Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Beauty

Bridal beauty from around the world

July 30, 2020 No Comments

It’s easy to think that popular bridal fashion, including makeup, attire, accessories and more is the same everywhere. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Across the world, bridal beauty looks differ depending on where you go.

Of course, they’re all stunning. But an Indian bride, a Chinese Bride, and a European bride, for example, are all likely to look and be dressed completely differently on their big days.

That being said, you’re probably wondering how exactly bridal beauty looks on different parts of the globe. Well, wonder no longer, here are 6 different ways brides are styled from around the world:

Japan

The look Japanese brides go for will differ depending on their religion. However, modern brides often opt for a red or white kimono. Traditionally, a Japanese bride would paint her face white, but now they go for more natural makeup looks. An up-do with floral accessories are common for their hairstyles on their big day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfQhJyYH5EN/

Djibouti

In this East African country, brides adorn the faces with gold chains. Often the nose is pierced before the wedding, and is decorated with a chain.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXS6Aw_H4U0/

Nigeria

Nigerian bridal looks differ widely within the country, as Nigeria has about 250 ethnic groups within it. For this reason, traditions differ. However, it is common for Nigerian brides to wear bright colours and to wear a head tie called a Gele.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3EUD32g8fY/

Yemen

In Yemen, brides start their beauty regimes up to five days before the wedding. Included in this is the Hammam Turkish bathing tradition. Yemeni brides wear henna on their hands and feet, and they don gold or silver jewellery and veils.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMHwwitBby7/

India

Indian brides, specifically those who are loyal to Hinduism, wear red on their wedding day. Nose rings are considered a mark of beauty and thus they are very popular for brides in India. Henna decorates the bride’s hands, and black Kajal emphasises her eyes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDOe4NBAIJk/

Armenia

In Armenia, it is common for brides to thread the entirety of their faces before the wedding. This is to ensure a smooth looking profile on the big day. Their style is similar to that of an American bride.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ZbVpSH6Qn/

Feature image: Unsplash

In Celebs

A chance encounter: Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka’s love story

July 29, 2020 No Comments

As far as love stories go, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka’s definitely rank on our list of favourites. Starting with a chance encounter and ending in happily ever after, one might echo the famous character Barney Stinson’s sentiments and call it legen-(wait for it)-DARY.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8j5-4hFwBQ/

At the time that the pair met, Harris was sure he’d be alone forever. In an interview with Out magazine, he said, “I remember being in my mid-twenties, lying in bed thinking… that the rest of my life would be solo.” Burtka was in a long-distance relationship at the time.

Their first meeting in 2004 is recounted differently by both men. Burtka remembers running into Harris on the streets one day, and introducing himself as he was familiar with Harris’ work. “I thought it would be nice to know him, but I didn’t think in a million years I’d start dating him,” said Burtka.

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

On the other hand, Harris recounts the meeting to Out Magazine like this: “I ran into my friend Kate one day and she was with this brooding, James Dean–type guy in a leather jacket who gave me the head nod and then turned away. I assumed he was Kate’s boyfriend and said, ‘Nicely done.’ And she said, ‘David? He’s not playing on my team, but he has a boyfriend.’”

Shortly after, the pair began hanging out with each other platonically, and eventually Burtka called it quits with his long-distance partner. About a week after that, Harris and Burtka went on their first date to see Taking Lives starring Angelina Jolie. Thereafter, they quickly became inseparable.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYta_93BdzU/

In 2005, after they’d officially become a couple, the pair moved to Los Angeles as Harris had landed the role of Barney Stinson in the hit show “How I met Your Mother”.

Two years later, in 2007 Burtka proposed to Harris on the street corner where they met for the first time. “We were on our way to an event at an Indian casino 45 minutes out of town in a limousine, and David wanted to stop for some reason that I didn’t quite get … And then he got on one knee and proposed, and I was so freaked out by it that I said, ‘Yes,’ but I didn’t know what it meant. Then I got the ring and loved it,” Harris told Out Magazine.

