• So many body shapes, so many dress designs. What works for one might not work for all. One dress shape we do love, is the mermaid design. You might think you need to be tall and slender to pull it off, but you don’t. If you love the style, find one that you fall in love with and go for it. Remember, a pair of heels never hurts and will complement this shape especially well.

    You can glam it up or play it down, any way you like. Cream and champagne colours are very hot right now, as well as sequins and gems.

     

     

    Picture: Pexels

    The year of 2019 has been a wild ride. We’ve seen ‘Old Town Road’ claim the charts for far too many weeks, Game of Thrones finally came to an end (and ruined the entire show but we’re not talking about that), and a host of our favourite celebrities got engaged.

    Before we usher in the new decade, let’s take a look back at some of the biggest, most exciting celebrity engagements of 2019.

    Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez

    Back in March, the baseball star proposed to Jenny from the Block with a whopping 16-carat diamond ring estimated to cost somewhere between $1 million and $4.5 million.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Buzz2LMg92D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom

    The Pirates of the Carribbean actor proposed to his California Girl On Valentines Day, presenting her with a unique flower-shaped diamond ring.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt5gRBDHNZl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Tim Tebow and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

    South Africa’s very own Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters captured the heart of American footballer Tim Tebow, and they got engaged in January 2019. Zavion Khotze will be planning the wedding, so you know it’s going to be stunning.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BsdzW9AB3Xx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

    Who doesn’t love a royal wedding? Back in September, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Princess Beatrice is engaged to property tycoon Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The wedding will take place in 2020.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B23uLfvn8Y3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Cassie and Alex Fine

    This couple has had a whirlwind romance. They began dating in late 2018, announced that they are expecting a child in June 2019, and got engaged in August. Their engagement, however, was short lived, and they wed in an intimate ceremony on September 25, a month and one day after they got engaged.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1rHTYnJ6q9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Sarah Hyland and Wells Adams

    The Modern Family actress and Bachelorette alum have been giving us ultimate #couplegoals ever since they got together back in 2017 through the power of social media. They became engaged in July, proving that there is indeed love after The Bachelorette.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz_tCLjlAM1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost

    The traditionally private couple got engaged back in May when the Saturday Night Live writer and actor proposed to the Black Widow star with an 11-carat diamond engagement ring worth approximately $400,000.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/By00y6TpVNn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma

    She’ll always be Lizzie McGuire to us, but now she’s all grown up and getting married! Duff became engaged to her singer-songwriter boyfriend, Matthew Koma, in May. The pair became parents to their first child together (and Duff’s second) in October 2018.

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

    Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger

    After just a few months of dating, one of Hollywood’s favourite Chris’s popped the question to Katherine, daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. Of course, she said yes. The couple surprised us yet again by getting married in June in an intimate ceremony in Montecito, California.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsmy0gUFIt7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Instagram / Jennifer Lopez

    Modern couples are bold and not afraid to take risks, even with their weddings. The result? Unique elements that personalise their big day into memorable experiences, from the choice of shoe all the way to their wedding cakes.

    Wedding cakes have been mainstays for decades, but their styles have changed so much. The simple, two-layer buttercream sweet treat doesn’t cut it any more. Modern times have seen multiple new wedding cake trends exist concurrently, each one appealing to specific tastes. From geometric designs to abstract art, wedding cakes are taking on a life of their own.

    Geometric designs:

    Characterised by geometric designs and bold symmetry, art deco has been given new life in this decade. Rather than the over-the-top, shiny look of yesteryear, this trend is much more simple to allow the geometry to stand out. Stick to no more than three key colours to maintain the sleek look.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5TF8akl3JT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4YImNjD3VR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Sux1zlH_5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Square cakes:

    Round cakes are so last decade. Square cakes have been trending for the last year, offering up an alternative shape and design that is wonderfully modern. Add florals to soften the look.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4s5K-3ht00/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4lFMA_gtKs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2jL41UlNAB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Modern florals:

    Florals and weddings go hand-in-hand. However, cake artists have taken this design to new heights, creating stunningly delicate sugarflowers placed artfully. The result is a stunningly modern yet soft cake.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4HYmBOIg3y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3_vQR5A2NY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2R12F-jun_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Texture:

    Adding dimension is a simple way to elevate a cake. Take inspiration from these cakes that feature delicate ruffles and draping to add interest and sleek flair. This style is perfect for the understated couple who still want a showstoppingly unique cake.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B32oOB9JfrA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3LR2Nkly05/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3TwTRVAeb6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Abstract designs:

    Abstract design is a hallmark trend of modernity. With simple yet impactful brushstrokes, a blank canvas can be transformed into a masterpiece. Keep the design to a specific spot or have it appear small with lots of white space to maintain a sleek, modern look.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxf23NKnBls/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4vG_g1hY5x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iDxApgRp6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

    ‘Tis the season to be jolly. December brings happiness and the festive spirit as people all around the world get ready for one of the most popular holidays: Christmas. This month also doubles up as wedding season.

    Many South Africans opt for December weddings as its the time most people are off from work and can travel. So why not hit two birds with one stone and have a Christmas-themed wedding?

    Come on, get happy with these Christmas-inspired wedding decorations.

    Invites:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn_M0E_jstp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Ceremony decor:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5lekReH0l1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Seating guide:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5lYVQjBYeG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Plating:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iOPVxhF4b/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Decor piece:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5lF45bgr7F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Ceiling decor:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5kj4rZF08J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Cake:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5io9W6BhEz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Bouquet:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5mZtueifV5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Boutonnière:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5lYNK5B0_7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash