There are some brides that simply know what they want their wedding dress to look like. However, there are a few brides-to-be who need a little nudge towards inspiration, and there’s nothing more inspiring than the latest wedding gowns from Bridal Fashion Week.
The crème de la crème of the fashion world came together to grace us with the most fabulous and on-trend designs – the perfect way to find inspiration for your upcoming nuptials.
Here are a few of our favourite designs from Bridal Fashion Week’s Spring Collection:
While a couple were in the midst of a marriage proposal, a few seconds after the bride-to-be said ‘yes’, a lion stepped onto the scene to join in on the magic, and let out a roar (possibly of approval if this were a Disney movie) moments after the two became fianceés.
The moment took place in the Kgalagadi at the Cape Town couple’s campsite in Botswana.
According to John Peiser, he had heard a roar in the distance and decided it was the perfect moment to propose to his fiance, Sandy.
“Mr. Lion must have told a friend, as a lioness came into our camp the very next evening, more or less the same time!” John recalled speaking to Latest Sightings.
Footage was captured of the special moment, and it stands as just one of many magical moments in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
While saying “I do” is a magical experience that inherently symbolises love, sometimes bridal couples are looking to step away from tradition and personalise their wedding experience… spice things up, even.
If you’re looking to put a unique spin on your upcoming wedding ceremony, why not incorporate various rituals from around the world that embody the very meaning of marriage: unity.
Here are a few traditional and modern rituals that encompass this very word, and provide a foundation for couples looking to incorporate something a bit more unique when it comes to their nuptials.
Take what resonates and toss what doesn’t, here are six creative wedding rituals that are well about two partners in love:
Jump the broom
Jumping the broom has its roots in African American culture, but the meaning behind this ritual is universal. The ritual originated in the early 19th century when slaves were not formally allowed to get married.
Instead, couples looking to get married would place a broom on the ground and hop over it together. The tradition has now come to mean a “brushing away” of the parts and starting things on a clean slate.
Releasing butterflies
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Is there anything more romantic than rose petals and butterflies? Butterflies often represent change, hope, life and transformation, and there’s nothing more transformational than getting married.
Releasing butterflies at your wedding ceremony is meant to encompass all of these elements as you start your journey as newlyweds.
Light a candle
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This tradition is often associated with the Judeo-Christian faith and is a common practice that’s associated with “two becoming one.”
During the ceremony, the bride and groom each light a candle and combine their flame to ignite a third and larger one.
Handfasting
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This is a beautiful ritual that stems from an ancient Celtic tradition of the same name. Basically, it sees the bride and groom hold opposite hands, ensuring that their arms are tied together lie a figure eight before it is tied together with a ribbon – ultimately symbolising union.
The fabric is also great to keep and pass down to your children.
Plant a tree
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Watching something grow can be a beautiful experience. Similar to the love that is shared between two partners, the physical symbol of a tree growing from a sapling into a strong tree can represent growth and strength between partners.
A great way to include this ritual into your ceremony is by having the bridal couple scoop a handful of soil and add it to their planted tree.
Create a time capsule
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Time capsules are not just for keeping kids entertained. Add a bunch of meaningful items into a box – items that are specific to you and your spouse – and nail it shut together.
This new and different ritual is all about doing something together. You can open this in the next 10 years or on your one year anniversary.
No matter the season, you want members of your bridal party to feel elegant and stylish. Unless you have an unwavering vision for your bridesmaids, it’s quite easy to be swayed by the plethora of wedding trends out there.
Between wrap dresses, bold prints and jumpsuits we‘re helping you sift through the trends and providing you with killer ensembles that your bridesmaids will love wearing.
The elegant slip dress
Rust and champagne colours are all the rage right now and tying this phenomenal colour in with an elegant slip dress design will leave your bridesmaids feeling chic.
Wowing with bold prints
Adding bold prints to any dress, no matter the occasion can be a great way to elevate things. Whether it is summer or springtime, this floral design contrasted with navy hues is bound to make a statement.
Wrap dress for the win
We love a gorgeous wrap dress. Not only are these trendy designs comfortable, but they can be as chic as you would like. Add a few patterns or make it pop with a gorgeous colour like emerald green and you have a winner.
