Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Decor

6 amazing wedding signage ideas

December 20, 2017 No Comments

From the table settings to the dance floor, let your wedding signage be as playful, stylish or whimsical as you are!

1. IN LOVE WITH THE DANCE FLOOR

Faced with a plain ol’ dance floor that needs some prettying up? Why not enlist the help of an arty friend to paint a monogram in your wedding colours? It’ll be easy enough to paint over later.

2. MAKE AN ENTRANCE

A sheet of acrylic displaying the couple’s names transforms a simple plinth and floral arrangement into a grand welcome gesture.

3. TROPICAL FEVER

Embrace the tropical trend with delicious monster leaves for placemats and banana leaves as place settings (write on them with Posca paint markers).

4. MR & MRS

A vintage-style metal ampersand light sign makes a cute photo prop.

5. TOP THIS

Don’t be tied down by traditional cake toppers!

6. PERFECTLY FRAMED

A simple frame allows your message to blend in with the rest of your wedding decor.

Photography: pinterest.com/weddingalbummag

In Beauty

How to pull off minimal make-up on your wedding day

December 11, 2017 No Comments

We all know that minimal make-up has been one of the biggest beauty trends this year, and it’s sure to carry over into 2018. We’re showing you how to pull off the perfect bare (almost) face on your wedding day.

IT ALL STARTS WITH SKIN

Undeniably, the biggest component for pulling off a minimalistic appearance is healthy skin. Start with a solid skincare routine well in advance by consulting an expert – this will include serums and treatments galore. However, all your efforts will be useless if you don’t feed your skin from the inside too. Eat clean, cut out sugars and gulp down water to keep your skin hydrated. Not only will you feel light and energized, but your skin will reflect that by showing off your natural glow. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen or, better yet, stay out of the sun to avoid nasty sunburns and long-term damage.

KNOW WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

When it comes to choosing your colours, know what works for your skin tone and type. You don’t want to look like a completely different person on your wedding day. Instead, enhance your features and keep it simple. Think highlighted cheekbones, bronzed temples, rosy cheeks and groomed brows. Add a lipstick close to your natural lip colour and avoid piling on the foundation – only conceal where necessary.

APPLICATION IS KEY

Apply your make-up with tools that will enhance dewiness and achieve a flawless application. Always start with a clean canvas and make sure to moisturise before anything else. Applying make-up with brushes and sponges that can allow you to build and blend will ensure your look to be effortless. That said, make sure your brushes and tools are clean and free from previous make-up applications.

MATCH YOUR ELEMENTS

Match your make-up to your dress colour, your veil (if you’re wearing one) and the overall feel of your wedding. For example, do a bare face with a burgundy lip if you’re having maroon peonies as your flowers. Or do a nude lip and highlighted or bronzed features with an ivory dress. We also love a super low-key look with statement earrings for a subtle yet striking take.

Photography: pinterest.com

In Fashion

Look book: Bridal gowns in midnight shades

December 6, 2017 No Comments

Celebrate in the warm glow of candlelight and seal your love with a kiss beneath a star-studded sky wearing a non-traditional bridal gown in moody, midnight shades.

Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; veil and headpiece, both Olivelli

Dress, Stefania Morland; cape, Suzaan Heyns

Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; headpiece, Olivelli

Bridal bouquet, Fleur le Cordeur; dress, Suzaan Heyns; heels, Aldo

Bodysuit, Woolworths; veil, Suzaan Heyns; headband, Lovisa; feathers, stylist’s own

Dress and veil, both Olivelli

Dress, Stefania Morland; cape, Suzaan Heyns; headband, Lovisa

Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; flower crown, H&M; bracelet, Accessorize

Dress, Danielle Margaux; shoes, Aldo

Fashion: Rochelle Malherbe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson/HSMimages.co.za

*This look book was created for Wedding Album 2016-1; products may no longer be available and are subject to availability.

In Diy

DIY wedding favour bags

December 5, 2017 No Comments

Oh-so cute! These DIY wedding favour bags will do double duty as table activities for younger guests and takeaway bags for sweet treats.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Gift bags
Scissors
Felt
Craft glue

METHOD
1. Cut out ear shapes from the top of each bag.
2. Cut out felt ears, eyes, whiskers and noses and glue on to the bags to complete.
3. Set up a kids’ table with the pre-cut bags and felt, and let them create their own masterpieces.

In Beauty

Standout smoky eyes

December 4, 2017 No Comments

Defy convention with standout smoky eyes. Use an eyelid primer to keep pigments strong and prevent shadows creasing, and boost your batting power with a lash primer before applying your mascara.

