Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Advice

5 wedding hair trends to inspire you

November 22, 2018 No Comments

No matter your haircut, length or texture, these wedding hair trends are just for you. Check out some of our favourites for this season.

1. TIE THE KNOT

Take notes from stitch and knot techniques, and incorporate them into low ponytails and buns. Leanne Marshall, Marchesa and Mila Schön all included knot detailing in their runway looks, proving that this trend can be super-chic for any bride who wants an understated yet striking style. As an added bonus, should your knot start coming undone during the evening, you can let it loose and have perfectly wavy strands for a more relaxed look.

2. SLEEK AND CHIC

Best suited for brides with poker-straight strands or a shorter cut. Pull your hair back into a low ponytail, or opt for a sleek and shiny topknot that will stay in place, no matter how much fun you have. Be sure to tame any flyaways or baby hairs with a couple of drops of an anti-frizz serum or oil. Alternatively, show off your attention-worthy earrings with a middle parting and tucked-away strands for an uber-cool approach, as seen at Sachin & Babi.

3. BRAID OF HONOUR

Probably the biggest hair trend at the moment! Usually thought of as a more free-spirited Bohemian style, braids are being incorporated into bridal hairdos in new ways, proving to be perfectly sophisticated. For the bride seeking a classic style with a hint of romanticism and whimsy, any kind of braid can be altered to fit your personal style. Try a Dutch or milkmaid plait with wispy pieces for a Boho take, or sleek miniature braids neatly tucked away for a contemporary look.

4. A NEW WAVE

Curls will always be a winner, whether they are soft, beachy waves or mega-bouncy Hollywood twirls. This can be tricky if your hair is super-straight, so if you wish to go curly on your big day, rather opt for waves and add a tiara or birdcage veil for a cool-girl effect. If you have naturally curly hair, embrace it with a volumising mousse and a frizz-tamer to smooth flyaways.

5. UPDATED UPSTYLING

Gone are the days of an updo being confined to a little nest on top of your head with hundreds of pins holding your hair in place. The modest style gets reinvented with modern details to embrace a bride’s natural texture, adding tiaras, flowers or headpieces, as seen at Lela Rose, Theia and Mark Zunino. Whether you prefer your hair slightly dishevelled and tousled, or slick and neat, the classic chignon can offer the answer.

In Advice

5 statement veils that won’t make you look tacky

November 19, 2018 No Comments

Your veil doesn’t just have to be a piece of chiffon you plonk on your head, these statement veils have become the ultimate piece for the chic bride this season.

1. CATHEDRAL

The most dramatic of all the veils, with a minimum length of 2.5 m. The veil usually has plenty of lace and embroidery detail to further enhance the dramatic effect, and can sometimes even have a mantilla finish incorporated on top. It is best worn with an updo or bun that has been tightly secured, as the veil can be heavy!

2. CAPE

This is for you if you’re not a fan of the traditional veil, but still like the idea of having one. A cape is worn over the shoulders, and the possibilities for hairstyles are countless, as there are no restrictions. For a sophisticated look, go for a topknot or sleek ballerina bun; for a more Boho feel, opt for loose, textured curls.

3. FINGERTIP

The fingertip veil comes down to just where your fingertips are when your arms are relaxed. Best worn with a delicate updo or low ponytail so that the veil can be clipped into the back and still reach the fingertips. For a softer effect, hold the veil in place higher on your head with a headpiece so that it falls softly over your shoulders like loose curls.

4. BLUSHER

This is the part of the veil that covers the face, and comes in different lengths and styles. Although the more traditional option is to keep the blusher short, other styles use it to more dramatic effect, such as a longer-length veil with an equally long blusher. This veil works well with any soft, romantic hairstyle whether a low bun with loose strands or hair worn completely down. Stay away from a high ballerina bun, as you want to avoid having volume on top of your head. It can be held in place with an Alice band or tiara, but can also be delicately draped over your head if the edges have heavier finishes to weigh it down.

5. BALLET/WALTZ

This veil falls between the calves and ankles. It’s longer and more dramatic than a fingertip veil, but shorter and easier to dance in than a floor-length option. Best for a shorter hairstyle or a lower updo, where it can be clipped in securely.

In Accessories

Outdoor wedding games to celebrate your summer nuptials

November 19, 2018 No Comments

Give your guests a day they’ll never forget (and something to do while you have your photos done) with fun and creative outdoor wedding games perfect for a summer soiree! From jJengato karaoke, the list of fun activities is endless.

