Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Celebs

Mzanzi’s favourite celeb weddings of 2019

December 4, 2019 No Comments

Celebrities are known for throwing lavish events and major parties that include a guest list of the who’s who, venues that will leave you breathless and a menu that will make you question if this is even real life.

2019 left no stone unturned when it came to our celebs tying the knot. Mzanzi’s fave celebrities broke the conventional mould, from having a super chilled wedding in jeans and a t-shirt, to an Egyptian inspired traditional experience. Take a look at our top local weddings we witnessed this past year:

Jason & Sian

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Donovan Goliath (@donovangoliath) on Jan 22, 2019 at 9:05am PST

Dineo & Solo

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A post shared by Dineo Langa (@dineomoeketsi) on Oct 1, 2019 at 3:12am PDT

Kwesta & Yolanda

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A post shared by KwestaDaKAR (@kwestadakar) on Mar 25, 2019 at 4:15am PDT

Bontle & Priddy Ugly

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A post shared by Bontle Ba Afrika Moloi (@bontle.modiselle) on Oct 6, 2019 at 3:16am PDT

Somgaga & Mohale

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A post shared by Somizi (@somizi) on Sep 29, 2019 at 12:32am PDT

Nomsa & Zandile

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A post shared by Nomsa Buthelezi-Shezi (@nomsadiva) on Sep 29, 2019 at 2:18am PDT

By Rojaun Devos

Image: Instagram / Somizi

In Advice

Wedding planning mistakes to avoid

December 3, 2019 No Comments

Remortgaged your house to afford the wedding of your dreams? Stop! Avoiding these wedding planning pitfalls in your process will ensure you get your happily ever after.

1. Not sticking to a budget

Planning a wedding spans a few months or more, so it can be difficult to keep track of every cent spent. Before you plan anything, draw up a realistic budget and do your best to stick to it. You’ll likely underestimate some costs (‘Fairy lights are how much?’), but this will help you make the right choice when it comes to your venue and the size of your guest list, which are often the two biggest expenses.

Add a ‘Miscellaneous’ column to your spreadsheet for unforeseen costs that may crop up. If you don’t end up using that money, treat yourself and your partner to a spa day on your honeymoon. You won’t regret that few thousand you cut from the decor column when you’re having the holiday of your life.

2. Starting too late

If you want to lose five kilos (who doesn’t?), start now. Don’t subsist on lettuce leaves and water for the month leading up to your big day – not only will you have to make major alterations to your dress at the eleventh hour, you’ll have no energy to enjoy the celebrations. Slow and steady wins the race.

Same goes for booking your venue and vendors. The best ones get snapped up a year in advance, so get in there as early as possible to ensure you bag the team of your dreams.

3. Having too many ideas

Mason jars! Polaroid guest book! Giant Jenga! Rustic, modern, country glam, city chic… The wealth of wedding inspo on the internet can clutter your brain and turn your day into a mishmash of random themes, colours and styles. Before you go down the rabbit hole, decide on a theme or colour scheme, then search for reference images based only on this.

When in doubt, KISS (keep it simple, stupid).

4. Sweating the small stuff

Your groom’s tie doesn’t match your shoes, the linen isn’t quite the shade of off-white you wanted or the doves don’t fly off on cue. It’s easy to get bogged down in the tiniest details, but every bride will tell you their day didn’t go exactly to plan – and it’s 99.9% likely yours won’t either. When the confetti hits the fan, take a deep breath, and ask yourself if this will matter tomorrow (hint: it won’t), then move on.

Always have a plan B for major disasters. Hire a tent in case your outdoor wedding gets rained out. Pack an emergency kit (wet wipes, deodorant, safety pins, needle and thread, tampons). Have a designated helper on the day (if not a coordinator) to deal with any MIA vendors. Back-up plans save lives.

5. Going DIY crazy

Yes, it guarantees your wedding will be one of a kind and keeps the costs down, but it also means you’ll be running around on the morning of, setting everything up instead of having pink bubbly for breakfast. Rather choose one or two things you really want to do to avoid overloading yourself. Don’t forget to ask for help. If you’ve made your own flower arrangements and bunting, nominate a reliable family member/friend to set them up for you on the day. Or get your bridal party together to handmake wedding favours.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Top honeymoon activities in Zanzibar

December 3, 2019 No Comments

An island getaway is possibly the perfect choice for a honeymoon. Some time by the beach is exactly what you need after months of wedding planning and organisation. Zanzibar provides you with exactly that. But, it also offers much more than just beaches to relax at. The island has rich history, amazing natural beauty, and comes with various attractions. Here are some of the top honeymoon activities in Zanzibar.

