If you’re looking for the hottest new wedding trend, there’s nothing trendier than the statement headband.
Aside from looking hotter than hot on your wedding day, this accessory can easily be incorporated into your everyday aesthetic, and we do love a piece that is versatile!
Whether you’re eager to stick to something that’s more on the “classic” side of life, or you’re looking to wow guests, here are a few of our favourite pieces to help gather some inspiration:
The Pearl Headband
Pearls are not just for royalty and this wedding trend has been a big year. If you’re looking to hop on the trend train but you’re not willing to go all out, opt for pearls on your headband for a subtle and trendy addition to your attire.
A Subtle Flower Crown
This ethereal statement headband is the perfect inclusion for any bride looking to add even more romance to an already romantic day. It’s another subtle piece that doesn’t scream “look at me” and is a great way to incorporate a flower crown if that’s the look you’re after.
The Birdcage Veil
If you’re attempting to add a touch of vintage to your wedding day look, the birdcage veil is a perfect option. This bridal headband and veil is a modern combination that will definitely get you plenty of compliments on your big day.
While this may be a simple piece, it offers an extra bit of magic thanks to the Swarovski crystals and luminous pearls that adorn this headband, and the side tassels are a stylish addition.
A whimsical look
This spectacular piece has been crafted from Swarovski crystals and provides a whimsical look for those looking for that “wow” factor without going over the top. While many may say that this look is the stuff of fairytales, this is definitely the look of a goddess.
Fit For A Princess
Meghan Markle, eat your heart out. This rather elegant headband is the perfect addition to your wedding accessory collection and offers a not-so-dainty headband that’s adorned with crystals and pearls.
The first year of marriage is always marital bliss, especially when you have heaps of debt behind your name. While there’s nothing wrong with dreaming up the perfect wedding – bells and whistles included – walking down the aisle doesn’t have to mean walking straight into wedding debt.
Overspending on your wedding day may just cancel out the marital bliss everyone enthusiastically talks about. According to a 2019 study by LendingTree concluded that 45% of newlyweds between the ages of 18 and 53 went into debt to pay for the wedding. And with many South African couples paying between R80 000 – R120 000, as per Standard Bank, it’s no surprise why.
While getting married can be an expensive business, sometimes it helps to stop and think before making a big purchase on Kim Kardashian-esque flower wall.
Trade debt for memories
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the tasks and balance sheets of planning a wedding, but it’s important to remember why everyone is really attending your wedding – love. The food, DJ, wedding photographer, and signature drink are just the cherry on top of your love and commitment cake, and it’s important to keep this at the centre of your planning.
Get on the same page
According to the same 2019 study, nearly 76% of newlyweds who reported they went into debt also stated they argued over wedding-related expenses. The remedy? Bridal couples need to get on the same page when determining what they’re spending their hard-earned cash on. Creating a wedding budget and discussing expense details are two ways for avid debt collectors. If you’re looking to splurge on an open bar, make sure you’re both comfortable with how long it will be “open,” what liquor will be available, and what the total will come to.
Stick to your boundaries
We’ve all heard the phrase: “keeping up with the Joneses,” but sometimes it’s okay to watch them cruise on by. Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming which can easily lead to bridal couples listening to the opinions of others. A great way to avoid being swayed by friends and family members and what they’d like to see at your wedding is by writing down a list of wedding priorities that are important to you and your partner. Consider what is “worth-it” and what is “non-negotiable,” this will provide you with a better foundation with which to smile and say “no, thank you.”
There are plenty of things couples worry will spoil their wedding day. Uncooperative weather, a guest who enjoys the bar tab a little too much, or worst of all – another couple getting engaged on the same day.
However, while most of these worries never come to be, sometimes an unexpected spoil emerges thanks to a wedding grinch.
Such was the case for an American couple. Taking to TikTok, bride Brandy told the story with footage of her husband, Billy, who began acting strangely and couldn’t even say his vows coherently.
It turned out that the groom’s drink had been spiked, causing massive discomfort, confusion and an unhealthy racing heart for him. Brandy claims that he was spiked with crushed Adderal.
His symptoms included sweating, being red in the face, emotional ups and downs and being unable to form words as well as anger, confusion and memory loss according to Brandy. She says that he was drug tested and that this kind of thing happens at weddings so that people can have more duration to party longer.
The video quickly went viral (reaching almost 1 million views) on the video-sharing app, and soon TikTok users were ready to fight the culprit. Brandy had shared the video with the intention to help prevent the same thing from happening to anyone else.
“Our poor kids were traumatized by the experience. Billy doesn’t remember anything after I walked down,” said Brandy.
