Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Accessories

How to pick your bridal bouquet

February 19, 2020 No Comments

While it seems like a minor detail, the bridal bouquet is no small task. Flowers seem more simple than they truly are, and picking the perfect set of blooms becomes complicated.

You have to ensure that it matches and suits your wedding gown, it should fit the atomosphere in general, and all of this needs to be done on a budget. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, worry not. You’re not alone!

Here are some tips to help you pick your bridal bouquet:

– Dress first

Since your flowers need to match your dress, having a picture of the dress before you begin your flower shopping will ensure the best possible results. The dress will affect what size, shape and type of bouquet a florist will suggest. Picking your dress first makes this a much easier task. Additionally, you wouldn’t want to be stuck choosing your dress based on the flowers you chose!

– Think about size and shape

If your dress is small, a big bouquet with large blossoms will drown out your dress and may even make it look disproportionate. Ensure that you’re opting for the correct size and shape! If you aren’t certain about what the right dimensions are, don’t be afraid to ask your florist, they are happy to assist.

– Research

Add some images to your Pinterest board, find out the names of the flowers you like the most, and read up on which flowers are in season. If you approach a florist with all of this information, they’ll have a much better idea of what you want and what options are on the table. They can make suggestions based on the information you have provided.

– Consider your wedding itself

You want to ensure that the bouquet fits the occasion. It may look a bit confusing if your wedding is very formal and black-tie, but you’ve opted for a more boho-style bouquet.

– Budget

Before you go anywhere or talk to any florists, set your budget. A budget helps you narrow down the list of options, and also ensures you don’t get attached to something you actually can’t have.

– Comfort

This one is important and many often forget to take it into consideration. You’ll be carrying the bouquet all day long. Don’t choose flowers that may be awkward to carry.

Image: Unsplash

In Destination

Romantic things to do in Havana

February 18, 2020 No Comments

Havana offers more than just the average romantic getaway activities. A trip to Cuba’s capital is like taking a journey through time. It’s architecture and experiences offer a glimpse into the past, while providing a healthy number of modern offerings too.

Cheap lobster dinners, dancing in the streets, history oozing out of every crevice and more is what you’ll get from this tropical city.

If you’re looking for glamour and grit, look no further.

Here are some activities you should try with your special someone in the city of Havana:

– Experience the old days in a classic car

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Havana has maintained some of the elements of their heyday. Among these elements are cars and architecture from the 50’s, a time when Cuba was known as the most glamorous of places.

You can ride in one of these vintage cars, through the streets of Old Havana. Tours are available too. A tour will take you to some of the most important spots in the city, with opportunities to eat, shop and have some classic Cuban cocktails while the wind blows through your hair.

– Enjoy the street music

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You are undoubtedly in for a festive feeling when roaming the streets of Havana. Throughout the city you’ll find a variety of street musicians bringing the party to you. As you explore Havana, ensure that you stop and have a listen… and maybe an impromptu dance on the streets.

– Stroll along the Malecón

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A good view of the sunset always makes for the perfect backdrop on a relaxing stroll. The Havana Malecón is known for its beautiful sunsets.

The boardwalk and seawall was constructed in 1902. At the historical Malecón, you’ll find tourists and locals alike, and may even catch some performers livening up the mood. Take a stroll and take in the Havana vibes.

– Visit the Viñales Valley

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About 147km west of Havana is the Viñales Valley. A two and a half hour drive will get you there, so it’s recommended that you make a day out of the trip.

At the valley, you’ll experience a full day of activities including roaming the tobacco and sugar cane fields (and trying out the products), visiting caves, horse riding, and seeing some amazing views of mountains and lush greenery.

If you and your partner are lovers of nature, there are many more experiences like this throughout Cuba. In fact, there are two natural World Heritage sites – Alejandro de Humboldt and Desembarco de Granma national parks.

– Indulge in the Cuban cuisine

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The best way to experience a city is through it’s food! Try one or two of the restaurants and go for local favourites.

– Visit the Museo de la Revolucion

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The Museum of the Revolution is in Old Havana. It was previously the presidential palace of presidents of Cuba through the years. At its completion in 1920, the buildings interior was decorated by Tiffany’s of New York, so you can be sure its stunning.

