Lynn Cupido, Author at Wedding ETC

In Planning

10 Adorable ways to include your pet in your wedding!

November 26, 2025 No Comments

Who wouldn’t want to walk down the aisle with their furriest four-legged friend by their side? Clad in the cutest black and white tuxedo, and sporting the wettest of all the noses, having your fur baby is surely a dream, not always practical.

However, don’t fear fur parents, we’ve thought of some creative ways you can include your bestie in your big day without (hopefully) causing a cat-astrophe.

Get ready with them …

Grab your wedding gown and snap a few adorable pics with them before the ceremony.

We all need a furry ring bearer or flower up

Flower girls are cute, but have you ever seen a dog walk down the aisle carrying a ring!

Who wouldn’t want a little anxiety-relieving support at the altar

Wedding day jitters got you tongue-tied … ease your nerves or add a little warmth to the ceremony by having your pet nearby.

Make them the star of your wedding cake

Who doesn’t want to wow guests with the cutest wedding topper ever … a great way to include any pet is to include them on your wedding cake.

Add them to the post-wedding ceremony walk

Once the vows are said and done, take a walk with your pup or pups!

Signature wedding/pet cocktail anyone?

Have your resident mixologist whip up a drink as sweet or spicy as your best friend!

But don’t forget to add them to the bar menu!

Make sure your guests know just who the inspiration for the signature drinks is by adding your fur baby to the menu!

Make it uber-romantic by including them in your first dance

They may just stop you from stepping on your new husband/wife’s toes! Also, it’s a super adorable way to include them in your wedding.

Give back

While your pup is privilege to have you shower them with love and treats, not all animals are that lucky. Skip the traditional wedding favour and pay it forward by adding a little donation option or box for your guests to add a little sunshine to an animal’s life.

Photobooth props!

Show guests a good time by incorporating your pet into your big day with a few hilarious or adorable photo booth props!

ALSO SEE: Everything you need to know about wedding dress alterations

Everything you need to know about wedding dress alterations

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Everything you need to know about wedding dress alterations

November 25, 2025 No Comments

You’ve found your dream dress but it doesn’t sit quite the way you were expecting. While most brides spend hours dreaming about the perfect gown that they’ll walk down the aisle in, what’s not often talked about (or dreamt about) is the logistics of wedding dress alterations.

The fit of your wedding dress is oh-so-important, which makes understanding wedding alterations just as important – but what to know?

Types of wedding dress alterations:

Adding details

If you have the time and the budget, customising your dress to include a range of details that suit your fancy – sleeves, train length, shoulder straps or beading – can be done by a reliable seamstress.

Basic hemming

This is probably the most common type of alteration and can range from hemming the length of the gown to adjusting the fit of the dress. These basic adjustments are a great way to make sure your wedding gown is comfy, looks spectacular on you and leaves you feeling beautiful.

Keep in mind that most wedding gowns will need alterations, which leads us to the next tip: budget.

Planning is everything

Add wedding dress alterations to your budget:

You want to look amazing on your big day and it’s important to remember that you may need wedding dress alterations to ensure that the dress fits you like a glove. Now, some wedding boutiques are heaven-sent and offer free alterations (depending on what you want to be done), however, you may need to add alterations to your budget.

So, how much will it cost? Another important note is that all wedding dress seamstresses are different and will charge their own rate, but you can expect to pay around R2500 (or more) for alterations, so make sure that you add this into your wedding budget. Another aspect to keep in mind – more expensive is always better, so make sure that you shop around.

Timing is everything

No bride needs the extra stress and stressing about whether you’ll receive your wedding gown before you walk down the aisle is stressful. Timing is everything when it comes to alterations, so make sure that you create a timeline that ensures you won’t be pulling your hair from the stress.

If it’s possible, purchase your wedding dress at least 10 months before your date as buying your dress early allows you to have an abundance of time for fittings. Schedule a fitting at least eight to 12 weeks before the wedding and then a second fitting at least two weeks before you walk down the aisle.

Fitting tricks

Bring along your wedding shoes, accessories and undergarments

Bring along your wedding day essentials in order to ensure that you get a proper fit. There’s no question that shoe length, your favourite shapewear and a strapless bra can make all the difference when trying on clothes, and the same goes for your wedding dress. You want to know exactly how it’s going to fit and during your fitting appointments, you’ll get a sense of what you’ll look like on the day.

An extra tip: Your wedding dress is usually altered according to the length of your shoe, so if you’re looking to change into a pair of sneakers during the reception, it’s going to be a bit long and you may find yourself tripping all over the place. To avoid this, make sure that you purchase a shoe that you love and will keep you nice and comfy.