In the comments, many people demanded that the couple have a redo, with some wondering whether the newly-weds could sue for the entire wedding cost. Others suggested that they renew their wedding vows the following year, so that Billy could remember the special day – with the costs coming out of the culprit’s pocket.
You don’t have to sit on a hill and meditate to de-stress. Although that’s exactly what you’ll want to do after haggling with wedding vendors and explaining to your uncle (second-removed) why he isn’t sitting at the main family table.
Whether you’re planning your wedding or meandering through life, making sure that you indulge in self-care is oh-so-important. But with so many things happening in the background, it’s pretty easy to let things slip through the cracks.
To keep you on track and remind you to incorporate self-care tasks – no matter how small – into your routine as you go about your wedding planning, here are a few things we hope you won’t let take a backseat:
Eat Up
For some reason, brides feel the need to go on crazy fad diets in order to lose weight to fit into their wedding dress, but no bride wants to look like a completely different person when looking back at their wedding photos. And no one wants to feel hungry all the time. Nutrition is such a major component when it comes to self-care and is the key to our mental and physical well-being. Skip the fads and stick to a balanced diet that hit those targeted food groups – veggies, proteins, and all the wholesome goodness.
It’s all mental
When our cortisol levels are constantly elevated (thanks, stress) our mental health tends to take a backseat. While there’s a certain level of stress and anxiety that comes with wedding planning, if you feel that it’s affecting your mood and it’s gone beyond just “a bad day,” do not ignore such a big sign. Take advantage of the resources available to you, whether that be meditation apps, breathwork retreats, talk therapy or a break away from wedding planning. Follow your intuition.
Get your heart pumping
Now, we understand that your Significant Other is more than enough when it comes to getting your heart pumping and skipping beats, but sometimes you need a little more. Exercise is an excellent way to de-stress, so make sure that you get sweating. Take it easy with yoga or pilates, or really push things to the limit with some incredible workouts like CrossFit.
If you feel yourself checking your schedule and watch, why not keep things simple by going for post-dinner walks. This is also a great way to get those endorphins going and connect with your partner as the big day approaches.
It’s okay to relax
When you’re juggling work, a social life and wedding planning, it can be difficult to find the time to let go and relax. Release your grip on the reins and indulge in activities that will allow your stress to melt away. Think; movie nights, coffee dates (minus wedding talk), Netflix binges, naps and luxurious baths with tons of candles. Throw in a massage or two in for good measure!
Don’t forget those around you
During the hustle and bustle that is wedding planning, you can sometimes forget about those closest to you. Decompress by spending some quality time with friends and family, doing things that are completely unrelated to your wedding. Sunday dinners with family and Saturday brunches with friends – now that’s magic!
We have all seen the standard French manicure one too many times. While the classics are still great, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on new trends that the season has to offer. We detail just a few that have caught our attention.
For the simple, yet classic bride, the double French manicure uses precision and negative spaces to achieve the desired look. Using a fine tip brush, paint white, or any colour for that matter, along the top of your nail and along the part of your nail that starts growing over your finger.
Gradient nudes are quite on trend at the moment, with an array of shades available. Solid colours for each nail is all the look requires, so there isn’t any detail to be concerned about. As long as the colours have a similar undertone (such as a cool or warm shade), they can work well together. Browns, taupes, light pinks and beiges are perfect nude options for all skin tones.
The half-moon shape at the bottom of our nails is actually called a lunula. Not everyone’s lunula can be seen on their nails, however, this wedding nail trend exaggerates them in the most beautiful way possible. Start with a solid nude shade across the whole nail. Once dry, use white nail polish to form the half-moon across the base of the nail. This wedding nail trend keeps your nails neutral yet chic.
Subtle nail art speaks louder than over-the-top gestures in some cases, and this is definitely one of those times. A simple heart decal or even one done free-hand adds that romantic touch to a light pink manicured nail.
Gold always adds that something extra to a nail design and draws your attention in. This look simply uses gold nail polish along the edges of the nail, from the base to the tips. Each nail is done differently to create variety within a look but still keep it cohesive.
Pearls are a wedding staple, and this look is no exception. Keep it subtle by only including pearl details on one of the fingers from each hand. Be sure to include the pearls while your polish is still wet so the pearls are held in place.
Turn the standard manicure on its side with this vertical French manicure. To create sharp line edges, use tape to block out the sections you wouldn’t want paint to get onto. To keep this look even more trendy, ensure the index finger is the only one with the manicure running the standard, horizontal way. Finish the look with a clear gel top coat and you’re good to go.
