Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

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

In Destination

Destination wedding etiquette for the couple

March 25, 2020 No Comments

So you’ve found the perfect partner, and you’ve planned the perfect wedding. Everything seems to be going splendidly. But, there’s one problem. Your destination wedding may be a complication for your guests.

When it comes to a wedding that will take place half way across the world, the most important thing to remember from the get go is that not everyone will make it.

In order to make things as easy and pleasant as possible for your guests, you may want to keep these etiquette tips in mind. After all you’re expecting them to cross the ocean for you.

– Information on the invitation

If you thought a normal wedding invitation required a lot of information, then you’re in for a surprise. In addition to all the normal information you would include, you have to be sure to add a card outlining all the events you have planned for the trip. An itinerary includes the date, time, and location of each event. You also have to provide lodging details.

– When to send save-the-dates

Again, because this is a much larger commitment than a normal wedding, you’ll want to send your save-the-date out as early as possible. Give your guests time to get their lives in order. The more time you give them, the better the chances are that they attend.

– Wedding party and paying

While it’s often not considered obligatory for you to foot the bill for your wedding party, you might want to take them into consideration a bit. Try to make things easy for them by offering affordable lodging options and outfits and try to let them know early so that they can catch cheaper flights. It’s all about being considerate.

– Food and friends

Of course it’s your responsibility to feed your guests at all official wedding events. You don’t have to pay for any other meals. However, it is considered good manners to offer to do so at least once.

– Make your guests feel welcome

A welcome event is always a good idea. It allows guests to mingle and get to know each other. After all, they’ll be spending the next few days together and we wouldn’t want things to get awkward.

Image: Unsplash

In Rings

Should the bride choose her own ring?

March 25, 2020 No Comments

Choosing an engagement ring is tricky. Not only do you have to consider the cut, colour, carat, and setting style, but have to remember that each choice needs to match the previous one.

On top of this the ring receiver (in most cases the bride) has to like it. After all, she’s the one who’ll be wearing it for the rest of her life.

For this reason, people may consider having the bride choose her own ring. Now don’t get too upset at the idea! It doesn’t have to be a controversial move. I mean, we’re in the age of independence right? Women are making their own choices and this is just another one they would probably love to make for themselves.

If you’re not sold on the idea of the bride choosing her own ring. Here are some pros and cons, to help you make your final decision.

Pros

– You get to spend quality time together

It can be a lovely bonding experience for the two of you. Instead of it being a stressful time in store for one partner alone, it can be a way for you two to get to know each other even more.

– No guessing games

As mentioned before, there are a lot of decisions to make with rings. It’s also impossible to know what cut, colour, and setting style your bride will want without specifically asking her. So, instead of playing a guessing game while you consult the jeweller, have your partner by your side to make the decisions herself!

– Sets the tone for wedding planning

It’ll be the first wedding task you do together and will give you some insight into what the wedding planning will be like.

Cons

– Takes away the surprise factor

While you can still keep the date and proposal plans a surprise, your bride will know she’s getting proposed to sooner or later. That might take the fun out of it for many people.

– Waiting after buying

The bride will spend every second after choosing the ring in anticipation of the proposal coming her way. If she has to wait too long she might get frustrated, but you also don’t want to rush it. This could complicate things.

– Money-talk could get awkward

The bride will know the budget for the ring. Most couples are good with being open about these things, but if you aren’t then taking your bride ring shopping is probably not a good idea.

Image: Unsplash

In Engagements

A guide to engagement ring settings

March 25, 2020 No Comments

If you’re in the market for an engagement ring, you need to remember to keep the setting options in mind. It may seem trivial, but it makes a huge difference to the look and style of the ring.

Each setting has a different way of securing the diamond. Here is a cheat sheet to some of the most popular setting styles:

Halo

Additional diamonds are ordered in a circle or square around the main stone. This makes the centre gem look larger and increases the sparkle of the ring overall.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7EWEkInayP/

Prong

This is the most common and classic setting. It features a metal claw, which grips the diamond. The setting can be round, pointed, v-shaped or flat. The setting does well to elevate the stone, bringing it to the attention of anybody looking towards your hand.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B56-3eOHvk-/

Tiffany

Of course, you can’t talk about rings without a mention of Tiffany. The Tiffany setting features six prongs, and is distinguished from the prong setting by the knife-like edge of its shaft and the design of its prongs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuDxRyrn9L9/

Cathedral

Taking inspiration from what it’s named after, this setting uses arches that resemble those of a cathedral to hold the diamond in place. It’s defining characteristic is how the diamond is mounted with the arches on top of the rest of the shank.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3myeCYHxbx/

Channel

The channel setting secures other diamonds in the band, creating a row of sparkling gems that leads to the main stone. The one is great for those who love a little extra sparkle.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9fJbDhlvkU/

Bezel

With its modern appearance, this one is quite popular too. The Bezel setting holds the diamond by encircling it with a metal rim. This setting holds the stone tightly in place and therefore is great for anybody who lives an active lifestyle.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6hLZYiFYgR/

Tension

Named aptly, the tension setting holds your gem in place with tension of the metal band. The diamond seems to be suspended between the two edges of the band.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7b9dIdAEkd/

Image: Unsplash

In Weddings

Why millennials are getting married later in life

March 24, 2020 No Comments

Millenials have changed the status-quo of many things, including marriage. In years gone by, it was generally expected that you get married early in your twenties. These days, people are taking a longer route to the destination.

