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    Anita Froneman

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    The famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is an international icon. She has been immortalised not only for her paintings, but also for her fashion choices. She was deeply inspired by her country’s culture, and she employed the native style to explore questions of identity and beauty.

    The painter was no stranger to love and marriage. She married Diego Rivera, also a painter, in 1929. He was 20 years her senior. Both were allegedly unfaithful and divorced in 1940, then remarried later that year. They remained married until her death in 1954.

    “Frida Kahlo’s hauntingly beautiful face, broken body, and bright Tehuana costumes have become the trademark of Mexican femininity. Images of her bat-wing brows, moustache, and clunky ethnic jewelry are as familiar in Mexico as Marilyn’s pout and puffed-up white dress are in the U.S.,” reports The New York Times.

    If you are an artist, art enthusiast or simply fascinated by the legendary artist’s bold style and love of colour, here are some ways to incorporate her famous look into your wedding.

    Remember that you can choose elements that work for you and translate them into modern-day similarities. Adapt her strong traditionally Mexican look to your own culture, personality and fashion taste as a way to respect foreign culture and not appropriate it by copying it exactly.

    Take some inspiration from these tips.

    The dress

    This look calls for an off-shoulder with sleeves. Long sleeves go well, but short sleeves will work too. Go for lots of lace and flowing fabrics for a romantic look!

    The hair

    Kahlo’s extravagant hairdos are world famous. She painted hundreds of self portraits, many of her wearing a bold flower crown in an updo. Red, yellow and organge are strong colours that suited her personality and style well.  Add a braid on top to make a statement!

    The makeup

    As with the flower crown, go for bigger and bolder. Don’t stray away from bright red lips and of course, the iconic thick black eyebrows. A dab of bronzer will finish off the look.

    The jewellery

    Over the top and dramatic. Go for chandelier earrings and a beaded necklace and bangles! Mexican fashion embraces colour, size and femininity. Combine them selectively for a sophisticated look, but don’t be afraid to use layers.

    Pictures: Pinterest

    The flower girls, if you choose to have them, are an adorable and special part of the wedding day. They bring laughter and joy, and their sheer enthusiasm at being allowed to look pretty alongside you is enough to make hearts melt.

    This is also a good opportunity for them to experiment with lovely hairdo’s. As the flower girls are usually still quite young, it can be fun for them to go wild with whatever style they like, however intricate. Braids and buns are always a good choice, and there must be accessories galore. Go for it with flower crowns, bows, ribbons and sparkly clips.

    Here are some of our favourites to get the ideas flowing.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CGDMP6zg3jw/

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/CFQM4GUBkfR/

    Picture: Pinterest

    Bridesmaids dresses can be a tricky one. There are many boxes to tick. You want your ladies to feel comfortable, have them fit in with the colour scheme, look great but not steal your thunder, and so it goes.

    We may have found the solution in the humble colour of the dove. Grey, in all its tones, is one of the most versatile colours there is to work with. Don’t be fooled into thinking it is dull. Dove grey is soft, romantic and understated yet pretty.

    Take a look at these lovely dresses for some inspiration and let your bridesmaids spread their wings.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CGC0nM1nJc3/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CFl646kBiKQ/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CGAFehaHyK1/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CGCfOcEH77y/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CGCbyH-A98o/

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    Picture: Pexels

    Gold is making a comeback. For years, the Western tradition was to wear gold jewellery as it was the most expensive and seen as classic, timeless and mature.

    Then, silver took over the scene and became popular as a more affordable yet equally beautiful alternative. Everybody wore silver and saw gold as old-fashioned.

    A few years later, rose gold was all the rage. Called the “rosé wine” of the jewellery industry, this metal is a blend of gold and silver resulting in a delicate pinkish-gold.

