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In Bachelorette Party

15 Bachelorette themes we’re loving

March 27, 2026 No Comments

Planning a bachelorette party should feel like part of the celebration and not another task on your list. The easiest way to pull everything together? A strong bachelorette theme.

These are the bachelorette themes we’re loving right now — a mix of playful, polished and just the right amount of extra.

Groovy & boozy

A retro moment that leans all the way in. Think bold colour, disco energy and a dancefloor that doesn’t quit. A DIY cocktail station keeps things interactive and slightly chaotic — in the best way.

Last swing before the ring

Preppy with a twist. Whether it’s golf or tennis, this theme is all about country club styling, crisp palettes and a few competitive moments to keep the energy up.

Girls just wanna have sun

For the bride who belongs near the ocean. Relaxed, sun-soaked and easy to execute. Add tropical touches, fresh food and a sunset moment that naturally turns into a party.

Mamma Mia

A love letter to long lunches and even longer nights. Inspired by Mamma Mia!, expect blue-and-white details, shared plates and a playlist that quickly becomes a singalong.

Pearls, pjs and prosecco

Matching sets, glowing skin and bubbles on repeat. Add a spa element or movie marathon for a night that feels intimate but still elevated.

Last sail before the veil

Crisp, coastal and a little glam. Whether you’re actually on the water or just dressing like it, think stripes, spritzes and a day that rolls seamlessly into night.

Margs & matrimony

A margarita bar, citrus details and a menu built around sharing. It’s relaxed but still feels like a celebration.

Let’s get naut-i

Start with a boat day, end with a night out. Swimsuits, snacks and sea air by day, then a themed bar crawl after. Effortless, but memorable.

Looking like a snack

Playful and completely unserious. Assign each guest a snack-inspired outfit and commit. It’s guaranteed laughs and photos you’ll actually keep.

The one where she gets married

A nostalgic nod to Friends. Slogan tees, coffee-shop corners and a theme that works just as well for a night in as it does for a city break.

Last rodeo

Western, but make it fashion. Cowgirl hats, boots and just enough fringe. It’s bold, photogenic and full of personality.

On cloud nine

Soft and dreamy. Whites, silvers and floaty textures set the tone. It’s more aesthetic than chaotic — perfect for a bride who loves a polished look.

Wig out

Low effort, high impact. Everyone arrives in a wig — the bigger, the better. Add a playful runway moment and you’ve got instant entertainment.

Until they’re old and gray

Unexpected and very funny. Dress like your future selves, then head out and prove you’ve still got it. Lighthearted, ironic and always a talking point.

Final fiesta

Colour, music and a table that feels abundant. It’s festive, easy to pull together and perfect for a group that wants energy from start to finish.

ALSO SEE: The Hen Commandments: Dos and don’ts for planning the bachelorette party

The Hen Commandments: Dos and don’ts for planning the bachelorette party

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

The shift towards later marriages

March 24, 2026 No Comments

Once upon a time, saying “I do” in your early twenties felt like a given. Today? Not so much. South Africans are rewriting the rules of romance, choosing to marry later, more intentionally, and often with a clearer sense of self.

According to the latest Marriages and Divorces, 2023 report by Statistics South Africa, the median age for civil marriages has steadily climbed over the past decade. In 2014, grooms typically married at 35 and brides at 31. Fast forward to 2023, and those numbers have shifted to 38 for men and 34 for women.

It’s a subtle but telling change — one that signals a move away from traditional timelines and towards something more personal. Careers, financial stability, and personal growth are taking priority, with marriage becoming less about age and more about readiness.

Fewer weddings, bigger meaning

It’s not just when people are getting married — it’s how many are choosing to do so at all.

In 2023, South Africa recorded 105 123 marriages and unions, including civil, customary, and civil unions. Civil marriages alone dropped from 150 852 in 2014 to 99 289 in 2023, a significant 34,2% decline.

This doesn’t necessarily mean love is fading. If anything, it suggests couples are becoming more intentional. Marriage is no longer seen as a default step into adulthood, but rather a conscious decision.

Age gaps and evolving norms

While modern love may be more flexible, some traditions remain. In 2023, the majority of marriages still involved older grooms — 75,2% in civil unions and an even higher 87,1% in customary marriages.

At the same time, the age bracket for brides is shifting upward. Where women once commonly married between 25 and 29, the new norm sits between 30 and 34, another clear sign that timelines are changing.

While this shift may feel unfamiliar to older generations, it could signal something positive. Today’s couples are choosing readiness over routine, prioritising emotional maturity, financial stability, and personal growth before saying “I do.” Tradition will always have its place, but modern love is proving that the right timing is just as important.

