• The prim and proper, tight up-do is not for everyone. Some brides with a more laid-back personality might prefer a hairstyle that reflects them better, and we love that.

    If you feel more comfortable with a soft look, try wearing your hair down but add small touches to spruce it up. A loose braid also works well, or tie it back with a simple ponytail. It can be as formal or informal as you want!

    Here are some of our favourite casual bridal hairstyles.

    Images: Pinterest 

    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

    When the wedding day rolls around, all eyes will be on you … and your hands. Between intimate shots of you and your handsome {new} husband, everyone fawning over your wedding ring, and the signing of your wedding certificate, your hands will be getting plenty of time in the spotlight.

    And adding a fresh manicure to your wedding to-do list will ensure that your gorgeous nails get a chance to shine. Perhaps a simple French manicure is right up your alley, or moody and bold hues provide a little pop of colour. Here are a few wedding manicure ideas for you to think about:

    Keep it neutral 

    The colour grey should never be underestimated! This colour provides a modern yet elegant twist for your wedding day and gives a pop of colour that isn’t too over the top.

    Pinterest

    Keep it simple, but not too simple

    Adding a nude colour to your nails is a great way to ensure that you keep things simple, choosing to let your wedding gown do all the talking. However, a great way to utilise this trend while still being a little flashy is by incorporating a subtle design such as this gorgeous marble-esque nail design.

    Pinterest

    A touch of gold

    Simple yet oh-so magical. Painted gold foiling is a subtle way to add a little je ne sais quois to your nails and your big day.

    Pinterest

    The single rhinestone 

    Who wouldn’t want to match their engagement ring or wedding band? This bridal manicure trend has been around for a while, so why mess with a classic? This is a wonderful way to include some glitz without the gold to your nails.

    Pinterest

    Romantic reds

    Attention bold brides! If you’re looking to make a statement when it comes to your nails, then this one is for you. Deep reds such as burgundy can be a wonderful way to add colour to your white gown while sprinkling some extra romance to your day.

    Pinterest

    Ombré Away

    Trying out an ombré nail design for your wedding day can be a great way to spice things up without getting too crazy. Stick to neutrals or soft shades if you’re looking to keep it simple.

    Pinterest

    Metallic to rock your world

    Add some extra sparkle to your wedding day with a metallic manicure. A great way to ensure that colours don’t clash is to make sure that your fresh manicure matches your engagement ring or wedding band.

    Pinterest

    Picture: @loreanjewellery

    “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Well, not anymore. 

    Let’s be honest, the pandemic has put certain things into perspective. Do we really need to be spending thousands on an engagement ring when we can be using that on a down payment for a house? 

    While there’s nothing wrong with flashing your cash and spending it on a new diamond ring, more bridal couples appear to be stepping away from the traditional sparkler and opting for rings that are a bit more modern

    If you’re getting ready to pop the question and you’re looking for a few shiny alternatives, here are six modern sparklers to add to your soon-to-be fiance’s finger. 


    Also Read: Signature cocktails to add a little zest to your summer wedding


    Amethyst

    You’ll often find amethyst in its raw form, but with a little elbow grease from a jeweller, this deep-purple can offer a beautiful alternative. It’s not quite as hard as a diamond ring, but it is durable and will save you a few months salary. 

    unique engagement rings_amethyst

    Emerald

    There’s something about the rich green tone of emerald that screams luxe! There is a range of jewellers in South Africa that offer this as an engagement option and are offered in a number of styles to suit your partner’s preference. Not only is this precious stone timeless, but it’s modern too!

    unique engagement rings_emerald

    Pearl 

    Who said you can only wear pearls around your neck? These natural gemstones will ensure a beautiful and iconic engagement ring that will make anyone squeal with delight. There is some bad news when choosing a pearl as an engagement ring. A  pearl is made from calcium carbonate and is found between 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, which means that it can get scratched and damaged quite easily. However, it can be a great engagement ring if you don’t plan to wear it too often. 

    unique engagement rings_pearl

    Opal 

    This gemstone is beautiful and unique but is often considered old-fashioned.  Thankfully, opal is making a comeback … and in a big way. The great thing about the sparkler is that it comes in various colours including black, white, and dazzling crystal. There are even some that reflect the rainbow – how dreamy! 

    However, you’ll have to be careful when sporting an opal engagement ring as it is considered 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and is not a very hardy gemstone when compared to traditional rings. 

    unique engagement rings_opal

    Ruby 

    A deep red beauty, rubies are one of the four precious stones and are an extremely popular choice when it comes to engagement rings. The vibrant red hues ooze luxury and flaunting a gorgeous blood-red ruby is bound to catch the eye of family and friends. 

    The best part is that it’s incredibly hardy as it features at 9 on the Mohs scale, so you know it can withstand the busiest bride-to-be. 

    unique engagement rings_ruby

    Sunstone

    Forgot the always popular moonstone, the sunstone is a little-known alternative that will outshine any gemstone. These enchanting gemstones are slightly hard to come by in South Africa as it is commonly found in Norway and the US, but it’s not impossible. This vibrant stone is also said to have a few incredible characteristics, including bringing abundance, prosperity, vitality and fearlessness to the wearer.   

    It’s a pretty durable gemstone too as they are 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, but you’ll still have to keep your eye on it when dusting off around the house.

    Picture: Pinterest