By Taryn Wilson

1. BRIDE & GROOM TRIVIA

Let your guests put their knowledge to the test in an exciting game of bride and groom trivia with fun questions relating to your relationship.

2. GIANT CHESS

If you’re hosting your big day at a big outdoor venue, be sure to include this fun and competitive game for your guests to take part in. Use giant chess pieces, or simply paint big water containers black and white to fit the chess board theme.

3. POKER

Adding a few poker tables to your reception area is a great way to keep guests entertained, and can go along with a fun casino wedding theme.

4. WORD SEARCH

Set up a chalkboard word game with words relating to your big day and let guests use their skills to find them all.

5. DRESS UP PHOTO BOOTH

Go big with your photobooth and include boxes with dress-up goodies. You can even be funky and include a few Snapchat filter look-a-likes to get some great pics and loads of laughs.

6. BOARD GAMES GALORE

Stack up on all of your favourite boardgames and lay them outside on a table with some picnic blankets for fun activies that will remind your guests of fond childhood memories.

7. KARAOKE

This one’s always a winner! One way to get the party started at your reception is to set up a karaoke station and get everyone to take part in singing their favourite hits.

8. PIN THE TIE ON THE GROOM

Similar to pin the tail on the donkey, set up a picture of the man of the hour and get guests to attempt to pin on a tie while blindfolded. It’ll be loads of fun!

9. LOTS OF LEGO

If you have children at your wedding, setting up a play area with big lego pieces will keep them busy and entertained during your reception. It may even attract some adult guests too!

10. A JENGA STATION

You can’t go wrong with Jenga! This simple game is an easy way to let your guests have a great time. Set up a few Jenga games on some tables and let your guests do the rest.

Image: Pinterest

In Weddings

Real wedding: Raelene & Nathaniel

November 16, 2018 No Comments

Former Miss Teen SA Raelene Rorke and Bostonian Nathaniel Clarke brought their two worlds together for a special weekend-long celebration in Hoedspruit.

THE VENUE

We loved the setting of Kapama River Lodge. It’s so luxurious and was big enough to accommodate 126 people comfortably, with lots of different areas to entertain our guests throughout the weekend – we didn’t have to use the main hall until the night of the actual wedding! The Kapama team was unreal, and the game drives were filled with wildlife action (almost everybody had an incredible viewing story). It was such a perfect safari-wedding experience.

THE THEME

With some 40 of our guests visiting Africa for the first time, the weekend was about them as much as it was about us, so the decision to have a safari wedding was an easy one. The theme was vintage African bush. We had a very romantic candlelit spit-braai under the stars on the Friday evening, with local dancers for entertainment, and finished with a traditional Xhosa wedding ceremony. Everybody came in traditional clothing and learnt some local dance moves!

THE DRESS

I had chosen a dress way before the wedding date, but it got stuck at customs and was shipped back to the US. I tried on about 25 other dresses in Joburg, but they all started looking alike to me. On a trip to Boston before our wedding, I went to Vows Bridal Outlet and fell in love with three dresses, which I had no idea were all from the same designer, Monique Lhuillier. I chose the one I felt most comfortable in; it was perfect!

THE DECOR

We kept the decor natural and elegant – canvas chairs, a hessian carpet for the aisle and lots of greenery, with a pink, red and lime green colour scheme for the flowers. The reception was set in a beautiful dining hall with simple wooden furniture, huge chandeliers, more than 200 candles and plenty of romantic roses.

THE FOOD

We worked with the hotel to plan a simple, elegant menu that had something for everybody: roasts, vegetables, and for the starter, hearty soup. It was delicious. We also ordered 11 of our favourite cakes from Châteaux Gâteaux and had their Mozart cake (layers of Japonais with hazelnut praline cream and chocolate shavings) for our wedding cake.

THE DETAILS

There were so many amazing moments throughout the weekend, but at about 10 pm on the night of our reception, the skies opened up with a torrential downpour – the first of the season! Rainfall on your wedding day is meant to be a blessing, and as the area was experiencing an extreme drought, the timing was even more special.

We also asked guests to donate to Umgazana Primary School, near my hometown in the Eastern Cape, instead of giving us gifts.

