Anita Froneman, Author at Wedding ETC

In Celebs

Hillary Clinton shares sweet photo from daughter’s wedding

May 12, 2020 No Comments

The world recently celebrated Mother’s Day and former First Lady Hillary Clinton delighted Instagram followers with a very special picture.

Taken at her and former US president Bill Clinton’s daughter Chelsey’s 2010 wedding to Marc Mezvinsky, the stunning picture shows three generations with Hillary, her late mother Dorothy Howell Rodham and Chelsey. The picture was captioned “Happy Mother’s Day to these two mothers dearest to my heart. ”

The bride stole the limelight in her Vera Wang dress, while Hillary wore a magical pink ombré gown from Oscar de la Renta.

View this post on Instagram

Happy Mother’s Day to these two mothers dearest to my heart. ?

A post shared by Hillary Clinton (@hillaryclinton) on May 10, 2020 at 7:03am PDT

Image: Instagram

In Advice

Why micro-weddings will be big in 2021

May 11, 2020 No Comments

Weddings, like a whole lot of other industries, have been heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Experts say it’s likely to continue to change as trends adapt to current affairs. It’s safe to say that most couples who planned to get married in 2020 either cancelled or postponed their weddings. Some might have pushed through to get married online or at home.

Couples who are looking to tie the knot next year, however, might also have to look into the best way to do that. Destination weddings, for example, might not be possible for a whole lot longer than we think, as well as honeymoons abroad.

One wedding trend that’s been around for years but has recently become the go-to is the micro-wedding. That’s because some countries like the US and Sweden have not gone into lockdown, but are under social distancing regulations which mean they may move around freely but certain rules apply. Hence, those who got married had to scale down.

Micro-weddings have many benefits, and we believe it’s only going to get more popular. Here’s why.

It’s cost-effective

It’s simple math: the more guests, the more expenses. Having a small gathering of 10 to 20 guests means cheaper catering. A smaller venue means less decor, and so it goes on. After the coronavius crippled the world economy, many couples might seek to save a few bucks and this is the perfect way.

It’s more intimate

Having to single out only your closest family members or friends will ensure that the event is more meaningful and intimate. You will have time to hang out with everyone individually, and create special memories with the people that really matter.

Fewer practical arrangements

This is a big one for many brides who plan their own weddings. Everyone knows how stressful all the arrangements can be, and more often than not, things go wrong. With fewer people comes less responsibility, and you’ll have more time to just relax and enjoy the time leading up to the wedding.

It’s less pressure

Modern society can easily turn into a situation where everything is a competition. Every couple tries to outshine the next and expectations from others can put a lot of pressure on the couple. Micro-weddings shift the focus back where it belongs: on the couple who want to celebrate their love.

Image: Instagram

In Diy

Gauteng man proposes with homemade ring

May 7, 2020 No Comments

During lockdown, couples have to make do with what they have to keep the love alive. One man, Mark Oakes from Gauteng, wanted to ask his beloved Maxine to marry him but of course, no jewellery stores were open.

So, he decided to get creative and make a ring himself! “One can’t let a pandemic stand in the way of what your heart wants,” he said on local radio show Breakfast with Martin Bester.

He planned a beautiful picnic in the garden, got out some wine (another rare commodity these days) and popped the big question. “We had a proposal picnic with an arts and crafts ring. Our friendly chefs at Woolies provided us with a great meal,” he said.

The ring, complete with a little golden bell in place of a stone, won Maxine over and she said yes.

Take a look at how the romantic day went down:

Images: JacarandaFM

In Beauty

Waterproof mascaras that won’t let you down

May 6, 2020 No Comments

Tears are inevitable at weddings, but we wouldn’t want your makeup to be ruined. Try these 5 stunning mascaras that won’t run no matter how much you turn on the waterworks.

Best on a budget

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara Waterproof: R72.95

Easy on your purse, but still gives you the best possible lash lift. Who said lashes on a budget weren’t as fabulous (in all honesty, no one would ever know!)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BurfI86n9B_/

Best luxury item

Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Waterproof R650.00

When you think luxury, Chanel is that brand. Their waterproof mascara will not budge for anything. Spoil yourself if you can, it is your big day after all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQxx87Pj5AF/

Best voluminous intensity

Lancome Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara R360.00

If you are all about the volume, in this case bigger is better. Maximum volume and thickness to your lashes without the smudge.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_rsaCbBDtS/

