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    In Weddings

    Are these wedding traditions still necessary?

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    Weddings are filled with customs and tradition that still play a role in weddings today. While some come from sweet superstitions, others have pretty archaic roots. Nowadays, people are much more accepting and so the couple can decide which traditions, if any, they would like to include in their wedding.

    Most wedding traditions are just accepted without actually knowing the reasons behind them. Let’s see if you still think these 5 traditions are necessary once you know their history:

    Bride wearing white

    White has always been associated with purity and so it became a traditional colour for virgin brides. However, before the 1800s, brides would generally wear red on their wedding day and it wasn’t until Queen Victoria wore white to her wedding in 1840 that it became a trend. While the bride wearing white is probably the most commonly followed tradition, it is not necessary and totally up to the bride.

    Something old, new, borrowed and blue

    This is quite a sweet tradition and totally understandable, especially if you’re a superstitious person, as it’s meant to bring good fortune to the bride. The ‘something old’ is a way to keep the bride connected to her past and her family. The ‘something new’ represents the start of her new family. The bride is also supposed to borrow something from a happily married couple so that their luck will be passed on to the newlyweds. And lastly, ‘something blue’ comes from the phrase ‘true blue’ and is associated with faithfulness.

    Bride’s father giving her away

    This tradition dates back to arranged marriages and was a representation of a transfer of ownership. This of course refers to how women were treated as property and, surely, everyone will agree that the roots of this tradition are outdated, thank goodness! Today it is a sweet way for the bride to honour her father.

    Couple not seeing each other before the wedding

    Also dating back to arranged marriages, it was believed that the couple could change their minds about the marriage if they met before the wedding. Recently, ‘first looks’ (couple meets with their photographer before the ceremony) have become popular and can help calm the nerves of the couple before they walk down the aisle. Those who still hold this tradition, however, see it as a way to build excitement before the wedding, and it definitely makes for good pictures!

    Bride’s family paying for everything

    An old-fashioned tradition that also comes from the bride being considered property. The bride’s parents would pay for the wedding as they were essentially paying the groom’s family to take their daughter off their hands. Thankfully we live in a world today where women’s rights have advanced and marriage is no longer the only way a woman can be taken care of. These days it is up to the couple and their parents – some choosing to pay for the wedding themselves and sometimes both sets of parents deciding to split the cost – it is completely dependent on everyone’s personal situations.

    Regardless of all this, times have changed and the roots of these traditions are no longer valid. It’s your wedding and you should only include traditions that you feel comfortable with.

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    In Weddings

    Getting to know the cultures: Traditional Xhosa wedding

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    The Xhosa people are a Bantu group native to Southern Africa. They belong to various tribes such as amaGcaleka, amaNdlambe, imiDushane and more. A traditional Xhosa wedding doesn’t just see the union of two people, but of two families joining. So what happens at a traditional Xhosa wedding?


    Pre wedding traditions

    Picking your partner

    • The term is called ‘Ukuthwala’. This is where a groom will choose a partner to marry and once the lucky person is chosen, the groom will inform his family and approach the bride’s family. They will discuss their desires and reach an agreement followed by the bride-to-be being asked to spend the night with the groom’s family. This is a form of acknowledgement of the marriage.

    Lobola

    • A form of payment – in order to wed the woman, the groom-to-be has to pay her family in exchange for her hand. Traditionally, payment was in the form of cattle, but nowadays people prefer money. The amount is usually more if the bride-to-be is more educated and is calculated on her success.

    Wedding traditions

    The ‘night before’ rule

    • The couple isn’t allowed to see each other the night before their big day.

