After a hiatus from print, Wedding Etc is back with a beautiful 178-page issue designed to inspire every couple, no matter where they are in their wedding journey. From finding your dream venue and choosing your wedding-day fragrance to planning the perfect honeymoon, here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find inside.
If you’ve been craving a proper break, this is it. Set in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, Drostdy Hotel blends classic Karoo character with understated luxury. The rooms are thoughtfully designed with local art and heritage touches, while the property itself unfolds into a series of courtyards, pools and quiet corners that make it easy to settle in and stay a while.
Giveaway closes: 30 September 2026
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If the idea of a cookie-cutter wedding look feels a little… predictable, you’re not alone. More couples are stepping away from traditional bridalwear rules, not only to create something more personal, but also to keep costs down without sacrificing style.
DIY wedding fashion is no longer just about crafty extras on the side. It’s becoming a full style approach for couples who want to experiment, repurpose, personalise and completely rethink what “wedding attire” is supposed to look like.
Before you even get to embellishments and accessories, the biggest shift is letting go of the idea that you need a traditional wedding dress or suit. Here are some alternative ways couples are building their looks:
High-street + handmade mix
Pair an affordable base piece with DIY details like altered hems, added sleeves or custom trims.
Second-hand styling
Thrifted dresses, vintage suits or even family heirlooms become the starting point for something completely new.
Non-bridal pieces
Think slip dresses, tailored trousers, jumpsuits, oversized shirts or even coordinated two-piece sets. If it fits well and feels good, it works.
Rent and reinvent
Start with a rental piece and personalise it temporarily with accessories, layering or detachable add-ons.
This is where DIY really comes alive. Small changes can completely transform a simple outfit into something that feels designer-level personal.
Alterations with attitude
Shorten a hem, add a slit, change a neckline or restructure sleeves. A good seamstress can turn “almost right” into perfect.
Colour experimentation
Soft dyeing, dip-dye effects or subtle tinting can take a plain white or cream piece into something far more interesting.
Fabric layering
Add sheer overlays, lace panels, organza skirts or detachable capes for movement and drama without buying a whole new outfit.
Accessories are where DIY wedding fashion becomes fun instead of stressful.
Veils with personality
Add embroidery, printed phrases, coloured edges or even hand-sewn motifs that mean something to you as a couple.
Repurposed jewellery
Turn old family jewellery into hairpins, brooches or necklace details instead of buying new.
DIY belts and waist details
A simple ribbon, scarf or vintage chain can completely change the silhouette of a dress or suit.
Handmade bags or pouches
Small clutch bags can be painted, beaded or stitched with initials or wedding dates.
This isn’t just a bridal moment — it’s for anyone getting married.
Custom suit lining
A subtle but powerful detail: add prints, messages or meaningful fabric inside a jacket.
Personalised ties and bow ties
From bold patterns to embroidered initials or even inside jokes.
Statement socks or shoes
Colour, print or custom embroidery hidden under a formal look keeps things playful.
Reworked vintage suits
Oversized vintage tailoring can be altered into modern, perfectly fitted wedding wear at a much lower cost.
Wedding shoes are often overpriced for what they are — which makes them perfect for DIY transformation.
Comfort matters too — especially if you’re planning to dance all night.
If you really want to step away from tradition, these ideas push things further:
Convertible outfits
A skirt that comes off, sleeves that detach, or a cape that transforms your silhouette from ceremony to reception.
Statement jackets for both partners
Denim, leather or tailored blazers painted or embroidered with your story.
Temporary fashion details
Temporary tattoos, face gems or body art that match your wedding theme.
Hidden messages
Embroidery inside garments, stitched dates or secret notes only you know about.
Not every DIY idea is about artistry — some are simply practical.
It all adds up — especially when weddings already come with a long list of expenses.
Feature image: Pexels
The slick back bridal hairstyle has become a firm favourite among modern brides, offering a look that is equal parts elegant, sophisticated, and chic.
A slicked-back style creates the perfect canvas to showcase everything from statement earrings to dramatic veils and delicate hair accessories. Better yet, this versatile trend works beautifully across all hair lengths and textures — from cropped pixie cuts and chic bobs to flowing mid-length styles and long, luxurious locks.
The beauty of a slick back hairstyle lies in its simplicity. It highlights your facial features, photographs beautifully from every angle, and can be adapted to suit almost any bridal aesthetic. Think sleek low buns, glossy ponytails, modern chignons, wet-look finishes, and even softly slicked styles paired with loose curls.
If you’re searching for a timeless wedding hairstyle with a fashion-forward edge, these slick back bridal hairstyles are guaranteed to inspire your walk down the aisle.