Since they hadn’t yet married, Harris proposed to Burtka the next year on Valentines Day. After two years of being engaged, the pair welcomed their twins, son Gideon Scott and daughter Harper Grace.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0mULuflffM/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1CCIpCB_1h/

Finally, in 2014, they tied the knot in a wedding ceremony in Perugia, Italy and Elton John performed. Both wore Tom Ford Tuxedos and looked amazing.

“We happily confirm that Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka were married in Italy in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their close friends and family,” Harris’ representative told People magazine.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnZQILmB0oo/

Today, the couple are known for being fun-loving and goofy, and their Halloween outfits are particularly anticipated every year. Their love seems only to grow stronger by the year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6OsN-zlo-E/

Image: Intsagram / Neil Patrick Harris

In News

Man shocks girlfriend with proposal during game of Taboo

July 29, 2020 No Comments

When we hear the phrase “your future is written in the cards”, we never expect it to be very literal. However, for this couple it was. A man used the card game called Taboo to propose to his girlfriend, completely taking her by surprise.

Taboo is a word guessing party game. The point of the game is for a player to get their partner’s to guess the word on their cards, without using the word written on the card and without using 5 other words written on the card.

Daunta, the man proposing, pre-arranged the Taboo cards “will”, “you”, “merry”, and “me” to come up. “Merry”, was there to ensure that his girlfriend didn’t catch on to the marriage proposal that was on its way.

Christina, his now-fiance, had the job of ensuring that Daunta didn’t use any of the words on the card in his attempt to get others to guess the word.

His partners guessed the words correctly, and Daunta threw the cards on the ground as they guessed each one. At the end of the round they tried to remember how many of the words they guessed correctly. In order to examine this, Daunta got down on one knee to look at the cards he threw on the floor.

As he picked them up he read each one, “Will. You. Merry. Me”.

It took her a while, but once she understood she was absolutely shocked!

Watch it all happen here:

Image: Screenshot from video

In Advice

5 Options for your first dance as newlyweds

July 28, 2020 No Comments

The couple’s first dance at a wedding is one of the most memorable moments. All eyes are firmly glued to the newlyweds as they hold each other in a tight embrace and glide across the dance floor. It is a highly anticipated moment at any wedding.

Since it’s such a popular part of the celebration, couples often spend days or even weeks fussing over the perfect song to dance to. Even celebrities ensure that they’ve got the perfect tune to sway to.

Another consideration, of course, is the style of dance. There are so many options it could make your head spin (and that’s before you start practicing). Here are some of the top styles, to help you make your decision:

The Waltz

Nothing really compares to the classics, and that goes for dance styles too. The Waltz has always been a popular option. There are a few different forms of this style, including American, International, French, and Viennese.

There are some steps you’ll have to learn, of course. A few moves are what make the dance a Waltz. These include box steps and turning patterns.

The Salsa

Although it is fast-paced and a bit complicated, if you’re willing to learn, the Salsa will definitely add some flavour to your wedding celebration. Its a sensual dance, perfect for newlyweds. You may, however, have to account for a costume change, to allow for extra freedom of movement, if you decided on this style.

The Sway

This one is for the couples who’d prefer to not spend too much time getting to know the steps of a dance. It’s extremely simple, and even those who claim to have two left feet can easily get the hang of it.

The Swing

For couples who are comfortable with more complex dance moves, and are looking for something more upbeat, the swing is a great option. It fits in with a vintage style, if that’s what you’re going for with your theme, but may require you to ensure that your outfits are more comfortable than the average wedding attire, as jumps, lifts, and kicks are common in this dance style. Of course, you don’t have to add all the theatrics, you could just stick to the basics.

The Foxtrot

The playful couple would most likely opt for the foxtrot. It’s a medium tempo, and takes a bit of practice, but will be well worth it.

Image: Unsplash

In News

Couple who refused small wedding contracts COVID-19

July 28, 2020 No Comments

Despite rules and regulations on public gatherings due to COVID-19, many are still going about their lives as usual. While many couples have significantly scaled down their weddings and others have cancelled their celebrations altogether, others refuse to do so. Now, a San Francisco couple is realizing the error of their ways.

