Essential Groom Issue 14

Owner and Publisher Tracy Pienaar Owner and publisher of Wedding Essentials and Essential Groom Magazine. “I have always had a passion for the wedding industry and hope that with each and every single issue we help make your dreams come true.” Hair and Make-up Madeleine Botha Madeleine Botha is a make-up artist and hair stylist who has opened up her own school and she gives us some insight of what it is all about. Distrubuted by Nationally in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, East London, Bloemfontein and KZN Namibia Graphic Design Robyn Nel A graphic designer who has a passion for design, enjoys a good cup of tea and loves to have an animal on her lap while she works. “Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous.” Front Cover Bentley For Him Intense Brought to you by Bacher & Co Barbara van Kraayenburg Marketing Manager: Fragrances…

One of the most nerve-racking customs is the tradition of asking your future brides parents for their permission to marry their daughter. This can feel like a very daunting task and could fill even the most confident person with fear. Asking your girlfriend to marry you, is probably a walk in the park, compared to having to face her parents, and asking them for their daughters hand in marriage. Generally, it is a nice gesture to ask the parents, especially if they are rather traditional in their values and approach to life. If they are non-traditional or you are concerned that they may see it as a sexist gesture, simply be careful about the way you phrase the question. Instead of asking for permission, you could ask for their blessing instead. These…

You’ve finally met the woman of your dreams and now you’re ready to settle down. Now that you’ve met your soul mate, it’s time to start making plans. But do you know all there is to know about her? Take the time to learn as much as you can before you head out to buy that engagement ring. Here are 10 important questions you need to answer before heading down the aisle. 1. How does she manage money? How an individual handles personal finances can make or break a relationship. Her poor money choices could put you both in a bind, especially if you plan to purchase a home together. Find out what her spending habits are, if she has any large outstanding debts, and if there are any significant financial strikes…

Men draw the short straw when it comes to engagement jewellery as they traditionally remain bare-handed until the “I Dos” are exchanged. But, you might decide you would like to give your man an engagement ring to show off to all of his friends too. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether or not you should buy a ring for your man. The key is knowing what your soon-to-be fiance would like. If you are in a same-sex relationship, or if you are a woman proposing to your man, you might like to have a ring at the ready when you pop the question. Or you could choose to make it a team affair and shop for one together. You can get something with the aim of him…

“BRO’s BEFORE… certain people…” This age-old motto of The Lads is most likely echoing in your head now that it’s finally time to select your best man. You probably picked him out years ago, that one mate who went the extra yard to have your back, the brother who dragged you into the back of the Uber that one time you had so much fun you couldn’t even walk, the Simon to your Garfunkel, the Franco to your Rogan, the person you thought about when you watched the movie ‘Ted’. He was probably the first person you told when your girlfriend became your fiancé. Your homie, your hombre, your muchacho, your best mate and your brother. You know who he is, he’s your best man! Now, you know him better than…

When you get married you probably think your friends and family will behave for your wedding. You think they’ll do everything they can to help. You expect them to behave the way you did when it was the lead up to their wedding, because that’s how relationships work right? Sorry to say this, but you’d be wrong. I think we all start out as this optimistic when it comes to our wedding guests. We give them the benefit of the doubt or cut them slack because they’ve been busy. But you hope they’ll behave or come through on the day. Brace yourself for the idea that some people just won’t do what you expect of them. Here are 8 wedding etiquette rules that at least some of your mates will likely…