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    Leandri de Kock

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    In Beauty

    4 Simple yet striking beauty looks for the modern bride

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    With so many beauty trends out there, constantly being reinvented, it’s difficult to choose exactly what you want your make-up to look like on your wedding day. Take these 4 looks, straight from the runway, as inspiration for a look that will be striking and timeless to boot.

    Berta Bridal

     

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    The @berta Show ❤️ Pics @collinpierson

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    Clean, polished skin is enhanced with the slightest contour and the perfect feline flick. Round it off with a nude, matte lip.

    Ines Di Santo

    Skin is prepped to look fresh and dewy, only covering imperfections, and finished off with a smattering of glitter on the lids and a nude lipgloss.

    Jenny Yoo

    Softly smoked out lids and subtle bronzer make for a perfectly classic combo. A touch of peachy lipstick completes the look.

    Justin Alexander

    Don’t be afraid of a bold lip – just keep the rest simple. Bold brows make for the perfect addition to tangerine-stained lips, along with fresh rosy cheeks.

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    In Beauty

    How to pick a wedding fragrance

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    Choosing a signature fragrance that represents who you are as a person is one thing, but finding a special one, separate from your everyday life, is another. If you’re planning to buy a special fragrance for your wedding day, take these thoughts into consideration:

    What do you like?

    Consider the type of fragrance you’re usually drawn to, and eliminate the ones you absolutely don’t like. If you want to try something new and different, make sure to get a sample of the fragrance so that you can wear it beforehand and figure out if it suits you. Remember, fragrances smell different on you than it does in a bottle. Furthermore, experiment and try out scents with different notes, but from the fragrance families you like. So if you usually wear a floral fragrance, try something with citrus notes – perfect for a summer ceremony al fresco. Or if you want something warmer for an evening reception, try jasmine, amber or musk notes.

    What flowers will you have at your wedding?

    Taking inspiration from your floral arrangements or bouquet is a clever way of tying your elements together, as well as creating a special scent memory. You’ll likely have beautifully fragrant flowers throughout your wedding space, so choose a fragrance that carries those same notes. If you’re having roses, choose a scent with geranium as one of the heart notes. If you’re having a forest of eucalyptus, choose a scent with fresh, herbaceous notes such as bergamot and pine. And if you’re using local fynbos and Proteas as your floral focus, go for a fragrance with woody or earthy notes such as vanilla, sandalwood and oud.

    Will you and your partner share the fragrance?

    Although you and your partner probably don’t usually share the same fragrance, it’s a good idea to do that for your wedding. Your sense of smell is directly linked to the olfactory processing system in the memory part of your brain, which is why a certain fragrance can immediately take you back to a certain moment in your life. With this olfactory element, it also triggers emotions, which your wedding day will definitely be filled with. Choose a fragrance that will represent both your personalities, with an added element that represents you as a couple, too. If you like a floral fragrance, and your partner likes something spicy, combine the two, then add a note of something you both like, like the smoky scent of a campfire or the crisp scent of freshly cut grass.

    Carry your scent through

    After you’ve picked your wedding fragrance, whether you and your partner will share it or not, carry the fragrance through to the rest of the space as well. A lot of fragrance houses have candles and diffusers within the same fragrance range, so place these elements on the tables, in the bathrooms or in spaces where guests will be spending a lot of time to create a sillage that goes beyond just you.

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    In Advice

    Sure-fire ways to keep your skin calm for your wedding day

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    You wake up on the day of your wedding and your skin is on fire. Although it’s not ideal, there are easy ways to soothe and calm skin down in a flash by following a few simple steps and being prepared.

