More and more bridal couples are looking to cut their spending. Whether it’s purchasing affordable wedding dresses on SHEIN or throwing an intimate ceremony for friends and family, “cheap” is the new word on the wedding streets.
The latest wedding trends seem to reflect this as brides and grooms-to-be look to splurge on items and memories that are closest to their hearts (like a honeymoon for instance), and it’s all thanks to our post-pandemic world.
So, just what are these wedding trends?
The bar revamped:
Alcohol can add quite a hefty sum to your wedding budget and appears modern bridal couples are unwilling to pay the price. They’re opting out of offering guests a bar tab but are choosing to switch this with a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.
Winter weddings are a whole lot cosier as hot beverage stations are available throughout the event. From spiced rooibos to non-alcoholic sparkling wines, bridal are looking to switch things up in the best way possible.
The intimate wedding
One of the best things to come out of the pandemic is the trend of the intimate wedding. Brides and grooms are ditching the big wedding day affair in favour of smoothing smaller.
After all, this is a time to connect with loved ones and celebrate something loving and special. The guest list has gotten smaller and so have the locations, and this bodes well for couples looking to keep things simple and affordable.
Stepping outside the box
Tradition has been thrown out the window when it comes to wedding attire. Gone are the days of brides walking down the aisle in a white or wedding dress as more trends looking towards colour. Think untraditional colours such as black, red, pink – anything the bride fancies. Cosplay outfits are also fast becoming a “thing” for couples looking to indulge their adventures selves.
Supporting small businesses
Many small businesses suffered under the intense lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led many individuals, including brides and grooms, to favour small business owners – a trend we hope will continue.
Aspiring home cooks and food vendors getting on their feet are now the go-to as the new wedding trend looks to skip “traditional” wedding vendors in favour of small businesses.
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We all know how stressful planning a wedding can be, making wedding planning burnout a very real possibility. Whether you’re trying not to pull out your hair as…
Bow ties are a classic option that will add the finishing touch to your wedding day outfit. As dashing as they are, the sophisticated embellishment is a bit tricky to pull off. If you’re unsure and want to pull off the tasteful look yourself, here’s how to tie a bow tie on your wedding day, or any other day you want to look extra dapper:
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Step by step
Choose a great bow tie
Black is a classic colour to choose but if your wedding vibe allows for it, consider opting for a funky colour, pattern or material.
Sizing
To ensure you get that dashing and sophisticated look, adjust the bow tie according to your neck size. Ask a sales assistant to measure your neck when purchasing a bow tie. There should be an adjustable slider or a hook and holes that will allow you to make the bow tie bigger or smaller.
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How to tie
The most popular choice is the butterfly bow tie.
First place your bow tie around your neck facing up. Make sure that the right side is shorter than the left. Your left end is A and the right end is B.
Move A over to the right. It will be across from B. It should form an X shape.
Move A under B and bring it up through the neck loop.
You can now fold B towards the right and finally to the left, which will then create the bow shape.
The A side can now move straight down over the middle section (the bow shape)
A can be folded towards the chest.
Pinch the fold.
You need to push A through the loop behind B.
Finally, pull on the folded parts which will tighten it. Adjust the bow tie to be balanced on both sides.
ALSO SEE: How to pack for your honeymoon
Feature image: Unsplash
Signature cocktails don’t necessarily have to be something invented from scratch. It can simply be one delicious drink for you to serve your guests all night long, with…
For brides who refuse to sacrifice comfort for style, this collaboration might just be the wedding shoe moment of the year. Birkenstock has teamed up with New York-based bridal designer Danielle Frankel on a limited-edition footwear capsule that reimagines the brand’s most iconic silhouettes for weddings and special occasions.
The result? Bridal shoes that look fashion-forward, feel supportive, and are designed to last long after the last dance.
A modern take on bridal footwear
The six-piece Birkenstock x Danielle Frankel collection reworks four classic Birkenstock styles, alongside two exclusive designs created specifically for Frankel’s studio. Familiar shapes like the Arizona, Madrid and Tulum have been elevated with satin finishes, delicate ties, pearls and soft floral detailing, all while staying true to Birkenstock’s signature aesthetic.