Monograms are a personal touch to add on your special day. You are also able to include them on any nail colour, from darks to nudes. Including the monograms on your ring finger just emphasizes your wedding ring that much more. If you don’t have a steady hand to free-hand the letters, use vinyl stickers and ensure it’s sealed with a top coat to avoid any nicks and chips.
With these nails, you might hear the bride shout ‘bubbly, please!’. A simple look, yet a stunning effect with just two colours. Begin with white nail polish and a dotting tool, creating larger white circles closer to the top of the nail and smaller circles around the middle, keep the bottom of the nail remaining clear. These dots can then be outlined using a gold fine brush and the entire nail look sealed off with a clear top coat.
They say that money can’t buy everything (and certainly not love), but often when wedding plan talks are in the works, it’s easy to get caught up in the tale that “expensive is better.”
But is it, actually?
Recently, Reddit users decided to weigh in on the topic.
u/11sam111 kicked off the conversation with the concept that expanding one’s budget to focus money beyond the big day (ie: on honeymoons!) is a better way to go than cashing it all in for a day where “you miss everything because it’s so busy.”
Other Reddit users were quick to share their responses and shed light on what actually makes the day memorable that more often than not, doesn’t come with a price tag.
Here’s what people’s thoughts were:
Stick to what you can afford
“We had a $300 wedding and spent the $20k that would have gone to a bit wedding on a house down payment and medical bills for having our kid. On the other hand my friend had a $35k wedding that was two full days of having a blast with all of her loved ones and that’s okay too! No shame either way as long you stick to what you can afford and don’t hurt anyone.” – ThrowRA_SILspilled
There might be better uses for the budget
“I’ve talked with several people that did a similar thing, they all regret nothing. One took all the wedding money he was gonna spend and used it on a down payment for a house, and another used it to take a month off with his husband to travel.” – Jan_Itor_Md_
If you spend it, don’t regret it
“I have no regrets about spending money for an event that was meaningful to the people I love.” – the_lemon_lobster
Don’t let your wedding put you in debt
“One of my friends spent 30k on his wedding. Then was upset because he and his new wife couldn’t afford to get [an] apartment together because they were in debt for 25k cus they took a loan to pay for it. Just insanity” – keyboardstatic
It’s your money
“I mean honestly, it’s your money and people waste the majority of their money on frivolous stuff anyway so if that’s what you chose to spend your money on and it made you happy, then kudos to you. I’m not really knocking the people who do per se, I just don’t understand it. But I totally don’t need to.” –SonOfSet1
A little first-class travel couldn’t hurt
“I eloped with my now husband in feb of 2020 (pre lockdown) we used the money we save to fly to Thailand first class and spent two weeks travelling for only 8grand total! Waaaay better use of our time.” – MidnaMarbles
What are your thoughts? Are you team “as expensive as possible” or team “save it for something else meaningful”?
Some weddings are simple, others are simply works of art. And as any painter knows colours speak volumes.
Colours are imperative for setting the tone and feel of any event. They reflect not only what we think looks gorgeous, but what will incite certain feelings – from love to excitement and even good luck.
In many different cultures, colours have specific meanings, premised with the wishful thinking that these will attract certain energy, and in 2022 we’re all about just that – energy. But what are the tones we need to know for this year, and where do we integrate them? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you take your wedding from simple to bespoke.
In 2022, the colour trends for the year are succinctly put, full of life and zeal. According to Wedding Forward, the colours for this year are:
Very Peri Pantone 2022
Dusty Blue and Blush
Jewel Tones
Green Colours
1.Very Peri Pantone
A deep purple with blueish hues, Veri Peri has been all over 2022 – from the runway to the aisle.
This colour is for the trendy couple who thrive on making a statement.
It’s the perfect rich colour to add to the centrepieces of a white wedding ie: table decor through lavender flowers with Veri Peri vases or candles. Especially if you’re going for round, separate tables, it’s the peri thread that ties everything together. How about cake finishings? Especially if you’re going the modern-bride route and opting for cupcakes or macaroons, this is an exciting turn for a delicious assortment of eye candy.
Lápis de Noiva
If you want to go big, create floral ceiling arangements that accentuate the colour in different shades using hanging flowers and lamps.
Rowley Hesselballe
Veri Peri can also be complemented beautifully by other colours that are softer in hues. Think pale yellow, soft oranges or even a light turquoise for that seascape chic feel.
2.Dusty Blue and Blush
Karissa Watson/ Pinterest
Dusty blue deserves far more credit than it gets and paired with the soft tenderness of blush pink, the two make a powerful duo.
This colour-pairing is for the sophisticated wedding and the couple who are always referred to as ‘sweethearts’.
