Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Decor

DIY: Paper and painted placemats

August 3, 2017 No Comments

Simple things such as table runners, crockery and cutlery can cost a fortune once you add them together. With these two DIYs, you can reduce the cost of your table settings without skimping on style.

PAPER PLACEMATS

What you’ll need

• Ruler
• Pencil
• 120g craft paper
• Scissors
• Fine paintbrush
• White acrylic paint

How to do it

1 Using the ruler and pencil, measure and mark the size you want your placemat to be on the craft paper. Ensure there is enough room for an underplate, a large dinner plate and cutlery. Once you’re happy, cut out the placemat.

2 Measure 2 cm from the top and sides of the placemat to create a border where you will write the name of your guest.

3 Draw the border and write out the name of the guest in pencil, then paint over it with the white paint until the pencil is no longer visible. Allow to dry and repeat for as many placemats as required.

PAINTED PLACEMATS

What you’ll need

• Plain fabric placemats
• Paintbrush
• Black fabric paint

How to do it

1 Lay out the fabric placemat completely flat.

2 Dip the paintbrush into the paint then splatter it onto the placemat. Allow to dry and repeat for as many placemats as required.

Find this DIY and more in Issue 1-2017, on sale now.

Text Robyn Lane
Styling Francoise Jeanne de Villiers
Photography Kendall-Leigh Nash/HMimages.co.za

In Advice

5 Packing tips for your honeymoon or destination wedding

August 1, 2017 No Comments

It’s no mean feat packing for an ordinary holiday but when you’re headed off to a tropical paradise or a snowy escape for your honeymoon (or even your destination wedding), things can get a little trickier. And because we want you to have the time of your life without having to worry about that extra sundress or the snow shoes you didn’t pack, Wedding Album consulted with luggage experts House of Samsonite for all the tips you need to pack like a professional.

1 Plan before you pack

• Check your destination for weather conditions, special clothing requirements for religious purposes and laundry facilities. If your husband-to-be is planning a surprise honeymoon and you’re unsure of the climate, make sure you cover all your bases with transitional-wear
• if you’re planning on doing any activities or attending a special event, make sure you have the correct clothing and equipment
• Ensure you’ve checked the luggage restrictions (weight, number of suitcases and size for hand luggage) for your airline as bulky items are often subject to special regulations while there are strict safety regulations for hand luggage.

2 Choose the right luggage

• Size is important – too big can lead to crumpled clothing while too small will leave you with creases!
• Hard cases are durable, and scratch and shock resistant, while soft cases are best if you’re pushed for space as they expand and have lots of extra pockets
• If your luggage is quite heavy, opt for a suitcase with sturdy wheels. If you’re only doing a short trip, leave the baggage behind and take a lightweight carry-on case instead.

3 It’s about what you need

• Before you throw your entire closet in your suitcase, compile a list of items you’d like to take or think you will need – then remove those that aren’t necessary
• Create a capsule wardrobe for your trip that you can mix and match. Choose one or two colour palettes and non-crease items that you can dress both up and down to enable you to create a variety of outfits from a few items
• You can also cut down the number of clothing items you pack by taking along a small container of handwash detergent
• Downsize your toiletries by only taking the essentials and decanting them into smaller containers. Most hotels provide soaps and shower gels so you can leave those behind if you’re staying at one
• Check with your hotel whether towels are supplied and which electrical appliances will be on hand.