     

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    Regal ? #TheRiver1Magic . . . Who else watched this last night? ????let us know in the comments below . . Follow @mzansi_weddings For more wedding inspiration. Dm us for collabos/advertising . . . Reposted from @1magictv ?@lindo_mnguni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #mzansiweddings #mzansi #mzansicelebs #fashionweddingdress #weddingsonpoint #southafricanbride #traditionalweddingfabric #traditionalweddingdress #traditionalwedding #traditionalweddinghub #xhosa #xhosawedding #xhosabride #makoti #traditionalweddinginspo_za #traditionalweddingthings #weddingsouthafrica #maxhosa #isixhosa #xhosaculture #africanwedding #africanweddings #southafricanbride #africanbride

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    Two-day event

    • Celebrations normally go on for two days and involve a lot of dancing and singing.

    To the streets

    • The newlywed couple will take to the streets. They will walk together in the road to present themselves as a new couple to the community.

    Two weddings

    • Not all couples, but many of them, have two weddings. They have their traditional one and choose to have a modern ‘white’ wedding as well.

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    In Destination

    6 Things to know when planning a cruise ship wedding

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    You’re planning your big day and you’re deciding on venues. A beach, forest and traditional chapel have all crossed your mind, however, those options aren’t engrossing you. So why not think outside the box and set sail by having your wedding on a cruise ship? Here’s how to plan one:


    There are many things to consider when planning a wedding on a cruise ship:

    • Will you get married in port or destination – If you choose port, your guests can come for the ceremony and leave before you sail away with your newlywed partner. Be sure to consult your wedding planner about this.
    • Decide if you and your partner will be taking the cruise by yourselves or with family and friends.
    • Consider your options if your guests are coming along.
    • How much can your guests afford and how long can they stay away.
    • Look for cruises that offer wedding packages or options.


    1. Pick your destination

    Maybe you’ve had your heart set on a specific place and if not, have a look at the options that fall within your budget. Consider when you’d like to go as it’s not always perfect weather year round, unfortunately. Remember, things get pricier in high season as well.


    2. License to wed

    Consult your wedding planner about this. Your romantic nautical nuptials will require a marriage license before the ceremony.


    3. Take your pick

    Once you’ve decided on a destination that fits your budget, have a look at various packages. See what each place has to offer and what their bundle entails. Do they have group rates? Do they include free things with the wedding package? Don’t be afraid to ask.


    4. Communicate

    Be sure to inform your guests well in advance. They may need to plan their leave and save up some money. Keep them updated on all the details and expenses that might come up.


    5. Dress the part

    If you’re going to be staying on the ship, it’s important to factor in your comfortability. It may not be easy to wear a constricting wedding dress on board. If that’s what you want, however, then go for it! But a cruise ship wedding is also the chance to make things more casual.


    6. One-stop shop

    You’ll be getting your ceremony, reception and honeymoon all in one go! If your loved ones come along it’s a great getaway for them too. Smiles all around.

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    In Fashion

    Transforming your mom’s wedding dress

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    Picture the moment your mom pulled out her wedding dress for the first time in years and your little-girl-heart fluttered with awe and excitement. That was your first chance to be a real princess. Could your mom’s dress transform to its former glamour-giving glory? Most certainly.

    Repurposing your mom’s wedding gown has become a sentimental trend that we can’t get enough of. It’s an opportunity not only to breathe life into ”something old” but to carry a piece of your mom and your childhood with you down the aisle. Not everyone is on board the vintage train and your first play-dress might be a far cry from what you envision wearing on your Big Day. Fortunately there are a plethora of ways that your mom’s dress could make the cut.

     

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    Thanks to the amazing @katierobertsphotos for capturing the journey of the dress ???? #momsweddingdress #beforeandafter

    A post shared by Shelby Dickerson Gray (@shelbydgray) on

    Don’t make the mistake of assuming there to be only one way of reusing your mom’s gown (merely wearing it). The scope of alterations varies greatly: use the fabric to make your wedding shoes, cover your wedding album or wrap your bouquets. You can also incorporate your favorite parts of the original dress in more subtle ways such as adding snippets of lace onto your bodice, create delicate sleeves or adding trimmings to your veil.

