Weddings Archives | Wedding ETC

In Planning

Tips for creating a wedding website

March 11, 2026 No Comments

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.

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.

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.

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.

ALSO SEE: How to decide who gets an invite to your wedding

How to decide who gets an invite to your wedding

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

Should you unplug your wedding?

March 4, 2026 No Comments

Technology is undoubtedly a massive part of our lives in this day and age. Our phones are practically extensions of our arms and we can’t go without checking in to our social media once a day. Most of our memories are made by captured moments on our digital devices and not by living in those moments. This can frustrate people who would rather be doing the latter, especially when it comes to significant occasions such as weddings.

In Advice

How to choose a great wedding plus one

March 3, 2026 No Comments

It’s your nearest and dearests’ wedding coming up and you’ve been given a plus one. With no partner, you have to pick a lucky someone to accompany you to the big bash.

It’s important to remember that it’s not just a plus one, but rather someone you know you can have fun with. The wedding is an important day for your loved ones as it sees the union of two people ready to tie the knot.

So how do you choose the perfect partner to bring along?

In Advice

Do you believe in these wedding superstitions?

February 27, 2026 No Comments

Let’s be honest, we all know a few. Wedding superstitions have been around for centuries. The question is, do you believe in them? Not seeing your loved one the night before the big day, lest the groom changes his mind at the last minute, is a widely-known superstition.

Here are a few superstitions you may not have come across:

In Wedding Flowers & Bouquets

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

November 28, 2025 No Comments

If you’ve had waking nightmares about sneezing our way down the aisle, then don’t worry! While flowers smell and look beautiful, for some, pollen allergies will force you to look at nature’s beauty with an evil eye.

Whether you’re thinking about your allergy-prone guests or you’re a pollen-sensitive bride or groom, there’s good news! There is a range of mesmerising wedding florals that are the perfect addition to any wedding, enabling you to breathe.

Here are five hypoallergenic wedding florals to add to your bridal bouquet or wedding ceremony:

Peonies

The queen of all the wedding flowers. You’ll be happy to know that peonies are not only the perfect addition to your ‘big day’ but it’s also hypoallergenic. Add them to your centrepieces or make them the star of the show when it comes to your bouquet, no matter what, you won’t be stuffed up while booging the night away.

Cacti, Succulents and Airplants

Succulents are having a bit of a moment right now. Not only are they allergy-friendly, but they’re affordable and quite easy to look after. Sage green, dusty blue and pale pink are all beautiful neutral colours for bridal couples searching for an understated look to add to their already fabulous wedding!

flowers — Photo: thebridesofoklahoma.com

Hydrangeas

Did you know that hydrangeas are a pollen-sensitive individual’s best friend? Their sticky pollen ensures that it’s not released into the air, and is a perfect addition to an allergy sensitive’s wedding. Gorgeous and understated, hydrangeas can offer an elegant and flowy look, filling up quite a bit of space in the process.

Roses

Ah, the rose. This famous flower has often been associated with love, so you’ll be happy to know that roses are the perfect choice for those with pollen allergies. Along with adding an enchanting smell to your wedding, roses offer a look that’s classic, a wonderful addition to your wedding florals and bouquet.

Orchids

There’s something mesmerising about orchids. Along with being an incredibly elegant and beautiful flower, it’s also allergy-friendly, available in a plethora of colours and sizes, and is great for those tropical-themed weddings.

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

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

Feature Image: Pexels

In Celebs

Royal champagne from Lady Diana’s wedding goes up for auction

November 26, 2025 No Comments

A rare Dom Pérignon Vintage 1961, created for the wedding of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana, will soon go on auction at Bruun Rasmussen. The bottle is one of the few remaining from the royal celebration and is expected to draw major interest.

A royal bottle with a big price tag

The 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana is still known as the “Wedding of the Century.” Now, more than 40 years later, collectors can buy a piece of that moment. Bruun Rasmussen will offer a magnum of Dom Pérignon Vintage 1961 on 11 December. It carries an estimated value of EUR 67,000–80,000, which is roughly R1.3 million to R1.55 million.

