groom Archives | Wedding ETC

In Advice

Clash of the scents: A gentleman’s guide to fragrances

April 23, 2026 No Comments

Mixing cologne, body spray, deodorant and aftershave can become a messy affair. Here is our gentlemen’s guide to understanding these different products and how to use them:

Cologne is the strongest form of fragrance and generally lasts the longest. It’s ideal for nights out, a special date, or more formal functions.

Body sprays are the second strongest. These nifty, portable sprays are great for daytime or after gym wear. Sprays last a few hours and can be easily re-applied to keep you smelling fresh.

Aftershave and deodorant serve dual functions. These products don’t just smell good, they also serve a purpose. We suggest using neutral-smelling aftershaves and deodorants to avoid scents clashing and becoming muddied, while still benefitting from their practical usage.

Aftershave contains soothing and anti-bacterial agents. It prevents irritations, itching, burning and rashes, all while hydrating your skin too. It usually contains a type of astringent, an ingredient that seals up pores to prevent bacteria infecting the skin after shaving.

Deodorant, the most subdued of all scents, is mostly functional. It’s important to note that not all deodorants are antiperspirants. Antiperspirants close or block the pores under your pits, working against your natural odour, while a deodorant masks the smell of sweat while still allowing skin to breathe. Antiperspirants not only reduce sweating, but also regulate your skin’s pH level, preventing stinky pits.

To strike a perfect balance, we suggest choosing one fragrance (cologne or body spray) according to the occasion and combining it with a neutral aftershave and deodorant.

ALSO SEE: 8 guidelines for father of the groom

8 guidelines for father of the groom

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

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

March 13, 2026 No Comments

While much of the planning attention often centres on the bride, the groom has an important role to play too. A few simple preparations can help you look sharp, feel comfortable and stay calm throughout the celebration. These tips will help ensure everything runs smoothly before (and while) you say “I do”.

Bring a spare shirt

Weddings can be emotional, busy and sometimes warm. Between nerves, hugs and dancing, it’s easy to sweat through a shirt. Pack a second crisp shirt so you can change before the reception or photos later in the day.

Empty your pockets

Phones, wallets, keys and loose change can create awkward bulges in suit trousers and they will show in photos. Before the ceremony and portraits, do a quick pocket check and hand essentials to a groomsman.

Break in your shoes

Brand-new dress shoes might look great, but they can quickly become uncomfortable. Wear them around the house a few times before the wedding to soften the leather and avoid blisters.

Do a full outfit trial

Try on your entire outfit before the big day, from tie or bowtie to cufflinks and shoes. A quick dress rehearsal ensures nothing is missing and helps you feel confident getting ready on the morning of the wedding.

Prepare your accessories

Small details complete the look. Lay out your cufflinks, watch, belt, tie clip and pocket square the night before so you’re not rushing to find them while getting dressed.

Practise your speech

If you’re planning to give a speech, run through it a few times beforehand. You don’t need to memorise every word, but feeling familiar with the flow will help calm nerves and make the moment feel more natural.

Keep a small groom kit

A simple emergency kit can save the day. Include items like deodorant, breath mints, tissues, a lint roller and stain remover wipes and ask a groomsman to keep it nearby.

Trim and groom ahead of time

Schedule haircuts or beard trims two to three days before the wedding. This allows everything to settle so you look polished but natural in photos.

Assign a trusted groomsman

Give one groomsman the responsibility of holding essentials like the rings, vows or your phone. It keeps your pockets empty and your mind free from small worries.

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: Pexels

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 Advice

5 Ways to practice self care while planning your wedding

December 4, 2025 No Comments

You don’t have to sit on a hill and meditate to de-stress. Although that’s exactly what you’ll want to do after haggling with wedding vendors and explaining to your uncle (second-removed) why he isn’t sitting at the main family table.

Whether you’re planning your wedding or meandering through life, making sure that you indulge in self-care is oh-so-important. But with so many things happening in the background, it’s pretty easy to let things slip through the cracks.

To keep you on track and remind you to incorporate self-care tasks – no matter how small – into your routine as you go about your wedding planning, here are a few things we hope you won’t let take a backseat:

Eat Up

For some reason, brides feel the need to go on crazy fad diets in order to lose weight to fit into their wedding dress, but no bride wants to look like a completely different person when looking back at their wedding photos. And no one wants to feel hungry all the time. Nutrition is such a major component when it comes to self-care and is the key to our mental and physical well-being. Skip the fads and stick to a balanced diet that hit those targeted food groups – veggies, proteins, and all the wholesome goodness.

