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    From simple design to styles with flair, this season sees wedding cake trends that flaunt colour, details and texture perfect for a summer wedding.

    1. RUFFLED

    Trends from the fashion world are making their way to the foodie scene, with ruffles giving cakes a lovely textured look that is unique. This look already creates a light and fluffy style that is simple and elegant and doesn’t need much more decorating.

    2. A TRIO OF CAKES

    Following Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding, couples are taking inspiration from their magnificent cake which sat in a trio instead of the usual tiered layer. This creates a slightly more casual look, but also allows for more variation. You can have three different styles and flavours!

    3. NAKED

    The naked cake trend continues to be a popular option for couples who want a more rustic theme for their big day. You can be playful with fillings and flavours and top it with fresh summer fruit to inject a bit of freshness

    4. A TOUCH OF ART

    Adding an artistic touch to your decor, theme and food is a big trend this year, and what better way to show your love for art than with a hand-painted wedding cake? With a simple tiered cake as your canvas and a few added details, you can have any kind of design to fit your style.

    5. PUT A NAME ON IT

    Another trend derived from a royal wedding is the newlywed’s initials placed on to the cake. Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank had their initials monogrammed around the bottom tier of their cake, which has led couples to bring back this sentimental trend.

    Images: Pinterest

    If you don’t already know how, we’re teaching you how to fold a linen napkin this week. With minimal effort and maximum style, these bow ties make for perfect modern table decor.

    WHAT YOU’LL NEED

    Square napkins
    Napkin rings

    STEP 1

    Iron out a square napkin.

    STEP 2

    Fold the napkin in half once from opposite corners. Turn it so the longest side is at the top and the point faces down.

    STEP 3

    Fold up the bottom point about 2–3 cm.

    STEP 4

    Fold over the top towards the point twice.

    STEP 5

    Turn the bottom half up and over the top, then turn the napkin over.

    STEP 6

    Fold the napkin at the two diagonal folds in the middle then fold in each end. Make sure that the folded section lies parallel to the diagonal fold line.

    STEP 7

    Pinch the napkin into a rough bow shape with your fingers and slide it into a napkin ring. Neaten, then repeat with the rest of your napkins.

    It’s 2018, and we’re moving into a time where people and fashion are letting go of the norms and setting new trends by unapologetically being themselves. Whether you completely reject gender stereotypes or don’t prescribe to the binary, we’re here to provide you with some gender-free fashion inspo for your wedding wardrobe.

    Take a look at some of our favourite androgynous fashion choices this season.

    1. @floridaelago

    You can never go wrong with a classic suit and chic prints.

    2. @houseofandrogyne

    All-black is always a winner.

    3. @afro.andro

    Mix up touches of femininity and masculinity for a balanced look that will leave everyone gushing.

    4. @dancingwiththem

    Be unique and incorporate alternative and modern styles for your big day.

    5. @dancingwiththem

    Statement pieces paired with classic styles elevate your wardrobe in amazing ways.

    Header image: @nicotortorella
    Photography: instagram.com

    Oh-so cute! These DIY wedding favour bags will do double duty as table activities for younger guests and takeaway bags for sweet treats.

    WHAT YOU’LL NEED

    Gift bags
    Scissors
    Felt
    Craft glue

    METHOD
    1. Cut out ear shapes from the top of each bag.
    2. Cut out felt ears, eyes, whiskers and noses and glue on to the bags to complete.
    3. Set up a kids’ table with the pre-cut bags and felt, and let them create their own masterpieces.

    In general, when wedding make-up is done right, it’s the perfect balance of soft and natural, and professionally flawless. It’s tricky to hit that sweet spot, as one product too many can tip you over the edge into evening-only, and too little can leave you looking bare-faced. Follow our four rules every bride should know to avoid any make-up mistakes on your big day.

    1 Stick to what you know

    The one day you shouldn’t step out of your comfort zone is your wedding day. If you usually wear a statement cat-eye or love a bit of pink lippy, don’t opt for the opposite just because your make-up artist suggests a look you aren’t familiar with. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your make-up, as this will affect how you’ll feel for the rest of the day.

