• Author

    Wedding ETC

    Browsing

    Are ties out of fashion and has the bow tie taken over? The answer is NO! Both are equally acceptable and both are the ultimate accessory. As a groom, one of the most important fashion decisions you will need to make is whether you’ll be sporting a tie or a bow tie. With a variety of shapes, patterns, colours and styles, you really cannot go wrong with either, so here are some pointers:

    The Tie

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Hailey Jade (@hjphotooo) on

    Can you think of a more complementary pair than a suit and tie? There is no doubt that they just go hand in hand. When you want to keep it classic and slightly more traditional, the tie is for you.

    A well-tailored suiting option is perfectly highlighted with a tie. It will complete the look, leaving you looking utterly dapper. The tie has many elements to consider, like the type of occasion you are going to, as it could work for a formal/semi-formal and smart causal event, but remember a tie should end near the middle of the belt buckle in all cases.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by NC PBL (@ncpbl) on

    Tie knots is where it gets a bit confusing because there are so many styles. Consider the type of shirt you’re wearing and the collar type of the shirt. A large triangle-shaped tie will look better with a widespread collar. A narrow knot will pair well with a straight point collar shirt

    The Bow Tie

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Eurosuit South Africa (@eurosuit) on

    Although you can wear a bow tie anytime, they definitely help you to stand out from the crowd. On your wedding day, you may want to keep it classic with black or white but this will not limit you, due to the variation of patterns and colours available.

    The bow tie is clean and looks different, but remember to keep the rest of your outfit muted in order to let the bow tie make a statement.

    If you are playing around with patterns, then stripes and polka dots are your go-tos. You can also play around with a variety of colours if you don’t opt for the classic black. Normally, the bow tie is classified as part of a more formal attire alongside the category of a black or white tie, but it doesn’t have to be as formal – we like to play it up, don’t we? But if you are associating it with a classic tuxedo, without a doubt, you’ll reach for your bow tie

    It can also be worn outside of the formal bracket. This is where funky colours and patterns will play a big role as it can soften the formality and be more of a casual accessory, adding a bit of spark to just about any outfit.

    By Amy-Lee Steenkamp

    Feature image: Unsplash

    After the big proposal comes all the planning. You and your partner will usually decide on who you’d like by your side on the big day, which will include friends and family. It is both an honour for them and a huge favour they’re doing for you, seeing as they’ll be helping you with most of the planning.

    That said, it’s important to put a little effort into asking your wedding party to be a part of your day. Especially since weddings can be quite pricey. Choose something special instead of just sending a text or asking them nonchalantly. Here are some ideas:

    Custom box 

    Put together a few items that mean a lot to you and your selected wedding party. You can customise the boxes to suit the theme of your wedding and what your loved ones would appreciate.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Memento Boutique (@mementoboutiqueaustralia) on

    Alcohol labels 

    Purchase a bottle of alcohol and customise the bottles with labels ‘proposing’ to your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Switch up the liquor depending on what your nearest and dearest like.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Apparel & More by KB (@apparelandmorebykb) on

    Scratch off cards

    These cool cards come with a special design and a solid filled section. Your wedding party will then scratch and win, or rather, receive their proposal.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by GladPaper (@gladpaper88) on

    Custom card

    It’s better than a text! You can also make it really cute and sentimental.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by GladPaper (@gladpaper88) on

    For the guys…

    Special flask

    Your buddies will love a unique flask as a proposal, especially since it’s very practical.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Apparel & More by KB (@apparelandmorebykb) on

    Special socks

    Custom socks are great as gifts and you can have your groomsmen wear them on the big day. If they’re funky, they’ll make for great pictures.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Abi Salmon (@abi_rose_salmon) on

    Cuff links

    Cuff links will count as a ‘proposal’ and serve as a cool embellishment for the wedding.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by The Ivy League Mens Shop (@theivyleaguemensshop) on

    Cigars

    Gift your guys with a memorable cigar. You can have a paper ring placed around each cigar with the ‘proposal’ message.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Alisa Cox (@alisamariecox) on

    For the girls…

    Bracelets

    There are great custom jewellery options that you can gift your bridesmaids. It’s a lovely option as it’s something practical that they can wear to the wedding as well as afterwards.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Ever After Collective (@everaftercollective) on

    Candles

    Pick a wonderfully scented candle and turn it into a ‘proposal’ for your ladies.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Starfield Candle Company (@starfieldcandleco) on

    Custom Hanger

    You can have special hangers made for your bridesmaids. This is quite cute and your besties can use them on the big day.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Cristina (@thecraftyconfetti) on

    Hair ties

    This can be quite punny but also a practical gift, because we all know how easy it is to lose them!

