With summer almost in full force, we don't blame the brides for wanting outdoor weddings. In sunny South Africa late afternoon weddings have become increasingly popular and this DIY favour tag will fit in nicely with an outdoors wedding theme.

Follow the simple steps below to make your own butterfly seating tags.

This is what you’ll need:

• Crafting Moss
• Styrofoam Balls
• Terracotta Pots
• Butterflies
• Wooden Stir Sticks
• Ribbon and or Twine
• Place Cards
• Glue Gun
• Scissors

Now follow these easy steps:

STEP ONE

After printing your table numbers and names on the place cards, fold them in half and cut them to size.

STEP TWO

Wrap the stir sticks in ribbon or with the twine leaving a section open for the glue.

STEP THREE

Take one of the styrofoam balls and cut them in half. Put one of the halves in the terracotta pot with the flat side facing up. Put another styrofoam ball (uncut) on top of the flat side and secure with hot glue.

STEP FOUR

Remove the moss from the packaging and gently seperate them making bunches and sticking them with the hot glue onto the styrofoam ball untill the ball is completely covered.

STEP FIVE

Add your butterfly details.

If you’re an Afrikaans bride looking for wedding inspiration, then look no further! The Troukoors online wedding magazine was launched last week and is full of articles, ideas and helpful hints for planning your wedding…. and the best part is that it’s FREE!

Visit Troukoors to take a look! (Look out for Perfectday.co.za on page 3!)

For all you English brides, an English version of the magazine will launch soon – we’ll let you know when it’s available, so watch this space!

On 30 October 2010 Phil married Ariska in front of 86 of their closest friends and family at the beautiful chapel at The Plantation in Port Elizabeth.

ATTIRE

Ariska wore a beautiful tulle lace overlay Maggie Sottero gown, which had a slim, A-line silhouette that hugged her figure just beautifully. It was adorned with large elaborate floral motifs, which created a beautiful three dimensional effect.

Her gorgeous shoes were bought in the UK, a brand famously known as Irregular Choice.

The bride looked gorgeous with flawless make-up by Iris Gomez and Andre, at Andre’s Hair Studio finished her look with a soft curl and floral hairpiece.

Both Phil and his best man got their suits from the UK. Phil bought his at Marc Wallace whilst his best man rented a suit from Dapper.

DETAILS

“With my wedding planner, Megan Moller from Confetti Events by my side we managed to take the theme I had and make it a reality with the help of Lynley from Floral Creations.

I wanted my wedding theme to have a warm feel to it, so I chose a classic rustic look incorporating colours of mocha brown, cream and lavender, says Ariska.” Lynley incorporated Ariska’s favourite flowers, Daisies and Roses, together with lavender, greenery and willow sticks. The tables had cream brocade table cloths, with tall glass trumpet vases on raised mirrors all hired from Designer Décor.

The tall floral centrepieces were surrounded by glass candle holders with thick round candles and small mushroom vases with bits of wound up vine and daisies. These were finished off with beautiful butterfly details.

Natalie from B-Unique Stationery ensured that all the stationery matched our overall look with her stunning designs.

At the chapel a white carpet was put down the centre of the aisle and rose petals and lavender sprigs were sprinkled alongside of it. Each bench had a bunch of Lavender sprigs tied to it.

THE CAKE

House of Bakes was responsible for their amazing cake, which Ariska described as “absolutely delicious”. With individual tube servings they alternated the flavours. Some had chocolate sponge with strawberry buttercream topped with a truffle, and others had Vanilla sponge cake with chocolate mousse and vanilla buttercream finished off with a truffle.

FUN IDEAS

In the garden of The Plantation, Lynley hung Chinese lanterns from the trees with a few fairy lights in between. The couple also opted for an additional relaxation area which comprised of a beautiful white Bedouin tent with lovely white furniture. Guests were entertained with the beautiful sound of Claire singing while they had canapés and cocktails.

PHOTOGRAPHS

True to her style, Cherie Theron captured some beautifully romantic photographs. Ariska describes one of her most memorable moments as the time whilst they had their creative shoot. “The photoshoot was brilliant, we had so much fun and the photo’s look amazing”, says Ariska.

ADVICE

Words of wisdom from Ariska: "Try not to stress out, because (like everyone say) it takes over a year to plan and the actual day is over in a heartbeat. Try and take it all in on the day, look around the venue and look at everything you have planned and had in your mind and dreamed off, and just see how it’s all became a reality. Most of all have fun."

Thanks for sharing your wedding with us!

WEDDING SUPPLIERS

• Baker: House of Bakes
• Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Claire Harmse
• Co-ordinator(Wedding Planner): Confetti Events
• Decor: Designer Decor
• Florist: Floral Creations by Lynley
• Hair: Andre's Hair Design
• Make-up: Iris Gomez
• Photographer: Cherie Theron
• Reception Music: Enjoy Productions
• Reception Venue: The Plantation
• Stationery Supplier: B-Unique Stationery
• Videography: Brad Peens

Would you like us to feature your wedding? E-mail megan@perfectday.co.za for more information.