This colour combo works gorgeously with floral arrangements, from arch formations to ceiling and table. Dusty Blue table runners or cloths paired with blush pink roses? Breathtaking. Add a few candles to envelope everyone in the romance? A must!
Elegant Wedding Invites
Dusty Blue and Blush hues also serve as great inspiration for bridesmaids’ dresses, to be complemented by the groomsmen’s suits, as Style Me Pretty showcases below.
Now if you’re a bold bride, then adding a pop of either colour to compliment your soon-to-be husband’s pocket square is another adorable way to subtly match.
3.Jewel Tones
rockmywedding.co.uk
Emerald, Ocean, Merigold, Gold, Dark Purple Ceres Pink and dark purple make for royal energy, and these colour coordinations are for the couple who are all about extravagance.
Many Indian Weddings have long been ahead of this trend, but in 2022 these colours are soaring into mainstream vogue.
marginpar.com
Implement the colours bold by using a rich colour ie: dark purple for your largest surface space like the table cloth, followed by ceres pink flowers and marigold cutlery. Alternatively, pick two to pair like emerald and marigold, and use these as pops of colour for white undertones.
If you want to keep things rich but simple, try emphasising gold and complimenting with three or more colours using flowers.
Sweet Luxury Events
These colours as especially thrilling to use in a geode wedding cake, which is also one of the top trends for this year’s cake scene.
4.Green Colours
etsy.com
Green is associated with good fortune, fertility and growth. For the couple who knows they want their wedding to be bohemian, playing with shades of green is a sure way to accentuate your love of peace, the Earth and of course, each other.
Now before you start picturing over-powering green finishings that may make your guests think Kermit the Frog is getting married, there’s something important to understand about this shade, and that is its versatility. Green can play up so many other soft colours – from white to baby pinks, an assortment of other green shades and gold.
splendid.com.cy
One way to implement shades of green onto the scene is to start off with light green touches (ie: tea green or soft mint) and then work your way to a forest or sea green.
Lot’s of plants can also flourish at this kind of wedding, and we believe that the air will be positively buzzing with love (and clean oxygen).
When picking out your wedding dress, there’s no doubt you’ll encounter dime-a-dozen inspiration springboards and influences.
You might be tempted to go along with trends or maybe even take a note from the Met Gala gown looks.
However, if you’re zodiac obsessed and make most of your decisions based on Co-Star’s advice, then you might want to turn to the stars for that added touch of inspiration. Can fashion choices be inspired by the stars? Absolutely, and there’s quite a bit of literature on the connection too. Keeping this in mind, here are your wedding dress suggestions as told by the stars:
*These suggestions are based on your Sun signs
Aries
Aries are passionate, know how to stand in their decisions, love to be bold and are naturally competitive and daring, but are also soft marshmallows on the inside. So, how does this translate to fashion, let alone a wedding dress?
An Aries wants pieces that will stand out and be admired, but not for being grand – for being different. A married look of striking and soft is their cup of tea, with something that says ‘powerful’ at the forefront of their minds (they are ruled by their heads, afterall) This could come across as a desire for something more traditionally masculine (ie: opting for a power suit instead of a gown) but a lot of Aries are also very in touch with their divine feminine, meaning a more darling look complimented with bold accessories could be perfect, especially with a high cut leg or plunging neckline.
Being the first in the zodiac, the ram is all about setting trends, so whatever look is emerging ie: mini-wedding dresses, you can bet your bottom dollar an Aries has considered it.
Taurus are known for their stability and chic when it comes to dressing. As an Earth sign, Taurus loves elements connected to nature – practically. If it’s not subtle florals, then it’s something that is easy for them to feel comfortable in. However, don’t be deceived – Taurus can be very picky and like the finer things in the elegance clad. While their looks may not be overtly grandeur, they are certainly of quality. Taurus is ruled by Venus the planet of love and beauty, which echoes into their closets, sometimes through subtle sensuality.
Tarus is ruled by the throat, so something that premises the neck, or cuts that draw the eyes upward are perfect options.
Gemini, the sign of mystery and the double-edged sword is constantly attempting to feed their curiosity, which often reads in their fashion choices. Gemini’s love options and for their outfits to make an impact on others. As the pillar of the air signs, Gemini’s don’t like to feel confined or controlled, and don’t enjoy pieces that invoke those feelings either. Gemini is ruled by Mercury, which translates to communication and rationality. Their fashion choices will almost always attempt to communicate a message of expression, but given the twin symbolism of their sign, a piece that can blend both light and dark elements of their personality works best. Ruled by the arms and hands, Gemini will be drawn to sleeve elements.
