Lynn Cupido, Author at Wedding ETC

In Advice

6 Wedding planning apps and digital tools we can’t live without

March 2, 2022 No Comments

We’re living in the Digital Age. While relying on robust binders dedicated to vendors, bridesmaids, and various wedding planning activities can be useful, sometimes it can get a bit confusing.

More than 5 billion smartphones are currently in use around the world, so why not lean on the convenient pleasures that come with technology by infusing it into your wedding planning.

Whether you’re just starting out or well on your way to wrapping things up, here are a few digital wedding planning tools you can use to your advantage:

Joy – Wedding App & Website

Are you looking for an app that will save you time, money, and efficiently get things done? Joy wedding app and website is your one-stop-shop for a personalised wedding planning experience. You can manage guest lists and create a checklist of all the things that need to be done before your big day. In addition to the impressive features this app offers, you also have the option to create a wedding website directly from the app.

Riley & Grey – Wedding websites

Speaking of creating a wedding website, Riley & Grey is the perfect place to whip up something fabulous for you guests to feast their eyes on. There is a range of wedding templates to pick and choose from that offer a user-friendly experience for those browsing your wedding site.

Trello – To-do list

Trello does more than just offer you the chance to create a work/life balance for yourself, but can help you get organised when it comes to your wedding party. Utilise the site’s virtual pinboard and add a “card” in a column for each category that you would like to create, drop a task and create various colour codes to ensure that everything well-maintained.

Google Drive – Photo organisation

Looking to grab all the incredible photos your guests managed to capture on your big day? As long as you have a Gmail account, Google Drive is an excellent way for guests to add all the beautiful moments and ensures that everything has a place.

Allseated – Venue layout

Its sometimes difficult to picture just how your venue will accommodate your seating vision, but with Allseated, things are made easier. Send them a photo of the venue and they will create a 3D rendering of the space so that you can digitally organise tables, chairs, bars and all the wedding decor of your dreams.

GoodBudget – Budget Planner

Without a proper budgeting plan, your big day might leave you in a financial pickle. Goodbudget is a user-friendly app that allows you to allocate expenses for everything that you need. Once you have a budget set in place you can shift expenses around to ensure that you are not overspending in certain areas and neglecting others, maintaining a balance is key to success.

Picture: Pinterest

In Advice

Start planning those nuptials! Tips for newly engaged couples

February 25, 2022 No Comments

That period of bliss after getting engaged is a feeling that should be savoured because after that, it’s a lot of sheer panic due to being overwhelmed. Perhaps you’re the cool bride-to-be who lets things roll like water off a duck’s back. Or maybe your friends would describe you as a full-blown bridezilla. No matter the box you’ve nicely categorised yourself in, there’s no denying that planning a wedding will leave you with a few additional grey hairs.

Whether you’re newly engaged or starting to plan your nuptials after a year of engaged bliss, here are some tips to help you beat back the monster that is panic:

Set the date:

The first step is figuring out when you and your future spouse are going to say: “I do.” Experts all agree, planning a wedding can be stressful, so make sure that you give yourself a realistic timeline. Between 10 – 14 months is a good amount of time.

Get to know your budget:

The worst thing you can do is to start a marriage with the burden of debt. Be realistic about your budget and get to know the parameters you’re working with in order to distribute money appropriately. A great next step is to compile your guest list and figure out the kind of experience you’d like them to have. This will allow you to budget accordingly, but make sure you don’t go overboard! This day is all about the couple.

What to look out for:

Bridal couples often have their heart set on a specific venue, but when booking, they find that it’s booked out for the date they’ve chosen. It can be heartbreaking, but something that can be avoided if you land your venue before choosing your date. Justt make sure you do the proper research. While you may have a rough list of who you are inviting to the ceremony, it’s best to not commit to headcount until you’ve sorted out your budget.

A tip that the experts swear by

So, what is one tip that wedding planners around the world swear by? It’s this: leave it up to the professionals. Sometimes it can be difficult to let go of the reigns and let the professionals do their thing, but if you hire the right people and offer them some creative leeway, you’ll be able to sleep a bit better at night. Collaboration with quality vendors is the key to a happy couple.