It’s all mental

When our cortisol levels are constantly elevated (thanks, stress) our mental health tends to take a backseat. While there’s a certain level of stress and anxiety that comes with wedding planning, if you feel that it’s affecting your mood and it’s gone beyond just “a bad day,” do not ignore such a big sign. Take advantage of the resources available to you, whether that be meditation apps, breathwork retreats, talk therapy or a break away from wedding planning. Follow your intuition.

Get your heart pumping

Now, we understand that your Significant Other is more than enough when it comes to getting your heart pumping and skipping beats, but sometimes you need a little more. Exercise is an excellent way to de-stress, so make sure that you get sweating. Take it easy with yoga or pilates, or really push things to the limit with some incredible workouts like CrossFit.

If you feel yourself checking your schedule and watch, why not keep things simple by going for post-dinner walks. This is also a great way to get those endorphins going and connect with your partner as the big day approaches.

It’s okay to relax

When you’re juggling work, a social life and wedding planning, it can be difficult to find the time to let go and relax. Release your grip on the reins and indulge in activities that will allow your stress to melt away. Think; movie nights, coffee dates (minus wedding talk), Netflix binges, naps and luxurious baths with tons of candles. Throw in a massage or two in for good measure!

Don’t forget those around you

During the hustle and bustle that is wedding planning, you can sometimes forget about those closest to you. Decompress by spending some quality time with friends and family, doing things that are completely unrelated to your wedding. Sunday dinners with family and Saturday brunches with friends – now that’s magic!

ALSO SEE: Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

Feature Image: Pexels

In Venues

A destination wedding of icy proportions and for only R4 million!

August 10, 2022 No Comments

After nearly two years of staying indoors and not enjoying the wonders of travel, heading to your favourite destination to get married is back on the table!

While many brides and grooms are grabbing their passports and jetting off to tropical destinations such as Mauritius and Bali, there are a few out there that prefer a different climate.

Luxury travel company Red Savannah recently launched an incredible package for winter-loving bridal couples looking to say “I do” in the remote destination of Antarctica.

The price tag? A cool R4 million!

Yup, we’re living in a post-pandemic world and weddings appear to be that expensive.

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The hefty price tag includes return flights from South Africa to Antarctica, accommodations for the soon-to-be newlyweds and the wedding party, beverages, food and activities. The big day will start with a breakfast on ice, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony and champagne in the snow lounge.

While you may think that R4 million may be more than enough to accommodate a whole host of guests, a maximum of 12 wedding guests are allowed to watch you step into newlywed bliss.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a white dessert party – yum!

Additional costs are the “wedding gift registry” which will be a pledge of $1000 (R16 600) per person. This will be used for conservation efforts in Antarctica.

If you’re interested, you’ll be happy to know that there is one flight that leaves Cape Town and will take five hours to arrive at the icy destination.

Feature Image: Brides Without Borders

In uncategorized

The ultimate pamper session guide for every bride

August 2, 2022 No Comments

Searching for the feel-good factor? Introduce some positive energy into your beauty routine with a sumptuous pamper session to help keep you calm, cool, and relaxed as you plan your big day. Adding a little self-love will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and feeling youthful again. Besides, it’s really the little highlights that can make the biggest difference to our well-being!

Follow this guide and get your hands on these luxe products to turn your bathroom ritual into a full-blown pamper experience.

Bath-time bliss

‘Bathing is a brilliant opportunity to give your body what it needs, and your mind a moment to reset,’ says well-being expert Susanne Kaufmann. You can easily turn your bath into a pamper session with a few additions too.

So how would you like to feel while submerged in your porcelain throne?

Relaxed

There’s nothing quite like a long soak to reset the senses. It’s the perfect ritual before bed, helping you have a good sleep: a hot bath followed by being in a cool bedroom is known to help the body prepare for sleep and tricks you into feeling drowsy. Aid those sensations with Ceridwen’s Cauldron (R135, Lush), which nourishes your skin and helps you switch off.

Or, if you are feeling tense, don’t underestimate the benefits of a salt bath. It can help with any muscle aches and pains, leaving you feeling soothed. We love Earthsap Bath Soak in Milk & Honey (R75, Made By Nature).