4 Pack smartly

• Pack heavier items in the bottom of your suitcase and ensure you have flat, level surfaces to avoid creasing
• Place your shoes in shoe or plastic bags so they don’t dirty your clothing. Smaller items, such as socks and underwear, can be pushed inside your shoes to save space or used to fill gaps in the suitcase
• Use sarongs or beach towels to create layers and section your suitcase – you’ll be able to find things easily when you’re in a hurry
• A divider pad or cross ribbons will help you organise your suitcase as well as keep your clothing in place when your suitcase is not filled
• Wrap your electrical products in non-crease items to protect them
• Rolling your clothing is best if you’re using smaller luggage like a backpack, holdall or small duffel. Rolling works well for trousers, skirts, shorts and jerseys while items like shirts are better folded
• Invest in a packing kit or frame to fold clothes and avoid creases. You can also insert a sheet of tissue paper between individual layers of clothing to reduce creasing
• Use the top section of your suitcase to store delicate items or separate dirty laundry
• Interweave tailored items like skirts, trousers, coats and jackets to prevent creases: drape the item inside the suitcase with the ends hanging over the sides and put soft items, like T-shirts and jerseys, on top. Then fold over the ends hanging off the side and smooth them out
• Lay out your leather items, such as belts, along the inside walls of the suitcase to avoid damage
• Place toiletries that could leak or electrical goods that need to stay dry in plastic bags or vanity cases.

5 Safety first

• Always place your valuables, fragile items and important documents in your hand luggage
• Ensure you have two identity tags – one on the inside of your suitcase and one on the outside – in case one gets ripped off
• Write your name, number and the place you will be staying on the label. Using your home address can draw attention to the fact that you will be away
• Choose a sturdy lock and make sure it works.

Information courtesy of House of Samsonite. The new Lipault Inés de La Fressange range (pictured above) is available in a Spinner (R2 999 for 55 cm, R3 599 for 65 cm and R3 999 for 72 cm), a Duffle Bag (R1 999), a Backpack (R999 for extra-small, R1 199 for medium) and a toiletry kit (R699).

Photography Erol Ahmed/Unsplash and courtesy images

In Decor

DIY + printable: Hot cocoa wedding favours

June 26, 2017 No Comments

Having a winter wedding? Give your guests a warm gift to take home with these cute – and totally easy to make! – hot cocoa favours. Plus, we’ve even created the perfect labels so you have one less thing to do – click here to download them now.

What you’ll need

• Sheet of paper
• Test tubes with corks or lids
• Hot chocolate or cocoa
• Chocolate nibs
• Mini marshmallows
• Labels printed on self-adhesive paper

How to do it
1 Roll the sheet of paper so it fits inside a test tube. Then scoop two teaspoons of hot chocolate or cocoa into the tube and add a few chocolate nibs.

2 Remove the paper and top off the tube with mini marshmallows. Close with a cork or lid.

3 Stick the printed label on the tube. Repeat for as many favours as you require.

Find this DIY and more in Issue 1-2017, on sale now.

Text Robyn Lane
Styling Francoise Jeanne de Villiers
Photography Kendall-Leigh Nash/HMimages.co.za

In Food

3 Tips to cut your catering costs by half

June 21, 2017 No Comments

Don’t let a strict budget conquer your big day – with a little elbow grease and some planning, your perfect wedding menu needn’t be just a dream. Follow these handy tips that don’t skimp on delicious food but will definitely score you big savings!

1 Keep it simple

At cocktail hour, your reception area will be buzzing. Not only will guests be excited to see you, but they’ll also want to get some light treats in while they wait. Avoid appetisers such as shrimp cocktail or scampi as they’re easily double the price tag of alternative seafood such as calamari or mussels. Don’t be shy to ask your caterer for a list of less costly appetisers or try these snacks for your guests to enjoy during cocktail hour!

2 Do it yourself

As time-consuming as it may sound, preparing your own appetisers is quite simple and will save on costs. Choose foods that can be made ahead of time, frozen and warmed up right before they need to be served. A simple, delicious home-made recipe will do wonders – and your guests don’t even have to know! Most caterers heavily inflate the cost of easy-to-make appetisers, which could cost you way more than if you made them yourself. You could even turn the preparation into a cooking evening as apart of your bachelorette celebrations – don’t forget the champagne!