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Short hair, major impact: Proof that short hair makes the chicest bridal statement
Feature image: Pexels
The ring bearer may have one small job on your wedding day, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a big impression. While the traditional pageboy carrying a satin pillow remains a classic choice, modern couples are finding increasingly creative ways to get their rings down the aisle.
These cute ring bearer ideas are guaranteed to get guests smiling:
If your venue allows pets, why not let your furry family member take centre stage? A dog wearing a floral collar, bow tie or custom ring pouch can make for one of the most memorable moments of the ceremony.
Just make sure you have a designated handler nearby in case your four-legged ring bearer gets distracted by guests (or snacks).
One trend that’s been gaining popularity is turning the ring delivery into an interactive experience. Attach the rings securely to a ribbon or string and have guests pass them along the rows until they reach the front.
It’s fun, symbolic and a great way to make everyone feel involved in the ceremony.
This idea never fails to get laughs. Dress your ring bearers in suits and sunglasses and give them “Ring Security” badges or briefcases.
Bonus points if they walk down the aisle with serious expressions while guests try not to laugh.
For outdoor weddings, consider a miniature ride-on car, wagon or even a toy tractor carrying the rings.
This works particularly well for rustic, farm and garden weddings and makes for adorable photos.
Why choose one when you can combine both roles? Have your flower girl and ring bearer walk down the aisle together, sharing the responsibility.
It’s especially sweet for siblings, cousins or close family friends.
Instead of carrying a pillow, your ring bearer can carry a sign with a message such as:
The sign can add personality and a touch of humour to the ceremony.
Perfect for beach weddings, travel-inspired celebrations or couples who love adventure.
A small wooden treasure chest adds a unique touch while keeping the rings secure.
Who says ring bearers have to be children? More couples are choosing grandparents for the role, creating a meaningful moment that often leaves guests reaching for tissues.
It’s a beautiful way to honour an important family member.
While admittedly more challenging than a dog, some couples have successfully included their feline friends in the ceremony.
If your cat enjoys attention and travel, a decorated pet stroller can help them make a grand entrance.
For tech-loving couples, drones have even been used to deliver wedding rings.
This option requires careful planning, venue approval and a backup plan, but it’s certainly unforgettable.
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Lab-grown vs natural diamonds: The ring question couples are asking in 2026
Reality TV favourites Giannina Gibelli and Blake Horstmann are officially married. According to People, the Love Is Blind star and The Bachelorette alum celebrated their wedding with a multi-day destination affair in Croatia, surrounded by close friends, family and fellow reality TV personalities.
The couple exchanged vows on 20 June in Rovinj, a picturesque coastal town on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula. Nearly 100 guests attended the celebrations, which stretched across several days and even included a stop in Venice, Italy, before the wedding weekend officially began.
For Gibelli, the destination held special significance. The reality star reportedly fell in love with Croatia years before meeting Horstmann and always envisioned getting married there. The celebrations began in Venice, where guests enjoyed a welcome gathering before making their way to Croatia for the main event.
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The outdoor ceremony took place on St. Andrew’s Island, just off the coast of Rovinj. Gibelli walked down the aisle in a couture gown by Galia Lahav, while Horstmann was accompanied by his mother. One of the sweetest details of the day was the inclusion of the couple’s two-year-old son, Heath, who served as ring bearer.
While both found fame on different reality dating shows, Gibelli and Horstmann actually met while filming All Star Shore in 2022. Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to the birth of their son Heath in 2024. Later that year, Horstmann proposed during a romantic trip to Madrid.
ALSO SEE: Sue Duminy shares her engagement news
Source: People
Feature image: Giannina/Instagram
Wedding florals are getting simpler. The clearest expression of that shift is the monofloral bouquet: a bouquet made using only one type of flower, repeated and styled as a single statement.
Instead of mixed arrangements, brides (including a growing number of celebrities) are opting for this stripped-back approach. Roses only. Tulips only. Calla lilies only. The result is far more minimal than traditional bridal bouquets.
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For years, wedding bouquets leaned into variety which consisted of layered textures, seasonal mixes, trailing greenery. The direction now is the opposite. Monofloral bouquets remove the mix entirely. The focus shifts to shape, repetition, and uniformity rather than contrast.
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Certain flowers are being used repeatedly in monofloral bouquets:
Each option works because it holds its form well when used in repetition.
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The monofloral bouquet relies on precision. With no mix of blooms to create interest, shape and execution become the focus.
Common styling choices include:
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Feature image: Pexels
What started as an ordinary anniversary hike in the Western Cape turned into a moment Daniah de Villiers will likely never forget. The Die Kantoor actress thought she was heading out for a relaxed walk with her partner, but instead walked straight into a carefully planned surprise proposal.