Enjoy a Rooftop Restaurant Dinner

At the rooftop restaurant, Emerson on Hurumzi, you can enjoy one of the best views of the sun setting over the sea as you have your dinner. The rooftop is one of the highest in Stone Town and thus provides a nearly unmatchable view. You’ll also be treated with live entertainment in the form of Taraab music which is a genre that is popular in Tanzania and Kenya. It is best to book in advance, because this restaurant really draws in the crowds. However, if you don’t get a spot here, they also have a sister restaurant called the Tea House Restaurant, which is very similar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/By07Le3InpJ/

Explore Stone Town

A tour through Stone Town will expose you to the culture of Zanzibar. You’ll walk through the market where everything from spices to paintings and jewellery are on sale. On the tour you’ll also visit the house that Freddie Mercury grew up in the Old Fort, St Josephs Cathedral and more. If history interests you, this is the perfect way to spend a day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj9z1aZlw9N/

Be with the butterflies

At the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre, one of the largest of its kind in Africa, you’ll see beautiful tropical gardens filled with thousands of native butterflies. Not only is this a unique experience, but it is also educational and interactive. The butterfly centre is also a great place to take some honeymoon photographs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/By4cGmVgQ3w/

Take a dhow cruise

The cruise shows you the sunset in a way you’ve never seen before. Before that, however, most of the cruises available will take you to view (from the dhow) the Menai Bay Conservation Area and various other islands. You’ll also be treated to lunch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Ysr0en-0b/

Go to Prison Island

It may sound unpleasant by it’s name, but it is totally the opposite. At Prison Island you can learn more about the history of Zanzibar, you can interact with and feed the giant tortoises, and you can go swimming or snorkelling. Only a short boat trip from the main island, Prison Island is a great adventure to take with your partner.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjM30oShEnu/

Take a cooking class

Food in Zanzibar is tremendously unique. On top of that, the island is very well known for its spices. Taking a cooking class together would not only leave you with some tricks to take to the kitchen at home, but it will be a romantic experience you’ll never forget. As we all know, food is the easiest way to win (or keep) someones heart.

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

Visit the restaurant on a Rock

One of the most distinctive restaurants you’ll ever see, The Rock Restaurant, is a top attraction for anybody visiting Zanzibar. While their food, including jumbo prawns and crab spaghetti, is great – it is the venue itself which sparks the interest in visitors. Located on a rock in the ocean, the dining experience is sure to be unforgettable.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxz02MRgxTN/

Bounce from beach to beach

Zanzibar is home to a wide variety of beaches including, Kendwa Beach, Jambiani Beach, Paje Beach, Nungwi Beach, Kiwengwa Beach and more! You’ll have so many to choose from, you won’t know where to start. Each one is stunning with crystal blue waters. Try to visit as many as you can before your island honeymoon ends, it will be worth it!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxh2IHTAJnF/

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Must-do honeymoon activities in Bali

December 2, 2019 No Comments

In recent years, South Africans have flocked to Bali to bask in its beauty. Bali has become a go-to destination for honeymoons and it’s not difficult to see why. With picturesque landscapes, stunning beaches for swimming, surfing and a one-of-a-kind culture, Bali holds endless opportunities for fun and romantic honeymoon activities. Here are some that are not to be missed.

Watch the sunset at Uluwatu Temple

There is nothing that says romance better than a sunset. Standing at the temple, with a drink in hand, staring out at the vast sea and setting sun will surely be a fond memory.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn5BMO1FVE1/

Have a candle-lit dinner at Swept Away Restaurant (The Samaya Ubud)

Like a scene from a movie, Swept Away Restaurant offers you a candle-lit dinner by the river. A six course menu and your pick of wine tops off the experience.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1GeDNnHrh1/

Visit The Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple

If you want to get some amazing snapshots for your honeymoon photo album, this is where you’ll get them. The temple is located in the East of Bali, just over 2 hours away from Ubud. There are also other temples inside, which makes for a day of sightseeing and exploring.

