Weddings Archives | Page 78 of 206

In Advice

Suit mistakes to avoid

August 13, 2020 No Comments

Traditionally in a heterosexual marriage a woman wears a dress while the groom wears a suit, the expansion of marriage rights across the world and de-gendering of clothing has led to a surge in suits for all genders in the wedding party.

A suit can look smart, well-put together and well-fitting if you follow very simple rules, otherwise it can easily become a bit of a mess.

Here are our tips for making sure you look smart on your big day.

Do not wait until the last minute

Although it might not be as intricate as a traditional wedding gown, finding exactly what you want in a suit and getting it fitted is unlikely to be a quick affair.

You’ll have a lot of other things to do in the run up to the wedding so you don’t want this to be a rush.

Do not avoid the tailor

A tailored suit can with the perfect fit is incredibly important. If you’re getting a suit made then this will be part of the process. Even if you decide to buy off the rack, take it to a tailor. There is always something that can be tweaked.

Do not go overboard on accessories

Since suits are simple ensembles, personalising them is tricky to get right. A big way to make your suit reflect your personality is through accessories but be careful not to go overboard and include all of them. Be judicious, a fun pair of socks is a good idea but having flashy suspenders, socks and a pocket square could make you look more clown and less classy.

Choose the right shoes

The wrong shoe can throw off the whole outfit. Make sure the colour works, they are comfortable and speak to the style you’re going for rather than just picking out the most “formal” option you can find.

If you’re going to wear heels with your suit, consider this when getting your pants leg tailored.

Getting creative

If you have a look around there are beautiful colourful, patterned suits out there for the brave and bold. While these can work for the right people, make sure it is something you want and are comfortable with. Wedding photos will be around forever, so ensure that even an exciting suit reflects you and your personality and is not just something you chose on a whim.

Image: Unsplash

In Decor

Pretty in pastel wedding decor

August 13, 2020 No Comments

Pastel shades like baby blue, lavender and mint are often associated with spring, so why not embrace the season by incorporating these shades into your big day? These colours can come in a number of ways, from your wedding furniture to your centrepeices and backdrops.

Juxtaposing soft pastel shades with more modern design creates a wonderful contrast. It especially works well with abstract detail, which can add a more artistic flair to your big day. Or, you could lean in to the vibe and use vintage-inspired pieces for a more whimsical look. It all depends on the overall aesthetic you desire.

Pastel does not have to be childish. It’s all about how you use the colours. Here are some unique ideas to inspire you:

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Feature image: Pixabay

In Celebs

Arsenal star Bernd Leno marries girlfriend Sophie Christin

August 13, 2020 No Comments

Lockdown won’t stop love. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Arsenal star Bernd Leno was committed to marrying long-term girlfriend Sophie Christin.

The pair, who have been together for 5 years, tied the knot in Sophie’s hometown of Dusseldorf, Germany. They had a simple civil ceremony and can be seen grinning from ear to ear in their wedding photos.

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Many of their famous friends took to social media to congratulate the pair, including fellow Arsenal sportstar Rob Holding. Other Bundesliga stars like Julian Brandt, Kevin Volland and Omer Toprak also sent their well wishes for the couple.

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The German shot-stopper and Instagram influencer Christin began dating in 2015. They got engaged in June 2019.

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Feature image: Instagram/Bernd Leno

In Wedding Gowns

Show some skin in these daring low-cut wedding gowns

August 12, 2020 No Comments

The bride wanting to show off her décolletage area will stun in a low-cut gown. This cut is incredibly flattering on a number of body shapes, and compliments a variety of dress styles. While it is often considerd sexy or risqué, it’s all about how you do it.

Whether you’re going for soft and elegant or va-va-voom, a plunging neckline does it all. A simple satin number gives a classic finish, while a full tulle skirt and floral appliqué paired with a low cut neckline is more whimsical. If you’re going for the glamorous look, incorporate intricate beading and luxurious fabrics. The options are truly endless.

There are so many ways to pull of this look, here are a few of our favourites:

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Image: Unsplash

In News

Hallmark Channel’s latest movie will feature its first same-sex wedding

August 12, 2020 No Comments

The Hallmark Channel is famed for its cheesy straight-to-TV movies. For the first time ever, a storyline on the network will include a lesbian marriage.

The channel’s upcoming film ‘Wedding Every Weekend’ will be the first time the network features a first same-sex wedding. The plot of the movie centres on two friends who “buddy-up” as guests for a four-week wedding marathon, and then recognise that there’s more between them than trying to catch someone else’s bouquet.

“Tune in to an all-new premiere! Amanda (Carmel Amit) and Vicky (Makayla Moore) celebrate their special day in one of the many weddings taking place in “Wedding Every Weekend,” Saturday August 15 at 9pm/8c, only on Hallmark Channel,” writes Hallmark on their Facebook page.

Many have applauded this decision for its inclusive nature, saying it is about time the LGBTQI+ community is represented on the channel.

“THANK YOU Hallmark. We are people too and just want to live our lives like everyone else. This includes all the ‘passages’ in life. Thank you for celebrating our life events,” writes a fan on Facebook.

“Good for you Hallmark! I’m so glad that you guys keep making movies that are all-inclusive! Everyone deserves to be happy and be loved! If people don’t like to bad, they don’t have to watch! As for me and my family we will be watching, and teaching my kids to be kind and not judge others. Love no matter skin color, religion or gender identity!” comments another.

Some, however, have criticised the network for this decision and believe it goes against the channel’s traditional values.

“Will not be watching. First new movie we will miss. No deviant lifestyles on our TV,” comments one Facebook user.

“Nope. I thought Hallmark was a good clean family Christian channel. Sorry Hallmark had to join the other side and its ok to offend us Christians but not them. Sorry Hallmark I thought you were better than that,” says another.

One Million Moms, a division of the socially conservative American Family Association, has since criticised the channel and started a petition to encourage people to boycott the channel.

“The once conservative network has recently caved to LGBTQ pressure and has done a one-eighty from the wholesome content the channel once aired, and the network is now catering to the Left,” reads the petition. “So many people feel betrayed by Hallmark over these past seven months. Hallmark Channel was one of the remaining channels that families could watch without being bombarded by politically correct commercials and the LGBTQ agenda.”

By Monday, August 10, the petition had amassed over 56 000 signatures.

Feature image: screenshot from video

In Celebs

Inside the lavish wedding of Selling Sunset’s Christine Quinn

August 12, 2020 No Comments

The highly-anticipated third season of Selling Sunset recently premiered on Netflix. Promising heartbreak, love and drama, fans were not disappointed.

The final episode detailed Chrstine Quinn’s extravagent wedding to millionaire tech entrepreneur Christian Richard. Christine is known for being over-the-top, and her wedding would naturally be nothing different. To top her circus-inspired engagement party that came complete with fire dancers and a live zebra, she worked with luxury wedding planner Lisa Lafferty to create a true showstopper.

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Speaking to Oprah Magazine, Lafferty said the event had no monetary cap, as the budget was love.

“She said, ‘The budget’s love.’ They were very generous with their budget,” Lafferty told the magazine. “It was absolutely over a million dollar wedding. We did everything custom and couture for her, because her style is kind of wild. We were able to take risks.”

The ceremony venue was designed to look like a dead forest, complete with ice sculptures, chandeliers and live black and white swans. As Christine walked down the aisle in her custom black Galia Lahav gown, a faux storm complete with thunder and fake snow rained on her guests.

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It took a team of 100 people to transform the reception venue into a gothic winter wonderland. Red and black were the primary colours.

While little was seen of the actual reception (mainly because the plot was overshadowed by an argument that broke out between the cast regarding costar Christell’s recent divorce from This is Us star Justin Hartley), it was truly mesmerising.

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The multi-layered wedding cake was over 8 feet, covered in velvet black petals, golden leaves and deep red poppies. The cake was topped with a sugar gargoyle “watching over the couple, making sure their love will never die”, explains Christine on Instagram. Inside the black cake, a vanilla sponge was revealed to have a ‘bleeding’ centre.

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Following the episode’s airing, Christine explained that the wedding was so much more special and over-the-top than was shown. Unfortunately, her big day was somewhat overshadowed by Chrishell’s divorce, which editors heavily focused on.

“I understand they wanted to get certain storylines in there, but this was actually my day. This was my day, and I was just disappointed in the way it was perceived on camera and translated, unfortunately,” she said.

“I’m not going to lie, I was crying when I watched it. I was like, ‘This is not my wedding, this is not my wedding.’”

Picture: Instagram / Lisa Lafferty

In Advice

Business in the front, party at the back: Peekaboo cakes

August 11, 2020 No Comments

Most wedding cakes are similar, no matter the style you go for. They often give off the same vibe. However, with a peekaboo wedding cake, you can get the best of both worlds.

Two-sided wedding cakes, otherwise known as peekaboo cakes, allow for the elegance and decadence of a normal wedding cake, with the added splash of personality and pizazz of extra decorations. You could add an interest or hobby that you share as a couple, or simply have one side be showier than the other.

Whichever option you decide on, a two-sided cake will add a personal touch to any dessert table and will stand out from all other wedding cakes. Your cake will be remembered for years to come.

Here are some two-sided cakes, to inspire you:

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Image: Unsplash

In News

Pandemic weddings become ‘super-spreader’ sites

August 11, 2020 No Comments

Weddings are meant to be a happy occasion, where couples can celebrate their love for one another with their closest friends and family. Testing positive for COVID-19 afterwards, however, puts a big damper on the day. As the COVID-19 pandemic escalates across the world, more and more cases of wedding ‘super spreaders’ are being reported.

In South Africa, public gatherings of over 50 are currently banned which means that weddings as we know them cannot currently go ahead. Countries across the world have instilled similar regulations on public gatherings. However, many members of the public have broken these rules and continue to host large events. This has lead to these parties being called ‘super-spreaders’, as one COVID-19 positive person can spread the disease to several others.

The reality:

In July, 25 guests who attended a wedding in KwaZulu-Natal tested positive for COVID-19. A couple in San Francisco tried to sneakily have a wedding ceremony in the city’s iconic Saints Peter and Paul Church in August. Dozens of their loved ones, including friends and family, were present at the event and several of them were infected with COVID-19.

A wedding which took place in the Patna District of Bihar, a state in India, effectively started a COVID-19 chain as 113 people tested positive and the groom passed away. It has been reported that this was the largest chain of infection in the state thus far.

Breaking the rules:

In America, weddings are allowed but each state has differing rules on how they may continue. For many in the wedding industry, this has become a great concern as guests don’t follow health and safety regulations.

“Weddings are so different from going into a store or sitting in a restaurant for 45 minutes,” an anonymous wedding planner told the New York Times. “These receptions last for three, four hours, and everyone is in an indoor space, breathing the air. They aren’t wearing masks and they are dancing. And when they start drinking, it’s like there is no pandemic.”

“I am scared there is going to be an outbreak at one of my weddings and someone is going to die.”

While vendors can control the behaviour of their employees, it’s hard to tell a guest what to do. Sanitising stations can be set up, socially distanced seating arranged and a mask-wearing policy encouraged but in reality, it’s up to guests to follow those rules.

Vendors thus put themselves at risk to fulfill their contractual obligations, but cannot easily rely on strict safety protocols other businesses have enforced.

The way forward:

The South African wedding industry is desperate to get back to work after months of inactivity amid the pandemic. Before this happens, government will have to outline strict regulations to prevent further spread of the virus.

As with sit-down restaurants, wedding guests should be required to wear a mask at all time except for eating and drinking. It is likely that government will also require guests to fill in health questionnaires, and be subjected to temperature testing. This responsibility will fall on wedding vendors.

The issue is enforcing social distancing on such a special day where people will naturally want to hug one another and celebrate.

Once weddings do continue, they will be nothing like before. We will all have to adjust our behaviours to celebrate responsibly, and help protect the health of others.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Coronavirus-era wedding guest etiquette

August 11, 2020 No Comments

It’s likely that the coronavirus pandemic will change the way of weddings forever. Now more than ever, it is important to abide by certain rules and regulations in order to stay safe. This means that wedding etiquette must change too.

Whether you’re attending a very small function in person or you’re watching a virtual ceremony, there are certain aspects of etiquette you’ll want to follow. Lest your friends or family consider you rude; you wouldn’t want that right?

If you’re wondering what coronavirus-era wedding guest etiquette looks like, not to worry. Here’s what to do:

For attending a wedding in person:

– Keep those masks on!

It doesn’t matter if you’re struggling to hear each other, or if people can’t see you smiling. Protecting each other’s health and wellbeing is the most important thing.

