With her wedding only a few months away, BONA editor, Linda Mali, is sharing what she’s learning on the road to the altar.
Technology can be your virtual wedding planner. Here is a selection of free digital resources to help you plan your wedding.
1.Planning apps
a. Lady Marry
This user-friendly wedding checklist has a timeline that works backwards from your wedding date. It gives you a monthly to-do list, and when it should be completed. This gives you a good idea of how far along you need to be in your planning. The app also has a link to useful articles advising on every aspect, as well as the ability to connect you to any supplier. But, because the app is American, that function is irrelavant.
b. Appy Couple
This doubles as a planner app as well as a website for your guests to access more information. It features stylish website designs for you to choose from. Guests can also upload their own photos of your wedding and get to know each other via a chat platform before the big day.
c. Tablerrr
This is a useful seating arrangement tool, and helps you upload your guest list directly from your excel spread sheet. You can then move guests around your tables by simply clicking and dragging.
8 Tips for cutting down your wedding guest list
2. Wedding websites
The purpose of a wedding site is to give your guests access to more information such as directions to the venue, accommodation options, things to do in the area, as well as information about you as a couple – your love story. It also serves as a place to list your gift registry stores (with a link to buy online if the stores have ecommerce). It also updates your guests on your bridal party and other events taking place before or after the wedding, such as pre-dinners or brunches. Here are some of the most popular sites to use:
Theknot.com
Weddingjojo.com
Ewedding.com
Nearlyweds.com
This video of a crying and emotional groom still warms our hearts
3. Ideas and inspiration
Social media such as Pinterest or Instagram offer a plethora of wedding inspiration. Here is a list of Insta accounts I follow and love:
General wedding inspiration: décor, cakes, rings and lots more:
@Theknot, @caratsandcake, @weddingchicks, @weddingwire, @insideweddings, @engagedtoweddings, @brides, @loverly
Wedding dress design ideas: @maggiesotterodesigns, @victorharpercouture, @davincibridal, @pronovias, @kleinfeldbridal (the largest bridal store in the US), @pninatornai – (wedding designer made famous by the show Say Yes To The Dress)
Bridesmaid dress ideas: @bellabridesmaids, @amsalebridesmaids
Wedding stationery and calligraphy: @lhcalligraphy
4. Local resources and inspiration
@evesbridalwearsouthafrica
A bridal store in Johannesburg
@precioustheplanner
A young black woman doing her thing in the bespoke wedding planning business. Precious can plan a wedding anywhere in the country, and the results she shares on her page look exquisite.
@weddingconceptssa
The premier wedding planning company in South Africa, it shares snaps from the luxurious weddings it coordinates, giving you a lot to drool over
@daintyfrocks
For contemporary ideas for traditional dresses. Dainty Frocks has a store in Melville Joburg with pop up stores around the country.
@khosinkosi
Modern looks for the traditional bride. Their items are available at YDE stores.
