Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Weddings

How to cancel your wedding

March 20, 2020 No Comments

Calling off a wedding is tremendously stressful. The emotional toll alone is enough to justify this claim. So we hope that you will never need to know how to go about it. However, with the spread of coronavirus, many couples are deciding that cancelling the wedding is the best way to go.

If you decide that you’re cancelling, instead of postponing, you have to consider how many people that will affect. Vendors, guests, family and so on will all be affected by this change of plan. Of course, the wedding is and has always been about you, but these people have made arrangements for you and it’s best to keep this in mind while going about the cancellation process.

Here’s how you should handle it:

– Check your insurance

If you have wedding insurance, your insurer should be the first call you make. Financially, this will help a lot.

– Cancellation policies

First and foremost, you should reread all contracts with each vendor. This will give you an idea of where you stand. In most cases, deposits are non-refundable, however you may be able to get some money back. Suppliers generally try to be accommodating, depending on timing and circumstances of course.

– Make contact

After you’ve gone through the contracts, inform all your vendors and suppliers that the wedding has been cancelled. Suppliers online have claimed that some couples essentially just ghost. This is not acceptable. Apart from this being disrespectful, it also affects the livelihoods of vendors.

– Guests

Let your guests know. Be sure to prioritise those who are travelling long distances to be at your wedding, so that they have time to cancel their flights and possibly get a refund. People have spent money to ensure they’re present on your special day, don’t forget that.

Don’t forget to let you bridal party know too! (And thank them for anything they’ve done thus far)

– Be honest

It’s always best to keep things simple and just be upfront about the circumstances. This goes for every conversation you’ll have about your wedding cancellation, but especially in conversations with your vendors. People appreciate honesty.

– Be quick

We know its a tough time, and you’re probably very disappointed, but acting quickly will benefit you in the end. It increases the likelihood of getting money back and will place less strain on guests and vendors.

Image: Unsplash

In News

Bride donates flowers as COVID-19 disrupts wedding plans

March 20, 2020 No Comments

Couples across the world are unfortunately having to postpone their weddings due to the spread of the coronavirus. This, understandably, is devastating to them. Months or even years of planning and thousands spent on the event, all gone to waste. This South Carolina bride, however, wanted to do something good despite her disappointment.

Keali Lay teamed up with her florist to donate her wedding flowers to “people in need of happiness and cheer”.

In a Facebook post Lay said, “We are beyond devastated that our wedding on Saturday 3/21 had to be postponed. ? There are no words to describe this feeling, especially when we were 4 days away (FOUR!!). We were engaged on August 30 I was ready to have a wedding and had most everything booked and planned by September 6.”

After deciding to postpone her wedding, Lay called all her vendors to inform them. Angela Mandigo, her florist, was on top of her list as she was aware that the flowers had already come in but she didn’t want them to go to waste. The two thus devised a plan to donate the flowers.

“It makes me feel a little better that this horrible thing has happened, [but] but something happy is coming out of it,” said Lay to Good Morning America.

The flowers were donated and happiness and cheer was indeed spread.

Image credit: Good Morning America (courtesy of Angela Mandingo)

“I’m hoping as other flower shops and brides see this they will give back to the community and lift their spirits,” said Mandigo to Good Morning America.

The couple still intend to get married on March 21, 2020 as they have been approved by the State of South Carolina. However, they will be doing so in the presence of immediate family and close friends only. They also still plan to have their planned big day, but they are yet to confirm when it will happen.

Lay is also hoping that couples around the world are able to see the bigger picture during these uncertain times. “You’ve already accomplished the best part of getting married, which is finding your partner and best friend. A wedding is just a big party, but marriage is so much more than that,” she said.

Congrats to the happy couple and hopefully they have their special celebration soon!

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Date ideas to keep romance alive during self-quarantine

March 19, 2020 No Comments

As the outbreak of coronavirus gets more and more serious, governments across the world have urged people to practice social distancing. We all know by now that with social distancing comes a lot, if not all, evenings spent indoors.

This has affected date nights everywhere. Oh, the horror! No more movie theatres, bars, restaurants, or any activity that causes a large amount of people to gather in one place at one time.