3 Self-service

Most venues include servers in the hiring cost but if you don’t want to spend a lot on the venue or are using your home, skip hiring servers. Serve your food buffet style and invite your guests to help themselves when meal time comes around – they’ll love having the freedom to choose what they want to eat. Plus, seocnds will be easily accessible too.

Photography Jay Wennington/Raw Pixel/Clem Onojeghuo/Lucas Alexander/Adrien Sala/Unsplash

In News

Where white wedding traditions really came from

June 19, 2017 No Comments

People have been tying the knot for centuries. And, over the years, ceremonies and the attire worn to them have undergone a lot of changes – but some still remain as ‘tradition’. Why though? We’ve gone back in time to find out exactly why wearing white is so significant, amongst other clothing practices we take for granted.

1 Say ‘yes’ to the dress

In the Middle Ages, weddings were more a matter of politics than love; unions occurred between families, businesses and even countries. As a result, brides dressed in a manner that cast their families in the most favourable light. Rich colours and exclusive fabrics that represented their social status were important hence the dramatic and often excessive use of material in bridal garments of that time.

2 White wedding

Most people know that wearing white symbolises the bride’s virtue but that’s not the only reason. Wearing this hue was also a representation of wealth, sometimes more than purity, as not all families could afford white clothing. The white dress was also popularised by Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert in 1840 when she ditched the traditional silver gown for one in white satin. The impact of this can still be felt today as, even now, white is the most popular choice for brides.

3 Behind the veil

Not only is a veil a stunning addition to your dress but it also represents a layer of protection. In previous centuries where the belief in witchcraft was rife, veils were worn to guard the bride against demons and other spirits. The veil covered the bride’s entire face with the idea that if unholy spirits couldn’t see her, they couldn’t curse her.

4 With the band

The custom of the groom removing the garter from the bride’s leg and tossing it to the single men in attendance wasn’t always a ‘thing’. In the past, the garter was prized as a token of love that also held magical properties. As such, men who attended the wedding would attempt to remove the garter and attach it to their hats for good luck.

What are some of the other clothing traditions you’ve heard of? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Photography Alvin Mahmudov/Unsplash

In Decor

DIY: Origami napkins

June 12, 2017 No Comments

The art of paper folding often associated with Japanese culture has long fascinated Westerners – and for good reason. The intricate designs that result look gorgeous and are often a talking point. Which is why, inspired by one of the real weddings featured in Issue 1-2017, we found four easy origami napkin styles to wow your guests.

What you’ll need

• Square napkins in the colour of your choice

How to do it

For the windmill:

1 Fold all the corners into the centre of the napkin.

2 Fold the bottom of the napkin upwards to meet the middle then do the same for the top.

3 Fold the left side to the middle and repeat this on the right, ensuring both sides are equal.

4 Turn the napkin over nd pull out the corners from the inside until all four corners are exposed. Repeat for as many napkins as required.

For the heart:

1 Fold both sides into the middle, ensuring they are equal. Then fold in half lengthways.

2 Fold the top of the napkin down towards the bottom. The take the top and fold it sideways, creating a 90-degree line. Repeat on the opposite side by folding the bottom towards the top.

3 Turn the napkin over then take the top right corner and tuck it in. Repeat this on the left then turn over to see the end result. Repeat for as many napkins as required.

For the three-fold:

1 Fold the napkin in half from side to side, then fold from top to bottom to create a smaller square.

2 Using the top piece of fabric, roll the right corner into a tube. Do the same with the next two pieces of fabric on the right.

3 Turn the napkin so the tubes of fabric are horizontal then turn over the napkin and fold the right and left corners into the middle until they meet. Turn over once more to see the end result. Repeat for as many napkins as required.

For the sitting fan:

1 Fold the napkin in half then fold the bottom about 1 cm upwards.

2 Fold the same section for 1 cm towards the alternate side of the napkin. Continue folding for 1 cm on alternate sides until you have about 3 cm left.