MUST-HAVES

LCN Long Wear Eyeshadow in Smokey

Benefit They’re Real Dual Purpose Tinted Lash Primer

In Wedding Cakes

Look book: Desert rose

November 28, 2017 No Comments

Infuse your wedding decor with a spirit of adventure, incorporating shades of desert sand in beige, khaki and ochre.

TIP: Fruitcake travels well – s0 send your guests home with a slice in a pretty box.

Cakes, Dilley’s Cakes and Cupcakes

Silver platter gold cake server to hire, both Check My China; home-made marshmallows, MaMère Confections

Oval platter to hire, Check My China; boutonnière, Fleur le Cordeur

TIP: Play with contrasts to create depth and interest – mix textured linen and raw terracotta, smooth porcelain and wonky ceramics, fleshy succulents and thorny branches.

Linen napkins to hire, Plush Props; cups and bronze-rimmed dinner plates, all Mervyn Gers Ceramics; floral arrangements, Fleur le Cordeur

TIP: Look for fabric swatches with African patterns for inspiration

Wedding invitation, thank-you tag, name tags and venue map, all Seven Swans; desert rocks to hire, Propeller Props

White side plate to hire, Plush Props; rose-gold fork to hire, Check My China; cake, Dilley’s Cakes and Cupcakes

Aqua espresso saucer and white espresso saucer, Mervyn Gers Ceramics; terracotta snack bowls R4 to hire, Check My China; white plates and mini pot-pie pot to hire, all Plush Props

TIP: A wooden tabletop (painted in Plascon Orange You Glad) + water-based paints + potato stamps = endless design possibilities!

Karoo dining chair with matt gold ribbon seat, Pierre Cronje; floral centrepiece, Fleur le Cordeur; dinner plate with bronze edging, Mervyn Gers Ceramics; white side plate and linen napkin to hire, both Plush Props; name tag, Seven Swans; slender cup, Mervyn Gers Ceramics; green glass and copper cutlery from to hire, Check My China; terracotta jug to hire, Propeller Props

Decor: Shannon Daniell
Photography: Andreas Eiselen/hsmimages.co.za

*Products subject to availability

In Beauty

Questions to ask before booking a bridal make-up artist

November 27, 2017 No Comments

Your make-up is arguably one of the most important aspects of your wedding day – besides your dress and hubby-to-be, of course. There are a number of questions you should ask your bridal make-up artist, and once having had them answered confidentially, you can have peace of mind.

1. CAN I BOOK A TRIAL BEFOREHAND?

This is essential since it will give you the opportunity to tell the artist exactly what you do and don’t like. You’ll also be able to see how your make-up will look on your wedding day; if you’re happy, they’re hired! Make sure you book a few months in advance and ask for a trial guideline – the artist will be able to provide this in full detail.

2. WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY?

We all know that life happens, but on your big day, you need complete peace of mind. Find out if your artist has a solid cancellation policy should there be an emergency on her side. Will there be a backup plan in terms of an assistant or another artist attending on her behalf? What is their policy regarding a refund? What if the artist is late? All of the above need to be answered by the artist in the form of a contract. If not, think twice.

3. DO YOU WORK ALONE OR WITH A TEAM OF ASSISTANTS?

If you and your entire bridal party need to be done and dusted (or powdered, rather) by a certain time, ask the artist if she will have some capable hands to jump in and help. You can also ask her to set up a timeline for you, with each member of your retinue assigned to a specific artist and the time they need to be ready. This will help the process run more smoothly, and everyone will feel much more relaxed.

4. CAN I USE SOME OF MY OWN PRODUCTS?

Make-up artists usually use their own products and tools, but if you have particularly sensitive skin or are allergic to anything specific, ask the artist to use some of your own trustworthy products that you are comfortable with. Make sure you let them know during your trial so that they can also plan accordingly.

5. DO YOU HAVE A PORTFOLIO OR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES I CAN LOOK AT?

This is purely for you to see what the artist is capable of, or particularly good at. If her other work photographs well, you can be sure yours will look good too. If they don’t have anything to show you, be wary. You won’t have any ideas as to their skill level, even if you’re still in the trial phase.

Photography: pinterest.com

In Food

Hire a food truck for your wedding

November 21, 2017 No Comments

Let’s make a toast to food trucks! Whatever would we do without their deliciousness? We’ve rounded up some of our favourites from all across SA to make your catering decision easier.

DURBAN

1. Fudart STREATery

Just that name is amazing, right? They serve an array of awesome options including, beef burgers, falafel and even Durban bunny chow!

2. Love Coffee

This Durban favourite goes about their day making sure locals are getting the caffeine boost they need to keep going all day long. And a good cuppa will also keep the energy high on your big day.