     Clarins-lipstick

    2 Liven up the lips

    With that being said, today is not the day to shy away from lip colour just because you normally don’t wear it. When in doubt, go for a rose shade on the lips, as this gives the illusion of just-bitten colour and flatters all skin tones. We adore the long-lasting colour of Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick in Sweet Rose (R270)

     Yardley-Radiant-Glo-Illuminator-col

    3 Get glowing

    You should already look radiant considering you are marrying your soul mate, but a little extra glow never hurt. Avoid glittery, overly-shiny products as these tend to enhance any imperfections and will leave you looking like an oil slick.

    Mix a few drops of a liquid illuminator such as Yardley Radiant Glo Illuminator (R109.95) with your foundation for a lit-from-within look.

    Bourjois-Healthy-Balance-Unifying-Powder

    4 Pack the essentials

    Try find samples or miniature versions of your favourite products to keep in your clutch bag. A translucent powder like Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder (R154.95) will keep shine at bay without drying out the skin.

    Stila-Convertible-Colour-Blush-in-Lilium-spludge

    Stila Convertible Colour Blush in Lillium (R295) is a great choice for a pretty flush in a flash.

    Don’t forget your lipstick as you’ll definitely need to reapply after all that smooching.

    Photography Andreas Eiselen/HSMimages.co.za, Courtesy images

    Wilna van der Westhuizen, owner of well known and much loved Sweet Cakes is a qualified chef and baker creating intricate, one-of-a-kind wedding cakes. With clients such as Oprah Winfrey, Charlize Theron, the Presidency of South Africa and foreign dignitaries under her belt, you know you’re in good hands.

    Sweet Cakes creates wedding day masterpieces that reflect your style and taste. ‘I’m passionate about everything I do, focussing on tiny details – like a pretty broach or lace from a bride’s dress that she wants to incorporate,’ she says when WA chatted to her. ‘When I meet my clients for the first time and we discuss their wedding cake, it’s as if I’m designing a masterpiece of true form, the ideas just keep flowing.’

    Based in the Western Cape, Wilna willingly travels to meet with clients and to deliver wedding cakes at various venues. Having been in the industry for 10 years, she remains inspired and passionate, gaining inspiration from anything from a pretty piece of fabric to a bracelet or ribbon (while Pinterest remains a great bearer of ideas).

    For a Sweet Cakes masterpiece, contact Wilna on [email protected]. Visit the website at sweetcakes.co.za.

    Wedding Album | Sweet Cakes wedding cakes

    Wedding Album | Sweet Cakes wedding cakes

    Wedding Album | Sweet Cakes wedding cakes

    Wedding Album | Sweet Cakes wedding cakes

    Wedding Album | Sweet Cakes wedding cakes

    Wedding Album | Sweet Cakes wedding cakes Photographs: Courtesy Wilna van der Westhuizen

    A La Card Celebrations is the registry and celebration website that can make all your wishes come true!

    If your ideal gift is a hot air balloon experience for your birthday (or you’re more interested in that gorgeous pair of brand shoes that are completely out of your reach) the latest must-have pram for your new arrival or gorgeous honeymoon add-ons after the huge expense of a wedding, all you have to do is register your event/celebration online at alacardcelebrations.co.za.

    There you can create your dream wish list. Invitations to your friends, family and colleagues will automatically be emailed to your contact list where they can logon and gift you with a cash contribution towards your dream gift. This is loaded onto a GiftBucks™ MasterCard® that will be sent to you prior to your big day. It can be used in any store, throughout South Africa.

    Not just weddings but Mother’s day, Father’s day, housewarmings, graduations, barmitvah’s and batmitvah’s, christenings, kitchen teas and bachelorettes – the celebrations are infinite.

    From your dream gift list, your friends simply contribute towards exactly what you need and want, making you very happy on your special occasion!

    Visit alacardcelebrations.co.za to sign up. For more info contact [email protected] or 011 467 0822.

    wedding etc | don jones

    Wedding Album_Registry_GiftBucks