Jumping for joy
Jumpsuits don’t have to be the only thing on the bridal menu. Jumpsuits are uber comfortable and can add a little twist to your wedding party, the colour is also to die for!
Who says chiffon is outdated? This fabric is an extremely popular and versatile choice and can be incredibly affordable for bridal couples on a budget. There are so many possibilities that come with choosing this fabric, but make it’s always important to make it your own.
A sea of velvet dreams
When you think of bridesmaids dresses, velvet may not be the first thing that comes to mind. This fabric can be quite a departure from traditional fabrics such as chiffon, but it offers a unique look for brides looking to take the road less travelled. It will also leave your bridal babes feeling stylish and oh-so fierce.
There’s a new wedding destination for Gauteng brides and grooms to add to their wedding venue list. Emerald Resort & Casino are upping the ante by ensuring that you have the perfect wedding venue and allowing you to bring your Big Day to life.
“Emerald is the ultimate destination where the vision of your dream wedding will be brought to life.We can customize your wedding with the traditions of your heritage and cater for a small intimate affair or create your fairy-tale wedding of up to1500 guests, all without leaving our complex. We are only 45 min from Johannesburg International Airport, on a private estate on the lush banks of the Vaal River”, says Tanuja Gangabishun, Marketing Executive at Emerald Resort and Casino.
A 3 000 square meter Arena at Emerald offers the bridal couples a unique opportunity to host large weddings using round tables, while Kilimanjaro has a warm ambience for groups of up to 160 guests.
The Game Park Lapa is captivating and offers a gorgeous outdoor option, weather permitting. The other enchanting venue for an outdoor wedding is the Outdoor Chapel which can be set up in many different ways, catering for small or large groups.
The venues are versatile and the setting offers beautiful locations for dramatic and spectacular photographs right there on complex. Booking this premiere wedding destination means that the wedding party can enjoy all the before and after events on one complex. There is no need to travel to enjoy a bachelor party of bridal shower, or entertain the guests. The complex offers a wide variety of venues and entertainment.
Complementing the selection of venues, Emerald offers several accommodation options to suit every taste and every budget, from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star offerings. There are a wide variety of activities available on the complex to keep everyone entertained while the bride is pampered and treated like the queen she is.
Enjoy game drives, visit the Aquadome with its heated pools, or take a relaxing river cruise. The bride can even plan a magical floating wedding on the Vaal River with Emerald Resort and Casino.
“Weddings can be very complex and stressful for the happy couple, which is why we have put together several packages with a specialist in the industry, Farzana Mayet rom Panache International. It is a rare opportunity to be able to work with a professional like Farzana,” says Tanuja Gangabishun, Marketing Executive at Emerald Resort and Casino.
Tailor-made packages are available which can include arrangements for the bridal shower and bachelor party at Emerald, Mehndi night function, and the wedding day with an array of Halaal food and catering, entertainment, photographer and videographer etc.
Optional extras such as a Mehndi artist, Qawali singer, and make-up artist and wedding cakes can also be included.
Allow the team to tailor a wedding experience to meet your requirements.
Congratulations! You’ve decided to dive into the freedom-seeking world of elopement. The dawn of COVID-19 has ensured that running away and skipping the big ceremony is no longer taboo. In fact, it’s probably encouraged. But just because you’re forgoing the endless shenanigans that come with throwing a classic wedding doesn’t mean you can’t add a little tradition to your elopement.
The beauty of having an elopement ceremony is freedom. You can literally do whatever you want! But with so many options to choose from, here are a few adorable and traditional additions you can add to your unconventional ceremony.
The Vows
While the thought of having thousands of eyeballs staring at you as you exchange your promise of love may leave your hands shaking, this is such a beautiful addition to any ceremony and is often the foundation. This is the perfect time to open your heart and share something wonderfully unique to the partner standing in front of you.
Just because you’re choosing to break away from tradition doesn’t mean you can’t do something conventional, like taking a walk down the aisle. Grab a few flower petals or a beautiful rug, and walk down the “aisle” to your favourite tune towards the one you love.
