• Tag

    home-carousel

    Browsing

    Adding a touch of childlike wonder to weddings for as long as we can remember, the flower girl is not only adorable but a much-loved wedding tradition too. While we often associate the moment with sweetness and innocence, the meaning and origin of the practice are rooted in much older customs.

    There are two main ideas linked to this tradition. According to Reader’s Digest, it’s connected to themes of new beginnings and fertility (as many long-standing wedding traditions are), rather than romance.

    In ancient Rome, marriages were often arranged and carried significant social purpose, including uniting families and ensuring a continuation of the family line. During these ceremonies, historic accounts describe young attendants accompanying the bride. A young girl would walk ahead of her, tossing grains or herbs to symbolise prosperity, good fortune, and protection.

    As the centuries went on, the symbolism evolved with each era. Some medieval customs continued the idea of blessing the path ahead, often using herbs known for their associations with luck or protection. Over time, this slowly shifted into what we recognise today: little girls scattering petals or carrying blooms down the aisle.

    Reader’s Digest also notes that having a young girl lead the procession came to represent the transition from childhood to womanhood — one reason why flower girls are often dressed in similar colours or styles to the bride.

    Brides shares similar origins, adding that influences from both Roman and Greek traditions likely contributed to the early forms of this custom.

    As the tradition developed further, the Elizabethan era embraced children in the wedding party as symbols of hope and innocence. Brides notes that this era strengthened the sentimental meaning behind including little ones.

    By the time the Victorian era arrived, the flower girl had taken on a look much closer to the modern version. Petite baskets filled with flowers and delicate floral wreaths became popular, symbolising unending love and natural beauty.

    Today, we still include children in our wedding parties, although the meaning has changed dramatically. Most couples no longer associate the role with fertility or symbolism around innocence — they simply enjoy the charm, fun, and family connection that a flower girl brings to the aisle. It’s become a sweet way to involve beloved nieces, nephews, or little family friends in one of life’s most special moments.

    ALSO SEE: Flower Availability by Season and Locality: Plan Your Wedding Blooms Wisely

    Flower Availability by Season and Locality: Plan Your Wedding Blooms Wisely

    Image: Unsplash

    Now that you’ve got the ring, you’ve said yes, and you’ve spread your great news, it’s time to celebrate! Your engagement party is the first of many celebrations to come before the wedding in which you get to honour your relationship. You’ll definitely want to start your wedding journey off with a bang.

    While some may opt for the traditional engagement party, others may want to spice things up a bit. Since an engagement party is a celebration of the couple, it should reflect their personalities, right?

    Here are some fun engagement party ideas to get your imagination flowing:

    –  Classy back yard picnic 

    – Garden dinner 

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Morgan Yates (@morgan.yates)

    – Wine and cheese tasting 

    – Casino party 

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Briana Williams (@lovexbriana)

    – At home silent disco 

    – Glamping for a night 

    – A bonfire at the beach 

    – Dress up/themed party 

    – Backyard movie night 

    – Cocktail party 

    – Sunset cruise

    – Build-your-own pizza night

    – Pool party

    Bonus: 

    – Tribute to your first date

    If you did something exciting on your first date or ate some great food, try to incorporate that into the party. If you went to a certain restaurant, perhaps you could host the party there. Maybe you went to a carnival – you could either have all your guest join you at another carnival, or you could have a carnival themed party.

    ALSO SEE: Busted! 5 Common engagement ring myths debunked

    Busted! 5 Common engagement ring myths debunked

    Image: Pexels 

    When crafting your perfect bridal look, it’s important to stay true to yourself and your values. For a Muslim bride who chooses to wear a hijab, this is an important addition to her beauty.

    A hijab is a headscarf some Muslim women wear over their hair and chest, in honour of their Islamic tradition. Islam encourages both men and women to dress modestly once they hit puberty, and a hijab is a common method of following this guideline for women. However, it is not a requirement, so some Muslims may choose not to wear one.

    hijab wedding
    Photo: Pinterest/wisamsveils, Bridal Hijabs & Turbans

    A hijab can be highly personal and speaks to one’s culture and upbringing. It can be worn in a multitude of ways, from a simple wrap to an ornate headpiece accessorised with jewels and stones. It’s like wearing a crown.

