Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Fashion

Afrique: A new collection by Black Betty Design for the modern African bride

January 25, 2019 No Comments

Afrique is a new collection that is bold, raw, connected to earth and proudly South African. Each jewel tells a story and evokes captivating mystique and elegance, which is perfect for a bride who wishes to honour and remember her culture or heritage on her wedding day.

If you’re a bride who prides herself on her culture and heritage and you’re looking for an outstanding element along those lines to complement your wedding day, keep reading.

Black Betty Jewellery and Design has been around since 2012. Created by designer Kristin Weixelbaumer; the concept stems from her constant enthrallment with the relationship between natural elements and the human experience.

The key component in their creative process is handcraftsmanship and they truly value the essence of humanity inherent in imperfection. All their jewellery is designed by pen and paper and is brought to life by the handiwork of artisans in South Africa, India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Due to its core value, every piece of jewellery is unique and each has their own story to tell, with its own personality. They have a wide range of jewellery; from earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets which is perfect for any age, occasion and mood.

Their new collection, Afrique, is bold, raw, connected to earth and proudly South African. Each jewel tells a story and evokes captivating mystique and elegance, which is perfect for a bride who wishes to honour and remember her culture or heritage on her wedding day.

Although some jewellery pieces may look familiar they have taken a new approach and have added a variety of new materials such as sterling silver and gold vermeil in order to keep their jewels both fashionable and chic.

The Afrique jewellery is elegant enough to make the simplest wedding dress breath-taking and beautiful. To all the brides finding it hard to choose jewellery for the big day, have a look at Black Betty’s new Afrique collection, it’s definitely one to be considered.

In Planning

4 wedding stationery trends we love

January 22, 2019 No Comments

How you tell your guests about the big day is pretty, well, crucial. Do it in style by taking advantage of one of these wedding stationery trends.

GREENERY

It was Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2017, so it’s no surprise that greenery is making a huge appearance on wedding stationery. Whether it’s wreaths of rustic leaves printed around the edges, or fresh foliage attached with twine, this trend is still here two years later.

LASER CUTTING

With this modern technique, couples can really get creative with the way their stationery opens up, by incorporating layers of beautiful artwork.

METALLICS

They’re huge in the fashion and beauty world, so it was only a matter of time before wedding stationery followed suit.

TWINE

Going for a rustic feel is as easy as attaching greenery, flowers, tags or treats with twine. Or you can just use it to tie your invites closed.

In Venues

Honeymoon in farm-style luxury at Bartholomeus Klip

January 11, 2019 No Comments

If you’re looking for farm-style luxury, the farmhouse at Bartholomeus Klip offers the perfect country escape for newlyweds. Experience the best of both worlds with a chic and elegant layout amidst the forests and mountainous surrounds of the Cape Winelands.

THE VENUE

Located in the Riebeeck Valley, Bartholomeus Klip nestles among the mountains of the Elandsberg Nature Reserve on a sheep and wheat farm. The property is home to beautiful forests and a dam, and is situated on the border of a game reserve if you want to catch a bit of wildlife on your trip. Couples can enjoy a tranquil and private stay in the exclusive venue that caters for their every need. If you love being surrounded by nature but still prefer the comfortability of being indoors, then Bartholomeus Klip makes the perfect stay.

THE ROOMS

The rooms in the big farmhouse are quaint and charming, and conveniently attached to the house is a stunning restaurant so you don’t have to venture far for a romantic meal. Country-style meets splendour with wooden flooring, calming shades, claw bathtubs and stylish metal bed frames, offering a unique experience that will let romance flourish. Choose between a variety of rooms in the guest house, farmhouse, or self-catering units on the property, all boasting beautiful views and privacy.

THE FOOD

You can expect only the freshest in local produce, imaginative dishes and a luxurious take on home cooking at Bartholomeus Klip. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the conservatory on the farm, or spend an afternoon indulging in one of their three-course meals at the restaurant. Guests can also partake in High Tea, with delicious sweet and savoury goods made freshly on the farm.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

With an immense variety of activities, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do. Whether it’s a quiet break to spend time with your partner, or a fun-filled adventure, you’ll find it all. Take part in one of the morning or evening game drives through the wilderness, or enjoy kayaking, canoeing and wind-surfing at the local dam. Guests can now also partake in archery, an exciting new activity on offer at the farm.