Credit: vowofthewild.com
Have a blast
There may be five people tearfully observing you say “I do,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a blast when the ceremony is all done and dusted. Grab a few of your closest friends and family – keeping it small, of course – and throw a little shindig that will allow you to celebrate with your squad. A few ideas may include a close friend’s cosy backyard or your favourite little restaurant.
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Raise you glass
It is a celebration after all! Rope in the best man or maid of honour and get them to deliver a toast that will tuck at the heartstrings. There’s nothing more traditional than giving a big ‘ol cheers to the newlyweds with a delicious bottle of bubbly. If you’re heading to your favourite restaurant, make sure you double-check the alcohol restrictions before bringing that vintage bottle of JC Le Roux.
If not for the tradition, do it for the romance. Having the first dance at your elopement can be a beautiful thing made even better by having those few special people around you. Embrace technology and hit play on your favourite song before pumping the tunes on your JBL speaker.
Paris Hilton will be saying her “I dos” on November 11, but it’s her wedding registry that has the world flabbergasted. Costing more than what some people make over five years, the 40-year-old heiress has a gift registry that totals a whopping $60 000 (around R900 000) with a few extravagant items that include a $1000 crystal caviar server with a spoon and a $4 885 Baccarat vase.
The DJ turned entrepreneur is set to tie the knot to long-term beau Carter Reum with the wealthy duo officially posting their registry on Gearys. A few other items on the registry include a $990 Baccarat lamp, an $1845 caviar vodka set for six, and a $355 crystal wine glass.
To celebrate her impending nuptials, the bride-to-be hosted an Alice in Wonderland-themed bridal shower featuring a few A-list names with the guest list including celebrities such as Kris Jenner, Lisa Rinna, Kath Hilton, and sister Nicky Hilton Rothschild.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CU0tg6khcso/
Along with some lavish guests, the extravagant shower included a range of sweet treats, with cakes and biscuits blending perfectly with the fantasy theme.
Hilton gave fans a peek into her upcoming ceremony, a three-day affair that’s bound to be as opulent as she is.
“It’s gonna be like a three-day affair — we’ll have a lot happening.”
But just what about the most important aspect – the wedding dress?
“Lots of dresses. Probably 10 – I love outfit changes.” Fans eager to get a peek at the big day have something to look forward to as Hilton has recently announced a new reality TV series, Paris in Love, which will take viewers along for the ride.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
Inspiration is not hard to come by; you just need to know where to look. Social media plays a huge role in wedding planning these days, and while many brides-to-be turn to Pinterest for that much-needed inspiration, Instagram is a great resource too.
Here are a few of our favourite Instagram accounts that are serving looks and some serious inspo.
A forest filled with inspiration
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTuJ700qtOB/
Beautifully organic wedding and lifestyle inspiration we can’t get enough of
https://www.instagram.com/p/BszGUydFszp/
Inspiration straight from an event planner
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSBO9dvgRyV/
A global collaboration of wedding inspiration
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIloRbpg2RN/
A splash of colour
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMkRz21lN_s/
Inspiration and resources that are sure to celebrate love
It’s been a weird 18-months. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all needed to adjust our lifestyles – sanitise, wear masks, social distance – it’s been an interesting adventure. The pandemic has also spawned a host of trends as various industries learn to pivot and adapt to the “new normal”.
Our new reality has been pretty tough on the wedding industry, with thousands of couples watching their wedding date come and go without saying “I do.” However, grabbing a huge slice of wedding cake and sulking is the last thing couples are doing, birthing a new kind of pre-nuptial ceremony.
There’s plenty that goes into planning a wedding. From choosing your dream venue to the perfect date, many couples are choosing not to compromise on the details of their dream day despite working within the confines of the pandemic.
The pretend wedding, or predding, has been an intimate substitute for wedding celebrations, honouring would-be wedding dates. There might be no signing of a marriage license, but it’s a great way to celebrate love with friends and family.
The hashtag #pretendwedding has been making the rounds on social media, a trend that’s still going strong despite the easing of lockdown restrictions.
A casual setting and dress code, and no strict itinerary makes this new trend a welcome distraction from the stress of wedding planning. Here are a few of our favourite “preddings” online.
