SOMETHING OLD no.2

engagement photo shoot

You may have heard of them before but most likely it is just conjures up images of faded backgrounds and cheesy formal portraits, but Engagement Photo Shoots are standard for most international brides, and if you take a look at today’s versions you can see why!

These are hip and happening and a true reflection of the couple and their personalities. What’s more besides having a blast at the shoot itself these pretties have so many great uses:

1) Place an advert in the local newspaper to announce your engagement status with your favorite shot.

2) Use as part of your engagement party or rehearsal dinner party invitations, table numbers, favour tags etc.

3) Frame these photos and make a feature wall at the engagement, rehearsal dinner or even the wedding! Best of all these can later be hung up in your new home.

4) Use the photos for in a slideshow together with other photos of the both of you, these can even date back to your childhood! This works great for all types of wedding parties, and especially the bridal shower or bachelor party.

5) Have these printed together with lots of other photos into a coffee table style photo album and then use as guestbook for your guests at the wedding.

6) Pick your most loved photo and have this printed onto a large canvas, mount this and display at the wedding maybe by the bar or dessert buffet.

And here are our tips for a the photoshoot itself:

1)   Organise your photo shoot with your wedding day photographer, not only are you likely to get a good rate but it makes a great test run for the wedding day itself. It allows your photographer to get you know you and vice versa.

2)   Pick a location(s) that is a reflection of the both of you. A picture is worth a thousand words , so let the place tell a your story. Maybe it is where you first met, where he proposed, anywhere that has a special place in both of your hearts.

3)   Plan upfront what you want to use the photos for. This will help with the choosing your location, wardrobe and style. If it is for the wedding you may want to already work in the colours of your wedding day. Likewise for the engagement party or rehearsal dinner. The great thing about a themed photo shoot is that you can match it exactly to the theme of one of these parties. That way the photos alone can be your biggest source of decoration and what could be more personal?

4)   Have fun! This is a great opportunity to celebrate being engaged and having it recorded for many years to come!

Another trend on the back of this; is having a “Trash the Dress” photo shoot. This is where you and your new hubby get all dolled up again but no longer have the time constraints of a cocktail hour to have some stunning photos together. Maybe it is some you missed on the wedding day, maybe you want to do something completely different, and for some it maybe the chance to really “take the plunge”!

IMAGES: RUFFLED

LOVE IT

love is in the details

Ask anyone but it is the small little things that really stand out at a wedding. And sometimes these sweet touches don’t even have to cost a thing. Yes Please designed these wedding invitations and matching RSVP card, but notice how they have worded the RSVP instead of the traditional YES or NO, it has been replaced as WOULDN’T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD and WE WILL BE THERE IN SPIRIT. Why not make up your own rsvp lines, a personal and priceless touch!

GOOD IDEA

coffee table guestbook

I am always on the look out for new and original ideas for parties and this guestbook idea from REAL SIMPLE is one that I have never seen before and I think is such a good idea! Also check out our current issue of GOOD NEWSLETTER for more guestbook ideas.

From Real Simple:

Buy a coffee table book. If you’re looking for something a bit more personal than a standard guest book but you just don’t have the time (or the skills) to make something yourself, buy a coffee-table book that has beautiful imagery of something of significance to you or your wedding. You could find a photography book of your wedding location, where you plan to honeymoon or a favorite children’s book. Set it on a table with markers for guests to customise.

Another idea that I just had: why not get photos of you as a couple throughout the years made up into one of those photo coffee table books, or you could have photos of you and your guests. All I can say is that I am definitely going to use this idea in the future, like for a child’s first birthday you could have photos throughout their first year… oooh! I am can think of so many ideas, can you think of one?

Also check out the guestbooks we have in store to buy.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

etiquette

Ryland Peters Small Review

How should you word your invitations? Who pays for the bridesmaids dresses? Who makes the first toast at the reception? All these questions and many more are answered in this guide to modern wedding etiquette. Wedding expert Antonia Swinson offers invaluable and dependable advice on all aspects of wedding etiquette, from money matters to the roles and responsibilities of all members of the wedding party. Clear and concise advice is complemented by evocative photographs that are bound to inspire the bride-to-be.

WEDDING ETIQUETTE

Free on loan for members

SNEAK PEEK INTO IN GOOD COMPANY

good guide

Here is a sneak peek at the In Good Company catalogues: GOOD GUIDE 2009 and WEDDINGS GUIDE 2009. These will be up on our website under GOOD GUIDES on October 1^st. Or Join the Party by sending us your email address and we will email you each time we have a new catalogue out.

We have been hard at work (read: shopping) for wonderful new ranges; we hope you love them as much as we do! With over 200 new products launched every season we will always have something to get your party started; so keep your eye out for our new catalogues that are published every season and sometimes in between!