Picture: @gracecharlottephoto

In Weddings

6 Gorgeous getting ready robes for your bridal party

February 21, 2022 No Comments

The behind-the-scenes of your big day is often the least prioritised but is something that deserves just as much attention. After all, it not only sets the tone for the rest of the day but the time you spend with your bridal party will be seared into your mind forever – no pressure. With a glass of bubbly in hand, it’s the perfect time to have a few laughs, shake off the nerves and connect with your bridal crew.

So, why not do it will donning a few silky robes. Getting robes for your bridal party may not be a requirement, but the addition can sprinkle a little magic onto your day and be an amazing little memento for them to keep close to them.

Here are a few photo-worthy robes to inspire you:

Dial it all the way to sexy

Zhuzh it up with some feathers

Who doesn’t love a good fringe?

A little jungle fever

Floral prints forever!

An elegant train that highlights your bridal beauty

Picture: Pinterest

In Bridal Shower

6 Dress styles for your bridesmaids we’re loving right now

February 16, 2022 No Comments

No matter the season, you want members of your bridal party to feel elegant and stylish. Unless you have an unwavering vision for your bridesmaids, it’s quite easy to be swayed by the plethora of wedding trends out there.

Between wrap dresses, bold prints and jumpsuits we‘re helping you sift through the trends and providing you with killer ensembles that your bridesmaids will love wearing.

The elegant slip dress

Rust and champagne colours are all the rage right now and tying this phenomenal colour in with an elegant slip dress design will leave your bridesmaids feeling chic.

Wowing with bold prints

Adding bold prints to any dress, no matter the occasion can be a great way to elevate things. Whether it is summer or springtime, this floral design contrasted with navy hues is bound to make a statement.

Wrap dress for the win

We love a gorgeous wrap dress. Not only are these trendy designs comfortable, but they can be as chic as you would like. Add a few patterns or make it pop with a gorgeous colour like emerald green and you have a winner.

Jumping for joy

Jumpsuits don’t have to be the only thing on the bridal menu. Jumpsuits are uber comfortable and can add a little twist to your wedding party, the colour is also to die for!

Who says chiffon is outdated? This fabric is an extremely popular and versatile choice and can be incredibly affordable for bridal couples on a budget. There are so many possibilities that come with choosing this fabric, but make it’s always important to make it your own.

A sea of velvet dreams

When you think of bridesmaids dresses, velvet may not be the first thing that comes to mind. This fabric can be quite a departure from traditional fabrics such as chiffon, but it offers a unique look for brides looking to take the road less travelled. It will also leave your bridal babes feeling stylish and oh-so fierce.

Pictures: Pinterest | Show me your Mumu

In Engagements

Emerald Resort & Casino launches a premier wedding destination

February 15, 2022 No Comments

There’s a new wedding destination for Gauteng brides and grooms to add to their wedding venue list. Emerald Resort & Casino are upping the ante by ensuring that you have the perfect wedding venue and allowing you to bring your Big Day to life.

“Emerald is the ultimate destination where the vision of your dream wedding will be brought to life. We can customize your wedding with the traditions of your heritage and cater for a small intimate affair or create your fairy-tale wedding of up to1500 guests, all without leaving our complex. We are only 45 min from Johannesburg International Airport, on a private estate on the lush banks of the Vaal River”, says Tanuja Gangabishun, Marketing Executive at Emerald Resort and Casino.

A 3 000 square meter Arena at Emerald offers the bridal couples a unique opportunity to host large weddings using round tables, while Kilimanjaro has a warm ambience for groups of up to 160 guests.

The Game Park Lapa is captivating and offers a gorgeous outdoor option, weather permitting. The other enchanting venue for an outdoor wedding is the Outdoor Chapel which can be set up in many different ways, catering for small or large groups.

The venues are versatile and the setting offers beautiful locations for dramatic and spectacular photographs right there on complex. Booking this premiere wedding destination means that the wedding party can enjoy all the before and after events on one complex. There is no need to travel to enjoy a bachelor party of bridal shower, or entertain the guests. The complex offers a wide variety of venues and entertainment.

Complementing the selection of venues, Emerald offers several accommodation options to suit every taste and every budget, from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star offerings. There are a wide variety of activities available on the complex to keep everyone entertained while the bride is pampered and treated like the queen she is.

Enjoy game drives, visit the Aquadome with its heated pools, or take a relaxing river cruise. The bride can even plan a magical floating wedding on the Vaal River with Emerald Resort and Casino.

