Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In cake

Around the world in wedding cakes: Be inspired by global cake traditions

April 16, 2019 No Comments

For you, it may be a classic choc cake with vanilla icing. Your friends over in Norway or Korea, however, may prefer something different. Be inspired by global cake traditions.

1. LITHUANIA

A sakotis, the traditional cake for weddings and special occasions, is cooked by rotating batter on a spit. As it cooks, the drips harden, creating a spiky tree shape.

2. ENGLAND

A fancy fruitcake made with brandy-soaked dates, prunes, currants and orange peel is traditional. The icing can range from marzipan to brandy butter. Instead of saving a piece of the cake for their first anniversary, couples will keep the entire top tier (called the christening cake) until the birth of their first child.

3. INDONESIA

The wedding cake is usually a big multilayered creation called kek lapis. The layers can be simple chocolate and vanilla, or all sorts of flavours and bright colours.

4. KOREA

American-style wedding cakes are too sweet for Koreans. They might opt for mini rice cakes made from steamed rice flour, covered in red bean powder, ground sesame seeds or other toppings.

5. NORWAY

At Norwegian weddings, guests are served kransekake. Almond-meal biscuits are stacked up to form a tower and held together with icing.

6. FRANCE

The French enjoy croquembouche, a tower of cream-filled pastries that are soaked in caramel. They’re then formed into a tall pyramid – quite a showstopper!

7. ITALY

A popular dessert choice at many weddings is zuppa inglese. A bit like a trifle, it is made up of tiers of sponge cake layered with custard, rum, cream and fruit.

8. BERMUDA

On this island in the Caribbean, the groom’s cake is topped with gold and the bride’s cake is coated in silver icing. For an extra touch, tiny saplings sit on top of the cakes as symbols of growing love.

Images: Pinterest

In Advice

Spend your honeymoon relaxing in the luxury of Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

April 12, 2019 No Comments

Take a trip into the wild with Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge for a glamorous honeymoon stay. With endless activities and luxurious amenities, this spot is the perfect destination for keen adventurers and those looking for an intimate escape.

THE VENUE

A mere 1.5 hours from Richards Bay lies Africa’s oldest game reserve, Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, with its singular game lodge, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. This 4-star accommodation sits privately in the expansive reserve and in the middle of Big 5 territory, making it the ideal getaway for couples. Besides taking pride in their excellent service, Rhino Ridge fulfils its duty as part of the Isibindi Africa Lodge group to protect and preserve the natural surrounds and species present in the game reserve, as well as uplift the local community of Mpembeni.

THE ROOMS

With only four room types to choose from and 36 beds in total, Rhino Ridge provides an exclusive and intimate stay. The honeymoon villas at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge are what dreams are made of. Nestled in indigenous bush and secluded from the rest of the reserve so you have your privacy, each villa overlooks the expansive wilderness and boasts a private plunge pool for you to take a dip at your leisure. There are also eight luxury bush villas, four safari rooms and two safari family suites to stay in.

THE FOOD

Meals are enjoyed in the main lounge, which showcases breathtaking views of the bush, sunsets and starry skies. Indulge in an array of cocktails and local dishes on the terrace, or sip on one of your favourite South African wines by the fire pit. All the meals are freshly made from local produce and cater to all dietary requirements.

THE ACTIVITIES

Apart from the main lodge, Rhino Ridge has its own private spa with organic treatments designed to promote health, wellness and, of course, relaxation. While you unwind for a massage, you can look out at some incredible views of the reserve. When it comes to adventurous activities, the lodge offers game drives twice a day and guided bush walks on request. You can also enjoy a Zulu cultural experience with visits to the local Mpembeni community, or browse the fascinating items in the Centenary Capture Centre and Museum.

For more information, head to rhinoridge.co.za.

Images: Rhino Ridge / rhinoridge.co.za

In Accessories

Embrace metallics for your wedding day

April 11, 2019 No Comments

Let’s face it, metallics are more than just a colour scheme for your big day. They’re bold, fun and glamorous! You can instantly liven up any piece of decor or your wedding look by adding one of these sparkly hues to the mix, meaning they’re fantastic for any part of your day. Be inspired by shades of gold, rose, silver and metal for your wedding day.

