Lynn Cupido, Author at Wedding ETC

In Fashion

6 Adorable matching couples tattoos

May 12, 2022 No Comments

I’m sure we’ve all had a moment where we’ve sniggered at the fact that our friend got a matching tattoo with their significant other. Opinions on getting matching couple tattoos have the ability to divide a room, but no matter you’re thoughts, these inked memories have gained notoriety in recent years thanks to celebrities such as Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner.

Along with popularity, getting matching tattoos can be a great way to creatively express a lifetime commitment. So, before you say “I do”, here are a few matching tattoos to get – all in the name of love.

Coordinates

Coordinates all the way to your heart, maybe? In this case, you and your SO could get matching coordinates that lead all the way to where you first met. It’s a beautiful sentiment that you’ll never get tired of looking at.

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Self-Portrait

Not everyone will be keen on getting their bride or groom’s face inked on their body but for those brave enough, it can be a great way to skip the cheesy quotes. Sticking to a minimalist design may help you to feel a bit braver, especially with this line tattoo.

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Beyond Time and Space

The great thing about matching tattoos is the fact that they don’t actually have to be matching. Grab a design that complements each other, similar to this spaceship and solar system tattoos.

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Always

“Always” is a word you’ve probably uttered as you’ve gazed into your significant other’s eyes. There’s nothing simpler than a scripted tattoo, and it’s less painful too – bonus!

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Handwritten Love Note

Is there anything more romantic than a handwritten love note? Take it a step further and get your SO’s tattooed onto your skin, it can be a wonderful message that carries a deeper meaning.

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A Memorable Date

You’ll probably never forget the day that you tied the knot, but to commemorate the occasion, why not add the date so that you know neither of you will ever forget.

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Feature Image: Melissa Marshall

In Celebs

Britney Spears shows off her engagement ring & sets a wedding date

May 10, 2022 No Comments

The world loves a good comeback story, and there’s no bigger one than that of Britney Spears. The pop star is thriving after being let out of a brutal 13-year conservatorship and is currently in the midst of wedding planning.

Spears and fiancé, Sam Asghari, have reportedly set a wedding date. Much to the chagrin of her fans, this won’t be made public.

The award-winning singer got engaged to 28-year-old Asghari back in September after seven years of dating, recently revealing that they know when they’ll be saying “I do.”

The soon-to-be husband went straight to his Instagram stories to share the news

“Our lives have been a real-life fairytale. Also, The big day has been set! But nobody will know until the day after”

What was revealed though was the shiny engagement ring that Spears wore on her ring finger. The diamond ring reportedly cost $70 000 and was a labour of love, according to Asghari who refused any celebrity sponsorship and decided to purchase it out of his own pocket.

“I wanted to work and pay for it because, you know, a lot of celebrities get it for free for advertisement and stuff. I said, ‘I want it to mean something, and I want it to mean (something) from a working man.’ ”

The 40-year-old singer, who’s pregnant with her third child, has eluded to the fact that she already has her wedding outfit.

“Introducing Wendy (cat emoji)!!! And yes, this is the veil to my wedding dress (bride emoji) !!!(sic),” she captioned her adorable Instagram image.

We couldn’t be more excited to see what she decides to rock on her big day!

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In Accessories

Sustainable African jewellery to rock on your wedding day

May 10, 2022 No Comments

As sustainability seeps into the collective consciousness, more-and-more brides are researching how to achieve the quintessential ‘sustainable wedding,’ turning to vendors, services, and products that help them achieve this.

Jewellery is one way the modern eco-conscious bride is doing some good. From ethically sourced rings to fair trade necklaces, here are a few incredible jewellery brands that are sustainable AND African.

AuTerra Jewellery

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AuTerra is a Cape Town-based brand led by designer and maker, Ashley. It’s a remarkable, innovative brand that collects discarded electronic products and recycles them into jewellery. The aesthetics of the handcrafted pieces transcend trends and the contemporary designs are simplistic and minimal. The brand believes in creating pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation in the hopes of persevering quality craftsmanship.

KiiRA African Fine Jewellery

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Each gemstone is individually selected, ensuring that no two pieces are the same. Along with offering vibrant and minimalist designs, each piece is ethically sourced and handcrafted to perfection in South Africa. The brand also offers custom designs for brides looking for something extra special.

