With the constant evolution of wedding themes, trends and styles, picking an appropriate and stylish wedding outfit can seem like a challenging task. But with more modern traditions coming into place, there are plenty of options for the perfect wedding guest attire.
Before you pull an outfit out of your closet, there are a few key things to consider.
Embrace the season
Whether it’s spring, summer, winter or autumn, match your outfit to the season. Florals are beautiful for spring, while bright colours are better suited to summer, and darker shades for winter. Of course, you’ll want to layer up and wear thicker fabrics if attending a winter wedding, whereas light, flowy fabrics are ideal for a hot summer event.
Location, location, location:
Stiletto heels are not ideal for a beach wedding and a casual summer dress will seem out of place at a grand hotel. The location of the wedding will let you know the type of vibe you can go for. Remember, a chilled backyard party is very different from a glamorous estate so choose wisely.
Follow the dress code:
The easiest way to know what to wear to a wedding is to follow the dress code. From casual or semi-formal to black tie, this stipulation will give you clear guidelines on the type of outfit you may choose. It’s important to follow the bridal couple’s wishes, so make sure to stick to their plan to fit into the environment.
Prioritise comfort:
There’s nothing worse than finding blisters all over your feet at the end of the evening from your uncomfortable shoes, or constantly having to rearrange your dress so that it doesn’t slip down/up/off! Before you decide on an outfit, make sure you can walk, dance, sit and be comfortable in your outfit.
Do not wear white:
White is reserved for the bride on her big day. Unless it’s been stipulated in the wedding invitation that the dress code is white, this colour is out of bounds for anyone not tying the knot. Close shades like cream are also frowned upon.
Picture: Unsplash
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…
I’m sure we’ve all had a moment where we’ve sniggered at the fact that our friend got a matching tattoo with their significant other. Opinions on getting matching couple tattoos have the ability to divide a room, but no matter you’re thoughts, these inked memories have gained notoriety in recent years thanks to celebrities such as Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner.
Along with popularity, getting matching tattoos can be a great way to creatively express a lifetime commitment. So, before you say “I do”, here are a few matching tattoos to get – all in the name of love.
Coordinates
Coordinates all the way to your heart, maybe? In this case, you and your SO could get matching coordinates that lead all the way to where you first met. It’s a beautiful sentiment that you’ll never get tired of looking at.
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Self-Portrait
Not everyone will be keen on getting their bride or groom’s face inked on their body but for those brave enough, it can be a great way to skip the cheesy quotes. Sticking to a minimalist design may help you to feel a bit braver, especially with this line tattoo.
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Beyond Time and Space
The great thing about matching tattoos is the fact that they don’t actually have to be matching. Grab a design that complements each other, similar to this spaceship and solar system tattoos.
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Always
“Always” is a word you’ve probably uttered as you’ve gazed into your significant other’s eyes. There’s nothing simpler than a scripted tattoo, and it’s less painful too – bonus!
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Handwritten Love Note
Is there anything more romantic than a handwritten love note? Take it a step further and get your SO’s tattooed onto your skin, it can be a wonderful message that carries a deeper meaning.
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A Memorable Date
You’ll probably never forget the day that you tied the knot, but to commemorate the occasion, why not add the date so that you know neither of you will ever forget.
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Feature Image: Melissa Marshall
To those on the outside, a German wedding looks quite similar to a “normal” Western “white wedding”. However, the country has several wedding traditions that we bet would…
As sustainability seeps into the collective consciousness, more-and-more brides are researching how to achieve the quintessential ‘sustainable wedding,’ turning to vendors, services, and products that help them achieve this.
Jewellery is one way the modern eco-conscious bride is doing some good. From ethically sourced rings to fair trade necklaces, here are a few incredible jewellery brands that are sustainable AND African.
AuTerra Jewellery
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AuTerra is a Cape Town-based brand led by designer and maker, Ashley. It’s a remarkable, innovative brand that collects discarded electronic products and recycles them into jewellery. The aesthetics of the handcrafted pieces transcend trends and the contemporary designs are simplistic and minimal. The brand believes in creating pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation in the hopes of persevering quality craftsmanship.
KiiRA African Fine Jewellery
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Each gemstone is individually selected, ensuring that no two pieces are the same. Along with offering vibrant and minimalist designs, each piece is ethically sourced and handcrafted to perfection in South Africa. The brand also offers custom designs for brides looking for something extra special.