To begin your shopping simply click on SHOP >GOODIES to buy goods, and also check out HIRE >GOOD AS NEW for items that are available for hire. Happy shopping!

And guess what is coming to town on the 1^st November: our GOOD TIDINGS CHRISTMAS CATALOGUE!

5 days to go...

diy invites

A delicate pearlised floral pattern decorates our Laura Ashley Jacket Invitation Kit. Crafted of firm card stock, these invitations feature a printed floral pattern vellum jacket and satin ribbons to keep everything together. Perfect for the do-it-yourself bride, our printable invitations are easy and fun. With only a few simple steps you can print these invitations on your home computer or at your local printer for only a few cents.

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

Laura Ashley

Invitation Kit

Invitation Kit Includes:

• 50 invitations, vellum invitation wraps printed with a floral design, satin ribbons

• 50 coordinating invitation envelopes

• 50 response cards

• 50 response envelopes

• Test Printing Sheets, Instructions & Template Information

Size: Invitations measure 18.75cm by 13cm 


Materials: 80# Cardstock

Colours: Available in White and Ivory

R400 each

BOOK OF THE WEEK

aleit

This magnificent coffee table book showcases the genius of Aleit, South Africa’s most distinguished wedding coordinator, as he and his team plan and execute lavish and unforgettable wedding celebrations. This book is the ultimate guide to help you design your own wedding and to have fun doing so.

Check out the website for more wonderful ideas: www.aleit.co.za

IN GOOD COMPANY LIBRARY

101 Words on Weddings

Aleit

Free on loan for members

11 days to go...

let them eat cake

Weddings are filled with traditions, and one of my favourites is the cake cutting ceremony – mainly because it involves cake! I love the new (or maybe I should say renewed) trend of cutting the cake during the cocktail hour, not only does it give the focus such a tower of confection it deserves, but it is more likely your guests will enjoy a piece with champagne than after a full meal – especially if you will be serving a dessert as well.

Another idea, and one that goes beyond the wedding day is to have a personalised set of cake servers. These can be used on the wedding day, and then on all special occasions that follow: birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, baptisms etc. I like the idea of having the couples name engraved and the wedding date, but another idea is to have their initials or family name for example “The Gallaghers”– the latter being perfect as a new family has been created on the wedding day and the servers are then more appropriate for every occasion that follows.

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

Silver Plated Cake Serving Set with Elegant Crystals

Accented with a row of dazzling crystals, this set will make any occasion special. Personalisation at an additional charge.

R390 for the set

BOOK OF THE WEEK

beautiful

This book is for every beautiful bride who wants to plan a memorable beautiful wedding, a big day brimming with delights that will amaze the wedding guests from the moment they arrive. For the best inspiration, author Carole Hamilton has turned to those people who have the most experience of creating truly beautiful weddings — the brides themselves.

Marvel at a collection of 20 beautiful weddings from around the world, every one specially chosen for its unique touches and attention to detail. Each wedding featured in this book is delightfully distinctive, showing how the couples involved created unforgettable days full of surprises, drawing on a host of themes, styles and colours at a wide variety of locations. The English country garden wedding; the California vineyard wedding; the tropical Bahamas wedding; the South African beach wedding — all completely different in style, but all highly original and brilliantly inspirational.

Illustrated by fabulous images from top wedding photographers, Beautiful Weddings is a visual treat and an indispensable source book for every stylish bride planning her own beautiful big day.

IN GOOD COMPANY LIBRARY

BEAUTIFUL WEDDINGS

Carole Hamilton

Free on loan for members

14 days to go...

simply satin

Our Simply Satin Guest Book and Ring Pillow combines sophisticated style with simple elegance. Fashioned in crisp matte satin, this guest book and ring pillow set features glass pearl accents and one of kind personalisation. Surely to match any wedding day decor, the understated elegance of this pair will let you shine on your big day!

Available in white only.

Size: Guest book measures 22cm wide by 15cm tall.

Ring pillow measures 17.5cm by 17.5cm.

Silver, engraved plate measures 5cm wide by 2cm tall.

Materials: Matte satin

Engraving: 
The Simply Satin Guest Book may be engraved with two block first names and a wedding date or two block custom lines (max of 24 characters per line) on a silver plate at no additional cost.

Silver plate has adhesive backing for placement of your choice upon arrival.

Guestbook and Ring Pillow also sold separately.

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

Guestbook

R340 each

Ring Pillow

R250 each

Guestbook and Ring Pillow Set

R520

21 days to go...

lovebirds

These chic Love Birds are truly engaging. Finely crafted in white porcelain, these modern and romantic salt and peppershakers make adorable favours for weddings, baby or bridal showers. The exquisite packaging features a pullout box with the two Love Birds comfortably nesting inside. Die cut openings in the box cover allows a small peek into the interior.