     

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    A post shared by Jackie Fogartie (@jackiefogartieevents) on

    Other than altering the original dress and wearing it as is, something else to consider is combining old and new fabrics. Don’t be afraid to create layers – if the colour and style of your mom’s dress is too far of a stylistic stretch, disguise the gap under a layer or two (keeping mom even closer to your heart). If you are completely sold on your own design, making yourself a going away dress is also an idea to keep in mind.

    Nostalgic and personal motivations aside remodeling a dress that’s been ready and waiting for you all your life is a budget-savvy move. Wedding dresses tend to come with hefty price tags, so getting creative with an old canvas is both a fun and touching way to ease pressure on the bank.

    Whether you decide to embrace the retro trend wholeheartedly or transform the best parts of your moms dress into something entirely new, kicking off a possible family heirloom is an added bonus to what is already the most important dress you’ll ever wear.

    Picture: Pixabay

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    In Planning

    Tips for creating a wedding website

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    The digital age is upon us. Hard print copy is slowly leaving our fingertips as we migrate online. Most people have access to the internet and a variety of digital devices. As lovely as physical wedding invites are it may be a great idea to consider a digital approach. To help you along we have put together a few notes on how to achieve a successful site. Here are a few nifty tips to consider when starting your own wed-site. 

    1. Know your limits

    If you’re not great with computers don’t opt for a website where you have to create everything from scratch. Rather go with platforms that provide existing templates. You can still customise it and make it look great! Make sure to choose a website that will showcase what you want and make you happy. Look around and decide after viewing a few options.

    2. Don’t forget the basics

    It’s so much fun choosing various designs and pictures so try to remember the basics. Be informative and ensure your wed-site goes beyond just aesthetics. Remember to include the what, where, when, who and how. Provide your guests with the 411 on dress code, the program, accommodation, location, registry, and local attractions if you are planning a destination wedding.

     

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    A post shared by Hochzeitsplanung & Eventdesign (@cherryontop.at) on

    3. Representation

    Be sure to create a wed-site that is a great reflection of you as a couple and of your wedding theme. Personalize the display to give guests a sneak peek of your big day – stick to a specific font, incorporate your colour scheme, or include a small photo timeline. To add extra flair, something to consider is creating a unique logo.


    4. Boast yourselves

    It’s your big day and you’re allowed to make things about yourselves. Tell your guests about your love story, how you met, funny anecdotes and how things led to this point. With that being said don’t write essays – keep things short and sweet.

     

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    A post shared by lady_black (@lady_black077) on

    5. Registries and hashtags

    Hashtags are a great way to create an online photo album that all your guests can take part in. Perhaps the most beneficial feature of a hashtag is its ability to pull all of your wedding photos, from any source, into one place. Don’t forget to add your wedding registry link. 

    6. Protect your big day

    Be sure to use a password for your wed-site. You don’t need any wedding crashers. Any special invite-only events shouldn’t be mentioned on the wed-site like rehearsal dinner and bachelor parties.

     

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    Wedding Websites ? Password protected for your guests eyes only. No details were spared for this lovely couples special day ♥️

    A post shared by Graphic Designer | Gold Coast (@tahliabenefieldcreative) on


    7. Consideration

    As mentioned before, digital is taking over but consider the fact that elderly people may not keep up with the times. If your elderly guests still sit waiting for the postman, try creating a special physical copy just for them. Also, consider having a FAQ section. Things may not always be clear and that’ll help a lot.


    Don’t think of a bland email that just consists of details and lack of creativity and representation of your love. Creating a wedding website or wed-site can be fun and exciting.

    You’re able to put your own twist on things and can play it up or down as much as you’d like. You don’t have to be tech-savvy as many websites offer existing templates that you can customise. With just one click, your guests can check out all the details and be informed of any changes. You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools

    affordable website design packages | netsist digital marketing agency | netsist.co.za

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    In Gifts

    Wedding anniversary gifts for each year

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    Your wedding anniversary is approaching and you have no idea what to get your partner. After years and years of birthdays, religious occasions and relationship anniversaries it may be hard to come up with new ideas, but did you know each wedding anniversary year has an allocated gift according to tradition?