    In advance

    It’s an absolute fact that stress and anxiety causes inflammation, which could potentially worsen conditions like eczema, psoriasis and general sensitivity. It also disrupts your sleep pattern, leading to less efficient time for your skin to recover and, thus, a duller appearance. However, saying you should reduce stress and actually doing it are two very different things. But it is crucial to your skin’s sanity. Helping your body and mind relax a little could be as simple as going for a walk, taking a well-deserved nap or starting your day with a few minutes of meditation. This will help reduce cortisol levels which will bring down inflammation. Along with that, make sure you drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside and up your energy levels.

    The day before

    Try to keep your skin as clean as possible the day before – that means no make-up, no harsh products, and no crazy masks or treatments. Also, stay out of the sun completely. Avoid salty food and alcohol as this can cause further puffiness. Before you go to bed, make sure your skin is properly cleansed and do a very light exfoliation with a formula that you trust. Lastly, seal in moisture with a good, hydrating moisturiser while your skin is still damp, then call it an early night.

    The day of

    If you’ve been taking proper care of your skin in the months and days leading up to the big day, you should be fine – but Murphy’s Law always has something else planned. Don’t fear, just reach for the ice. Should you wake up with red, itchy and inflamed skin on the morning of your wedding, wash your face with a gentle cream cleanser. It should contain ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, and lavender for an ultra calming effect. Then, take a few ice blocks and wrap them in a soft, damp face cloth or muslin cloth. Gently press the ice to irritated areas on your face for a good few minutes to help calm down inflammation and constrict blood vessels. Take this time to relax and lie down, or take a cool bath. Apply a soothing mask with a high aloe vera content afterward and keep it on until you need to start getting your make-up done.

    Our favourite redness-reducing heroes:

    Bioderma Cicabio Creme R236.95 Available at Clicks. Picture: Supplied
    The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Rescue Cream Mask R210 Available at The Body Shop Picture: Supplied
    Aloe Unique Aloe & Honey Gel Mask R119 Available online at aloeunique.co.za Picture: Supplied
    Dermalogica Calm Water Gel R949 Available online at dermalogica.co.za Picture: Supplied

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    In Advice

    How to pull off the perfect destination proposal

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    Planning the perfect proposal is nerve-wracking, exciting and maybe even a little overwhelming, all bundled up neatly into one big knot in your stomach. Throw in an unfamiliar destination, and that knot gets a little bigger. But don’t fear, we’ve got the fool-proof guide to making it go as smoothly as possible:

    Do your research beforehand

    By planning ahead, you’ll take a little pressure off yourself as well as have more peace of mind about how it’s all going to play out. Have a plan of where, how and when you’d like to pop the question, but don’t expect it to work out exactly as you see it in your head. When the moment is right, you’ll know, but also don’t be too stressed about changing it up in case of unforeseenable elements, like the weather.

    That said, make sure you’re aware of what’s happeing in the area you’re planning to propose in, especially if you’ve never been there. Do a little internet search beforhand to see if any events are happening, if the area is a sacred place perhaps, or if  any of the areas are restricted. It will also be handy to look at popular scenic locations, or romantic spots that other people have popped the question at for some inspiration.

    Communicate with your hotel

    …or resort, B&B, or wherever you’re planning on staying. Even if you’re not planning to propose at the place you’re staying at, they’ll most likely make some extra effort to make it romantic for you if they know what your plans are. Some places even organise some complimentary champagne, a romantic dinner, or some rose petals in your room for after you’ve popped the question.

    Insure the ring

    Before you even leave for your getaway, make sure the ring is insured. Things happen, but if you’re planning to propose while away, it’s the last thing you’d want to worry about. Get the ring insured for in case a stone pops out, or heaven forbid, it gets misplaced or stolen. It’s the responsible thing to do anyway, plus it will put your mind at ease.

    Hide the ring, safely

    Packing is stressful enough as it is, or at least for some. But making sure the ring stays safely hidden from your fiance-to-be’s eyes is extra daunting. If you don’t want to worry about it falling out of your pocket, or your partner accidentally seeing it in your bag, pack it in your check-in luggage. However, if you’re scared of your luggage getting lost or delayed (because yes, these things happen), keep it safely stashed in your carry-on. Rather safe than sorry, right?

