Kirsten Jacobs, Author at Wedding ETC

In Advice

Dresses we love: Tea length

December 12, 2019 No Comments

For a fun and flirty finish, consider donning a tea-length gown for your big day. While sweeping trains give an ample dose of drama, a tea length gown is chic and effortless – perfect for the relaxed bride.

From your engagement party, rehearsal dinner to the big day itself, these glamorous gowns will leave you looking lovely.

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Feature image: Pexels

In News

Wedding guests made to hike 3 hours to wedding destination

December 12, 2019 No Comments

Who knew a wedding could literally be an uphill battle? This unique couple decided that they wanted to say ‘I do’ on a mountain top, so they made their wedding guests hike three hours to the wedding destination.

Livvy Bruce, 35, and Justin Flitter, 40 from Aukland, New Zealand chose an unusual spot for their December 7 nuptials, settling on the Pinnacles Hut on the Coromandel Peninsula, only a casual three-hour uphill hike away.

“We’ve always done a lot of hiking adventures together over the last three years and when we were looking for venues and ideas, we wanted to do something different,” Flitter explained to Stuff Online.”Everyone thought we were a little bit nuts when we told them we’re getting married at the Pinnacles Hut – it’s a three-hour hike, most of it’s uphill, you’ve got to carry everything in and out, you can’t helicopter in, there’s no proper toilet and there’s no power.”

On the day, the bride simply rolled up her wedding dress and kept it safe in her backpack during the hike.

Their big day was a collaborative event, where their 60 guests all participated in making the wedding festivities. They brought their own drinks and snacks to create a shared antipasto platter. Luckily, the newlyweds catered the main meal of mexican wraps and salads followed by meringues and fruit.

“It’s very much an effort where everyone has to contribute, everyone is involved in helping to cook, clean, decorate – everyone gets a job to do. Everybody chipped in and that made it really, really special,” Flitter said.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Black wedding cakes that aren’t morbid

December 12, 2019 No Comments

Black is the new black. Symbolic of sophistication and power, black is a bold colour perfect for the couple wanting to make a statement. While black may seem morbid to some, there are so many ways to incorporate this rich hue into your big day that don’t appear gothic.

Take inspiration from these dark treats:

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Feature image: Pexels

In Flowers

The strange origins of the garter and bouquet toss

December 12, 2019 No Comments

A sign of good fortune, catching the bridal bouquet or garter predicts that the recipient will be the next person to get married. But have you ever wondered where this tradition comes from? Turns out, they have an incredibly odd origin story…

You know the scene: the emcee calls all the single ladies to the dance floor for the traditional bouquet toss. Bridesmaids and guests jostle each other in preparation of the momentous occasion. The bride turns her back on her guests and hurls the bouquet, causing eager women to leap into a frenzy to catch the floral arrangement. It’s a fun, lighthearted moment during ones big day. However, it wasn’t always that way.

Back in the day – medieval England to be exact – wedding guests were desperate to have a piece of the bride, literally. Wedding dresses were seen as positive signs of fertility and good luck, so obviously everyone wanted to get their hands on one. After the wedding, guests would clamour around the bride and rip pieces of her gown off her body as a keepsake. Guests in those days were pretty intense and would even follow the newlyweds into their bridal chamber and egg them on as they prepared to consummate the marriage. Yes, really. Understandably, newlyweds weren’t really into this. To ward them off, the bride would hurl her bouquet into the crowd as a distraction before she made a quick exit with the groom.

The garter was a popular piece guests aimed to grab from the bride. After the newlyweds consummated the marriage, the groom would toss the garter to the waiting crowd as proof that the deed was done. This piece of lingerie thus came to symbolise fertility and good fortune.

In the 1919 book, “Wedding Customs Then and Now”, Carl Holliday writes, “The bridesmaids start with the weary bride to the wedding chamber when suddenly the cry arises, ‘Get her garter’… If the woman has been thoughtful, she has fastened it loosely to the bottom of her dress so that it drags in plain view of the scrambling ruffians; if she has not been a wise virgin, she may find her clothes in rags after the struggle.”