Bring a friend

This may be an unspoken wedding dress shopping rule, but it’s something that is always a good idea to say again. Bring along a supportive friend or family member to help keep your spirits up and help give you a different (but positive) perspective when shopping around or going for fittings. It’s also really nice to have someone to document those memories with a selfie or two before clinking your glass in celebration of finding “the one.”

Happy wedding dress shopping!

ALSO SEE: A Complete Guide to Wedding Dress Styles Every Bride Should Know

A Complete Guide to Wedding Dress Styles Every Bride Should Know

Feature Image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Bachelor SA’s runner-up says I do!

September 7, 2022 No Comments

Most people who enter reality competitions naturally want to be winners (whether the prize is love, money or both) but sometimes winning the way we thought we wanted is far from the only way to win.

The Bachelor SA runner-up, Bridget Marshall found her own Prince Charming after the show, and she said ‘I do’ recently!

Marshall was the runner-up and never got the final rose in the season finale with Marc Buckner. The season 2 runner-up had her fairy tale dreams shattered when she lost to Marisia van Wyk back in 2020 when the season was televised but little did she know that this was a blessing in disguise.

She later went on to meet Kobus de Kock, a former Rugby player who would become her now husband. The wedding announcement came out of the blue but fans were truly happy that she got her happily ever after. The two wed in August and Bridget stunned her guests in two breathtaking gowns.

In a recent Instagram post she shared that:

“The way I felt when my Bridal look came together – PRICELESS. My dream of what I wanted from when I was a little girl came to life.”

Her gorgeous gowns came from The Wedding Boutique and they couldn’t have done better at bringing out the natural beauty she already has. The couple wed in the picturesque valleys of Stellenbosch at a gorgeous wine estate. Friends, loved ones and fans on socials could not get enough of the images shared on Marshall’s Instagram.

SA’s Bachelorette Qiniso Van Damme said “LOVE YOUR DRESS!!!!!” and yes, she included 5 exclamation marks which only emphasises that this bride looked like an absolute princess.

We wish the couple all the best on their future together and many more fairy tale moments to come!

Also see:

Keeping things cheap with these budget-friendly wedding trends

Images: @bridge5m/ Instagram

Author: Rojaun Devos

In Advice

10 SHEIN wedding gowns that will save you money!

August 10, 2022 No Comments

As wedding costs continue to soar, saving a few bucks is always a welcome relief. Caterers, decor, food, drinks – the list goes on.

But one cost that always seems to always take a good chunk of the budget is the wedding dress. One bride decided to seriously cut costs by heading to the online fashion platform SHEIN to purchase her dress. For approximately R700, the Californian bride looked incredible in her all-white ensemble.

This got us thinking… are there any cute wedding dresses local brides could purchase?

Here are a few of our favourites:

Fit for a queen

Cost: R948

Puffed and off the shoulder

Cost: R979

A dress fit for any occasion

Cost: R881

For the bold bride

Cost: R601

A fairytale dress

Cost: R1009

Bohemian meets royalty

Cost: R1168

Refined elegance

Cost: R401

Keeping it simple

Cost: R359

Small, intimate, sexy

Cost:

Shipping notes:

The cost of shipping is dependent on your purchase amount with free shipping available for those who have purchased over R1000. It’s also important to note that you will be liable for customs duty and VAT on your order. Orders can be received within a week or two, but usually this is delayed when customers do not pay the amount at customs – so make sure you pay!

Happy shopping!

Feature image: Kiara Brokenbrough

In Venues

A destination wedding of icy proportions and for only R4 million!

August 10, 2022 No Comments

After nearly two years of staying indoors and not enjoying the wonders of travel, heading to your favourite destination to get married is back on the table!

While many brides and grooms are grabbing their passports and jetting off to tropical destinations such as Mauritius and Bali, there are a few out there that prefer a different climate.

Luxury travel company Red Savannah recently launched an incredible package for winter-loving bridal couples looking to say “I do” in the remote destination of Antarctica.

The price tag? A cool R4 million!

Yup, we’re living in a post-pandemic world and weddings appear to be that expensive.

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A post shared by Red Savannah – Luxury Travel (@redsavannahhq)

The hefty price tag includes return flights from South Africa to Antarctica, accommodations for the soon-to-be newlyweds and the wedding party, beverages, food and activities. The big day will start with a breakfast on ice, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony and champagne in the snow lounge.

While you may think that R4 million may be more than enough to accommodate a whole host of guests, a maximum of 12 wedding guests are allowed to watch you step into newlywed bliss.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a white dessert party – yum!

Additional costs are the “wedding gift registry” which will be a pledge of $1000 (R16 600) per person. This will be used for conservation efforts in Antarctica.

If you’re interested, you’ll be happy to know that there is one flight that leaves Cape Town and will take five hours to arrive at the icy destination.