Black Betty

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Bespoke jewellery pieces are only a click away. From gemstone-infused tiger necklaces to gorgeous pearl earrings and engagement rings, Black Betty Designs is a great place for those looking for pieces that will ‘wow.’ Based in Cape Town, this sustainable jewellery brand ships throughout South Africa.

Yala Jewellery

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This Kenyan-based jewellery brand provides pieces with a purpose, ensuring that each one of its designs has a positive impact. What’s more, they offer beautiful modern designs that perfectly reflect the beauty of Africa. From Sagana brass nugget necklaces to hammered brass bracelets – there’s plenty to choose from.

Dear Rae

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Dear Rae is the brainchild of fine arts graduate Karin Rae Matthees. The brand uses local materials and manufacturers to create unique pieces. Dear Rae design aesthetics can be described as classically minimal pieces that you can wear for the rest of your life. Karin’s brand adheres to the Kimberly process as well, and sources local manufacturers for production, ensuring each step of the manufacturing process is completely transparent.

Feature Image: Kiira African Fine Jewellery

In Bridal Party

How to throw a ‘Bridgerton’ themed bridal shower

May 10, 2022 No Comments

Similar to Lady Whistledown’s society papers, Bridgerton is all anyone has time to talk about these days. The Netflix period drama has spawned a plethora of Regencycore-inspired home decor and fashion pieces and has gone on to take over the world of weddings too.

Pinterest, the one-stop for all things wedding inspo, has been dishing the dirt on what brides-to-be have been searching on the platform, and it looks like Bridgerton-inspired bridal showers are all the rage right now.

If your very own ‘Simon’ has gone down on one knee, you may be thinking about your bridal shower. With so many wonderful ways to incorporate the Bridgerton theme into your bridal shower, here are a few of our favourites:

A Tea Party Worthy of The Queen

Is there anything more regal than a sophisticated tea party? According to Pinterest, search terms have soared in relation to tea parties as a Bridgerton bridal shower idea. Grab your most sophisticated tea cups, three-tier platters, colourful macarons, florals, and a variety of tea flavours to sample. Make things extra special by creating a Bridgerton-inspired cup/mug for your bridal crew to take home with them, PostNet can be a good spot to do this.

Bridgerton-themed bridal shower — Picture: Pinterest

Pearl Decor

Another aesthetic that ties in nicely with the Recencycore aesthetic, and which has been making waves on Pinterest, is pearl decor. Keep things simple by including pearls in your bridal shower through pearl hair clips, or pearl garland decor.

Puff Sleeves?

Take things up a notch and really get into the theme by incorporating puff sleeves. You can keep things subtle by simply asking guests to wear puffed blouses or dresses – a great way to add a modern twist to your period-themed bridal shower.

‘Bridgerton’ Inspired Hairstyles

No theme is complete without the quintessential hairstyle. Plenty of curls, puffy hair, and pearl hair clips seem to be theme when it comes to hairstyles associated with the regencycore aesthetic. If you’re feeling brave, go for something as daring as Queen Charlotte’s puffy hair-do or Daphne’s long flowing curls.

An abundance of floral

One thing that stands out when you watch the Bridgerton series is the bold colours, especially when it comes to floral. Now, adding flowers to any event can be quite pricey, so set a budget and stick to it. Grab a few of your favourite vases and add colourful roses (or your favourite bouquet of flowers) across the table. If you’re looking to keep things affordable and sustainable, try dried bouquets. You’ll be able to reuse it at your wedding ceremony.

Picture: Netflix

In uncategorized

Wedding planning tips that could save your life

May 9, 2022 No Comments

While planning your wedding can be a time that’s filled with cake tasting and venue scouting, it can also be a time that’s filled with pulling out your hair and stress eating. Planning your impending nuptials can be a stressful affair, but it doesn’t have to be!

If you’re hoping to look back on your big day and smile with contentment and not sneer at the thought of all the stress you were under, check out these helpful tips.

Manage Your Expectations

You can use Pinterest and photos to inspire you, but your wedding won’t look exactly the same. There are so many different factors at play when you see those images on the internet: Where in the world was it taken? Is it even a real wedding, or a staged shoot? Are those flowers available in SA? So whatever you do, make sure you don’t get upset or stressed when things aren’t perfect – you’ll just ruin your day.

Come Prepared and Avoid Wardrobe Malfunctions

You or anyone in your bridal party might need a hook-and-eye closure, so be sure to carry spares, needle-nose pliers, and a sewing kit. Just one lean over into the gin table and pop! Disaster.

Stick to your Budget

It’s your wedding and it’s all very exciting, but you have a budget for a reason. Don’t set yourself into years of debt, or sell your prized pony. Set a budget for your wedding and download a wedding-planner app on your phone. Stick to it, and you’ll be glad that you did once the confetti has settled.

Don’t let your self-consciousness get the best of you

“I wish I had known how beautiful I looked.” Make sure this is not something you say four months, or years, later. Make choices that are your own when it comes to your dress or suit, and on the big day, rock it. Don’t worry about the fat roll you think is there, or the laugh lines under your eyes. Enjoy the moment; it goes quicker than you think.

Put your own spin on it

Listen to your mom, best friends and Aunt Joanna. But whatever you do, do it your way.

Don’t go cheap on certain things

Food poisoning for all your guests? Not fun. Blown-out or unflattering wedding photographs? You’ll regret that. While everything else lasts for the one day, you’ll have those pictures forever, so you want to get your money’s worth.

Don’t nitpick on the details

Months of planning, crammed into four or five hours, which are so charged with emotions and tears, you might not even notice that small calligraphy initials on the stem of every rose… Don’t stress about every little thing while planning your wedding and on the big day. Such a cliche, but words that couldn’t be more true.

Feature Image: Pinterest

In Advice

Pinterest reveals the top wedding trends for 2022

May 6, 2022 No Comments

We love a good Pinterest search, especially when it comes to finding much-needed wedding inspiration.

Did we mention how stressful wedding planning can be?

Thankfully, this online moldboard has been with us every step of the way and has been a favourite amongst brides-to-be as they pin away and plan their weddings.

While we would like to think that we’re still in the age where millennials are getting hitched, the social media platform has swooped in to burst our bubble, revealing that Gen Zers are pinning away as they plan their impending nuptials.

A burst of fresh air is what this generation is looking for as they ditch stuffy traditions and do it their own way.

“This year, Pinners are planning for the big wedding celebrations after postponements. We are seeing larger weddings come back and a movement away from minimalism,” says Swasti Sarna, Senior Insights Manager at Pinterest.

“We are also seeing rising searches for Pinners wanting to connect back to their roots by celebrating their unique cultural traditions, with 45% of the top wedding trends related to different cultures.”

So, just what are bridal couples searching for? From Bridgerton themes to sustainable weddings, here are a few of the wedding trends for 2022, according to Pinterest.

The Dark Side of Life

Traditionally, brides have always worn white, but the latest trends from Pinterest reveal that brides-to-be are stepping away from this and opting for something completely different. “Black dress wedding party,” “black boho wedding dress” ( 4X), and “black wedding cakes” (+94%) are a few search terms that have been trending as “dark wedding ideas” becomes a popular search term on the platform.

Pearls are a girl’s best friend

Move over diamonds because there’s a new sheriff in town. From engagement rings to “pearl cake,” the rise of the pearl is something that Pinterest predicted back in December 2021. They were certainly right on the mark as bridal couples opt for the non-traditional. Search terms such as “pearl wedding dress,” “Pearl wedding” and “Pearlcore” are just a few trends that are here to stay in 2022.

Back into nature

More specifically, the forest. Brides and grooms are really looking to make their wedding day a fairy tale event with search terms like “woodland fairy wedding,” “enchanted forest wedding dress,” and “forest wedding ceremony” being big trends. This is no surprise as forest wedding venues can offer couples a magical setting. Throw in earthy tones for suits and bohemian style dresses and flowy veils, and you have a wedding ceremony fit for a Disney princess and prince.

The Bridgerton Effect

The Netflix has been making waves in more ways than one. The opulent Regency Era has grabbed almost every bridal couple’s attention with search terms such as “‘Bridgerton’ bridal shower ideas,” and “‘Bridgerton’ wedding” being the top terms that bride- and grooms-to-be are searching for.

Sustainable Weddings

It’s cool to care for the environment and eco-conscious couples are taking a stand with their sustainable wedding. Paying special attention to how we affect the environment has slowly become a top priority for many people, so it comes as no surprise that sustainable weddings are on the rise. From food to decorations, “eco-friendly wedding ideas,” “thrifted wedding decor” and “reuse wedding dress ideas” are some of the top search terms.

Feature image: Pinterest

In Fashion

Ryan Reynolds’ reaction to wife, Blake Lively’s Met Gala gown has us swooning

May 4, 2022 No Comments

Ryan Reynolds may be married to Blake Lively, but he’s the internet’s husband now. The Marvel actor has left women around the internet swooning after his adorable reaction to Blake’s colour-changing Versace dress.