ALSO SEE: The latest marriage statistics in South Africa

The latest marriage statistics in South Africa

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

The latest marriage statistics in South Africa

March 23, 2026 No Comments

New data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) highlights a clear shift in South Africa’s relationship landscape: fewer people are getting married, while divorce rates are increasing, with women continuing to file for the majority of cases.

But beyond the numbers, the data also points to something more meaningful: couples are approaching marriage with greater intention, and individuals are making more informed decisions about long-term commitment.

Marriages continue to decline

In 2024, South Africa recorded 102 373 marriages and unions, down 2.6% from 2023. Since 2015, marriages have decreased by 28.5%.

Civil marriages followed the same pattern, declining to 97 510 in 2024. This steady drop suggests that many couples are choosing to marry later, taking more time before formalising their relationships.

Divorce numbers are rising

A total of 24 202 divorces were granted in 2024 — an 8.9% increase from the previous year.

Women filed for 57.2% of these divorces, continuing a consistent trend. This reflects greater access to legal processes, as well as increased financial independence and decision-making power.

Provincial breakdown

Divorce cases initiated by women were highest in Gauteng (31.0%), followed by the Western Cape (18.6%) and KwaZulu-Natal (13.8%).

Who is filing for divorce?

Most women filing for divorce in 2024 were ending their first marriage (89.1%). The highest number of divorces occurred among women aged 40 to 44, followed by those aged 35 to 39.

In most cases (70.7%), women were younger than their spouses.

Employment and independence

Of the women who filed for divorce, 44.6% were employed, many in professional, technical, managerial, and administrative roles. Financial stability gives individuals more control over major life decisions, including whether to stay in a marriage.

When marriages end

The largest share of divorces (26.7%) occurred in marriages lasting five to nine years, followed by 10 to 14 years (21.3%). Overall, 41.7% of divorces involved marriages that lasted less than a decade.

A shift towards intentional commitment

While the number of marriages is declining, the data suggests a move towards more considered, intentional unions. Many couples are choosing to marry later, after establishing careers and gaining life experience.

ALSO SEE: (Don’t) put a ring on it

(Don’t) put a ring on it

Feature image: Pexels

In Celebs

Zendaya’s ‘wedding photos’ break the internet

March 23, 2026 No Comments

When images of Zendaya and Tom Holland seemingly tying the knot began circulating online, fans didn’t hesitate to believe the fairytale. Set against the romantic stillness of Lake Como, the pictures looked convincingly real.

There was just one catch: every single image was AI-generated.

A viral illusion

The photos spread like wildfire across Instagram and X, with millions liking, sharing and — crucially — believing what they were seeing. While some posts included small disclaimers labelling the images as “artistic recreations,” the detail was easy to miss in a sea of double taps.

“They’re not real”

Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Zendaya addressed the moment with a kind of amused disbelief that feels very on-brand.

While she was out in the real world, people were stopping her to gush over her “wedding photos”. Her response was simple: the images weren’t real.

Even more surprising? It wasn’t just fans who were convinced. People in her own circle had seen the images and assumed they were legitimate, with some jokingly offended that they hadn’t been invited.

Of course, the internet didn’t pull this narrative out of thin air. Rumours around the couple’s relationship have been quietly building for a while. Stylist Law Roach previously hinted that a wedding may have already taken place.

Then came Paris Fashion Week, where Zendaya stepped out wearing a gold band, and suddenly speculation had something visual to latch onto.

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The reality behind the romance

Zendaya and Holland’s real-life love story began on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming, and since then, they’ve become one of Hollywood’s most quietly adored couples.

They’re set to reunite again in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with more shared screen time on the horizon, including The Odyssey.

ALSO SEE: Lily Collins reunited with her engagement ring three years after it was stolen

Lily Collins reunited with her engagement ring three years after it was stolen

Source: Adapted from reporting by BBC News.

Feature image: Zendaya/Instagram

In Engagements

[From the archive] Man makes wedding ring from own fingernails

March 20, 2026 No Comments

Originally posted in 2019.

Creativity is always encouraged and being inventive is cool. But this guy might have just taken it too far. A Japanese man collected his fingernail clippings for a year, then ground it to a powder and baked it to create a “stone” for an engagement ring. The end result is a pitch black, rock hard stone. If you didn’t know, you would probably never guess that’s it’s made from human nails.

He created the silver band himself too, baking and filing everything from scratch, and filming the whole painstaking process. The video went viral and has over 11 million views. The internet is not quite sure how to respond, ranging from disgusted to amazed!