3 Fold the napkin in half with the folded pieces horizontal. Then fold the leftover fabric into the centre and pull out all the folds into a fan. Repeat for as many napkins as required.

Find this DIY and more in Issue 1-2017, on sale now.

Text Robyn Lane
Styling Francoise Jeanne de Villiers
Photography Kendall-Leigh Nash/HMimages.co.za

In Decor

DIY: Macramé chair drape

June 9, 2017 No Comments

We may think of it as out of date but there’s a reason the older generation enjoyed a macramé piece or two – they’re decorative without being overwhelming. And, in today’s modern age, they add a touch of nostalgia to a rustic wedding theme. If you like the idea of a macramé touch, try your hand at this chair drape that adds a subtle yet quaint feel to a summertime wedding.

What you’ll need

• Rod or stick
• 15 strands of 2m string
• Scissors

How to do it

1 Suspend your rod in a horizontal position. Take one strand of string and attach it to both ends of the rod to create a hanging base loop. Starting at the far left, take one strand of string and hang it over the suspended string. Pull both ends through the resulting eyelet. Repeat this with the remainder of the strands, leaving a distance of 1.5 cm between each set.

2 Again starting at the left, take the first set of strands in your left hand and the second set in your right. Spread the strands of each set between your fingers with the centre strand of each set touching.

3 Taking the strand at the far right, move it between the two centre strands and bring it forward between the strands of the set on the left.

4 Bring the strand across the front of the centre strands and back between the loop formed by the set of strands on the right. Then pull the strand tightly towards the top.

5 Taking the strand at the far right, move it behind the centre strands and push it through the loop formed by the set of strands on the right. It should form a second loop.

6 Take this loop across the centre strands and push it through the left loop of the set of strands on the far left.

7 Pull tightly and let go.

8 Repeat this process (steps 2–6) with each of the next sets until the first row is complete.

9 For the second row, start at the second and third sets of strands and repeat steps 2–6 until the row is complete.

10 For the third row, start with the two sets of strands at the far left and repeat steps 2–6 until the row is complete.

11 Continue using two sets of adjacent strands to form diamonds until you reach your desired length.

12 Once you’ve reached your desired length, cross two sets of strands at the far left. Take one set over and backwards in-between the two sets. Pull tightly to form a knot.

13 Make multiple knots using the same set of strands until you reach your desired length of knot.

14 Repeat steps 12-13 with the rest of the adjacent sets of strands to create knots. Then use the scissors to cut the ends of the strands to your desired length.

15 Untie the horizontal base from the rod and attach it to the sides of a chair so the macrame falls across the chair back. Repeat for as many chairs as required.

Find this DIY and more in Issue 1-2017, on sale now.

Text & styling Francoise Jeanne de Villiers
Photography Kendall-Leigh Nash/HMimages.co.za

In Fashion And Grooming

How to choose a men’s wedding band

March 21, 2017 No Comments

Considering that your wedding band should last a lifetime, it’s no easy task finding your perfect fit – especially if you’re a guy, or shopping for your beau’s ring. Here, our best advice to ensure you buy a ring to cherish forever.

1 It’s all about lifestyle and personality…

Before you even step into a store, ask yourself:
• Does your husband-to-be wear jewellery?
• What type of career does he have – is he a creative or a nine-to-five businessman?
• Is he flashy or does he prefer to stay under the radar?
The answers to these questions will help you determine the type of ring you should choose. If your guy frequents an office every day, chances are he already owns a number of other jewellery items so you can easily suss out his style, while if he works with his hands a lot, he might not want something that feels bulky on his hand or that looks overly complicated.

2 and value

So we all know that when it comes to a woman’s engagement ring and wedding band, no expense is spared. From the simple band bearing only a diamond to the ornately carved band encrusted with stones, the value can reach crazy heights. But for a men’s band, it’s all about practicality – something that’s durable and easy to wear – such as these three metals:
• Gold – the lower the karat, the more durable a gold band is. It seems so wrong but it’s actually true.
• Silver – the most common metal for grooms’ bands, silver looks masculine but isn’t as durable as gold.
• Titanium – Affordable and durable, titanium offers the best of both worlds and looks great too.