THE FIRST DANCE

‘There Will Be Time’ by Mumford & Sons

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Venue: Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Private Game Reserve
Photography: Louise Meyer Photographers
Co-ordination: Adiel Tryon at Umvini
Rings: Park Lane Jewels
Flowers: Flower Market
Decor: The Wedding Warehouse
Stationery: Lime By Design
Cakes & dessert: Château Gâteaux
Band: Tokyo Groove

In Advice

Lookbook: Fly away with me

November 6, 2018 No Comments

Take in the romance of dramatic trains, long floaty dresses, full skirts and soft veils billowing in the wind with our gorgeous lookbook.

Top, Zara; dress, Tsotetsi KL; bracelet, Jangi; socks, Witchery; shoes, The Fix

Shirt dress, Stephen van Eeden; Karla satin ballgown skirt, Elbeth Gillis

Dress, Elbeth Gillis; fringed kaftan by Erre, Showspace; velvet choker, H&M; sneakers, The Fix

Dress, Enzoani; top, Zara; cape veil, Janita Toerien; hat, Woolworths

Dress, Janita Toerien; top, Zara; veil stylist’s own; socks, Witchery; sneakers, The Fix

Top by Utopia, Zando; skirt, Orapeleng Modutle

Dress, Spero Villioti; wrap blouse by Tiger Lily at Dark Paradise, Showspace; shoes, The Fix

Dress, Stephen van Eeden

Header image: Dress, Orapeleng Modutle; top, Erre; earrings, Pichulik

Fashion: Rochelle Malherbe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson

*All products subject to availability

In Cake

Top 5 wedding cake trends popping up this season

November 6, 2018 No Comments

From simple design to styles with flair, this season sees wedding cake trends that flaunt colour, details and texture perfect for a summer wedding.

1. RUFFLED

Trends from the fashion world are making their way to the foodie scene, with ruffles giving cakes a lovely textured look that is unique. This look already creates a light and fluffy style that is simple and elegant and doesn’t need much more decorating.

2. A TRIO OF CAKES

Following Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding, couples are taking inspiration from their magnificent cake which sat in a trio instead of the usual tiered layer. This creates a slightly more casual look, but also allows for more variation. You can have three different styles and flavours!

3. NAKED

The naked cake trend continues to be a popular option for couples who want a more rustic theme for their big day. You can be playful with fillings and flavours and top it with fresh summer fruit to inject a bit of freshness

4. A TOUCH OF ART

Adding an artistic touch to your decor, theme and food is a big trend this year, and what better way to show your love for art than with a hand-painted wedding cake? With a simple tiered cake as your canvas and a few added details, you can have any kind of design to fit your style.

5. PUT A NAME ON IT

Another trend derived from a royal wedding is the newlywed’s initials placed on to the cake. Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank had their initials monogrammed around the bottom tier of their cake, which has led couples to bring back this sentimental trend.

Images: Pinterest

In Diy

5 DIY paper flowers ideas for non-traditional brides

August 7, 2018 No Comments

If you’re someone who doesn’t like to play by the rules, then DIY paper flowers will be ideal for you. You also won’t have to worry about wilting, watering or the fear of a guest knocking over an arrangement, not to mention the amount of money you’ll save!

1. Crepe paper bouquet

2. Paper flower initial

3. Tissue paper centrepiece

4. Paper flower backdrop

5. Paper flower crown

Images: Pinterest

In Advice

Who pays for the wedding? Here’s what tradition says…

July 26, 2018 No Comments

Whether you’re opting for a low-key affair or a lavish celebration, a wedding is going to be costly – but who pays for the wedding?

WHAT TRADITION SAYS

1. The venue

When it comes to the venue – both the ceremony and the reception – the bride’s family is responsible for the cost. And this doesn’t just mean the venue hire. Budget for all decorations, food, musical accompaniments at the ceremony and the officiant’s fee.

2. The reception

If you’re the bride, your parents are probably breaking out in a sweat just thinking about the bill that’s coming their way. But the financial responsibility doesn’t rest solely on their shoulders. The groom’s side normally pays for the DJ and the booze – two important and often pricey aspects of any wedding.

3. The attire

Perhaps the most important detail for any bride, the dress also doesn’t come cheap. Butter up Mom and Dad, because they’ll be paying (you hope). But what about dresses for your bridesmaids? Buying their attire is not expected, but it’s a nice gesture. The groom covers the cost of his suit and can choose whether to pay for his groomsmen’s get-up or not. If you’re asking them to buy their own, make sure it’s not expensive!

