We all hope that our wedding day will go off without a hitch, but sometimes mishaps happen. Between wardrobe malfunction to allergic reactions to beauty blunders – it’s all part of the process.
I’m sure we’d all love to be prepared for every scenario our minds can conjure, but this is simply not possible. However, a little preparation goes a long way and adding an emergency kit to your wedding day can be a great way to alleviate stress.
Needle and Thread
Sometimes things tear, and that’s true for bridesmaids and wedding dresses. Having a handy dandy sewing kit is a must when getting ready for your big day, it helps avoid anyone running around looking for a needle and thread.
Shoe Repair Glue
We’re preparing for everything, right? While a tear in a dress is a very real reality, sometimes heels get stuck on things they shouldn’t and give way to gravity. Adding some shoe repair glue into your emergency kit may save you the trouble of re-doing your makeup after your wedding shoe hits a snag.
Double-Sided Wardrobe Tape
Stop necklines from sagging and keep straps covered with this life-saving tool! This magical little took has the ability to tackle wardrobe malfunction by simply peeling and sticking.
Picture: Pinterest
Wine Stain Remover
The drinks are flowing and the guests are getting down on the dance floor. A shove here and a spill there, sometimes white wedding dresses can get stained when having a good time. Not to worry, Takealot has a few good options when it comes to stain removals, especially red wine!
Mini First Aid Kit
Grab a travel-sized first aid kit from your nearest pharmacy or online. These kits are equipped with everything you could need when handling bumps, scratches, and other minor accidents that may derail your day.
Some brides are born to break the rules. To scoff at tradition and forge a new path.
Now, this doesn’t have to mean ditching the white dress and opting for something a little darker, as per the wedding trends currently making waves on Pinterest. Sometimes the forward-thinking bride embodies her boldness with something as small as a non-traditional wedding veil.
Small steps, right? If you’re looking to embrace your ‘wild’ side by going beyond the white tulle or lace, here are a few stunning suggestions:
Polka Dot
If you love a good polka dot outfit, then you’re in luck! Including a polka dot veil in your wedding ensemble can be an exciting way to infuse a little fun into your outfit.
A modern twist on something blue. A blue wedding veil can be a wonderful way to add a pop of colour as it provides a beautiful contrast if you’re sporting a white wedding dress.
Picture: Pinterest
Pearl-studded
Pearls are having a bit of a moment right now and are a trend that has brides “oh-ing” and “ah-ing,” and for good reason. Pearls are often associated with royalty and opulence, and that’s exactly the vibe you’ll get when adding modern pearls to your veil.
Who needs a long veil anyway? Short and sweet in more ways than one, the classic “birdcage” veil is a great addition for brides who are looking for something different yet simple. Make it your own by adding modern pearls or flowers, let your inner-creative run wild!
Adorned with flowers
Flowers have a way of elevating anyone’s mood, so why not do the same for your veil. Opt for a traditional veil but zhoosh it up by adding your favourite flowers. Fresh flowers are best, so make sure you speak to your florist or go the dry flower route if you’re feeling sentimental and looking to keep things fresh forever.
Pinterest: Lara Hotz
Embroidered Elegance
If adding fresh flowers to your veil doesn’t sound like something you’d like but you’re still looking to add a few blooms to your accessory, a colourful embroidered veil is the way to go. It’s a great addition for brides who are looking to add a little bohemian flair to their wedding outfit and creates an incredible texture too!
If you’ve had waking nightmares about sneezing our way down the aisle, then don’t worry! While flowers smell and look beautiful, for some, pollen allergies will force you to look at nature’s beauty with an evil eye.
Whether you’re thinking about your allergy-prone guests or you’re a pollen-sensitive bride or groom, there’s good news! There is a range of mesmerising wedding florals that are the perfect addition to any wedding, enabling you to breathe.
Here are five hypoallergenic wedding florals to add to your bridal bouquet or wedding ceremony:
Peonies
The queen of all the wedding flowers. You’ll be happy to know that peonies are not only the perfect addition to your ‘big day’ but it’s also hypoallergenic. Add them to your centrepieces or make them the star of the show when it comes to your bouquet, no matter what, you won’t be stuffed up while booging the night away.
weddPicture: Pinterest
Cacti, Succulents and Airplants
Succulents are having a bit of a moment right now. Not only are they allergy-friendly, but they’re affordable and quite easy to look after. Sage green, dusty blue and pale pink are all beautiful neutral colours for bridal couples searching for an understated look to add to their already fabulous wedding!
