Articles

Welcome to the first edition of ‘The really useful WEDDING NEWSLETTER’ – the indispensable, fun-to-read newsletter that will keep you up-to-date with what's happening in the world of weddings, both at home in South Africa and in the rest of the world!

The really useful WEDDING BOOK for South Africa by Pam Black

For Celebration House, 2007 got off to an exciting start (with lots of hard work involved), as we began the production of my latest book - The really useful WEDDING BOOK for South Africa - which, we are thrilled to announce, is now available. Visitors to Celebration House and to our website will be offered the chance to purchase the book at a special introductory price.

The book contains 240 pages of accurate and practical information about getting married, along with a wealth of down-to-earth advice and invaluable tips that will make it a ‘must-have’ for any engaged couple. Topics covered in the chapters include: budgeting for your wedding; the all-important legal side of marriage; marriage ceremonies of the various religions and cultures in South Africa; the practicalities of choosing a venue (as well as photographers and other service providers) – and many more.

The indispensable chapter on FAQs features expert answers to Celebration House's most frequently asked questions over the years. Also included is ‘Pam’s Little Black Book’, an invaluable directory of recommended professional service providers.
The really useful WEDDING BOOK for South Africa is, quite simply, the essential guide to planning a wedding! For more information visit our website www.celebrationhouse.co.za

Green Weddings

Jan Theron

I recently wrote an article for iafrica.com (http://lifestyle.iafrica.com/weddings) on the new level of awareness regarding ‘green’ weddings. One of the reports I highlighted featured the massive environmental footprint made by Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar's extravagant wedding celebrations that lasted just over a week. It is encouraging to note that worldwide, more and more couples are now becoming increasingly environmentally aware, and every month we will be providing you with the latest hints and tips on how to ensure that your wedding day is friendlier to our planet.

This month's 'green' tip
Ask your florist to cut back on the amount of green floral foam (or check if it is an environmentally friendly version) used for your flower arrangements; alternatively, try not to use any at all. I have always regarded it as an innocuous product and was amazed to read various reports alleging that, as it sometimes contains toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, when cut or soaked in water it can emit gases that pollute the atmosphere. It is also not biodegradable, and can be a health risk.

Conflict-free diamonds

Alexander Photography

The recent movie ‘Blood Diamond’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio highlighted the importance of verifying the origin of the diamond you purchase. According to Amnesty International, an estimated 3.7 million people have died in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Liberia and Sierra Leone, in conflicts fuelled by diamonds.

While the wars in Angola and Sierra Leone are now over and fighting in the DRC has decreased, the problem of conflict diamonds hasn't gone away. It makes sense to ask your jeweller where your diamond comes from.

White is back!

Stephen C

I often used to joke that weddings featuring white flowers were usually organised by the bride's mother, who didn’t know that marriage celebrations had moved on and were nowadays more colourful affairs! Well, it appears that all-white weddings are making a comeback – although, unlike years ago, the floral arrangements and décor tend to be more minimalist and less ornate and extravagant in style than before.

Chocolate brown also remains a popular colour choice, but while last year it was matched with pink, it is now more likely to be teamed with rich blue, mint or deep plum.

07/07/07

Jan Theron

The number seven has always been considered lucky and as the above date falls on a Saturday in 2007 (in the USA it is also the weekend after Independence Day), it has been earmarked as a very popular wedding date worldwide. Apparently all the wedding chapels in Las Vegas are already fully booked over that weekend, so if you had planned to elope, you have left it a bit late!

Couples give many reasons for choosing this date (personally, I believe it is a cop-out on the groom’s part, to ensure that he never forgets his wedding anniversary!). However, it is interesting to note that the number seven forms part of many religious and cultural traditions. For instance, at the start of a Jewish wedding, the bride circles her groom seven times, and during the ceremony seven blessings are recited.

Cape Argus/ Celebration House Win-a-Wedding Competition

Dirk Visser

As part of Celebration House's 11th birthday celebrations we joined forces with The Cape Argus and offered one lucky couple the chance to win a completely free wedding, the only proviso being that they should be prepared to marry at Celebration House's birthday party, held at our premises in Claremont on the evening of Tuesday 26 March!

Read all about the successful event and the wonderful prizes they won on our website www.celebrationhouse.co.za

Save the Date!

Dirk Visser

We are gearing up for our 11th Cape Town Wedding Festival, which we will once again be holding at the V & A Waterfront, from 7 - 9 September 2007. This year's event promises to be even better than before and remember: all those attending are eligible to enter our exciting Festival Competition, featuring a wonderful prize this year of a stunning wedding gown from Robyn Roberts Bridal Wear Studio, valued at R10 000!

We will keep you informed of developments every month.

Be careful not to let the wedding planning become more important than your relationship.
As someone wise once said: 'A wedding is one day, a marriage is a lifetime.'

Until next month,

Take care

Pam Black