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    In Advice

    Bridesmaid ‘proposal’ ideas

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    Your big day started with big gestures, and your bridesmaids should be included in these. Here are a few cute ways to ask those closest to you to be part of your wedding party.

    In this day and age, it is quite a big ask (as bridesmaids are expected to perform a lot of duties) so asking those closest to you with a personalised gift of sorts makes their experience that much more special. No matter what you choose to gift in the bridesmaid proposal, make sure to include a letter written by yourself to each individual bridesmaid. You are asking them to give up a lot of their free time to be your bridesmaid, you can take the time to write a personal letter about why you would like them to be up there with you on your special day.

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    In Accessories

    Alternative engagement ring stones

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    An engagement ring holds a large amount of significance for a couple. For hundreds of years, the classic diamond has been a major trend for engagement rings, often honoured for their simple beauty, shine, and value.

    But with more and more traditions evolving, the classic diamond engagement ring is slowly being replaced with other special stones, materials and designs that value originality, affordability and meaning.

    Take a look at our top picks for alternative engagement rings:

    1. TANZANITE

    The next best thing to diamonds is the striking tanzanite. With its deep blue, this stone can complement a silver, rose gold or white gold band beautifully. As far as cut goes, tanzanite is popular in many shapes. This teardrop ring shows how tanzanite can pair with other jewels as well.

    2. MORGANITE

    With a light, dusty pink tint, morganite is an affordable and stunning stone which signifies unconditional love and compassion – two necessary traits in all marriages. This stone is equally as versatile due to its light shade and works well with all metals.

    3. JEWEL BAND

    If you want to have a more practical and simple engagement ring, then a plain band with a few jewels may be the one for you. Incorporate your favourite stone, or multiple to make a statement. If you opt for a brightly coloured stone such as the ruby or peridot, your band is bound to stand out.

    4.  OPAL

    Opals are a rare and highly sought after stone that adds a touch of glamour to a ring. They can give off a vintage appearance, but if you pair it with a simple silver band surrounded by smaller diamonds, it becomes a modern but still unique ring.

    5. VINTAGE

    Whether it’s an heirloom, has been bought in an antique store, or specially made to appear old-fashioned, vintage rings will always be breathtaking options for engagement rings. The metal is darker and has intricate detail, which is often accompanied by a large and neatly cut stone.

    6. ONYX

    Dare to make a bold statement with a dark and shimmery onyx centrepiece on your engagement ring. This black stone complements yellow gold in a unique and modern way, which has slowly started to pick up attraction on the market.

    7. PEARL

    Having a pearl on your engagement ring definitely adds a touch of vintage elegance. If you are a lover  of all things old-fashioned, opting for these lovely round jewels will bring your dream ring to life.

    8. ROUGH CUT

    The cut of the stone makes a big impact on the overall ring. Just simply using an uncut diamond instead of a neatly cut one can change the look and feel of your ring. A rough cut ring is more rustic and natural-looking, for a more organic finish. In this case, it’s better to seek a specialist for a hand-crafted option.

    9. TURQUOISE

    If you love to be different then this is the stone for you. Choosing a turquoise jewel for your engagement ring is a big step, as this particular stone has a very youthful appearance, especially when paired with a dainty band and smaller stones. But you will have a unique and special ring that you value, which is all that matters.

    10. SMOKY QUARTZ

    This earthy stone is a beautiful and affordable option for an exquisite natural-looking engagement ring and can be paired with silver or yellow gold for complementary tones. Marvel over its sparkle and changing colours when it catches the light.

    ALSO SEE: Diamonds: Understanding the 4 C’s

    Diamonds: Understanding the 4 C’s

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    Should you serve a buffet or plated meal at your reception?

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    One of the most difficult parts of planning your wedding food is deciding whether you want a buffet or plated meal. We’ve laid out the pros and cons so you can easily decide what’s best for you.

    A PLATED MEAL

    The facts

    A plated meal is the more traditional meal option, where your guests are each served three courses, plus canapés before the reception. Caterers will usually give guests an option of two to three main meals (with a vegetarian option as one of them).

    The pros

    All of your guests get their food at the same time. Since you know what everyone is eating, caterers will only buy for that amount of people, which makes it a more cost-effective option. You can also plan the entertainment – dancing, speeches and any surprises – in-between each course.

    The cons

    It needs more waitstaff, which can get expensive (if your wedding package includes servers, however, this won’t be a concern). And more than likely, you and your partner will choose options based on what you love to eat, which may not appeal to everyone.

    A BUFFET

    The facts

    Self-serve stations are set up. You can also hire servers to stand behind each warmer and dish up for the guests, which tends to be more hygienic and controlled. It is the non-traditional, more casual catering option.

    The pros

    Fewer servers will be needed and you can cut catering costs. You will also be able to serve more food options – which is a good idea, considering all the allergies, diets and intolerances guests may have. It encourages guests to mingle and chat, creating a relaxing atmosphere before party time.

    The cons

    Whether tables take turns heading up to the buffet or a long line forms, your guests will have to queue and wait for their food. If the buffet is not included in your catering package, you will have to rent the tables, linen, serving platters and warmers, which can be costly. People will always dish up more if they serve themselves, and caterers know this – the extra food purchased will beef up your catering bill. Guests milling around carrying plates laden with food may not bring the sense of elegance to the occasion that most couples would like.

    ALSO SEE: Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle

    Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle

    Feature image: Unsplash

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    wedding ceremony
    In Advice

    Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle

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    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

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    In Rings

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

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    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/

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    In Advice

    5 steps to planning the perfect rehearsal dinner

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    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

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