• “James Edgar Murdock came to South Africa from England in 1896 and decided to set up a jewellery business. In 1897 he opened the first Murdock’s Watchmakers and Jewellers in a small shop on the corner of Parliament and Longmarket Streets in Cape Town. Through the years, eminent customers of Murdocks have included Cecil John Rhodes, King George and Queen Frederika of Greece. 

    The classic contemporary Murdocks store now situated in the heart of the renowned V&A Waterfront, offers a variety of enchanting fine jewellery pieces as well as a range of prestigious international watch brands adding to the glamour and sparkle. 

    A diamond is a gift that will last forever, a universal symbol of love. The best of South Africa and Africa’s mineral wealth has been used to create pieces of rare beauty, with diamonds set into the finest precious metals such as gold or platinum.

    There is a fine tradition of service that is offered at Murdocks which adds to the value of the brand. Murdocks will happily collect and return you to your hotel anywhere within the Cape Town area. The friendly staff will ensure your experience is as it should be indulgent, enjoyable and most of all memorable.”

    MURDOCKS

    www.murdocks.co.za

    Shop No 122, Lower Level, Victoria Wharf, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town

    +27 21 419 0302

    [email protected]

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/murdocksjewellers/

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/MurdocksEst1897/

    6 Unique engagement rings that will wow your soon-to-be fiancé!

     

    If bridal fashion has taught us anything, it’s that weddings are no longer about tradition for tradition’s sake. And honestly? The same goes for grooms.

    The modern groom isn’t settling for a standard black suit and calling it a day. Today’s best wedding style moments are tailored, intentional and deeply personal – and celebrity weddings continue to set the tone.

    From old-money tailoring to relaxed coastal suiting and fashion-forward textures, we rounded up the celebrity groom looks that still deserve a spot on every wedding mood board.

    1. George Clooney (2014)

    When George Clooney married Amal in Venice in 2014, his wedding look became an instant blueprint for timeless groom style.

    His custom Giorgio Armani tuxedo delivered everything a formal wedding suit should: razor-sharp tailoring, a classic black silhouette and understated elegance.

    • The era: Classic European luxury
    • Suit: Custom Giorgio Armani
    • Why it still works in 2026:
      The return of quiet luxury means black-tie dressing is back — but cleaner, softer and less over-styled.

    Steal the look:

    • Peak lapel tuxedo
    • Crisp white shirt
    • Satin detailing
    • Minimal accessories

    2. Brooklyn Beckham (2022)

    Brooklyn Beckham’s Palm Beach wedding look marked a major shift in groom fashion. His custom Dior suit featured a classic ivory dinner jacket with contemporary tailoring and elevated details.

    The result? Traditional without feeling dated.

    • The era: Modern old money
    • Suit: Custom Dior by Kim Jones
    • Why it still works in 2026:
      Ivory and off-white tuxedo jackets continue dominating destination and summer weddings.

    Steal the look:

    • Ivory dinner jacket
    • Black tailored trousers
    • Clean-cut silhouette
    • Elevated evening shoes

    3. Justin Bieber (2019)

    Justin Bieber’s South Carolina wedding proved that less really can be more.

    Instead of heavily structured formalwear, Bieber opted for a sleek black Celine tux paired with relaxed styling that felt modern rather than overly polished.

    • The era: Contemporary minimalism
    • Suit: Custom Celine by Hedi Slimane
    • Why it still works in 2026:
      Minimal tailoring continues trending among younger grooms who want elegance without feeling overdressed.

    Steal the look:

    • Slim black tailoring
    • Clean shirt styling
    • Minimal jewellery
    • Streamlined accessories

    4. Nick Jonas (2018)

    Nick Jonas gave us one of the strongest examples of contemporary black-tie dressing during his wedding celebrations.

    His custom Ralph Lauren look balanced traditional tuxedo structure with softer luxury finishes and rich evening styling.

    • The era: Modern statement formalwear
    • Suit: Custom Ralph Lauren Purple Label
    • Why it still works in 2026:
      Statement formalwear is replacing safe formalwear.

