Don’t forget about the little ones! You want them to look sophisticated and chic, but still age-appropriate. Outfits and accessories inspired by vintage style is the perfect way to do just that.
One trend we love is to dress the kiddies as mini versions of the bride and groom!
Dress your ring bearer in a cute tux that matches the colours of the groom’s tux or suit.
Have the flower girl wear an accessory that matches the flowers; hair clips, floral crowns and corsages are popular.
One really needs a week at Lanzerac Hotel & Spa to reset and refresh body and mind. There’s really too much to do for a one- or two-night…
The 2019 trends are here, and we are so excited to see what the new year has in store! When it comes to bridesmaid dress styles, modern themes are taking over with new and fresh looks that will give your bridal party a total make-over.
1. ONE SHOULDER
We’ve seen the return of this trend in everyday wear, and can’t help but swoon over the sophisticated style it brings in a bridesmaid gown.
2. TWO PIECES
Stunning two-piece sets allow your bridesmaids to mix and match their looks to your theme. This choice adds a playful side to your bridal party and is suited to a summer wedding.
3. DRAMATIC SLEEVES
Tie, cap and flared sleeves are all taking the wedding fashion scene by storm with their cute and playful appearances. Whether it’s dramatic flair or a statement you’re after, you are sure to find a creative sleeve style to suit your theme and bridal party look.
4. VELVET
Velvet fabric creates a subtle sultry aesthtic that, when paired with jewel tones, lets your bridal party flourish like royalty.
5. ROYAL SHADES
The royal weddings of 2018 have set the standard for wedding trends this 2019. Rich and textured shades of emerald green, mustard yellow and ruby red are major statements this season.
6. MESH
Sheer overlays flowing to the floor give your bridesmaid dresses an air of romance and grace that is both feminine and flattering.
7. WRAP DRESSES
Classic and elegant, the wrap dress is a suitable option for all of your bridesmaids. If you’re planning your wedding for the spring of 2019, this look will fit your bridal party perfectly.
8. SHORT DRESSES
Short and tea-length dresses detailed with tulle and pleated skirts create a fun and playful look that is also chic and reminiscent of ’50s styles.
9. EMBROIDERY
The reincorporation of various textures into fashion has led to styles like embroidery being brought back in new and creative ways. Let this age-old method take over your bridal party look in a gorgeous update that is modern and elegant.
10. JUMPSUITS
Some bridesmaids will be skipping the dresses altogether in favour of sophisticated and modern jumpsuit styles. They’re comfortable, fashion-savvy and your bridal party can wear them past your wedding day.
Images: Pinterest
The RSVPs are in and you’ve finally figured out where everyone is going to sit, now it’s time to come up with a creative way to relay the…
Step into the jungle for a style transformation of eye-catching colours, feathers, exaggerated skirts and fringes, and deluxe detailing, perfect for a tropical wedding.
Dress, Elbeth Gillis; earrings and ring, both Jangi
Dress, Anna Georgina; shawl, Kobus Dippenaar; earrings, Pichulik
Dress, Stefania Morland; ring, Jangi
Top, Janita Toerien; skirt, Ilse Roux Bridal Wear; necklace, Jangi
Bodysuit, Anna Georgina; skirt, Gavin Rajah
Top, Stefania Morland; skirt, Janita Toerien; earrings; Jangi; heels, Aldo
Dress, Elbeth Gillis; cape, Gavin Rajah; necklace, Jangi; arm cuff, Call it Spring
Dress, Gavin Rajah; rings, Jangi
Header image: Top, Zara; skirt, Elbeth Gillis; bracelet, Jangi
Fashion: Jodi Cohen
Photography: Gareth van Nelson
*All products subject to availability
These days it’s not just their bodies that brides are getting into shape before the big day. Twelve months before my big day I consulted with several aesthetic…
It’s no secret that weddings are a pricey affair – but our top 8 wedding budget tips will ensure yours doesn’t drain your funds.
1. A STITCH IN TIME
Believe us when we say that the months leading up to your big day will fly by, even quicker when you haven’t factored in as much planning as you’d expected. So while time may not be a tangible currency for exchange, it will save you plenty of stress and may even afford you reduced rates here and there if you book things such as the venue, entertainment, catering and honeymoon far enough in advance. You’ll thank us.
2. ALL IN
You’ll be surprised by how much you can save by selecting a venue with catering, drinks and equipment included, as opposed to booking these all through different providers. If the venue is catering, but charging a hefty price for the desserts, bring your own. ‘Bring your own desserts or sweets table,’ says Mikaila Beretta, a Cape Town events coordinator, ‘and take your venue’s menu option without the dessert. It’s more cost-effective and more fun for your guests.’ Ask about special rates during off-season to cut costs even further. Keeping the guest list short also means less work and expense.
3. IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Is your friend’s house just begging to be done up for a relaxed yet sophisticated reception? Does Uncle Richard have MasterChef skills he’s willing to offer for an unforgettable post-ceremony meal? Plenty of couples opt to get their loved ones involved in lieu of some type of a wedding gift – after all, if you’re saving money and getting the gift of a beautiful wedding, you can spend on items you really like for your new life as a married couple.
4. GO GREEN
‘The decor is usually expensive and can take up a lot of your budget if you aren’t aware of DIY options, which your planner should also be able to include and manage without the maximum cost,’ says Mikaila. Flowers often form a pretty large chunk of this expense. Luckily, there’s a super-stylish way to get around this budget nemesis: greenery like leaves, branches and creepers. Pinterest is your go-to resource, as it’s bursting with ideas of how to incorporate everything from delicious monster and banana leaves to olive branches into your decor and bridal-party bouquets. If you opt for a plant with smaller leaves, you can even use these as confetti.
5. YOU ARE (STYLISHLY) INVITED
Your parents may have had professionally printed card invitations with a patterned border and gold foiling, but that doesn’t mean you need to squeeze this (rather hefty) expense into your budget. Spend some time browsing the beautiful templates available online, then stock your home printer with good quality paper and you’re in business! Want to go eco-friendly? Digital invitations are the answer. For a small fee, you can customise your own invitations to be sent out via email, and track the RSVPs online AS an added perk!
6. FAVOUR FOR LESS
You’ll easily add extra expenses and another item to your to-do list when you start thinking about favours for your wedding retinue and guests. Keep things simple, especially if you have a large guest list, by tying sweets in pretty gauze bags, for example. Easy-peasy!
7. KEEP IT SIMPLE
Have your eye on a costly aisle runner? What about a scattering of pretty flower petals instead? Trying to fit design and printing costs for your programmes into the budget? The cost of 50-plus programmes, of which four will be taken home by the guests and the rest left on the floor to be trodden on? Probably not worth it.
8. SNAP HAPPY
The photography quality is one service you don’t want to skimp on. You want someone who will capture the true essence of your special day. Shop around before settling on a photographer – and you may be surprised by the reasonable prices you find along the way.
The way to get around forking out a big chunk of your wedding budget for this service? Keep the number of hours of service down to one or two.