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Wedding Gowns

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You’ve found your dream dress but it doesn’t sit quite the way you were expecting. While most brides spend hours dreaming about the perfect gown that they’ll walk down the aisle in, what’s not often talked about (or dreamt about) is the logistics of wedding dress alterations.

The fit of your wedding dress is oh-so-important, which makes understanding wedding alterations just as important – but what to know?

Types of wedding dress alterations: 

Adding details 

If you have the time and the budget, customising your dress to include a range of details that suit your fancy – sleeves, train length, shoulder straps or beading – can be done by a reliable seamstress.

Basic hemming

This is probably the most common type of alteration and can range from hemming the length of the gown to adjusting the fit of the dress. These basic adjustments are a great way to make sure your wedding gown is comfy, looks spectacular on you and leaves you feeling beautiful.

Keep in mind that most wedding gowns will need alterations, which leads us to the next tip: budget.

Etsy

Planning is everything 

Add wedding dress alterations to your budget:

You want to look amazing on your big day and it’s important to remember that you may need wedding dress alterations to ensure that the dress fits you like a glove. Now, some wedding boutiques are heaven-sent and offer free alterations (depending on what you want to be done), however, you may need to add alterations to your budget.

So, how much will it cost? Another important note is that all wedding dress seamstresses are different and will charge their own rate, but you can expect to pay around R2500 for alterations, so make sure that you add this into your wedding budget. Another aspect to keep in mind – more expensive is always better, so make sure that you shop around.

Timing is everything

No bride needs the extra stress and stressing about whether you’ll receive your wedding gown before you walk down the aisle is stressful. Timing is everything when it comes to alterations, so make sure that you create a timeline that ensures you won’t be pulling your hair from the stress.

If it’s possible, purchase your wedding dress at least 10 months before your date as buying your dress early allows you to have an abundance of time for fittings. Schedule a fitting at least eight to 12 weeks before the wedding and then a second fitting at least two weeks before you walk down the aisle.

Pinterest

Fitting tricks

Bring along your wedding shoes, accessories and undergarments 

Bring along your wedding day essentials in order to ensure that you get a proper fit. There’s no question that shoe length, your favourite shapewear and a strapless bra can make all the difference when trying on clothes, and the same goes for your wedding dress. You want to know exactly how it’s going to fit and during your fitting appointments, you’ll get a sense of what you’ll look like on the day.

An extra tip: Your wedding dress is usually altered according to the length of your shoe, so if you’re looking to change into a pair of sneakers during the reception, it’s going to be a bit long and you may find yourself tripping all over the place. To avoid this, make sure that you purchase a shoe that you love and will keep you nice and comfy.

Bring a friend 

This may be an unspoken wedding dress shopping rule, but it’s something that is always a good idea to say again. Bring along a supportive friend or family member to help keep your spirits up and help give you a different (but positive) perspective when shopping around or going for fittings. It’s also really nice to have someone to document those memories with a selfie or two before clinking your glass in celebration of finding “the one.”

Happy wedding dress shopping!

Feature Image: Unsplash 

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.

Eva Lendel

Wona concept

Milla Nova

pollardi regal touch
Romona Keveza
Elle ruffle dress

Taurus 

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.

Capsule Bride collection
Dana Harel Collection
ALONUKO
Lihi Hod
Modanisa

Gemini 

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 Lahav
Nikeen Asar
Cross Stitch
Galia Lahav
Asaf 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 Petra
Aleana’s Bridal
LiHi 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 Lahav
Luca 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 Westwood
Eva Lendel
Off White
Milla Nova
Milla Nova

Picture: Behance.net

When the news surfaced that Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker had gone lowkey with their wedding (a simple courthouse ceremony with a guest list you could count on one hand) people began to speculate that something bigger was in the works.

Ellen von Unwerth

And, as internet sleuths often are, the suspicions were right!

Little under a week since their original wedding, the pair celebrated their married status with an incredible Italian wedding bash on Sunday, 22 May, at Castello Brown, Portofino, as per Page Six.

As expected, the Kardashian-Jenner clan all attended, with brother Rob Kardashian’s attendance still in question.

NINO/GC Images

Kourtney’s dress saw a magnificent mini Dolce & Gabbana wedding number, with a veil longer than the hem, inspired by a tattoo on the back of Travis’s head, accompanied by gloves and white heels. Travis played the perfect pairing with his black suit, also by Dolce & Gabanna.

Ellen von Unwerth

Kourtney later swapped the vision of white for a striking black dress again featuring matching globes and a Virgin Mary emblem in the centre of the dress – something many have likened to a copy of a similar dress sister Kim wore in 2017. But hey, if it goes with the energy, let it prevail!

@kourtneykardashian

More wedding details reveal that Kris Jenner was reportedly getting down on the dance floor, Travis gave a heartfelt speech with his new wife by his side, the clan’s union of children from their respective sides were happily present, and the internet’s most fascinating couple, Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly were also in attendance, as per E!

Picture:Ellen von Unwerth

When we think about that special day, amidst imaginings of how our partners will look at us adoringly, the dress that we’ll wear flawlessly after months of picking the perfect one, and the smiles on our guests’ faces as we say “I do”, we may also consider what could turn our fairytale into a nightmare.

The rings get lost, the cake topples over, or worse – you forget to put on half your wedding gown.

Well, for one digital creator, Becky Jefferies, discovering that she had forgotten half her dress behind turned out to be a reality. However, this story has a good ending and can be understood far more as a romantic comedy than a nightmare.

Just before the bride and groom-to-be were about to say their vows, Becky became aware that things were a little lighter, as the detachable Point D’Esprit portion of her gown had not been put on!

Kindly, Becky took the mic and asked the guests if she could complete her look. As anyone who has ever spent what felt like a lifetime choosing the perfect dress will know, it’s a lot of effort (both mental and physical) to finish your bridal look, and wearing only half of it is like submitting an art project without the all-important details!

Despite the slight sense of “is this really happening” evident in Becky’s demeanour, the bride’s finishings quickly made it down the aisle just in time. “I bet you’ve never been to a wedding like this before,” Becky added humorously finally ready to say her vows in the completed dress she dreamed of (though, she looked stunning either way).

WATCH: Bride forgets half her dress and realises right before the vows

 

 

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A post shared by Becky Jefferies (@jetsetbecks)

Picture: Screenshot from video

The Met Gala for 2022 came, saw and conquered, leaving us with looks that took our collective breaths away (and not always in a good way).

However, out of it all, some gowns part of the Gilded Glamour theme were so gorgeous, we’re ready to take them off the red carpet and onto another important path – the aisle!

Here are some Met Gala looks that would make perfect wedding gowns: 

Eiza González in Michael Kors.

Cibelle Levi

Miranda Kerr in Oscar de la Renta.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Kylie Jenner in a design by the late Virgil Abloh, Off-White.

Instagram @kyliejenner

Alexa Chung in Christian Siriano.

 HFM Magazine

Tessa Thompson in Carolina Herrera.

Hailey Bieber in Yves Saint Laurent.

Getty Images

Ramla Ali in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.

Red Carpet Fashion Awards

Camilla Cabeo in Atelier Prabal Gurung.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Picture: Cibelle Levi

When it comes to finding “the one” and having that movie-magic moment where your bridesmaids break into a sob after just one look of you in the perfect dress, it all comes down to finding the right shape for your body. We’ve turned to the experts for this one, putting our ear close to the ground and listening to the suggestions that dress designers may have for some potential gown stumbling blocks.

You’re fuller in the hip/thigh area: 

Choose something you are comfortable in. If you are confident and love your curves, then there are ways to make a fitted dress accentuate all the right areas. If you are more conservative or feel self-conscious, then go with something that cinches in at the waist and naturally flows out from there.

You have larger than average breasts: 

Get a fully structured bustier if your bust needs that lift and support, or a daring plunge for those girls stay in place.

You are petite

If you are going for lace, something with smaller patterns would be best. If not, choose something streamlined and gorgeous! Even the princess look can work, if done right.

You don’t look good in classic white or ivory

Nude, toffee and sand shades are hot this season! Oyster is also a wonderful shade that suits a variety of skin tones.

You’re not too keen on exposing a lot of skin 

A beautiful, hand-engineered, appliquéd illusion sleeve is the best of both worlds!

Feature Image: @aglowceleste

There’s nothing we love more than receiving a healthy dose of inspiration, especially when it comes to wedding planning. The biggest thing to tick off the to-do list right now? The wedding dress. With so many incredible designers to choose from and endless trends to pour over, it can be tough to settle on a single design.