3. Salted Candy

You can look forward to exciting and easy-to-eat food including jaffles, old-school fish and chips, gourmet paninis, burgers and bunny chow.

JOBURG

1. Culture Kitchen

They go beyond food norms. You can expect everything from eggs Benedict to trendy pulled pork buns.

2. Maison Belge

A tiny slice of heaven, your guests will be lining up for waffles, chocolate, beer and much, much more.

3. The Brohemian

Pizza is always a good idea. Always! Enjoy authentic wood-fired pizzas (yes, from their truck!). Another bonus is that all their ingredients are free-range and organically sourced.

CAPE TOWN

1. Cosmo Cafe

Offering food from around the globe, tuck into their home-made Tuscan fettuccini, a New York lox bagel, a Pakistani mince lolly wrap, Thai pork or chicken, and Moroccan tagines and salads. Sold!

2. The Mad Batter

Focussing on all things sweet, you can enjoy treats such as waffles on a stick, popcorn, Nutella cigars, double-thick milkshakes, pancakes and cakes.

3. HeMazing

Gourmet Indian cuisine? Check! From curry bowls to Indian-style quesadillas, Aloo tikka burgers, chickpea and potato chaat, crispy chicken tikka strips, and even Indian nachos, they’re definitely living up to their name!

In Beauty

4 trendy nail ideas for the modern bride

November 20, 2017 No Comments

Having your nails done for your wedding day doesn’t mean your go-to choice has to be a French manicure. We know that it’s a timeless classic, but there are alternative trends that can definitely up your game. So we’ve put together these amazing nail ideas for the modern bride.

1. EMBELLISHED CUTICLES

This detailed look will immediately draw the eye to the cuticle, so first thing’s first, make sure they are in tip-top condition. Once that’s done, a neutral base in nudes, sorbet hues or even grey is key in making sure the detailing around your cuticle stands out. Apply your embellishment either to where the white crescents of your nails are or around your nail bed. You can use anything from silver glitter and gold polish to little gems. Just make sure it’s minimal and neat.

2. A GRAPHIC FRENCH MANI

Taking inspiration from the classic French, this graphic version incorporates colours and alternative designs for a modern revamp. Keep the length of your nails shorts and try to stick to only one or two colours in addition to your base coat. We love the idea of ivory with rose gold tips (to match your jewellery) as a perfect bridal look.

3. LADYLIkE NEUTRALS

Nothing screams ‘lady’ quite like a solid polish in a beautiful neutral shade. File your nails to an almond or oval shape, for an elongating effect, and coat them neatly with a rosy nude, a crisp white, a purply grey or a warm beige. This is soft and feminine and won’t take away from any of the other striking details in your overall look.

4. MODERN METALLICS

This creates an elegant and fun style that you can play with and alter according to how much bling you can handle. Try a solid coat in a pearlescent hue with a single vertical metallic stripe for a modest look, or go for a full-on gold foil over your base coat.

Photography: pinterest.com

In Fashion And Grooming

6 tips on how to pick a suit off the rack

November 15, 2017 No Comments

Guys, want to look like a million bucks in an off-the-rack suit? Theo Ngobeni, the founder of Mr Slimfit, a styling service that caters to some of SA’s biggest stars, gives his six top tips on how to pick a suit off the rack and ensure it’s tailored to your exact specifications.

1. The suit jacket should always fit well on your shoulders as it is very difficult for a tailor to alter this part.

2. There are three kinds of hems you could opt for. The first is the no-break, where your trousers end just under the ankle bone. The second is the half-break, which is usually a half-inch hem. The full-break is an inch hem. If you’ve got a slim-fit suit, opt for the no- or half-break.

3. Most stylish guys want their jackets to have that flattering ‘V’ shape. A common mistake tailors make in trying to create this is to take in the jacket at the middle seam at the back. Instead, ask your tailor to take in the seams that run above the vents of a double-vent jacket.

4. The length of your jacket is critical. If it’s too long, the shape of the jacket can be compromised if it’s shortened. If it’s too short, it can look altered if it’s extended. To get this right, stand up with your arms stretched out at your sides and make a fist. Your jacket should end at the base of your fist.

5. If your jacket is slim-fit, your trousers need to be too. Ask your tailor to taper them using the inside seam.

6. Make sure the trousers fit well at the waist. If the waist fits comfortably but the trousers are too tight around your thighs, rather choose a waist size up. It’s much easier for a tailor to bring in the waist than to give you more breathing room around your thighs.

Fashion & styling: Kim Coe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson/hsmimages.co.za