Black Betty
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Bespoke jewellery pieces are only a click away. From gemstone-infused tiger necklaces to gorgeous pearl earrings and engagement rings, Black Betty Designs is a great place for those looking for pieces that will ‘wow.’ Based in Cape Town, this sustainable jewellery brand ships throughout South Africa.
Yala Jewellery
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This Kenyan-based jewellery brand provides pieces with a purpose, ensuring that each one of its designs has a positive impact. What’s more, they offer beautiful modern designs that perfectly reflect the beauty of Africa. From Sagana brass nugget necklaces to hammered brass bracelets – there’s plenty to choose from.
Dear Rae
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Dear Rae is the brainchild of fine arts graduate Karin Rae Matthees. The brand uses local materials and manufacturers to create unique pieces. Dear Rae design aesthetics can be described as classically minimal pieces that you can wear for the rest of your life. Karin’s brand adheres to the Kimberly process as well, and sources local manufacturers for production, ensuring each step of the manufacturing process is completely transparent.
Feature Image: Kiira African Fine Jewellery
Similar to Lady Whistledown’s society papers, Bridgerton is all anyone has time to talk about these days. The Netflix period drama has spawned a plethora of Regencycore-inspired home decor…
A honeymoon is already a romantic trip, but why not make it even more special with an unusual destination? Standard hotel rooms and airbnbs are are fun but they’re also a little bit predictable.
South Africa has a few weird and wonderful locations that you can call ‘home’ for a few days while celebrating your newly wedded bliss. Here are a few of our favourites.
Old Mac Daddy
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Just an hour out of Cape Town and set amongst the apple orchards, Old Mac Daddy offers open spaces, mountain paths, a lakeside beach and plenty of outdoor activities. Part caravan park, part designer farm lodge – this little hotel is truly unique.
They have a sleek collection of 12 themed vintage Airstream Trailer Suites, each uniquely designed by some of Cape Town’s top artists and designers.
Visit the website HERE.
Rovos Rail
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Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. In a series of bespoke train journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions.
The vintage carriage offers 3 suite types: Royal, Deluxe and Pullman. The suites accommodate one or two passengers with the option of double or twin beds. All have en-suites with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily.
Visit the website HERE.
Kagga Kamma Cave Suites
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Go back into nature and live like our forefathers, albeit it in a much more luxurious way. Kagga Kamma in the Swartruggens region of the Cederberg Mountains offers ten unique man-made ‘Cave’ Suites that were skilfully constructed to integrate with the natural Sandstone formations.
The facade of the ‘Cave’ Suites are man-made, while the back interior wall is natural sandstone. Each ‘Cave’ Suite has a small terrace with a view and is simply furnished with comfort in mind. Each ‘Cave’ is equipped with a double bed, air-conditioner, and coffee/tea making facilities, en-suite bathroom, bathrobes, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
Visit their website HERE.
Speekhout treehouse, Eastern Cape
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Live out your childhood fantasies by staying in a real-life treehouse. Speekhout offer an adult wooden treehouse built in the boughs of an ancient sprawling red Karee tree (Rhus Lancea). The dwelling is enveloped by the branches of a living tree, with lush vegetation and bush as a private garden
It is free-standing and away from other guest accommodation on the farm, also making it naturally private.
Equipped as a self-catering getaway with gas and electricity, the Tree House also has a newly installed enclosed fireplace making cold karoo winter nights warm inside. There is an outdoor braai area for starry summer nights and mountain views alike.
Visit their website HERE.
Houseboat Myrtle, Knysna Lagoon
Spend the day floating over the Knysna lagoon on the Houseboat Myrtle, a totally self-contained wooden cottage on the water. Myrtle is one of the original Knysna houseboats and has a lovely wood finish inside. With its two decks, it’s perfect for lazy days floating on the lagoon. From the deck, you can enjoy views of the lagoon, the quays and the Knysna Heads, catch fish or just relax…
The boat is moored in a permanent location, yet turns with the changing tides or winds, giving you the variety of the 360 Degrees views of Knysna from both decks. You can even lay in bed and watch as the boat turns and changes your bed view.
Visit their website HERE.
Picture: Instagram / Old Mac Daddy