Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Advice

Are you a bridezilla or a bridechilla?

May 7, 2026 No Comments

Planning a wedding requires a lot of patience, time and attention to detail. For many it can be quite stressful and can take a toll on not only your time, but your emotions as well. Which begs the questions… are you a bridezilla or a bridechilla?

Bridezilla

This is a bride who is stressing about everything and has little to no, well, ‘chill’. She’s determined and dead-set on getting her way and making sure everyone complies. A bridezilla has imagined her wedding day for what seems like forever and nothing is going to stop her from ensuring that her big day is exactly how she pictured. There’s nothing wrong with going after what you want, but be aware that these brides are usually not considerate of those around them and this can relate to money, schedules etc.

Bridezillas want things a certain way and want to make sure that their big day is perfect in every way. They’re usually very hands-on and will want control over all aspects of the planning. Wedding planner? What wedding planner??

If she’s surrounded by people who are unsure and don’t really know what to do, where to lend a hand or what to contribute, then a bridezilla may not be all that bad. After all, she’ll tell them.

The bridezilla will have planned everything down to the smallest detail, because she wants that first-hand reassurance that everything will be smooth sailing. Because when it comes to your wedding and paying large amounts of money, you want to know what’s going on 100% of the time.

Bridechilla

Basically, everything that was mentioned above, just the complete opposite. The bridechilla doesn’t seem to fuss over things and she just goes with the flow. It’s not that she’s careless, but she’s just not worried about everything as much. She doesn’t seek control over every little aspect of the planning process.

Being a bridechilla seems like it’s the easy choice, but it’s important to keep some things in mind about the laid back bride.

There is such a thing as being too chilled. When the bride-to-be is showing little to no interest about the wedding planning, there’s a great possibility that those around her will have to pick up the slack.

Some people enjoy some direction. For example, a bridechilla may tell her bridesmaids to wear what they want. This may leave them feeling confused and unsure of what exactly to wear or what the limitations are. Stress and frustration can be transferred to those around the bridechilla.

So… are you one of them?

This is your big day after all, so it should be exactly what you want, but you shouldn’t be over-stressing and taking all the fun out of it. With that being said, you shouldn’t allow those around you to carry all the weight, or, alternatively, feel like they have no say at all.

Trying to maintain a balance of both is the ideal – taking control but also letting go when needed. It’s great to know what you want and to have control of the planning, but you shouldn’t be too forceful, and don’t forget to chill out now and then.

ALSO SEE: Bridesmaid proposal ideas

Bridesmaid ‘proposal’ ideas

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Be prepared for these expenses if you’re a wedding guest

May 6, 2026 No Comments

It’s always great receiving an invitation to a wedding. It’s a joyous occasion that you are honoured to be part of. As excited as you may be, your wallet might not be as thrilled. All the costs are easy to forget, so be prepared for these expenses if you’re a wedding guest.

The engagement party

Couples usually have an engagement party to celebrate the good news and the marriage to come. It’s not always a big thing, but there is a chance that you may encounter a few expenses.

You may need to purchase a gift. It’s not a requirement, but if you feel the need to get the couple a gift, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy or over the top and you shouldn’t feel pressured into getting something expensive.
Not all engagement parties are super formal, but if the one you’re going to happens to be, and you don’t own anything up to par, then you may need to go on a little shopping trip.
Hopefully, there are drinks available but if the soiree doesn’t feature an open bar, you’ll have to fork out some cash for your liquor.

Bridal shower

Pitching up with a gift is now expected unless stated otherwise, so that’s definitely a deduction.

The bachelor/bachelorette party

A gift may not be necessary but depending on how close you are to the bride, you may be required to contribute to various things surrounding the party itself.
If you’re going out, you may have to pay your own way for things like dinner and drinks.
Travel costs. Now, this isn’t always the case, but you may be required to travel to a destination for the party. Whether it’s an hour or plane away, that’s still a cost.

