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In Advice

Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle

February 19, 2026 No Comments

You’ve planned the seating chart, chosen the perfect playlist and said yes to the dress, but have you thought about what actually happens during your ceremony?

Your wedding ceremony is one of the most photographed, emotional and memorable parts of the day. It’s also the part that most brides don’t rehearse properly. These wedding ceremony tips for brides will help you feel calm, confident and completely present from the moment you step into the aisle to your first kiss as newlyweds.

Walk slower than you think you should

Then slow it down again.

Adrenaline will make everything feel like it’s happening in fast forward. Walking slowly not only gives your photographer time to capture those once in a lifetime moments, but it also allows you to actually take in the people, the music and your partner waiting at the end of the aisle.

If you feel like you’re walking too slowly, you’re probably walking at the perfect pace.

Carry your bouquet at your belly button

It sounds oddly specific, but it makes a huge difference in photos.

Holding your bouquet too high can hide the detailing on your dress and make your shoulders look tense. Hold it low, around your belly button, with the flowers facing outward. This helps your posture look more relaxed and keeps your neckline and bodice visible.

Hold hands and lock eyes

It might feel natural to look around at your guests, your parents or even your officiant, but the most meaningful place to look is right at each other.

Holding hands throughout the ceremony grounds you, calms your nerves and keeps you emotionally connected. It also looks incredibly romantic in photos.

Hold the kiss

When it’s time for that “you may now kiss” moment, don’t rush it.

Go in for the kiss and hold it while you both count to three in your heads. This gives your photographer enough time to capture the moment properly and prevents that blink and you miss it situation.

Pause before you walk back down the aisle

Once you’re officially married, take a second before turning to walk back up the aisle.

Celebrate. Smile at your guests. Steal another kiss if you want to. That pause creates some of the most joyful and genuine photos of the day.

Pause halfway down the aisle on your way out

Your recessional is your very first moment as a married couple.

As you walk back down the aisle together after the ceremony, stop halfway for a quick kiss or celebratory moment. It gives your guests something special to cheer for and creates one of the happiest photo opportunities of the entire day.

Practise standing together

It sounds simple, but knowing how to stand comfortably next to each other matters more than you think.

Angle your bodies slightly toward one another rather than standing stiffly forward. It feels more natural and looks more intimate during the ceremony.

Don’t forget to breathe

Deep breaths will keep you calm and help prevent shaky voices during your vows.

If you feel overwhelmed, gently squeeze your partner’s hand and take a slow breath together.

ALSO SEE: High-neck wedding dresses we love

High-neck wedding dresses we love

Feature image: Jakob Owens/Unsplash

In Rings

Big days, big feel: The fine details of a blissful beginning

February 19, 2026 No Comments

There is a certain electricity in the moments before a wedding, a soft, quiet magic that settles in the air. It’s in the rustle of a gown, the gentle touch of a guiding hand, and the shimmer of jewellery catching the light just before a life-changing “I do.” These delicate details shape the atmosphere of the day, anchoring emotion in ways words sometimes cannot.

At Sterns, we’ve always believed happiness is found in these finer moments. Jewellery becomes the most meaningful detail of all, the part of your story you carry with you long after the music fades and the flowers are packed away.

Because this love, this moment, this promise… It’s rare. A one-in-a-million kind of love that deserves to be captured with craftsmanship as beautiful as the story it represents.

Your Forever Starts Here

Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make on your journey to forever. It’s more than a symbol; it’s a vow you wear every day, a reminder of the moment your future shifted.

Sterns’ Forever Diamonds Collection is crafted for this moment. Each natural diamond is hand-selected for its brilliance and individuality, making every ring a unique expression of love. Just as Wedding ETC often celebrates modern, personal approaches to weddings from intimate ceremonies to trend-forward styling, this collection embraces individuality while honouring timeless romance. [weddingetc.co.za]

Whether your style leans toward the elegance of a classic solitaire, the vintage romance of a halo, or the modern allure of clean, minimalist lines, every Forever Diamonds ring is designed to reflect the emotion behind your “yes.”

Crafting a Proposal That Feels Like You

A proposal is more than a question; it’s a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life. In many of the features on Wedding ETC, couples are gravitating toward meaningful, personal moments over grand gestures.
It’s the sentiment that counts: the place where your love grew, the song that holds memories, or the simple traditions only the two of your share. [weddingetc.co.za]

The perfect proposal isn’t about extravagance but intention. A heartfelt moment at home, a scenic viewpoint at sunset, and a handwritten note leading to the ring, these details create the magic. And the right ring becomes the finishing touch, the detail that transforms the moment into forever.

