marriage Archives | Wedding ETC

In Decor

Wedding dance floor ideas to kick of your shoes and let loose

November 9, 2021 No Comments

After the stress of planning a wedding and the jitters of saying your vows in front of friends and family, it can be liberating to metaphorically let your hair down, kick off your shoes and “shake what your mamma gave you.” Music is the entertainment that brings guests together and allows them to feel comfortable as they share in the bliss of the loved-up newlyweds.

Ready to put on your dancing shoes and find the inspiration you need?

Convert a pool

Okay, so while this may sound quite hazardous, what better way to impress your guests than with a dance floor on water? If your wedding venue has a swimming pool, while not grab a professional to convert it into something unique.

Bring the outdoors inside

Nature is a beautiful and magical thing, so why not add a few touches of nature to your dance floor. Create a magical space that incorporates lush and green-inspired flooring with plenty of lights to add to the ambience.

A Floral Dance Floor

Nothing is more romantic than a beautiful floral display. Elevate your dance floor with a floral design and, perhaps, a custom monochrome in the centre, and adding a gorgeous hanging floral installation above the dance floor will definitely add a bit of pizazz.

Balloons! Balloons! Balloons!

Tons of space, a classic dance floor and … balloons! Balloons don’t have to be reserved for birthday parties, but you can create an elegant bouquet of balloons to add a mix of fun to the space.

bouquet of balloons — **Kristin Sweeting**

A dash of fairy lights and a whole lot of chandeliers

A mixture of fairy lights and chandeliers are a great way to boost the ambience of your dance floor. Scrape the chandeliers and simply opt for fairy lights, which will allow you to add a starry night effect to your evening.

A Monochrome Feature

Show off your newlywedded bliss with a special crest of your initials. This is a great way to transform a regular dance floor into an extra special one.

monochrome intials dance floor — **Pinterest**

A carpet of dancing dreams

There’s nothing wrong with adding a little rustic charm to your dance floor. However, if wood flooring is not your vibe, why not opt for rugs to add a vintage-inspired vibe that is sure to leave your guests feeling comfortable and right at home.

rustic carpet dreams — Holtz Photography

Picture: Samm Blake

In Advice

How to elope – legally

November 14, 2019 No Comments

When you think of elopements, visions of secret romantic getaways spring to mind. A day of shared love with you and your partner is endlessly meaningful and simple. However, that doesn’t mean it will be effortless. While often marketed as the easy option, there are still a number of variables to consider when opting to elope. Here is what you need to know.

Legality in South Africa:

The solemnisation and registration of civil marriages, customary marriages and civil unions are all managed by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs. As a South African citizen, your marriage has to go through the necessary paperwork in order to be legal.

In order to receive a marriage licence, you must:

– ensure that you are legally allowed to marry

– understand the legal consequences of a marriage, particularly that marriages in South Africa are automatically in community of property, unless a valid ante-nuptial contract has been entered into before the marriage, and

– make sure that your marriage will comply with all the legal requirements for a valid marriage.

Necessary documents:

On the day of your wedding, the following documents must be produced:

– Identity documents for each person getting married

– If a foreign national is marrying a South African citizen, they should both present their valid passports as well as well as a completed BI-31 Form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of no impediment)

– If the wedding is for a minor (a person under the age of 18 years), the written consent of both parents/ legal guardian or the Commissioner of Child Welfare or a judge should be submitted on Form DHA-32 as well. If the minors getting married are under the ages of 18 for boys or 15 for girls, the written consent from the Minister of Home Affairs will also be required

– If any of the persons getting married are divorced, then the final decree of divorce should be furnished

– If any of the persons getting married are widowed, the deceased spouse’s death certificate must be submitted.

A Home Affairs-wedding requires at least two witnesses. These witnesses and the marriage officer must then sign the marriage register following the solemnisation of a marriage. The marriage officer will issue the parties with a handwritten marriage certificate (BI-27) free of charge. The marriage officer must then submit the marriage register to the nearest office of the Department of Home Affairs, where the marriage details will be recorded in the National Population Register (NPR).