    Furthermore, if you’re worried about it being discovered at customs, it’s a good idea to place the ring box inside a bigger, nondescript box with a note inside to give the inspector or security guard a quick heads up in case they have to take a closer look.

    Don’t wait until the last minute to propose

    You want to wait for that perfect moment, but don’t wait until the last day of the trip. Nerves might not be your best friend, so your partner might notice that you’re acting a little differently. A little anticipation is good, especially if your partner is kind of expecting it, but if you propose earlier on, you’ll have more time to celebrate it in a special place.

    Don’t overthink it

    Sometimes it’s best to just go with your gut. If the moment feels right, go for it, even if it doesn’t go with your plans. Being spontaneous and it being unexpected sometimes makes the moment that much more special.

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    In Celebs

    Princess diaries: Diana’s wedding day mishaps

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    The wedding between Prince Charles and Lady Diana was anything but happily ever after. To the avid royal follower, it was nothing short of a fairytale. From her dreamy ivory silk taffeta and antique lace gown, to her impressive 7.62m train and a 1.4m tulle veil – it was picture-perfect.

    What most didn’t know is that there were a string of unfortunate incidents throughout the day – even a princess has mishaps on her special day. Here are a few rather interesting things that didn’t go according to plan.

    Princess Diana Spilled perfume on the front of her dress. Picture: Fox Photos/Getty Images

    1. Spilled perfume

    After Diana put her gown on she tried to dab some perfume onto her pulse points and mistakenly dropped the bottle on her dress. According to her makeup artist, Barbara Daly, the signature scent created especially for her big day spilled down the front of the wedding gown. Daly tried frantically to wipe the dress but it left a large stain behind. The best advice Daly could give the princess was to hold the dress where the scent had spilled and pretend as though she is lifting it up to avoid tripping over it. Luckily, no one even noticed.

    2. The tiny carriage wrinkled her dress

    The ideal arrival is a horse-drawn carriage… unless you are wearing a massive ballgown with a 7.6m train and big puffy sleeves, of course. Lady Diana and her father John Spencer were transported to St Paul’s Cathedral in the Queen’s ceremonial glass coach. While very beautiful, the carriage is also rather small. When Diana hopped out of the carriage, her dress and train was noticeably creased. Alas, she had to walk down the aisle all a little wrinkled.

    3. Getting married was a headache

    Quite literally, according to Charles Spence, Diana’s brother, she had a massive headache the entire day because of the heavy tiara. While it is tradition to wear one of the Queen’s tiaras, Diana instead opted for a Spencer family heirloom, which weighed heavily on her head.

    4. The wrong name

    All of England loved her for it – when it came time to recite her vows at the alter, in front of the entire world watching, Diana mistakenly called the Prince, “Philip Charles” Arthur George, instead of “Charles Philip” Arthur George. A tongue twister of note, and with so many people watching, all was forgiven.

    5. Charles returned the favour

    Charles laughed off Diana’s faux pax, then returned the favour. While reciting his vows to her, he ‘accidentally’ changed the wording – instead of “my worldly goods,” he said “thy goods”.

    The lesson from all of these missteps? Some things will always go wrong – even fairytales don’t have it all together.

    Pictures: Getty Images

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    In Advice

    10 things to know before going dress shopping

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    Shopping for your wedding dress is a significant part of your wedding journey. For some brides, this is the time when it all starts to feel real, so make sure your experience is as good as it can possibly get:

    1. Take your time

    Don’t rush the process. Book an appointment to go look at dresses and try them on, but don’t think of it as something you can do over lunch. You need at least two to three hours to try on as many dresses as you wish, to take your time to look at them properly and consider what they feel like. You’ll most probably be spending a large amount of money on your gown, so take your time to make a proper decision that you won’t regret.