    The fabric you choose will have to complement your dress. Generally, brides have the hijab made from the same fabric their dress in to ensure it matches in colour and creates a uniform look. The fabric will act as a base, and you can always dress it up with jewels and extra accessories.

    hijab
    Photo: Pinterest

    If you want something different, you could always make a statement with some texture and dimension. Chiffon adds a lighter look and ethereal quality, and sowing 3D flowers of different sizes will add a stunning depth to your look. Lace is always perfect for a touch of romance, and a more clean look, opt for pearls.

    ALSO SEE: The rectangular wedding cake trend (and why we’re loving it)

    The rectangular wedding cake trend (and why we’re loving it)

    Feature image: Pinterest

    Kim Cattrall has married her partner of nearly a decade, marking a joyful new chapter for the 69-year-old star best known for her role as Samantha Jones in Sex and the City.

    The actress tied the knot with audio engineer Russell Thomas on 4 December in a small ceremony attended by just 12 guests. Styled by iconic Sex and the City costume designer Patricia Field, Cattrall’s wedding look added a nostalgic nod to the character that made her a global favourite.

    Cattrall and Thomas first met in 2016 when she appeared on BBC Radio’s Woman’s Hour, where he was working behind the scenes. The pair kept in touch, began dating shortly after, and have been together for nine years. Thomas, 14 years younger than Cattrall, has been described by her as “a rebel” with a wicked sense of humour.

    In a recent interview, she said their relationship is defined by its ease. “I’m very comfortable around him. He’s a firecracker… and he’s easy on the eyes,” she told People.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Who What Wear (@whowhatwear)

    A colourful romantic history

    Cattrall has been married three times before. Her first marriage, to writer Larry Davis, was annulled in 1979. She went on to marry German architect Andre J. Lyson in 1982, with the couple divorcing seven years later. Her third marriage, to musician Mark Levinson, began in 1998 and included their much-publicised collaboration on the 2002 book Satisfaction: The Art of the Female Orgasm. They split in 2004.

    Over the years, she has also been linked to notable figures, including Pierre Trudeau, Daniel Benzali, Gerald Casale and Bernard-Henri Lévy.

    Open about a child-free life

    Cattrall has long spoken honestly about choosing not to have children, explaining that maternal fulfilment can take many forms. “I am not a biological parent, but I am a parent,” she has said, citing her close relationships with mentees, nieces and nephews. In past essays, she noted that societal pressure once made her question her path, but ultimately she chose a life aligned with her instincts, not expectations.

    A happy ending

    After decades of navigating love in the public eye, Cattrall’s fourth marriage marks a fresh start with a partner she describes as both grounding and adventurous. Nearly 20 years after Sex and the City ended, the actress who embodied one of TV’s most commitment-averse characters appears to have found her perfect match — and a love story all her own.

    ALSO SEE: Venus Williams shares the sweetest engagement moments

    Venus Williams shares the sweetest engagement moments

    Written by Jade McGee for Woman&Home.

    Feature image: Instagram/Kim Cattrall

    Zesty, pretty and totally wedding-ready, these lemon mojito lollipops are the perfect addition to any celebration. Pop them into jars, scatter them across the snack table, or gift them as fun take-home treats. If you’re after wedding favour ideas that are cute, refreshing and budget-friendly, this recipe ticks every box.

    Recipe

    Serves: Makes 9
    Cooking Time: 30 mins

    Ingredients

    10 mint leaves
    2 lemons, thinly sliced; some
    slices halved
    220g sugar
    120g liquid glucose
    60ml (4 tbsp) soda water
    1,25ml (¼ tsp) mint extract (find at
    baking supply stores)
    80ml (1/3 cup) white rum

    Instructions

    1. Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone mat and grease with non-stick cooking spray. Place 3 different-sized (8cm-, 7cm and 5cm-diameter) round cookie cutters on the lined tray and grease them with non-stick cooking spray too. Position a wooden ice lolly stick underneath each cookie cutter to form the lollies’ handles, and arrange the lemon slices and mint leaves inside the cutters, as desired.
    2. Heat the sugar, liquid glucose and soda water in a saucepan over medium heat, allow to simmer until the sugar has melted, then increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil and cook, without stirring, 15 minutes or until the mixture reaches 120°C on a sugar thermometer.
    3. Stir in the mint extract and white rum, and boil, 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool down slightly to break down the bubbles.
    4. Working quickly, drizzle up to 30ml (2 tbsp) syrup into each prepared cookie cutter, covering the mint leaves and lemon slices. Allow the mojito lollipops to set completely on the lined tray, about 10 minutes. Lift the cookie cutters, remove the lollipops and set the lollipops aside, standing them upright in a jar. Repeat these steps with the remaining syrup, re-greasing the moulds and adding the lolly sticks each time. (If the syrup hardens during the process, simply return it to the heat to melt.)