    Steal the look:

    • Velvet textures
    • Tonal layers
    • Luxe tailoring
    • Monochrome accessories

    5. Kit Harington (2018)

    Kit Harington’s wedding look reminded everyone that classic doesn’t have to mean predictable.

    His formal morning suit featured contrasting pieces that created visual interest while staying rooted in British tailoring traditions.

    • The era: Heritage tailoring revival
    • Suit: Traditional morning suit
    • Why it still works in 2026:
      Vintage-inspired tailoring and old-world ceremony dressing are making a major comeback.

    Steal the look:

    • Waistcoat layering
    • Contrast trousers
    • Tailcoat structure
    • Heritage fabrics

    6. David Beckham (Style Era: Late 2010s–2020s)

    Not technically a recent wedding moment – but impossible to ignore when talking groom inspiration.

    David Beckham remains the reference point for modern groom style: fitted but not restrictive, classic but never boring.

    • The era: Tailoring perfection
    • Signature suit aesthetic: Sharp bespoke suiting
    • Why it still works in 2026:
      Because fit still matters more than trend.

    Steal the look:

    • Bespoke tailoring
    • Deep navy tones
    • Soft shoulder construction
    • Premium finishing details

    The weddingETC takeaway

    Celebrity wedding style works because it feels intentional – not expensive.

    The strongest groom looks right now aren’t trying to outshine the moment. They’re designed to complement it.

    Whether you lean toward Clooney’s timeless tux, Beckham’s polished tailoring or Bieber’s relaxed approach, the formula stays the same: great fit, thoughtful details and a suit that feels like you.

    Because the best wedding photos never start with, “What was trending?” They start with, “That looked so him.”

    ALSO SEE: Wedding day tips for grooms to keep the big day stress-free 

    Wedding day tips for grooms to keep the big day stress-free

    Featured image: Jose Ricardo Barraza Morachis / Pexels

    At Beachcomber Tours, romance isn’t just a promise – it’s a perfected art. Whether you’re planning a dreamy destination wedding, a blissful honeymoon, a heartfelt vow renewal, a milestone anniversary, or a familymoon filled with love and laughter, Beachcomber’s award-winning resorts offer tailored experiences that turn moments into lifelong memories. With exclusive packages, stunning locations, and thoughtful touches, your celebration of love begins here.

    Weddings

    Say ‘I do’ in paradise with Beachcomber’s destination weddings. Choose from three tailored packages, each offering exclusive touches like a dedicated coordinator, beach or garden ceremony, and romantic extras. With only one wedding per day, your special moment receives undivided attention and unforgettable memories.

    Honeymoons

    Celebrate your love in Mauritius with Beachcomber’s enchanting honeymoon packages. Enjoy a bottle of bubbles on arrival, daily complimentary lunch, and a curated Beachcomber Experience. Relax, explore, and make lasting memories in a resort that understands the magic of your first holiday as a married couple.

    Anniversaries

    Mark your milestone anniversary with Beachcomber’s special offerings. Couples celebrating every fifth anniversary receive exclusive gifts and savings, making your celebration in paradise even more memorable. Reignite your romance with Beachcomber’s heartfelt hospitality.

    Renewal of Vows

    Reaffirm your love with a vow renewal ceremony at Beachcomber’s idyllic resorts. Enjoy the same luxurious inclusions as wedding packages, minus the legal formalities. With one ceremony per day, your celebration is planned to perfection in a romantic beach or garden setting.

    Familymoons

    Blend romance and family time with Beachcomber’s Familymoon offering. Enjoy year-round savings and thoughtful gifts for couples sharing with kids. Create lifelong memories with curated experiences for the whole family in a stunning tropical setting.

    Sharing the Love

    Every Romance Collection booking includes a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, a two-course lunch daily for half-board guests (including children), and a magical Beachcomber Experience – ranging from spa treatments and boat trips to photo shoots and guided treks. It’s our way of saying congratulations.

    The Beachcomber Legacy

    Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels have been making dream holidays a reality for over 70 years. Since 1952, we’ve led the way in romantic travel, offering unmatched service, breathtaking locations, and unforgettable experiences. When it comes to love in Mauritius, trust the experts – trust Beachcomber.

    Visit : http://bit.ly/4qmz7qs

    Featured Image: Supplied

    There are certain wedding moments guests remember forever.