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

Stroll through Balai Gili

The ‘water palace’ garden is sure to leave you in awe. You can have a romantic picnic and watch the fish in the water, then take a walk through the garden and admire the scenery.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0tEpovI9ye/

Take a dip at one of the many waterfalls

Bali is home to a multitude of waterfalls, there are so many to choose from; there is the Tegenungan waterfall, the Git Git Waterfall, and the Sekumpul Waterfall, to name a few. Swimming seems so much more romantic and adventurous when there is a waterfall involved.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3A0tm8BWEp/

Explore the Rice Terraces

It may not sound like much, but when you finally catch a glimpse of the rice fields you will be in awe of its beauty. You can walk through the steep rice fields and build up an appetite, then have some lunch and continue staring in admiration.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4_kfKqHh6u/

Get on top of the world at the Kamandalu Swing

Unforgettable views and a sense of adventure and excitement is what you’ll get from visiting the Kamandalu Swing. While the most of the other famous swings in Bali only take one person at a time, this tandem swing accommodates two people which makes it the perfect one for a honeymoon activity. It has also become one of the top Instagram spots in Bali, if you’re looking to add some amazing shots to your feed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B26n0ENHI-C/

Go horseback riding on the beach

You can have a 2 hour long horseback ride on the beach with The Bali Equestrian Centre. Along the way you’ll see not only the beach, but also various temples and villages and you may even cross a creek or two. You’ll be escorted by an expert.

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

Go scuba diving or snorkeling

There are quite a few locations where you could go snorkeling or scuba diving, but at Tulamben you can see a US liberty Ship Wreck and catch a glimpse of the coral fish at the same time. History and adventure all in go.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BW6z1sAF0Me/

Visit the Marigold Fields

The marigold is a significant part of culture in Bali. Its striking colour is commonly associated with the Supreme Balinese God. You can pay a visit to the marigold fields and enjoy the view. This is yet another destination in Bali that makes for a great photo opportunity too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCjlBHlpl1/

Image:Pexels

In Advice

Top 5 reasons to have a breakfast wedding

November 29, 2019 No Comments

We’re all familiar with dreamy afternoon weddings that celebrate late into the evening. While this can be a beautiful and more traditional approach, there’s something simply magical about a breakfast wedding.

1. They’re way more budget-friendly

Hosting a morning wedding can often mean cutting costs on venue and food, with certain locations lowering their prices as it’s a less busy time. There also won’t be nearly as much drinking in the morning, and simple mimosas, coffees and teas should suffice. Planning this kind of wedding in off-peak season will also help you save on venue costs.

2. The timing will be more flexible

Starting the celebrations earlier allows you much more time to either carry on celebrating or to head home early and jet off for your honeymoon. There will be no rush to hurry any part of the event, and you will find guests will feel more refreshed and calm during the entire affair.

3. There’s more room for intimacy

A breakfast/brunch wedding is perfect for smaller groups and more intimate moments between guests and the bridal party. Placing small picnic blankets out, snacks and wedding games for guests to enjoy will encourage conversation and bonding between the families.

4. You can enjoy a wide range of delicious foods

There’s a reason they say ‘breakfast all day’. Everyone loves breakfast food, and there’s is such a variety to choose from. From a coffee bar to cereal stations and a hot breakfast buffet, the options are endless (and delicious!)

5. The decor will be easier to work with

Morning receptions are very versatile. You can go big with a glamorous affair or small and intimate, it’s all down to your own preference. Lighting won’t be an issue, and if you’re choosing to host your wedding outdoors you can make use of an abundance of greenery to decorate the venue. Breakfast wedding decor also tends to be much simpler and cleaner, and less is needed to brighten up the space.

Image: Pexels

In Fashion

10 alternatives to the classic necktie

November 28, 2019 No Comments

For most men, the classic necktie is a standard part of the wardrobe. You’ve worn them to school, to work, and to many a formal function. Now, however, your wedding day is approaching. The thought of wearing a tie is not exciting to you. Perhaps the tie doesn’t feel special enough, or maybe you just want to switch things up a bit.

Many may not be aware of the wide variety of neckwear available to choose from. A tie can easily be replaced. Have a look at this list of alternatives to the classic necktie.