We’re sure there are a few rebellious souls out there, risking infection for an evening on the town. However, for those of us who prefer living life far away from the edge, safely in quarantine, date nights don’t have to be boring either.

Here are some quarantine date ideas:

– Netflix (with or without the chill)

This one works for those of you who are fully committing to self-isolation. You don’t even have to be in the same room. All you need is two separate Netflix accounts.

Add the Chrome extension called “Netflix Party” to your browser. Click on your date night movie, then click on the extension icon that should have appeared on your browser tab. You’ll see a chat bar appear on the side of the screen. Send a link, which is provided by the extension, to your date. There you have it – Netflix date night from separate houses!

– Cook together

There’s nothing more romantic than cooking together. Get your hands dirty in the kitchen with a recipe you’ve never tried before or better yet, have a cooking competition! Limit yourselves to only what’s in the cupboards presently (since we’re limiting our trips to stores anyway) and cook a dish each. After, you can have a tasting and decide that in the end you’re both winners since you have the prize of each others’ company.

– Couples at home spa

Head to Pinterest for some great DIY face masks, hair treatments and the like. Spend the evening pampering yourselves and relaxing as you take advantage of the extra down time quarantine has provided.

– Picnic

Who says you need a park for a picnic? If you have a garden or a yard, lay a blanket out and get picnicking! Alternatively, for those without a grass patch at their disposal, have a picnic on the floor in your home. All you really need is the right energy. Light some candles, lay out a snack-spread, play some music and you’re good to go.

– Games night

There are plenty of two person games out there. Card games, board games, jenga, don’t limit yourself. Unleash your playful side with those games that have been gathering dust in your closet.

– Make plans

For the extrovert out there who can’t wait for the self-isolation to end, spend an evening making a bucket list. Plan all the things you want to do together as soon as the quarantine ends…and commit to doing them! No bailing out once the time comes.

Don’t forget, being in quarantine doesn’t mean you get to skip your shower! Happy date night!

Featue image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Celebrities who married non-famous people

March 19, 2020 No Comments

Some may think it’s better for a celebrity to marry another celebrity. They understand each others lifestyles and schedules, right? But some celebrities beg to differ, and others are doing a great job at proving that theory wrong.

Here are eight celebrities who made it official with people who are not famous:

1. George Clooney

Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor finally let go of the single life when he met his now-wife Amal Alamuddin, an international human rights lawyer. The pair met through a friend in 2013 and tied the knot only a year later!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4kMWA3H1M7/

2. Zoe Saldana

The “Gardians of the Galaxy” actress married Marco Perego, a former professional soccer play, in 2013. Fun fact about this couple: Marco Perego actually took Saldana’s surname after they married!

https://www.instagram.com/p/-zWaymA2xo/

3. Matt Damon

The actor is married to Luciana Barroso. They met in 2003, while Barroso was bartending and Damon was filming “Stuck on You”.

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

4. Adele

It is unclear when the pair met, but the ‘Someone like You’ songstress and charity CEO Simon Konecki were spotted on holiday in Florida in 2012. Adele confirmed their marriage in 2o17 after keeping their relationship private for a long while. Unfortunately, the couple have since divorced.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3oSqxpFdn6/

5. Snoop Dogg

The rapper met his wife, Shante Broadus, in 1997. While the pair have faced some ups and downs, they have remained together for over 20 years.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B87OIKjnYEP/

6. Gal Gadot

The “Wonder Women” actress married Yaron Versano, a real estate developer, in 2008. Apparently the pair met at a “very strange” party in the desert.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8kNNd_BhcO/

7. Reese Witherspoon

Witherspoon began her relationship with talent agent Jim Toth in 2010. They married in March 2011.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8jY450ASHQ/

8. Aaron Paul

Paul met now-wife Lauren Parsekian, an activist and co-founder of Kind Campaign, at the popular Coachella music festival. They two married in 2013.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8FNWrknFuK/

Also read: Celebrities who got married at City Hall

Also read: Six of the shortest celebrity marriages

Image: Instagram / George Clooney News

In Accessories

What you need to know about bridal shapewear

March 18, 2020 No Comments

Shapewear dates back thousands of years. The ancient Minoans wore these garments to push up their bare chests, while the ancient Mesopotamians wore them to promote fertility.