Inside you’ll find the Room of Mirros, which is a replica of the Room of Mirros in Versailles. You’ll also see some artifacts and exhibits featuring items from Castro’s regime.

Image: Pexels

In Bridal Shower

A bridesmaid dress alternative: Jumpsuits

February 17, 2020 No Comments

If you’re looking for a break from the usual, this one’s for you. Bridesmaids in jumpsuits is a trend predicted to flourish in 2020.

The trend slowly began to rise in 2019, and more designers have opted to add jumpsuits to their collections. Not only is the jumpsuit very trendy, but it is also more dance floor-friendly!

In addition, if some of your bridesmaids are not comfortable in dresses, the jumpsuit makes for a great alternative. Jumpsuits can be tailored to mimic the look of a dress, while providing the safety and security of a pants.

This could also be a perfect option for those having winter weddings. You could ensure your bridesmaids stay warm through the day, while still remaining on trend.

Have a look at these bridesmaids in jumpsuits for some inspiration:

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Image: Instagram / sj.fromthesmithsphotog

In Celebs

Somhale plans a third wedding in Italy

February 17, 2020 No Comments

Somizi is known for being extravagant and over the top, and his partner, Mohale, is just the same. Both their traditional African ceremony in 2019 and their white wedding in January of this year were testement to that. Now, the couple is planning a third wedding.

According to the Idols SA judge, the loved-up couple will have their third ceremony in Florence, Italy. He made the announcement last Friday, February 14, on Metro FM’s Breakfast show.

Answering a question about why there had been no honeymoon Somizi said, “We decided not to because we are investing in a new home. And then we’re honeymooning in April. We’re going to Dubai and Coachella. And then we’re planning our third wedding in July in Italy.”

Apparently they will be inviting anyone who has the means to attend the third wedding.

The couple visited Italy some time last year. It seems the country made quite an impression on the pair.

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We can’t wait to see what the couple has in store for ceremony number three. It’s sure to be even bigger and better.

Image: Instagram / mohale_77

In Decor

Wedding tables: Round vs banquet

February 17, 2020 No Comments

Most people spend hours imagining what their wedding reception will look like, but few consider how difficult it is to decide on the type of table. It may seem trivial, but the round versus banquet table debate is long-standing and on-going.

The tables you choose affect your decor, your guests, and the overall vibe of your wedding. Neither is particularly better than the other, however, it is true that certain shapes go better with certain venues.

Nevertheless, no matter what, the choice is yours. If you’re still on the fence about the shape of your tables, you may want to keep some of these pros and cons in mind as you decide.

– Banquet Tables

These are usually better for narrow, long rooms.

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Pros:

Good for when you’re short on space

Since you can fit more people at a longer table, you’ll need fewer tables. This will save a lot of space and will ensure that the venue does not look overcrowded.

Could lower cost of decor and linen

As less tables are needed, less linen is needed too. The same goes for table decorations. If you’re decorating with florals, for example, you wouldn’t need as many.

Cons:

Guest conversation might die down

Longer tables means that guests are confined to conversations with the people in their immediate vicinity. A round table allows for a group conversation, whereas a longer, rectangular table usually only allows for guest to chat to those next to them and directly opposite them.

Moving around is more difficult

For those sitting towards the middle, getting up from the table may be an issue. If you’re having a buffet (where guests will have to get up for food) you’ll have a traffic jam on your hands too as there will be many people up at once.

– Round Tables

These are generally better for irregularly shaped rooms.

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Pros:

– Great for conversations

As mentioned above, a round table allows for a group conversation. This is much less pressure for the guests than the situation at a banquet table.

– Most venues offer more than one variation

Since it was quite popular in years gone by, most weddings have more than one option of round-style seating for you to choose from. Variety is always good!

Cons:

– Not as modern

Banquet tables offer a modern, sleek look that round tables don’t. Round tables also are less effective in photographs than banquet tables are.

– A centrepiece can complicate conversation

You’ll have to think a bit harder about your centrepieces because they may block guests views of one another!

– Best of both

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If you have more than enough space, and you really can’t decide on a table shape, you could always find a way to incorporate both!

Image: Unsplash

In News

Adele officiates friend’s wedding

February 17, 2020 No Comments

Best friend’s are there for each other through thick and thin. Having Adele as a best friend seems like it comes with all of that and more! The Grammy Award-winning singer officiated her bestie, Laura Dockrill’s, wedding this past Saturday (15 February) in London.

