Kirsten Jacobs, Author at Wedding ETC

In Accessories

Why brides wear wedding veils

October 11, 2019 No Comments

One of the most time-honoured traditions still in existence today is the wedding day. Traditional weddings include a host of specific customs that brides typically engage in, one of them being wearing a wedding veil.

For centuries, lovebirds and strangers have been getting hitched and brides donned the famous headwear. Widely considered just another fashion accessory on your big day, the wedding veil actually has an interesting history.

The history of the the wedding veil

The wedding veil is arguably the oldest part of the wedding ensemble. There is some contention over its specific history, but most wedding historians pinpoint ancient Greeks and Romans as the first people to wear the wedding veil. According to Julie Sabatino, expert bridal stylist and founder of the The Stylish Bride, brides of this time wore the wedding veil to disguise themselves from evil spirits aiming to spoil their joy. Some accounts show that veils were red in hue to symbolise the fire of the betrothed’s commitment as well as to ward off evil spirits.

Wedding historian Susan Waggoner speaks of the Christian symbolism of the veil, telling Brides.com that in ancient times, people “wrapped brides from head to toe to represent the delivery of a modest and untouched maiden.” These were also the days of arranged marriages, when a bride’s virginity was her most important marker. The veil thus became a way of representing modesty and purity. The veil also acted as a method of concealing the bride’s face to the groom to prevent him from getting cold feet and running away from the stranger he was about to marry.

In Judaism biblical times, the groom would place the veil on his bride as a symbol that he was marrying her for her inner beauty.

The 18th century saw the veil fall out of fashion as brides opted for caps, bonnets, tiaras, jewels, wreaths and other adornments. However, they came back in style when Queen Victoria donned a four yards (3,7m) by 0.75 yards (0.7m) wide veil during her wedding to Prince Albert on 10 February, 1840. Following her iconic wedding, the veil became a symbol for wealth, status and style. The length, weight and quality of the veil all spoke highly of the status of the bride. This is why royal brides traditionally wore the longest veils.

The wedding veil today

Today, the wedding veil is largely seen as an optional accessory. Many brides opt out of wearing wedding veils. Some consider it too traditional and unnecessary, others just don’t like the look. However, it is still quite popular and is largely used as another fashionable element to your Big Day. Many celebrity brides have famously donned the wedding veil, including Ciara, Princess Diana, Kim Kardashian and Duchess Meghan Markle.

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A post shared by ?Ти наречена??Тобі до нас? (@wed_org) on May 21, 2018 at 11:32am PDT

Picture: Unsplash

In Wedding Cakes

Alternative wedding cake ideas

October 11, 2019 No Comments

Slicing the wedding cake has become a time-honoured tradition for couples. It’s the moment all eyes are on these towered treats as the newlyweds share their first dessert as a married couple.

Of course, the traditional wedding cake will always be in style. Today, however, people are taking more risks when it comes to their wedding confectionary. From donuts to cheese wheels, there are so many alternative options to the traditional wedding cake.

Here are some alternative wedding cake ideas:

A cheese cake:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BznJKgjnW5f/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A donut cake:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuT4z5nngAm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

An Oreo cake:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJoCUinWfk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A macaron cake:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbCKAWvBqoq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A cannoli cake:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1i9D7XHZCJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A croquembouche:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrYADaIBFkh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A pancake cake:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuoKJSahqAe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A rice-krispie cake:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2t34SdFrp8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A beignet tower:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2XCP09F_Qc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A watermelon cake:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B01V_GEBqxs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A meringue tower:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXhu4ZGgSaI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Themed cake pops:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuUxcLiAWil/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Picture: Unsplash

In News

Superfans throw Monty Python-themed wedding

October 11, 2019 No Comments

A British couple took their love for Monty Python to the next level when they centred their wedding theme around the popular surrealist comedy group.

Superfans John Wood and Gemma Harris from West Sussex wanted their wedding to honour the 50 year anniversary of Monty Python’s Flying Circus’s first broadcast. The extravaganza took two years to plan and cost over £15,000.

They invited their guests with this unique save-the-date video. In a Facebook post, Harris wrote, “As well as a Monty Python theme, we also had ‘The Wood Party’ as a consistent thread throughout the process which was based on a real Monty Python ‘Wood Party’ sketch and also the ‘Silly Elections.’ This was our Save The Date video.”

Their wedding, held on October 5, 2019, featured numerous references to the popular show. Harris walked down the aisle to the Python theme song and fart noises in lieu of the wedding march, and a hand of God pointed to the couple throughout the ceremony. They even recreated the ‘Buying a Bed’ sketch at their ceremony.