Marrying abroad:

If you want to marry abroad, you will be subject to the laws of that particular country, so it is of utmost importance to research their specific requirements at their official embassy. In most cases, you will be required to submit a Letter of No Impediment (LNI). The LNI is a certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs Head Office to confirm the current marital status of an individual and that they are free to marry.

Application forms can be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs or an SA High Commission office. If you are divorced, you will have to submit your decree of divorce along with your application. It can take up to six months to receive your letter depending on processing time, so the earlier you can apply, the better. The certificate is valid for six months from the date of issuing.

Importantly, it must be issued by the Department of Home Affairs Head Office, not a Regional Home Affairs Office, in order to ensure legality. The LNI can only be legalised if an original, official Home Affairs letterhead, signed and stamped by the authorised Home Affairs official (Head Office only) has been provided.

Image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Famous couples who have eloped

November 8, 2019 No Comments

In the age of celebrity, it seems like every public personality goes big with their weddings. From Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s multiple nuptial celebrations spanning two separate continents, to Kimye’s $2.8 million wedding in Italy, celebrities know how to party hard.

While some prefer to splash out on their big day, others desire a more low-key, understated experience. These famous couples decide to ditch the dramatics in favour of an intimate elopement.

Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas:

This cute couple surprised fans when they got hitched after the 2019 Billboard Music Awards in a Las Vegas chapel. The shock ceremony was attended by the other Jonas brothers and DJ Diplo, who live-streamed the nuptials via Instagram.

In another non-traditional move, the coupled exchanged ring pops instead of wedding bands.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0I_yeqhycx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

John Legend and Chrissy Tiegen:

Before their lavish Lake Como wedding, this hilarious couple actually eloped and got married at a New York City courthouse in 2013. Their reasoning behind the elopement, however, was more necessary than romantic.

“We are dumb and didn’t realise that our Italian wedding would not be recognised unless we had a real ceremony in New York City,” Chrissy told E!News.

They have been happily married for six years and have two children.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BydurFhl5Ji/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Kristen Bell & Dax Shepard

Following their 2009 engagement, Shepard and Bell married at the Beverly Hills County Clerk’s office in 2013. The four year wait was purposeful. The couple vowed that they wouldn’t marry until same-sex marriage was legalised in the US.

Six years and two kids later, this couple’s marriage is as low-key and loving as ever.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B35B631JWdd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Jessica Alba & Cash Warren

A heavily pregnant Jessica Alba walked down the Beverly Hills Courthouse aisle to marry Cash Warren back in 2008. Both were casually dressed for the occasion, with Alba in a long blue dress and ponytail and Warren in a white shirt and brown pants. Who said you need to dress up to get married?

They have now been married for 11 years and have three children.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxqwd-Hl8MN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Sacha Baron Cohen & Isla Fisher

Known for their over-the-top humour, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher went interestingly understated with their nuptials. They married in Paris in 2010 with only six guests in attendance. Their guests didn’t even know about the wedding until the day.

“It [was] very important to me to have a beautiful ritual celebrated with my family and friends. And when you are in the public eye, to keep that private and to make it happen without it being really visible is really difficult,” Fisher said about the wedding.

Nine years and three kids later, their marriage is still going strong.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsV7_4dhivp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos

Hollywood’s most loved up couple got married on a whim. A year into dating, All my Children co-stars Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos randomly got engaged over pizza and wine. The very next day they set off to Vegas for a shotgun wedding on May 1, 1996.

They have been married for 23 years and have three children.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuT7a5VBcuW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green:

Fox and green wed in an intimate, sunset ceremony on June 24 on an Hawaaiian beach. Their sole witness was son, Kassius, Green’s son, who also acted as his father’s best man. Fox wore an Armani Privé gown featuring a 16-ft. (4.88 metre) train.