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Grace Collections (@grace.collections) on

    Feature image: Unsplash

    This season, we say goodbye to boring, one-dimensional suits and welcome more creative pairings, with a hefty side of personality. Have a look at some of our favourite groomsmen style trends, sure to make its way down an aisle near you:

    Cream-coloured suits

    The groom and his groomsmen can steal the spotlight in cream suits, which offers a balance of soft romance and tailored masculinity.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by @thevowtexasweddings on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by E L S A C A M P B E L L (@elsacampbellphotography) on

    Bold boutonnieres

    Spring is the perfect time to incorporate a pop of colour into your look. Celebrate the season with a bold boutonniere. It will contrast your otherwise simple suit perfectly!

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Perfectly Uncommon Weddings (@perfectlyuncommonweddings) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Boutique Destination Weddings (@thewhimsicalrose) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by R&R Events (@randreventstx) on

    Vibrant florals

    Florals will never not be a trend during the Spring season. Incorporate this print into your look by wearing a floral shirt or tie, or, if you want to go all out, why not try a floral suit?

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Nouba (@nouba_blog) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by The Bridal Visions (@the.bridal.visions) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Coffeeties & Co (@coffeetiesandco) on

    Linen

    Keep cool in lighter tones like cream, grey, or dusty blue. This lightweight fabric is the perfect choice for an upcoming wedding in the warmer months.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Pascal Zimmer (@pascal.zimmer) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by ariana (@arianaandersonstylist) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Brisbane Event Floristry (@peridot.pretty) on

    By Larissa Vermeulen

    Feature image: Wesley Vorster Photography

    Flowers play a huge role in most weddings. They are used in many parts of the wedding decor, from ceremony to reception, and add a romantic and personal touch to the big day. A big question, however, is if you’re going to use fresh or fake flowers. But before deciding, you should know what the differences between real and artificial flowers are.

    Before weighing out the pros and cons, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

    – Both options can be expensive, especially if a florist is involved.

    – Most of the time, your guests won’t be able to tell what’s real and what’s fake.

    – If you can’t decide, you can always mix and match with both. Use fake flowers for certain things and real for others.

    – You can save money by having multi-use floral pieces. For example, you can use some of the floral arrangements from your ceremony and bring it over to the reception decor.

    The differences:

    Real flowers 

    Nothing compares to fresh, beautiful flowers. They are authentic and sweet-smelling. Using real flowers is genuine and no matter how realistic a fake flower is, it will never be able to compare to the real thing.

    Besides originality, there are a few downsides to having fresh flowers:

    – They can be more expensive, especially if you are having them arranged by a florist or imported from overseas. You will also pay a lot more if you’re looking for a specific flower and it’s not in season.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by preparadaparalafelicidad (@preparadaparalafelicidad) on

    – As beautiful as delicate flowers are, they’re unfortunately higher risk in terms of being damaged. They will eventually wilt and if it’s hotter, they fade faster. Fresh flowers are easily damaged, whether it’s a wild flower girl having fun or a bumpy car ride.

    – The real deal can also be a lot heavier than opting for the fake alternative.

    Artificial flowers 

    Fake flowers aren’t as plastic as you think. There are natural-looking silk or other fabric-based flowers available that almost look like the real thing. If you decide on artificial flowers, you’ll never have to worry if they’re in season or not. These fake alternatives are also a lot lighter than the real thing and therefore easier to carry around, transport and arrange.

    Artificial flowers can last for a long time and you will be able to keep them for sentimental purposes. You might even be able to reuse them in future events, depending on the quality. Since they’re fake, there won’t be any allergy issues either, which is great if you or any of your guests are allergic.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Afloral.com (@afloral) on

    Fake flowers can be a lot cheaper depending on the quality, specifics and where you buy them from. If you’re not looking to purchase the fake flowers, then renting it is also an option. Since you can purchase artificial flowers in advance, you can buy a few each month, thereby not having to fork out a huge amount in one go.

    Feature image: Visual Poetry Photography

    Getting the perfect dress at a reasonable price is not the easiest thing. Brides tend to spend thousands of rands on either having the perfect dress made or hiring it. If you’re running tight on budget or would just like to save on your overall look, the Wedding Etc style team found the perfect ‘I do’ look for just under R3000.