Luckily, times have changed. Although I don’t know if a groom lunging underneath a skirt to retrieve the garter with his teeth makes this tradition any better. Think of the children…

Image: Pexels

In Advice

How to handle the heat at summer weddings

December 11, 2019 No Comments

Wedding season is upon us and unfortunately so is the scorching summer. Sweat drenched outfits and melting makeup are not ideal on your wedding day. While you can’t get rid of the sun, there are a number of ways you can make the day more manageable for you and your guests.

Here are some key tips to beat the heat this wedding season:

Pack an emergency kit

Sweat is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Pack an emergency kit filled with products designed to keep you looking fresh throughout the day. In your kit, make sure to include deodorant, perfume, baby wipes, powder to mattify your makeup and extra makeup for touch-ups.

Avoid too much alcohol

The heat and alcohol are not friends. Consuming alcohol while sitting under the beating sun can leave you feeling drunk way sooner that you expected. Your body will struggle to regulate its internal temperature, putting you at a higher risk of heat stroke. Alcohol is also a diuretic, meaning you will urinate more frequently and thus lose more body fluid. This can led to dehydration if you’re not careful. Stay safe and sip on some refreshing H2O for every alcoholic drink you consume.

Cool favours

If you’re planning on having an outdoor summer wedding, keep your guests in mind with some cooling favours. Whether they are made of paper, wood or miniature motorised ones, a handheld fan will do wonders to create a slight breeze. You could also offer sunglasses or parasols in your wedding theme. Make sure to monogram them with a sweet message to make these favours extra memorable.

SPF!!

We know, we know. We sound like a mom telling their 5-year-old to lather up with some sunscreen before heading out to the beach. However naggy it may seem, we will always campaign for the use of SPF because it is crucial to protecting your skin from the suns harmful rays, especially if you’ll be outdoors. Make sure to use a good facial SPF and lotion up with a body sunscreen. Most dermatologists recommend using a SPF 15 or SPF 30 sunscreen.

Wear lighter fabrics:

It might not be your biggest concern, but the fabric of your wedding attire will have a large effect on your day. When choosing your wedding dress/suit, make sure to go for lighter, more breathable fabrics that won’t trap in the heat. Think linen, chiffon, crepe, tulle and organza. Fabrics you will definitely want to steer clear from include velvet, leather and silk.

Image: Pexels

In Advice

Princess gowns fit for royalty

December 11, 2019 No Comments

For a modern day fairytale dress, look no further than the princess gown. With a full and flowing skirt, this dress style is wonderfully whimsical and romantic.

Princess gowns are the most traditional of the silhouettes, often considered the most romantic and feminine due to its fairytale-esque shape. Join the ranks of famous brides like Mariah Carey, Serena Williams and Diana, Princess of Wales by choosing this style.

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In Announcements

Man stages robbery to propose

December 11, 2019 No Comments

We’ve heard of proposals being surprising and heart-stopping, but this one truly takes the cake. Going against convention, this New York-based groom decided to stage a robbery to pop the big question.

Ray Giuliano chose a grocery store in Erie County, New York, as the perfect place to propose. In a CCTV footage video the couple can be seen shopping in the store when a man enters and pulls a gun on the store clerk. After successfully ‘robbing’ the store the man disappears, only to run back into the store.

The ‘robber’ then herds Giuliano and his girlfriend into a corner of the store where he pulls something out his backpack. Thinking its a weapon, Giuliano’s girlfriend appears incredibly scared and begins begging for her life. However, the robber pulls out the ringbox and hands it to Giuliano, who proceeds to propose to his girlfriend.

Luckily, she said yes.

Watch the video below:

“I was going for ‘scared’ with a happy moment afterwards. I wasn’t going for ‘terrified,'” he told Inside Edition.

The supposed robber and store clerk were all in on the act, and Giuliano went to extra measures to make sure it was a safe environment.

“We closed down the store, we waited for everyone to get out,” Giuliano said. “We notified the police this was going on. We had a prop gun, it wasn’t a real gun, so, we tried to do it as safe as possible.”

Feature Image: Inside Edition

In Advice

Trending in bridal beauty: soft glam

December 10, 2019 No Comments

Give good face with the new makeup trend sweeping the beauty industry: soft glam. Romantic yet sultry, this makeup look is perfect for the bride wanting to make a subtle statement.

