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    Anita Froneman

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    The summer is upon us and sometimes you can’t be bothered to get hot and sweaty in a long dress. If you’re opting for a fun, modern look, why not go for a short dress? It does not have to take away from the formality, and is sure to have you strutting your best dance moves till sunrise. Here are some of the hottest trends in short wedding dresses:


     

    Also read: How to handle the heat at summer weddings

    Image:Pexels

    The beautiful Princess Eugenie tied the knot with Jack Brooksbank at Windsor Castle a year ago, and she posted a sweet tribute video to celebrate. The two are a much-loved couple, and it’s easy to see their love is real. On her social media, she captioned the video: “This was the greatest day of my life…forever and always. Happy one year anniversary, my Jack!!”

    The video shows intimate pictures from the fairy tale wedding at Windsor Castle, dubbed with a voice over of the pair reciting their wedding vows. Her dress takes the spotlight, as well as her jewel-studded crown and the iconic wedding kiss.

    Her state of the art Peter Pilotto gown had us swooning all over again, and that train!

    Credit: Pinterest
    Credit: Pinterest

    Watch how the magical day unfolded:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    This was the greatest day of my life…forever and always! Happy one year anniversary, my Jack!!

    A post shared by Princess Eugenie (@princesseugenie) on

    Eugenie’s sister, Beatrice, recently got engaged and will get married next year.

    Also readPrincess Beatrice’s wedding: What we know so far

    Image: Pinterest

    Bridal showers can be just one more thing on your already long to-do list. Oftentimes it can be a challenge to find something to do that is suitable for all ages and interests, as this is usually something for all the women invited to the wedding. Don’t be overwhelmed and certainly don’t take on any pressure about it.

    If you know you’re being surprised, subtly hint at what kind of get together you would enjoy, or ask your partner to secretly let your maid of honour know what you think would work best.

    Whether it’s a surprise set up by your maid of honour or you’re part of the organising, here are some fabulous ideas that will make them exciting and fun for everyone.
    1. Moonlight picnic

    If your bridal shower is in summertime, wait for a full moon and have a nighttime picnic. Add candle lights or lanterns for a cosy atmosphere.

     

    2. Lawn games

    Perfect for outdoor-lovers, have some fun in the sun with games like croquet, bowles, or even water gun fights.

    3. Charity event

    Sometimes, it’s more rewarding to give than to receive. Why not make a team effort to support a worthy cause? Volunteer at an animal shelter, community centre, make gift parcels for needy kids or visit an old-age home.

    4. Dinner and a show

    If you like entertainment, watch a show with your besties. Live music, theatre, and even ballet are good options. End it off with some drinks for a perfect night!

    5. Bake day

    If you’re more in the mood for staying in, why not get the ladies together and bake some sweet treats? Waffles, cupcakes, cookies or brownies are good things to do together.

    6. Pajama party

    A proper girls night is in order before you get married. Wear pajamas, do facials and share secrets with the women in your life.

    7. Foraging

    Foraging has become quite popular and is a ton of fun. Take the ladies to see what nature has to offer and appreciate the wonderful flora that abound.

    8. Pool party

    Poolside get-togethers are great because everyone can choose how to spend the day. Getting your tan on, splashing in the pool to cool down or making fresh drinks by on the side are all on the menu.

    9. Perfume making

    If you’re feeling experimental, why not got to a perfume making class? Surrounded by beautiful glassware and exotic scents, you will feel like you’re in heaven.

    10. Champagne brunch

    This might sound so done-before, but that’s because it’s so much fun! Set a table outside or inside, and gather your loved-ones for a festive brunch.

     
    Feature image: Pixabay

    Royal weddings have a special place in our hearts, simply because they are so vastly different from every other kind of wedding there is. Everything is done on a big scale and according to tradition. Certain rules and do’s and don’ts apply. Procedure must be followed and the bride and groom almost seem to be bystanders. Still, it’s nothing short of a fairy tale the day the royal bride steps out in her beautiful dress.

    Princess Beatrice of York is the daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York and of course, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II. However, news of her engagement to Edoardo Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi had been overshadowed by a recent scandal involving her father, and not much is known about the wedding details. Here is what we do know.

    Her platinum engagement ring was designed by Shaun Leane and has a 3.5 carat round diamond set in an art deco design, with tapered baguettes on each side of the centre.

    The couple is not allowed to reveal their wedding date until the Queen approves the reveal. According to Express.co.uk, a friend of the couple said they will reveal the wedding date early in the new year. The wedding is rumoured to be in the “early summer,” which could be anything from May to June.

    Regarding the venue, the general thought was that they would tie the knot at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle, as well as Beatrice’s sister, Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank. However, reliable intel now points toward The Guards’ Chapel at St James’s Park, which serves military members and their families.

     

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    A post shared by Jeze Sugiharto (@jeze17) on

    Another rumour doing the rounds is that award-winning British singer-songwriter James Blunt, who is a close friend of the couple, will be performing at the wedding.

     

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    Asia, here we come! www.jamesblunt.com/tour Pic by @rcstills

    A post shared by James Blunt (@jamesblunt) on

    Either way, we’re sure the wedding will be marvelous and we will be here for it every step of the way!