A special day deserves a special memento and his wedding band should tell a ton about who he is. If you’re still unsure, head to a high-end retailer or jeweller who can show you options depending on your guy’s personality and preferences.

TRY, main image: 9ct hand-made organic wedding band R12 000 (for white-gold), R11 000 (for rose gold), R11 500 (for yellow gold), all Afrogem; second image: 9ct white- and rose-gold Hand-hammered set with 0.10ct diamond R 27 900, Afrogem

Text Kim Mitha-Coe
Photography Afrogem

In Advice

3 Truths about eloping

March 14, 2017 No Comments

If you’re not one for lavish affairs, the thought of escaping to a far-off land to secretly tie the knot with your Prince Charming, sounds like an utterly surreal and thrilling adventure. However, eloping isn’t just about running off into the sunset without a care in the world. There are a few factors to consider and we’ve sussed out all of them to help you decide if this is really the route you and your man want to take.

1 The legal schtick

As a South African couple looking to get married abroad, you need to find out whether your country of choice allows South Africans, if any foreigners at all, to wed on their turf. In certain cases, you may need to have physical tests (such as a blood test) done or fill in specialised forms. The embassy of the country you want to get hitched in will be able to tell you the exact requirements for your nuptials.

Regardless of where you take the plunge, a certain matrimonial property regime will govern your marriage. Read more about South Africa’s regimes here. The country’s common law stipulates that the regime in the husband’s country of permanent residence, also called a domicile, at the time of marriage, will apply. The default regime in South Africa is ‘in community of property’. So, if your groom permanently lives in Port Elizabeth, you’ll be married in community of property. If you prefer to be married out of community of property, you need to sign an antenuptial contract in South Africa before you jet off.

To register your marriage when you get back home, you won’t have to pay a fee. Nevertheless, you’ll need to write a letter to the Department of Home Affairs containing your contact details, including your address, mobile numbers and email addresses. The Department also requires a certified copy of your passport, ID or birth certificate and a copy of your foreign marriage certificate. If the certificate is not in English, it must be submitted with an English translation by a sworn translator.

2 Money matters

A major plus of eloping is that you spare yourself a substantial amount of dough. Without a group of guests attending, you’ll place drastically less strain on your bank account because of the reduced cost of your venue, catering and transport, amongst other items.

Even so, that doesn’t mean there are no expenses involved. No matter where you decide to tie the knot, you will require a roof over your head. There are plenty of wedding venues that offer elopement packages that include lodging, a space to hold your ceremony and a tasteful meal at one of their eateries. If you’re lucky, they may even throw in a wedding cake and bottle of bubbly!

To bask in that wedding day feeling, treat yourself to a gorgeous gown, even if it’s not the usual wedding fare, and have your hair and makeup done. Your man deserves to be decked out in a dashing suit too, and you can even indulge in some pre-wedding couples’ pampering at a spa.

Regardless of who’ll be – or not be – at your ceremony, you’ll want the day to be etched in your memory forever, so don’t forget to hire a photographer. Chat to them about possibly reducing their rates as there’ll be less activity to document.

If you really want to pull out all the stops to make your wedding as opulent as possible – minus the guest list drama, of course – consider a ‘luxury elopement’. This typically entails having exquisite decor, an elaborate wedding dress and a videographer, in addition to anything else that may be on your dream wedding wishlist.

3 Elopement etiquette

Some of your family and friends may suffer bruised egos when they discover that your nuptials didn’t include them. It’s best to let them know about your plans to elope before or immediately after your marriage has been made official. When it comes to announcing your nuptials to the rest of the world (i.e. your friends, colleagues and everyone on Facebook), first make a list of the people you’re most close to then give them a call to share the good news before updating your ‘Relationship Status’ on social media. If your extended family and friends would still like to celebrate with you, why not invite them over for a small celebratory gathering?