Their marriage has had its ups and downs. After five years of marriage and two children, they separated and filed for divorce in 2015, citing irreconcilable differences. However, a year later they seemingly reconciled and had their third child.

“Some people look at divorce or things not working as, like, a disappointment and it’s not,” green said in an interview. “The fact that it worked at all is a positive. We have three amazing kids. We’ve had and we have a great relationship. We’re just taking it day by day.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/tW5p8HJl6T/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Jordan Peele and Chelsea Peretti:

Get Out director Jordan Peele and actress Chelsea Peretti have always been low-key with their relationship and their wedding was no different. They eloped to the mountains without breathing a word about it to anyone. Their only wedding guest: their pet dog.

“We went to Big Sur, ever heard of it?” she joked on late night talk show, Conan. “It’s beautiful—oceans, mountains. We were married by a woman named Soaring, like soaring above the clouds, and our dog was there, and that was it. No guests.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4F_CtFlEna/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock:

An elopement was not the original plan for this couple. After becoming overwhelmed with wedding planning, Clarkson and Blackstock decided to have a private ceremony in 2013, attended only by Blackstock’s two children.

They now have two more children together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk1G9K8A3oi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Instagram / Sophie Turner

In News

The 60-year engagement

October 22, 2019 No Comments

An Australian couple tied the knot this weekend, 60 years after they first got engaged, proving that love never truly dies.

Tom Susans, 87, and Judith Beston, 80, first met in 1957 at a Brisbane-based teachers training college and within two years they became engaged. At the time, however, the marriage was not meant to be. In 1959, Tom started a teaching job in Beaudesert, Queensland while Judith moved back home to Redcliffe, Brisbane with the intention of them getting married and starting their life there. Her family, however, were not supportive of the engagement.

“I thought ‘this is good, I can get married here and Mum can help me a bit’, but at home it was really difficult,” Judith told ABC news.

“Mum didn’t want Tom involved; she thought he was much too old for me.”

Familial pressure turned out to be too much for Judith, causing her to move to New Zealand where she began teaching, got married and raised seven children.

“She just disappeared,” Tom said. “I didn’t know where she was; I couldn’t find her anywhere in Australia. I thought she was dead.”

Tom kept the engagement and wedding rings, placing it in a wooden cabinet for safe keeping, They would remain in this cabinet for 60 years.

Tom also moved on. He eventually moved back to central Queensland, married a fellow teacher, and raised four girls.

Despite moving on, however, Tom never lost hope that he and Judith would be reunited. He would search for her at every one of their University’s reunions, but she never attended them. He gave up, eventually, and stopped seeking her out. He was then surprised to find that she was at the 50 year reunion, and immediately called her.

The pair reunited in 2009 at another reunion, but despite keeping in touch through Christmas cards, their relationship did not progress.

It was only after Tom’s wife passed on, and Judith had been widowed for a long time, that they began to explore their relationship again.

“The chance of us meeting each other and the chances of us picking up where we left off — we seem to be pretty compatible,” said Judith.

In April 2019 the couple met up face-to-face and holidayed together in Queensland. It was here that Tom proposed again.

“When he asked me to marry him, I said yes straightaway,” said Judith. “Normally I have to think about things for a while and sometimes I think about it long enough for it not to happen.”

They finally married in an intimate ceremony in October 2019, where Tom was finally able to place the long-kept wedding ring on Judith’s finger.

“I thought after 60 years, it was about time she had it back — and it fitted,” said Tom.

Picture: ABC News

In Advice

Lucky and unlucky days to get married

October 17, 2019 No Comments

Your wedding day is a wonderful moment to celebrate love, one you want to go off without a hitch. According to many, every aspect of the wedding process will affect your Big Day, even the date you choose to celebrate it on.

