We all know how stressful planning a wedding can be, making wedding planning burnout a very real possibility. Whether you’re trying not to pull out your hair as wedding costs skyrocket or you’re obsessing over every little detail to ensure that everything goes the way you’ve pictured it, feeling overwhelmed is guaranteed to happen if you’re not careful.
Thankfully, this isn’t something new and there are endless resources to help the modern bridal couple looking to keep costs and anxiety low.
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Mr and Mrs seem like given titles for those that choose to walk down the aisle and say ‘I do’. Have you ever wondered where these titles come from? The origin might surprise you.
The titles originally had nothing to do with marital status. Cambridge University historian Dr. Amy Erickson explains that ‘Mrs’ and ‘Miss’ derived from the word ‘mistress’ while ‘Mr’ comes from ‘master’.
“Few people realise that ‘Mistress’ is the root word of both of the abbreviations ‘Mrs,’ and ‘Miss,’ just as Mr is an abbreviation of ‘Master.’ The ways that words derived from Mistress have developed their own meanings is quite fascinating and shifts in these meanings can tell us a lot about the changing status of women in society, at home and in the workplace,” she said
According to author Samuel Johnson, a mistress could be defined as “1. A woman who governs; correlative to subject or servant; 2. A woman skilled in anything; 3. A woman teacher; 4. A woman beloved and courted; 5. A term of contemptuous address; 6. A whore or concubine.”
Back in the mid-18th century, ‘mistress’ didn’t have quite the negative connotations it has today. In those days, a mistress typically referred to a woman of high economic or social capital, rather than a married woman. A woman referred to as Mrs in the 18th century was thus not necessarily married.
Those on the lower scales of society were simply referred to by their names. For example, the lady of the house might have been Mrs Abernathy, while the scullery maid would simply be Anna Black.
Mr and Mrs were on equal standing, and Erickson argues those that held these titles were more like businessmen and women as they governed servants or apprentices, and were quite literally the masters and mistresses of their trades.
It was only in the late 18th century that the use of Mrs became attached to marital status. The title Miss, which was originally a title for young girls, started to be used as a term to refer to an unmarried woman of a high social status, who was often a teacher. These young, socially ambitious single women wanted their own title that would mark their social class but not lump them into a group with the older businesswomen and heads of households that typically held the title of Mrs.
This new term thus shifted the meaning of Mrs to signify a married woman and create a distinction between young and older.
Why the pronunciation of mistress turned to ‘missus’ is unclear. In A Critical Pronouncing Dictionary, and Expositor of the English Language from 1828, author John Walker suggests its a result of colloquialism.
“The same haste and necessity of dispatch, which has corrupted Master into Mister, has, when a title of civility only, contracted Mistress into Missis,” he wrote.
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They say red is the colour of love and passion, making it a fitting choice for a wedding day. Bold, dramatic and undeniably romantic, red wedding cakes are perfect for couples wanting to make a statement at their reception. Whether you lean toward deep burgundy florals, vintage piping or modern minimalist designs, there’s a red cake style for every aesthetic.
From romantic rose detailing to sleek contemporary finishes, here are a few romantic red wedding cakes that completely steal the spotlight.
Classic romance with a modern edge
This cake proves that red doesn’t have to feel overpowering. The balance of clean detailing with rich crimson tones creates a sophisticated look that works beautifully for formal evening weddings.
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Bold florals for maximum drama
If your wedding aesthetic leans luxurious and dramatic, a cake like this is the perfect centrepiece. The rich red florals add texture, depth, and a touch of old-world romance.
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Contemporary with a romantic twist
Minimalists, this one is for you. The sleek design keeps things modern, while the red accents bring warmth and passion to the overall look.
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Vintage-inspired elegance
Vintage piping and rich red hues are having a major moment in the wedding world. This cake feels playful, nostalgic and effortlessly chic — ideal for couples embracing a retro-inspired aesthetic.
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A floral lover’s dream
Soft detailing paired with striking red blooms creates a cake that feels both romantic and timeless. It’s the kind of design that photographs beautifully from every angle.
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Rich tones for autumn and winter weddings
Deep reds and darker accents make this style perfect for cooler-season weddings. It feels moody, luxurious and incredibly elegant without losing its romantic charm.
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Soft ombré shades for a romantic finish
If bright red feels too bold, ombré shades are a beautiful alternative. The gradient effect softens the overall look while still bringing in that passionate pop of colour.
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Statement-making and unapologetically bold
For couples who want their cake to double as décor, this striking design delivers. Rich red detailing instantly draws the eye and creates a memorable reception moment.
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Whether you prefer something dramatic and fashion-forward or soft and romantic, red wedding cakes are a beautiful way to add personality to your reception. From deep burgundy florals to vintage-inspired piping, these bold designs prove that red can be both timeless and modern when styled thoughtfully.
If you’re looking to make a statement on your wedding day, a red wedding cake might just be the sweetest way to do it.
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The rectangular wedding cake trend (and why we’re loving it)
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There is a unique sense of nostalgia and class connected to a vintage look. It allows us to revel in the past and bring to light the unique aspects of times come and gone that we love.
A big upside of vintage wedding touches is that they are very affordable and appear far more expensive than they actually are. If you know where to look, you can steal yourself vintage items to add a splash of old-world glamour to your day without breaking the bank.
Vintage crockery
Plates and other crockery items can wrack up a huge bill. Scooping up some cute bargain items from your local vintage store can make a significant financial difference.
Finding matching items may be a bit of a challenge but a miss-matched collection of plates or glasses of a similar style ensure originality and add a touch of the unusual to your wedding tables.
The dress
A wedding dress can set you back a few bucks for sure, but a vintage upcycled option can save you thousands.
Opting for a vintage ensemble not only ensures that your dress will be the only of its kind but also allows you to add your own touch to the dress with inspiration from its class style.
Plus, you’ll be saving enough money to put a little extra towards your honeymoon.
Vintage props
From renting to buying to using something from your own collection, props bring a vintage-inspired wedding together.
The great thing about vintage props is there are a huge variety to choose from, while still ensuring a high level or originality.
Hang lace curtains, drape old timey crochet items and stack vintage suitcases, the options are endless.
Go classic with your flower choices
Draw on the inspiration of yesteryear and style your flower arrangements with a touch of vintage flare.
Neutral tones, delicate buds and dainty details radiate vintage, so be sure to play up your theme in your flower arrangements as well.
Vintage sparkle
Rings don’t have to be the latest fashion or a huge chunk of a diamond. For grooms and brides who prefer the simpler things in life and are looking to honour their love for vintage style, a re-purchased set of rings is a great option.
While you won’t be spending as much as you would on a brand new diamond ring, vintage jewellery is in no way a cheap option.
Some unique antique pieces can set you back a hefty sum but there is also the option to go for new age vintage-inspired pieces as well.
Wherever you buy your pieces, make sure you trust your seller and you’re getting the piece you’re paying for.
Vintage beauty
The bride can tie the whole theme together with a little vintage beauty. Vintage hairstyles have a flawless and classic look that will age well in your wedding pictures for years to come.
Add a vintage makeup look and beauty details that reference your favourite years gone by and you’re all set.
The cake
The ultimate vintage vibe can be invoked with a classic yet stunning cake.
From light layers dusted with cane sugar to flower topped sponge delights, add your personal touch to your cake with a vintage twist to bring the whole theme together.
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