A couple celebrated their wedding in early July with approximately 100 guests at the SS Peter and Paul’s Church in San Francisco, California. Guests came from across the US, including Texas and Arizona. The large gathering has led to the newlyweds, along with eight of their friends, contracting coronavirus.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the couple also held a rehearsal dinner on the evening before their wedding, which was attended by over 40 people.

Despite being aware of the restrictions implemented, including a governmental order on the closure of indoor operations including religious services, the couple still held their wedding as planned. They were reportedly ware that they were breaking rules according to the Daily Mail, who claim that the father of the bride instructed guests to enter the venue from the back door so as to ensure that the event was not obviously visible.

According to the Independent, a city official arrived at the event as guests made their way inside and instructed those participating that the wedding should not continue due to the high number of guests.

Thereafter, the couple had a smaller ceremony with most guests watching online and some still in the church.

However, within five days of the ceremony the couple and eight of their guests started showing symptoms and tested positive for the virus.

According to a Pastor involved with the church, the church had agreed to the wedding but had not agreed to the number of guests.

“I had said to them they had to comply with the minimum number for the service and when they showed up with more people, they agreed with sending them away,” he said.

Image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Metro FM’s Lerato Kganyago gets proposal on her birthday

July 27, 2020 No Comments

Birthdays are a special day for many people. We get to feel our best, be spoiled, and we’re celebrated just for being born. Adding a proposal to a day as special as this makes it all the more amazing. Metro FM show host Lerato Kganyago had this fairytale experience last week.

Following social distancing rules, Kganyago is currently hosting her Metro FM show from her bedroom. On Wednesday, July 22 she stuck to her routine and got on with her work. But little did she know, a surprise awaited her after.

Once she left her room, she found her home covered in balloons and flowers. As she made her way down the staircase, words describing her covered them. “Hard worker, self-motivated, kind, joyful, strong, lovable, content, generous, intelligent, nurturer, blessed, compassionate, loving, Lerato”, were written on the steps.

With music playing in the background, she eventually found “Will you marry me again?” written in gold on the floor.

Kganyago was completely taken by surprise. “While I was in my bedroom doing my radio show!!! This was happening downstairs and I had NO CLUE!” she wrote on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC8VyfCpid_/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC8naCbpEAz/

In May, Kganyago announced that she had split from her partner Thami Ndala, after they had been married for two months. In a statement, she wrote, “It is with sadness that we announce that Thami and I have decided to go our separate ways. We have come to realise that our different priorities and workloads have not afforded us the time to invest in our relationship. We will continue to care deeply for each other, and look forward to growing our friendship. We have nothing more to say on this subject and hope that our privacy will be respected during this difficult time.”

Shortly thereafter, there was speculation that they had gotten back together.

Now, it seems clear that the pair have reunited and are planning another trip down the aisle since the words read “will you marry me again” appeared in the video, indicating they had been married before.

Kganyago prefers to keep her private life to herself and out of the spotlight, and she made it clear in May that she was frustrated with all the speculation about her private life. She has not tagged or mentioned her groom to be in her Instagram posts recently either.

Image: Lerato Kganyago

In Weddings

Moroccan wedding traditions span 3 days or more

July 21, 2020 No Comments

Morocco is filled with a rich culture dating back many years. Their wedding traditions incorporate their culture’s morals and values and are quite elaborate occasions.

A traditional Moroccan wedding can last up to seven days, as it includes several ceremonies that occur prior to the actual wedding. Music, dancing, outfit changes, customs, and traditions all play a huge role in Moroccan weddings.

Here are some of the ongoings of a Moroccan marriage:

Drib Sdak

In Morocco, the actual marriage happens before the celebration, in a ceremony called the Drib Sdak. At this small ceremony, the couple sign the marriage contract with their family members present as witnesses. They are also accompanied by an Adoul (a notary).

Hammam

A few days before the celebration, the bride undergoes a process of purification. The bride gathers all the women in her life, who accompany her to the hammam (public bath or additional sauna). She will get her hair washed with ghassoul (a type of clay) and be pampered with a massage, waxing, and more. This lasts a full day.

