• Author

    Wedding ETC

    Browsing

    Your wedding is fast-approaching and you love wearing black. Why not opt for an unconventional wedding dress? It’s no secret that wearing black makes you feel confident.


    A survey carried out by Buytshirtsonline found that the colour black might have connotations of death and gloom, but it’s a powerful performer in the eyes of the public, who see it as a serious, reliable and solid player. One thousand people were asked how they felt about specific colours in various situations and black had a higher percentage for most of the ‘good’ traits, for example, intelligence, confidence and sexiness. People associated the dark colour with being reliable, trustworthy and serious.

    Is there some sort of psychology behind wearing the colour black?

    It has been suggested people who wear black may be trying to guard themselves from unwanted feelings. If they have issues with anxiety by choosing one ‘plain’ colour it generates a sense of togetherness and control.

    Benefits of wearing black:

    1. Black is seen as elegant, classy and stylish. It’s an easy go to option for anyone, especially if you’re trying to impress.

    2. The monochromatic colour can make you appear thinner. It gives the illusion of a slender figure, which is why many women choose black.

    3. Time saver. Black pretty much matches anything and everything.

    4. As mentioned above, by wearing black, you may exude confidence.

    5. It works with every skin tone and hair colour.

    For those who enjoy bending the rules a little, a black wedding dress is a powerful statement. It symbolises your refusal to follow the norm and societies traditional standards.

    Did you know?
    Before the Victorian era it was normal for brides to wear various colours. Wedding dresses were expensive and some brides opted to adorn the best dress in their cupboard. On 10 February 1840, Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in a white wedding dress. The affluent followed suit and began wearing white. The pure colour stood for innocence and virginity. After the Royal wedding brides still continued to wear what they could afford.

    Your wedding dress should be a reflection of your personality. If you prefer black, white, pink or green, the choice is yours. This is your big day, you should do what makes you happiest.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Love is definitely in the air! These celebs recently got engaged. You may have missed them because some big names prefer to keep things on the down low. Have a look at who popped the question.

    1. Riverdale’s Vanessa Morgan shared a beautiful picture on her Instagram, with fiancé, Michael Kopech. The two got engaged on July 4, 2019.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Happy 4th Everyone! ♥️

    A post shared by Vanessa Morgan (@vanessamorgan) on


    2. Joker actor, Joaquin Phoenix, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo actress, Rooney Mara are officially engaged. The couple started dating in 2016. They have starred together in Her (2013), Mary Magdalene (2018), and Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot (2018).


    3. Rob Schneider’s daughter Elle King received the best birthday present. Her boyfriend, who goes by the name Jim proposed.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Happy birthday to me! I said YES!

    A post shared by Elle King (@elleking) on

    4. Scarlet Johansson’s publicist confirmed that the Black Widow star and SNL writer, Colin Jost are engaged. The couple have been dating since December 2017.

    5. Lizzie McGuire’s Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma have also tied the knot. The love birds welcomed their daughter in October 2018 and she shared a picture of her beautiful engagement ring on June 4, 2019.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Cheesy IM GETTING MARRIED As of one month ago post!

    A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on

    6. On April 22 2019, Elizabeth Henstridge posted a cute snap  announcing her engagement to fiancé
    Zachary Burr Abel. The English actress is known for her work in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

    7. Good Luck Charlie star, Bridgit Mendler got engaged to Griffin Cleverly. She shared a picture on Instagram of her and future hubby on April 21 2019. The two posed for a selfie on a beach while showing off the new shiny ring.

    8. Survivor: Worlds Apart alumni, Joe Anglim got down on one knee, and popped the question to fellow contestant Sierra Dawn Thomas. She shared a beautiful picture of her new addition.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Forever and ever, amen. ❤️

    A post shared by Sierra Dawn Thomas (@sierra_dawn_) on

    Picture: Pixabay

    By Amy-Lee Steenkamp

    There are very few hard and fast rules when it comes to planning a wedding but there might be a very important one that cannot be overlooked – wait until you buy or finalise your wedding dress before you decide on your veil.

    Deciding on a veil to pair your dream dress with plays a major role in creating your overall wedding look. Traditionally they are passed down through generations, in which case you might not have a choice but it is pretty special to adorn your mother’s or grandmother’s veil.

    The veil has the ability to highlight your appearance and enhance the detail on your dress.

