Tag: South African weddings

18 Articles

Laughing Chefs August 27, 2020

Cool Groomsmen Gifts for a Hot Summer Wedding

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

Laughing Chefs July 23, 2020

How to Plan a Backyard Wedding

Isabella Caprario

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

Follow us! Laughing Chefs caterers, weddings, events, Pretoria East

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.

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:

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

Laughing Chefs November 19, 2019

Wedding trends 2020: Cake

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!

Laughing Chefs November 12, 2019

Wedding trends 2020: Eco weddings

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!

Laughing Chefs November 05, 2019

Wedding trends 2020: Decor

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!

Laughing Chefs October 24, 2019

Wedding trends 2020: Food

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.

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.

Laughing Chefs October 17, 2019

Wedding trends 2020: Florals

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?