Engagements Archives | Page 34 of 45

In Advice

What to do as soon as you get engaged

December 13, 2019 No Comments

Getting engaged is a very exciting moment. You feel like you’re living a dream. At the same time, you’re probably feeling frantic because you’re unsure of all the things you need to do as a result. You suddenly feel flooded with responsibility.

Don’t let this exciting time slip through your fingers. Follow this list of things to do as soon as you get engaged, and you’ll feel much better about things running smoothly.

– Take it all in

You’ve just said yes and your mind is already in a hundred different places. Take a breath and live in the moment. This is something you’ll want to remember (with all the little details). Take a photo to capture the moment and spend some time just taking in the joy.

– Start speading the news

Most importantly, you need to let you parents know. Tell your parents first, before you post anything online. Then, make sure you call the other important people in your life. Last but not least, post a cheeky picture to social media, if that’s your style. It’s sure to be your most liked picture yet.

– Celebrate

Spend a night celebrating with your partner. Getting engaged is a huge deal and it’s also a very personal occasion for the two of you. Make sure you spend some time alone.

Thereafter, you may want to have some celebratory drinks or a dinner with your close family and friends.

– Size and insure the ring

In most cases, the ring won’t fit. This is simply because your partner can’t have it sized before the proposal. If it does fit, thats great! If it doesn’t, have it sized as soon as possible. The last thing you want is to lose it.

A similar precaution that is good to take is to have the ring insured. Ask an insurance broker or ask your jeweller for some recommendations.

– Compile an inspiration folder

Start scrolling! Search Pinterest, Instagram wedding accounts (like Wedding ETC’s Insta page), and make Google your new best friend. Look for ideas for your wedding decor, honeymoon, and wedding dress/suit. The sooner you start looking, the sooner you’ll plan your perfect wedding.

– Start thinking details

Set aside some time to speak to your partner about a rough budget for the wedding and honeymoon. Discuss possible dates too.

– Do some research

Wedding photographers, wedding planners and wedding venues get scooped up early. Do some research about which professionals you want involved in your wedding and where you would like it to be. You won’t regret it when you have everything you want.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Bridal shower etiquette: Tips to remember

December 11, 2019 No Comments

Bridal showers are one of the most popular pre-wedding occassions. The event is a party in honour of the bride and a step towards preparing for married life. Brides look forward to spending quality time with their closest female friends and family, and having all the important people get to know each other before the big day.

This can be a heavy weight on the shoulders of those planning the bridal shower. There are quite a few things that need to be kept in mind. We’re quite certain that you want to make the day as amazing as possible.

Here are a few tips to help you ensure that things run smoothly and turn out perfectly:

– Who hosts and pays?

Usually, bridesmaids are the ones who take control of the bridal shower. In fact, tradition (which has changed with the times) says that the brides family should not throw the shower. These days, however, the bride or grooms mother may be involved in organising too. The bride should barely be involved in the planning!

– When and where should it be?

The bridal shower can be held from about 3 months before the wedding to a few weeks before.

The venue depends on the individual circumstances. If the host has a big enough space at home then it could be held there. It could also be at a family members home, or a restaurant.

– Who is invited?

Most importantly, only people who are invited to the wedding should be considered for the bridal shower. Included in the guest list should be the bridal party, the bride and grooms mothers, female family members, and female friends. It is not necessary to invite every single woman in the brides life, just the most important ones.

– When to send out invites?

You should aim to send out the invitations about a month before the time for the latest. This ensures that guests save the date well in advance. It also ensures that guests can plan gifts and travel (if they live far away).

Extra tip: on the invitation you should include the brides name, the hosts information, date, time, location, RSVP information and registry information. Your invite sets the tone for the event, so make sure it looks good too!

– What food do I serve?

Since this is a celebration, it would be appropriate to have some cake and desserts. Finger foods such as sliders, savouries, and sandwiches are also a good addition.

Alcoholic beverages are acceptable, but make sure you keep it classy. Go with some champagne or cocktails. You can also serve tea and coffee towards the end of the event.

– Are there any traditions to follow?

It is generally not necessary to follow tradition if you don’t want to. However, some traditions include having something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue handed over to the bride. Another one that is quite popular is creating a bouquet using the ribbons from gifts and using the bouquet at the rehearsal.

Tradition also says that the shower should include various games about the bride and grooms relationship and games that are a bit embarrassing for the bride. These have mostly faded away over time.

Gift specific tips:

– How do I ask guests to come with gifts?

Most guests will know that a gift is necessary for a bridal shower. However, simply adding the registry on the invitation is an indirect way of reminding guests about gifts. The bride can also request that nobody brings gifts if she so pleases.

– Does the bride open gifts at the shower?

Another bridal shower tradition is one that suggests the bride should open all the gifts at the shower. This is not necessary at all. It could be used as an ice-breaker, but if the bride prefers to open gifts in private thats fine too!