Feature Image: Brides Without Borders

In Venues

Here’s South Africa’s most popular wedding venues!

August 8, 2022 No Comments

It’s wedding season, which means venues are getting calls from brides and grooms all over South Africa. But where to book your big day?

A new study is spilling the tea on the most popular wedding venues around the world, collecting data from TripAdvisor and Instagram.

The wedding financial experts at money.co.uk analysed TripAdvisor to reveal the venues with the most mentions of ‘weddings’ in their reviews and then used Instagram data to discover which ones have been shared the most on the platform and ranked them from highest to lowest.

The data has since revealed the most popular venues in the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

So, just which South African venues made the cut?

The Oyster Box in Durban takes the number one spot with nearly 8000 Instagram hashtags and over 100 mentions on TripAdvisor. Avianto in Johannesburg comes in at number two, while Cape Town’s Cavalli Estate swoops in at number.

Here’s a look at other incredible wedding venues:

If you’re planning a destination wedding and looking for the full list, check it out here. Otherwise, here’s a closer look at what makes these venues so special:

The Oyster Box

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Oyster Box Hotel (@theoysterbox)

Avianto

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A post shared by Avianto (@aviantovenue)

Cavalli Estate

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A post shared by Cavalli Estate (@cavalliestate)

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In Fashion

3 Shoes styles for the perfect wedding (guest) ensemble

August 4, 2022 No Comments

Shoes are possibly one of the most crucial features of an ensemble, especially when stepping out and revelling in the affair that is your bestie’s wedding.

If you’ve been raking your brain and scrolling through online catalogues to figure out what shoe you’ll be sporting to bring together the perfect wedding ensemble, here are the top three shoes that are a must, as told by stylist, Rojaun Devos!

Knee-high boot

A knee-high is one of the shoes that simply make every and any outfit look better. Make sure it is a good length and that you give enough room for your legs to breathe. An investment is definitly a leather or suede pair as these are timeless and will never go out of style, and it also offers the perfect option for a winter wedding.

A nude heel

Nude is a classic colour, timeless and definitely a must-have when it comes to heels. Sometimes we have to go to work events or even dinner parties which doesn’t always call for pops of colour or anything that is too much of a statement, so it’s the perfect purchase if you’re looking to splurge but still get your money’s worth outside of being a guest at your friend’s wedding.

The pump

This is the perfect shoe for gals that absolutely hate wearing heels… but, desperate times, call for desperate measures, and pumps are the perfect balance between both words. What we love about this style is that it can go from day to night in a second. Simply swap your jeans for an elegant slip dress, and voila!

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In Advice

15 Most requested first-dance songs to help you turn up the romance!

August 2, 2022 No Comments

You’ve walked down the aisle, you’ve said “I do,” and now it’s time to get down and boogie! The first dance as a married couple is deeply personal and oh-so-romantic, so making sure you have the right song to sway back and forth to is sure to keep those wonderful wedding day memories alive.

If you’re looking for the most romantic songs out there, you’ll be happy to know that a survey conducted by The Black Tux found the perfect playlist thanks to over 900 married couples from all age groups revealing their favourite tunes.

The most requested first-dance song, you ask? “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers with classic love songs from Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley also making the list.

If you’re stumped on what to play as the MC welcomes you as newlyweds, why not take a peek at the 15 most requested first-dance songs:

1. “500 Miles,” by Sleeping at Last

Loved-up Lyrics: “But I would walk 500 miles/And I would walk 500 more/Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles/To fall down at your door.”

2. “Unchained Melody,” by The Righteous Brothers

Lyrics of Love: “Oh, my love, my darling/I’ve hungered for your touch”

3. “Amazed,” by Lonestar

Lyrics of Love: “I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side/Forever and ever”

4. “Perfect Duet,” by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé

Lyrics of Love: “But darling, just kiss me slow/Your heart is all I own/And in your eyes, you’re holding mine”

5. “All of Me,” by John Legend

Lyrics of Love: “Give your all to me/I’ll give my all to you/You’re my end and my beginning”

6. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” by Aerosmith

Lyrics of Love: “The sweetest dream will never do/I’d still miss you, babe/And I don’t want to miss a thing”

7. “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” by Jasmine Thompson

Lyrics of Love: “So I’m gonna love you/Like I’m gonna lose you/I’m gonna hold you/Like I’m saying goodbye”

8. “The Way You Look Tonight,” by Frank Sinatra

Lyrics of Love: “There is nothing for me but to love you/And the way you look tonight”

9. “At Last,” by Etta James

Lyrics of Love: “At last my love has come along/My lonely days are over and life is like a song, oh yeah”

10. “Sons and Daughters,” by Allman Brown

Lyrics of Love: “And I, I’ll wrap myself/Around your heart/I’ll be the walls of his heart”