    2. Enjoy the attention

    With everybody’s eyes fixed on you and all the ooh-ing and aah-ing, it can get a little overwhelming. Don’t see this as a time to feel pressured or under scrutiny, but rather as an opportunity to be spoiled and admired. And who doesn’t love that!

    3. Wear the right underwear

    Don’t make the mistake of wearing black underwear or a bra that doesn’t fit properly. You want to be able to see the complete look as it would be on your wedding day. Take a few options along – a strapless bra, something offering a little more support, stickies and seamless nude panties.

    4. Do your homework

    It’s important to know what you like, but more importantly, what you don’t like, before putting on a dress. Do some research on silhouettes, types of fabrics, lengths, colours and detail beforehand so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by all the options on the day of trying on. That said, be open to suggestions and trying on dresses you’re on the fence about. You might end up loving something you never thought you would.

    5. Take your own shoes

    You need to be able to walk comfortably while wearing your dress, so if you already have your wedding shoes, take them along. If not, take something with a similar heel and height of the shoe you’d probably go for to get the best idea of what’s going to work. This is also important for making sure the length of the dress is right for you.

    6. Be realistic

    A multi-layered dress with tons of hand-stitched jewels and paperthin straps might look beautiful on the hanger, but if you’re blessed in the bust department, you may need something with a little more support up top. Be realitic about what fits your body type and will flatter you the most instead of setting your sights on something that just won’t work.

    7. Set a budget beforehand

    You absolutely need to be clear about what you can afford before even setting foot in the shop. Tell your consultant before he/she makes any suggestions so that they can’t force any higher price on you.  This might give you slightly less options, but will avoid you setting your heart on a dress that you just can’t afford. Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate – if you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.

    8. Don’t bring a crowd

    Your entire wedding party and their ancestors don’t have to be at your fitting. Everyone has an opinion, and this will just add fuel to your anxiety fire. Take along a bridesmaid, a family member or a friend who knows you and who’s opinion you trust. You want your confidant(s) to be honest with you, but also respect your wishes.

    9. Don’t put pressure on yourself

    If you’re wanting to lose weight before your wedding, good on you, but don’t let this drive you insane. Don’t put pressure on yourself to fit into a 6 if you’re normally a 10. You can always have a dress altered to make it smaller, but not vice versa. Also, don’t put pressure on yourself to find something immediately or at the first shop you set foot in. Give yourself ample time to shop around and try out as much as possible.

    10. Timing is everything

    If you’re getting married in a year, now is the time to start booking appointments. If you want to get a dress custom made, you need to give your designer enough time to make the dress, as well as do any alterations if necessary. If you’re buying off the rack, don’t rush it. Shop around and make sure you’re confident in your decision, but also make provision for any alterations, so that you know your dress will be completely ready a month in advance.

     

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    Can you wear white if you’re not the bride?

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    By Keenan Martin

    Traditionally, wearing white to someone else’s wedding would be a definite no-no, but as weddings become more contemporary, modern brides will often not even always wear white themselves, and wearing white if you’re not the bride seems to be less of a taboo, too. With that said, it’s always a good idea to ask the bride for permission, but we know how stressful weddings can be and those daring enough to bother the bride days before her wedding are braver than the marines. So we’ve put together four ways to wear white to someone else’s wedding, tastefully.

    Layering

    If white is going to be your main colour for your ensemble, try and break it up with some colour-blocked layering. Opt for coloured jackets, coats or shoes so you have something that will draw attention away from the fact that you’re wearing white.

    Prints

    If a solid-white garment seems too inappropriate, why not opt for a white-based print instead. Bold prints with vivid colours help make the overall whiteness of your ensemble less apparent.

    Silhouettes

     

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    @jillianrose_m #parisfashionweek #hautecouture #parishautecoutureweek #ss20 #streetfashion

    A post shared by The Style Stalker (@thestylestalkercom) on

    It’s slightly easier to get away with wearing white at someone else’s wedding if the silhouettes and fabric of your outfit steer clear of those of traditional dresses, or whatever the bride and bridesmaids might be wearing.