    Dress: R1899
    Dress: R1899

    When choosing a store-bought dress, here are a couple of things to look out for:

    – How the dress flatters your body type.
    – The seam finishes and quality of the material.
    – A style that you can also repurpose by wearing it to an evening out or any formal occasion.

    Earrings: R169
    Earrings: R169

    Next up, choose an earring based on the hairstyle you will be having. A slightly larger earring suits an updo perfectly. A mix of silver and gold is also a huge trend in jewellery right now, as it will go with almost anything.

    Shoes: R899
    Shoes: R899

    A neutral heel is always a perfect solution when deciding on the colour of a shoe. Not only is it a good staple shoe to have in your closest, but you can wear it with almost any look, whether it’s casual or more dressed up.

    By Rojaun Devos

    All images courtesy of Forever New South Africa

    The big day is approaching and your guests are welcomed with their digital devices. They are encouraged to document as much as they can. If you use a special hashtag, you’ll have a whole lot of memories from different perspectives in one place. Here are some tips to create a wedding hashtag:

    Wedding hashtags are a great addition, especially if you’ve decided not to unplug your wedding.

    How it works

    When your guests take a picture or film a snippet of your big day, they can upload it to Instagram or Twitter. When posting, they can add your custom hashtag. This means that when you search that specific hashtag, all the posts uploaded with that hashtag will all appear in one place. It sounds more complicated than what it is. For guests that aren’t too ‘with it’, provide a short video or step-by-step picture explanation.

    List

    Come up with a few potential wedding hashtags. Just in case your hashtag is taken.

    Have fun

    If you want to keep things simple, then go ahead! But it’s really funny when you’re punny. Some couples choose to incorporate their names with a movie title, for example, #ShesTheMannelly which is a combination of the movie She’s the Man (2006) and their surname Mannelly. You could even play on well-known sayings like #ToHaveAndToHughes which is the saying (part of the vows) ‘to have and to hold’ in combination with the surname Hughes.

    Customise, really

    As lovely as hashtags are, they are very common. So it is absolutely vital that you and your partner come up with a unique hashtag. For example, don’t just use a hashtag like #Williamswedding. There are probably so many wed couples with the surname Williams. You really don’t want to search your custom hashtag to find your little gems among someone else’s big day.

    Search the tag

    When you’ve narrowed down the choices, search your hashtag on social medias to see if it has been used.

    Capital 

    Capitalise the first letter of each word in your hashtag. It makes it a lot easier to read.

    Number it 

    If you’re keeping things plain and simple and your hashtag is taken, you can always add numbers to it. It could be your wedding day date or any other significant number. Remember to not make it too complicated.

    Reuse

    A great idea is to use your special hashtag for all wedding events. That way you will have all your wedding festivity pictures in one place. From the engagement party to the big day.

    Let it be known 

    Having a wedding hashtag is great but not if your guests don’t know about it. Make sure you add your hashtag to the invitation and have little reminders around the wedding. Depending on how important it is to you, you can send your guests little reminders and maybe mention it at the reception.

    Feature image: Unsplash

    On the 9th of September 2019, 99 couples decided to tie the knot in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. All 99 pairs gathered at The Thean Hou temple to wed in a mass ceremony. The number nine is considered to be very lucky in Chinese culture. This is because ‘nine’ sounds like ‘long-lasting’ in Chinese.

    Since the number nine is believed to hold a lot of fortune, September 9, which is the ninth day of the ninth month (9/9) is seen as very lucky this year. The couples decided to commit to one another on this auspicious day, to ensure that their love would be, well, long-lasting.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Mohd Rasfan (@mrasfan) on

    The Thean Hou temple was filled with the soon-to-be weds and all of their family and friends.

    Many couples decided to keep things wedding-traditional and wear classic black suits and white bridal gowns. Other couples opted for a more traditional Chinese feel and wore red as the colour symbolises joy, luck, happiness and fertility.

    Before taking their vows, the 99 couples were blessed by a priest in a red robe.

    The Chinese Buddhist temple was filled with life as the newly-wed couples gathered to take pictures and celebrate this joyous (mass) occasion.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by News von ZDF heute (@zdfheute) on

    Feature image: Instagram/Mohd Rasfan

    The former Bachelorette and her fiancé, who met on her season of the show in 2017, recently exchanged vows at the Royalton Suites Cancún in Mexico. The non-televised wedding, which is quite unusual for the franchise, was only attended by a handful of Bachelor Nation alums, which included Kristina Schulman, Astrid Loch, and Bibiana Julian.