THE DRESSES

Have your bridesmaids sport sparkling ensembles in a variety of styles to suit their body types. They will feel like princesses by your side while still matching the wedding theme. And if you really feel like making a statement, drench yourself in one of these gorgeous hues for a bold and sophisticated bridal gown.

THE CAKE

Your wedding cake is where you can really let metallics shine, and they fit with beautiful florals, geometric shapes, marble and many more trends. Even just having a simple white 3-tier cake with some metallic finishes is an elegant choice.

THE DECOR

Let your reception decor flourish with an array of gold, copper and silver pieces that provide a warm yet stylish setting for your guests to indulge. Take it to the silverware and table setting and mix in some greenery for something slightly more rustic, or opt for a glamorous affair with striking pieces.

THE FLOWERS

Create a metallic effect with your wedding florals by spray-painting your chosen shades on to fake greenery and flowers and arrange them amongst your bouquet or flower arrangements. It’s an easy way to glam up your wedding decor and add a touch of sparkle.

THE STATIONERY

When it comes to wedding stationery, there can never be too much glamour! You can opt for simple touches of metallic to liven up some pastel shades, or make it the focus of your theme. Have this flow throughout your wedding stationery, from the save-the-dates right through to the table menus.

Images: Pinterest

In Diy

Create your own DIY wedding journal

April 9, 2019 No Comments

If you’re someone who’s creative and loves to put their thoughts together in a collage, creating a DIY wedding journal for your big day is the way to go for organising, planning and brainstorming. Depending on your personal style, you can create your wedding journal in a number of ways:

1. MESSY COLLAGE

If you love doodling, pasting down pictures, using real-life references, like petals and fabrics, using a blank journal is the perfect start for you to create your wedding planner. You can create your own headings, lists, style references, and more to suit your creativity and make a wedding journal that is worth saving as a fond memory.

2. PLANNING DIARY

For someone who prefers neater, more organised and structured methods of planning, creating a wedding journal with matching fonts, colours and headings is definitely the best option. Nowadays, you can purchase digital wedding journals to download and put together yourself – still giving you the freedom to choose your base and play around with styles you prefer.

3. BUDGET-SAVVY

If all you’ve got are some pens and a notebook, but loads of creative talent, you can design a beautiful and personal wedding journal filled with doodles, lists, contact details, ideas and everything you want to put down to plan your big day.

Images: Pinterest

In Advice

10 ways to go green on your wedding day

March 19, 2019 No Comments

With a strong emphasis on living a sustainable life, there is more and more pressure to go green in all aspects of our lives – and that includes your wedding day. But going green for your big day is a lot easier than you think, and will give you plenty of options to play around with to create a unique event. From everything including your food down to your dress, check out our top 10 ways you can make your wedding more green.

1. LOCATION

Your wedding venue plays a big part in how your day will look, feel and be represented, but it’s also one of the key ways to making your wedding greener. Aim to choose a location that is already promoting sustainability with their food, electricity, water usage, etc. This will make it easier for you when sorting out your decor and catering. To save on fuel, try to find a venue that is more central so that most of your guests can carpool and travel shorter distances.

2. STATIONERY

When it comes to creating greener stationery, there’s plenty to play around with. Apart from it being a major trend in the digital era, creating a wedding website where your guests can find all the details and RSVP saves you on paper (and printing costs). As for the menus, seating charts and stationery present at the wedding, you can get creative with materials like recycled cotton for that high-end look. You can also get away with only one menu per table, instead of giving one to each individual guest.

3. DIY

While DIY doesn’t necessarily equal planet-friendly, creating things yourself will help you keep track of the materials and methods you’re using so that you can avoid anything harmful. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for second-hand or recycled goods that can be used to for your wedding decor. For example, placing candles or organic flowers inside old mason jars can create a rustic look on the tables for your wedding reception.