“Weddings can be very complex and stressful for the happy couple, which is why we have put together several packages with a specialist in the industry, Farzana Mayet rom Panache International. It is a rare opportunity to be able to work with a professional like Farzana,” says Tanuja Gangabishun, Marketing Executive at Emerald Resort and Casino.

Tailor-made packages are available which can include arrangements for the bridal shower and bachelor party at Emerald, Mehndi night function, and the wedding day with an array of Halaal food and catering, entertainment, photographer and videographer etc.

Optional extras such as a Mehndi artist, Qawali singer, and make-up artist and wedding cakes can also be included.

Allow the team to tailor a wedding experience to meet your requirements.

Contact Farzana on 072 174 0896 or email [email protected]

Picture/s: Emerald Resort & Casino

In Destination

Garden Route on the list of most romantic road trips in the world!

February 11, 2022 No Comments

Whether you call the Western Cape home or you and your significant other love to hop in your car and explore what our beautiful country has to offer, as South Africans, we all know that the Garden Route is a scenic slice of paradise, promising a road trip that will take your breath away.

This 300 km route of spectacular beauty along the southwest coast of South Africa is known for its ecologically diverse vegetation, numerous lagoons, forests, lakes, and beautiful beaches.

And now the rest of the world knows it too after the latest research revealed the most romantic road trips for couples to explore, and the Garden Route is on the list!

Car insurance company Confused.com took a deep dive into hundreds of thousands of reviews from popular venues that you may encounter along each route, and this was then used to calculate an overall ‘romance score’.

The ‘Count of Reviews Containing Romantic Terms’ was the main component to measure romance, and routes that included romantic terminology in their reviews scored much higher.

According to the research, the German Alpine Road is the most romantic driving route, earning a delicious romance score of 9.56/10. Puglia in Italy bagged the second spot with a 9.13 score and the Amalfi Coast in Italy claimed third with a 8.69 rating.

The list goes on to evaluate more than 20 other stunning locations, including the Garden Route!

So there you go lovers, a trip to the Garden Route awaits, and right on time for Valentine’s Day!

Picture: Cape {town} Etc

In Advice

5 Colour palette trends for 2022 that we’re loving right now!

February 10, 2022 No Comments

If you’re busy planning your wedding, there are probably a million things you’ve managed to scribble down on your to-do list. Nestled between dress fittings and chats with vendors is probably choosing the perfect colour palette for your wedding.

Now, we’re sure that we don’t have to tell you how important choosing colours for your big day can be. After all, it’s right at the top of your list. The colour palette of your choice will influence every aspect of your day – from the decor to the cake.

Of course, this can feel incredibly overwhelming. Thankfully, the experts are providing us with some direction. Here are a few of the most popping colours for 2022:

“Very Peri”

It’s only fitting that we start with Pantone’s Colour of the Year – Very Peri. A beautiful combination of blues and purples that offer a romantic and vibrant tone to your wedding celebration. This colour packs a punch and works well when paired with pink, vibrant purples, or even classic black.

Stay in neutral

While sticking to neutral colours such as creams and whites may seem like the safe bet, experts say this is quite popular right now. However, opting for texture and adding floral to add a little pop can be a great way to take things to the next level.

Terracotta & Rust

This beautiful warm hue has been everywhere in 2021, and trust us, it’s not going anywhere. These colours are borrowed from Mother Nature and offer earthy tones that are perfect for any wedding – no matter the season.

Stay Bold

Not every wedding couple likes to play it safe. Bold and vibrant colours such as deep purples and blues can feel like a massive departure from the traditional blush pinks or all-white decor, but this can be an amazing way to make a splash on your wedding day. If you’re feeling a little anxious about it, why not pair it with a tone that you feel a bit more comfortable with.

A sea of grass and sage

A breath of fresh air. These are the perfect tones for wedding couples looking to add a soft and relaxing feel to their decor. Deeper greens and blues work well with these colours, as well as gold.

Picture: Pinterest

In Advice

6 Unique Ways to make Valentine’s Day extra special this year

February 7, 2022 No Comments

2020 – 2021 have not been easy years. A pandemic, endless lockdowns, wedding reschedules and honeymoon cancellations due to travel restrictions have certainly put on damper on things.

However, it’s a new year and we’re doing things a bit differently! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and a pandemic still a reality, we’re skipping the chocolates this year and opting for things that will show that special person in your life just how much you care about them.

Through thick and thin, right? Here are six uber-romantic ways to make Valentine’s Day special this year.