Through history, the use of shapewear has changed. Mostly, however, they have been used by women to manipulate the shape of their bodies in order to fit fashion trends. Today, shapewear feels less forced on women, but it still exists, though women often wear it as support rather than to “slim down”.

Whether you want it for its contouring benefits, or just to ensure that your dress falls smoothly, there are a few things you need to know about shapewear.

– Some fabrics require shapewear more than others

Light fabrics such as silk show every little detail under your dress. You know what that means, right? The dreaded panty line. If your dress is a lighter fabric, shapewear will definitely come in handy.

– Built-in shapewear has limits

Built in shapewear supports the dress, while other shape wear supports your body. Of the two options, the latter will benefit you more, because if your body is well supported the dress will look great no matter what.

– Buy it after your first fitting

After your first wedding dress fitting, you’ll know what the shape, style, and fabric that is necessary for your bridal shapewear. These are important things to consider! You can then take the shapewear along to the next fitting, to ensure that everything works out as planned.

– If you can, go for seamless

Seamless means no lines under your wedding dress. Who doesn’t want to look smooth and sleek on their special day?

– Which shapewear for which dress?

If your dress is form-fitting, go for high-waist compression shapewear. Boy shorts are also a good option.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_2VoBlXhX/

If your dress is tighter around the upper body, light weight shapewear is best. A body suit is the top choice for this style of dress.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8PuF9DnCZt/

Image: Instagram / shapewearusa

In Fashion

Wedding dress necklines decoded

March 18, 2020 No Comments

When it comes to wedding dresses there are a lot of decisions to make. What style, which neckline, what fabric, and the list goes on. These decisions become even more complicated if you don’t understand the jargon being thrown at you by store consultants.

To help you through this process of decision making, here is a list of necklines, so you don’t misunderstand what’s being said and end up with something you don’t want.

Here is a helpful chart to begin with:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkhq6YUnPZx/

Now let’s move on to some more detailed descriptions:

– Sweetheart

Soft and feminine, the sweetheart neckline resembles the upper half of a heart. It follows the natural curves of the bust, and slightly dips in the centre.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9k0ycIlmmB/

– Bateau or Sabrina

Recognised by its similarity to the shape of a boat, the bateau neckline has a slightly softened straight cut that extends from one collarbone to the other. It has a wide opening at the neck.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2heDCdjYDt/

– Halter Neck

The halter neck can be high or low cut, depending on what the bride prefers. Straps go around the neck and close at the back behind the neck, usually with buttons or fabric.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tDzEyJWch/

– Queen Anne

The Queen Anne neckline is high at the back and lower in the front. Looking at the dress directly from the front you’ll see a partially open neck with cleavage and collar bones covered and it may appear as though the dress has a collar at the back.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4siSuFj3JB/

– V-neck

A versatile style, the v-neck is exactly as it’s name suggests. The neckline forms a v shape and culminates in a pointed dip in the centre of the chest.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuG_7YvB3zE/

– Jewel

This neckline is similar to that of a normal t-shirt. It is a very high-cut scoop neckline, that covers up the upper torso, shoulders and collar bones. Often, if a dress has a jewel neckline, it will be made sleeveless.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4k1kl-HIbI/

– Cowl

With draped fabric that hangs loosely around the neck, the cowl neckline instantly draws attention to the décolletage area.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxvM-bGgoUU/

– Square

As the its name suggests, the neckline is square. The neckline and straps meet at right angles, and it’s depth can vary as the bride pleases.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Yhz_rBqi2/

– Illusion

This one seems to be universally loved. Featuring lace or sheer fabric that covers the bodice and continues upwards to form a higher, second neckline, the illusion neckline is a classic. The sheer layer creates a stunning contrast with the other fabric and looks ethereal in it’s finish.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7pDsDlIPXn/

– Single shoulder

Also known as the asymmetrical neckline, this one drapes towards one shoulder and leaves the other exposed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3oImNyBMdA/

– Off-the-shoulder

Characterised by absence of sleeves around the shoulder, this style is quite popular. The neckline begins lower than the shoulder, and extends in a line, across the chest.