Find out more at bartholomeusklip.com.

Images: Bartholomeus Klip

In Advice

How to find the perfect wedding dress, according to the experts

January 11, 2019 No Comments

So, you’ve found the love of your life. Now it’s time to find the other one – your wedding dress. Read our top tips from local experts before you head to the boutiques or meet a designer.

COLLECTION, COUTURE, HIRE OR PREVIOUSLY LOVED?

Each option has its own pros and cons. So it basically comes down to personal preference and budget. Buying or hiring a new or worn dress means that you can try on the dress before you buy it. But Natasha Holmes, owner and designer of Lou & Co, cautions: ‘Boutiques often only stock sample sizes, which isn’t the size of an average woman. If they don’t stock your size, don’t waste your time, as you simply cannot commit to a dress if you can’t try on the right size.’

If you have a dress made, Stephen of Stephen van Eeden Atelier advises you create a shortlist of potential designers and ‘make sure that their aesthetic and style reflect your personal style’. Having a dress made from scratch requires confidence in your designer, more time and, often, more money, but guarantees something unique.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

‘There is a big price difference between an off-the-rail gown and made-to-measure bespoke,’ says Stephen. Designers usually have a price range on their website and it’s worth knowing beforehand. Stephen suggests you look at the quality and finishing of a dress to see if it is fully lined and French seamed, as this determines the true cost.

If you’re buying or hiring, let the sales consultant know your budget. A good one won’t suggest anything outside of your budget but will find a way to incorporate what you want. Natasha adds: ‘Being honest will allow us to quickly rule out what you can’t afford and find a suitable dress in your price range.’

EARLY-BIRD BRIDE

Start shopping at least six months before your big day – even more if you intend on having your dress made. ‘Trends like lace appliqué take time,’ says Natasha. A boutique may have to order in your size or make alterations – and you don’t want to rush that process.

BYO

Wear a strapless nude bra and panties, even shapewear if you’ll be wearing it on your big day. ‘It’s easier to judge fit with a smooth silhouette,’ says Natasha, ‘and no one warns you about this, but you should be ready for the designer or consultant to see you in your undies! Wedding gowns are tricky to get in and out of.’

Remove any jewellery in case it catches. A simple necklace can change the entire neckline of a dress. Make an effort with your hair and make-up to get a sense of what you will look like on the day. Taking a pair of heels along is also recommended, but boutiques often have pairs to try on.

TRIBE VIBE

The first fitting can be overwhelming and you will want to be surrounded by your people. When fitting at Lou & Co, Natasha recommends that you bring along only two or three people whose opinions you value most, such as your mom, sister or best friend. ‘Too many opinions make it harder to know what’s right.’

ROME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY

Chances are, you won’t find ‘The One’ at your first try-on session. Don’t be disheartened! There are always more boutiques and other designers to try. And, with every consultation, you will walk away knowing something new about the one you really want.

In Advice

5 steps to planning the perfect rehearsal dinner

January 10, 2019 No Comments

As part of the wedding prep, the perfect rehearsal dinner will make for an evening of fun, love, and a chance to mingle before the big day. Lately, they’ve become known as extravagant evenings of dining, decor and preparations right before the wedding. But if you plan it right, you’ll be able to have a stress-free evening of celebration before your big day.

STEP 1

Make sure it’s clear who will be hosting and organising the event. It may be the groom’s side or the bride’s, or a combination. Make sure everyone is aware of their role to avoid any conflict or miscommunication on the night.

STEP 2

Decide on the kind of event you want to have. Do you prefer keeping it light and casual, or making it a big party? Let this set the precedent for the decor, the setting and the guest list.

STEP 3

Draw up the guest list. Aside from your bridal party, family and close friends, you may want to have certain people. This will depend heavily on the size of the event, the location and your personal preferences.

STEP 4

Whether you go big or small, creating a fun theme for the night will only add to the festivities. This can involve fun games and even some sneaky hints for the big day.