Dom Pérignon created this special release for the royal wedding on 29 July 1981. Guests enjoyed it after the ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral and during the reception at Buckingham Palace.

“Vintage 1961 is one of Dom Pérignon’s most celebrated vintages. The bottles for the royal wedding came from a very small run, which makes them extremely rare,” says Thomas Rosendahl, Head of the Wine Department at Bruun Rasmussen.

Each bottle was disgorged in 1981 and finished with a commemorative label marking the occasion. This detail makes the release even more collectible.

Rosendahl explains why the bottle is such a standout piece:
“It’s more than a great vintage. It’s a cultural artefact linked to an unforgettable royal event. We expect strong international interest from wine collectors and fans of royal memorabilia.”

The magnum will appear at the Bruun Rasmussen auction on 11 December.

ALSO SEE: What Wines & Drinks to Serve at Weddings in 2025

What Wines & Drinks to Serve at Weddings in 2025

Feature image: Supplied by Bruun Rasmussen

In Advice

Everything you need to know about wedding dress alterations

November 25, 2025 No Comments

You’ve found your dream dress but it doesn’t sit quite the way you were expecting. While most brides spend hours dreaming about the perfect gown that they’ll walk down the aisle in, what’s not often talked about (or dreamt about) is the logistics of wedding dress alterations.

The fit of your wedding dress is oh-so-important, which makes understanding wedding alterations just as important – but what to know?

Types of wedding dress alterations:

Adding details

If you have the time and the budget, customising your dress to include a range of details that suit your fancy – sleeves, train length, shoulder straps or beading – can be done by a reliable seamstress.

Basic hemming

This is probably the most common type of alteration and can range from hemming the length of the gown to adjusting the fit of the dress. These basic adjustments are a great way to make sure your wedding gown is comfy, looks spectacular on you and leaves you feeling beautiful.

Keep in mind that most wedding gowns will need alterations, which leads us to the next tip: budget.

Planning is everything

Add wedding dress alterations to your budget:

You want to look amazing on your big day and it’s important to remember that you may need wedding dress alterations to ensure that the dress fits you like a glove. Now, some wedding boutiques are heaven-sent and offer free alterations (depending on what you want to be done), however, you may need to add alterations to your budget.

So, how much will it cost? Another important note is that all wedding dress seamstresses are different and will charge their own rate, but you can expect to pay around R2500 (or more) for alterations, so make sure that you add this into your wedding budget. Another aspect to keep in mind – more expensive is always better, so make sure that you shop around.

Timing is everything

No bride needs the extra stress and stressing about whether you’ll receive your wedding gown before you walk down the aisle is stressful. Timing is everything when it comes to alterations, so make sure that you create a timeline that ensures you won’t be pulling your hair from the stress.

If it’s possible, purchase your wedding dress at least 10 months before your date as buying your dress early allows you to have an abundance of time for fittings. Schedule a fitting at least eight to 12 weeks before the wedding and then a second fitting at least two weeks before you walk down the aisle.

Fitting tricks

Bring along your wedding shoes, accessories and undergarments

Bring along your wedding day essentials in order to ensure that you get a proper fit. There’s no question that shoe length, your favourite shapewear and a strapless bra can make all the difference when trying on clothes, and the same goes for your wedding dress. You want to know exactly how it’s going to fit and during your fitting appointments, you’ll get a sense of what you’ll look like on the day.

An extra tip: Your wedding dress is usually altered according to the length of your shoe, so if you’re looking to change into a pair of sneakers during the reception, it’s going to be a bit long and you may find yourself tripping all over the place. To avoid this, make sure that you purchase a shoe that you love and will keep you nice and comfy.