Jewellery for Every Chapter of Love

Every love story is a tapestry of shared memories, early sparks, deepening connection, and milestones that shape your journey. Wedding ETC regularly highlights how couples today celebrate each milestone uniquely, from proposals to the final walk down the aisle.
Sterns embraces this same philosophy through jewellery crafted for every stage of your love story. [weddingetc.co.za]

For the early days: delicate pieces that capture youthful romance and promise.
For the engagement chapter: rings chosen with intention, reflecting the depth of your bond.
For the wedding day: heirloom-worthy designs that complete your bridal look.
For the years beyond: jewellery that grows with you, marking anniversaries and milestones.

These pieces become part of your journey, memories you can wear.

A Wedding Day That Feels Personal

One of the most meaningful aspects of planning a wedding is creating a day that reflects who you are as a couple. Wedding ETC is known for spotlighting current trends and timeless ideas, from intimate celebrations to bold, modern themes. [weddingetc.co.za]

Your theme sets the tone: classic romance, modern minimalism, soft pastel palettes, or the dreamy pearlescent accents trending for 2025. Whatever your choice, your jewellery should elevate it.

Diamond studs catch candlelight. A shimmering bracelet highlighting every movement. A pendant resting close to your heart. These aren’t just accessories, they’re emotional details that complete the feeling of the day.

Big Days, Big Feel

Your wedding is one of life’s biggest days, wrapped in emotion, joy, and significance. At Sterns, we create jewellery that honours that feeling, pieces that mark milestones, celebrate meaning, and capture the magic of forever.

Because when the day is big, the feeling should be even bigger.
And the details, especially the sparkling ones, should celebrate a love worth remembering.

Sterns: https://sternsonline.co.za/

In Advice

5 steps to planning the perfect rehearsal dinner

February 19, 2026 No Comments

As part of the wedding prep, the perfect rehearsal dinner will make for an evening of fun, love, and a chance to mingle before the big day. Lately, they’ve become known as extravagant evenings of dining, decor and preparations right before the wedding. But if you plan it right, you’ll be able to have a stress-free evening of celebration before your big day.

STEP 1

Make sure it’s clear who will be hosting and organising the event. It may be the groom’s side or the bride’s, or a combination. Make sure everyone is aware of their role to avoid any conflict or miscommunication on the night.

STEP 2

Decide on the kind of event you want to have. Do you prefer keeping it light and casual, or making it a big party? Let this set the precedent for the decor, the setting and the guest list.

STEP 3

Draw up the guest list. Aside from your bridal party, family and close friends, you may want to have certain people. This will depend heavily on the size of the event, the location and your personal preferences.

STEP 4

Whether you go big or small, creating a fun theme for the night will only add to the festivities. This can involve fun games and even some sneaky hints for the big day.

STEP 5

While it’s important to have a set schedule in place for how the evening will run, make room for surprises and deviations in the evening. For instance, you may have a set list of speakers, but if your other guests would like to say a few words then allow room for some extra time.

You can also use your rehearsal dinner to spoil your guests with gifts for your bridal party and special thank yous to everyone who contributed to the planning of your special day.

ALSO SEE: How to decide who gets an invite to your wedding

How to decide who gets an invite to your wedding

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Diamonds: Understanding the 4 C’s

February 18, 2026 No Comments

You’ve heard about the 4 C’s in diamonds, especially when choosing an engagement ring, but what do they actually mean?

The 4 C’s – cut, colour, clarity and carat – refer to the standards by which the quality of diamonds are assessed and allows one to compare diamonds.

Cut

The cut is important for the diamond’s overall beauty, as it determines how well the diamond unleashes light. This is not to be confused with the shape of the diamond. Cut refers to the diamond’s light performance (in layman’s terms, how much it sparkles). The cut will determine how the stone refracts and reflects light. A perfect stone (balanced and symmetrical) will be cut in such a way that the light that enters it will only reflect out the top of the stone, therefore making it very sparkly. A diamond that is cut too shallow or too deep will cause the light to leak out of the sides or bottom of the stone which causes a loss of shine. The sparkle of a well cut diamond can make it appear larger and you can therefore opt for a smaller carat weight. Who knew, right?!

Colour

Strangely enough, this actually refers to the lack of colour found in a diamond. The less colour, the more rate it is. Diamonds are graded on a scale of D-Z; with D (or white diamonds) being completely colourless. D-F are considered colourless and are therefore the most expensive. G-I are near colourless and slightly less expensive while J-Z have noticeable colour in the stone. Only diamond experts can actually tell the difference in anything higher than a G grading, so if budget is a consideration but you still want a white-looking diamond, a G or H grade diamond will be perfectly fine.