“There was a 9ft parrot, a handmade albatross, all sorts of things. We commissioned artists to make some of the props, but most things we did ourselves,” says Wood.

“Instead of saying ‘I do’, I said ‘perhaps’, to which Gemma replied: ‘Oh, say you do!’ To which I replied: ‘Oh, all right then.’”

As a starter, they served guests salmon mousse, which Wood explains to BBC was “a reference to the salmon mousse which kills everybody at the end of ‘The Meaning of Life.'”

The main course featured spam in reference to another popular sketch. Instead of cutting the cake, they smashed it with a prosthetic foot.

Carol Cleveland, an actress well known for her work with Monty Python, even made an appearance at the wedding.

The British surrealist group entertained viewers with their Monty Python’s Flying Circus TV show from 1969 to 1974, as well as several movies. Members of the group included John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, and Michael Palin.

Monty Python is incredibly important to Wood, who was once married to a woman that did not like the show.

“The way I look at the world, everything reminds me of it,” he told The Guardian UK. “I wanted a woman who likes and understands Monty Python. It was the most important thing in my search for a new partner.”

He took his search very seriously, even setting up a Monty Python themed Facebook group called Pythonesque Dating to help Python-heads find love with each other. It was here that he met his future wife, Gemma Harris.

The couple became engaged in front of Monty Python stars Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam at a fundraising event in London.

Picture: Facebook/Gemma Wood

In Competitions

WIN: One of two Mangwanani Spa vouchers worth R1200 each! (closed)

October 10, 2019 No Comments

Planning a wedding can be stressful. Everyone needs to be treated once in a while, and now is the perfect time. Here is your chance to win some well-deserved me-time with Mangwanani Boutique Spa.

From massages to facials, indulge your senses at this premier South African Spa.

Prize details: Two lucky people will each win a Mangwanani Boutique Spa voucher to the value of R1 200.

Our winners:

Jenny Hannington and Ipeleng Mokoka.

How to enter: Fill in the form below.

Competition ends: 18 October 2019

Competition Ts & Cs:
– The winners will be announced on October 18, 2019.

– Does not include transport
– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money

– Subject to availability

Picture: Pixabay

In Advice

50 romantic wedding first-dance songs

October 10, 2019 No Comments

Every wedding needs a first-dance song. Music inspires and moves us every day, and your wedding should be no different.

Regardless of your wedding style, we’ve got some romantic melodies to get you in the mood for love. Here are 50 romantic first-dance songs, or just songs to add to your wedding playlist.

Your Song – Elton John
(Everything I Do) I Do For You – Bryan Adams
Best Part – Daniel Caesar

(They Long to be) Close to You – The Carpenters
Teen Heat – Kimbra
Dangerously in Love – Destiny’s Child
Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
You’re Still the One – Shania Twain
Come What May – Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge soundtrack)

Songbird – Eva Cassidy
Honey – Kehlani
Differences – Genuwine
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
How long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
While We’re Young – Jhené Aiko

You Give Me Something – James Morrison
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing – Leo Sayer
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
I.F.L.Y – Bazzi
When We Were Young – Adele
Love on Top – Beyoncé
You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oats
Be my Baby – The Ronettes
If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
Adorn – Miguel

Have I Told You Lately – Van Morrison
Shut Up and Dance – Walk The Moon
Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge
Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warner
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
A Thousand Years – Christina Perry
Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend
All of Me – John Legend
Love Someone – Lukas Graham
Always Remember Us This Way – Lady Gaga

Ho Hey – The Lumineers
All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo
Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer
I Like Me Better – Lauv
Beyond – Leon Bridges

Waiting for a Girl Like You – Foreigner
We Belong – Pat Benatar
Sucker – The Jonas Brothers
Stuck On You – Lionel Richie
I Don’t Care – Ed Sheeran feat. Justin Bieber
Speechless – Dan + Shay
Better – Khalid

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

Which engagement ring style is right for you?

October 9, 2019 No Comments

As the first step in your wedding journey, your engagement is of paramount importance. Before you can plan anything, you have to secure an engagement ring. As jewellery that will (hopefully) be on your partner’s ring finger forever, the engagement ring needs to speak to them as a person.

That said, there are so many ring options to choose from. Princess cut, oval, cushion-cut, carats – it all becomes a blur. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with all the jargon being thrown at you.

Take a breath, and check out our quick guide to engagement ring styles.

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A post shared by kasia jewelry (@kasiajewelry) on Oct 7, 2019 at 5:27pm PDT

The four C’s:

The four C’s of diamond grading are universally used to describe the quality of diamonds. They refer to:

Cut – the shape of the diamond

Colour – the shade of the diamond

Carat – the weight of the diamond.

Clarity – the quality of the diamonds, specifically the internal appearance of the diamond and surface defects.