    There are tons of veil styles to choose from and the most common material used is tulle. Always consider which you would be most comfortable wearing. Comfort is key.

    For a vintage inspired feel, a birdcage veil with trench netting that covers your eyes and stops right above your chin is for you. This can be enhanced with an off white or ivory coloured veil.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz2_ib3hDyx/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzoUo0nAbcW/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxpDgynBj71/

    The most common is the blusher veil which covers the face and usually stops on the shoulders. It can be worn alone or with a longer veil underneath.

    Veils come in different lengths too. There are shoulder length ones, elbow length and fingertip length ones to choose from.

    Blusher veils:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxxDK4_iJNT/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BsU3jbOBerW/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzv9-h4DTuN/

    Others styles include the Waltz veil – which is long but does not touch the floor. The chapel veil on the other hand does touch the floor. The most dramatic is the cathedral veil with a super long train ready to make a statement.

    Waltz Veil:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxna07HF5Qv/

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

    Chapel Veils:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-oC6-orFo/

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

    Cathedral Veils:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Byc1KHFj9wt/

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxjfuWKjw4L/

    A Mantilla veil ensures a soft and dainty feel to the wedding look as it is pinned to the brides hair with a comb and wrapped alongside her shoulders.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz5DAaBASzc/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzfNUTxgG2D/

    Get creative with your veil by attaching it to a hat and just having it flow backwards. Alternatively, you can attached the veil to the new trendy pearl slide clips for a modern feel. Consider your hairstyle first as this is key for the placement of the veil.

     

    Picture: Pixabay

    Age ain’t nothing but a number. An American bride proved this theory true when she asked her 83-year-old grandmother to be the flower girl at her wedding. Grandma delightfully accepted and immediately started her research to be the best flower girl possible.


    The bride is a registered nurse in an intensive care unit and when she heard one of her patients was a flower girl in her granddaughter’s wedding she decided to ask her grandmother.

    Growing up close to her gran, she always admired her grandparents relationship. She stated that their marriage is filled with happiness, trust and love. The elderly couple have been married for 63 years. The love birds enjoyed dancing together, sadly they can’t anymore but the grandfather still watches his girl from the sidelines.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Hooray for the holiday weekend!

    A post shared by Nicole Wagner (@custombynicole) on


    After her grandfather got sick, his wife stuck by his side. The bride believes it was her grandmother’s positive attitude that uplifts him constantly.

    After the picture of her grandmother went viral, she was reminded that people don’t need to stick to traditional rules. The wedding photographer shared the image to encourage others to reach out to those who matter to them.


    As the gorgeous granny walked down the aisle, family and friends cheered her on. As more petals were thrown, the cheers got louder.

    It’s safe to say that the 83-year-old grandmother stole the show!

    Picture: Pexels

    So you’ve just tied the knot! Before you head to the wedding reception, you and your partner need to capture some memories. Perhaps the venue itself offers a great scenic background and is the perfect spot for your pictures, or you and your loved one are going somewhere that requires some traveling. While you’re off snapping some pics, your guests are either waiting at the ceremony venue or traveling to the reception venue to wait there. However, they don’t have to feel like they’re waiting around – here are some ways you can keep the party going while you and your spouse are temporarily gone.

    1.Picture Time!

    While you’re taking your pictures, your guests can too! Set up a photo booth and let them have some fun. Make sure there’s music playing, so it’s not awkward. You could also hire a photo booth so your guests can get their pictures on the spot to take home. You and your partner can join in on the fun when you’re done taking your romantic couple pics

    2.Happy Hour.

    Provide cocktails for your guests. Allow them to mingle over drinks and snacks. Go a step further and organise a mini alcohol-tasting section, whether it’s gin, wine, whiskey, rum, or bubbly. You can even have your family and friends make their own cocktails, or hire a bartender for a few hours.

    3.Games and activities.

    Let your guests play around! Set up various games and activities to get everyone in a silly mood. Karaoke, a How Well Do You Know The Couple quiz, old-fashioned lawn games or even some board games could prove to be a whole lot of fun. You can customise the games based on the venue, the number of guests and what you think they’d prefer.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Anyone for Jenga?

    A post shared by Scrivelsby Walled Garden (@scrivelsbywalledgarden) on

    4.Professional entertainment.

    Hire someone to keep your guests preoccupied and having a good time. A comedian, band, and caricaturists are all great options.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Check out this great caricaturist I saw a recent wedding! Really amazing work!⠀

    A post shared by Damon Bilger (@damonbilgerweddings) on

    5.Record the moments.