If gifts are being opened at the shower, ensure that somebody is keeping track of who has given what. The bride will need to send thank you cards a few weeks after the shower. If she can’t remember who gave her what, that would be a disaster!

– Hostess gifts?

This one is a bonus tip for the bride. Be sure to get the hostess a gift as a token of your gratitude. Throwing a bridal shower is no small task and we’re sure you want your hostess to know that you appreciate her efforts!

Image: Pexels

In Announcements

Man stages robbery to propose

December 11, 2019 No Comments

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

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

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

Luckily, she said yes.

Watch the video below:

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

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

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

Feature Image: Inside Edition

In Beauty

Alternative wedding nails that aren’t totally crazy

December 10, 2019 No Comments

Many brides go for a neutral nail look on their wedding day. We’ve had the French manicure, then we had the plain white or cream. Some even went as far as subtle pinks. Other brides who were not sold on the idea of subtle went for over-the-top glitzy nail art or bright colours. But what about the in-between? Fret not! There are loads of other options that are truly gorgeous, not too extra and far away from boring.

Two-toned matt

Pearl colours

Metallic flecks

Galactic splendour

Dark (k)night

Boho chic

Glossy shine

Textured finish

Picture: Instagram/Lolaliner

In Engagements

Men’s wedding bands that aren’t boring

December 9, 2019 No Comments

A ring is a symbol of your love and eternal commitment, so why not have a special one? Men’s wedding bands have a tendency to lean towards bland. However, there are so many small touches that can elevate a ring while still being understated. If you’re on the market for a wedding band, check out these unique offerings.

American Swiss

This 9ct yellow gold and sterling silver ring, coined the Johnny ring, features a bold design of heat-treated black diamonds. Perfect for the man not afraid of a little shine.

Price: R3 299

Shimansky

This 5mm half-round band features a hammered finish crafted in Palladium, creating a subtle design for understated uniqueness.

Price: upon request

Wolf Bros

This ring is made in white gold with a combination of rope and polished edges. They can be made up in 9ct or 18ct yellow gold or white gold, as well as in platinum.

Price: material dependant

Sterns

This 9ct yellow gold men’s ring, named the Midnight Magic ring, reveals a bold design of heat-treated black diamonds in a rectangular shape.

Price: R 4 289

NWJ

This ring features Silver, Gold Diamond and White Sapphire in a unique design reminiscent of ocean waves. A true statement ring for the bold groom.

Price: R5 230

Arthur Kaplan

If you’re not one for gold, this Titanium d-shape wedding band with wild olive wood inlay is the perfect blend of rugged design and modernity.

Price: R3,199.00

Image: Unsplash

In Announcements

Lucky couple get engaged on Mzansi Super League field

December 9, 2019 No Comments

Who said romance at cricket matches is dead? Mzansi Super League (MSL) 2.0 is not just about bats and balls, but about love in action too.

SuperSport Park came to a standstill last Friday when one lucky couple’s dreams became a reality. They got engaged out on the field in front of thousands of spectators at their favourite venue during the Tshwane Spartans and Paarl Rocks clash last Friday evening.

There was probably no better backdrop than one of the most picturesque venues in the world when Jacques Storm (32) decided that it was time to “do the right thing” and ask his girlfriend of three years, Lizelle Smit (24), for her hand in marriage. What he might not have known was that his cameo inning would eclipse all cheers that might have been reserved for AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis and Tabraiz Shamsi on the night.

Storm, having given his idea to the tournament organisers, hoodwinked his soon-to-be fiancée into believing that they were lucky ticket winners and that they had to claim their ultimate prize out on the field during the interval break. Then as the live SABC cameras were rolling, he got on one knee to ask Smit for her hand in marriage.

“Let me tell you this – my mouth was so dry. I was so nervous that I battled to get the words out, but I think I she understood what I was trying to say!” said Storm as he recalls the most important day of his life. “Lizelle was also so nervous she almost started crying. I think it was seeing so many people sitting and cheering behind us.”

“I am a sporting person, having played SA Schools cricket when I was 19, so there was no other place for me to do what I considered the right thing to do, and to be with a person that has contributed immensely to me over the last two years. I didn’t want to do the obvious and go to a restaurant. I wanted to make it unique – so I am glad that I could get to do it in an MSL game.”

Smit also added: “I am not going to lie, I was definitely not expecting it, but it turned out to be a fantastic night. It turned out to be a really good shock.”

“I knew she was going to say yes…but my colleagues at work kept asking me, saying ‘what if she says no?’ in the days leading up to the event. I must confess, it did create some doubt. I was mostly convinced that she would say yes, because we had just moved in together the week before,” he said.