And deservedly so. The dress is a beautiful ode to the Statue of Liberty and the theme for the Gala titled: “Guilded Glamour.”

The dress is perfect, mesmerising, beautiful, and a shiny example of glamour:

The pictures of the dress “changing colour” is equally as beautiful, it’s hard not to see why anyone would have an awe-inspiring reaction:

While it would’ve been incredible to see a dress changing colour before our eyes, it was actually a top layer that was expertly removed by a crew of handy individuals half way up the stairs.

Here’s a peek at the stunning reveal:

pic.twitter.com/53aN3t2Qrd

— #MetGala (@21metgala) May 2, 2022

And here’s a peek at Ryan’s adorable reaction:

Talk about a fashion moment. We love a husband that supports his wife in all things!

Feature Image: Met Gala 2022 Twitter

In Venues

5 Magical wedding venues in the heart of Gauteng

May 3, 2022 No Comments

We may have to suffer through load shedding and constantly increasing petrol prices on a regular basis, but one of the many things you can admire South Africa for is its natural beauty – a titbit that can be so important when shopping around for the perfect wedding venue.

From hosting a garden extravaganza to listening to the laughter of your guests against the backdrop of the wild African bush, there’s something for every bridal couple, especially in the province of Gauteng. Thankfully, there are a plethora of gorgeous wedding venues to choose from when saying “I do” in the rugged province of Gauteng. Here are a few of our favourites:

Oakfield Farm:

Location: Muldersdrift, Gauteng

With a splash of romance and a heap of old-fashioned hospitality, Oakfield Farm is an award-winning wedding venue that bridal couples can’t seem to get enough of – judging by the gorgeous backdrop – we understand why. The glass-clad wedding venue is nestled between towering trees within an English country garden, with visitors able to explore all that this area has to offer via the venue’s horse-drawn carriage – talk about going old school. Lush greenery provides the perfect opportunity for the perfect wedding pictures while tall glass walls and ceilings offer a great spot for couples to say “I do.”

Shepstone Gardens:

Location: Magaliesburg, Gauteng

Bring the outdoors in with this enchanting space and its glass ceiling, offering a chance to breathe in romance as you say your “I dos” while the sky turns various hues of orange – now that’s one way to enjoy a sunset. The wedding venue also offers a chapel and grand hall for those looking to enjoy a more rustic approach, while the space includes the perfect spots for jaw-dropping wedding pictures.

The Stone Cellar:

Location: Heidelberg, Gauteng

With the spine-tingling sounds of Mother Nature in the background, bridal couples have the opportunity to walk down the aisle of this space’s unique chapel, which was once a milking parlour. The chapel offers bridal couples a wonderful setting if you’re looking for simplicity at its finest – a minimalist’s dream, while the outdoor area offers a wooden frame and the grassy plains as its background – magical no matter which one you choose. The reception venue provides a beautiful combination between rustic and modern with glass, wood and screed finishes that stick to the minimalist theme. The space can seat 150!

Steynshoop Valley Lodge:

Location: Magaliesburg, Gauteng

Breathtaking. That’s one word used to describe this incredible venue. Begin the rest of your life together by walking into this venue’s sprawling thatched chapel and reception hall – perfect for seating 150 guests. There’s nothing wrong with being a hands-off bride and groom, allow the venue’s in-house specialists to handle all the nitty-gritty details of planning your big day – wedding cake and decor included!

The Kitchen L’antico Giardino

Location: Sandton, Gauteng

You can never beat good food and this incredible venue has plenty of it. Allow your guests to relax under a canopy of trees while serving them the most delicious canapes – yum! The space can seat around 120 guests and offers a relaxing atmosphere for your guests to enjoy. An added bonus? The space also includes a gorgeous backdrop with the rugged landscape of Africa – the perfect spot for incredible wedding pictures.