Soft glam gives you the drama of a bold look that is paired down to appear more relaxed. Healthy looking and dewy skin, warm-toned eyeshadow, arched eyebrows and glossy, nude lips are key characteristics to this trend. Celebrity makeup artists Hung Vann Go, Patrick Ta and Mary Phillips are experts in this makeup trend.

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The eyes are the key to this look. Think warm-toned browns, bold wined liner and a natural bushy brow. Use a matte brown in the crease and make sure to buff the shadow out towards your temples for a blown out, catlike effect. A gold-toned shimmer shade in the centre of your lid will highlight your eye to perfection.

Our pick: Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow Palette in Original R179.

A natural yet full set of lashes is easily obtained with a stunning set of falsies. This will give you a flirty finish without being too overwhelming on the eye.

Our pick: Sorbet’s All Of A Flutter false eyelashes in the style ‘Loaded Lashes’ R60.

For bold and bushy brows, use a fine-tipped brow pencil with a waxy finish to create hairlike strokes. Remember to brush your hair upwards before filling them in for even greater fullness and fluffiness.

Our pick: Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil R375.

For lips, your best nude lipstick will work perfectly. Give your lips a pretty pout with a clear gloss over top.

Our pick: NYX Lip Lingerie Gloss in the shade Clear R169.90.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Accessories

Wedding looks inspired by Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi

December 10, 2019 No Comments

South Africa’s very own Zozibini Tunzi has just been crowned Miss Universe for 2019. Her beauty, strength and intellect have inspired us all to be a little bit like her. Take some style tips from our reigning queen this upcoming wedding season by taking a page from her fashion diaries.

Wedding dress:

Zozibini strutted down the Miss Universe stage wearing a stunning white caped gown representing her Xhosa heritage, designed by Biji – La Maison de Couture. Modern and structured, this dress makes a powerful statement.

Bridal capes are a great option for brides that are looking for a little something extra and for those that are looking to break away from the norm. If you’re not into the super modern look, you can soften the cape by going for lighter fabrics to give an airy finish.

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If you’re daring, why not go for an illusion gown wedding dress? Zozibini wore this Biji – La Maison de Couture to the Fairlady Santam Woman of the Future Awards earlier this year and gave us major #outfitgoals.

This lace applique gown is delicate yet sexy, perfect for the bride wanting to strike a balance. If you’re scared of the full illusion look you can always line certain parts.

Crowns:

Zozibini’s ornate crown, named ‘The Power of Unity’, celebrates the complexity, diversity, unapologetic ambition and strength of women. With more than 1,770 diamonds set in 18-karat gold, the crown features interconnected leaves and flowers. A 62.83 carat golden canary diamond is the stunning centrepiece.

While you might not have the budget to replicate this specific crown, there are so many ways to get the look. Give off regal romance with these stunning crowns.

Credit: Instagram / Mark Jay Photography

Feature image: Instagram / Zozibini Tunzi

In Advice

Wedding food and drink trends for 2020

December 10, 2019 No Comments

The new decade is soon approaching, bringing with it new trends in the wedding industry. The Knot’s recently released 2020 Wedding Report predicts the biggest trends expected to hit the industry within the new year. Food in 2020 is expected to be bigger and better. From more inclusive menus to interactive eating, this is how people will be dining on their big day in 2020.

Inclusivity:

Couples are moving towards being more inclusive with their menu’s, offering plant-based, vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options for their guests. Don’t forget to also offer fun non-alcoholic drinks other than soda. This adds a personal touch to your wedding, showing that you care for your guests and their dietary requirements.

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Childhood favourites:

Take a trip down memory lane by incorporating childhood favourites into your wedding menu. Rather than stuffy hors d’oeuvres your guests can barely identify, serve what you love. Today’s couples are creating unique twists on old faithfuls like grilled cheese, sliders and fries.

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Interactive eats:

We’ve loved the donut wall for the past few wedding seasons, now it’s time to take it up a notch. Interactive food options like conveyor belts or dessert stations throw a unique spin on food presentation. Consider having an ice-cream roller on site or a crêpe station for guests to pick and choose their desserts.

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Self-serve bars:

Let your guests in on the action with self-serve bars. Rather than having to line up and wait for the mixologist to catch your eye, a self-service bar gives your guests something to do and some creative options. Think of offering a gin bar, with all the ingredients neatly set out for partygoers to help themselves to a custom drink.

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Image: Unsplash