Bring a friend

This may be an unspoken wedding dress shopping rule, but it’s something that is always a good idea to say again. Bring along a supportive friend or family member to help keep your spirits up and help give you a different (but positive) perspective when shopping around or going for fittings. It’s also really nice to have someone to document those memories with a selfie or two before clinking your glass in celebration of finding “the one.”

Happy wedding dress shopping!

ALSO SEE: A Complete Guide to Wedding Dress Styles Every Bride Should Know

A Complete Guide to Wedding Dress Styles Every Bride Should Know

Feature Image: Unsplash

In Weddings

More Than Just One Day: Why Multi-Day & Weekend Wedding Getaways Are the New Standard

September 26, 2025 No Comments

Weddings are no longer just about one big day. Couples are embracing multi-day experiences or weekend getaway weddings that allow more time, deeper connection, and richer storytelling. Instead of squeezing every moment into a single ceremony and reception, the modern wedding becomes an immersive journey, full of intimate events, meaningful downtime, and memorable shared moments with loved ones.

What’s Driving the Shift Toward Multi-Day & Weekend Celebrations

Guest investment and travel: With many guests flying in or travelling long distances, couples are finding that a one-day event feels too fleeting. Stretching the celebration over a weekend, or more, honours that effort.
Desire for meaningful moments: More time means more opportunity for authentic connection, relaxed schedules, exploration, and memories that go beyond formalities.
Experiential trend: Weddings are becoming less just “ceremony & party” and more “experience” — themed dinners, local culture immersion, wellness, and fun activities before and after the big event.
Venues & accommodations: Venues that offer overnight stays and estates that allow weekend access are becoming more popular. The ability to rent a full estate or guesthouse or to host all guests on-site adds cohesion and ease.

What a Typical Multi-Day Wedding Timeline Looks Like

While each wedding will be unique, many weekend or multi-day weddings in 2025 follow a format similar to this:

Day	Event Ideas
Day -1 / Arrival Day / Eve of the Wedding	Welcome dinner or cocktails; casual mingling; optional activity like wine tasting, spa evening, sunset stroll or local excursion.
Day 0 / Wedding Day	Ceremony; main reception; often some downtime before or after; evening after-party.
Day +1 / Post-Wedding	Brunch or relaxed morning gathering; optional “recovery” events (pool party, nature walk, group spa); farewells.
Optional Additional Days	Sightseeing, cultural tours, adventure or wellness experiences; optional group activities for guests who stay longer.

Benefits & Challenges to Consider

Benefits

More intimate connection: Guests have more time to bond; bride & groom can enjoy more moments beyond the rush.
Creative variety: Multiple events mean more opportunities for theme changes, styling, performances, decor variations.
Greater value for travel: Guests feel their trip was worthwhile, not just a few hours of party but a richer shared experience.
Relaxed pacing: Less stress compressing everything into one day; more breathing room for timing, photography, vendor setups.

Challenges

Cost & logistics: More days means more accommodation, food, vendor hours, and travel logistics.
Guest fatigue: Some guests may not be able to commit extra days; need to balance with rest and downtime.
Higher planning demands: More events = more coordination. It requires a clear itinerary, excellent communication, and contingency planning.
Season and location realities: Weather, transport, local infrastructure, venue availability can complicate multi-day setups.

2025 Trends & Ideas for Weekend Wedding Getaways

“Wed-cations” or destination stays: Couples are booking properties or resorts for entire weeks, making the wedding part of a vacation experience.
Signature local experiences: Incorporating excursions (vineyards, hikes, cultural tours), local food & artisans into multiple event days.
Wellness & rest elements: Yoga, massage, nature time, sunset walks, giving guests moments to recharge.
Stylish welcome & farewell events: From casual beach bonfires to formal welcome dinners or elegant brunches the next day.
Sustainability & local sourcing: Choosing local vendors, seasonal food, reusable décor, reducing travel footprint as much as possible.