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

Love Bird Salt & Pepper Shakers in Gift Package

R60 for the set

22 days to go...

congrats!

Good friends of ours got engaged this weekend, congratulations Gareth & Heidi – wishing you both all the best!

Are you engaged, or a friend is – how about in addition to the ring on the finger, having this bling for a set of keys. A fabulous princess cut replica diamond key chain and a small rhinestone-studded band charm finishes it off.

DIAMOND KEY RING

These "Mega Carats" come in a black velvet pouch.

4cm x 5cm

R170 each

CHARM OF THE WEEK

marry me?

A single solitaire is every girls dream, so if your man is nervous of picking the wrong engagement ring, why not hint at him proposing with one of these, and let you go together for the bigger purchase!

Diamond Ring Charm

Add our diamante ring to your charm collection and show that diamonds really are a girl's best friend!

Enamel charm is approximately 2cm high with lobster clasp to attach to jewellery.

R40 each

33 days to go...

keep cool

Keep your guests cool during your big day with our super trendy Fan Programme Paper Kit. Every ceremony from an outdoor wedding in the spring to a destination celebration on the beach will all be a little cooler with these fun, ivory fans. Not only will your programme papers look, but they will also keep all of your friends and family feeling good!

Perfect for the do-it-yourself bride, our printable programmes are easy and fun. With only a few simple steps, you can print these programmes on your home computer or at your local printer for only a few cents.

Fan Programme Paper Kit includes:

- 50 programme fans

- 50 sticks

- Adhesive

- Test Printing Sheets, Instructions & Template Information

Size: Fans measure 16cm by 22.5cm tall. 


Materials: 80# Cardstock

R370 for the kit

35 days to go...

i do…

Reiterate the most important sentiment of your wedding day with our Embroidered “I Do” Wedding Garter. Crafted of pristine matte satin, each wedding garter is gathered and hemmed into sweet ruffles. The bridal garter is topped with a thin bow and a single Swarovski crystal.

But it is the adorable lower case, embroidery of the words “i do” in blue that make this garter stand out. Affirm your intentions by wearing the “I Do” wedding garter on your wedding day and throwing the included tossing garter at the reception. Our wedding garter combination allows you to retain your keepsake garter.

I Do Wedding Garter Set

Available in white and ivory.

Size: One size fits most

Materials: Satin with Swarovski crystal centre

R180 for the set

BOOK OF THE WEEK

wedding chic

Amazon.com Product Description

When you imagine your wedding, what do you see?

Maybe you dream of exchanging vows before an intimate gathering of family and friends at sunset, followed by a chic and elegant dinner under the stars in balmy weather. You can practically see yourself at the altar, taste the cuisine, smell the gardenias, and feel the music playing when you join your guests to party at the reception.

But before your wedding comes together with all the romance and glamour you’ve imagined, you’ll need to make decisions about the details. Is your color scheme bold and rich or soft and ethereal? Will you be married in your mother’s garden at the end of a serpentine path or on an exotic beach with the ocean crashing in the background? Do you desire an elegant sit-down dinner or a fabulous cocktail party with a great DJ who keeps the party going late into the night?

With so many choices, it can be hard to decide where to begin. Now there’s no reason to get overwhelmed, because wedding designer extraordinaire Colin Cowie is by your side every step of the way. In Colin Cowie Wedding Chic, he shows how to weave a thread of style throughout your celebration, from determining the overall feeling and mood to the smallest and most personal details of the event.

Following inspirational introductions from Colin about every part of your celebration, each detail is captured with magnificent photographs: bouquets; ceremony décor; centerpieces; reception décor; food and drink; cakes; invitations, favors, and gifts; appearance for the bride, groom, and attendants; ritual and ceremony; and music and after-party.

Brimming with the kind of style that has made Colin the number one wedding planner in the world for celebrities, heads of state, and even royals, Wedding Chic finally gathers all of the options in one dazzling, easy-to-reference place. With photographs of more than 1,001 gorgeous details, it is simply the most comprehensive, varied, and beautiful resource a bride-to-be could ever wish for—one that is certain to make the wedding a celebration to remember forever.

About the Author

Lifestyle expert COLIN COWIE is known around the world for creating gorgeous, unique, and personal events that radiate glamour and elegance. He appears regularly on national television shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and The Early Show. He is a frequent contributor to InStyle and O, the Oprah Magazine. Born in Zambia and raised in South Africa, Colin now resides in New York.

IN GOOD COMPANY LIBRARY

Wedding Chic

Free on loan for members

INSPIRATION

love it…

Is this not the best reason to have two instead of one wedding cake? And definitely a new take on the term “groom’s cake”.

IMAGE: http://vintageglamblog.com/2009/08/christina-timothys-wedding/