    Have someone film your guests giving you and your partner a lovely message.

    6.Advice section.

    Have a something set up on a table where your family and friends can leave you some words of wisdom, whether it’s a book or pieces of paper to write on place in a jar. You can even have them sign something! It’s something cute and truly special to look back on.

    It’s very important to inform your guests of the wedding schedule. There’s nothing worse than people being left lost and wondering, or worse still, bored to tears. Attach the schedule to the invitation, send an email, even have it posted somewhere at the ceremony and reception venues.

    Picture: Unsplash

    The wedding is over and it’s finally time for your intimate getaway, a chance for you and your partner to spend some quality time together before heading back to reality. So where do you go? Well unless you’re Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner, you may need to budget and plan for your great escape. Honeymoons can be expensive, so to help you along, we’ve gathered a few spots for a budget-friendly honeymoon:

    Proudly South African

    With so much beauty around the corner, you may want to opt for a local honeymoon. Do you know your own town, city or province?

    1. The Garden Route

    With 300km worth of beauty, the options are endless. Make a road trip of it. Check in to a local lodge or hotel and become a tourist in your own town. Make sure you don’t miss out on whale watching in Hermanus and the nature reserves along the Garden Route. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches of Plettenberg Bay. Get your surf on in J Bay, or pop in to the Addo Elephant Park.

    2. Cape Town

    It is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With so much to see and do, you and your partner will have plenty to keep you busy and connecting in a special way. Be sure to checkout Table Mountain, Bo Kaap, Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope, and Chapman’s Peak Drive.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Me dragging Erik to another photo shoot like… ? He likes to act like he hates taking photos, mostly because we took about a million our wedding weekend. But honestly, is there anything better than going on vacation, especially your honeymoon, and having a photographer there to get some incredible shots? ? I don’t think so. So we scheduled a shoot in Cape Town using @flytographer. They set you up with amazing photographers all over the world to capture those special moments for you. Our photos were taken by Nadine with #flytographer and we could not be happier with the results ?. If you’d like to use them for a photo shoot as well, you can use the code ‘DoctorDiaries50’ for $50 off either a photo shoot or a gift card, which will be valid until the end of the year (‪December 31st, 2019‬). I hope you love these photos (and this company) as much as we do! ?

    A post shared by Erica Wigdor, DO (@doctordiaries) on

    3. Hazyview, Mpumalanga

    There are tons of adventurous things to do, such as horse riding, abseiling, river rafting and visiting the area’s incredible elephant sanctuary. You can even hop in a hot air balloon for a tour with a whole different view!

    Venturing out of the South

    1. Mauritius

    Sit back and relax while enjoying the picturesque beaches. The beautiful island is known for boasting great hiking trails, exquisite waterfalls, and lovely fresh seafood.

    2. Kenya

    Get the best of both worlds in this beautiful country. Enjoy the great safaris and stunning beaches.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Into the wild ✨

    A post shared by Darina Voloshina (@darinainwanderlust) on

    3. Zanzibar

    Soak up the sun on their gorgeous beaches and have a dive while you’re there! Be sure to check out Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park too.

    Up up and away

    1. Bali

    This magnificent Indonesian island offers many affordable packages which can include your accommodation and activities. Take a look at the exquisite temples and breathtaking beaches.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Kesayangan❤ . . . #honeymoonbali #balihoneymoon #bali

    A post shared by Farah Kharida (@farahkharida) on

    2. Brazil

    Take advantage of Brazil’s visa-free entry for South Africans! This magnificent and culturally-rich country offers much to see. From stunning beaches to the famous picture-perfect moment at Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy the beautiful mountains and snap a pic at the Escadaria Selaron.

    3. Sri Lanka

    While flights to Sri Lanka may be a bit steep, the country itself is inexpensive. Accommodation is affordable and there’s a lot to see, from ancient city ruins and temples to epic national parks.