4. FLOWERS

Source the flowers for your wedding from a local organic florist, or even plant them and pick them yourself from your garden. Try to use florals that don’t require a lot of water – succulents are beautiful and modern – and create a beautifully unique arrangement. They can even serve as your wedding favours too, so your guests can take them home and plant them in their own gardens.

5. FAVOURS

There is a wide variety of thoughtful and fun wedding favours when it comes to sticking to green options. Spoil your guests with some herbal tea leaves and a personalised ‘Thank You’ note, or offer them organic seeds that they can grow at home to symbolise your new journey of growth with your loved one. Plants, birdseed or homemade organic beauty products are also lovely options.

6. THE DRESS

Every bride wants that special and unique dress that feels perfectly made for her, but this can be an expensive and taxing reality. It’s much greener and cheaper to hire a dress or have a vintage one altered to suit you. However, if you do plan on buying a dress or having one made, aim to use more planet-friendly materials and create a piece that you will be able to wear again or pass down.

7. FOOD

If your venue is sustainable and offers catering, it’s a perfect deal! If not, look for a caterer that makes use of organic produce. Maybe even opt for going completely meat-free for your wedding menu and serve colourful fresh foods for your guests to enjoy that have a lower impact on the environment.

8. CONFETTI

Instead of plastic or paper confetti, opt for flower petals (which are much softer), birdseed, grains or plant seeds. These make light and pretty confetti pieces that can be carried in hand-woven baskets or bowls to save on plastic or paper cups. They are also affordable, easy to find and utterly unique.

9. DECOR

Try to avoid any paper or plastic use. Rather use proper cotton napkins, bare tables and chairs, and lots of greenery. Write your table numbers on rocks, pebbles or shells, and ask friends and family for spare decorations and table settings that you can borrow just for the day. Mismatched decor may just be the next trend!

10. RINGS

A family heirloom or vintage ring is the perfect way to lower your environmental impact on the planet, while still spoiling your other half with something precious. Alternatively, you can source your ring from companies that work with recycled metals and gemstones and have fair trade labour practices to create a sustainable option for you and your partner.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Get ‘Honeymoon Ready’ In 5 Easy Steps

March 7, 2019 No Comments

With all the planning and excitement around the wedding, there’s little room to prepare to ensure you are fully honeymoon ready! Even if you’ve arranged for your honeymoon to take place a few days/weeks after the big day, there’s no doubt that you’ll be exhausted and ready to pack up and go. And besides, who wants to go back to work after such an incredible high?

Having your honeymoon straight after your big day will let you ease into married life and give you the rest you need after months of preparation. Yet, this can make it difficult to find time to prepare for your vacay. Luckily, we have 5 simple steps to help you through your prep and packing!

STEP 1

First things first, ensure that everything is booked and set for your departure and arrival, including the flights, car hire, hotel, etc. Print all your booking confirmations and keep them in a travel wallet so that you have everything on hand should your cellular device fail you. You can also keep your passport, bank cards and any other important documents with this.

STEP 2

Next, it’s time to get everything you’ll be taking with you together. It’s important to take into consideration the weather of your honeymoon destination and the activities you’ll be doing when packing your clothes. Check up on the weather a week beforehand so that you know what you’re in for. Remember that it’s better to have more options rather than too little, and you can’t bank on finding what you need at the location you intend on travelling to. As a general rule, make sure you have enough clothes for warm and cool weather.

STEP 3

As mentioned above, you can’t expect that your destination will have everything you need, so make sure to include any personal items such as hygiene products and medication, as well as your absolute daily essentials, in your travel bag. That being said, it won’t hurt to do a bit of research into what your accommodation will offer in the room so that you can save on a few items such as towels, a hairdryer, soap, etc. Medication is an absolute must-have, especially if you have a chronic condition or intend on travelling long distances.

STEP 4

This is where you factor in any extra items that you would like to bring, for instance, you may want to invest in a disposable or Polaroid camera to capture all your fun and special moments. Travel accessories, a journal, special outfits for the trip (hint, hint) are fun extras to consider when packing.

STEP 5

Finally, it’s important that before you leave, make all the contact details for your accommodation as well as any other important information available to family members or close friends in case of an emergency on your trip.