    It seems we have come full circle, as gold is shining brightly once again. Of course, be guided by your own taste and style, but if you go for gold, you can’t go wrong. Here are some of our favourite pieces to derive inspiration from:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9l0C4DFSf/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CFsryu-hAyb/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7KIRVlrpB/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7ndg4nloi/

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9iToKlend/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9fdrUDZZ1/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9SO6_jIf8/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9goWGgbkc/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CF6lQy7BzgU/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9N41RnMfy/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CF82N8WDEsZ/

    Picture: Pexels

    Planning your wedding day is a mammoth task, and all the little things can add up to eventually leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

    Luckily, choosing the bouquet does not have to be. We say keep it simple. Yes, it’s important and yes, you need to put some thought into it. However, you can save yourself a lot of time and tears by avoiding these fatal errors.

    1. Choosing flowers from a region far away

    Credit: Pinterest

    Don’t make things harder than they need to be. Ordering flowers from Cape Town when you’re getting married in Joburg will just turn into yet another headache. Sourcing local flowers from your region will ensure your flowers are fresher, cheaper and more environmentally friendly as you cut out the transport costs.  Talk to your florist about what’s in season in your area.

    2. Choosing flowers that other people like 

    Remember, just as with everything else on your big day, it’s still your day. Everyone who is helping you plan, be it your mother, best friend or mother-in-law, will have their own opinions. It might be well-meant, but ultimately, the flowers need to make you happy. Plants are a gift of nature that add beauty and inspire joy, and this is your chance to choose what makes you happy.

    3. Having unrealistic expectations 

    When looking for inspiration online, you’ll get a tsunami of perfect bouquets, not a petal out of place. Most of them are styled to make you want to buy from a certain vendor. We suggest rather being open to embracing nature, which by its very essence is unique, like humans. No two lilies will look exactly the same, and some roses might bloom later than others. While choosing the plants you adore, allow for the fact that having it natural is more beautiful.

    Images: Unsplash

    You might want to add a handbag to your wedding attire. However, a large sling bag is not exactly ideal for an elegant and formal look.

    We recommend getting a small clutch to keep your make-up and tissues handy. Either go with the colour of your dress or a matching shade, or go with the colour of your decor to fit in with the theme.

    You could also just abandon all tradition, and a pick any colour simply because you love it! There are endless styles, textures and design variations to choose from. Take a look at these stylish clutch bags to take inspiration from.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CA5y13khMJ_/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CFQ_9ksp1Gp/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-Qdkslddy/

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    Image: Pixabay

    Throwing a bridal shower should be a fun and exciting event, but it’s a headache for many. It’s hard to be original and unique in a world where everything has been done.

    We’ve put together some inspiration for fun, unusual themes for the unconventional bride and her ladies. From the deep blue sea to outer space, take a look at these interesting themes you never thought to turn into a bridal shower.

    Bohemian

    If you and your friends are not about the glitz and glam, consider a bohemian theme for the bridal shower. Think rustic, dreamy and earthy. Incorporate plants and flowers, wooden decor, feathers and beads. You can specify the dress code, for example everyone has to wear a headband, feathers or flat sandals.

    Enchanted Forest

    If you have always wanted to live in a fairy tale, this is your chance. Think everything magical.  Candles, roses and of course, glitter. Colours that work well are gold and silver, and metallics like pink and purple.

    Under the Sea

    Mermaids, listen up! Go all out ocean vibes. Tranquil blues and greens, sea horse and star fish decor and faux-coral. Tropical-styled music will add well to the beach atmosphere, and make sure you have vibey cocktails.

    Casino Royale

    Get your poker face on for this one. Red, black and white are the colours of this glamorous evening. This  is a great opportunity to dust off your high heels and show off your gambling skills. You can even watch the movie for the final touch.

    Intergalactic

    Interested in space? Glow in the dark is the way to go. The sun, moon and stars are the decor inspiration. Get space-themed food and drinks that will ensure a stellar party. Don’t be afraid to turn Star Wars-themed if the bride is a fan.

    Images: Pinterest

    Featured image: Unsplash

    Weddings are (almost) back to normal with the new Level 1 regulations. Venues may be filled to 50% capacity with the cap on outdoor venues at 500 people.  So, unless you live in Buckingham Palace, you shouldn’t have to cut too many from your guest list for a backyard wedding.