    ALSO SEE: Embracing Moody Jewel Tones for South African Weddings

    Color & Mood Shifts: Embracing Moody Jewel Tones for South African Weddings

    Recipe from Food&Home.

    For years, Venus Williams has been fiercely private, letting her legendary tennis career speak louder than her personal life. But last week, the five-time Wimbledon champion treated fans to a rare and intimate glimpse into her engagement with Andrea Preti, sharing a carousel of enchanting photos on Instagram captioned simply: “Engaged 1/31/25.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Venus Williams (@venuswilliams)

    The post marks a heartwarming contrast to the fierce, competitive energy fans are used to seeing on the court.

    A Vogue-Worthy Celebration of Love

    Set in a lush, romantic garden, the engagement portraits feel straight out of a magazine spread. Williams stuns in a crisp white Prada halter dress, exuding effortless sophistication, while Preti, her Italian-Danish actor and former model fiancé, complements her elegance perfectly.

    One photo, in particular, warms hearts: the couple smiling alongside Harry, Williams’s beloved dog who turned 18 this year. Including Harry in the shoot adds a personal, familial touch, signaling that this chapter is not just about Venus and Andrea—it’s a celebration of their entire little unit.

    Andrea Preti: Partner and Cheerleader

    Preti, 37, is a multi-hyphenate talent in the entertainment industry, balancing acting, producing, and modeling. His artistic résumé spans indie films like One More Day and Italian TV dramas such as A Professor and Temptation. But beyond his career, he has been a steadfast supporter of Venus’s tennis journey. During her engagement announcement in July, she revealed that he had encouraged her to continue competing, saying, “My fiancé is here, and he really encouraged me to keep playing.”

    Their connection, though largely private, has been documented in glimpses around the world. The romance first emerged publicly in July 2024 during a boat trip in Italy. By February 2025, sightings of Venus wearing a diamond ring at a Milan fashion event fueled engagement speculation. The rumors were confirmed months later in July, putting any doubts to rest.

    A History of Love and Privacy

    Before finding love with Preti, Venus had a few high-profile relationships. She shared a long-term relationship with golfer Hank Kuehne from 2007 to 2010 and later dated Cuban model Elio Pis, who also modeled for her EleVen clothing line. Yet through it all, Venus has maintained her personal life with discretion, choosing to let her achievements and work define her public persona.

    Now, with these stunning engagement photos, fans get a rare peek behind the curtain. Venus Williams, known for her grace and competitiveness, shows that off the court, her life is filled with quiet joy, love, and family moments worth celebrating.

    While a wedding date remains unannounced, fans are clearly savoring this intimate reveal—proof that even legends deserve their happily ever after.

    ALSO SEE: Nadia Jaftha announces her engagement

    Nadia Jaftha announces her engagement

    Source: IOL

    Feature image: Instagram/Venus Williams

    Round cakes will forever be classics, but 2025 belongs to the rectangle. Clean lines, modern edges, and a totally fresh silhouette… it’s the cake equivalent of a stylish reboot.

    Modern, minimal, completely chic

    Rectangular cakes just look contemporary. They photograph beautifully, suit almost any theme, and bring that polished, editorial feel couples are loving right now. Honestly? We can see this trend rolling right into 2026 (at least, we hope so).

    wedding cake
    Photo: Pinterest

    A dream for cake artists

    The long, flat surface is basically a mood board waiting to happen:

    • soft brushstrokes

    • subtle metallics

    • bold geometric patterns

    • delicate florals

    More space means more creativity.

    Photo: Pinterest

    Practical in the best way

    Neat slices. Easy serving. Zero fuss. If you have a big guest list, the rectangle has your back. And your caterer will thank you.

    Photo: Pinterest

    Style it your way

    This shape works beautifully with:

    • minimalist white-on-white

    • dramatic colour contrasts

    • vintage piping (loving this comeback)

    • greenery and fresh florals

    • tall, stacked tiers for extra height

    It’s versatile without trying too hard.