De-stressed

Feeling restless and anxious? Run a bath and choose products packed with calming ingredients, such as The Naturals Organic Bath Bombs (R320, yumm) or Dr Hauschka Moor Lavender Calming Bath Essence (R465, Woolworths).

As you soak in the scented bath, practise breathing deeply into your abdomen to relax and calm your mind. If you struggle to stay focused, it can help to imagine you are gently inflating your tummy like a balloon as you breathe in, then slowly deflating it as you breathe out. The warm water will aid those feelings of relaxation.

Upbeat

If you need a reboot, try adding a few drops of an uplifting essential oil – juniper is effective in stimulating a positive mood – try Soil Juniper Berry Essential Oil (R133, Faithful to Nature). Give your bath a sensuous twist by adding Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Bath Oil 250 ml (R1 000, Edgars). And light a candle to uplift your senses – we adore The Aromatherapy Co Invigorating Candle (R199, @home).

Comforting Massage

As well as treating skin to a pamper session, use your evening regime as a chance to unwind. ‘Turn your cleanse into a moment of mindfulness,’ says acupuncturist and facialist Annee de Mamiel. ‘Face massage helps you unwind, but it’s also a reminder to begin to switch off from the day. Plus it doesn’t cost a thing!’

Start by warming your cleansing oil in your hands and inhaling the essential oils. Choose something with a soothing scent, such as Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil (R1 050, Woolworths). As you massage, you will increase circulation, boost oxygen and detoxify your skin. ‘You’ll be surprised how the texture, volume and radiance of your skin will improve in such a short time.’

Skin saviours

It’s the original emblem of what a pamper session should be!. A face mask is the easiest way to treat your skin and give you a bit of a time out. Just make sure you’re using the best one for your skin type.

Dry skin

Use: FILORGA Hydra-Filler Mask (R148, skinmiles.co.za)

This calming sheet mask contains aloe vera to soothe and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, giving your face a plump, juicy glow.

Sensitive skin

Use: Lamelle Serra Lipid Recovery Mask (R520, dermastore.co.za)

When sensitive skin flares up, leave this soothing mask on for 15 minutes, then swipe away any excess with a tissue to calm flushed, tight-feeling skin.

Feature Image: Unsplash

In News

Blushing bride spends R60 on her gorgeous wedding dress

June 22, 2022 No Comments

Most brides wouldn’t mind spending a few R10 000 or more on a gorgeous new wedding dress, but for some cash-strapped brides, that’s simply not an option.

Heading to your local thrifting store is a great way to unearth some fashionable gems, including a gorgeous wedding dress as one young bride found out.

The blushing bride took to TikTok to share her experience of purchasing her wedding dress at a thrift shop as she was determined to keep spending to a minimum.

As prices continue to soar throughout various industries, many young couples are attempting to keep things more affordable. Thrifting and smaller, more intimate settings are just a few ways bridal couples are attempting to cut costs.

Jullian Lynch, who hails from Ohia in the United States, explained that she initially spent around R60 ($3.75) on the dress, but forked out a few more bucks for alternations, costing an extra R1700 ($110).

That’s still not a bad price tag for such a gorgeous dress, a thought many TikTok users had as they gawked at her budget-friendly wedding experience.

@jilly_lynch ♬ Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Paul Anka

According to Lynch, the dress was brand new as it still had its tags and social media users couldn’t seem to get enough:

“Still $115 compared to $5,000,” one user stated. “Such an amazing dress and shoes. Very classy look.”

“Gorgeous,” another user noted.

Gorgeous, and oh-so-clever!

Feature Image: Jillian Lynch / TikTok

In News

PICS: Bride and groom grab some McDonald’s before wedding ceremony!

June 20, 2022 No Comments

When the cravings hit, there’s nothing you can do as one bridal couple recently found out. After all, walking down the aisle and saying “I do” can certainly work up an apetitie.

Newlyweds Basman Alwakeel (28) and blushing bride Haneen Alkhthir (31) tied the knot in a traditional wedding ceremony before sneaking away to satisfy their fast food cravings – a tasty meal at McDonalds – before heading back to an incredible evening with family and friends.

The couple, who hail from Australia, spent a few hours snapping wedding pics at the University of Sydney.

“It is such a beautiful location, but we were so hungry and craved some food, so we did a quick search of the nearest McDonald’s,” said Basman.

So what was on the menu for Mr and Mrs?