Data from Pew Research has shown that the median age of people getting married (men and women) is the highest it’s ever been. But this doesn’t mean that millenials are against marriage. It simply shows that they are delaying it.

So why is an entire generation opting to push back their plans for nuptials? Well, there are a few reasons.

The most commonly cited reason is that millenials prefer to have their own lives in order before taking on a life-long partner. Careers, goals, bucket lists, travelling, studying, job promotions – these are all things millenials want to accomplish before marriage.

They are more concerned with establishing themselves as individuals, instead of rushing to share their lives with another person. Experts have reported that this, in fact, results in a more fulfilling marriage in the end.

Another reason is that divorce rates are high. Many millenials have been children of divorce. Having experienced this, they would prefer to ensure that they protect their own children from it. In order to do this, they are postponing marriage to be certain of their readiness and their compatibility with partners.

Quite notably, the importance of marriage has also decreased. This has also resulted in delayed marriages. In the past, marriage was a huge part of peoples lives and was even used to define people, especially women. Marriage no longer adds to (or lessens) a womans value, so women are in less of a hurry to go through with it.

Finally, the social norms have changed. Previously, you could not have kids without being married or it would be a scandal. You could not live with your partner without it being the talk of the town. These rules, in most places, are no longer a factor in the marriage equation. People are more free to live their lives and do as they please.

Of course, if you want to get married early in life that’s okay too. However, the trend seems to be that the age at which people marry is increasing.

So if you’re planning on marrying later in life, and you’re being questioned as to why you’re 28 and not married yet, feel free to provide your examiner with any of the reasons listed above!

Image: Unsplash

In Fashion

David Tlale’s sensational traditional wedding gown

March 24, 2020 No Comments

On Sunday, March 22, social media was abuzz after seeing David Tlale’s traditional wedding gown aired on Our Perfect Wedding. The dress was worn by Noluthando Nxasana (now Sakayi). She won the wedding dress that was designed by the world-renowned fashion designer in collaboration with Tastic Rice.

Tlale and Tastic held a competition last year, during Heritage Month. They requested that brides-to-be share their stories on social media and on radio in order to stand a chance to win this unique dress.

Noluthando, who comes from Table View in Cape Town, was triumphant and wore the dress at her wedding. South Africans offered much praise for the dress.

“This is truly a dress made for a queen,” said one Twitter user, @Shazzy_D. Another user commended Tastic for making this possible and said that the bride looked amazing in her custom dress.

“Being African means something unique to all of us. When designing the dress, I took inspiration from the way in which I saw how the country’s women and men express themselves during Heritage Month,” said Tlale.

The collaboration between Tastic and Tlale exhibits how we celebrate our differences as well as what unifies us. The design is a stunning depiction of life as an everyday South African and celebrates te character, texture and colours that define us.

“Every bride deserves a coutour moment and we are very excited to have made one special bride’s dreams come to life,” said Thembi Sehloho, Marketing Director of Rice and Pasta at Tiger Brands.

Noluthando’s two-day wedding took place in Cape Town. The happy couple celebrated their white wedding as well as their traditional union, which were both attended by friends, family, and the community.

Images: Supplied

In Advice

Renting versus buying a wedding suit

March 24, 2020 No Comments

You may be under the impression that the wedding dress is all that people will be looking at on the big day. If that’s the case, you’re in for a wake-up call. The grooms attire is equally important! A wedding suit is one of the most special outfits a man will ever wear.

Buying this suit, however, is a huge expense. You may not be willing, or be able, to spend that much money on your outfit. If you’re considering your options, then you should keep in mind that renting a suit is possible too.

Here are some pros and cons of both buying and renting, to help you make your final decision.

Buying a wedding suit

Pros

– You’ll have it forever

If you buy the suit, you’ll be able to keep it forever. Whether it’s just a great memory hanging in your cupboard, or you pull it out to wear to every fancy occasion, it’s always nice to have.

– You’re the first to wear it

You won’t spend your entire wedding day wondering who else has been in the suit that is currently on your body. We know that can be a bit creepy!

– Originality

You can customize it as much as you want, and you can add whatever accessories you prefer. This is the upside for many grooms.

Cons

– Expensive

This is the most glaring and most commonly cited con. New suits are tremendously pricey.

– Bang for your buck

If you only wear it once, all that money essentially goes to waste.

– Won’t always fit

We all know that our bodies change over time. This is true for everybody! Your body won’t be the same in 10 years, as it is on your wedding day. If you’re keeping it, it might not look as great in the future.

Renting a wedding suit

Pros

– This is often the cheaper option

If you’re a more informal type of guy, buying a suit makes no sense! Forking out a large sum of cash for a one-time outfit is simply not worth it. On top of this a suit that costs R5000, for example, is likely to only cost you around half of that price to rent. That’s a lot of savings.

– A nicer suit

Since it’s cheaper to rent than buy, you’ll be able to afford a higher-end suit. You’ll look dapper for less money.

– Additionals included

In most cases, when you rent a suit, all extra’s are included. This means you’ll get your shirt, cufflinks and tie all at once. You’ll spend much less time shopping.

Cons

– The fit

Renting means that options for tailoring are limited. If you’re “average” sized, then you might be able have some temporary stitches put in, but if you’re extremely tall, for example, it’ll be much more difficult to find a suit that fits well.

– You may feel it’s not special

Since it’s not really yours, and somebody else has worn it before, you may feel its less special than a bought suit.

Image: Unsplash