Picture: thebridesofoklahoma.com
Hydrangeas
Did you know that hydrangeas are a pollen-sensitive individual’s best friend? Their sticky pollen ensures that it’s not released into the air, and is a perfect addition to an allergy sensitive’s wedding. Gorgeous and understated, hydrangeas can offer an elegant and flowy look, filling up quite a bit of space in the process.
Pinterest
Roses
Ah, the rose. This famous flower has often been associated with love, so you’ll be happy to know that roses are the perfect choice for those with pollen allergies. Along with adding an enchanting smell to your wedding, roses offer a look that’s classic, a wonderful addition to your wedding florals and bouquet.
There’s something mesmerising about orchids. Along with being an incredibly elegant and beautiful flower, it’s also allergy-friendly, available in a plethora of colours and sizes, and is great for those tropical-themed weddings.
Your big day is filled with many things. Saying “I do” to the person you’ll spend the rest of your life with, delicious food, endless dancing, and to ensure that the day stays in your memories forever – the wedding photos.
While no one ever forgets when they walk down the aisle, one bride and groom will definitely not, and they have the photos to prove it!
The bridal couple – named Murat Zhurayev and Kamilla – had been posing for pictures when the groom decided he wanted to go the extra mile and strike a ‘dramatic and artsy’ pose. Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan as the groom slipped and both of them ended up lying in a muddy slime caused by a flash rainstorm in Almaty.
Picture: Askar Bumaga
Photographer Askar Bumaga was there to capture the entire moment, which has since garnered more than 41 000 likes on Instagram. The images show the bridal couple landing in the mud, turning Kamilla’s from a traditional white to a muddy brown. A pained expression can be seen sprawled across her face, but this soon gives way to laughter.
Looking on the bright side of things, at least the couple has some memorable photos!
Picture: Askar Bumaga
So, just why were they in the mud anyway?
“My main specialisation is the photography of lovers and weddings. I’ve been doing this for over 10 years.
“I planned this photo shoot as an experiment. Unfortunately, or fortunately, such failures, the mistakes of others and random situations attract more attention than standard photo sessions against the background of a beautiful sunset,” said photographer Bumaga.
Picture: Askar Bumaga
“The photo shoot itself took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan. No one was injured during the filming of this project.”
Get ready to say goodbye to your salary ladies and gentlemen because Fenty Beauty has finally arrived in South Africa.
Since the monumental announcement in early May, South African beauty lovers have been absolutely foaming at the mouth in anticipation of the launch, which was set to take place on 27 May.
Headed by international singer and sensation Rihanna, the brand has been making waves in the industry since its inception back in 2017. It’s been credited for filling a void in the market when it came to women of colour and matching foundations.
At its core, the brand is all about inclusivity with Rihanna stating that she started Fenty Beauty “so that women everywhere would be included.” It focused on a wide range of traditionally hard-to-match skin tones and now has branched out to include skincare products too.
The company is now worth $2.8 billion and caters to women and men all around the globe.
So, just what are some South Africans saying about the launch?
“Fenty Beauty, since its inception, has been an earthquake of positive disruption for the beauty community. Its arrival in SA is incredibly exciting because it’s not only one of the best-loved beauty brands in the world, but it will also hopefully inspire different looks for influencers honing in on inclusivity. And of course, we get to have a slice of Rihanna here in SA,” says beauty enthusiast Ashleigh Nefdt.
“The launch made me feel like a kid at a candy store. It’s Christmas and you’ve finally got that toy you’ve been throwing a tantrum over for the last few years,” describes beauty marketer Ruby Daniels.
Now that’s one way to splurge when it comes to your bridal beauty!
The iconic products can be purchased at Arc, which have various stores in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
The Wedding Expo, the ultimate showcase of South Africa’s best in the wedding industry which was scheduled to take place from the 6-7 August 2022, has been postponed to the 25-26 February 2023.
The new organisers of the event, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, have taken this decision based on feedback from the industry.
“We are still extremely excited about the event and have been overwhelmed by the level of interest from the industry to exhibit and sponsor the expo. In just under 2 months, the team sold over 20% of floor space and we had already finalised a number of new and exciting features and competitions” Says Charlene Hefer, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions.
“After extensive engagements with the industry, however, it became clear that companies across the sector wanted more time to plan their participation and that the dates earlier in 2023 would work better for most. We pride ourselves on listening and taking constructive feedback from all stakeholders, within the sectors we operate, and felt that a postponement would not only be in the best interests of the event, but the industry as a whole” Says Hefer.
The organisers of the event are excited to announce that it is still planning on launching several new features and competitions including a Young Designer’s Competition, to help acknowledge and promote young up and coming local talent, a VIP campaign for visitors, a treasure hunt experience at the event and several other exciting activities.