Setting the date is often the first big step in the wedding process which will frame every consequent decision you make. Religion, superstition, astrology and culture argue that there are certain days, dates and months more auspicious for weddings, while others are no-goes if you want good luck on your Big Day. If you are particularly superstitious, you might want to avoid some of these wedding days.

Lucky wedding days

Judaism:

In various religions, certain days are favoured as lucky. Those that practice Judaism are likely to consider Tuesdays to be particularly good days for weddings, because the Book of Genesis says “And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10 and 12) twice in the verse about the creation of the third day.

Jewish couples also favour the beginning of the month for weddings, as their religion’s calendar is lunar and believes that the moon renews itself every month.

Astrology:

Astrology believers should look to the moon for guidance. According to astrologers, the position and look of the moon and planets can have a deep impact on our lives. Changes in its shape and appearance are said to affect our inner beings. A waxing moon is considered lucky, while a waning moon is seen as unlucky.

A full moon is considered highly lucky on your wedding day. Astrologers believe that a full moon brings harmony, as the lunar yin energy is perfectly balanced with the solar yang energy. As the forms of the moon is said to influence our feelings, a full moon encourages people to express their inner feelings fully. The full moon also brings seeds of intention to fruition.

The new moon is the first lunar phase, representing the resetting of the lunar cycle and letting go of restrictions or fears holding you back. This allows you to move forward with clarity. Couples looking to follow astrology should plan their wedding at least 12 hours after the new moon for optimal results.

Astrology lovers should consult the their zodiac signs before setting a date, as dates for auspicious marriages range in luck depending on personal star signs. Auspicious dates are said to bless the couple with a good and prosperous marriage while unlucky dates will curse them.

Roman mythology:

April and June seem to be the most auspicious months to get married according to Roman mythology. April is closely linked with Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty and fertility, while June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and commitment. Juno was the wife of Zeus and lorded for her unwavering commitment to him. She also was the one that paired soulmates, making her the mastermind behind ancient marriages, according to Roman mythology.

Chinese culture:

Chinese culture considers August 8 a particularly auspicious date because the word for the number eight sounds similar to their word for wealth or fortune. As a result, the eighth day of the eighth month is a highly symbolic date to get married.

Unlucky wedding days:

Judaism:

Jewish couples are less likely to marry on a Friday because in their religion Friday is the day of rest, also known as Shabbat.

Folklore:

An ancient Celtic folk rhyme suggests that Saturdays are unlucky days to wed. The rhyme goes: “Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, and Saturday no luck at all.”

According to folklore, July is an unlucky month for weddings. An old rhyme from the 1800s lamenting the fates of married couples based on their wedding dates predicted July marriages would curse newlyweds.

“Marry when June roses blow, Over land and sea you’ll go,” the rhyme goes, “Those who in July do wed Must labour [sic] for their daily bread”.

American folklore records from the 1930s echo this sentiment, saying that marriages from this month “are apt to be crisscrossed with sunshine and shadow”.

Roman mythology:

July also contained many mourning days for the ancient Romans, where they commemorated battles and no religious practices were followed, making many parts of the month off-limits for weddings.

Another unlucky month is May, according to Roman mythology. This month is said to be unlucky because it is between April and June, the two months closely associated with Roman goddesses Venus and Juno. Marrying in May could thus be seen as an insult to the two goddesses. This month was also traditionally when Romans celebrated Lemuria, a festival of the dead.

Chinese culture:

Chinese culture views April 4 as a bad day for a wedding as their word for the number four is similar to their word for death, thus symbolising bad luck for the fourth day of the fourth month. Many Chinese buildings and apartments even omit the fourth floor completely because of this superstition.

Unlucky number 13:

The number 13 is considered unlucky across various cultures in the world, and as a result, the 13th of any month is often seen as bad. Friday the 13th is considered particularly unlucky as it is closely associated with the horror film franchise of the same name.