4. The small details

It may seem as though most of the big expenses are for the bride’s parents to cover. However, there are a few smaller but no less important details for the groom’s account too. The most obvious are the bridal bouquets, corsages for the mother-of-the-bride and boutonnières for the groomsmen.

5. The rings

It only makes sense that the groom pays for his bride’s wedding band and she does the same for him. If you’re on a tight budget, look at more affordable metals or simply forgo wedding bands altogether.

6. The honeymoon

It’s something newlyweds really look forward to, whether it’s an island getaway or a local adventure – and it’s for the groom to plan and pay for! Some couples ask guests to make a contribution to a honeymoon fund rather than buy gifts.

WHAT WE SAY

If you choose to buck tradition, split the budget according to who can afford what. Here are some ideas:

1. Chip in as a couple

If you have money saved, what better way to spend it than on your wedding? Most of the guests attending will be your friends, so consider covering the music and bar tab, which you know they’ll get the most enjoyment from.

2. Draw up a budget

Sit down with all parties involved to discuss splitting the costs equally – it may just be a win-win for everyone.

3. Pay for your own wedding dress

Especially if your parents are paying for most of the wedding. You can find ways to cut costs in this department, from buying off the rack or on sale to asking friends or family who are talented seamstresses to help design your gown.

4. Ask the groom’s family to cover the venue hire

With the cost of decorations, food and staff, the reception can be a financial sting for the bride’s parents.

In Fashion And Grooming

5 wedding shoes for men

July 25, 2018 No Comments

Classic black dress shoes aren’t your only footwear option. Here are 5 wedding shoes for men to suit any attire. Keep things fresh by opting for a shoe in brown or grey instead of classic black.

1. BROGUES

A low-heeled shoe with sturdy leather uppers and perforated and serrated edges. These come in a variety of styles but the most popular is the semi-brogue, which features a decorative toecap.

2. LOAFERS

A slip-on shoe that often sports a tassel or leather strap across its upper (it’s then known as a penny loafer).

3. ANKLE BOOTS

Widely worn by both men and women, ankle boot styles range from shoe boots, which skim the ankle, to Chelsea boots, which fit closely around the ankle, and even boots that cover the lower part of the calf.

4. SANDALS

Open footwear with straps over the instep and sometimes also around the ankle. Not to be confused with the flip-flop, which is best reserved for other less formal occasions.

5. MONKS

Also called monk-straps, these dress shoes sport a buckle and strap instead of laces and can be found with cap toes, as brogues, and in both suede and leather.

Images: Pinterest

In Drinks

Signature cocktails to serve at your wedding

July 24, 2018 No Comments

Signature cocktails don’t necessarily have to be something invented from scratch. It can simply be one delicious drink for you to serve your guests all night long, with a few personal touches and add-ons, of course.

THE CLASSIC MOJITO

Mojitos are perfect as a simple starter and are an easy choice with its neutral flavours of mint, lime and gin. Spice things up by adding your favourites herbs and spices, or serve a fruity option.

RED WINE SANGRIA

A little sweet and the perfect summer drink, sangria is a delicious option that is affordable to serve as well. Make it before the time with your and your partner’s favourite summer fruits, a dry red and some fresh fruit juice.

MARGARITAS

This classy drink is another easy (and super affordable) option to have. Grab some tequila, lime, oranges and water and mix it up for a fun, summery cocktail. Even better? Set out a bunch of yummy ingredients to create a margarita-making station for your guests.

FRENCH 75

If you want to keep things really simple but still fun, opt for your usual quality champagne and add a dash of gin, lemon juice and sugar. You can also add some fruits and herbs to garnish, depending on whether you are going for a winter or summer theme. We love taking inspiration from a Bellini by adding a teaspoon of fresh fruit puree to the bottom of each glass. Guests who prefer a sweet drink will appreciate this touch.

WATERMELON PUNCH BOWLS

Having a punch bowl at your wedding says that you are a fun and laid-back couple who enjoy the summertime. First, choose your spirit. We recommend something with a more neutral flavour, like vodka or can. Add watermelon pieces, water, mint, lime and watermelon puree and you have a delicious and refreshing beverage for your guests!

A HOT IRISH COFFEE

For an autumn or winter wedding, a delicious and warm cocktail is an excellent way to treat your guests. If you want to make the Irish Coffee sweeter, replace the whiskey with Kahlua, or serve each to give your guests the option. If it’s really cold, Kahlua hot choccie goes down really well too!

Images: Pinterest