We’re not sure if he actually proposed to someone with it yet, but we do think he would be a very hands-on husband.

Picture: Youtube:/ kiwami Japan

In Advice

How to save money on wedding flowers without sacrificing style

March 19, 2026 No Comments

What’s a wedding without a flower or two (or 100)? Here’s how to stay in the green when it comes to your floral arrangements.

In Engagements

Practical tips to find your perfect wedding gown

March 17, 2026 No Comments

Most women know what style of wedding dress they want. But have you considered the practicalities of finding your dream frock that have nothing to do with how it looks? Renowned local dress designer Janita Toerien lets us in on the little things you may overlook when shopping for your dress.

WEAR THE RIGHT UNDERWEAR
You head into the changing area with a pile of gorgeous dresses, you try on the first one and it is just so… anti-climactic. Why doesn’t it look like you imagined? Well, for one, you’re wearing a bright blue thong that throws off the whole look. Wear the right underwear so the G-string doesn’t make a shadow on the dress or you stress about panties that cut into your bum, says Janita. Fitting consultants won’t judge you on your granny panties or boy shorts! Wearing undies that match your skin tone and shape, and suck in where necessary, help smooth out the silhouette so you can see exactly how the dress is meant to fit.

FACTOR IN WHERE YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED
Janita says this is often forgotten: Is the dress practical for your wedding? Consider the physical aspects of where you’re getting married and how your dress will fit into that. For example, a heavy lace-trimmed train and veil will pick up little twigs and dirt as you walk down the aisle of a forest wedding. Or a heavy duchess satin dress will be uncomfortable hot at a midday beach wedding. Choose a dress in the style you love, but that will still allow you to be as comfortable as possible.

THINK ABOUT THE GIRLS
Don’t overlook the importance of your boobs: Too much cleavage can distract from your overall look; too covered up can look matronly, not to mention ensuring there’s no accidental spillage. Big busts always look great in a lower neckline, Janita says, but not too low – just enough to open up the chest and shoulder area. This can be a V-neck, off-the-shoulder or scooped neckline. But stay away from strapless, she pleads: “I could write a whole page about why, but for now just heed my advice.” For our flatter-chested sisters, your choices are much wider, but if you want your bust to appear larger, raise the neckline of the dress, she says. Whether it’s a halterneck, V-neck, boat or round neck, simply lift that line a few centimetres.

WALK, SIT, CROUCH, BEND, DANCE!
Standing in front of a mirror for 10 minutes isn’t going to give you the full effect of how a dress really wears. Does the top slip down? Do the straps fall off your shoulders? Does the bodice cut into your stomach when you sit? Do you trip on the hem? Get a feel for the dress by sitting, crouching, hugging your mom and busting out a move with your hands in the air. If at any point you have to readjust it, imagine doing that a couple of hundred times on the big day. If it can be fixed with alterations, get them done. If not, it’s probably best to move on.

ASK ABOUT FABRICS
Will it crease badly? Show sweat patches? Make you itchy? Don’t assume all dresses are made equal. Every kind of fabric has its own characteristics, Janita says, so a dress designer worth their salt will take the time to explain the different options and their pros and cons. Take bride fabric shopping to discuss exactly this. Does the fabric feel good on her skin? Does she perspire easily when under stress or does she have sensitive skin? These are all things to take into consideration.

BUY FOR YOUR CURRENT SIZE, NOT YOUR IDEAL SIZE
Many brides go on a weight-loss mission before the wedding. If you’re one of them, it’s best to try lose the weight (or close enough) before you start shopping around. You never know if you’re going to lose the weight in time, so don’t buy around what might happen. The last thing you want is an ill-fitting dress on your big day. It’s much easier to take a dress in with alterations than it is to let out, with much less risk of losing the dress completely.

CLOSE YOUR CIRCLE
What dress-shopping mistakes does Janita see brides making all the time?
“They bring too many people with them, and do far too much shopping. First rule: when you start shopping, make sure you don’t want to have any more than three brides in your bridal party. Choose only two or three designers/boutiques to visit, and if you feel exhausted and overwhelmed at some point, take a step back, regroup and really think about what you want – ignore everyone else’s opinions.”

EMERGENCY KIT:
What should you pack for the day of the wedding?
• Needle and thread
• Double-sided tape
• A pair of good scissors (Cut that train off if it gets in the way of dancing! Janita says)

ALSO SEE: High-neck wedding dresses we love

High-neck wedding dresses we love

Written by Andrea Robertson for Wedding Etc. Summer 2019

Feature image: Pexels

In Bachelorette Party

The Hen Commandments: Dos and don’ts for planning the bachelorette party

March 16, 2026 No Comments

Have you been tasked with arranging the all-important bachelorette party? Before you break out in hives because of the sheer immensity of the situation, read our Hen Commandments. This dos and don’ts list will ensure you throw a party that will leave the bride glowing with happiness – not fuming with anger.