GALA Galia LahavNikeen AsarCross StitchGalia LahavAsaf Dadush
Cancer
Cancers, ruled by the moon, are known to be in touch with their femininity and especially their emotions – even if they don’t always have it figured out. They’re often nurturing and classic souls with wanderlust spirits, and adore pieces that either emulate their mood, or create the mood they aspire to have. Cancers are creatures who crave peace like the water element that rules them. In fashion, choices that emulate peace or contentment speak to them fondly. Ruled by the chest, Cancers will want to look for sweetheart necklines or jewellery that truly echoes from their heart. Cancer’s are also in touch with the ocean, so mermaid dresses or pearl touches are perfect looks for this bride.
Lee PetraAleana’s BridalLiHi Hod Collection
Vivenne Westwood
Leo
Leos stand tall as a sign of courage and authenticity, and they take great pride in standing out (their way). Although their looks may come off as effortless, Leos spend quite a bit of time deciding on the perfect choices simply because they often see fashion as a reflection of them. Ruled by the heart and sun, Leos are rays of light that also like a little flair. If it isn’t lots of sparkles, it’s embroidery or tinted hues for a Leo who won’t want to look like everyone else on their wedding day. Leo is also ruled by the spine, so open-back dresses are always a fabulous option.
Immacle
Galia LahavLuca Sposa
Virgo
Virgos are modest and love quality much like their earth sign sibling Taurus. However, Virgo likes pieces that have an edge, or complicated design. Sophisticated is what Virgo wants for her wedding dress, and anything that screams classy is right up their ally. Ruled by the body, Virgo wants a look that accentuates their figure, whether it’s with subtle design or overall construction. Like Gemini, Virgo is ruled by Mercury, but the message Virgo wants to send is that their dress was expertly thought out, and had a lot of attention paid to it.
Vivenne WestwoodEva LendelOff WhiteMilla NovaMilla Nova
In the digital era, making announcements for any occasion is pretty common. You know your friend from high school has declared a certain breakfast spot ‘utterly ideal’, your co-worker’s announcement of their newest plant-child, and your younger sibling’s every move.
However, there are some announcements that still remain somewhat sacred in the land of social media, and your wedding or engagement announcement sits at the top of the tree.
So, how do you do it ‘right?’ As in, how do you not come off as obnoxious, or how do you meander coming across a little too nonchalant (to the point where people might wonder if you’re even excited?)
Do you go for the flashy carousal post where everyone gets to see the entire story – from the spot you thought you were simply having dinner at to the ultimate star on your finger, or do you play it lowkey and post a snippet of the magic?
Here are some tips to keep in your back pocket on how to announce your special news on social media:
1.Make sure those closest to your heart about it before you go live on socials:
The last thing you want to rain on your engagement parade is an unhappy friend or family member. Before you break the internet, make sure you tell those closest to your heart first, and especially those who will certainly see it on social media first.
2. Use photos that are meaningful to you, or do a shoot
Not everyone grabs perfect photos from their engagement moment. Your nails might not be on point, your partner may ve wearing the same outfit as in your last post, or all the photos are blurry. Now, you may be part of a pretty funky couple that sees these as part of their own chill aesthetic, and if that sounds like your relationship then go for it in posting. Instagram especially is long past its curated look, with photo-dumps showing more organic life ruling the roost. However, if you really want to go the full 9-yards and have a little shoot (either professionally or at the trust hands of your phone camera on timer) then that’s amazing too. The bottom line here is to use photos that are meaningful to your relationship – not glossy photos that aren’t you or your partner, or an obscure ring that isn’t even yours found on the Internet.
3.Use a caption that speaks to your relationship and your audience simultaneously
It’s a special announcement and so no matter which platform you’re using (par Twitter) a longer caption is more than allowed. However, you can also keep it short and sweet by using a quote from a song, film or book that says it all. You can even stick to the same emoji you have next to your partner’s name on your phone if you want, but the key focus here is using a caption that again, is special to your relationship and won’t be uncomfortable for your audience. Ie: Telling your audience that you’re better than everyone else because you won’t die alone is probably not a good way to announce your special news.
4.Make a story highlight for the build-up to the big day, not necessarily separate posts
We know you’re excited, and most of your close friends and followers will be too! However, that doesn’t mean that everyone expects or wants a daily update on what you’re doing for the wedding. If you do want to document the big build up, all the cake flavours you tried and wedding locations you scouted, put them on your stories (either Facebook or Instagram) and compile them in a highlight. The bonus of collecting all these moments is that you’ll have a whole trailer before the wedding, and it could also make an incredible TikTok.
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.