The wedding

Travel comes up again, as the ceremony and reception may be held at a special place that’s of course at a distance. You’ll have to make your own way there unless stated otherwise.
This is the main event and a special gift is now mandatory. Most couples opt for a wedding registry that consists of a variety of gifts with different price tags, big and small.
Since it is the big day, you have to look your best. Depending on what the dress code is and what’s available in your closet, you may need to stop window shopping.
If it is a destination wedding, chances are, you may need to sort out your own accommodation. Some couples may book a few rooms at a hotel but you’ll have to pay your own way.

It’s important to remember that even if you get an invitation to all the wedding festivities, you don’t have to attend them all, especially since they can become quite costly.

As expensive as all these things may seem, before you decline the invitation, keep in mind that all the things listed may not be applicable to all events.

ALSO SEE: Wedding guest dress code explained

Wedding guest dress code… explained

Feature image: Pexels

In Celebs

‘House of Zwide’ stars Shalate Sekhabi and Wanda Zuma get married

May 6, 2026 No Comments

South African entertainment is celebrating a real-life love story after House of Zwide co-stars Shalate Sekhabi and Wanda Zuma reportedly tied the knot, taking their on-screen romance to the next level.

The pair won over audiences with their portrayal of Shoki and Nkosi on the hit telenovela House of Zwide. Their undeniable chemistry quickly made them fan favourites, with viewers deeply invested in their relationship storyline.

Off-screen, that connection grew into something more. After keeping their relationship relatively private, the couple confirmed their romance and later their engagement—much to the excitement of fans who had long speculated about their bond.

According to reports, Shalate and Wanda recently celebrated their union in a traditional wedding ceremony attended by close friends and family. While the couple has not publicly shared full details, snippets circulating on social media reveal a stylish and culturally rich celebration.

From elegant traditional attire to intimate moments captured by guests, the wedding has quickly become one of the most talked-about events in South African entertainment this week. Both Shalate and Wanda have built strong fan bases through their work on House of Zwide, and their real-life relationship has only strengthened their popularity.

For many fans, their journey feels like a fairytale—proof that sometimes, on-screen love can turn into something genuine beyond the cameras.

Mzansi has taken to social media to celebrate the couple, with congratulatory messages pouring in. Fans have described their union as “beautiful,” “unexpected,” and “straight out of a script.”

The story has also sparked conversations about love in the entertainment industry, with many praising the couple for keeping their relationship grounded despite being in the public eye.

@andile_hlungwane

#shalate #wandazuma #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #celebritycouple #amora

♬ original sound – Pertunia

One user said: “So their love in acting was real, congrats though.”

Another one said: “Congratulations to Wanda and Shalate.”

While another one said: “Another example that shows us that people can really get feelings for each other on set.”

While the newlyweds have yet to release an official statement, anticipation continues to build as fans eagerly await more glimpses into their big day. With their love story now sealed in real life, all eyes will be on what’s next for the couple.

ALSO SEE: Sue Duminy shares her engagement news

Sue Duminy shares her engagement news

Written by Zintle Mdaka for BONA.

Feature image: Wanda Zuma/Facebook

In Advice

Why more and more couples are choosing a wedding weekend

April 14, 2026 No Comments

In recent years, weddings have begun to evolve beyond a single day of celebration. Increasingly, couples are choosing to transform their weddings into full weekend experiences, gatherings that allow friends and family to come together, connect and celebrate over several days rather than just a few hours. This extended format not only deepens the guest experience but also contributes to increased demand for local accommodation, hospitality services and nearby attractions. This shift has given rise to what many in the industry are calling the “wedding weekend” – a growing trend that places as much emphasis on shared experiences as it does on the ceremony itself.

One of the main reasons couples are embracing the wedding weekend concept is the desire to spend more meaningful time with their guests. Traditional weddings often move at a fast pace, with the day unfolding in a blur of greetings, photographs and formalities. By extending celebrations across an entire weekend, couples are able to slow the pace, creating opportunities for genuine connection with the people who have travelled to celebrate alongside them. For many destinations, this also means guests are staying longer and engaging more with the surrounding area.

What does a wedding weekend look like?

A typical wedding weekend often begins with a relaxed welcome gathering on the Friday evening. Rather than a formal rehearsal dinner, many couples are opting for casual drinks or a laid-back dinner where guests can meet one another and settle into the celebratory atmosphere. This opening event sets the tone for the weekend and allows guests who may not know each other to connect before the main celebration begins. These additional gatherings often create further opportunities for local caterers, venues and service providers to be part of the celebration.