11. “Yours,” by Russell Dickerson

Lyrics of Love: “I came to life when I first kissed you/The best me has his arms around you/You make me better than I was before/Thank God I’m yours”

12. “Kiss Me,” by Ed Sheeran

Lyrics of Love: “And your heart’s against my chest, your lips pressed in my neck/I’m falling for your eyes, but they don’t know me yet/And with a feeling I’ll forget, I’m in love now”

13. “Escapade,” by Janet Jackson

Lyrics of Love: “Come on baby, let’s get away/Let’s save our troubles for another day”

14. “Sweetest Thing,” by Allman Brown

Lyrics of Love: “You’re the sweetest thing that I ever did see/Like a bird taking way/Tears that set you free”

15. “Speechless,” by Dan + Shay

Lyrics of Love: “And I’m speechless/You already know that you’re my weakness/After all this time I’m just as nervous”

Feature Image: Pinterest

In Advice

Can sleeping in separate beds save your relationship?

July 29, 2022 No Comments

Modern couples are increasingly looking for new ways to add a little “spice” in the bedroom, but it may not be in the way you think.

Couples choosing to sleep apart has become a rather common practice with studies backing the growing trend and according to sleep scientists, 1 in 4 couples are opting to sleep in separate beds.

While more and more couples are enjoying the covers all to themselves, there’s still a certain level of stigma attached to this choice, however, it’s nothing new. The wealthy have been doing it for decades and you only need to pop on an episode of Netflix’s The Crown and check out the sleeping arrangements of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip to find examples of this.

One newlywed couple recently went viral for sharing their out-of-the-ordinary sleeping arrangements. Hailing from the United Kingdom, Nelly and Andrew Grecian claim that sleeping separately has benefitted their relationship as they often feel refreshed and revitalised when they wake up in the morning.

But while some couples are reaping the benefits, just what does science have to say about it?

When sleep is measured objectively, people will actually sleep worse with a partner. This makes sense when you consider that having a partner who snores is basically a recipe for a disruptive night’s rest. However, when asked whether you’d prefer to sleep with your partner in the same bed, you’d likely answer “yes.”

According to scientists, this suggests that our social brain prioritises a need for closeness and security at night, even when traded in for a good night’s rest. However, no matter your sleeping preferences, couples need to prioritise sleep when it comes to their relationship.

A rather interesting study found that when the sleep and relationship quality of heterosexual couples were analysed, it found that when male subjects slept worse, they often reported their relationship quality suffered the next day. In contrast to this, on days when female subjects were not happy about their relationship, both her sleep and her husband’s sleep suffered that night.

Wendy M. Troxel PhD, a senior behavioural and social scientist and the woman behind “How to sleep like your relationship depends on it,” reiterates this. But what’s her conclusion on the matter?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to couples and their sleeping strategies, but couples will need to learn the art of prioritising sleep for the betterment of their relationship and lives. After all, sleep occupies around one-third of our lives with research indicating that when you’re well-rested, you’re a better communicator, happier, more empathetic, and more attractive.

Feature Image: Pexels

In News

Stranded bride saved by good samaritan who gives her a lift!

July 28, 2022 No Comments

We all need a knight in shining armour, especially when you’re a bride rushing to make it to her wedding ceremony.

Marksteen Adamson is a driver from the United Kingdom. On his way to a reunion, Marksteen said he noticed the bride on the side of the road in London asking for a lift.

The apparently looked “distressed” as countless cars passed her by.

According to the anxious bride, three rideshares had already cancelled on her and her bridal party, which included her sister and one other bridesmaid who could be seen carrying her veil.

“I’m late for church,” the bride can be heard saying in the video.

Despite being a whole 45 minutes late to her own wedding, Adamson delivers the bride and her bridal party safely to the church, where she is met by the vicar to who she recounts the tale to.

An adorable rom-com or an absolute nightmare? Luckily this story has a happy ending!

Watch the video below:

@marksteenadamsonWas driving through london traffic to visit friends for a reunion lunch in South East London when I stopped at a padestrian crossing and saw a bride looking confused and flustered. I started filming as I thought it would be a great shot seeing her cross the road in her full attire. Then she saw me and started walking towards me and gesturing. It turns out that she and her brides maid and team had been trying to order Uber cabs but three cabs had canceled at the last minute and she was 45min late for church. Everyone, most importantly her husbsnd to be, were wating at Holy Trinity Bromton for her to artive. She asked if I could give her and the group a lift, and so they jumped in to my landrover and I drove her to church. In our short time together we had lots of quick short conversations about everthing and got to know eachother a little better and new friendships were made. After I dropped her off I heard the sound of the organ ring out and knew everything was going to be alright. It was a beautiful sunny day.♬ Going To The Chapel – The Paragons

Feature Image: TikTok