“We both ordered a spicy McChicken with chips and coke. The staff were shocked and the people kept congratulating us.”

Thankfully, the talented photographer was there to capture the “beautiful and natural moment.”

Despite the impromptu affair, that meal sure does look delicious! Even more fantastic is the fact that the gorgeous bride managed to keep her all-white wedding attire free of ketchup – no easy feat!

But while the couple tucked into a spicy chicken burger, just what about the guests? Friends and family did not go hungry as tradition dictates otherwise.

“It’s tradition for us to have guests in both the bride and groom’s house before the service. Simple snacks are prepared for the guests and later at the reception we chose Mediterranean food,” Basman said.

Feature Image: @auraweddings/ Caters News

In Weddings

The history of the wedding kiss

December 17, 2019 No Comments

While some traditions fade and others are altered, the wedding kiss has remained. A kiss after the vows is a wedding tradition that, it seems, will never disappear. Today, the wedding kiss serves as a representation of love and devotion between the couple. Historically, however, the wedding kiss had a different purpose.

Like many – if not most – traditions passed down for centuries, the history is a bit broken and unclear. As a result, there are a few origin stories of the wedding kiss.

The most commonly cited story is that of the ancient Romans (753 BC to 27 BC and then from 64 AD to 1453 AD). In ancient Rome, the wedding kiss was more of a legal formality; it symbolised a transaction that had taken place.

In those times, marriage was considered a contract and the kiss was the “signature” that rendered the contract binding. Neel Burton MD says, “In an age of widespread illiteracy, kisses served to seal agreements, thus the expression ‘to seal with a kiss.'” The kiss was also considered to be the first time that the couple ever kissed.

Others argue that the history of this significant kiss starts in the church. In ancient Catholic ceremonies, it was customary for priests to give the groom “a kiss of peace.” The groom was then required to pass the kiss on to his dearly beloved. It is said that this is how the phrase “you may now kiss the bride” came about.

Another religious argument about the origin story of this kiss comes from the scripture itself. The kiss is said to symbolise the fulfilment of the scripture that says “and the two shall become one flesh” (Mark 10:8).

Wherever it stems from, we’re pretty glad that it stood the test of time. The wedding kiss is one of the most anticipated moments of a western wedding. When celebs or royals are married, the kiss is sometimes even analysed by body language experts.

If public displays of affection are not for you though, remember that the kiss is not compulsory and your nuptials are still valid without it!

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Groom style: Stand out from your groomsmen

December 5, 2019 No Comments

A bride is usually very easy to spot. She wears a wedding gown that stands out from the crowd, and there is absolutely no chance she’ll be mistaken for a bridesmaid. The groom on the other hand, may get lost in a sea of suits.

This seems a bit unfair. It would be a shame for a groom to not be seen on his big day. There are ways (some more subtle than others) for a groom to stand out from his groomsmen. Have a look at these ideas:

– Different neckwear

If you’re wearing a tie, have your groomsmen wear bowties or vice versa. You could even switch it up completely by having your groomsmen sport classic neckwear while you wear an alternative neckpeice. There are way more alternatives than you think.

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– Vary in suit colours

The colour of your suit makes a tremendous difference. This is one of the easiest ways to stand out from your groomsmen. You’ll be the main focus, without a doubt. This works especially well when your groomsmen wear more dull toned suits while you wear something brighter.

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– Accessorize

Add something extra to your outfit. You could add a hat, a pocket watch, a brooch, or really anything you want. All you need to do is find the best way to incorporate it.

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– Play with patterns

If you really want to make a statement, you should consider adding some patterns. Keep your suit the same colour as your groomsmen, but add some pizzaz by adding a pattern. Alternatively, you could do this on a smaller scale by simply wearing a shirt with pattern or print while your groomsmen wear plain shirts.

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– Smart-casual groomsmen

By simply having your groomsmen ditch their blazers, you’ll be the centre of attention instantly.

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– Switch up your tie colour

If you’re the type of groom who wants to be set apart, but does’t want too much attention, simply switch the colour of your tie. This one is very subtle, but very effective.

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– Get creative with your boutonniere

Similar to the tie switch above, you could keep it simple and just vary in the colour of your boutonniere. You could also personalise it and get creative, there are endless possibilities. Have your groomsmen wear the classic flower, and hand craft your own boutonniere.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnTY6NRh4OF/

Image: Pixabay