    Accessories

     

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    ?: @thestylestalkercom PFW spring/summer 2020

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    Pile on the bold and colourful accessories – and watch your outfit transform as you make your white ensemble the canvas for the main attractions.

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    In Wedding Flowers & Bouquets

    These flower trends are having a moment right now

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    These are some of the biggest trends in wedding florals right now, and we don’t know which one we love most:

     

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    Long stem blooms and full skirts ❤️ ?@whitevinephotography

    A post shared by Wedding Etc (@wedding.etc.za) on

    Long stem bouquets

    They’re elegant, classic and evoke a slightly more relaxed feel, as if you picked the flowers yourself just before the wedding. Stick to one type of flower, such as big white roses, or mix and match for a more bohemian vibe.

     

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    The joy, the light, the boho vibes. Perfect #fridaynight⠀ .⠀ Feature https://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/boho-wedding-dress/ .⠀ Photographer @jobradburyphotography⠀ Venue @wilderness_wedding_venue⠀ Styling @butlerwhiteweddings⠀ Florist @sassflower⠀ Rentals @cohire @toasthq & @butlerwhiteweddings⠀ Stationery @wonderland_invites⠀ Grazing Tabl @grapeandfig⠀ Naked Tipi @apache_events⠀ Dresses @ruedeseine⠀ Boutique @thewildheartlife⠀ Jewellery @thevamoose⠀ Hair @louise.e.hill⠀ Make-Up @amy.george.makeup⠀ Grooms Suit @mossbros⠀ Couple @jessica_dessica & @sbarham⠀ Workshop Organised by @wildonescommunity⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #bohoweddingdress #bohowedding #bohobride #bohostyle #bohemianwedding #bohemianweddingdress #behemianbride #driedweddingflowers #pampasgrass #moroccanrug #kentweddingvenue #outdoorwedding #wildernessweddings #weddingdecor #weddingideas #weddinginspiration #ruedeseinebride #ruedeseineweddingdress #weddingdress #weddinggown #bridalgown #weddingday #weddingseason #summerwedding #grazingtable #rockmywedding #yourdayyourway #RMWthelist #whenyousayyes

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    Dried leaves and petals

    If you love a more rustic feel, this trend is right up your alley. Use it in addition to the rest of your floral arrangements, or make it the main attraction by using pampas grass, dried and pressed flowers, sheaves, and hops.

     

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    Wildflower about you ✨ . . . . ? @danafernandezphoto ? @mibellarosa HMU @heylovelymakeup

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    More is more

    Be it cascading flowers, an overload of greenery or massive installations to create a feeling of nature, more is more, and modesty is irrelevant.

    Colour overload

    Forget floral arrangements resembling your overall colour scheme. Incorporating tons of vibrant colours and hues into your bouquets, table settings, aisle and backdrops will make a bold statement and add to the overall festive feeling.

    Local flavour

    Instead of shelling out on imported or out-of-season flowers, have a look at what’s immediately availabe, locally grown and sustainable. This won’t just save you a lot of money, but will add a special touch to your decor, as well as keep your carbon footprint low.

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    How to keep guests happy at a summer wedding

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    Wedding season is around the corner, and with that, lovely South African summer weddings. And although we love the warm evenings and longer days, a summer wedding does come with its fair share of drawbacks. We’ve gathered some solutions to help you keep your cool, and your guests comfortable.