Saturday naturally becomes the centrepiece of the weekend, with the ceremony and reception taking place against the backdrop of a more relaxed schedule. Because guests are already on-site or nearby, there is less pressure on strict timelines. Couples can take their time with the ceremony, enjoy unhurried photo sessions and create a reception that unfolds at a comfortable, celebratory pace.

Sunday often provides a gentle conclusion to the celebrations, typically with a farewell breakfast or brunch where guests can gather one last time before departing. These final moments tend to be among the most memorable, offering couples the opportunity to thank their guests personally and reflect on the weekend’s highlights.

What makes the wedding weekend particularly special, however, are the experiences that happen between the main events. Many couples are incorporating informal activities that allow guests to explore the surroundings and enjoy the destination together. This could include garden lunches, guided walks, wine tastings or simply relaxing in scenic surroundings with a drink in hand. These activities could encourage collaboration with local guides, producers and tourism operators, further benefiting the surrounding community.

Food and hospitality play a central role in shaping the atmosphere of a wedding weekend. Rather than focusing on a single formal meal, couples can create a series of culinary moments throughout the celebration, from welcome cocktails and canapés to beautifully prepared dinners and relaxed brunches the following morning. This layered approach allows guests to savour the experience and enjoy the occasion without feeling rushed.

A wedding weekend at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa

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A post shared by Granny Mouse Country House (@granny_mouse_country_house)

Naturally, the success of a wedding weekend depends greatly on the setting. Venues that offer accommodation, picturesque surroundings and a variety of spaces for both formal and informal gatherings are particularly well suited to this style of celebration. In regions such as the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, venues like Granny Mouse Country House & Spa provide the kind of relaxed countryside atmosphere that allows wedding weekends to unfold effortlessly, with gardens, intimate ceremony spaces and comfortable accommodation all within easy reach.

Ultimately, by creating space for connection, laughter and celebration over several days, couples can savour every moment. Their guests, in turn, become part of something truly special, with extended stays that naturally contribute to the local economy.

If the perfect weekend wedding is what you’re after, then contact the Granny Mouse team at [email protected]

ALSO SEE: How (and when) to greet your wedding guests

How (and when) to greet your wedding guests

Featured image: Stacey Vandas/Pexels

Words: Supplied by My Word PR.

In Accessories

What to consider when resetting your engagement ring

April 12, 2026 No Comments

Do you sometimes wish to have a different ring on your ring finger? Look no further. Here are FAQs and all you need to know when thinking of resetting your engagement ring.

A ring makeover does not have to cost you an arm and a leg, and you don’t have to buy a completely new ring either. You can rearrange your stones and make them brand new.

1. Why reset your ring
There are many reasons to reset your ring and those may include a divorce, feeling your ring is worn out, or just wanting a new look. However, when you reset your ring, its value changes and it will no longer be the original price.

2. Cost to reset
Resetting your ring may cost from R5000 to R20 000, depending on the design and the type of stone it is. The cost is less expensive than buying a new ring. However, adding new diamonds might cost more so you need to do your maths before taking your ring for a new look.

3. How long will it take
The waiting period depends on what you want to be done on your ring and it also depends on where you take it. Adding more diamonds might take longer. If you take your ring to a local jeweler it might take up to six weeks to finish it but private jewelers may have it done faster.

4. Know your stone
Do your research about your stone. It will make it easy for you to decide what to do with it if you know a little more about it. This way, you know what to expect from reconstruction and the risks.

5. Insurance
Mistakes happen all the time and you want to avoid them happening to your stone but you can never be a 100% sure, the best thing to do is make sure your ring is insured and ask your jeweler what is their policy if they mess or break the stone, have that written down to protect yourself. Normally, jewelers have a free repair policy but asking won’t hurt.

6. Ask
Jewelry is an important piece in anyone’s life because there is always a story behind it. When you take your ring for resetting, ask as many questions as you possibly can. Do your research prior and go prepared. This will save you.