Dockrill, an author and illustrator, wedded musician Hugo White, a member of The Maccabees, at a pub called Mason’s Arms. After officiating for the happy couple, Adele provided some entertainment too. Imagine having Adele perform at your wedding! A dream come true, right?

She performed her breakout hit “Rolling in the Deep” and “Spice up your life” by the Spice Girls. Later, fellow singer Florence Welch also joined Adele on stage.

The songstress has known Dockrill for years, as they grew up together and have been friends since they were children. Adele even wrote a song for Dockrill titled “My Same”. The song can be found on her album 19.

Adele’s performance at this wedding was quite significant. She is a notoriously private person and in prefers not to be seen by the public during her day-to-day life. In fact, the singer has not performed at a big event since 2017 when she had a concert at Wembly Stadium.

Of course she knew guests would capture some video… she is Adele after all. So this must have meant a lot to her. What a great friend!

The couple looked happy as can be:

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Congrats to the happy couple!

Image: Facebook / Adele

In News

Mya weds mystery man in an island wedding

February 14, 2020 No Comments

Apparently, congratulations are long over-due for Mya, who reportedly got married in secret in December 2019. The ‘Lady Marmalade’ singer had an island wedding in Seychelles.

This news comes as a shock to many, as the 40-year-old, singer, songwriter, producer, and actress has not publicly dated anyone in years. In fact, the identity of her new spouse remains a mystery.

In the past, Mya has been linked to NFL stars DeSean Jackson and Larry Johnson and rapper The Game. However, this was merely speculation.

TMZ released exclusive photos of Mya in her wedding gown. The gown features a floor-length tulle skirt and a plunging neckline.

She stands on her own, on the beach enjoying the perfect weather, looking absolutely radiant.

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The multitalented star has not commented on her nuptials, and – if we’re going off of her history of keeping her private life private – she is unlikely to do so. Mya is known for keeping her romantic life under wraps. The fact that we’re only finding out about her marriage status two months after the ceremony is a testament to this.

This was the star’s first marriage, and by the looks of it, she had it exactly how she wanted it…in private.

Congrats to Mya and her mystery man!

Image: Facebook / Miss Mya

In Emotional

Bride honours sister on her wedding gown

February 14, 2020 No Comments

Megan Dean, who got married in October 2019, recently told TODAY the heart wrenching story of how she used her wedding dress to honour her deceased sister Rylie. In a Facebook post, on January 3 – which would have been Rylie’s 19th birthday – Dean detailed her tribute further.

Dean was only 4-years-old when her little sister passed away due to a heart condition. Despite having only known her for 8 days and despite having three living sisters, the now 23-year old Dean could not let her special day go by without including Rylie in some way.

Her plan was to integrate her sister’s baby blanket into her wedding gown. For this she employed the help of her mother, Rebecca.

“Getting her blanket required my mom and I to open up a box filled with Rylie’s things that we hadn’t looked at for years”, Dean told TODAY.

“Getting to talk with my mom about her experience and the memories she had was something quite special”, she added.

The bride-to-be at the time had her tailor create a patch in the shape of a heart using the blanket which had her sisters name embroidered on it. The patch was then sewed to the inside of Deans wedding gown.

In her Facebook post dedicated to Rylie she wrote, “This is the blanket you were swaddled in the moment you left our mother’s womb. It is what wrapped around you as our mom and dad held you for the first time…This is the blanket you wore during my last memory of you, kissing your forehead for one final time and not wanting to leave your side. I could not fathom celebrating a new beginning without you right there alongside me.”

If this wasn’t enough to tug at your heart strings, Dean had another idea. She requested that an identical patch be made, also using the baby blanket as fabric. The second patch would be a gift from her to her father; he would wear it as a pocket square as he walked her down the aisle.

“I was so excited to show my dad our tribute to Rylie. When I showed him the heart, I remember him saying through tears, ‘It’s her blanket,’ and we both began sobbing”, she told TODAY.

Dean also surprised all her sisters with the tribute to Rylie. We’re sure this made the day extra special.

Images: Facebook / Megan Dean

In Weddings

Lucky wedding symbols around the world

February 12, 2020 No Comments

For those who are superstitious, wedding days call for traditions that bring good luck. Some people believe that there are certain items and occurrences that symbolise good luck too.