Write a love letter

Nothing spells romance quite like a beautiful handwritten letter. Messaging the old-fashioned way can be a great way to put your feelings into words and present your significant other with something they can hold on to. Take it up a notch by bringing them breakfast in bed and adding your letter as an appetizer.

Do something new together

The couple who tries new things together, stays together! Well, that may not be how the saying goes, but various psychology studies attest to it and claim that new experiences can have a bonding effect on couples. Airbnb Experiences and Hyperli can be great places for you to find new and fun things to do together, just make sure that it’s something both of you have never done before!

A romantic picnic

Summer is the perfect time to grab your picnic basket and enjoy some fun in the sun. Every couple will be heading to your local restaurant, so why not head out and enjoy some fresh air instead. Make it extra special by whipping up something special for your partner – perhaps their favourite dish or dessert, and heading out to the perfect spot in nature. The beach and local park are both great spots for a romantic picnic.

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Get cooking

Is there anything more intimate than cooking a delicious meal for your partner? If the thought of spending another Valentine‘s Day in a restaurant has your stomach-turning, consider staying at home and enjoying an intimate night in. Do your best MasterChef impression and have a friendly cooking competition, with scorecards and everything! Give each other a mystery basket of ingredients and find out what the other can cook up in the kitchen.

A backyard campout

If you’re not looking to travel far this Valentine’s Day then why not keep it close to home. Grab your tent and enjoy the best camping spot in town – your backyard. If you have the space, consider transforming it into a romantic outdoor oasis, complete with marshmallows and a campfire. Switch things up by grabbing a sheet and projector and having a romantic movie night under the stars.

Goof off for the day.

Become romantic truants by taking a day off and spending it with each other. Start the day off slow by having breakfast in bed, reading a book or binge-watching your favourite show before heading out and enjoying what your city has to offer. You even want to turn up the romance by heading to the spot where the two of you first fell in love!

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Picture: Instagram

In Destination

Swoon! South Africa was voted the 6th best honeymoon destination in 2022

January 31, 2022 No Comments

Forget the Amalfi Coast of Italy or the azure blue waters of the Maldives, South Africa is the perfect destination for newlyweds looking to kick back after months of wedding planning, stare into each other’s eyes, and enjoy a romance-filled getaway that will inevitably set the tone for a lifetime of adventures.

While we know South Africa is a destination close to our hearts, it seems 1.6 million international travellers agree with us. According to a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, SA is the perfect destination to enjoy a romantic getaway after saying “I do.“

Looks like the rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch and the majestic Big 5 in the Kruger National Park have snagged us a spot at number 6, beating out honeymoon favourites such as Hawaii and Spain.

Also Read: How to pick your honeymoon destination

The gorgeous white-sandy beaches of Clifton, coupled with the mesmerising beauty of Table Mountain ensure honeymooners get to enjoy the perfect beachside escape. But it’s this classic honeymoon picture juxtaposed with the rugged beauty of South Africa that is sure to steal every newlywed’s heart. An epic trip in a hot air balloon over the beauty of Magaliesberg or a magical stroll in one of the many tropical forests that make up KwaZulu-Natal – there’s literally something for everyone.

“South Africa is a dream location to visit: endless natural beauty and clifftop views, pastel pink neighbourhoods in Cape Town, wineries in Stellenbosch and turquoise waters. What more could you ask for from a romantic honeymoon?“

Yes to all of the above!

Picture: tripstocherish

In Engagements

A spark of inspiration! 7 Wedding dress ideas that we can’t get enough of

January 26, 2022 No Comments

There’s nothing we love more than receiving a healthy dose of inspiration, especially when it comes to wedding planning. The biggest thing to tick off the to-do list right now? The wedding dress. With so many incredible designers to choose from and endless trends to pour over, it can be tough to settle on a single design.

Thankfully, you don’t have to. Here are a few incredible wedding dress designs that we can’t get enough of right now:

Off the shoulder never looked this good

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXy2LjYqjSt/

Bohemian Flow

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRV_IH9J8eu/

Queen-spiration

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Pretty, please with a bow on top

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A post shared by ELIE SAAB Bridal (@eliesaabbridal)

Simplicity

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A post shared by AlёnaLeenaBridal (@alenaleenabridal)

A Classic

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A Gorgeous Switch-up

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A post shared by Elbeth Gillis (@elbethgillis)

Picture: @thunderandlove