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

– Scoop

Very simply the scoop neckline is any neckline that forms the shape of a U or is round.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq3SIy6gs6Y/

Image: Unsplash

In News

Over 140 LBGTQIA+ couples wed in mass ceremony

March 18, 2020 No Comments

On Saturday, March 14, over 140 LGBTQ couples tied the knot in a mass wedding at a central plaza in Mexico City. The ceremony was organised through a Mexico City government campaign – whose aim is to eradicate discrimination against the community – called Rainbow Caravan.

This event was held as a celebration and commemoration of the 10 year anniversary of legalisation of LGBTQIA+ marriages in Mexico City. The General Directorate of the Civil Regsitry of Mexico City called for a day of equal marriages and gender identity change in 2020, on March 14. Everything was free of charge for those participating.

Since LGBTQIA+ marriages were legalised in 2010, around 13 000 same-sex couples have tied the knot in Mexico City.

Ana Scarlett Vargas, a transgender woman, married her now-husband at this mass ceremony. Hector Aaron Roman, Vargas’ husband, said that as soon as Vargas got word of the mass wedding, she proposed. Of course, Roman accepted just as quickly.

“I am now 36 years old, and my dreams have finally come true,” said Vargas to NBC News. After the ceremony she said, “I’ve been given a second chance at life with someone who loves me for all my defects and virtues.”

Kenya Cuevas, an activist for the rights of transgender women, recently opened a community centre to support transgender women. She said that these are the gains they have worked toward for many years. “We deserve this celebration for all the happiness that we have lacked in all these decades,” said Cuevas to NBC News.

Fernanda Delgada, founder of the organisation called Transformado Vidas (Transforming lives) helped 11 people – who live in other states where there are no equal marriages – travel to Mexico City for the mass wedding.

After the ceremony, all participants toasted in celebration.

Congrats to Vargas and Roman and all the other happy couples!

Image: Twitter / @crewislife

In Engagements

Co-ed Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties: Pros and cons

March 17, 2020 No Comments

Bachelor and bachelorette parties began way back when. At their inception, they were about “the last hurrah”. In those times, after a couple was married they would barely see their friends anymore – no more poker nights or girl’s nights out.

Considering the reason why these parties were started, a wild night out with your best friends makes sense. These days, the traditional “final night of freedom” is not necessary. Couples are free to mingle with whomever they please after their nuptials.

For this reason, co-ed (or jack and jill) bachelor/bachelorette parties are becoming more and more popular. This is perfect for the bride and groom who don’t want to be separated the night before their big day! Some may still prefer the traditional style of these parties however, and that’s okay too.

Here are some pros and cons of a joint event:

Pro’s

– Saving money

You’ll save money in almost every area of planning including travel, food, accommodation (if its relevant), decorations and more. Package deals and block bookings will extensively lower your costs, as will splitting the bill!

– You’re there for each others fun

You’re getting married to each other, so we’re taking a wild guess here and assuming you love spending time together. With a joint party, you get to have fun together. That’s probably the best part.

– Everyone gets to know each other

All your friends will get comfortable with each other, for all the upcoming dinners and games nights you’ll be hosting as a married couple. The groomsmen and bridesmaids will also get to mingle before the wedding, which means they’ll be much more comfortable on the day.

Con’s

– Some guests may be disappointed

Some of your friends may be expecting a traditional affair. For this reason, they may be a bit disappointed when they see that it’s a mixed occasion. Be sure to indicate on the invitation that the event is co-ed, and be as clear about it as you can.

– You’ll have less time with your friends

While you will get some extra time with your special person before the big day, you’ll be sacrificing some quality time with your besties. Make sure you’re willing to give this up before you decide to go for a co-ed party.

– Plans will have to be good for both groups

This one is difficult. You and your partner may be into the same things, but that doesn’t mean you do the same activities with your friends. Finding an activity that will suit everyone may pose a bit of a challenge, but it’s definitely doable.

Image: Unsplash

In Engagements

How to tell if your diamond is real

March 17, 2020 No Comments

Buying a diamond is a huge decision. It can get very expensive and for that reason you want it to last a lifetime. It’s best, then, to ensure you’re buying a real diamond before you make the purchase.