Keep in mind that since you’ll be eloping, it would be unfair to ask family and friends to purchase a gift. Also, consider your relationship with certain family members and friends who may want to be witness to your big day, and the cultural or religious traditions that they may want you to honour.

Photography freestocks.org, Zivile & Arunas /Unsplash, Pixabay

In Decor

5 Easy ideas for an eco-friendly wedding

February 14, 2017 No Comments

Weddings cost a great deal. From money and time to energy and emotions, you’ll be spending more than you thought when he popped the question. But there are certain ways you can turn your nuptials into a less costly affair, specifically in environmental terms. Cut down your financial expenditure and your carbon footprint, as well as avoid unnecessary waste, by taking these five eco-friendly ideas into consideration.

1 Electronic invites

Wedding invitation are always special. They’re usually fancy and detailed, and mark the start of a new chapter in the happy couple’s lives. That being said, creating, ordering and sending them costs time, effort and a great deal of paper. And while many might say using recycled paper for your invites is a good way to help the environment, we say there’s an even better one – email! It gets the job done quickly and ensures that nothing’s been lost in the mail. Plus, designing your invitations digitally is relatively simple nowadays so there’s absolutely no reason to use a shred of paper when telling your loved ones to ‘SAVE THE DATE’.

2 Alternative lighting

There are so many ways of adding light to your wedding without using too much energy. You can hold the event outdoors during the daytime, as long as you’ve ensured the weather will be fine. Or if your reception will continue well into the night, try some eco-friendly lighting options (there really is a wide range of them). Candles create a romantic ambience, of course, but can be extinguished quickly. The solution? Rechargeable candles or lanterns that use batteries or solar power. You’ll be able to keep these outside during the ceremony then bring them into the reception venue later on. If you’re not too big on candles or a plethora of lamps, power-saving light bulbs are always a popular and energy-efficient alternative to ordinary lighting.

3 Uncooked, locally sourced, and vegan and vegetarian food options

Offering your guests a buffet of uncooked foodstuffs is a great means of being eco-friendly and catering to those on healthy and organic diets. If yours is a summer wedding, there are a few options to choose from – think cured meats, a variety of salads, fruit and cheese boards, and even bread and crackers served with spreads and preserves. You can also source your food from local vendors, which lessens the amount of transportation emissions, while serving up only vegan or vegetarian dishes is a commendable decision and won’t limit you in terms of food (in spite of what some snarky commentators might say).

4 Sustainable décor and wedding favours

People tend to overuse wedding decorations that ultimately go to waste after the big day (think of those cut flowers and paper and plastic lanterns your cousin has stored in her garage – and she got married nearly three years ago!). So while place cards might be unavoidable, you can still choose materials that last and are reusable. Cloth napkins don’t need to be thrown away after the first use and stones make elegant, versatile and practical additions to any setting. You can even place a colourful pebble on each napkin to keep it put then tie or stick a place card on the top. When it comes to flowers, orchids are a beautiful choice and endure if maintained properly. Succulents work well too and can also double as wedding favours. On that note, favours made from durable materials such as wood, cork, stoneware and glass are far more eco-friendly than those made of paper or plastic.

5 Donations and recycling

You’ll be left with a lot to clean up at the end of your wedding but a vast majority of it can be put to good use. If you foresee leftover food, make a plan early on to donate it to a food bank or any other organisation. If you’ve used cut flowers as decorations, you can also donate these. As for all those disposable items, like paper napkins, designate a space for each type to be thrown away and recycle those made of glass, tin and hard plastic. What’s more, bottles and cans may be reused on other occasions. In fact, if you’ve already got items like these (wine bottles, jars and tins), use them at the wedding as candleholders, flower vases or storage for wedding favours.

Photography pixabay.com, pexels.com, Archives