Clarity

Measures the imperfections found in the diamond in terms of number, size and position on a scale that ranges from imperfect to flawless. Internal imperfections are referred to as inclusions and external as blemishes. Clarity is often considered the least important of the 4 C’s due to the fact that the imperfections are often microscopic and depending on the location of the inclusions found in the stone, they can be hidden with the right ring setting.

Carat

Refers to the weight of the diamond, not the size. Two different shaped diamonds can have the same carat weight but appear slightly different in size. With a larger carat weight, the colour becomes more visible and therefore needs to be taken into consideration.

Once you understand the 4 C’s, you will need to think about which one is the most important to you when choosing your ring.

ALSO SEE: (Don’t) put a ring on it

(Don’t) put a ring on it

Feature image: The Glorious Studio/Pexels

In Advice

How to decide who gets an invite to your wedding

February 17, 2026 No Comments

In terms of wedding decisions, choosing who will – and won’t – be getting an invite to your big day is right up there with the date and the dress. Unless you’re in a position to cater for 500 of your closest acquaintances, you’re going to have to be selective. So … who makes the cut?

START WITH WHAT YOU KNOW

Ultimately, the maximum number of invitations you send out depends on your budget and the size of your venue. Once you know how many guests you can afford or accommodate, you can start tailoring the guest list to match.

DON’T PLAY A NUMBERS GAME

A 50-50 split between you and your fiancé sounds logical, but don’t be constrained by ratios. You’ll definitely have some friendships that overlap. Plus, if one of you has a smaller family, there’s no point filling that ‘side’ with nice-to-have acquaintances while the other person has to tell a beloved uncle that there’s just no more room.

BUSINESS AND PLEASURE

It’s a reality that you spend as much time with your colleagues as you do with your fiancé. But do you want them at your wedding? Do you ever socialise with them other than after-work drinks? Do your topics of conversation start and end with bashing that annoying client? Have they met your husband- or wife-to-be? Do you see them still being in your life if you changed jobs? Be tactful in inviting those who do pass muster by keeping wedding office chatter to a minimum.

‘YOU REMEMBER AUNT SANDRA…’

Family is where you’re likely to run into trouble; it’s a mire of obligation and potential for someone to take offence. This is where blanket rules become handy. For example, not inviting family members you haven’t seen in years, or who haven’t met your fiancé. Sticking to rules leaves little room for those who don’t make the list to complain.

IT’S MY PARTY

Your parents and future in-laws may expect to have a say in the guest list, especially if they’re helping to pay for it. They may want to invite friends who watched you grow up – or maybe just want to show off to the Joneses across the street. Allocate the parents an equal number of guest suggestions, but let them know the final decision rests with you. And stick to your guns – the only people you should invite are those you couldn’t imagine celebrating it without.

A LESSON IN BEING RUTHLESS

1. ‘My number-one rule was that I wouldn’t meet anyone for the first time on my wedding day,’ says Storm Wilkinson, who put a ring on it in 2013. ‘I’m sorry if you’ve been dating for “like a million years” – I don’t know them, they’re not coming. Budgets are a harsh reality.’
2. Once you’ve worked out a per-head cost, apply it to any guests you’re on the fence about. If spending that figure on that person makes you go: ‘Pffft,’ take their name off the list.
3. Avoid fake-smiling on your wedding day. ‘You don’t want to have anyone at your wedding that you have to pretend to be happy to see,’ says Aleisha McCormack, host of The Bridechilla podcast. ‘Ditch them.’

ALSO SEE: 5 tips to get your partner involved in the wedding planning

5 tips to get your partner involved in the wedding planning

Image: Unsplash

In Destination

An award-winning honeymoon destination portfolio earns prestigious Forbes recognition

February 17, 2026 No Comments

For couples planning a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon or destination wedding escape, award-winning luxury can make all the difference. Global hospitality group The Lux Collective has once again reaffirmed its reputation for exceptional travel experiences, with four of its flagship LUX* properties receiving coveted Five-Star ratings from Forbes Travel Guide in the 2026 awards.

The prestigious honours were awarded to LUX Grand Baie*, LUX Belle Mare*, and LUX South Ari Atoll*, with LUX* Grand Baie and its spa also earning multiple recognitions for wellness excellence and responsible hospitality. For honeymooners and newlyweds seeking beachfront settings paired with sustainability practices, the awards highlight destinations that combine romance, world-class service and forward-thinking travel values.