This not to mention the ‘golden oldies’ such as the Win a Wedding competition, fashion shows, interactive workshops and talks, and a Table Inspiration area. The Wedding Expo has been running since 2002 and is recognised as the largest and most prestigious event, attracting over 3,000 brides and grooms annually.
“We are confident that after 2 years with no live events, and based on the level of interest from exhibitors, sponsors and visitors, the 2023 edition of the Wedding Expo will be one of the best yet” finishes Hefer.
For more information about the event or to contact the organisers for more information, you can visit The Wedding Expo website at www.wedding-expo.co.za/
You’ve said your “I dos,” and now it’s time to enjoy newlywed bliss with a luxurious honeymoon. Thankfully, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy incredible views and Balinese-inspired spots.
Here are five South African honeymoon spots we’re loving right now:
The Western Cape has some pretty cute spots perfect for a bride and groom looking to escape, but who wouldn’t want to feel like the modern-day Jane and Tarzan with this tree-top adventure. Tsala Treetop Lodge is a luxurious escape nestled along the Garden Route, providing spectacular views of a lush paradise and opulent suites that would beat any childhood treehouse.
Who said we need to travel all the way to Bali? Zimbali Lodge is nestled in a coastal forest reserve and offers guests plenty of “Balinese” charm without ever needing to leave South Africa. Grab your surfboard and catch a few waves, or spending your evenings sipping cocktails and enjoying the sprawling swimming pool. This spot is sure to be a paradise for lovers or nature lovers.
You don’t need to travel far to experience the pitter-patter of snow falling. The Drakensberg is a popular destination for those looking for a snowy escape and there’s nothing more gorgeous than a winter wedding. Sasi Bush Lodge is a glamping experience like no other that offers incredible views of the Drakensberg Mountains and a range of “camping tents” that gets you close to nature without ever feeling like you’re “roughing it.”
The Big Five, a rugged landscape, and serenity – that’s all you need, right? Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a hidden gem in the Eastern Cape and is the perfect spot to put your feet up and enjoy newlywed bliss. There are several accommodation options to choose from, including eco-friendly tents and a luxurious lodge that provides jaw-dropping panoramic views.
Ever wanted to take a peek inside a billionaire’s private game reserve? Well, now’s your chance. Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is owned by Sir Richard Branson, but apart from that small fact, the property is incredible. Nestled in the Sabi Sabi area and built high upon a cliff, the lodges offer amazing views and luxury. Spend your days discovering the wildlife in this area with daily safari trips before catching the sunrise while cooling off in one of the swimming pools.
After two years of travel bans and lockdown restrictions, it feels as though we have a new lease on life! Travel is back on the cards and wedding couples are taking full advantage. Bridal couples worldwide have spoken and they’re dishing the dirt on the best destinations to tie the knot in 2022.
From the historical ruins of Europe to the rugged landscapes of Africa, here’s where bridal couples are saying “I do”:
1. Zimbabwe
There are multiple venue options for planning a wedding in Zimbabwe. If it’s a safari wedding that you’re after, you cannot beat Chengeta Safari Lodge located just outside of Harare. This stunning venue gives you the chance to say ‘I do’ surrounded by the raw beauty Zimbabwe offers, all while zebra graze nearby on the 13,000-hectare private game reserve, allowing you endless photogenic landscapes to choose from.
If it’s a waterside you’re imagining, try Lake Kariba Houseboats which delivers unforgettable scenery thanks to the vast man-made lake that will feature in every photo.
Picture: Pinterest
2. Italy
The European nation has been in pop culture news recently after the oldest Kardashian said ‘I do.’ It’s not difficult to see why this nation, bursting with culture and good food is the perfect destination for wedding couples. A stunning villa with views of the rolling hills of Tuscany to the breathtaking architecture of Rome, Italy oozes romance from every angle.
For those with a luxury wedding in mind, Palazzo Gori Pannilini is the perfect place to get married. It is a five-star hotel just outside of Florence that is full of Italian charm and history which will be perfect for the big day.
Picture: Rocky Weddings
3. South Africa
South Africa offers a huge range of locations and settings where couples can tie the knot. Cape Town is the perfect location for the cosmopolitan types with The Bay Hotel being one of the most highly commended wedding venues in the city. The luxury venue has a rotunda for those who want a lavish, classy and whimsical day or couples can opt for their exclusive private beach club with views of Camps Bay for a more relaxed setting.