“The fans kept coming to congratulate us for the rest of the game. Even when we went out for drinks after the match, people recognised us. Let me put it this way: we have received plenty of venue suggestions for our marriage.”

“We have not thought of a venue, but even if it is behind the sightscreen at a cricket field, I am just glad that Lizelle said yes when I proposed to her.”

Image: Instagram / Mzansi Super League

In Advice

How to avoid family drama at your wedding

December 9, 2019 No Comments

Everything is organised: Your dress, your hair and make-up. The catering and photography are all systems go and you and your spouse-to-be are super excited for the big day. There’s just one issue left to tackle: the guests. You both love your families, but they can be a handful. This cousin is angry with that aunt, and that uncle hasn’t spoken to this one’s dad in years. Hopefully, you or your partner’s family members are mature enough to behave well at the wedding for your sakes and not ruin your day. But you never know!

So how do you handle family feuds on what’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life? Here are some things to keep in mind to help you prevent the much-dreaded drama:

1. Be smart with seating arrangements
When it comes to practical things like seating, be mindful of who sits next to whom. Of course, it might not be possible to keep everyone happy, but you can at least try to arrange it in a way that arguments will be least likely to break out.

2. Never get involved in the details
Remember, if it’s not your fight, it’s not your place to intervene. You have bigger things to worry about! For you to try and get in between will waste energy and emotional resources you’re supposed to save for joyous moments. Keep out of it as far as possible. When either of the parties involved try to drag you in, just calmly but firmly say something like “I understand that it’s tough for you, and I really appreciate that you’re here for me. I will not be able to talk to him/her about this, but why don’t you join me on the dance floor? I love this song!” This way, you move the attention away from the issue and hopefully remind them that you’re all there to enjoy the wedding.

3. Try to give everyone equal attention
Again, don’t choose sides. It’s important that you show everyone you are happy for them to be there for you and that you appreciate and love them all equally. Avoid spending too much time with any particular person or table so as not to create more friction.

4. Communicate beforehand
If things are that serious and you’re worried it might actually get out of hand, it might be wise to talk to each of the parties involved separately before the wedding day. Schedule a coffee date or write them a personal email explaining that you are looking forward to spend time with them but that you also expect them to behave a certain way on the day out of respect for you. Make it clear that you want them to be comfortable, but that you can’t control everything. Ask them to consider you and your partner during the day and set their differences aside.

5. Enjoy your day – regardless
At the end of the day, you have to choose whether you will allow other people’s behaviour to upset you or not. We know this isn’t always easy, but for one day you are allowed to focus on you and your own joy. Focus on the happy moments and the well wishes, the delightful food and beautiful surroundings. This is meant to be a celebration of love and all you should really be concerned about is the fact that your partner can’t stop smiling at you.

Picture: Pexels

In Announcements

Couple propose to each other simultaneously

December 6, 2019 No Comments

We’ve heard of couples being in sync, but this one takes the cake. This beautiful couple both felt it was time to get hitched, and ended up proposing to each other at the same time!

Caitlin Mullins and Annie Fox from Georgia have been together for years, and each spent weeks planning separate proposals for the other without their partner knowing. During a romantic hike to the highest peak in Georgia, Brasstown Bald, Caitlin got down on one knee to propose to her girlfriend. Little did she know, Annie had the same exact idea.

“I had absolutely no idea,” Caitlin told Metro UK. “I’d been planning the proposal for a while. I thought I was been sneaky, going out on a hike to see the sunset. I was incredibly shocked when Annie pulled out a ring too. She had no idea.”

They plan on saying ‘I do’ in 2020 at the same place they got engaged. Congrats to the happy couple!

Image: Metro UK

In Announcements

Emma Stone engaged to SNL writer Dave McCrary

December 5, 2019 No Comments

One of Hollywood’s favourite actresses, Emma Stone, is ending the decade an engaged woman. The Oscar-winning actress recently said yes to her Saturday Night Live (SNL) writer boyfriend, Dave McCrary.

The pair first met on set of SNL when Emma was hosting the show back in 2016. They have been together for about two years. The couple is quite private, keeping their relationship under wraps from the beginning, and have been spotted together publicly only a handful of times.

Taking to Instagram, Dave announced their engagement. Stone’s antique-style engagement ring, one of 2020s biggest ring trends, is in full view.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5q8jCvBv7O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Congrats to the happy couple!

Image: Instagram / Dave McCrary

In Advice

Dresses we love: Mermaid shape

December 5, 2019 No Comments

So many body shapes, so many dress designs. What works for one might not work for all. One dress shape we do love, is the mermaid design. You might think you need to be tall and slender to pull it off, but you don’t. If you love the style, find one that you fall in love with and go for it. Remember, a pair of heels never hurts and will complement this shape especially well.

You can glam it up or play it down, any way you like. Cream and champagne colours are very hot right now, as well as sequins and gems.

Picture: Pexels