    Picture: Unsplash

    It’s your big day! All eyes are on you, and that dress! The wedding gown may be one of the most important elements of this occasion of love. Well, to the bride at least. It’s something that every girl imagines herself in and it’s absolutely vital to many a bride-to-be that the dress leaves jaws dropped and heads turned.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    HOW TO PICK A WEDDING DRESS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE. ——— When it comes to wedding dresses there are million and one styles and designs to chose from. From silhouettes, to necklines and fabric the options are endless. But the fact is not every wedding dress you love is suited for your body type. The female body type has been grouped into 5; 1. The Hourglass or Figure 8 ⏳ 2. The Pear ? 3. The Rectangle ◼️ 4. The Apple ?& 5. The Inverted Triangle ?. Which wedding dress fits each body type? – If you have an hour glass figure you can wear all types of wedding dresses from Ball gowns to Mermaid styles. – For rectangle shaped ladies all types of wedding dress styles look good on them except the Mermaid style. – Pear ?? shaped ladies will pull off Mermaid dresses ? perfectly ? – Apple shaped ladies would look great in A-Line and empire wedding dress styles. – While, ladies with an inverted triangle shape can rock all dress styles minus the Mermaid and Sheath style. Got any questions? Please share them in the comments section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #weddingdresstypes #weddingdressideas #weddingdressstyles #weddingdressshop #weddingdressdesign #weddingdressng #sellyourweddingdress #usedweddingdresses #onlinebridalboutique #mermaidweddingdress #ballgownweddingdress #sheathweddingdress #empireweddingdress #nigeriantopweddings #weddingsonpoint #preownedweddingdressesinlagos #brideonabudget #brideonabudgetnigeria #africansweetheartweddings #africanluxuryweddings #weddingdressinspo #weddingdressgoals #weddingdressideas #next2newbridal #lagosbridalstore

    A post shared by Sell Your Wedding Dress Here (@next2newbridal) on

    We’ve gathered a few of the most flattering wedding dress silhouettes for your body shape.

    1. A’s for days! For all the gorgeous ladies with beautiful curves, the A-line silhouette may appeal to you. It’s usually fitted at the top to emphasise the waist and then flares out at the skirt. It’s a very flattering shape not just for curvaceous brides but all body shapes.

    2. Wanting to highlight your curves a bit more? The trumpet silhouette is what you’re looking for. It hugs your curves, and flares out from the knee down. As body-hugging as it is, it still allows for a lot of movement.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    We posted a picture of the back and train on this dress about 2 weeks ago and it was one of our most liked photos! We totally get why because the fit on this dress is beyond good! Gabi and Alex love a pretty ballgown and they both put this dress on and raved about how good they felt in it! They said they felt held in yet sexy but not too over the top, a perfect combination for a wedding dress!⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #onefinedayfittedweddingdress #onefinedaymermaids #essenseofaustralia #D2770 #essenseofaustraliaD2770 #fittedweddingdress #mermaidweddingdress #mermaidbridalgown #mermaidbride #trumpetweddingdress⠀ #sexybride #sexyweddingdress #sexyweddingdressideas #sexybridalgown #sexyweddingdressinspiration #sexyweddingdressinspo #sexybridallook #sexybridalfashion

    A post shared by One Fine Day Bridal (@onefinedaybridal) on

    3. The sheath shape. If you’re petite or slender, this is very flattering. It’s tight-fitting and elongates the body.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Floral lace is combined with glitter tulle. All start in a halter neckline, end in a flattering sheath silhouette | Our gorgeous #florence from #venus2019collection is what you’re looking for . . . #sheathweddingdress #laceweddingdress #sparkleweddingdress #weddingdressinspo #koreanbride #singaporebrides #vancouverbridal #hamiltonbride #torontobridalshop #vancouverbridalboutique #kansascitybridalboutique #coloradobridalstore #virginiabrides #floridabridal #weddingdressinspo #weddingdressshopping #kentuckybridalshop #louisianabride #wyomingbride #sacramentobride #austinbride #texasbridestobe #londonbridal #manchesterbride #liverpoolbride #newcastlebridal #georgiabride

    A post shared by WEDDING DRESS MANUFACTURER (@selfa.bridal) on

    4. Looking to make an even bigger statement? Have a look at the mermaid style. It’s similar to the Trumpet shape mentioned earlier but a bit more dramatic. It’s also a bit more constricting, however.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Wedding gowns & bridesmaid dresses, we do it all! ✨?? @morileeofficial style no. 8177

    A post shared by Bravura Fashion Bridal (@bravurafashionbridal) on

    5. Off to the ball! The classic ball gown silhouette emphasises your waist. The fullness of the skirt means this dress compliments various body types. If you have a ‘plank’ shape, it creates the illusion of bigger curves. For women who are a bit more busty, this dress can create a nice balance.