Best extra length

Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara R440.00

Lashes are all about the length, and this mascara is perfect on its own or layered with another one of your faves. It defines the lash and adds that extra length to give us that extra boost of confidence.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B81j19aF-e3/

Best of everything overall

Maybelline Colossal Big Shot Waterproof Mascara R149.95

Taking price, volume and staying power into consideration, Maybelline’s mascara comes out on top. It’s no wonder they’ve been around for so many years!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbxIB6vg2tO/

By Yashna Balwanth

Image: Unsplash

In Beauty

Trending lip colours for a winter wedding

May 4, 2020 No Comments

If you’re planning a winter wedding, make sure your makeup look is exactly right. You might hope your wedding date is still safe from the coronavirus, or you may have changed things a bit and opted for a Zoom wedding, or private home wedding. Either way, your look is everything and we’re here to help you get it perfect.

This winter, sultry, edgy and bold is the way to go. Colder temperatures call for warmer looks. However, you don’t have to go for the cliche dark red lips. You can even go for the icy snow queen-look and opt for nude lips. We’re seeing a lot of plum, smokey rose and bronze-nude. Take a look at these fabulous lip looks:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_xL8_5lXQv/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6G7YfrF4BO/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6BddBwBwzg/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvPKH70B-GO/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_dOrcklLJs/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7EWUXfFerw/

Image: Pexels

In Fashion And Grooming

Unusual wedding outfits around the world

May 4, 2020 No Comments

The world is a wild and wonderful place, with more cultures than we can count. With different cultures come different traditions, fashions and ideas. We take a look at the fascinating traditional outfits countries across the globe choose to get married in.

1. Ghana

Ghana, like many African countries love vivid colours for celebrations and each family has its own cloth pattern that features on the bride and groom’s wedding outfits.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBfAuhOJbCk/

2. Mongolia

Traditional Mongolian clothes known as “deel” make part of the wedding outfit. The bride’s deel is of lighter colours and the groom’s is darker colours. The bride typically wears a beaded head piece too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/mklg05Lve0/

3. Kazakhstan

In a traditional Kazakh wedding, brides typically wear a headdress known as a “Saukele” with a long pointed feather arrangement as well as a facial veil.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_t73IOFkzy/

4. Ukraine

The Hutsuls are a sub-culture in the Ukraine that wear colourful outfits with flower-laden head pieces on their big day. Ribbons and beautiful fabrics join together to create a joyful look in both the bride and groom’s outfits.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXoFK7rF3Kx/

5. Thailand

Made of luxurious Thai silk, traditional brides wear a two piece, usually off-shoulder with a flowing design and an iconic bow around the waist.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5jvSpNJW4P/

Image: Instagram

In Accessories

Lashes for days and how to care for them

April 30, 2020 No Comments

False lashes can make the world of a difference to your make-up look, but not many people know how to take care of them. Here are a few tips and tricks to help get the best wear from your lashes and make them last longer.

Trim them

Not all eye shapes are the same size and you may find your strip lash doesn’t fit. This is completely normal to slightly trim the strip with a pair of scissors. Besides looking more natural, they will also be way more comfortable on the eye.

Skip the mascara

With lashes that great, you don’t need to apply a coat of mascara. We’re not saying you can’t, but it will definitely help your lashes last longer without the added layers of mascara to remove once you’re done using them.

Use tweezers

A pair of tweezers are always handy to help you apply your falsies. It will help to accurately place the lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible without messing up the rest of your makeup.

Never sleep with them

Always, and we repeat, always, remove your lashes before going to bed. Similarly to removing your makeup, fake lashes are no different so take them off with the rest of your face before bed. It also helps to clean your lashes from any lash glue or other makeup that may have gotten on it during your wear before putting them back in the box.

Apply after eye shadow

It is better to apply your false lashes at the end of your make-up look to avoid getting any fallout eye shadow onto them. This will ensure your lashes looking fresh and new once your make-up look is complete.

Practice makes perfect

The only way to become better at applying your falsies, is to do it on a regular basis. You’ll find the more often you use it, the quicker you’ll be, and since they’re reusable, as long as you take good care of them you wouldn’t need to buy some for months!

We love:

Pinky Goat Lashes from R149.00 (Clicks)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-1Uv4rlEA1/

Huda Beauty Lashes from R335.00 (Huda Beauty Website)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2PyfauAse6/

Eylure Lashes from R85.00 (Dischem)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-w5Ffdj-ZW/

Ardell Lashes (Clicks)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B87Si5eFwyk/

By Yashna Balwanth

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Quiz: What’s the perfect colour scheme for you?