    Having your wedding in your own garden might be a very attractive option for some for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, you don’t have to budget for venue hire, and you can get any date you choose. Some might also feel safer in terms of COVID-19, as you don’t have to go into a public space.

    If you decide to go this route, you have to do it well. Here are our top tips on how to make sure your big day is extra special.

    Decide on the number of guests

    Firstly, depending on your space, budget and current lockdown regulations, you and your partner will need to decide how many guests you can invite. Backyard weddings tend to be smaller and more intimate, so firstly set out a list of your closest family and friends you want to invite. Remember to count all the vendors and the marriage officer too. All this will help determine how you lay out of the wedding and the rest of your plans.

    Consider the weather

    Depending on the season in the area you live, you might have to provide some form of cover from wind, rain or sun. Shop around for different styles of marquee tents, tepees, gazebos or even just umbrellas. You wouldn’t want to have everyone slosh around in mud or get heat stroke on your wedding day.

    Use available space economically

    Decide where you want the ceremony, the ‘waiting area’ and the reception. Of course, it can all be the same spot if you choose, but make sure guests know where you want them. Also be mindful of social distancing for your own and your guests’ safety. Place families together at dining tables and place seats at the reception far apart. Names on seats and tables are an easy way to guide everyone.

    Match your decor to what you already have 

    If your garden is the setting, you can work with what you have and just add subtle extras to complement existing beauty. Take note of the plants growing in your garden and match your colour scheme to that. Also try to use functional items doubly as decor. For example, if you have an arch at the ceremony, why not make it double as a photo booth at the reception? If you have a gifts table, ask your bridal parties to move the gifts indoors before the reception and convert that table into the drinks station.

    Images: Pinterest

    Featured Images: Pexels

    Amethyst, a violet variety of quartz, is not only a popular ring choice, but can make for exquisite decor inspiration too. The deep, regal colour of the stone can guide you in planning your atmosphere and style.

    Read: Stone of the Gods: Amazing amethyst rings 

    Often viewed as a stone of peace, some believe amethyst’s calming presence produces a soothing and tranquil feel.

    Here are some of our favourite amethyst-inspired decor, stationery, bouquets and more:

    Images: Pinterest 

    A greenhouse venue is the perfect place to tie the knot for those with green fingers. If you love plants, this is the way to go. Not only is it a popular modern trend, getting married in a nursery has many pros.

    The decor is basically taken care of, not to mention the beautiful colours and the incredible wedding pictures you will have.

    If you’re still not convinced but considering this unique venue type, here are five reasons why it’s good idea:

    1. Plants are known to inspire a good mood

    Not only do plants boost oxygen levels and remove pollutants and toxins from the air, they are proven to help with stress relief. According to Plantscrapers, plants bring feelings of vitality and improve the state of mind. An environment that includes natural elements and plants can help bring a positive outlook on life and boosts people into feeling more alive and active. There you go.

    2. Low-effort decor

    What better decor than nature itself? Greenhouses combine the earthy feel of greenery with the sophistication of large glass walls. The setting is already beautiful and requires minimum additional decor. You could go with simplistic floral centre pieces for your tables, or add some fairy light draping. Other than that, we recommend embracing the plants and not driving the attention away from them.

    3. It provides a romantic atmosphere

    A greenhouse is a romantic place, as it allows a lot of natural light, gives you great views to the outside and recreate an “indoor forest”-effect. It almost feels like a fairy tale, another world to step into! If you are a romantic, this venue is certainly your cup of tea.

    4. You experience nature without braving the elements

    A greenhouse is a great compromise for those who love nature and those who are not super comfortable to bundu bash. The setting is fresh and incorporates nature, but in a safe indoor environment. That means you don’t have to worry about rain, wind, cold or heat and you don’t have to hike up a mountain to be in nature.

    5. It’s beautiful!

    Of course, this goes without saying but we do feel the need to emphasise it. If no other reason sounds convincing, the sheer beauty of this venue type should be enough. It inspires wonder, and that’s really what the perfect wedding venue does.

    Images: Pinterest

    Featured image: Unsplash