    ALSO SEE: No Cake, No Bouquet Toss, No Rules, Couples Are Reinventing Weddings

    No Cake, No Bouquet Toss, No Rules, Couples Are Reinventing Weddings

    Feature image: Pinterest/Veranda Flowers

    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

    Summer celebrations — from weddings to honeymoons — are all about sunshine, good company, and a glass in hand. And while it’s easy to just open a bottle and pour, a little know-how can make every sip feel more special.

    The right prep, the right pairing, and the right setup can elevate your reception drinks or honeymoon evenings instantly.

    Make the most of every bottle

    Start with your senses: look at the colour, swirl gently, and inhale to pick up the wine’s distinctive notes before taking a slow first sip. The small details matter:

    Use the right glasses:

      • Tulip-shaped glasses bring out aromas

      • Flutes keep bubbles lively

      • Stemless glasses are ideal for relaxed settings

    Get the temperature right:

        • Sparkling wine: 6–8°C

        • Whites: 8–12°C

        • Rosé: ±10°C

        • Light reds: 12–14°C

        • Fuller reds: 14–18°C

    Don’t underestimate presentation:
    Nicely chilled bottles, beautiful glassware, and a simple setup make home celebrations or honeymoon picnics feel extra special.

    And above all, pace yourselves; responsible sipping is non-negotiable.

    Quick pairing guide for wedding menus & honeymoon meals

    Crisp white wines
    Perfect with prawns, seafood salads, lemon-herb roast chicken, or fresh goat’s cheese.
    Serve at 8–10°C.

    Dry rosé
    Great with cold cuts, light salads, and tomato-based snacks.
    Serve at 8–10°C.

    White blends or Chenin-style wines
    Lovely with creamy salads, mild curries, and roast chicken.
    Serve at 10–12°C.

    Light reds
    Ideal with grilled meats, boerewors, and lamb chops — perfect for warm weather.
    Serve at 14–16°C.

    Sparkling wine / MCC
    Perfect for starters, seafood, desserts, and all your celebratory toasts.
    Serve at 6–8°C.

    All-rounder
    A chilled dry rosé works beautifully with a mix of courses.

    Quick ways to upgrade your wine experience

    • Whites → smaller bowl

    • Reds → larger bowl

    • Rosé → tapered bowl

    • Sparkling → wide tulip

    Temperature and glassware alone can completely change your wine experience — whether it’s your reception, a small gathering, or a sunset honeymoon sip.

    ALSO SEE: No Cake, No Bouquet Toss, No Rules, Couples Are Reinventing Weddings

    No Cake, No Bouquet Toss, No Rules, Couples Are Reinventing Weddings

    Info: Supplied by ByDesign.

    Feature image: Pexels

    We all hope that our wedding day will go off without a hitch, but sometimes mishaps happen. Between wardrobe malfunction to allergic reactions to beauty blunders – it’s all part of the process.

    I’m sure we’d all love to be prepared for every scenario our minds can conjure, but this is simply not possible. However, a little preparation goes a long way and adding an emergency kit to your wedding day can be a great way to alleviate stress.

    Needle and Thread

    Sometimes things tear, and that’s true for bridesmaids and wedding dresses. Having a handy dandy sewing kit is a must when getting ready for your big day, it helps avoid anyone running around looking for a needle and thread.

    Shoe Repair Glue 

    We’re preparing for everything, right? While a tear in a dress is a very real reality, sometimes heels get stuck on things they shouldn’t and give way to gravity. Adding some shoe repair glue into your emergency kit may save you the trouble of re-doing your makeup after your wedding shoe hits a snag.

    Double-Sided Wardrobe Tape

    Stop necklines from sagging and keep straps covered with this life-saving tool! This magical little took has the ability to tackle wardrobe malfunction by simply peeling and sticking.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Wine Stain Remover

    The drinks are flowing and the guests are getting down on the dance floor. A shove here and a spill there, sometimes white wedding dresses can get stained when having a good time. Not to worry, Takealot has a few good options when it comes to stain removals, especially red wine!

    Mini First Aid Kit

    Grab a travel-sized first aid kit from your nearest pharmacy or online. These kits are equipped with everything you could need when handling bumps, scratches, and other minor accidents that may derail your day.

    ALSO SEE: 5 Breathtaking allergy-friendly florals to add to your wedding!

    5 Breathtaking allergy-friendly florals to add to your wedding!

    Feature Image: Pexels