April 29, 2020 No Comments

Recently engaged? Congratulations! Now, the fun part begins. Planning a wedding is hard work, but getting to choose all the elements that make up your big day is an incredible experience. It can also be overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

The colour scheme will determine the style, atmosphere, all the decor and even the bridal parties’ attire. You should choose a colour that reflects who you are and that makes you happy.

Take this quiz to get to know yourself better and learn what colours will work for you:

1. You’re at a party where you don’t know anyone. You:
a) Introduce yourself to some strangers and end up making new friends
b) Grab a seat and sip on a drink by yourself, until you see the friend who dragged you here
c) Will never go to a party if you don’t know everyone who will be there!

2. When planning an outfit, you:
a) Go for the show-stoppers and like to experiment with looks
b) Have a few favourite go-to items you always wear
c) Always go with neutral tones, subtle and plain

3. When you argue with your partner, you:
a) Make sure they know exactly how you feel and why
b) Usually stay level-headed and discuss things calmly
c) Avoid conflict and end up apologising first

4. Your ideal weekend activity is:
a) Going out on the town to all the vibey spots
b) Having a relaxed dinner with close friends
c) Staying in, watching movies and eating treats

5. You met your partner:
a) By striking up a conversation at a party
b) Through mutual friends
c) A family member set you up with a blind date

So, if you’ve chosen…

Mostly a:

You’re an obvious extrovert, and love expressing yourself. You might like strong, bright colours and choosing warm tones like yellow, orange or red will work well at your wedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DZWvcJJZ5/

Mostly b:

You are a confident, but relaxed person and don’t care too much for glamour. You might like cool, heavier colours like greens, blues and purples.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0qq2E2oCta/

Mostly c:

If you are an introvert like the quiz suggests, you might be more reserved. A good colour scheme would be light colours, like peach, lilac, or pink to convey your calmness and tranquility.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bulkv8phEZZ/

Combination of a and b:

If you are a little bit of an extrovert with a logical, level-headed side, we think you’ll absolutely love dark, sophisticated colours. This gives you room for self expression, but without all the brightness.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9e9nliHv5i/

Combination of b and c:

If you’re an introvert but who likes to get out there, don’t let anyone hold you back. You’re not shy, but not loud either. An earthy, neutral colour scheme is what you want. Go for whites, browns and greens.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-eCVVuH0KQ/

Combination of a and c:

If you’re one of those rare and wonderful creatures who seem quiet at first but actually get more expressive the more you’re comfortable, welcome. You might actually be a dark horse, and you might as well admit it. We recommend metallic colours like silver, gold or bronze for an edgy theme.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4PpGs_B48l/

Image: Unsplash

In Accessories

Pretty in passionate pearls

April 24, 2020 No Comments

We often picture wedding jewellery as shiny rocks, ridiculously expensive gemstones and, if we’re being quite honest, diamonds to go with your ring.

Have you ever considered the gift of the sea? Pearls are no longer just for rich housewives and your granny. In fact, not only do they look gorgeously classy, they aren’t limited to jewellery. Put them in your hair, put them on your dress. Girl, put them on your cake!

You don’t have to settle for round pearls, either. Freshwater pearls have very unique shapes and if you’re not into white, pearls come in all sorts of colours.

Take a look at these:

For you:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_P63funHiz/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxoyiAjhs0n/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_GeeBEHMWw/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxFon7uAXl7/

For your dress:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_WOF9HjXle/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Nl98zhj4l/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B093rDTgmha/

For your cake:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B–4PU1D9c4/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5uY-znBqjG/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7QRyLaB74C/

Image: Unsplash

In Decor

Create enchanting table decor with roses

April 23, 2020 No Comments

Flowers are always a good idea, as they bring colour, texture and smell lovely too! With all the incredibly beautiful flowers out there, it’s hard to choose the right ones for your wedding tables.

While roses have been used for ages, we never get tired of looking at them. In season during South Africa’s summer months, they are readily available in most parts of the country and are available in so many different kinds and colours that you are spoiled for choice.

Think romantic, playful and sensual. We take a look at modern trends on how to make your tables pop with roses:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DUKObJPqw/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_SJSjOAMb7/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_R-2m1pmvE/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_R4cJTJeKv/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Q3N8vFpnd/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_QfSGQjbnq/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_QLN0tJusl/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_OtolFhBws/

Image: Pexels