Guide to toasts

Depending on who is giving them, a toast can be the most delightful or mortifying part of a wedding reception. Unfortunately, you never know how it'll turn out until it's too late..

Toasts serve one purpose- to introduce the bride's former world to the groom & his to hers & paint a picture of the life they'll build together.

Toast Etiquettes:

1. Keep it short & formal

2. Usually given by the best man, maid of honour,a close friend or relative.

3. Plan what you're going to say. Spend time in thought & carefully put together the message you want to convey to the couple, family & friends. What you'd like others to know about them- individually & as a couple.

4. Rehearse your toast. Verbalise it. Be familiar with the wording. Don't cram it, let it flow.

5. A toast should end with a drink by everyone. It's impolite not to join in & considered as bad luck for the couple.

So, raise a glass high & as u click glasses with other guests, keep in mind that unless your toast was very bad, no one really remembers it.

To the happy couple, your first sip together symbolises a life of sharing & everyone drinking at the same time expresses communion

Bride, burst that stress!

Every bride is most likely to get stressed while preparing for her wedding especially without the help of a wedding planner. Here are few tips to relieve you:

1. RELAX~ Find a quiet place, sit comfortably, close your eyes, take slow deep breaths & clear your mind. Do this daily for 20 minutes.

2. EARLY BIRD~ Waking up early will do your body & planning great good. Make sure you eat breakfast.

3. EXERCISE~ 30 minutes of light exercise can diffuse tension & stop stress hormones so take long walks, lift some weights, skip or go jogging.

4. CLEAN UP~ A cluttered space will add to your stress so keep things tidy, get organised & watch yourself accomplish your 'to do' list more efficiently.

5. GIRLY STUFF~ Hang out with your girls say once a week & you won't feel so burdened with planning.

6. PAMPER YOURSELF~ take long warm showers, soak up in a bath with exfoliating body scrub, visit a spa for a massage, give your body a good night's rest.

7. TAKE A BREAK~ if you're feeling overwhelmed with all you have to do, take a day or more off & just watch a movie or something else apart from planning.

8. COLOUR UP~ colouring your space produces a calming effect. Go for blue, green or pink.

9. QUALITY TIME~ a lot of couples fight while planning, try not to be among them. Hugs are proven stress relievers. Spend time with your fiancé talking about your future & don't talk about the wedding plans at this time but just enjoy each others company.

10. TRUST GOD~ the ultimate! You most likely are worrying over nothing. Commit everything to God's hand & you can be sure He's got your back.

For the groom: know your accessories

Ascot~ a wide neck tie almost like like a scarf that is looped over & held in place beneath the chin with a stick pin. It is worn with a wing collar shirt & the daytime wedding jacket.

Cufflinks & Studs~ decorative jewellery used to close cuffs & button formal shirts.

Pocket Square~ small handkerchief tucked into the left breast pocket worn instead of the boutonniere.

Bow tie~ a short tie shaped like a bow that can be worn with a wing or lay down collar. Most bow ties adjust to fit all neck sizes & are available in a variety of widths, colours & pattern to match the vest or cummerbund.

Cummerbund~ a silk or satin sash worn around the waist & covering the trousers waistband.

Suspenders~ these are 2 supporting bands worn over the shoulders to support the trousers. They can be coordinated in colours or patterns with a cummerbund.

Vest~ can be worn in place of a cummerbund to cover the trouser waistband. It's often worn with a coordinating bow tie. Some are adjusted at the neck & wrist with an open back while others have a fully covered back.