STEP 5

While it’s important to have a set schedule in place for how the evening will run, make room for surprises and deviations in the evening. For instance, you may have a set list of speakers, but if your other guests would like to say a few words then allow room for some extra time.

You can also use your rehearsal dinner to spoil your guests with gifts for your bridal party and special thank yous to everyone who contributed to the planning of your special day.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

How to find the perfect wedding officiant in 4 easy steps

December 18, 2018 No Comments

Having a wedding officiant is not only crucial but also an extremely important part of your day. As the MC of your ceremony, they set the tone of the celebrations to come, and are also meant to present you and your partner as a couple by expressing your story to your guests. This means the task not only be suited to someone with expertise but also has a personal connection to you and your partner.

That said, finding a wedding officiant that will suit your big day is no easy task. You may want to ask the pastor at your local church or have a friend or family member do the honours, or you could even find someone online. What you need to remember is that whoever you choose, it is up to you to communicate what kind of ceremony, verses and atmosphere you want for your big day.

1. DO THEIR VALUES MATCH YOUR OWN?

You’ll want to have a wedding officiant who is understanding of you and your partner’s morals and has similar views. If you do not intend for your ceremony to be religious, but your officiant believes otherwise, it can cause an issue, so make sure that you all see eye-to-eye.

2. ARE THEY A CONFIDENT SPEAKER?

This may be a given, but wedding officiants are under a lot of pressure to say the correct things and keep guests entertained, despite the focus being on you and your partner. Ensure that your chosen officiant is confident and eloquent before they speak on your big day.

3. DO THEY KNOW YOU, AND YOUR VISION?

Your wedding officiant should only want the best for you and your partner and must be open to your plans and ideas. Aside from this, they should also spend time getting to know you both in order to provide a personal and unique speech at your wedding ceremony that is suited to you.

4. WILL YOU ALL BE COMFORTABLE WITH PROPER & OPEN COMMUNICATION?

Aside from regularly checking in, your wedding officiant should keep you up to date with their progress and any plans they require you to complete before celebrating your big day. Have regular meet-ups to ensure you’re both on track before the wedding and to discuss their speech and the wedding proceedings. And most importantly, make sure you choose someone who you can be honest with about ideas or a direction you don’t like.

NB: If you are looking online or want to hire an outside wedding officiant, make sure that you do research on their credentials and history before committing to a contract.

Image: Unsplah

In Decor

Wedding decor you can DIY

December 18, 2018 No Comments

Let’s face it, putting together a wedding can get pretty pricey! But not everything has to be a custom creation that breaks the bank. You can easily save on all your planning by incorporating some DIY ideas into your wedding decor. Don’t get us wrong, there are certain aspects of your big day you just simply can’t skimp on, but when it comes to these five, you can get everyone involved in making stunning DIY decor.

1. THE INVITATIONS

Avoid spending on expensive printers and stationery costs for your wedding invites, and make them yourself instead! You can get the family or your bridesmaids to help out and make a fun day of it. Plus, it will give your wedding stationery a personal touch.
Try it: Make your own printed stationery

2. THE SEATING CHART

With so many ideas available online, creating a beautiful and affordable seating chart is a breeze! This is where you can truly let your artistic flair shine through and bring your theme to life.
Try it: Make one of these creative seating charts

3. THE CENTREPIECES

It may seem tempting to dress your tables in extravagant centrepieces with a luxurious feel, but there is just as much elegance in simple and minimal decor styles. Design your own centrepieces for a beautiful and practical setting your guests will love.
Try it: DIY candle table runner

4. THE FAVOURS

Nothing says ‘I appreciate you’ more than a hand-made gift. Treat your guests to thoughtful favours they can take home and cherish from your big day.
Try it: Find 6 affordable favours here

5. THE TABLE SETTINGS

Apart from hired cutlery and crockery, you can personalise each guest’s table setting with DIY decor including greenery, ribbon or placemats to suit your theme.
Try it: Paper and painted placemats

In Accessories

Moodboard: Vintage love for page boys & flower girls

December 14, 2018 No Comments

Don’t forget about the little ones! You want them to look sophisticated and chic, but still age-appropriate. Outfits and accessories inspired by vintage style is the perfect way to do just that.