No Tie

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmtQ9ayHbbY/

Bow Tie

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1a_E5thcwh/

The Ascot/Cravat

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

Collar Chain

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0e8yNblbwF/

Bolo Tie

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5PvABvBVrG/

Continental Tie

https://www.instagram.com/p/4kuiadHK7J/

Western Bow Tie

https://www.instagram.com/p/fWXwVSPWw9/

Neckerchief

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ZHJV0BIDc/

Collar Clip

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Zs_Z6iMC8/

Neck bow

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxC6ljSnX9z/

Image: Unsplash

In News

The Rock and Danny DeVito crash wedding in Mexico

November 26, 2019 No Comments

When people crash your wedding, it’s usually quite unexpected, and unexpected is never good on your wedding day. In fact, having wedding crashers can turn into a wedding day crisis; it is generally a dreaded occurrence. Nobody really wants their wedding to be crashed. Unless, of course, its being crashed by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Danny DeVito.

Bride, Kristine, and groom, Will, were enjoying their lovely (but normal) wedding reception in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The next thing they knew, their wedding was being crashed by Johnson and DeVito. The duo surprised the couple and their guests, not only by making an impromptu appearance, but also by performing a rendition of Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable”.

Johnson and DeVito were in Mexico doing publicity for their movie, Jumanji: The Next Level. While the co-stars relaxed after a long week of press, they heard a wedding party going on. They then decided to crash the wedding.

‘The Rock’ posted a video to his Instagram, showing how it all went down.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B5QZOE_Ftm7/

In his caption, ‘The Rock’ said, “I’ve never crashed a wedding, but with DeVito this was truly UNFORGETTABLE”.

He also made sure to congratulate the happy couple on their nuptials and on their beautiful family, calling them the “Brady Bunch”. Instagram users in the comment section were excited to see that this is what the duo had been up to and expressed themselves accordingly. @akbvalancius said “I would die” and @bslater9 said it was one of the best things he ever got to see in person. They also received many comments from multiple Instagrammers enquiring about whether the duo would be available to crash their respective weddings.

While this is not how a normal wedding crashing would go down, we think the couple and their guests were quite happy with the visit from their unexpected guests. Who wouldn’t be?! Having Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Danny DeVito crash your wedding is a once in a lifetime experience.

Image: Instagram/therock

In Accessories

Wedding flower trends for 2020

November 25, 2019 No Comments

Your long list of wedding planning to-do’s is slowly but surely shortening. The next item on your list happens to be flowers. The problem: there are so many choices and not enough time to give them all some consideration. On top of that, you’re not sure if you know enough about flowers to make a good choice.

Not to worry. Have a look at this list of wedding flower trends for 2020, to make your decisions and planning a little easier.

Bouquet Trends:

– Big and Bright

https://www.instagram.com/p/B429pi7A-DK/

Larger, brighter flowers are popping up more and more at weddings. Big flowers can make your bouquet look much fuller for less money. In addition to this, the bouquet becomes a statement in itself because it catches the eye and stands out. The bright colours do well to create excitement and bring out a more playful feeling, lightening the mood of the venue instantly.

– Unstructured and untamed

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3JoDvwn8I6/

For a push towards a more natural and lush look for wedding flowers, a trend seems to be growing around variety. Bouquets are looking less and less uniform, as if they have been effortlessly thrown together with not much consideration to having a pattern or multiples of the same flower. Many who have gone for this trend have added some greenery, dried grass, or foilage for a more boho feel.

– Blushes and bleached

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1cIqb0hdDd/

If you want something more understated or minimalistic, then this wedding flower trend is for you. The classic blush pink and white used at weddings can be upgraded and updated by adding some bleached tones and bleached foilage into the mix.

Decor trends:

– Arches/Moongates

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3247xThIrS/

A decorated arch, under which you say your vows, makes for beautiful photograph opportunities. The arch draws the attention of the attendees to the right place and ensures that the couple has all eyes on them.

– Flowers down the aisle

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba9O3FUHdUQ/

Create a whimsical, fairytale feel by lining the aisle with flowers. This simple addition will do wonders for the ambience at your wedding.

Bonus Trend:

– Locally Sourced

This is one of the best wedding flower trends we’ve seen so far! Brides and grooms are opting for the more environmentally friendly option of locally sourced floral arrangements. Not only is this trend eco-friendly, but it is good for your budget too.