Standout styles include a white satin Arizona adorned with pearls, a pared-back Madrid with refined straps, and a Tulum sandal updated with a sleek slingback. For brides looking for something more artisanal, the hand-painted Boston clog and chiffon-embroidered Arizona offer a distinctly couture feel.
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Comfort remains the priority
Despite the romantic makeover, comfort is still at the heart of every design. Each shoe features Birkenstock’s cork-latex footbed, ensuring proper support throughout a long wedding day.
Why the fashion world is paying attention
Unsurprisingly, the collaboration has already generated buzz ahead of its official release. International fashion titles have praised the collection for challenging traditional bridal norms, celebrating individuality, and offering an alternative to classic heels.
Danielle Frankel, a long-time Birkenstock wearer herself, approached the partnership as a study in merging practicality with romance. Pearls, bespoke floral motifs and hand-finished details nod to her bridal couture roots, while production in Birkenstock’s German factories ensures the craftsmanship both brands are known for.
Is it for everyone? Probably not
Let’s be honest: bridal Birkenstocks won’t win over every bride, and for some, this will be a hard no. But for others, this collection will feel refreshingly liberating. And perhaps that’s exactly who it’s meant for.
When and where to shop the collection
The Birkenstock x Danielle Frankel collection launches on February 12, 2026, with select styles previewing during New York Fashion Week from February 11 to 16. It is said that the range will be available online via birkenstock.com and daniellefrankelstudio.com, as well as at selected retailers worldwide.
ALSO SEE: Looking for wedding hairstyle inspo for all hair lengths? We’ve got you covered
Looking for wedding hairstyle inspo for all hair lengths? We’ve got you covered
Feature image: Bridal Guide/Facebook
Take advantage of a special occasion and turn it into a memorable date. Whether you’re celebrating your birthday or planning something thoughtful for your partner’s, South Africa is…
Valentine’s Day in the Cape Winelands falls at the height of summer, when harvest season brings energy to the vineyards and evenings are made for lingering over good food and wine. February is a naturally social month, and at Brookdale Estate in the Paarl Winelands, it is marked by thoughtful dining experiences and seasonal moments designed for couples.
With food, wine and setting at its core, Brookdale Estate offers a considered way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, whether through a long lunch, an intimate dinner or a relaxed evening spent watching the sun set over the vineyards.
Valentine’s Day dining at The Bistro
On Friday, 14 February, The Bistro at Brookdale Estate invites couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with its a la carte Summer Menu, available for both lunch and dinner. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary glass of Mason Road Serendipity rosé, setting the tone for a relaxed yet considered dining experience.
For dinner, live music by Leigh Hondy adds to the atmosphere, creating a softly romantic backdrop that enhances the evening without overwhelming it. Seasonal dishes, thoughtful wine pairings and vineyard views encourage an unhurried celebration of the day.
Sunset dinners in February
Romance at Brookdale Estate extends beyond Valentine’s Day itself with the return of the Sunset Dinner Series, running throughout February and continuing every Wednesday and Thursday evening until 26 March.
With two sittings at 17:30 and 19:30, these evenings invite guests to linger over seasonal menus as the sun dips behind the vineyards. It is one of the Winelands’ simplest pleasures and an ideal way to enjoy summer evenings together.
Celebrating Syrah and the harvest season
Wine remains central to the Brookdale experience, and Syrah Day on 16 February offers another reason to visit during Valentine’s month. Guests are encouraged to explore the estate’s Tasting Room, open Tuesdays to Sundays, where the 2024 Mason Road Syrah takes centre stage.
Recently awarded four stars in the 2025 Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide, the wine reflects both elegance and structure and marks a proud achievement for the Brookdale winemaking team during harvest season.
A milestone month at Brookdale Estate
February also marks a celebratory milestone for The Bistro, which turns three years old on Sunday, 1 February. Guests joining for lunch are welcomed with a complimentary glass of bubbly, offered as a thank you following recent recognition as a Top 10 Destination Restaurant in the Cape by The Inside Guide and a Top 20 Restaurant in South Africa for 2025 by Dineplan.