#1 Thou shalt be organised

Set a day way in advance and give everyone enough time to arrange their lives, plan and be there (with bells on) for the bride.

#2 Thou shalt organise a night the bride wants

And not what you want… If the bride is a Champagne and strawberries kind of lady, don’t arrange a craft-beer tasting and hot-dog day. Or if she loves to chug back the brew, don’t get everyone together for a high tea. Be creative about your theme and activities, and make sure they reflect the bride’s personality.

#3 Thou shalt never make the bride feel awkward

It might be a lot of fun to dress the bride up like Borat and make her dance at a traffic light, but the whole reason for the hen party is for her to stop fretting about the wedding for a second and have a blast. You don’t want her dying of embarrassment and wishing she was folding 700 paper frogs with Aunt Margaret instead.

#4 Thou shalt not assume the bride wants a stripper

It’s not a bachelorette bash without some strippers! Ever heard that gem? It’s rubbish, ladies. It can leave some conservative brides in tears. Find other ways to spend the money, unless your bride has specifically requested one (or three).

#5 Thou shalt take others’ budgets into account

Nobody wants to feel pressured to spend more than they can afford on a night out or a weekend away. Before you make the plans, get an idea of what everyone is willing to spend on the party, and then set a budget.

#6 Thou shalt discuss the list with the bride

You can keep everything else a surprise, but not the guest list. If you leave out someone important, the bride will have to deal with the consequences.

#7 Thou shalt involve others

Yes, you might be the maid of honour and the bride’s BFF, but that’s not to say no one else can get involved in the planning. Be open to ideas and offers of help, and delegate where possible.

#8 Thou shalt relax and enjoy thyself

Being the person in charge can be stressful, but if you’re not enjoying yourself, neither will anyone else. Relax and let the party come together.

#9 Thou shalt get everyone home safe

If you’re hitting the town and painting it red, organise Ubers or a shuttle for everyone. You don’t need any drama close to the wedding.

#10 Thou shalt not post ugly photos on Facebook

Ban phones and any posting to Facebook or Instagram on the night, and keep any dodgy photos to yourself. Waking up with a hangover is one thing. Waking up with a hangover and your night blasted all over the ’Gram is another…

ALSO SEE: Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

Written by Claire Davies for Wedding Etc Summer 2019.

Feature image: Pexels

In Celebs

Lily Collins reunited with her engagement ring three years after it was stolen

March 10, 2026 No Comments

For many brides, losing an engagement ring is the ultimate nightmare. For Lily Collins, that nightmare became a reality. But the story now has a happy ending.

According to Vogue, the Emily in Paris star has been reunited with her beloved engagement ring, three years after it was stolen. Collins shared the news on Instagram Stories on 6 March, posting a selfie with the ring back on her finger. “Having this home means SO much to us. I’m still speechless [that] it’s back on my finger,” she wrote.

The sentimental piece is a one-of-a-kind rose-cut diamond ring designed by jeweller Irene Neuwirth and reportedly valued at more than $80 000.

Collins first announced her engagement to filmmaker Charlie McDowell in September 2020 after he proposed during a romantic trip to Mexico. The couple later tied the knot in September 2021 at Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado.

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A post shared by Lily Collins (@lilyjcollins)

In May 2023, the actress experienced every bride’s worst fear when her engagement ring, wedding band, and several electronic devices were stolen from a locker at the spa inside the West Hollywood EDITION hotel. Authorities investigated the theft at the time, but the items were not immediately recovered.

The ring’s return came thanks to Chicago-based jeweller Joe the Jeweler, who realised that a ring he had recently purchased at a trade show actually belonged to Collins. After discovering its origin, he ensured the special piece was returned to its rightful owner.

ALSO SEE: Alternative engagement ring stones

Alternative engagement ring stones

Feature image: Lily Collins/Instagram

In Advice

What to eat before and on your wedding day

March 5, 2026 No Comments

Feeling your absolute best on your wedding day is non-negotiable. We asked Loredana Loots, an integrative nutrition and holistic health coach, for her advice on what to eat before and on your wedding day:

“With only a few days to go and a whirlwind of emotions, arrangements and final prep, you may (understandably) not give much thought about what you are eating and drinking. What you consume actually has a major impact on how feel – physically, mentally and emotionally. Every couple deserves to look and feel like a million bucks on their special day. These handy food secrets are a must!