    6. Dropped waist. This gorgeous silhouette flares out a little bit below the waistline. It compliments taller brides, as it can elongate the torso area.

    At the end of the day though, it’s about the dress you feel the most beautiful and confident in and your opinion matters most. There are no actual rules – just go for it.

    Picture: Pixabay

    Technology is undoubtedly a massive part of our lives in this day and age. Our phones are practically extensions of our arms and we can’t go without checking in to our social media once a day. Most of our memories are made by captured moments on our digital devices and not by living in those moments. This can frustrate people who would rather be doing the latter, especially when it comes to significant occasions such as weddings.

    This might be the reason some couples choose to have ‘unplugged’ weddings, where guests along with the bride and groom must forego using their mobile devices and instead be present in the moment.

    The benefits of having an unplugged wedding is the intimacy and the lack of distraction. Take away cellphones and the guests will pay more attention to the happy couple. Everyone will be able to relish the occasion. Requesting that digital devices are switched off also eliminates the chance of unwanted disturbances during the ceremony.

    By unplugging, the photos from your wedding will also look a whole lot better – no more pictures of your beautifully-dressed guests with their eyes glued to their mobile devices. There’s just something refreshing and romantic about photographs without cellphones in sight. There also won’t be any unplanned overexposure in the pictures because five people all decided to take a photo with the camera flash on at the same time as the photographer. It will also remove any awkward encounters. We all know the aunties are going to insist on taking fifty pictures, of the same shot, with their outdated cellphones. That either means your paid-for photographer will have to compromise their shot or uncomfortably wait for the aunties to get their picture.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    How do you feel about having a #phonefree wedding? Let us know below ? #cocomelody #daretolove #weddingideas

    A post shared by COCOMELODY (@cocomelodyofficial) on

    Aunties aside, there are some positives to plugged-in weddings as well, the first being that you don’t have to wait for the professional photographs to be sent to you (there is a bit of a waiting time) before you can see pictures from the wedding. While you wait for your professional photo’s, you can enjoy Auntie Jackie’s pictures from her phone!

    Having access to social media at a wedding can also be a good thing. Using a unique hashtag just for your wedding on Instagram or Facebook is a smart way to create an online ‘photo album’ made up of pictures snapped and uploaded by you and all your wedding guests. Everyone will be able to view pictures posted with that specific hashtag, all in one place. It’s also a lovely idea to implement the hashtag from the first wedding event onward, for example, the engagement party. This will allow snapshots from every wedding celebration to be placed in one section.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Oh Snap! #gunningwedding #socialmediarequest #pluggedinwedding #diybride #diywedding #TableTents #PleaseSendPics #NPRofWeddings

    A post shared by Sharon Gunning (@shargunning) on

    Still can’t decide if you should have a plugged or an unplugged wedding? Why not do both. You can opt for an unplugged wedding ceremony and a plugged-in reception, for example. You can customise it however you want, after all, it’s your big day.

    Picture: Pexels

    The wedding cake is an important element at any reception. It serves as a centrepiece on the big day, and is often one of the most spoken-about things (along with the bride’s gown and the décor!) at the wedding. As hard to believe as it may be, though, some people don’t enjoy cake. We’ve found some alternative options for those who aren’t a fan of this soft, baked dessert, or for any couple who wants to try something different.

    1. Croquembouche Wedding Cake

    Croquembouche is a French dessert made up of choux pastry puffs. It usually forms a cone-like shape and is strewn with strings of caramel. There are many variations, including chocolate, sugar-coated, or fruit-topped.

    2. Pancake/Crêpe Wedding Cake

    Sounds odd, right? But for all the pancake and crêpe lovers out there, you can finally fulfill your fantasy and have a cake, made up of layers and layers of the thin flat cakes. They are stacked to form a ‘typical’ wedding cake shape. They can create a one-tiered ‘cake’ which at first glance looks like a normal cake. This is called Mille cake. The crêpes can however also be spread out and be made up of various sizes to have a multi-tiered wedding cake.