Adding to its achievements, LUX* Grand Baie received the 2026 VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality Badge for the second time, recognising the resort’s commitment to rigorous environmental, community and employee well-being standards aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“The Lux Collective continues to exemplify hospitality excellence across its portfolio of award-winning resorts and spas,” said Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide, congratulating the teams for delivering world-class culinary, wellness and service experiences while maintaining exceptional luxury standards.

From a honeymoon perspective, each property offers a distinctive romantic appeal. LUX* Grand Baie in Mauritius delivers ultra-luxury all-suite and villa accommodation, rooftop dining, panoramic ocean views and cutting-edge wellness facilities ideal for couples seeking sophisticated island glamour. Along Mauritius’ tranquil east coast, LUX* Belle Mare is celebrated for its serene beachfront setting, light-filled design and immersive spa experiences designed around the natural elements, perfect for relaxed newlywed retreats. Meanwhile, LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives blends barefoot luxury with vibrant island experiences, including overwater villas, marine encounters such as whale shark sightings, and curated dining across multiple venues, creating unforgettable honeymoon memories.

According to Olivier Chavy, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective, the awards reflect the Group’s commitment to creating “places that feel deeply human, meaningfully responsible, and luxurious,” while continuing to expand its global portfolio of extraordinary travel destinations.

For couples planning weddings abroad, mini-moons or extended honeymoons, the 2026 Five-Star recognitions position LUX* resorts among the world’s most celebrated romantic luxury escapes.

ALSO SEE: How to make a destination wedding easy on your guests

How to make a destination wedding easy on your guests

Feature image: Supplied by Big Ambitions

In Advice

8 guidelines for father of the groom

February 16, 2026 No Comments

The mother of the bride role comes with clear and concise instructions. So do the roles of father of the bride and maid of honour – but one of the most important, yet often overlooked roles, is that of the father of the groom.

As times change, the duties allocated to the groom’s father have too, so if you’re unsure what to expect here are some unspoken guidelines.

1. Suit up
Possibly one of the most important duties of the groom’s father is that of suit selection. A son will often rely on his father to help pick out the perfect attire for his big day, give him a few tips and even make sure the tailor fit is just right.

If the groom and groomsmen have an appointment for suit fittings the groom’s father should naturally attend as well and might be able to cash in on a discount along with the group.

It is also important that you look the part for the big day so make sure you take your own fitting seriously.

2. Offer to contribute to wedding costs
It’s no secret that weddings cost a pretty penny – one of the most important ways to be involved and supportive of your son’s commitment is to be financially supportive.

Offer up whatever you can to go towards the big day and ask where budget is needed.

3. Attend or host the rehearsal dinner
It some traditions the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner. This is the perfect opportunity for the groom’s father to step up and take centre stage to coordinate the night. Keep in mind what your son’s interests are, make sure the rehearsal is something that reflects his personality.

4. Help where you can
When it comes to weddings, there are so many aspects to consider and things to be done. As a supportive and proactive father of the groom, it is your duty to help where you can. Ensure you don’t limit your helpfulness to any specific duties and try your best to be available if needed. If you have a particular expertise that might come in handy, don’t be shy to offer.

5. Hang out with the boys
When the morning of the wedding arrives, it’s the father of the groom’s duty to hang with the boys and provide extra emotional support before the big event.

It’s important to be supportive, positive and maybe even share a few funny stories about the groom’s childhood with his good friends to calm the nerves.

Compliment your son on his wedding-day look and make him feel confident and ready to take to the alter. This is a special moment to give him some marital advice.

6. Greet guests
It goes without saying the the father of the groom should be prepared to greet guests, especially in the receiving line.

Don’t be shy and put on your best, most welcoming smile while tending to each person who has come to share the special day with the lucky couple.

7. Enjoy
You can’t attend such an important day without enjoying it. Make sure you spend your time at the wedding well and smile, dance, eat and be merry.

8. Say a little something
Last but certainly not least, prepare a speech. It can often be a daunting task to put your thoughts on paper and especially to read them out to a room full of people, but this is your chance to rise above the nerves.

Your speech does not have to be lengthy, in fact short and sweet is better.

Make sure you put your heart into whatever you have to say, its not everyday that you get to share the first day of the rest of your child’s life with them and send them off with words that they will surely remember for years and years to come.

ALSO SEE: Nail your wedding speech

Nail your wedding speech

Picture: Pexels

In Fashion

High-neck wedding dresses we love

February 13, 2026 No Comments

From Grace Kelly to Audrey Hepburn, high-neck wedding dresses have been a celebrity favourite for decades.

This style is classic and demure yet packs a punch. It also lends itself to a Victorian-inspired look. For brides wanting a more modest look on their big day, a high-neck gown offers coverage without compromising on style.