     

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    Just in time for the heatwave… ? ⠀ ⠀ Themal water is excellent for refreshing, but it can dry your skin out. Try this natural DIY face mist instead! It’s perfect for the hot days, conditioned rooms, and planes: you can bring a small bottle in your carry-on. ⠀ ⠀ ? Moisturizing Rose Water DIY Face Mist ? ⠀ ⠀ You’re going to need:⠀ ? 1 part of distilled water⠀ ? 1 part of rose water⠀ ? 5-7 drops of your favorite essential oil(s), e.g., lavender, jasmine, rose geranium, tea trea, bergamot… ⠀ ⠀ ? Blend all of these together in a spray bottle or mister and spritz on your face whenever you feel like it. Oh, and don’t forget to reapply your SPF and drink another glass of cool water!⠀ ⠀ ? Keep in mind that you may have individual reaction to some essential oils. ⠀ ⠀ #thermalwater #heatwave #staycool #diyfacespray #diyfacemist #facespray #facemist #diy #naturalskincare #naturaldiy #naturalcosmetics #skincareroutine

    A post shared by NatureHub app (@naturehub.official) on

    DIY mists

    We love a good DIY project, and this one is particularly practical. It will not only help keep your guests cool (and smelling lovely), but could serve as a nifty little favour as well.  You’ll need:

    • Small bottles with fine-mister nozzles (you can buy them at most bulk plastic suppliers)
    • Distilled water
    • Glycerin (a few drops per bottle)
    • Essential Oils (a few drops per bottle)

    Combine all the ingredients in the bottles, and shake well. Try peppermint, lemongrass or lavender essential oils for a fresh, invigorating scent that repels bugs at the same time.

    Citronella candles

    No matter where you are, mosquitoes always somehow manage to join the party and bring an unwelcome annoyance. Place citronella candles or diffusers with citronella essential oil on tables inside and outside, close to food, or wherever your guests will spend the most of time, to keep the bugs away.

    Drink up!

    Yes, your guests will most likely be sipping champagne, cocktails and the like, but it’s important to also have plenty of water available too. Alcohol causes us to develop a slight flush, even if it’s not noticeable in some people, leading to higher body temperature and dehydration to some degree, and even more so in hot weather. Have jugs and bottles of ice-cold water ready at a dedicated hydration station so guests have no excuse not to stay hydrated.

    Individual parasols and fans

    If you’re having an outside ceremony, it’s essential to provide your guests with some sort of shelter against the blistering sun. If you don’t plan on having umbrellas, provide your guests with individual parasols that they can use during the ceremony. Fans are also ideal to offer your guests to give them the option of fanning themselves during the ceremony as well as the rest of the night during dance breaks.

     

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    In Accessories

    From drab to fab with these hair accessories

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    We’ve rounded up some of the coolest hair accessories under the sun, fit for the modern bride looking for something a little different.
    Headbands
    They’re back! Big and bold, or slim and subtle, which ever you prefer. Headbands have the power to uplift your entire look with an added touch of elegance. What’s more, they’re reusable long after the wedding, and if you grow tired of them on the day, you can simply slip it off without compromising your perfectly crafted ‘do.

    Dramatic veils
    Although some brides are opting to forgo the tradition altogether, the veil still adds a romantic element that few other accessories can compare with. Instead of going the traditional route, set your sights on something more dramatic – think embellishments, opulent details or interesting fabrics to take you from basic to breathtaking.
    3-D Florals
    Forget flower crowns. Floral appliqués offer a fresh take on the otherwise bohemian alternative. Incorporate them into your hair in any way you deem fit. Clip it into your updo or ponytail along your hairline, or scattered throughout loose strands to look as though confetti has landed perfectly on your hair.
    Barrettes
    This quirky look has come a long way since the 90s. From  glitter and crystals, to pearls and diamonds, bridal barrettes are the perfect addition to your hairstyle for an updated take on traditional bobby pins that are mostly hidden away. Keep it subtle, or stack them on – either way you’ll win.
    Hats
    There’s absolutely no reason why you can’t wear a beautiful hat on your wedding day. It can take you from relaxed boho bride to ultra sophisticated, and you always have the option of taking it off when you feel it’s done it’s job (of making you look cool, that is).
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