    The way the aisle felt when the doors opened. That pause before the vows. The moment everyone unexpectedly ended up on the dance floor.

    And more often than not? Music is carrying all of it.

    For years, wedding entertainment sat in the background of planning spreadsheets – somewhere between flowers and seating charts. But modern couples are changing that. Across South Africa and globally, live music is becoming less of an add-on and more of a defining part of the experience itself.

    Whether it’s a stripped-back acoustic ceremony, a roaming saxophonist at cocktail hour or a full reception band that turns dinner into a concert moment, couples are investing in atmosphere over tradition.

    Here’s why.

    Live music creates moments – not just sound

    Playlists are convenient. Live music is emotional.

    There’s something undeniably powerful about hearing a song performed in real time. It feels more intimate, more cinematic and more connected to what’s happening in front of you.

    That’s exactly why live entertainment continues to grow in popularity: it changes the atmosphere instantly and creates a stronger guest experience throughout the day.

    Think:

    • A solo vocalist during guest arrival
    • Acoustic guitar for the ceremony
    • Jazz during cocktail hour
    • A high-energy band for the reception
    • A DJ takeover later in the evening

    The goal isn’t to fill every second with noise – it’s to create rhythm across the day.

    Couples are becoming more intentional with their music choices

    One of the biggest wedding shifts right now is that couples are no longer choosing music because it feels “wedding appropriate.”

    They’re choosing what feels like them.

    Across 2026 wedding trends, personalised entertainment is replacing one-size-fits-all wedding formulas. Couples are increasingly booking performers they genuinely listen to, creating curated ceremony soundtracks and building experiences around songs that actually mean something.

    Translation: less generic love ballads, more personality.

    If your relationship soundtrack includes indie folk, Afro-house, jazz, amapiano, old-school R&B or acoustic pop covers – lean into it.

    The biggest live music trends couples are booking right now

    1. Modern songs with a classical twist

    String quartets aren’t going anywhere – they’re just getting cooler.

    Couples are increasingly booking instrumental versions of modern songs instead of traditional ceremony music. Think cinematic arrangements of contemporary favourites that still feel elegant.

    1. The DJ + live musician combo

    This might be the sweet spot.

    One of the fastest-growing formats combines the energy of live performance with the flexibility of a DJ – imagine saxophone over dance tracks, live percussion during reception sets or a vocalist joining your evening party.

    1. Daytime entertainment is getting more attention

    Cocktail hour is no longer dead space.

    Couples are investing more in daytime atmosphere because guests actually spend most of the celebration outside of the dance floor portion of the evening. Acoustic sets, roaming musicians and live background entertainment are becoming major guest-experience upgrades.

    What does live wedding music actually cost in South Africa?

    Budget matters – but there’s more flexibility than most couples expect.

    Current South African wedding entertainment pricing typically looks something like this:

    • Ceremony musician: approximately R3,000 – R10,000
    • DJ: approximately R5,000 – R25,000
    • Live reception band: approximately R15,000 – R45,000+
    • Band + DJ combination: approximately R20,000 – R50,000+

    You don’t need all of it. Sometimes one incredible live moment delivers more impact than booking entertainment for the entire day.

    Before you book: ask these questions

    Live entertainment can elevate a wedding – but only if logistics are sorted.

    Ask:

    • What equipment is included?
    • Does the venue allow live sound?
    • Are breaks covered with playlists or a DJ?
    • Is setup included?
    • Can they learn custom songs?
    • How much space do performers need?
    • Is backup power available?

    Because nothing kills the vibe faster than silence while cables get untangled.

    The final note

    The weddings people talk about years later rarely hinge on whether the napkins matched the flowers.

    They remember how it felt.

    Live music has a way of turning ordinary moments into scenes people replay in their heads long after the last dance. And in an era where weddings are becoming more personal, more immersive and more experience-driven, that feels less like a luxury – and more like one of the smartest places to invest.

    If you’re deciding where to splurge, ask yourself one question:

    What do you want your wedding to sound like?

    ALSO SEE: Hidden wedding costs couples forget to budget for 

    Hidden wedding costs couples forget to budget for

    Featured image: Pinterest