Thankfully, you don’t have to. Here are a few incredible wedding dress designs that we can’t get enough of right now:

Off the shoulder never looked this good

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXy2LjYqjSt/

Bohemian Flow 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRV_IH9J8eu/

Queen-spiration 

 

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A post shared by ZUHAIR MURAD (@zuhairmuradofficial)

Pretty, please with a bow on top

 

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A post shared by ELIE SAAB Bridal (@eliesaabbridal)

Simplicity

A Classic

A Gorgeous Switch-up

 

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A post shared by Elbeth Gillis (@elbethgillis)

Picture: @thunderandlove

At least once in her life, every little girl dreams of walking down the aisle in the most exquisite wedding dress. Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant slip dress or a glorious ball gown to wow your guests, finding the perfect wedding boutique will help you to transform into the bridal princess that you’ve always been.

Cape Town brides, this one is for you! Here are five bridal boutiques to check out when planning your “I dos” and searching for the perfect wedding gown.

The Wedding Boutique

https://www.instagram.com/p/CY88lUOKswb/

  • Location: 4th Floor, De Waal House, 172 Victoria Rd, Woodstock

Belle Donne Bridal Boutique

  • Location: 91 Odendaal Road, Aurora, Durbanville

Cindy Bam Boutique 

  • Location: E7, 1st Floor, Century Square, Heron Cres, Century City, Cape Town

Tying the Knot Bridal 

  • Location: Shop 32 Cnr Otto du Plessis drive &, Cormorant Ave, Big Bay

Robyn Roberts Bridal 

  • Location: 12 Rhodes Ave, Mowbray

Picture: @the_geldenhuyses

One of the biggest features of any wedding is the fairytale wedding dress. Whether you’ve been dreaming of your quintessential gown since you were a little girl or the minute you got engaged, finding the perfect fit can be an exciting and stressful business.

Another stressor? Finding the perfect wedding designer. Thankfully, we’re taking at peek at five South African wedding gown designers that we’re loving right now.

The Wedding Collective

The Wedding Collective isn’t exactly a designer, but they’re a wedding boutique with a twist. They offer a range of incredible designers with wedding gown designs you will not find anywhere else in South Africa.

Janita Toerien

Janita is an immensely talented designer that offers custom designs that will leave your jaw hanging on the floor. From simple to extravagant, this designer can do it all.

 

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A post shared by Janita Toerien (@janitatoerien)

Maggie Sottero  

Quality designs that are classic and romantic, Maggie Sottero knows exactly what they’re doing with nearly 24 years of design experience behind them with each design inspired by your love story.

Kobus Dippenaar

Synonymous with panache, Dippenaar’s designs aim to enhance the bride’s natural beauty. If you’re interested in grabbing a one-of-a-kind corset for your big day, he is exceptionally skilled at creating detailed pieces that you’ll fall in love with.

Robyn Roberts 

Robyn Roberts has been around for 25 years and provides elegant designs that suit every bride. They offer a range of couture designs, but they specialise in minimalism – offering incredible yet simple designs for the minimalistic bride.


Picture: Vera Wang

Everyone remembers April 29, 2011, the day that people across the world were fixated on their screens for the highly anticipated Royal wedding. Kate Middleton, a non-royal, was marrying Prince William. Some were waiting to see the decor and others, the guests. However, the wedding dress was the true show stopper of the day.

Many wondered who will have the honour of designing Kate’s dress. Sarah Burton, a famed designer for Alexander McQueen, was given the momentous task.

Kate chose to combine tradition and modernity on her dress, fitting for a princess. The dress was made out of ivory satin on the waist and hips. The waist also had a corset that shaped the dress.

The lace appliqué for the bodice and skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC1W7bQHd3q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Interesting facts

The train of the dress was almost three metres long (2.7m).

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDNQ_9TlbN4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The embroiderers had to wash their hands every 30 minutes to avoid dirtying the gown.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_lyn79HMHx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Individual flowers were hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create a design which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_lyn79HMHx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The inspiration behind the skirt was that it opens like a blossoming flower

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_l0_VTneA1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

There were 58 buttons down the back of the dress

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_lGbPtnDjc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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