Time to get packing!

Image: Unsplash

In Weddings

Real wedding: Braai in style with Jana & MC

March 1, 2019 No Comments

Combining her love of luxury with his passion for South African cuisine, Jana van der Spuy and MC Leonard’s wedding featured the best of both worlds.

THE VENUE

Our venue, Cabrières, was a dream come true! Not only was it the views that sealed the deal, but it was the lovely Jane Jordaan who kept us there. The venue was chic enough for me and down-to-earth enough for my husband.

THE THEME

We didn’t really have a theme, however, we tried to incorporate both our passions – style and luxury, with comfort and a braai! We wanted our wedding to really represent us as a couple, and I think we completely nailed it.

THE DRESSES

Both of my incredible dresses were made by Cindy Bam, who happens to be one of my best friends, so I may be slightly biased! I can’t imagine anyone else making my dream wedding dress come to life the way she did. As my traditional wedding dress was quite dramatic, we opted for a very simple silk-chiffon tattoo-lace dress for the reception party.

THE DECOR

Our wedding decor was mostly inspired by the less-is-more look, with lots of candles in gold candlesticks and home-made pink flower candle holders. Each table setting had a personalised handwritten letter with an accompanying menu and napkin. At the venue entrance, guests were greeted to 1.5m candelabras and a huge flower bouquet.

THE FOOD

We both have a slight obsession with braaiing, so our canapés, which were plankie–steak, mini roosterkoek and chicken kebabs, were made in this way and served alongside salad. Our main meal consisted of lamb roulade filled with spinach, feta and mushrooms, and roast veggies, a green salad and pumpkin fritters.

THE DETAILS

My dad passed away just before my 16th birthday and, for obvious reasons, walking down the aisle was quite a heart-wrenching idea for me. However, my mom walked me down the aisle with my dad there in spirit – my sister-in-law, Laurika, gave me a locket with a picture of my dad to tie around my bouquet. Other than my wedding band, it’s one of my most treasured gifts, and when I have a tough day, I wear it around my neck for support.

THE FIRST DANCE

We opened the dance floor with ‘I Love You Will Still Sound The Same’ by Oh Honey. It was a challenge for us to decide on a song that we both loved and that could stand the test of time. We bought confetti cannons and asked two of our friends to pop them for us during the dance.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Dresses: Cindy Bam
Hair: Carma Hair Studio
Rings: Black Key Diamonds
Flowers: Christa Chambers and Jane Jordaan at Detail Me Pretty
Decor & stationery: IC Graphix
Lighting: Best Event
Venue & catering: Cabrières
Audio-visual & DJ: Prime Audio
Photography: Duane Smith Photography
Videography: MW Productions
Hiring: Functions4U and Detail Me Pretty

In Music

10 not-so-obvious first dance songs

February 28, 2019 No Comments

Weddings are all about celebration and coming together. But most of all, weddings are about love. Finding all of these elements in one song that you and your partner both enjoy is no easy feat, which is why we tend to fall back on old wedding classics (or every single Ed Sheeran song). While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, it’s important to remember the tune you pick will hold memories that last a lifetime, and to hear your wedding song blasted on the radio for months on end can be a bit – well – annoying.

If you really want to opt for a wedding classic for your song, consider using a cover or having someone perform the track on the day for a more personal experience. But for those who prefer something out of the ordinary, see our top 10 picks of wedding songs for the alternative couple.

1. Issues – Julia Michaels

2. Magic – Coldplay

3. Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

4. I Will Follow You Into The Dark – Death Cab For Cutie

5. Mango Tree by Angus & Julia Stone

6. I Would Do Anything For You – Foster The People

7. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding

8. Video Games – Lana Del Rey

9. Make You Feel My Love – Adele

10. Better Together – Jack Johnson

Picture: Pixabay

In Decor

4 amazing DIY wedding decor ideas

February 27, 2019 No Comments

With more and more brides opting for a budget-friendly wedding, DIY wedding decor has been (and will always be) trending. Putting together an elegant wedding with stunning decor shouldn’t break the bank or put a hole in your pocket. In most cases the way you envisioned the decor for your big day makes you realise that some ideas and dreams can’t be bought, so why not do it yourself?