ALSO SEE: Locally loved flowers for your wedding bouquet
Images: Supplied
“James Edgar Murdock came to South Africa from England in 1896 and decided to set up a jewellery business. In 1897 he opened the first Murdock’s Watchmakers and…
Since 2026 is basically 2016! If you been scrolling on social media, you heard this before and if the same applies for fashion and beauty, then 2026 is officially our 2016 renaissance. From the return of full glam moments to familiar product textures and techniques resurfacing on our feeds, nostalgic make-up is having a major comeback.
But this time, it’s wiser, softer, and far more intentional.
Think less copy-paste YouTube tutorial, more elevated throwback. Here’s how to recreate iconic 2016 make-up looks – while making them feel unmistakably 2026.
Why 2016 make-up feels so comforting right now
2016 make-up was expressive, confident, and unapologetically glamorous. It was the era of contour palettes, bold brows, matte lips, and baking that lasted all day. In a time when beauty trends have swung between ultra-minimalism and “clean girl” restraint, the return of nostalgic make-up feels like a rebellion – and a reminder that make-up can be fun again.
But in 2026, we’re not chasing perfection. We’re chasing polish without pressure.
2016 make-up staples that are back (and how to update them)
1. Full coverage skin – but make it skin-like
2016 was all about matte, full-coverage foundation with intense baking. In 2026 there is a soft-focus, breathable coverage that still perfects.
Opt for serum-infused or satin-finish foundations that blur without masking your skin. Conceal strategically instead of baking heavily. Use a light dusting of powder only where needed – think under eyes and T-zone, not the entire face.
The goal: perfected skin that still looks alive.
2. Contour is back – but less obvious
Remember the sharp, cool-toned contour stripes! Well we will see it again in a creamy, blended, almost undetectable sculpting way.
Use cream contour products and blend upward for a lifted effect. Choose shades closer to your natural shadow rather than overly grey tones. Bronzer and contour now live in harmony rather than competition.
Think: “Did she contour or is she just naturally sculpted?”
3. Brows: From blocky to brushed
The bold, carved-out Instagram brows lived rent free on our faces but now its all about full, fluffy brows with structure.
Keep the fullness, lose the harsh edges. Use hair-like strokes, brow gels, and a softer tail. The brow is still a statement—just no longer shouting.
4. Eyes are dramatic again – but diffused
There was not a day that went by without a cut crease, heavy liner and false lashes. But now, a smoked-out definition with softer contrast is what we will be seeing.
Trade stark cut creases for blended shadows and subtle gradients. Brown or charcoal liner replaces jet black. Lashes are lighter, fluttery, and more individual than strip-lash heavy.
It’s drama with depth, not heaviness.
5. Matte lips return – with comfort
2016 we saw dry, ultra-matte liquid lipsticks and in 2026 its about the soft-matte and blurred lip finishes.
Choose velvet or mousse textures that move with your lips. Overline subtly and blur the edges for a lived-in effect. Bonus points for nourishing formulas that don’t crack by midday.
Nostalgia, but hydrated.
6. Highlighter gets a reality check
The was a time when blinding, reflective highlighter visible from space was a daily wear. Now, in 2026 the glassy glow that melts into skin is the look that everyone will be adopting.
Cream and balm highlighters replace powder. Apply with fingers for a skin-fused finish. The glow is still there—it just whispers instead of screams.
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The 2026 rule: Intentional nostalgia
What separates 2016 from 2026 is intention. In 2016, we did make-up because we could. In 2026, we do it because it aligns with our mood, our energy, and our lifestyle.
This era is about:
- Fewer products, better formulas
- Blending over baking
- Soft edges over sharp lines
- Confidence over perfection
ALSO SEE: Looking for wedding hairstyle inspo for all hair lengths? We’ve got you covered
Looking for wedding hairstyle inspo for all hair lengths? We’ve got you covered
Written by Amy Steenkamp for Woman&Home.
Feature image: Pexels