Some Italians are superstitious of Friday the 17th, as the roman numeral form of the date, XVII, can be rearranged into “VIXI”, which translates from Latin into the meaning “my life is over”.

Picture: Unsplash

In Venues

5 Amazing SA wedding venues

October 16, 2019 No Comments

Where you get married is an integral part of the big day. You want your surroundings to be absolutely stunning and the photos to be a beautiful reminder of the day. We found these spectacular, slightly off-the-beaten-track venues to keep in mind as you go on the search of the perfect space.

Granny Mouse Country House

Considered one of the most romantic venues in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, the Granny Mouse is a sight to see. The chapel has panoramic views over the Caversham Valley and is the perfect combination of countryside and luxury. It has an old time charm to it, and is far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B29JoPCJrg7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxFfPsGplPJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Lord Milner Hotel

This venue is in a somewhat obscure place of the country, but trust us, you want to go there. On the fringe of the Karoo, the hotel is one of those rare places that takes you back in time and makes you feel like you’re not even in this century. Named after Lord Alfred Milner, the hotel is also a heritage site and was completed in 1899, and shortly thereafter served as the Headquarters of the Cape Western Command.

Forest Hall Estate

If you want a fairy tale inspired venue, this place is for you. Situated outside of Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route, the venue is one with nature and has an enchanted forest look. Almost no need for expensive decor, as nature is your backdrop!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxIBrCLH2BB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpBnD6XH7fK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Oranje Gasteplaas

It’s not news that Clarens in the Eastern Free State is arguably the view-mecca of the inland. Nestled in the Maluti mountains, you get the veld atmosphere without having to sacrifice class. Think open green fields, cattle grazing and mountainous peaks popping up all around.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSOK0l6F9NS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnZD_4LgYXl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Flycatcher Castle

This awe inspiring structure is on the outskirts of Graskop towards God’s Window in Mpumalanga. Set in the style of a 17th century Italian castle, the venue is an experience in itself. The castle was constructed using hand picked relics and works of art to create a magnificent masterpiece set in one of the most beautiful areas of the country.

Picture: Matjiesfontein.com

In Fashion

Trending in wedding fashion: personalised bridal jackets

October 15, 2019 No Comments

Accessories are the final cherry on top of the cake. From jewellery to hair accessories, there are a host of additions that can be made to complete your final bridal look.

Personalised bridal jackets have been trending for a few years now, most famously worn by Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West.

Bridal jackets are typically leather or denim jackets adorned with personalised wedding script. Newlyweds wear these jackets on their wedding evening and as a bonus can keep it for decades to come. Another bonus is that it is easily DIY-able.

Here are a few bridal jackets to inspire you on your big day:

Crew love:

Dress your bridal party in matching jackets to show off your squad.

Just married:

Shout out you newlywed status with these jackets.

Wifey:

You’ve got a new title now, and everyone can read it off your back.

Till death:

Have a physical reminder of your vows by emblazoning ’til death” on your bridal jacket.

Babe:

Not one for official titles? Go with a cute nickname like ‘babe’.

Wife of the party:

Remind everyone that it’s your day with a jacket screaming ‘wife of the party’, or ‘bride’.

Get sappy:

Once you’ve found your person, everything falls into place. Let them know how you feel with a jacket with ‘it was always you’ written across it, or let them know you’ve found your happily ever after.

Surnames:

Have your surnames emblazoned on your jackets for a personalised touch.

Picture: Instagram / Kim Kardashian

In News

Bride has symbolic solo photoshoot after cancelling wedding

October 15, 2019 No Comments

An American bride’s story has gone viral on social media after she cancelled her wedding but still had her wedding photoshoot. Her story has inspired many and has become an important symbol for choosing your own happiness first.

Chandley Brelsford from Reno, Nevada, took to Facebook to write a moving message that explains why she cancelled her June 8 wedding. Three weeks before her big day, she realised that she was not happy and that her fiancé was not the right man for her.

“The man I had fallen in love with was not the man I could call my husband. And it has shaken my character to its very core.” she writes. “The life I so desperately wanted to live with him was never going to exist. Our marriage would not be peaceful, supportive, and loving and it took 4 years for me to realize that this man was not right for me.”

When she first began dating her partner, she feel like the most special woman in the world. She viewed the relationship through rose-tinted glasses, ignoring multiple warning signs. She began making many sacrifices and dedicated most of her time to making the relationship work.

“I started my freshman year of college in Reno, but drove back to Sacramento every weekend to see him. He had told me he wouldn’t do long-distance, so I kept jobs close to his home and worked on the weekends. Every week, I would go to class and finish all my homework in Reno, then drive 2.5 hours over the mountains to work my shifts and see him. I would clean his home and buy our groceries. I would meal prep all our lunches for the week as well as any miscellaneous tasks that he asked of me. He would become very angry if I forgot little things, so I tried my best to do everything to his specifications. I wanted to prove how serious I was.”

She began walking on eggshells, dedicating every free moment to making sure her partner would not get mad at her. Brelsford also isolated herself from her friends, and gave up many of her dreams to accompany his wishes.

Their engagement was a happy moment, one she thought would improve things. However, nothing changed.

“My life was so perfect on the outside, but inside the depression was beginning to consume me.”

She decided to cancel the wedding after a particularly large fight broke out that took her to a dark place.

On the date that she was meant to get married, she put on her wedding dress and had her pre-scheduled wedding photoshoot by herself, in a symbol of choosing herself.

She appears much more happy and confident.
Credit: Facebook / Chandley Brelsford

“To all the women out there, no one is worth sacrificing what you hold dear. It doesn’t matter if he is good-looking or willing to spend money on you or promises you the whole world; if he does not show you respect now, then he never will. Love is blind.”

“Every person is deserving of a love that sets their soul on fire, as well as provides a place to rest when weary. This world is harsh sometimes, so hold onto those who are kind to you. For now, I will be focusing on myself, my goals, my faith, and my family and friends. I might be ready to get married again… some day, but not today.”

Read her inspiring message here:

Picture: Facebook / Chandley Brelsford

In Engagements

Most popular dates to get engaged

October 15, 2019 No Comments

Looking to get engaged soon? While there is no specific right time for everyone across the board, research has shown that people tend to get engaged on very particular days of the year.

If you’re waiting to propose or to be proposed to, one of these dates might be of significance in your future. These are the most popular days of the year to get engaged.

Christmas:

Christmas is one of the most popular Christian holidays of the year, so it makes sense that many people would get engaged on this day. Typically, people spend Christmas with their family, making it a great time for a proposal as everyone can celebrate together when the big question has been asked.

Valentine’s Day:

Of course the most romantic day of the year would be a popular time for engagements. Loved-up couples honour Saint Valentine by becoming betrothed on this special holiday. As a day particularly designed for romance, Valentines Day makes it easier to plan an elaborate proposal as your partner would not be suspicious of why you’re planning something.

Christmas Eve:

If Christmas is too stressful, Christmas Eve makes a perfect date to get engaged. Some families have a Christmas Eve dinner and exchange gifts then, instead of on Christmas itself. For Christmas lovers, the lead up to this festive event is just as fun and exciting. Because of this, Christmas Eve has become a popular date to get engaged.

New Years Eve:

The last day of the year makes for a great time for a proposal. People tend to be celebrating New Year’s Eve to usher in the new year, and are typically with their closest friends and family. This special day also provides a host of fun activities like watching fireworks, or going to a party. Those that decide to get engaged on this day thus start the new year on a high note.

New Year’s Day:

New Year’s Eve might be a bit too chaotic and busy for some people. On New Years Day, many people are reflective of their life and how they want to be better for the year ahead. Many have therefore chosen this day to begin the year with a big life change by getting engaged.