    It seems to be unsure as to who allocated each years gift but there are a few theories. Many sources state that the allocated wedding anniversary gifts originated during medieval times in Germanic regions of Central Europe. Husbands would gift their wives with a silver wreath on their 25th wedding anniversary. On the 50th anniversary she would receive a gold wreath.

    The 60th wedding anniversary is diamond but only after Queen Victoria announced her 60th year on the throne. It was known as her Diamond Jubilee. Before that diamond was allocated to 75 years.

    Other than 25, 50 and 60 years there are no other theories as to where the other gift allocations first originated.

    Have a look at each years gift here:

    1. One year: Paper

     

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    Year one, paper. #calluscaban #81818 #weddingseason #anniversary #marriageanniversary #paperanniversary

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    2. Two years: Cotton

     

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    Cotton anniversary gift for this lovely family ??????? Order your custom anniversary portrait?

    A post shared by Cross Stitch Company (@cross_stitch_company) on


    3. Three years: Leather

     

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    Happy 3rd #wedding #anniversary to us! Love you #hubby @_beav #leatheranniversary #love ??? #3rdanniversary

    A post shared by Sarah Carpenter (@sezzacrezza01) on


    4. Four years: Linen or fruits and flowers


    5. Five years: Wood


    6. Ten years: Tin or aluminum


    7. Fifteen years: Crystal


    8. Twenty years: China


    9.  Twenty-five years: Silver


    10. Thirty years: Pearl


    11. Thirty-five years: Coral

     

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    Anniversary present from Ray – Red Coral for our Coral Anniversary. #35AmazingYears #CoralAnniversary #TreasureOfTheSea

    A post shared by Julia Johnston (@jujohnston) on


    12. Forty years: Ruby

     

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    I often have clients bring in antique rings to be repaired to their former glory, but sometimes they’re so heavily worn that there is no option than to just start over. ⠀ ⠀ Normally I would recommend using the original piece as a leaping off point and design something new that references the design but is reflective of your own personal style. My client had worn this ring for years and had inherited it from her family. She was adamant that we recreate the ring as it was, ready for several more generations. ⠀ ⠀ One of the rubies had fallen out and the remaining one was very heavily worn. I had the old ruby polished and it came up a vibrant hot pink. It was a tricky one to match but I eventually found another ruby that had the same intense colour. The detail on the side of the ring was so worn away that I had to research in to other Victorian rings to find the right pattern to engrave of the side. ⠀ ⠀ When the ring was finally finished my client was overjoyed to have her family treasure brought to life again in its new incarnation.

    A post shared by Nicole Winkler Jewellery (@nicolewinklerjewellery) on

    13. Forty-five years: Sapphire


    14. Fifty years: Gold


    15. Fifty-five: Emerald


    16. Sixty years: Diamond

    Not every anniversary has to be interpreted directly. Put your own twist on things especially if your year is quite pricey. It’s not about how much you spend but about the thought and effort you put into it.

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    In Advice

    How to give a great best man speech

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    The best man is there to assist the groom to be – the equivalent of the maid of honour. Some of their duties include giving advice when picking an outfit, planning the bachelor party, lending an ear and providing some words of wisdom. One very important responsibility, of course, is the best man speech. It can be nerve-wracking to say the least, but don’t worry, we’ve gathered some tips on how to carry out your toast.

    1. Plan and prepare

    This goes without saying, but it’s vital to be prepared. Some may say that winging it is the best way to go, but not in this case. Start thinking about things or funny stories you’d like to mention. Take notes whenever you can and build something up. It really does come in handy when you’re sitting there trying to think of everything to say in one go.

    2. Are you a comedian?

    If not, then please try not to be. Yes there will be some hits, but when the misses come, it’s just awkward. If you do plan on cracking a few jokes, try aiming them at your buddy and not his new bride, unless you’re all really close.

