone your wedding

Although your wedding day is exactly that – your day, any change in plans has further-reaching consequences to more people than just you and your partner. There is a host of people who will be influenced, from family and friends to the service providers. For this reason, it’s important to approach postponing or canceling your wedding with grace, kindness, and a touch of compassion.

With our country, as well as the world, in some state of lockdown or quarantine, many happy couples are either considering or being forced to change their wedding date. If you are in the same boat, then read on!

Should you be making the call to postpone right now?

With the lockdown only being half-done, but with the possibility of an extension looming, we are advising all our May brides to rather postpone. June and July is a grey area, with a lot of uncertainty over whether the lockdown will be extended, and if not, if there will be any restrictions on guest numbers, traveling, times, alcohol, and more. For that reason, if you are getting married in June or July we strongly advise that you have a plan B in place, with possible available dates already tentatively booked with your most important vendors.

At this stage, we would like to point out that if you were supposed to get married before April 16, 2020, the lockdown law is forcing you to postpone your wedding. If your date is after 16 April 2020, then the postponement, at this stage, is up to you. And the best way to make that decision would be in conversation with all of your key wedding vendors or service providers.

So you are postponing – how do you decide on a new date?

Firstly, get into contact with your most important service providers, the biggest one being your venue. Find out which dates they have available, for the rest of the year or even 2021. Some couples have a sentimental connection to a certain date, so for them, they would rather postpone with a year than give up the date. If you are not that invested with your date, then you have a few options to get an available date. Consider getting married on a Friday or a Sunday, or even a weekday wedding.

We are really encouraging our couples to consider a weekday wedding. Not only will it make moving the wedding a bit easier since most service providers will probably be available (a Thursday is not your traditional wedding day) and you have the chance to still get married within this calendar year. Plus, your guests will probably be more than happy to have a joyous celebration to look forward to and jump at the chance to get dressed up.

Once you have received the available dates from your venue, you can send them to your other vendors to find out which of the dates they would find the most suitable. At this stage, you might have a vendor or two who cannot assist on the date that the others can – if that is the case you need to have a conversation with them regarding canceling their services and finding a replacement. They should be able to make a few recommendations.

Please just note that if a vendor is unable to assist on your new date it is not because they choose to not do your wedding. For us small businesses, having work is a privilege, not a choice, and losing work in this current economic climate is not something that we take lightly. So as far as possible, we are certain, your vendors will try to accommodate you on your new date.

If you have to postpone services, or even cancel, should you expect any fees or financial burdens?

First, should you have to cancel the wedding or any individual services, you should not expect to get your deposit back. The initial deposit secured your date, which means the service provider more than likely had to show away other enquiries. With the date now open after you cancelling, there is little to no chance that they will be able to fill the date again. So they have lost out on potential income. The deposit also covered the cost of the initial work and time vendors have already put into planning the wedding. There is a big chance that your deposit is the only way that vendor succeeded in remaining in business.

Couples should also keep in mind that there may be postponement fees for moving the date, especially if the new date is past 2020. Lastly, if a vendor is going to be providing additional services, or if there’s a design change and the vendor will be spending more time to redo or alter the services they are providing for the event, there could be some additional fees.

In our experience, we have found that most service providers are being more than understanding, and incredibly compassionate. They realise that couples postponing because the events are out of their hands, and also because they have the welfare of their guests and service providers in mind. For that reason, most vendors support couples postponing and would, therefore, go out of their way to help these couples get a new date that they’re excited about. So overall, financially, there isn’t too much that couples should be worried about.

What’s the best way to inform guests of the date change?

If you have already sent out invitations, the best way to do this is to send a postponement notification, whether that be a physical product from your designer or an email announcement. Several stationers are already offering beautiful postponement announcements that can be sent out online, and most are providing this service free of charge. If you have a wedding website you should include the link on the postponement announcement so that you can keep your guests up to date on any changes.

For couples who have printed their invitations but haven’t sent them yet, you can reach out to your designer and ask them to design an insert with the new details so that you can place this on top of the invitation in the envelope. This way you aren’t wasting the beautiful invitations that you already have, and paid for.

In the meantime, remember to send all your guests an sms, Whatsapp or email to inform them that you are going to postpone. This should help to put a lot of guests’ minds at ease and give them a chance to cancel their own plans – which might also have financial implications for them.

Laughing Chefs how to postpone your wedding

Our final words of encouragement for couples coming to terms with the need to change their plans

What we always tell our couples – your wedding, although a special day – is not the most important day you will ever have. It is a day to celebrate your love, to tell your love story, and to share this joy with your family and friends. If you need to change a date, a day, the look and feel, even the season, it will not change your story. So if you decide to enjoy your wedding no matter what, postponing the date will not have an impact on you or your joy.

Best of luck in this time, we will all get through this together.

How to plan your whole wedding online
Laughing Chefs March 27, 2020

How to plan your whole wedding online

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:

  • Die Boskapel
  • Featherwood Farm (brand new, so look out for opening specials)
  • Oude Hout Mountain Lodge (great specials on their venue fee!)
  • Swanlake Corner
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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Laughing Chefs March 26, 2020

8 Tips for your perfect vegan wedding

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!

Laughing Chefs March 12, 2020

14 Food station ideas to make your wedding day interesting

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!

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Laughing Chefs

Pretoria East


Esrida 0725114946
Maggie 0828237846

info@laughingchefs.co.za

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Gauteng


Maggie 0828237846
Esrida 0725114946

info@laughingchefs.co.za


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