Picture: Pinterest
4. Portugal
Thanks to warm weather and being surrounded by the clear blue seas of the Meditteranean, Portugal has become a popular wedding destination offering a whole host of luxury venues. For smaller ceremonies, there are multiple world-class golf clubhouses in Algarve that are sure to be an idyllic setting.
But for those who want more room for a bigger wedding, you cannot beat Gremio Palace in the heart of Lisbon; it’s a small secret garden hidden behind the doors of a beautiful pink palace in the historic district that offers all the charm and romance of the city.
Picture: Pinterest
5. Kenya
Kenya’s tranquil setting surrounded by the sounds of the bush is so romantic that even Prince Williams chose it as the location to propose to the now Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. If it’s a safari wedding that you’re after, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is the venue for you! It is et on a private concession to ensure your big day is still intimate and it boasts abundant iconic wildlife and panoramic Masai Mara views, for a sophisticated and contemporary safari feel.
Picture: Jonas Peterson
6. Thailand
It is hard to imagine a more beautiful setting than the many gorgeous beaches in Thailand. In Koh Samui, couples can book out the 5-star The Tongsai Bay Hotel which has been dubbed the ultimate romantic hideaway, as it gives access to the large freeform pool overlooking ocean views, you can marry on the beach beneath a floral canopy, including a traditional Thai water blessing to create everlasting memories.
Or if you want a truly unforgettable venue, how about the limestone caves surrounding Rayavadee in Krabi? They overlook the turquoise waters of Phranang beach meaning your wedding photos will be exceptionally beautiful.
Picture: Pinterest
7. Jamaica
To be on an island surrounded by the irresistible Caribbean spirit is such an iconic way to start married life with your partner. It’s not just stunning beaches with Insta-worthy sunsets though, you can also opt for ceremonies in the verdant mountains or around the glittering waterfalls. Couples can get married at Ocho Rios waterfalls to embrace being amidst the tropical rainforest with a perfect waterfall as the backdrop. To continue to celebrations, you can host the reception at the Sandals Ochi Luxury Resort.
Picture: Pinterest
8. Morocco
Fete in the foothills of the Atlas mountains at the Marrakech retreat, The Capaldi, which has a rooftop terrace with expansive views of the surrounding olive groves – perfect for a spectacular wedding day! Despite being contemporary and stylish, it still has traditional Moroccan touches with rich textiles and opulent antiques that create an atmosphere of understated luxury.
Picture: Pinterest
9. Brazil
Fancy a private peninsula for your special day? The Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort is the place for you. You and your guests will be surrounded by Brazilian bungalows on the edge of a sparkling emerald sea and you can host your wedding reception in the gazebo at the end of the wooden bridge where you can have the most romantic wedding breakfast ever.
But if you want a setting more inland, take a look at Botanique Hotel and Spa in São Paulo. It is surrounded by a unique natural environment that is authentic Brazilian culture making for a more peaceful setting.
Picture: Pinterest
10. Mexico
If you want to get married in a place where many A-listers have tied the knot, then Mexico is a good place to start. Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson chose to get wed in Cabo (formally known as Los Cabos) because it beautifully captures both the panoramic desert landscapes and turquoise waters.
The Cape is a truly magical hotel option if you want to recreate a similar wedding day, it is immersed in the natural beauty of the Los Cabos and will work for a romantic sunset wedding or even a formal celebration, The Cape can be transformed into the vision you have for your big day.
Before your beau went done on one knee and decided to pop the question, you always had a clear idea of how you would look on your wedding day.
Mermaid dress, dewy makeup, and hair tied back. But sometimes reality is far more chaotic than fantasy, and you may now find yourself frustrated at the fact that the dress, make-up and hairstyle you’ve always wanted isn’t exactly what you want now.
A great thing about planning your wedding in today’s social media-obsessed world is that inspiration is simply a click away. Don’t believe us? Check out these inspiring Instagram accounts for the perfect bridal hair and make-up straight from the pros:
Veiled Vanity Artistry
Simple, elegant and perfect for brides looking to achieve a look that’s effortless.
Who doesn’t want to feel like a princess on their wedding day? Beautiful and bold inspiration is exactly what you’ll get when checking out this Instagram account.
Who said a bride can’t look sexy on her wedding day? One of the most important aspects of choosing a wedding dress is making sure that you feel good because the worst thing you can do is look back on your big day and regret one of the most important aspects of the day – your wedding dress.
If you’ve been browsing wedding boutiques and you’ve finally found your killer bridal style, but you’re looking to add a sprinkle or dollop of sexy, your in luck. From subtly sexy to raunchy, we’ve found a variety of wedding dresses that may just inspire you to step into the more bold, sexy and tantalising bride that you are:
