Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In News

Pair have Animal Crossing wedding amid coronavirus

April 6, 2020 No Comments

Many couples are facing the disappointment of having to cancel or postpone their weddings due to the coronavirus pandemic. While some are planning to simply wait until the health crisis blows over, others are finding creative ways around the problem.

With the forced cancellation of their wedding, Sharmin Asha and Nazmul Ahmed had to get past the disappointment. They decided they would start playing the popular Nintendo game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While they played, Ahmed had an idea.

He put together a surprise in-game wedding for his wife-to-be. “Nazmul invited me over to collect resources [on his island] since he had been playing longer than me. As soon as I got there, he was at the airport and there were arrows on the ground. He told me there was some special in-game event, so we followed them,” said Asha to The Washington Post.

As they followed the arrows, Asha collected virtual flowers that Ahmed left for her. At the end of the path she found a beach, where her friends waited with their own Animal Crossing characters.

Ahmed told The Washington Post that the entire thing took him four to five hours to set up. He said that their friends were happy to get on board with his plan, since they already played the game.

Of course, this is not a replacement for the New Jersey couple’s wedding but it has served as a great way to celebrate what would have been their wedding date.

Ahmed and Asha are not the only ones to have celebrated their nuptials this way. A host of other couples have made their way to Animal Crossing too as it serves as a proxy for real-world social interaction.

Image: Twitter / GoNintendoTweet

In Advice

How hand sanitizer affects your engagement ring

April 3, 2020 No Comments

With the spread of the coronavirus in South Africa and across the world, people are much more conscious about hygiene. Specifically hand hygiene. All we’ve heard from our leaders is for weeks is “wash your hands, don’t touch your face”. This has led to an increase in the use of hand sanitizer.

The hand sanitizer you should be using consists of about 70% alcohol (isopropyl or ethyl) mixed with water, glycerine and fragrance.

You’d think that no harm can come from using proper hand sanitizer. After all, you’re trying to protect yourself from a pandemic. While you’re taking care of yourself, however, be sure to take care of your engagement ring too!

It turns out that hand sanitizer is quite bad for your ring, especially when it’s used excessively (much like we’re all doing these days). According to James Allen, an online diamond and bridal jewellery retailer, contact with cleaners that contain chlorine, bleach, and rubbing alcohol “can break down the brilliance of metals and gems over time”. The last thing you want is for your ring to lose it’s sparkle!

Experts at James Allen also warned of a different way the sanitizer could be ruining your ring. “Extensive hand sanitizer use can also loosen prongs that hold diamonds in place,” they said. This means you’re putting your diamond at risk. It could loosen and fall out without you noticing.

Of course, we don’t want these risks to stop you from practicing good hygiene. Quite the opposite, actually.

All you need to do is remove the ring from your finger each time you sanitize and you should be good to go! Remember to wait until your hand dry’s before placing the ring back on your finger.

If you really want to protect your ring, you could choose to remove it until the coronavirus pandemic passes. Bacteria can make its way into the grooves of your ring. If you don’t plan on cleaning the ring, it may be better to store it away until this all blows over.

It’s not that difficult to clean your ring though! So, if you want to keep wearing it, simply pop it in some warm water with dish washing soap at least once a week! Voila, good hygiene and a ring that remains safe and sound.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Romantic home proposal ideas

April 2, 2020 No Comments

So lockdown ruined your big proposal plans but you can’t keep the secret inside any longer? It looks like an at-home proposal is your only choice! There’s no need to worry though, there are more than a few ways to make it special.

If you’re in search for some at home proposal ideas, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to get your love locked in during lockdown:

– The games night proposal

If you’re a playful pair, plan your proposal around a games night. You could do it under the guise of keeping busy on another night under quarantine. Set out a scrabble board, and throughout the game try to spell out words that eventually lead up to “will you marry me?”. “say yes?” or “wife/husband?”.

Alternatively, you could play charades, pictionary, or any such guessing game, and take your proposal from there! Act out or draw marriage, and then get down on one knee.

– The classic dinner proposal

Cook your soon-to-be a romantic dinner, decorate the table with candles, and do it just like they do in the movies. After some casual dinner-time conversation or perhaps during dessert, pop the question.

– The pet proposal

We know those of you with fur babies don’t want to leave the little ones out of anything! Plan to have your pet involved, by placing the ring on their body (without hurting them of course). Have your pet approach your partner for them to find the ring.

– The treasure hunt proposal

Hide the ring, write down some clues, and make a fun activity out of your proposal. Tell your partner you’ve got them a gift but they need to go on a treasure hunt for it. Voila, a fun and flirty at home proposal.

– The pamper proposal

Treat your significant other to a spa day, full with DIY face masks and a massage, perhaps even a bubble bath. After they’ve relaxed to the max, and you’ve built up the nerve then get down to business.

Good luck with your proposals!

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

How to have a honeymoon during lockdown

April 2, 2020 No Comments

Of course, for your honeymoon you’d prefer to be lounging on the beach on a tropical island or roaming the streets in a city unfamiliar to you. However, when the President calls for a national lockdown, and all travel is banned, a stay home honeymoon is what’s on the cards!

Fret not though, newly weds! Your quarantine honeymoon can be great too. After all, you’re in this together, and who doesn’t want to be stuck alone with their number one person? We guarantee there are tons of couples who want to be in you shoes right now.

If you’re trying to turn your self-isolation into a bae-cation, here are some things you should do:

– Unplug

First and foremost, take some time off from technology. Turn those phones off and unplug! You’ll feel more like you’re away, because you won’t have people texting and calling all day.

– Decorate your bedroom

Turn your bedroom into a honeymoon suite. Lay out some new bedding, put some chocolates on the pillows, and create a romantic getaway hotel in your own home.

– Activities by candle light

Candles make everything 100 times more romantic, don’t you agree? Fill up the bath and add some bubbles, pop the lights off and add some candles. There you have it, a perfect honeymoon activity.

If bubble baths are not your thing, or your tub is too small to take the both of you, a candle lit dinner is great too. Cook up something tasty and have a dinner date.

– Open wedding gifts

Start off your journey together by opening all those gifts you received! It’ll make you feel very special and loved, and you’ll get some constructive things done at the same time.

– Breakfast in bed

Take turns bringing each other some food to get the day going. Pancakes, waffles, omelettes, go all out.

– Massages

A whole new definition of “couples massage”. While you can’t go out and get a massage together, you can totally give each other massages. It can be very romantic!

– Planning

Spend some time planning a trip away. We’re sure you want to take a “real” honeymoon when the lockdown is over. So why not use some of this time to get ahead with the planning!

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

A guide to wedding dress shopping online

April 1, 2020 No Comments

Online shopping can be risky business. There’s always a chance, no matter how small, that you end up with something that’s not quite what you were expecting. If you’re considering switching from window shopping to (Microsoft) Windows shopping, then read on!

We’re absolutely certain that you don’t want to be the bride who buys her dress online and, on delivery, instantly regrets it. As with everything, there are pros and cons of online wedding dress shopping. However, there is something to be said for the convenience, savings, and options that come with the online experience.

Whether you’re sick of making your way through racks and racks of dresses, or you’re simply not keen on the idea of hunting for dresses in store, online wedding dress shopping could be a great option.

If this is the route you’re taking, then keep these tips in mind:

– Measurements

You need to know the measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. If you don’t know these, your dress will not be the best fit it can be. Brides who have undertaken the online shopping experiment report that a great way to find your fit is to go in store (oh no!) and fit on some dresses there, with the sole purpose of finding what fits you. Once you’re clued up on your measurements, pop back online and get searching. Of course, you could just use the trusted measuring tape.

– Fabrics

Be familiar with fabrics and how they look and feel. You wouldn’t want a detail like this to ruin what you expected to be your perfect dress.

– Policies

Look, we’ve said it once and we’ll say it again. There are always risks with online shopping. Before you make this very important purchase, find out what the online store’s policies are. Imagine you’re unable to return a dress that has turned out to be a Halloween costume! The horror!

– Social media

Check across all social media platforms for brides wearing a similar dress to the one you’ve chosen. It’ll give you a good idea of how the dress looks in real life!

– Read reviews

Be sure to check the online reviews of the stores you’re shopping at. You’ll either see many angry customers or tons of happy brides. This will help you decided whether to keep shopping there.

– Read carefully

Be aware of common terms like “fully lined” and “partially lined”. The latter will have you in a see-through dress on your special day. Pull out those comprehension skills and read the dress descriptions carefully.

Image: Unsplash

In Engagements

Man takes the last flight during global pandemic to propose

March 30, 2020 No Comments

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, this man had to make a decision of vital importance: to stay in Cairo or take the last available flight to Canada to be with his girlfriend. He chose the latter.

Eihab Boraie was in Cairo when the covid-19 broke out. His Italian-American girlfriend, Francesca Brunndisini, is in Quebec City. As the global health crises deepened and became increasingly serious, Boraie realised he had to act fast.

Soon things became more tense, as Egpyt announced that airports would shut down on March 19. This meant that the very few left over tickets were much more expensive than usual. But Boraie took his chances anyway. He didn’t expect things to work out.

“I assumed the only way I would be travelling home was if the Canadian government sent a plane to retrieve stranded Canadians,” he wrote on CNN.

Miraculously, he secured a seat on the very last flight to Canada. So he set off to be with his girlfriend, leaving behind his loving parents who’s health he worried about.

Once he arrived in Quebec City, he couldn’t wait any longer. The first thing he did when he saw Brunndisini was to get down on one knee and propose.

“She was completely caught off guard as less than 48 hours before she didn’t know when and if she would ever see me again, let alone predict that I would ask her to marry me,” he said.

“She accepted my proposal, we removed our masks and made it official with a long kiss,” he added.

Boraie joked that they sealed the deal with a ring and the possibility that he could have passed her the virus in that moment.

“When the world is healed, our plan is to get married in Italy on the island of Giglio, but it’s hard to imagine when that will be. Until that day the only couple goals we set in stone is to stay isolated and survive the quarantine,” he said.

Image: Facebook / Eihab Boraie

In Advice

Who to leave off your wedding guest list

March 30, 2020 No Comments

Let’s be honest, there are quite a few wedding guests who fall under the ‘non-essential’ category. We tend to invite people to be polite, because our parents expect us to, or because that’s what tradition dictates.

Eventually, the list will grow too long. Your venue’s capacity may not allow for the long list of guests, or it could be the gaping hole in your pocket calling for you to cut down on the invites. Whatever your reason for a shorter guest list, you need to remember that in the end it’s your special day. You can invite (or not invite) anyone you please.

If you’re wondering where to start trimming, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some people you can leave off your wedding guest list:

– MIA friends and family

Your wedding is an opportunity to celebrate your love and the big steps you’re taking in life. Those who are present in your life should have a chance to share that happiness with you. If there are family members or friends you haven’t spoken to in years, there is no need to invite them. This is not a reunion, it’s a wedding.

– Neighbours

Physical proximity should not be a factor in choosing your wedding guests. Just because they live next to you, doesn’t mean they get an invite. If you’re very friendly with them, it’s a different story, but if they’re the “wave and keep it moving” types of neighbours, then an invitation is not necessary.

– Kids

There is a lot of debate about whether kids should be invited to weddings. Ultimately, the choice is yours. But if you wanting to cut down on the amount of mouths you need to feed, this is a great place to start.

– Your parents’ friends

No doubt your mom’s friend will see all your wedding photos on Facebook (and like them all individually). There’s no need for her to see it live.

– Badly behaved guests

If you have a friend who is notorious for getting smashed and wrecking the cake at weddings, why would you invite them? Be smart, don’t do it!

Also read: Should you invite kids to your wedding?

Also read: Wedding plus-one etiquette: Rules for the couple

Also read: The ex-factor: Should you invite them?

Image: Pexels

In Engagements

Agent E helps men find the perfect ring

March 30, 2020 No Comments

Finding the perfect engagement ring is a tough task! If you’re a groom-to-be, or have experienced the ring shopping rush then you know a bit about this. We bet a one-stop-shop for finding the dream ring is exactly what soon-to-be-husbands are yearning for.

Rowena Cumner, a 34-year-old Londoner, launched her engagement business, Agent Engagement, in 2015. The business helps men find the perfect engagement ring, assisting them in the full process including sourcing the ring and transporting it through airport security.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7isPFlgi6H/

Cumner offers the service at no cost at all, with her income coming from commission from jewelers. According to Daily Mail, Cumner thought up this business idea when her friend requested that she assist in bringing a ring across London.

About her business she said: “I started being Agent E to help people save time, hassle or money when searching the engagement ring market and it just became really fun. From teachers to doctors, builders to bankers, my clients seemed to find it fun too, pretending to be 007 running around creating the perfect ring.

“The best part is that my clients never tell their partners that I’ve helped them. They want them to think they did it all by themselves,” she added.

Included in her job description is ensuring that brides don’t catch on to the upcoming proposal. She claims that at times she speaks to clients more than 30 times a day, if they’re working with a deadline.

Apparently, getting rings through airport security is the most difficult part. “Usually we get around this with a giant post-it note on the ring box alerting airport staff that it’s a surprise engagement ring and not to be opened carelessly,” she said.

“Sometimes the rings are so precious we can’t risk a problem in security, so I once booked a £1 EasyJet flight to Dublin, just so I can get the ring through airport security slowly, in order to pass it over to my client outside Pret a Manger in Gatwick while his girlfriend was in the loo,” she added.

Cumner takes pride in her business and is tremendously happy helping clients create the perfect proposal. “I will stop at nothing to help my clients pop the question with complete peace of mind – as long as it’s legal,” she said.

Here are some of her happy clients:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7o0MhogATQ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ8GeFRAomV/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ebxm_Ax4E/

Image: Instagram / Agent Engagement

In Advice

How to preserve a wedding dress at home

March 27, 2020 No Comments

Your wedding dress is probably the most loved item in your wardrobe. You may never own another piece of clothing as special as this. Of course you’d want to preserve it!

Preserving a wedding dress means different things to different people. It could be to store away treasured memories, to keep it safe and in good condition for your child to wear one day, or to ensure that it becomes a family heirloom. Whatever your reason, you’ll want to do it properly.

The last thing you want is for the dress to be ruined over time, or to trust somebody else with the preservation only to find out 30 years later that it’s the wrong dress (tragic).

So to be sure you get the best preservation possible, here are some tips:

– Plan ahead

If you know you’re a sentimental person, keep some of your budget aside for dress preservation. This can include a budget for a trip to the cleaners, and any items you may need to do at home preservation. (or to get your dress professionally preserved)

– Handle with care

On your big day you should keep in mind that this is an item you want to keep forever. Try to avoid getting stains on it, carry it in a garment bag if you’re travelling, and only put in one at the last minute.

– Clean the dress

After the wedding, but before the preservation process, you have to clean the dress. Of course you could take it to the cleaners, but if you want to do it yourself you need to be aware of the materials your dress is made of. Don’t use harsh laundry detergent and never use bleach.

If you preserve the dress without cleaning it first, all the tiny stains and marks will set and will become impossible to remove in later years.

– Acid Free tissue paper

At this point, if you’re enlisting the help of a professional, your dress will be put into a preservation box and will be sealed (commonly, you’re advised to never break the seal unless you want to use the dress).

If you’re DIY-ing then you better get some acid-free tissue paper or pre-washed unbleached muslin. Place layers of tissue paper or muslin between folds of the dress. Stuff the bust with tissue paper too, this helps to maintain shape over time.

NB! Do not use coloured tissue paper, it’ll stain the dress over time.

– Acid free container

After it’s folded, store the dress in an acid free container. Add silica desiccant packets inside the box.

– Store in a cool dry place

We all have heard this phrase before, but this time it’s serious. Don’t skip this step. If you’re thinking of storing the dress in the attic, basement or garage…DON’T! Cool and dry is the best option. Under a bed or in a closet is probably the best way to go.

– Check in

If you’ve preserved the dress yourself, you have to check in on it now and then. Every 2 -3 years, have a look at it and maybe give it a re-fold.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Pros and cons of weekday weddings

March 26, 2020 No Comments

Weekend weddings are all the rage, with Saturdays being the most popular by a long shot. But couples haven’t totally discredited the idea of a weekday wedding. In fact, while they are often considered difficult, weekday weddings are quite do-able!

Perhaps you’ve chosen a special date for a sentimental reason, or you just are not willing to let go of your dream venue even if it means an “inconvenient” date. Whatever the reason for your weekday wedding, we’re sure you’ll pull it off.

If you’re on the fence about whether the weekday wedding will work for you, here are some pros and cons to help you find your way:

Pros

– Much cheaper

Vendors, venues, and hotels will all be much cheaper during the week. Most companies and service providers in the wedding industry are likely to charge much less on a weekday. Saving money? That’s always a plus!

– More availability

Your planning and co-ordination will consist of less back and forth calls and appointments because wedding service providers are more readily available on weekdays. Weekday weddings are uncommon, so you’ll have vendors almost completely to yourself!

– Good for intimate weddings

It’s likely that quite a few people won’t be able to make it, so you’ll be left with a smaller crowd. Of course all your nearest and dearest will make the effort to be there, which means it’s only those who you are not that close to you who won’t pull through. This means your wedding will only have guests who intimately know you. It could turn out being even more special that you ever imagined.

Cons

– Lower attendance

If you’ve always wanted a massive wedding, then a weekday is a big no. Many guests won’t make it during the week.

– Might end earlier

People have obligations the next day and thus may leave earlier than they would at a weekend wedding. It could bring your celebrations to a close before you’re ready to end the night.

– Quiet crowd

Your guests will be attending your wedding after school, work and other such daily tasks. This means they might be a bit tired and low energy. If you’re fine with a quieter crowd, then go for it! But if you want loud cheers and overly excited onlookers, then a weekday wedding may not be for you.

Image: Unsplash