One trend we love is to dress the kiddies as mini versions of the bride and groom!

Dress your ring bearer in a cute tux that matches the colours of the groom’s tux or suit.

Have the flower girl wear an accessory that matches the flowers; hair clips, floral crowns and corsages are popular.

In Honeymoons

Enjoy an out of the ordinary honeymoon at Lanzerac Hotel & Spa

December 14, 2018 No Comments

One really needs a week at Lanzerac Hotel & Spa to reset and refresh body and mind. There’s really too much to do for a one- or two-night stay. To start, exploring the estate – the gardens, pool, spa and various restaurants – takes an entire day, and who wants to rush that?

As a honeymoon cove of luxury, the pool, surrounded by loungers and gazebos with its own bar, is a priority on a hot sunny day. Head over there straight after breakfast to have it all to yourselves for a little while, sipping white wine-wine spritzer or a sneaky cocktail – just you and beau.

Speaking of breakfast, it’s honestly a pity you have to wait until the day after checking in until you get to experience the spread that is the breakfast buffet. Everything you could possibly want is on the table (pun intended) from oysters to cold-pressed juice to fresh pastries, and always completed with a cappuccino. The eggs Benedict that should follow any continental spread is stacked with so much salmon and perfectly prepared hollandaise sauce, you might struggle to find space to finish it all.

After a morning swim, and if you haven’t gone back to your room and finished the contents of your complimentary mini-bar, you need to head to the spa for a relax in the hot tub overlooking the vineyards,; unless you’re staying in an exclusive suite, that is. Then your personal steam room takes preference. Lounging on the deck on a hot day, laps in the (very) heated indoor pool, a workout or mist completely relaxes you when you’re unwinding from the whirlwind that was planning and executing the perfect wedding.

This is even before you’ve ventured upstairs, where a world-class spa with an endless list of treatments and massages awaits. (Side-note – if you’re even slightly decor obsessed – feast your eyes on the embroidered upholstery that covers the walls.)

The reason that Lanzerac feels so much like home is the unique decor. Nothing is the same in each room – in one, a lucky find of lime floral headboards inspired the greens and pinks throughout the suite. In another, bold wallpaper panels are installed behind the Californian king-sized bed, inspiring the colouring for the rest of the suite.

It’s the combination of old and new furniture and finishes that makes it special and anything but standard hotel decorating.

The Craven Lounge is another must-see where one antique find provided inspiration for the rest of the space. Paintings of 19th-century hunters on the wall with their red jackets inspired the red tapestry rugs covering the floor. This lounge is where one ends a tranquil day, sipping on whisky or Champagne before heading to your room to get some rest for the adventures that await you tomorrow.

Want to see more or make a booking? Head over to lanzerac.co.za now!

In Bridal Party

5 unique gifts your bridesmaids will love

December 13, 2018 No Comments

Since your bridesmaids will have been accompanying you on this wedding-planning journey, preparing to hold your train and have tissues at the ready, it makes sense to spoil your BFFs with unique gifts that are thoughtful and, most importantly, functional. Here are our picks:

1. CUSTOMISED WINE

If your bridesmaids are vino lovers, buy them each a bottle of their favourite varietal with a ‘Thank you for being my bridesmaid’ label. They’ll no doubt enjoy the wine, but it’ll also be a sweet gesture they’ll want to display on their mantelpiece for years to come.

2. MONOGRAMMED COMPACT

A make-up compact is incredibly useful, yet something women hardly ever buy for themselves. Add a personal touch by embossing it with the bridesmaid’s initials.

3. SCREEN-PRINTED TOTE BAG

Tote bags are relatively inexpensive, and you can customise them to your heart’s content.

4. LIPSTICK

Every girl needs a signature lippie, right? Spoil your girls with a trip to a make-up shop to help them find a go-to colour that best suits their complexion, which they can sport on the day of the wedding.

5. BRIDESMAID EMERGENCY KIT

Fill a jar or make-up bag with girly essentials such as lip gloss, mints and a perfume sample, along with other handy items such as safety pins, plasters and a sewing kit.