Feature Picture: @anandiphotography

In Planning

Sitting Pretty – A mini guide to planning the seating at your wedding

April 21, 2022 No Comments

If you’ve just made it past the potential minefield that is the guest list, here’s your next challenge: How are you going to seat everyone? Round tables? Long ones? One long banquet table? Goodness.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Get down and boogie:

While your nuptials are all about sharing the love, it’s the dance floor that will have your guests remember your big day. Having said that, this is an excellent starting point. The most popular – and effective – option is to plonk your dance floor in the centre of the room. Then you’ll position the band or DJ against the wall. Of course, there are a whole host of ideas that will have your guests dancing until their feet hurt, and if your venue doesn’t allow for this, you can place the dance floor at one end of the room, centred and backed up against a wall.

dance floor wedding — Picture: Pinterest

It’s all about the size:

Long or round – choose the shape and size of your tables, but beyond this, make sure that the two of you are in the central spot so that your guests can see you in all your glory. A great place to start is to figure out how many guests fit at each table, this will allow you to figure out how many tables you will need.

What’s the plan – the floor plan that is:

We may think that the dance floor is the most important aspect of the wedding celebration, nothing is possible without creating a floor plan that the two of you are happy with. Start with the two most important people – you and your partner as you need to have the best seats and view in the house. Arrange your tables as symmetrically as possible – in a U-shape around the centred dance floor or fill one end of the space (if the dance floor is on the one side).

Don’t forget the VIPs

Reserve the tables closest to the two of you for your immediate families, and set aside tables further from the band/DJ for the older guests. The less desirable seats should be saved for your friends. Keep people together who will enjoy the time together – perhaps there are family members who haven’t seen each other in a while?

The bar area

This will also be dependent on your venue, but as a rule of thumb, the bar should be away from the entrance to avoid possible congestion. If you have more than one bar (one bar with two bartenders for every 100 guests is a good point of measure), then position one close to the dance floor and another one on the other side of the room.

But, how will your guests know

It’s time to dab the sweat that’s been dripping from your forehead and let a little stress go because we have something else on the agenda. How will you let guests know where to sit on the day? Whether you have 150 or 20 guests, displaying their names in alphabetical order is the most convenient option, to eliminate confusion and unnecessary time spent hovering around the seating chart. To make it more exciting, give each guest a refreshing cocktail or glass of bubbly along with their table number – it really sets the tone for a festive reception! Why not go a step further and add a signature cocktail to your wedding reception – here are a few ideas.

Feature Image: Grace Charlotte

In Advice

5 Unique bachelorette party ideas that don’t include a stripper

April 19, 2022 No Comments

I recently found myself planning my cousin’s bachelorette party. Let me tell you something, there’s a lot of pressure to make sure that the bride and her guests are happy. It’s definitely not as stressful as planning a whole wedding, but I found myself obsessively scrolling through social media in search of the biggest and best bachelorette ideas out there.

Anything that would live up to all those Hollywood bachelorette tropes. Stripper – check. Dildos – check. You know the list. This got me thinking, are there any bachelorette party ideas that will have tongues wagging while stepping outside of the box?

There sure are! If you’re looking to throw an unforgettable bachelorette that doesn’t include a stripper bumping and grinding on the bride-to-be, here are a few ideas that may get the inspiration flowing.

Bubbles and Brushes

If you’re searching for something that screams: This is a sophisticated bachelorette, then look no further than a day filled with painting and bubbles. There are a ton of spots across South Africa, including Paint and Sip which offers online classes too. This is a great way to unleash everyone’s inner creative!

Sail off into the sunset

You don’t have to put on your clubbing shoes to have a good time, the open sea is all you need! If you live close to the ocean, you’ll find countless sunset cruises that are perfect for an early evening spent sipping on champagne and enjoying good food and music. Take it a step further and rent a yacht for a few hours. This will allow you to soak up the sun and get down in your swimsuits like nobody’s watching!

A pampering weekend

It’s always about getting tipsy and downing as many shots as you can. If you’re looking to avoid a booze-filled weekend, opt for something a little more relaxing like a wellness weekend away to your favourite spot. There are some incredible wellness hotels around the country, including the Mount Grace Hotel and Spa in Magaliesberg which offers gorgeous views and wonderful spa treatments.

Tea Party anyone?

Fancy dresses and fine china, if the bride-to-be can’t seem to get enough of either of these things, then opt for a sophisticated tea party. Grab the bride squad, adorable teacups, and delectable scones, and get the party started! There are plenty of hotels that offer a tea party experience, including the Mount Nelson in Cape Town. However, you can opt to re-create something of your own.

Splurge on a luxurious Airbnb

Head to the mountains or the sea, but just make sure that you make it fancy! There’s nothing like enjoying the company of friends while sipping champagne and enjoying the views from your mansion. The best part is that you’ll be able to split the costs, ensuring that the bride has a relaxing and cost-free time! Don’t forget the games!

Feature Image: Pinterest