    3. Practice and written copy

    As odd as this may sound, practicing your speech out loud helps a lot. You’ll get comfortable with the words and it won’t sound as though you’re reading your speech on the big day. Know your pauses and when to make eye contact. As the big day approaches, ask someone (not the bride or groom) to listen to your speech. Remember the notes you took? Formulate it all into one copy. If you prefer not to read on the night, write a few points down in bullet form, so if you do stumble, you’ll be able to look down and get back on track.

    4. Don’t mumble and remember the basics

    This goes without saying – people need to be able to hear you. Open your mouth when you talk and project your voice. Introduce yourself and explain how you know the bride and groom. Thank the guests for coming and congratulate the newlywed couple.

    5. Anecdote

    People enjoy listening to stories but not when it’s long and dragged out. Try keeping the speech under five minutes. The stories have to be interesting and funny, and if you’re not sure on how to make it funny, then aim for just putting a smile on the guests faces. You don’t always have to have people in stitches – people appreciate a sweet ‘awww’ moment too.

    6. Avoid at all cost

    Don’t say anything negative about marriage, even if you think it’s funny. This newlywed couple have just entered their marriage and shouldn’t feel regretful. Ex-partners should not be mentioned and this includes girlfriends, boyfriends and ex-spouses. Sexual humour should be avpided completely, because it’s downright inappropriate and may be awkward for the happy couple as their family and close friends are there.

    7. Content

    Just a basic outline of what should or can be mentioned include:

      • Introductions
      • Thanks and congratulations
      • How you know and met the bride and groom
      • Something nice about the groom that people may not know
      • Why the bride and groom make a great couple and how you’ve witnessed their love
      • Relevant quote or poem
      • Champagne time!

     

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    This is part of a speech I gave at my friends wedding recently. Here are 5 Lessons. The speech was scripted because I wanted to share a specific message and I landed that morning after 20 hours of travel haha. I know relationships can be tough but I wanted to share lessons that I believe can make a difference. Nothing good in life comes easy. But when we have principles to live by, values to honor and lessons to start with, we have a better chance of success. A HUGE congrats to the happy couple! It was by far one of the most beautiful weddings I had ever been too because it was with all my closest friends I grew up with. Thank you for having me and allowing me to share some words. So grateful to have you all in my life! I hope this resonates with you. Share it if it does! ? @filmworkstudios

    A post shared by Jay Shetty (@jayshetty) on

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    In News

    The wedding that cost R75

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    The cost of a wedding can be quite, well, costly. Most things – from the wedding dress to the venue – can be quite expensive. Opting for a micro wedding is a great option, however one couple from Vereeniging in Gauteng had a better plan. Samkelo and Latoya Khowa tied the knot for only R75.

    Instead of spending thousands on a ‘one day event’, they decided to get married at a Home Affairs office. The couple also stated that after their Home Affairs ceremony they bought a car which wouldn’t have been possible if they opted for an over the top wedding. The marriage license was R55 and R20 to release it.

    They opted for this budget-friendly option as they were not in the means of having a lavish one. Neither one of them regret this decision as they have chosen a marriage over a wedding.

    Samkelo and Latoya met at a church service in 2016 and are not bother by what people have to say about their money-savvy wedding. They are debt free and their main focus is the love they have for one another.

    Samkelo comes from humble beginnings. He struggled to get by and eventually had to leave college due to financial issues. Latoya would help him wherever she could. He found a learnership that turned into a permanent position.

    The wedding itself was R75 and the couple decided to have an engagement church celebration. Which was still less than R5000.

    Picture: Facebook/Latoya Khowa

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    In Celebs

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson gets married in Hawaii

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    The retired professional wrestler said ‘I do’ to Lauren Hashian on August 18th, 2019 in Hawaii. They met while Dwayne was filming The Game Plan (2007) in 2006. Dwayne looked dashing in a white ensemble and, ofcourse, a lei. His singer-songwriter bride wore an elegant lace wedding dress.