Moroccans also take part in a version of the Henna party, most popularly celebrated by Hindu people. The Henna party happens the day after the Hammam.

The beginning of the real celebration

The third day is when all the efforts of the pre-wedding occasions come together.

Guests and the wedding party gather at the wedding venue. Thereafter the groom arrives with his family. The last to arrive is the bride, who is escorted in an amaria (a roofed platform carried by a few men).

During the festivities

Once the bride exits the amaria, she will sit on an elevated couch with her new partner and guests will be allowed to come take pictures with the pair.

Just before the meal is served, the bride often changes into a second outfit. After dinner and some dancing, the bride will change her clothing again. This time, into an outfit called the “Labssa Fassia”. The groom also changes into more traditional clothing (from his wedding suit).

One last change of clothes happens before the cutting of the cake and the last dance.

Parade

After the festivities, the newlyweds leave the venue in a car parade. They will stop at various locations along with their route home, to capture some photographs.

Once they arrive at the groom’s home, his mother will welcome the couple with milk and dates.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Ways to reuse your wedding dress

July 20, 2020 No Comments

Wedding dresses are a major part of anyone’s big day but after the wedding, they tend to end up unused and stashed away in a cupboard.

Your dress doesn’t have to just sit in a closet and collect dust. To get the most out it, here are a few ways to reuse your wedding dress and create more special memories.

Donate it

Your wedding dress holds a special meaning but more often than not, it just becomes an ornament hanging in the back of your cupboard. Donating your dress will give someone else the opportunity to feel just as beautiful and glamorous as you did on your big day.

Get crafty

Wedding dresses tend to have much more fabric than others, which can be cut and crafted in new and creative ways. You can cut the dress down and use strips of material for making various home decor items or clothing. Satin and lace work well for this. Or separate the skirt and bodice to wear as stylish separates paired with more casual items.

Dye it

Along the lines of crafting, dying your dress will instantly change its look and make it an elegant evening gown which you can wear out to events or formal functions.

Turn it into a family heirloom

If you feel sentimental and would like to keep your dress, turning it into a Christening dress or princess-style dress for your child or younger family member is a meaningful way of re-using your dress.

Play dress up

Love Halloween, or any kind of dress-up for that matter? You can get seriously creative with your wedding dress for a themed party. Think zombie bride or fairytale princess!

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Quirky wedding themes you’ll love

July 20, 2020 No Comments

With thousands of themes to choose from, it can be difficult to decide on a wedding theme. You don’t have to choose between his favourite superhero movie and your perfect all-white wedding-themed weddings allow you to get the best of both worlds. Combine your favourite pop culture and movie references for a wedding celebration with a unique twist.

Harry Potter

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAhJHw-Kn54/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

No love potions needed here. If you and your better half are low-key wizards at heart, a Harry Potter–themed wedding is perfect for you. Why not send out a love-spell invitation or thank-you cards and feast on a Sorting Hat wedding cake? Then gift your guests with Harry Potter wands as wedding favours – complete with their names on the box so it will feel just like a trip to Ollivander’s.

The Wizard Of Oz

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ctdYVjCBt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Follow the yellow brick road down the aisle to meet your future partner and add a pop of colour to your conventional wedding attire by opting for sparkly red shoes just like Dorothy. Your decor can be farm-inspired with checked tablecloths and straw bales as seats, or add outdoor benches and Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion photo booth props if you’d like to give your guests a fun memento to take home. Just like Dorothy had a wish, your guests can write out cute wishes on small pieces of paper for you and your loved one.

Superheroes

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_UpXcEnYv4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

With the surge in superhero flicks, you can take your love for all things Marvel or DC to new heights. Whether it’s The Hulk, Superman or Batman, you can have it all! Ask your groomsmen to don superhero-themed T-shirts beneath their suits or have your guests dress up as their favourite characters – villains welcome too. For a more subtle approach, decorate a simple wedding cake with inside layers mimicking the colours of your favourite superhero’s costume or add a cute hero couple caketopper (think Batman and Catwoman or Superman and Wonderwoman).