1. WINE CORK SEATING CHART

Ebriderides wants their dream wedding to be unique in its own way. Instead of paying someone to compile your seating chart using expensive materials, try collecting all your wine bottle corks and put them to good use.

2. HAND-PAINTED BALLOONS

Who said balloons are only meant for birthday parties? Balloons have taken the wedding world by storm. Brides are now opting to have wedding balloons as a part of their ceremonies and receptions. Instead of buying all the fancy balloons you see online, simply purchase the balloons of your choice, and make them unique with some hand-crafted paint and stencils for a minimalistic decor feel.

3. LIGHT BULB FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

Floral arrangements tend to be quite pricey. Keep all your blown light bulbs, remove the inside elements and give them a good wash. Hang them up in your reception area and add some small blooms. This look really brings some out-of-this-world elegance to any area.

4. WHEELBARROW DRINKS COOLER

Serving drinks at your wedding reception doesn’t need to be a nightmare. If your reception area is outside, make use of a wheelbarrow for guests to grab a cold one. Simply clean it out, add some ice and fill it with some beers and coolers. It’s great to avoid the long queues at the bar and an easy grab-and-go for your guests to enjoy.

Images: Pinterest

In Decor

Top trending wedding decor for 2019

February 21, 2019 No Comments

For 2019, brides all around the globe are setting some new trends when it comes to decor by simply going back to the basics. Instead of lavish and expensive decor, they’re settling for a more chic, elegant and stunning look and feel for their big day.

1. CANDLES

Although candles may seem like a cliché decor element to add to your wedding day, they are definitely trending this year. Candles give off an amazing vibe and setting to any wedding venue. With many styles, scents and looks to choose from, they fit just about any theme and setting. But of all the types out there, taper candles are winning this year.

Even though they may seem a bit old school, taper candles have the power to elevate your wedding setting without any effort, and their elegance speaks for itself. They’ll make your table setting feel expensive and luxurious without you actually having to break the bank.

2. LUXURIOUS FABRICS

Fabulous fabrics and linen are in! Couples have found a way to add a rich sense of both dimension and texture to their wedding decor. They’re throwing out the traditional fabrics and bringing in more luxurious options, such as velvet, cashmere and corduroy to name a few. Use faux versions for table runners, tablecloths, ribbons on invitations to instantly upgrade your look and feel.

3. PASTELS MAKE WAY FOR BRIGHT COLOURS

Out with the muted pastel shades and in with bright vibrant colours. Brides have boldly moved away from light colour schemes to more bold and beautiful shades. Top trending decor colours for 2019 are predicted to be yellow, blue and sea green.

4. ALL ABOUT ACRYLIC

This is one medium that will gain much-deserved popularity this year. Use it to make long-lasting, durable invitations, hire acrylic reception furniture perfect for an outdoor affair and make the most of it for all your signage and stationery.

5. FLORAL CREATIONS ARE GOING GREEN

In 2018 floral hoops and oversized wreaths trended in wedding decor concepts. This year unique and abstract floral decor is set to take over. Colourful floral arrangements are making way for greenery. Brides are opting for simple, chic and elegant arrangements. Brides are taking more care in selecting wedding venues where the beauty of the location speaks for itself and doesn’t have to be supplemented with too many flowers and extra decor elements. But for your bouquets and wedding arches, go for greenery!

6. BALLOONS ARE BACK!

Confetti and sparklers as the bridal couple leave the ceremony is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Although many look forward to the old-school send-off by showering the couple with confetti, rice or rose petals, brides are finding new and unique ways to make that moment memorable. With plenty of colours to choose from, brides are now opting to use balloons, not only as cost-effective wedding decor, but also as the bridal couple walk down the aisle after the wedding ceremony.

7. STATEMENT LIGHTING

Every bride loves some amazing lighting. From a thousand fairy lights to bolder statements lights, which include neon lights and stunning chandeliers, brides are allocating more of their wedding budget to their lighting options.

Images: Pinterest