    Picture: Instagram

     

     

    Fans of The Bachelor will be ecstatic to know that the venue where the famous reality show is set is now also available for hire as a wedding venue. To top it off, you can even ask celebrity host of the series, Chris Harrison, to officiate the marriage.

    Credit: Instagram/Chris Harrison

    Having been ordained as a minister, Harrison has since wed many a lucky couple who hit it off on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette.

    The famous Villa de la Vina in Malibu, US, is a 200-years-old Mediterranean-style building with a range of luxury features that will make for the perfect wedding venue. The venue, that can host 350 people, has an infinity pool and picturesque views of the surrounding canyons.

    If you want to have an extravagant wedding at this lavish venue, you’ll have to contact them for official quotes, but according to Wetpaint, you can rent it out for an icy $2,100 (R17 745) a night for personal use so we can only imagine what a wedding might set you back.

    Picture: Instagram

    Many brides go for a neutral nail look on their wedding day. We’ve had the French manicure, then we had the plain white or cream. Some even went as far as subtle pinks. Other brides who were not sold on the idea of subtle went for over-the-top glitzy nail art or bright colours. But what about the in-between? Fret not! There are loads of other options that are truly gorgeous, not too extra and far away from boring.

    Two-toned matt

    Pearl colours

    Metallic flecks

    Galactic splendour

    Dark (k)night

    Boho chic

    Glossy shine

    Textured finish

    Picture: Instagram/Lolaliner

     

     

    You’ve seen it, you’ve loved it, but you keep thinking: ‘Can I wear it?’ The answer is yes! Wedding gowns that come with a backlace is the epitome of elegance. The fun part is, if your dress does not come with one, but you have an open back, you can opt for a necklace with a back. That means it will be short at the front and have a backdrop hanging down your back. Here are some inspiration from different kinds of backlaces, suited for different styles.

    Dainty

     

    Pearly

    Glitzy

    Layered

    Rustic

    Pendant

    Picture: Etsy.com

    Applique – various fabrics sewn onto netting or other transparent fabric – creates a lovely, romantic appearance for your bridal look. It allows you to show some skin and yet still look classy and tasteful. It suits brides with a feminine style and a love for detail. Applique designs can feature anywhere, like the back, sleeves, neckline or veil. Here are some of our favourites.

     

    Picture: Unsplash

    Everything is organised: Your dress, your hair and make-up. The catering and photography are all systems go and you and your spouse-to-be are super excited for the big day. There’s just one issue left to tackle: the guests. You both love your families, but they can be a handful. This cousin is angry with that aunt, and that uncle hasn’t spoken to this one’s dad in years. Hopefully, you or your partner’s family members are mature enough to behave well at the wedding for your sakes and not ruin your day. But you never know!

    So how do you handle family feuds on what’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life? Here are some things to keep in mind to help you prevent the much-dreaded drama:

    1. Be smart with seating arrangements
    When it comes to practical things like seating, be mindful of who sits next to whom. Of course, it might not be possible to keep everyone happy, but you can at least try to arrange it in a way that arguments will be least likely to break out.

    2. Never get involved in the details
    Remember, if it’s not your fight, it’s not your place to intervene. You have bigger things to worry about! For you to try and get in between will waste energy and emotional resources you’re supposed to save for joyous moments. Keep out of it as far as possible. When either of the parties involved try to drag you in, just calmly but firmly say something like “I understand that it’s tough for you, and I really appreciate that you’re here for me. I will not be able to talk to him/her about this, but why don’t you join me on the dance floor? I love this song!” This way, you move the attention away from the issue and hopefully remind them that you’re all there to enjoy the wedding.

    3. Try to give everyone equal attention
    Again, don’t choose sides. It’s important that you show everyone you are happy for them to be there for you and that you appreciate and love them all equally. Avoid spending too much time with any particular person or table so as not to create more friction.

    4. Communicate beforehand
    If things are that serious and you’re worried it might actually get out of hand, it might be wise to talk to each of the parties involved separately before the wedding day. Schedule a coffee date or write them a personal email explaining that you are looking forward to spend time with them but that you also expect them to behave a certain way on the day out of respect for you. Make it clear that you want them to be comfortable, but that you can’t control everything. Ask them to consider you and your partner during the day and set their differences aside.

    5. Enjoy your day – regardless
    At the end of the day, you have to choose whether you will allow other people’s behaviour to upset you or not. We know this isn’t always easy, but for one day you are allowed to focus on you and your own joy. Focus on the happy moments and the well wishes, the delightful food and beautiful surroundings. This is meant to be a celebration of love and all you should really be concerned about is the fact that your partner can’t stop smiling at you.

    Picture: Pexels

     

     

    Wedding arches have come a long way from the simple dome structures they used to be. Now popular in both indoor and outdoor weddings, the wedding arch can be a beautiful symbol of the home you and your partner will build together. This tradition is, of course, one more way for you to decorate and create a focal point. Here are some creative ideas that are perfect for your outdoor wedding.

    Tree hugger

    Full circle

    Blown away

    Free spirited

    Modern vintage

    Draped in love

    Rustic flair

    Floral fun

    Feature Image: Instagram/Foreverlyafter