If you’ve already bought it, and are having some doubts about its authenticity, worry not because there are some way you can determine this.

Don’t get caught out by diamond replacements such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, and ensure you don’t have a fake on your hands using these tests:

– The water test

A diamond has high density, so it shouldn’t float in water. All you need to do is fill a glass with water and drop the diamond in. If it floats, it’s fake.

– The fire test

Use a lighter to heat the gem for no less than 30 seconds, then drop it into ice-cold water. If the stone remains unharmed then it’s real and if not then it’s fake. Weaker materials cannot handle the rate of expansion and contraction that’s provided through this test. A diamond, however, will withstand it.

– The fog test

This one is quick and easy. Hold the diamond close to your mouth and try to fog it up. If it stays fogged for more than 4 seconds, it’s likely that it’s fake. This is because diamonds disperse heat easily, which means it’s quite difficult to fog up.

For this test to work, your stone has to be completely clean with no oils covering it.

– Black light test

Of course you’ll need a black light for this test. Turn off the lights, shut the curtains and hold the stone in front of the black light. Most diamonds will reveal blue fluorescence. If you see slight green, yellow, or grey, your diamond is fake. It’s important to remember that for this test, that not all diamonds will reveal blue fluorescence.

– Imperfections test

Look at your gem through a magnifying glass. If you don’t find imperfections, you have a fake on your hands. A real diamond will have imperfections, referred to as inclusions.

– The dot test

Draw a small dot on a white piece of paper and put the stone onto the dot, with the flat side down. Looking through the pointed side of the diamond, try to see the dot. If you see a circular reflection, the diamond is fake.

Diamonds have strong refractive qualities. Therefore, light bounces around in all directions instead of in a straight line. Because of this, you won’t be able to see the dot through a real diamond.

It’s important to remember that these tests are not 100% conclusive. If you’re still unsure by the end of these tests, then the best option is to head over to a diamond expert who will have the necessary equipment to investigate.

Image: Unsplash

In Engagements

Mutual proposals, equally romantic and less stressful

March 17, 2020 No Comments

A surprise proposal, a public proposal, a quiet and intimate proposal. All considered extremely romantic. But, you almost never see people talking about mutual proposals while gushing about how romantic it is. We’re here to tell you they can be just as great.

A mutual proposal is exactly what it’s name suggests. Both people propose to each other. Getting engaged is a choice; a choice made by both parties involved. So why not have both parties be involved in the proposal too!

Take Love is Blind couple Giannina and Damian for example. While Damian was unaware the proposal would be mutual, he was tearful with joy as Giannina proposed in return. This is one of the best pro’s of a mutual proposal – both parties get to feel adored, special, loved and wanted. What could be more romantic than that?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9m67Qtjtgg/

Another reason couples are choosing to go the mutual proposal route is because of the greater meaning of equality. More and more, people are shedding the expectations that come with being a certain gender.

“Couples we’re seeing who are doing mutual proposals really want to be equal partners in every way, and don’t subscribe to heteronormative, socially prescribed gender roles,” said Kirsten Palladino, editor of Equally Wed magazine, to the Guardian.

On top of all of this, proposing can be a huge source of anxiety! You want it go be perfect, so you put extreme pressure on yourself to ensure everything run’s smoothly. If both parties are in on the proposal, this stress is significantly decreased. This means the proposal will be much more enjoyable.

While a mutual proposal may seem as though it takes some romance out of the equation, we beg to differ. It actually prolongs the proposal period, which means more romance. Everything that one partner usually does alone, can be done side-by-side. Choosing a ring, planning the day, making dinner reservations, you name it.

If you really want to surprise your partner, but still want a mutual proposal there’s a way around it! Each partner can take one half of the day to carry out their proposal plans. This way the plans are a surprise, but the proposal remains mutual.

If you’re not yet convinced about how great they can be, check out these real life mutual proposals. They’ll definitely change your mind:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8pR4eyFSV5/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8gadq2lO_z/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6W7Wushri8/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8l0vkGgimp/

Image: Instagram / proposetoo