ALSO SEE: Alternative engagement ring stones

Alternative engagement ring stones

Picture: Pexels

In Advice

Games to play at your bridal shower

April 1, 2026 No Comments

Bridal showers are a way for all the women in the bride’s life to come together, get to know each other, and celebrate the bride-to-be. Games at a bridal party keeps things light and ensure that there are no awkward silences.

In Advice

Preserving the top tier of a wedding cake: Tips and tricks

March 31, 2026 No Comments

One of the wedding traditions that have stood the test of time in some relationships is the preservation of the top tier of a wedding cake. Couples save the top tier of their wedding cakes and eat it on their one-year anniversary. It may sound impractical, but we’re here to show you how to do it!

Before we get to the tips for preserving your wedding cake, perhaps a little background on the tradition is necessary. These days, saving your cake for a year is understood as an omen for good luck. But where does the tradition come from?

The story of cake preservation has two short parts. The first is that having a child in the first year of marriage was much more common in years gone by. For this reason, a couple would prefer to save a part of the wedding cake for the celebration of the birth of their child instead of getting a new cake.

The second part of its story goes back to the 19th century and follows the actions of Queen Elizabeth II (or Princess Elizabeth at the time). When the Princess married Prince Philip in 1947, they had a three-tier cake. Each tier had a designated purpose – the bottom tier was to be cut at the wedding, the middle was to be sent off as a gift, and the top tier was to be saved for a future occasion. The future occasion here was the presumed upcoming birth of a child.

Now, instead of saving it for the birth of the first child, the couple saves it for the first anniversary which is usually much closer in time to the wedding. The tradition seems to have stuck as a symbol of bringing the past into the present and of celebration.

So, how do you preserve your top tier? Here are a few tips:

– Decide on preserving it in advance

To ensure that the top tier doesn’t get cut on your wedding day, let your caterer know that you’ll be preserving it well before the ceremony. Deciding on preserving the cake early also helps you decide on fillings which may be longer lasting than others or decorations and designs that are able to withstand a year in the freezer.

– Remove ornaments and flowers (real or sugar)

When you wrap the cake, it needs to be airtight. The extra decorations will prevent the cake from being wrapped airtight.

– Chill the cake

As soon as you get a chance, pop the cake in the freezer. This allows the cake to harden and preserve the icing properly. Ensure that there are no soft bits around the cake before you take it out of the freezer.

– Double wrap it

First, wrap the cake with plastic. Push the plastic onto the cake so that there are no air bubbles. Then cover it again with foil. This ensures that nothing can get in. It also helps to ensure that other things in the freezer don’t pass their smells or tastes onto your cake.

– Freeze

Once the cake is tightly wrapped, label it (to ensure it doesn’t get mistaken for something else) and pop it in the freezer!

– Eat later

Once your first anniversary comes, you’ll defrost the cake. Take the cake out of the freezer the day before your anniversary and keep in the fridge overnight. Then take it out of the fridge and leave it at room temperature for about 5 hours. Thereafter, it’ll be ready to eat!

Many couples want to participate in this tradition but, for whatever reason, prefer not to save the cake. If you don’t see yourself saving the cake, but still want the sentiment and symbolism that comes with this tradition on your first anniversary, chat to your caterer and let her know that in a year you’ll be ordering an identical top tier. You may end up receiving a special deal or a totally free top tier!

ALSO SEE: Your guide to the perfect wedding seating plan

Your guide to the perfect wedding seating plan

Image: Pexels

In Advice

Your guide to the perfect wedding seating plan

March 25, 2026 No Comments

If you’ve just made it past the potential minefield that is the guest list, here’s your next challenge: How are you going to seat everyone? Round tables? Long ones? One long banquet table? Goodness. Read on to set your mind free from all these decisions…

1. DANCE FLOOR FIRST!
This is your starting point. The most popular – and effective – option is to plonk your dance floor in the centre of the room. Then you’ll position the band or DJ against the wall. If your venue doesn’t allow for this, you can place the dance floor at one end of the room, centred and backed up against a wall.

2. FIND YOUR TABLES
Choose the shape and size of your tables – but regardless of this, make sure the two of you are in a central spot that your guests can see. Figure out how many guests fit at each table, to determine how many tables you will need.