Anniversaries:

Anniversaries are dedicated days to celebrate your love and how far your relationship has come. Most couples tend to already have plans for their anniversary, and what better way to end it than with a proposal? It’s a great way to honour your love and commitment to one another.

Birthdays:

Birthdays are special days to honour someone’s life, making it the perfect time for a proposal. A ring makes for a great birthday present!

The Saturday before Valentine’s Day:

The Valentine’s spirit spreads the weeks before the lovers’ holiday. Considering most restaurants and vendors mark up their prices for Valentine’s Day, proposing the Saturday before the holiday makes for a more cost-effective time to propose while still having Valentine’s romance in the air.

Picture: Unsplash

In Celebs

How Queen Victoria shaped modern weddings

October 15, 2019 No Comments

Weddings have been happening since time immemorial. From the ancient Romans and Greeks to today’s millennials, weddings have stood the test of time as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment for many.

Many wedding traditions have been around for centuries, and have shaped how we get married. But have you ever wondered where they come from? Turns out, we have Queen Victoria to thank for many modern wedding traditions we use today.

Queen Victoria has gone down in history as one of the most iconic royal monarchs, and for good reason. She has survived multiple assassination attempts, she proposed to her husband, and is the second longest reigning British monarch after Queen Elizabeth II.

Her wedding to Prince Albert took place on February 10, 1840, in the Chapel Royal of St. James’s Palace in London. This day became one that would shape modern weddings for a number of reasons.

A wedding spectacle:

Royal weddings were traditionally small and private night-time events. However, Queen Victoria had other ideas. She wanted her wedding to be a moment. She had her bridal procession drive through the streets to St. James palace so that thousands of members of the public could see her. This has become a tradition for many betrothed royals since, with their weddings becoming public events observed the world over. No other royal monarch weddings have been held in the evening since. She also had many more wedding guests than the norm, making her wedding a massive event.

The white wedding dress:

Up until this wedding, brides traditionally wore coloured wedding gowns. This was mainly for practicality, as they could rewear the dresses and because white is notoriously difficult to keep clean. Royal brides typically had elaborate wedding dresses made in gold or silver fabrics and were highly embellished to show their wealthy status. However, Queen Victoria wanted to be different on her wedding day. She refused the crimson velvet robes of state in favour of a white, lacy gown with an 18ft (5.5m) train. She chose white to enhance the finely detailed Honiton lace on her gown. She also chose this colour to stand out from the crowd and be more visible during the bridal procession, as well as to enhance her purity and innocence. She had the pattern for her dress destroyed after her wedding so that no one else would copy it.

And thus, the white wedding dress tradition was born. Her wedding gown was reported on all over the world, and spurred on international wedding trends. Initially, wealthier brides emulated her look, but by the 20th century most brides were donning pure white for their wedding day.

The veil and floral headdress:

Queen Victoria completed her wedding ensemble with a veil and floral headdress decorated with orange blossoms and myrtle. Orange blossoms were a wedding tradition as they represent fertility and purity. Until her wedding, wedding veils has largely gone out of style in favour of caps and bonnets. However, her decision to don a veil revived the trend for decades to come.

No guests to wear white:

Because Queen Victoria wanted her look to stand out, she banned all of her wedding guests from wearing white on the big day. This tradition has since been an unspoken rule at weddings. Today, wearing white to a wedding is considered incredibly disrespectful to the bride.

The cake:

Queen Victoria’s wedding cake was a sight. At 300lbs (136kg), 9ft (2.7m) circumference and 16 inches ( 40.6cm) in height, this baked wonder required four men to carry it in. It was decorated with a figure of Britannia, and flanked by cupids, one of which held a book bearing displaying their wedding date. This took the wedding cake to new heights. Today, the look of your wedding cake is just as important as any other aspect of the wedding. Many couples spend a large chunk of their wedding budget on crafting an elaborate wedding cake that makes a statement.

Picture: Roger Fenton / Getty Images