    3. Doughnuts galore

    Who doesn’t love a good doughnut? If you answered yes, you may want to look into a doughnut wedding cake. They come in all shapes and sizes. There are oversized one-tiered ones, doughnut-hole cakes and multi-tiered cake stands filled with normal doughnuts.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    What better way to say ?? to your wedding diet being over | @saltimages_

    A post shared by Betches Brides (@betchesbrides) on

    4. Macaroon Wedding Cake

    Layers of macaroons are stacked to give the illusion of a tiered cake. You can choose to have one colour, or many! The options are endless.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    #macaroons#macaroonweddingcake#shaadibymarriott#cheflife#chefscroll!

    A post shared by Enamul Haque (@e.haque3918) on

    5. Cheese cake

    Not cheesecake. This wedding cake is comprised of various cheeses – yes, you read that correctly. It’s a savoury-lover’s dream!

    6. Pies, pies and more pies

    You can go sweet or savory with this one. Have them on different layers to create pie-tastic centerpiece.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Don’t want a traditional wedding cake? Celebrate with a Freshly Baked Pie instead! We loved being a part of Cat and Daniel’s day and baked a delicious #weddingpie just for them!⁠ ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Planning: @purelavishevents @purelavish_lauren⁠ Catering/Bar Service/Desserts (including pie): #CanyonCatering⁠ Florals, Design, Shot Glass Wall: Bottles & Blooms⁠ Specialty Rentals: @JakeDukeStudios⁠ Napkins & Chargers: @BBJLinens⁠ Photography: @AllieMarion⁠ Venue: Private Home, Corona⁠ DJ/Silent Disco: @Extreme DJ⁠ Dancefloor: @StarEventProductions⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #canyoncatering #passionatelycreative #weddingplanning #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingcatering #dessert #catering #weddingfood #ocwedding #weddinginspo #instawedding #desserttable #weddingdetails #coronawedding #californiabride #cutthecake #cakecutting #letthemeatpie #eventcatering #weddingfoodideas #backyardwedding #weddingplanning

    A post shared by Canyon Catering (@canyoncatering) on

    7. Actual (little) cakes

    You can have a wedding cake made up of cute cupcakes or, alternatively, have mini individual cakes for everyone! A dessert cup stand is a great idea too.

    8. Cookie cake

    Stack some cookies to create a wedding tower or have a giant cookie be your ‘cake’.

    Picture: Pexels

    Along with the excitement of a wedding comes all the events and parties that lead up to the big day. One of the most popular pre-wedding celebrations is the bridal shower. Or is it the kitchen tea? They are similar, but there are a few differences.

    Kitchen teas are more common in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, whereas the US, UK, Belgium, Netherlands and a few other countries in Europe tend to host bridal showers.

    The kitchen tea is a time to celebrate the bride-to-be, and guests bring items that can be added to the newlyweds’ kitchen as gifts. It is typically hosted at the bride’s or her mother’s house. Female friends and family are invited – kitchen teas are typically attended only by the women in the bride’s life. It is usually quite a relaxed environment and can involve fun games.

    The bridal shower is a party hosted for the bachelorette. Her guests ‘shower’ her with gifts of any kind, that can be for her personal use or for her and her future spouse’s home. Brides-to-be may create a gift registry for their guests to help with ideas. The bridal shower provides the perfect opportunity for both sides of the family to mingle!

    There’s no need to keep things too traditional, though. You can mix it up a bit by having a theme. You can even customise the party according to what the bachelorette likes. For example, a bride-to-be who enjoys the outdoors might appreciate a hike or scenic route, or a bachelorette with a creative streak may love a cake-decorating party.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    PAMPAS and WINGS ? it’s a winning combination – another repost from The other side of the world … some serious wedding inspiration if you search #sydneywedding With huge thanks to #Repost @jewelphonflowers with @get_repost ・・・ How gorgeous does @nawalsaudi look with her floral and pampas wings for her Kitchen Tea! We can’t wait to create some more magic for your Wedding ? Wings @jewelphonflowers Table @prop_my_party Desserts @munchies_sydney Cake @sugarpot4me Cookie Ring @the.cookie.plate Brownies @nourasgoodies #jewelphonflowers #weddingflowers#weddingstylist #weddinginspiration#sydneywedding #sydneyflorist #bridalflowers #eventstyling #flowers #wedding #weddingreception #florist #sydneyflorist #weddingideas #stylist #weddinginspo #kitchentea #desserttable #flowerwings #pampas

    A post shared by EXPRESS YOURSELF WEDDINGS (@suffolkweddingshed) on

    Remember to save all the ‘naughty’ things for the bachelorette party, though!

    Picture: Pexels