3. THE FLOOR PLAN
Start with yourself and your SO – you get the best seats in the house, whether that means with the best view or closest to the bar (it’s been a long few months!) Then arrange your tables as symmetrically as possible – in a U-shape around the centre dance floor or fill one end of the space (if the dance floor is on the one side).

4. VIPs
Reserve the tables closest to the two of you for your immediate families, and set aside tables further from the band/DJ for older guests. The less desirable seats should be saved for your friends. Keep people together who will enjoy the time together – perhaps there are family members who haven’t seen each other in a while?

5. THE BAR
This will also be dependent on your venue, but as a rule of thumb, the bar should be away from the entrance to avoid possible congestion. If you have more than one bar (one bar with two bartenders for every 100 guests is a good point of measure), then position one close to the dance floor and another one on the other side of the room.

6. ARRANGE THE NAMES
Now that the hard work is over, how are you going to let your guests know where to sit on the day? If you have more than 75 guests, displaying their names in alphabetical order is the most convenient option, to eliminate confusion and unnecessary time spent at the seating chart. To make it more exciting, give each guest a refreshing cocktail or glass of bubbly along with their table number – it really sets the tone for a festive reception!

ALSO SEE: How to save money on wedding flowers without sacrificing style

How to save money on wedding flowers without sacrificing style

Written by Claire Davies for Wedding Etc. Summer 2020

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

How to save money on wedding flowers without sacrificing style

March 19, 2026 No Comments

What’s a wedding without a flower or two (or 100)? Here’s how to stay in the green when it comes to your floral arrangements.

In Bachelorette Party

The Hen Commandments: Dos and don’ts for planning the bachelorette party

March 16, 2026 No Comments

Have you been tasked with arranging the all-important bachelorette party? Before you break out in hives because of the sheer immensity of the situation, read our Hen Commandments. This dos and don’ts list will ensure you throw a party that will leave the bride glowing with happiness – not fuming with anger.

#1 Thou shalt be organised

Set a day way in advance and give everyone enough time to arrange their lives, plan and be there (with bells on) for the bride.

#2 Thou shalt organise a night the bride wants

And not what you want… If the bride is a Champagne and strawberries kind of lady, don’t arrange a craft-beer tasting and hot-dog day. Or if she loves to chug back the brew, don’t get everyone together for a high tea. Be creative about your theme and activities, and make sure they reflect the bride’s personality.

#3 Thou shalt never make the bride feel awkward

It might be a lot of fun to dress the bride up like Borat and make her dance at a traffic light, but the whole reason for the hen party is for her to stop fretting about the wedding for a second and have a blast. You don’t want her dying of embarrassment and wishing she was folding 700 paper frogs with Aunt Margaret instead.

#4 Thou shalt not assume the bride wants a stripper

It’s not a bachelorette bash without some strippers! Ever heard that gem? It’s rubbish, ladies. It can leave some conservative brides in tears. Find other ways to spend the money, unless your bride has specifically requested one (or three).

#5 Thou shalt take others’ budgets into account

Nobody wants to feel pressured to spend more than they can afford on a night out or a weekend away. Before you make the plans, get an idea of what everyone is willing to spend on the party, and then set a budget.

#6 Thou shalt discuss the list with the bride

You can keep everything else a surprise, but not the guest list. If you leave out someone important, the bride will have to deal with the consequences.

#7 Thou shalt involve others

Yes, you might be the maid of honour and the bride’s BFF, but that’s not to say no one else can get involved in the planning. Be open to ideas and offers of help, and delegate where possible.

#8 Thou shalt relax and enjoy thyself

Being the person in charge can be stressful, but if you’re not enjoying yourself, neither will anyone else. Relax and let the party come together.

#9 Thou shalt get everyone home safe

If you’re hitting the town and painting it red, organise Ubers or a shuttle for everyone. You don’t need any drama close to the wedding.

#10 Thou shalt not post ugly photos on Facebook

Ban phones and any posting to Facebook or Instagram on the night, and keep any dodgy photos to yourself. Waking up with a hangover is one thing. Waking up with a hangover and your night blasted all over the ’Gram is another…

ALSO SEE: Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

Written by Claire Davies for Wedding Etc Summer 2019.

Feature image: Pexels