    The couple exchanged vows in a beautiful “island chic” ceremony in Mexico, recruiting celebrity wedding planner Mikie Russo to put together their gorgeous ceremony filled with lush green and white florals.

    It’s her daring take on her bridal look, however, that really caught our eye:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Rachel Lindsay Abasolo (@therachlindsay) on

    Rachel wore a Randi Rahm gown, which featured a sheer top with short sleeves and a gorgeous sequin leaf print detail. A wide white belt separated her top from her flowing tulle skirt. Bryan also looked super handsome in his tux for the event, which featured a creme jacket with black lapels, a black bow tie and black pants.

    Because Rachel initially wanted to wear pants to her wedding, she then changed up her look to a pair of high-waisted shorts later in the day, which still went perfectly with her ‘fancy t-shirt’.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Randi Rahm (@randirahm) on

    Keeping her hair sleek and pulled back, Rachel showed off her glowing skin and perfect red pout thanks to make-up artist Gina Modica and hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez.

    Feature image: Instagram @thebryanabasolo

    By Larissa Vermeulen

    Way back when, there were beliefs that a veil protected a bride from evil spirits. Nowadays it’s just tradition to wear a veil as part of the wedding ensemble. If you’re not one for tradition (or you’re not bothered by evil spirits) and looking for some wedding veil alternatives, then have a look at some top choices.

    Tiara

    It’s your big day and if you’ve always dreams of being a princess, now is your chance! Tiaras come in all shapes, sizes and colours. It’s a great little sparkling touch to your bridal outfit.

    Image: Instagram

    Hair

     

     

    There are so many ways you can style your hair, look how simple and beautiful this is. 

    Image: Instagram

    Stunning clips

     

    Accessorise your hair style with elegant clips.

    Image: Instagram

    Flower crowns 

     

    Channel your inner Earth child with exquisite flower crowns.

    Image: Instagram

    Veil-free

     

    Less is more, as they say. Having no additions to your bridal look is a clean but gorgeous look. All eyes should be on you! Not the added extras.

    Image: Instagram

    Image: Pexels

    Beauty and fashion YouTuber Victoria Magrath and Alex Harrison tied the knot in Provence on August 31. The couple opted for a weekend full of wedding festivities, including a pre-wedding event and a post nuptial brunch. Have a look at Victoria Magrath’s five bridal outfits.

    Pre-wedding celebration 

    The InTheFrow star opted for a powerhouse white pantsuit.

    The bride-to-be in a tailored Pronovias tuxedo. The suit featured a satin stripe down the sides of the pants along with a beautiful camisole.

    Image: Instagram

    Pool party 

    The second day of wedding festivities included a pool party for their guests. They enjoyed delicious cocktails and lunch while soaking up the French sun.

    Victoria wore an Amaio Swim bridal swimsuit. Made from Italian Euro jersey and French illusion mesh. The swimsuit was embellished with silver beads and cut out details.

    Image: Instagram

    The ceremony 

    This is what the whole weekend led up to. The wedding ceremony.

    The blushing bride wore a Phillipa Lepley Couture gown. The dress was made from luxurious silk crepe and consisted of a tight fitting corset along with thin straps. The back of the dress was embellished with buttons while the front featured a satin band.

    Image: Instagram

    The bridal gown also included an embroidered veil with unique detailing. “Hand stitched lavender and rose floral embroidery, and two tiny bees meeting in the middle of the veil to represent the city we came from (Manchester),” says Victoria.

    Image: Instagram 

    The reception

    After tying the knot, it was time to celebrate!

    The happy bride decided to wear a second Phillipa Lepley gown. The ballerina length dress consisted of a sweetheart neckline and a full tulle skirt that was embellished with crystals.

    Image: Instagram

    The newly weds busting a move!

    Image: Instagram

    Post-wedding brunch

    After the matrimony events, the pair decided to wrap up the weekend with a post-wedding brunch for their guests.

    After a long night of celebration, Victoria got into her final outfit for the weekend. A Suzanne Neville Orwell dress. It consisted of a fitted midi sleeve top, with an open V neck back and a flowing skirt.

    Image: Instagram 

    Feature image: Instagram/inthefrow