Image: Unsplash

In Guys

Groom showers: What, why, and how

November 21, 2019 No Comments

We can’t claim that groom showers are a new trend. We can, however, say that it is a trend that has seemingly slipped under the radar. Now, you may be wondering what a groom shower is, why you would want a groom shower, and how you should go about planning one. Not to worry, we’re here to give you the low down. A groom shower, or BRO-dal shower as we’ve seen it called, may be something you want to consider.

A groom shower, much like a bridal shower, is a celebration of the upcoming nuptials. It is an occasion for the groom to bring together all of his closest male friends and family. Guests bring gifts, there is food and drinks galore, and everyone simply comes for some good conversation and quality time with the groom-to-be before the wedding. This is much, much different to the bachelors party. It’s much more low-key and family friendly.

Family friendly is key here; it’s what makes this event appealing. Some of your older or more conservative relatives may want to have pre-wedding celebrations with you, but you probably don’t want to invite them to the bachelor party. You may also have younger relatives like nephews or young cousins who probably would love to celebrate with you too but for obvious reasons, they wouldn’t be allowed at the bachelor party. A groom shower is how you accommodate everybody and make sure that you’re celebrating with everyone who is important to you.

So, how do you plan this type of event?

It’s probably best to keep it simple. You’ll have a wide variety of guests, so anything too specific or outlandish might be difficult to pull off. Fill the table with some snacks, put some decorations up, and perhaps plan some party games. Just don’t forget to invite all the relevant people.

If you want something a bit more interactive or activity-based, here are some ideas:

– Sports

You could plan a sports match of some kind. Separate your guests into teams and have a soccer (or your preferred sport) tournament.

– A cookout

A beer and a conversation around a fire. A classic way to spend a relaxing day.

– Mini fishing trip

Well known for its facilitation of bonding, we think a day trip to catch some fish is a great option. This one may be a bit tougher to co-ordinate.

How ever you decide to spend the day, groom showers are a great way to include everybody in your celebrations. You may want to drop some hints to your groomsmen so they can get to organising.

Images: Unsplash

In Advice

Honeymoon destinations: Unique hotels around the world

November 20, 2019 No Comments

Tropical island hotels and exotic beach-side resorts are what most people would consider “common” honeymoon destinations. If you’re looking to escape from the norm and experience something totally different, then these unique hotels are perfect for you.

– Thorngrove Manor (Adelaide, Australia)

This hotel will make you feel like you’re living in a fairytale. The Manor has five unique rooms to choose from and provides day-trips to various tourist destinations. If you’re looking for a perfect romantic getaway, this is it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1YKUkTDsIX/

– Aman-i-Khás (Ranthambhore, India)

Go glamping at this stunning safari outpost. Not only will you have the unique experience of glamping in India, but you can also go on various adventures provided by the wildlife camp. Exploring by camel, visiting Ranthambhore’s old city, viewing ancient forts, and going on safari’s are but a few of the experiences on offer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1yKMNhHMMC/

– Hotel Yunak Evleri (Cappadocia, Turkey)

At this five star hotel, you’ll be snuggled up in a cave dug in the wall. The hotel is a combination of seven cave houses and 46 private cave rooms, all overlooking the Turkish Mesa. Yunak Evleri combines modernity with tradition to give you an exceptionally unique experience.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg1bdT9lIbi/

– Giraffe Manor (Nairobi, Kenya)

Get up close and personal with the giraffes at Giraffe Manor. The boutique hotel is set in 12 acres of private land and boasts stunning interiors, gardens, terraces, and courtyards.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0gl1axn2fk/

– The Stanley Hotel (Colorado, USA)

What could be more interesting than a haunted hotel? Not only is the Stanley Hotel an attraction because of its feature in the movie The Shining, but also because of the various paranormal experiences that guests have had there. There are a few rooms which have been noted as the most haunted. If you’re brave, and really want an out-of-the-box idea, this is the one for you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4EJyTaFnKY/

– Free Spirit Spheres (Qualicum Beach, Canada)

Have an environmentally friendly honeymoon in these eco-eggs hanging from trees! There are three different eggs you can choose from and everything you need is inside…except the toilets. The toilets are outside, but they are very elegant. Since the spheres are on an island, there are many other experiences on offer, such as kayaking, swimming, caving, and zip-lining.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtbslT7BdCc/

Image: Pexels