Whether you agree with them or not, it remains interesting to know and learn about. And lets be honest, a little extra good luck never hurt any body.

Here are some symbols of good luck (and items that bring good luck) from around the world:

– Rain

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Most people hope and pray for no rain on their wedding day. The rain is a huge inconvenience in terms of wedding photos and outdoor ceremonies. However, many cultures around the world believe that rain on the day of your wedding is a good omen. It is said that the rain beings fertility for the couple and washes away all the things they want to leave behind as they move into their new lives together.

– Sugar Cubes

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In Greek Culture, many believe that carrying a sugar cube means your marriages will be sweet as sugar. In the past, brides would carry the cube in one of their gloves. With the fading out of the bridal glove, some brides have begun popping the sugar cube in their bouquets.

– Fire crackers

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The Chinese believe that fire crackers ward off evil spirits and ensure that the newly weds and their marriage are protected. For this reason, post-ceremony firecrackers are a common occurrence for those who are superstitious.

– Spiders

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Many people are afraid of spiders, but in Britain they believe that finding one in your wedding dress is a sign of good luck for the bride.

– Cranes

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In some parts of Asia, brides have cranes embroidered onto their dresses. Crane are said to symbolise fidelity and a long marriage.

– Lillies

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In Holland they believe that lillies of the valley are symbols of love. For this reason, the couple plants lillies close to or around their home.

– Swords

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Swords are a symbol of harmony and strength in Cambodia. Carrying a sword to the alter ensures that the marriage is blessed.

Image: Instagram / momentsphotograhyau

In Advice

Marrying a foreigner: What you need to know

February 12, 2020 No Comments

So you’ve found the partner of your dreams and you can’t wait to get married. But, there’s one little hiccup… You’re from two different parts of the world, and that can make the process a bit tedious.

Marrying a foreigner doesn’t have to be a tiresome task. You simply need to know what to expect.

Whether you are a foreigner marrying a South African citizen or a South African marrying a foreigner, there are obligatory procedures to follow. Here’s what you need to know:

– Can you get married in South Africa?

If you’re a minor, you cannot get married without written consent from a parent, guardian or the court.

People who suffer from severe mental disorders are unfortunately not allowed to get married under South African law. The reason for this is that the mental disorder may prevent them from understanding what marriage is and may cause them to make decisions which are not in their best interest.

Finally, if you are already married you are prohibited from getting married in South Africa. If you have previously been married, you need to present evidence that the marriage has legally ended.

Other than the above mentioned people, every body is allowed to get married in this country.

– The process

Both partners are required to make a trip to Home Affairs (Pro tip: try to ensure that you go to the Home Affairs Officers that your intended marriage Officer is registered at). Ensure that you take all required documents with you!

An official will verify the documents that you present. Thereafter, they will make an appointment with an immigration interviewing officer for you.

The purpose of the interview is to determine the legitimacy of the relationship – the government needs to take steps to ensure that a marriage of convenience (for citizenship) is not taking place. This is nothing to worry about! Questions will simply be about your relationship. You’ll be asked how long you’ve been together, if you’ve met each other’s family’s, or why you want to be together.

If your interview is successful you’ll receive a document confirming that you are legally allowed to marry in South Africa.

Once your marriage is documented, you should be issued a printed marriage certificate. This certificate is then used to apply for a visa.

– What documents do you need?

For the South African Citizen:

A certified copy of your ID
3 x ID photo’s
If you have been previously married, Home Affairs will require a copy of the decree of divorce/death certificate. If yours is an antenuptial agreement, they will need a copy of the cover letter from your lawyer.

For the non-South African Citizen:

A copy of the front page of your passport
A copy of the Visa Page in your passport – or the last entry stamp through customs found in your passport
3 x ID photo’s
If you have been previously married, Home Affairs will require a copy of the decree of divorce/death certificate.
A letter of non-impediment (certificate from your country of citizenship confirming freedom to marry)
You will be required to sign an Affidavit on the day of your wedding – This is a document supplied by Home Affairs. It is required to verify that you are using your international passport as a means of documentation since you do not have a South African ID number.

P.S it’s always safer to certify all your documents before you head to Home Affairs. You wouldn’t want to be turned away for something so minor!