Sports

https://www.instagram.com/p/B04ngjRHJx1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Are you a die-hard sports fan? Then incorporate sports trivia on your special day with sports trophies as flower vases or your venue decorated to look like the inside of an arena (or you could just have your venue at a sports ground). Sports jerseys can be used as bridal party outfits after the formal wedding festivities are out of the way and you can keep your guests entertained with a host of sport activities that double as the perfect props for pictures.

Carnival

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBxSvczn0aY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feel like a kid again and make your wedding reception a carnival complete with fun games where guests can win prizes for participating. Serve foods casually by setting up food carts with hot dogs, popcorn in cute striped bags and even candyfloss on a stick, and decorate your tables with brightly coloured paper and an assortment of colourful sweets.

Feature image: Pixabay

In Weddings

Getting divorced in South Africa is more expensive than you think

July 20, 2020 No Comments

South Africa has quite a high rate of divorce. According to Stats SA, four out of ten marriages end in divorce before their tenth anniversary. The truth is, nobody wants their story to end in a separation, but sometimes you have no other choice.

DivorceLaws.co.za, a website established by Family Law and Divorce Lawyer Bertus Preller at Maurice Philips Wisenberg in Cape Town and author of the book Everyone’s Guide To Divorce and Separation, published data about divorce in South Africa. According to the website, the divorce rate declined from 2017 to 2018 but despite this, the numbers remain high.

Data based on 25 284 divorce forms obtained by Stats SA showed a decline of 0.4% (from 25 390 in 2017 to 25 284 in 2018). Most divorce proceedings are started by women.

“The 2018 data reveal that more wives than husbands, 13 218 (52,3%) women in comparison to 8 791 (34,8%) men started divorce proceedings and 1 523 (6,0%) divorces were started by both husband and wife,” they said on the website.

Additionally, Business Tech reported that since the beginning of lockdown, divorce in the country has increased by 20%.

With such high divorce rates, one begins to wonder how much divorce actually costs. The total cost depends on the complexity of the settlement, with issues which may include division of assets or child maintenance.

According to Parent24, in the case that a couple collaborates to finalise all of these complexities and reach an agreement, the divorce can have a total cost coming to R7000 to R10 000. If the divorce is contested, however, it will be much more expensive.

When both individuals do not agree on the terms, they incur additional costs by going back and forth and keeping lawyers for longer, and having to go to court.

Attorneys charge big money for their services. Some who are well-experienced charge between R2000 and R3000 an hour. So, by increasing the time you spend with them, you increase your fees tremendously.

One might think that doing it yourself is the best option in an effort to save money. However, Lee Hancox, head of channel and segment marketing at Sanlam told Business Tech that it may cause more trouble.

“Sometimes there’s the temptation to rush into a ‘quickie’ DIY divorce that seems cheaper and faster – perhaps you want to get out of the emotionally stressful scenario as fast as possible,” she said. “This can be risky. Particularly if you’re not a legal expert, what you may be putting into your divorce agreement could be called into question when you get into a divorce court, or, worst-case scenario, could be to your detriment in the long run. ”

The result of this could cost you more in the end, so it may be better to stick with a professional.

If you’re wondering what else may increase your spending during or after divorce, here are some expenses that result from separation:

– Two households instead of one,

– Additional child care expenses,

– Separating contracts like medical aid, cell phone contracts, insurance, bond payments and others.

David Thomson, senior legal adviser at Sanlam Trust told Business Tech that professional help to guide you in the process makes a huge difference.

“You have to consider the impact of divorce on the whole financial picture. In a partnership, one person may have taken responsibility for the finances, so following a divorce, sudden financial independence could be daunting for the other partner,” he explained.

“Additionally, divorce might mean that one has to go back to work. Plus, it has potentially big consequences if there are children involved as arrangements must be made regarding payment of school fees; medical aid and the like.”

“Divorce is complicated, no matter who you are and how wealthy you may be.”

Image: Unsplash