Here are a few ways to pull off this trend:

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In Bachelorette Party

Your complete bachelorette party planning checklist

February 12, 2026 No Comments

It’s the bride’s all-important big send-off into married life. Been tasked with throwing the party? We have you covered…

Like any event, a bachelorette party requires proper planning, and while it is a big responsibility (this is the bride’s last hurrah as a single woman), it doesn’t have to be a chore. Schedule fun planning evenings with the bridesmaids where you can thrash out ideas over a few glasses of wine or dinner.

THE BASICS

Avoid any unnecessary stress and start planning at least three months ahead of time. A good place to start is determining what kind of event your bride would love. Is she a party animal? Does she prefer smaller, more intimate dinner parties over crowded bars? Once you’ve come to a decision about what kind of bachelorette your bride is, turn your attention to the budget. A memorable hen party really doesn’t have to break the bank. The goal is for the bride to celebrate with her good friends, so make sure you don’t choose an experience that excludes those on a tighter budget.

For a hen night on a shoestring, consider hosting the party at a friend’s house so that there’s no need to worry about venue hire fees. Once you have the location, ask guests to each bring a platter of food and a bottle of wine or bubbly. As for entertainment, there are plenty of fun, free games you can play at the house before venturing out to a club or bar – and consider an after-party venue that offers special deals like half-price cocktail evenings.

If your friends have a little more to spend, you can still celebrate at home, but instead of guests bringing food, hire a caterer. To add some interest, book entertainment, whether it’s a karaoke machine or a pole-dancing class. For those who want to go all out, a weekend away is a great bonding experience – but remember, you’ll have to pay for the bride!

THE CHECKLIST

Whatever event and budget you decide on, you need to plan the hen night like a military operation – so delegate tasks among the bridesmaids to make sure everything on the list gets done. Here are a few things to remember:

Invitations
Give guests enough notice and hold the bachelorette party at least two weeks before the big day. Choose just one person to whom RSVPs should be sent.

Venue hire
If you do decide to host the party at a hired venue or take a trip out of town, book well in advance and make sure you do your research – a safe bet is to choose places that have come recommended by friends.

Transport
Drinking and driving is a no-no, so book taxis for the night in advance and be sure to confirm the booking the day before the party.

Buy the goodies
What would a bachelorette party be without silly props and crazy games? And of course, let’s not forget the bride’s outfit. Purchase everything at least a month before the event to avoid last-minute hassles.

THE GUEST LIST

Once you have a game plan, create a guest list. Depending on what you have planned, you need to decide whether you are extending invitations to family (yes, parents and grandparents) or just friends. A popular route to go so as not to exclude anyone is to host pre-party drinks where people of all ages can attend and then the youngsters can hit the town afterwards. Alternatively, consider throwing a hen night for just the friends and a more ‘civilised’ kitchen tea another day for all the women in the bride’s life.

ALSO SEE: Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?

Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?

Feature image: Pexels

Words: Clare Syfret

In Advice

How to plan a wedding during Ramadan with Muslim guests in mind

February 12, 2026 No Comments

If your wedding falls during Ramadan and you have Muslim guests, you might wonder how to make the experience a respectful one for them during this time. With a little thought, you can ensure everyone feels included while you enjoy your day. These simple tips help you plan a wedding during Ramadan that works for all your guests.

Time it right
Avoid food-focused moments like canapés, cocktail hour or dinner before sunset if you can. Ramadan shifts each year, so sunset (iftar) times change daily and by city. Check a local timetable online. Even noting sunset on your programme helps guests plan.

Offer simple iftar
A small iftar table at sunset is thoughtful. Dates, water, juice or light snacks — enough to break the fast comfortably.

Talk to your caterer
Let your caterer know in advance about fasting guests and halal meal requests. Keep meals warm or plated later if needed. Small adjustments go a long way.

Cocktail hour before sunset?

If you have a cocktail hour before sunset, provide comfortable seating and social spaces so fasting guests can enjoy themselves without focusing only on food.

Provide quiet spaces
Some guests may want to pray after sunset. A small, private room is helpful. Not mandatory, just considerate.

Share information in advance
Mention that your wedding falls during Ramadan on your website or invitations. Let guests know you’ve considered fasting and halal options. It helps them plan and shows respect.

Don’t assume everyone is fasting
Children and those with health reasons may not fast. Flexibility is key, so focus on consideration, not assumptions.

Small gestures count
A quick check-in with Muslim guests before the day — asking if there’s anything that would make it easier — is often appreciated more than any big arrangement.

ALSO SEE: 7 quirky wedding ideas perfect for summer

7 quirky wedding ideas perfect for summer

Feature image: Pexels