Cut:

The cut of your engagement ring refers to the shape of the diamond. There are seven main diamond cuts:

Round: This cut is a more classic, timeless style. It is best suited for someone who wants a traditional finish.

Princess: This cut is square in shape with four bevelled sides that creates an upside-down pyramid shape connecting to the band. It is glamorous and modern, yet utterly romantic.

Emerald: This cut details an elongated rectangular cut and step-cut faceting. It is sophisticated and eye-catching, for the glamorous bride.

Oval: The oval cut ring perfectly accentuates long, slender fingers, and is both trendy yet classic.

Cushion: Also referred to as a pillow-cut, the cushion cut ring features four square-rectangular sides with curved corners and multiple facets. It is feminine and trendy.

Pear: This teardrop-shaped diamond cut is quite unique. It beautifully elongates the fingers and is often the ring for the more adventurous bride.

Marquise: This cut is a more pronounced oval shape, featuring two pointed ends that create a boat hull-esque shape. This cut is for the daring, less traditional bride.

Metals:

The metal chosen often depends on the jewellery your partners often wears and their skin tone. Cooler skin tones are encouraged to wear metals such as platinum, silver, and white gold. Warmer toned skin tones are most suited for yellow-gold and rose-gold metals. But again, there are no rules!

Image: Unsplash

In Wedding Cakes

Expectation vs reality – wedding cake fails

October 9, 2019 No Comments

The wedding cake is the cherry on top of a beautiful day. Who doesn’t love to share a sweet treat with loved ones? Over the years, cake decorators have been wowing us with their incredible creations and taking the art of the wedding cake to new levels.

Unfortunately, however, we cannot all be cake extraordinaires. Sometimes, people get it wrong. Here are some of the most…unique wedding cake fails.

The Bubble Blunder

The Drip Disaster

The Tiffany’s Terror

The Gradient Gremlin

The Floral Fright

The Weedy Wonder

The Misspelt Malice

The Peacock Perplexity

The Layered Lump

Image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Yvonne Chaka Chaka and husband celebrate 30 years of marriage

October 8, 2019 No Comments

Yvonne Chaka Chaka and her husband, Dr Mhinga, recently celebrated 30 years of marriage, proving to us all that love is not dead.

The iconic South African singer took to Instagram to announce this momentous anniversary.

In a post, she writes, “God is amazing all the time. 30 years ago Dr Mhinga asked for my hand in marriage and I said Yes I DO [and] 30 years later [we’re] still together. Today is our 30th wedding anniversary. I can not stop thanking the Lord who brought us together, I was 24. Now I am 54 and we have been together for 30 years. Time flies, [on] 7th October 1989 we said Yes We Do…We Thank You Lord. We thank our families, our children and our friends. And [to] all those who have supported us and encouraged us, a big Thank you. Tiny.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Tp15mgaLf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Tuc0zAEBR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

30 years is no small feat. It is equal to 10 950 days, 262,800 hours, or 15,768,000 minutes. In the wedding world, 30 years of marriage is considered a Pearl Wedding.

Congratulations to this incredible pair!

Image: Instagram

In Decor

Stunning wedding arches to elevate your wedding

October 8, 2019 No Comments

As the backdrop to your wedding, your wedding arch quite literally frames your ceremony. Flowers, fabrics and unusual shapes bring your wedding arch a unique, personal touch guaranteed to wow your guests. Here are some ideas to elevate your wedding arch:

Flower power:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bse0c15lGEl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BziTmsDAANc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3JtUbKAEXo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3LCJCDAJeD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1uDEBtITCA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzO2HOVpUcQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Boho bride:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrgtQkpASOc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxK5zscgSnp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3NxKLSnpnX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Quirky:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0YAA3Ij9kh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3MsrrDjtC8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Lcob1JoWk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ULL7yhJ49/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BopMrBSF3An/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Unsplash

In Celebs

You need to see Hailey Bieber’s wedding gown

October 8, 2019 No Comments

Hailey Bieber has just shared her full wedding look a week after her wedding, and it’s a dramatic masterpiece.

The supermodel took to Instagram to share the first images of the dress she wore when she married Justin Bieber on September 30. The lacy white gown was designed by Virgil Abloh for Off-White.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3VLmXjlfQH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The custom gown features an off-the-shoulder neckline with long sleeves, a low back and elegant train. However, the statement piece is the lengthy veil, which has “’till death do us part” stitched onto it in white block lettering. The veil is also lined with lace to match the gown.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3VMJvplCEp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3VNRH4lTSK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Abloh, the CEO of Off-White and creative director for Louis Vuitton, shared his sketch of the final look to his Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3V8UmPJa2u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Instagram / Hailey Bieber