By the end of the trail, her longtime partner Joshua Farrer had turned an everyday outdoor moment into something far more meaningful (and very emotional).
Behind the scenes, the proposal wasn’t as effortless as it may have looked. According to Farrer, there were a few close calls while planning the surprise. Timing had to be carefully managed, and keeping everything under wraps wasn’t always easy.
On top of that, the Western Cape weather added its own unpredictability to the day. Grey skies came and went, shifting the mood and forcing a bit of flexibility in the plan. Still, despite the uncertainty, everything eventually aligned at the right moment.
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It’s not hard to understand why so many proposals happen in the Western Cape. The landscapes do a lot of the work — mountains, trails, and that ever-changing light that makes everything feel a little more cinematic than real life.
This engagement fits right into that setting.
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Feature image: Daniah de Villiers/Instagram
There’s something special about revisiting the voices of the people you love. Not just reading their words on paper, but hearing them — the laughter, the pauses, the emotion tucked into every “congratulations” and “we love you both so much.”
Audio guest books are becoming one of the most meaningful additions to modern weddings. At its core, the idea is simple: instead of signing a traditional guest book, guests pick up a phone-style device at your wedding and leave you a voice message. It might be a memory, a blessing, a joke, or a slightly tipsy heartfelt speech halfway through dessert. Months or years later, you can listen back and hear your wedding day again — not through photos, but through people.
It’s a concept that feels both very new and strangely nostalgic. In a way, it echoes something many of us grew up with. Those old wedding videos from the ‘80s and ‘90s — where a videographer would move from table to table, microphone in hand, asking guests to say a few words to the couple. The result was always a little awkward, often funny, and completely priceless. Audio guest books feel like the modern evolution of that moment: less staged, more spontaneous, and captured exactly as it happens.
Weddings are full of fleeting moments. You don’t get to sit with every guest for long enough conversations, and the day itself moves faster than anyone expects. Audio guest books slow one small part of it down.
They capture the voices you might forget you miss until you hear them again — a grandparent’s warmth, a childhood friend’s teasing tone, your best friend crying happy tears into the receiver.
Unlike written messages, audio captures personality. It’s not polished. It’s real. And that’s what makes it feel like something you’ll keep forever.
It also works beautifully for guests who aren’t confident writers. Some people freeze when faced with a blank page, but give them a phone and suddenly they have stories, jokes, and memories ready to go.
Most audio guest book setups are designed to blend into your decor. The classic option is a vintage-style telephone placed on a styled table, often paired with a sign that invites guests to “pick up the phone and leave a message after the tone.”
It becomes part of the experience rather than an interruption. Guests walk up, smile, laugh nervously, and then suddenly they’re speaking directly to you in a moment that feels both intimate and playful.
Later, those recordings are compiled into a digital file, sometimes even edited into highlight reels or layered into your wedding video.
While still relatively new locally, there are a growing number of South African suppliers offering audio guest book rentals and packages:
(If you’re working with a planner, it’s worth asking — many now source these as part of their decor or tech hire partners.)
ALSO SEE: How to give a great best man speech
Feature image: Pexels
After nearly a decade together, singer Perrie Edwards and footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have officially said “I do”.
The former Little Mix star married her long-time partner in an intimate ceremony in Portugal on 13 June 2026, four years after the couple announced their engagement. Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of the Algarve, the wedding was reportedly attended by close family and friends, making it a celebration that felt personal despite the couple’s high-profile status.
For fans who have followed their love story over the years, the wedding marks the latest chapter in one of entertainment and football’s most enduring relationships.
Perrie and Alex were first linked in 2016 and quickly became one of Britain’s favourite celebrity couples. While both enjoyed successful careers in vastly different industries, their relationship has largely remained grounded and family-focused.
Over the years, fans watched their relationship evolve from sweet social media posts and red-carpet appearances to major life milestones. In August 2021, they welcomed their son, Axel, before becoming engaged the following year. Earlier in 2026, the couple expanded their family again with the arrival of their daughter, Alanis.
According to reports, the couple exchanged vows at the picturesque Igreja Matriz de Estoi church in the village of Estoi, near Faro. Portugal holds special significance for the pair, who frequently holiday in the Algarve and own property in the region.
The ceremony was intentionally intimate, with around 70 guests witnessing the couple exchange vows. Reports suggest the celebrations continued with a reception overlooking one of the Algarve’s most scenic locations.
While Perrie first rose to international fame as a member of Little Mix, recent years have seen her embrace new roles as a solo artist, fiancée, mother and now wife.
Fans have long admired the way she and Alex have navigated fame while keeping family at the centre of their lives.
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Feature image: Sourced from Instagram