    Dwayne announced the nuptials on Instagram on August 19, 2019.

     

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    We do. August 18th, 2019. Hawaii. Pōmaikaʻi (blessed) @laurenhashianofficial❤️ @hhgarcia41?

    A post shared by therock (@therock) on

    Dwayne and Lauren have two children together – Jasmine who was born in 2015 and Tiana who they welcomed in 2018.

    The Rock was previously married to Dany García. They were together from 1997-2007. Their daughter Simone was born in 2001.

     

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    ♥️

    A post shared by ?????? (@simonegjohnson) on


    Dwayne is one of the highest grossing box office actors of all time. He has starred in movies like The Other Guys (2010), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and has reprised his role as Luke Hobbs in the Fast and the Furious franchise.


    Picture: Lauren Hashian

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    In Weddings

    Wedding movie watch list

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    Whether the big day is approaching or you just enjoy a happy romantic ending, make sure these wedding movies are on your watch list. When watching these movies you can enjoy beautiful backdrops and exquisite ceremonies. Be sure to get some tips and take notes on what not to do.

    1. Mamma Mia! (2008)

    Sophie Sheridan is getting married. Not knowing her father she is determined to meet her father and have him walk her down the aisle. She invites three men from her mother’s past hoping that one of them may be her dad. The jukebox musical romantic comedy is based on songs from Swedish pop group ABBA.

     

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    2. 27 Dresses (2008)

    The woman who has been a bridesmaid 27 times. Who can forget the scene of Jane Nichols trying on and posing with all of her dresses.

     

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    27 Dresses ? Is am amazing film it is a rom/com and it kind of a new Bridget Jones. This film is about a girl who loves weddings and plans them for everybody else and does everything but she never had time for herself usually. But every wedding she goes to she gets to be a bridesmaid and she keeps all of the bridesmaids dresses and a reporter wants to get close to her and write a story on her but she doesn’t know that she just thinks he is being friendly to her. Amazing storyline and a capturing film for people to see who might like these films. I would recommend this film to people who like romantic comedies as it has a very strong sense of that. #27dressesmovie #filmreviews #weddingdress

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    3. Breaking Dawn: Part One (2011)

    After three movies of the famous love triangle between a human, vampire and werewolf, Edward and Bella finally tie the knot. Their beautiful forest wedding ceremony will be stuck in heads forever.

     

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    Casamento ❤️ #sagacrepusculo #crepusculouniverso #edwardandbellaforever #breakingdawnpart1 #love #amocrepusculo

    A post shared by Saga Crepúsculo (@sagacrepusculo.love) on


    4. The Proposal (2009)

    Technically the engagement and marriage was fake but who doesn’t love a happy ending? Margaret Tate is an executive editor-in-chief of a publishing company. Andrew Paxton is her assistant. Margaret is told that she is going to be deported to Canada. She then persuades Andrew to marry her and he agrees. The ‘couple’ travel to Alaska to visit his family and encounter many awkward situations.


    5. Bride Wars (2009)

    A classic tale of two best friend ‘bridezillas’. Since Olivia and Emma were little they have been planning their dream wedding. Both women get engaged around the same time. Issues arise when both brides-to-be have their eye on the same location, same month and only one date available.


    6. Made of Honor (2008)

    Tom and Hannah have been best friends for over 10 years. He has issues with committing to one woman and she’s dedicated to her job. When Hannah finally gets engaged she asks Tom to be her maid of honour. He then realises that he is in love with Hannah.


    7. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

    Who can forget the Windex on everything and the very loud family? It is one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time. Fotoula Portokalos and Ian Miller fall in love. Tension rises when the family finds out he is not Greek (and doesn’t eat meat but that’s okay there’s lamb!).


    8. Bridesmaids (2011)

    Prepare to have a laughing fit. This funny film is about a woman who is getting married, her unstable best friend, an annoying new friend and the other unusual bridesmaids.


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