– Greeting

You may feel it a bit uncomfortable to not congratulate the couple with a hug, or greet other guests with a handshake or hug too. However, safety regulations dictate that no such physical contact should occur. This means you don’t have to worry about being rude when it comes to greeting. Stick to a chat or an elbow bump.

– Not attending

If you’ve been invited but do not feel comfortable attending an in-person function, be sure to let the couple know as soon as you possibly can. Since events are limited in the number of people who may be present, the couple will surely have somebody who can fill your seat. Be polite but honest that the circumstances make you uncomfortable and worried for your health. They will most definitely understand.

You may, however, still need to send a gift to the couple. Depending on how close you are, you can decide if it is appropriate or required.

– Best not share photos

The couple may have had to cut important guests from the list in order to abide by minimum number requirements. Avoid offending other friends and family by refraining from posting any images online, unless the couple directly gives you permission to do so.

For attending a virtual wedding:

– RSVP

It remains important to let the couple know you will be attending, despite the fact that it won’t affect their budget. This is simply good manners.

– Don’t share the link

If you’ve been sent a Zoom link or anything of the sort, do not share it with anyone who has not been invited to the wedding by the couple. Even though it won’t make much of a difference, it is their personal choice and their privacy that you are disrespecting if you share the link with uninvited guests.

– Do not attend in your PJ’s

Despite the fact that you’re cozy on your couch, you shouldn’t attend the wedding in sloppy attire. You don’t have to get fully dressed up, but be sure you look presentable.

– Gifts

It could be more difficult to give a gift, however, a monetary gift is quick and easy. If you’d like to send an item as a gift, be sure to let the couple know that you will be doing so.

– Congratulations

You may not be able to speak during the livestream, as it may be a bit messy and noisy if the couple unmuted all guests at the same time. However, you should definitely send them a congratulatory message either via text or you could film yourself sending some well wishes. It will mean a lot to the newlyweds.

Image: Pexels

In Celebs

From friendship to forever: Minnie Dlamini and Quinton Jones’ love story

August 11, 2020 No Comments

Many say that in order for your love to be strong, it should be founded on friendship first. For South African on-air personality, actress and model Minnie Dlamini and her husband, former football player Quinton Jones, this is most definitely the case. We take a look at their love story.

The pair met in 2010 when they both worked at Urban Brew Studios. While Jones was much more senior than Dlamini, who was just an assistant runner at the time, they still worked in close proximity and became very close friends.

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In an interview with Jacaranda FM, Dlamini said: “We both worked at Urban Brew studios. He was obviously much more senior than I was, I was just like an assistant runner. He basically became my best friend. He was one of those friends where I’d be like in the club, and I’d be partying, and he would be like, ‘I think we should go home now,’ and I would be like, ‘why?’ and I would say, ‘okay, dad.’ Our friendship grew and grew.”

She then explained that they were never single at the same time. Eventually, when they were both single, things started to fall into place.

“We were both single, and he was like, ‘why don’t we give it a shot?’ I was like, ‘no that’s weird’. ‘He was like no one knows you like me, and no one knows me like you,” she explained.

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They began dating, but didn’t make things official until a year later.

“So for a year we were together but weren’t official. Then he took me on holiday and asked me to be his girlfriend. And I was like, I really like you,” she said.

On July 8, 2017, the pair tied the knot in a stunning traditional wedding at Glenn Hills in Northern Durban, KwaZulu Natal.

South African stars such as Basetsana Kumalo, Jessica Nkosi, Anele Mdoda, Zakes Bantwini, Nandi Madida, Criselda Dudumashe, Jimmy Tau and Unathi Msengana were all in attendance.

According to multiple reports, the couple asked that guests refrain from taking pictures, and had everyone wear wristbands in order to limit the public knowledge of the inside of their wedding. Despite this, many images were shared to social media.

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On September 16, 2017 the pair celebrated their nuptials again with a white wedding at the Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.

Dlamini produced a TV wedding special for DStv which showcased her wedding. Called “Minnie Dlamini: Becoming Mrs. Jones”, the three-part special takes viewers through the planning for both ceremonies, Dlamini’s bachelorette party and the weddings themselves. It first aired on VUZU AMP on October 13, 2017.

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The loved-up couple celebrated the three year anniversary of their traditional wedding this year, and Dlamini was spoiled rotten by her husband as her birthday falls close to the anniversary too.

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Image: Instagram / Minnie Dlamini