How to Plan a Seamless Multi-Day Wedding Experience

Define your priorities & guest list early – How many events will you host? Which guests will be invited to each? What are must-have vs optional?
Choose a venue that accommodates lodging & multiple events – Estates, guesthouses, resorts or private properties with enough space and flexibility.
Design a clear itinerary & share it ahead of time – Let guests know dress codes, event times, travel/transportation, and optional activities. A printed or digital program helps.
Think guest comfort – Travel arrangements, lodging comfort, transport between venues, clear signage, rest periods.
Budget accordingly – Include extra days, staff costs, catering, décor, entertainment, travel. Build in buffer for unexpected expenses.
Tell your story across multiple events – Let each event feel connected yet distinct; theme continuity in décor, food, music can help.
Hire vendors who understand the format – Photographers, caterers, planners who have experience with weekend weddings or multi-day events.

Multi-day weddings and weekend getaways aren’t just trends in 2025, they’re reflections of how couples want their weddings to feel: immersive, meaningful, and shared experiences. When done well, these celebrations honour not only the couple’s love but also the effort of guests, creating memories that stretch beyond a single evening.

If you’re dreaming of this format, lean into what makes you and your partner unique. Choose location, events, moments that align with your values and story and let the magic unfold over more than just one day.

Featured Image: Canva

In Fashion

3 Shoes styles for the perfect wedding (guest) ensemble

August 4, 2022 No Comments

Shoes are possibly one of the most crucial features of an ensemble, especially when stepping out and revelling in the affair that is your bestie’s wedding.

If you’ve been raking your brain and scrolling through online catalogues to figure out what shoe you’ll be sporting to bring together the perfect wedding ensemble, here are the top three shoes that are a must, as told by stylist, Rojaun Devos!

Knee-high boot

A knee-high is one of the shoes that simply make every and any outfit look better. Make sure it is a good length and that you give enough room for your legs to breathe. An investment is definitly a leather or suede pair as these are timeless and will never go out of style, and it also offers the perfect option for a winter wedding.

A nude heel

Nude is a classic colour, timeless and definitely a must-have when it comes to heels. Sometimes we have to go to work events or even dinner parties which doesn’t always call for pops of colour or anything that is too much of a statement, so it’s the perfect purchase if you’re looking to splurge but still get your money’s worth outside of being a guest at your friend’s wedding.

The pump

This is the perfect shoe for gals that absolutely hate wearing heels… but, desperate times, call for desperate measures, and pumps are the perfect balance between both words. What we love about this style is that it can go from day to night in a second. Simply swap your jeans for an elegant slip dress, and voila!

Feature Image:

In Weddings

A closer look at Jennifer Lopez’s two wedding dresses & its special meaning

July 21, 2022 No Comments

By now you’ve probably heard, seen, and drooled over Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s stunning wedding pictures.

But while many of us thought we’d have to wait weeks for details from their impromptu Vegas wedding to emerge, JLo has blessed us with a few more details from her big day, which has, literally, been decades in the making.

The Marry Me star revealed she wore two wedding dresses in her On the JLo newsletter, including one she saved for years for the occasion.

“I’ve had this dress for so many years, and I’ve just been saving it, saving it, saving it, and now I’m wearing it on my wedding day,” she said.

Lopez and Affleck married in Las Vegas over the weekend, with the couple grabbing their wedding attire straight from their own closets.

Reps for Alexander McQueen confirmed that JLo rocked one of the label’s pieces – a gorgeous sleeveless textured gown.

The dress features a textured floral jacquard gown, jewel neckline, a fitted bodice and is a polyamide/silk fabric.

But while the superstar looked absolutely stunning, it’s the significance behind the dress that truly has our inner-romantics screaming with joy.

According to Harper’s Bazaar, JLo donned the dreamy dress on the poster for Jersey Girl, a film that featured the actress and her now-husband, Affleck.

Her second dress was a lace piece from renowned designer, Zuhair Murad Couture and is reportedly from the fashion house’s 2023 bridal couture line.

Here’s a look at JLo before she said “I do”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Appleton (@chrisappleton1)

Feature Image: On the JLo