So, you’ve found the love of your life. Now it’s time to find the other one – your wedding dress. Read our top tips from local experts before you head to the boutiques or meet a designer.
COLLECTION, COUTURE, HIRE OR PREVIOUSLY LOVED?
Each option has its own pros and cons. So it basically comes down to personal preference and budget. Buying or hiring a new or worn dress means that you can try on the dress before you buy it. But Natasha Holmes, owner and designer of Lou & Co, cautions: ‘Boutiques often only stock sample sizes, which isn’t the size of an average woman. If they don’t stock your size, don’t waste your time, as you simply cannot commit to a dress if you can’t try on the right size.’
If you have a dress made, Stephen of Stephen van Eeden Atelier advises you create a shortlist of potential designers and ‘make sure that their aesthetic and style reflect your personal style’. Having a dress made from scratch requires confidence in your designer, more time and, often, more money, but guarantees something unique.
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
‘There is a big price difference between an off-the-rail gown and made-to-measure bespoke,’ says Stephen. Designers usually have a price range on their website and it’s worth knowing beforehand. Stephen suggests you look at the quality and finishing of a dress to see if it is fully lined and French seamed, as this determines the true cost.
If you’re buying or hiring, let the sales consultant know your budget. A good one won’t suggest anything outside of your budget but will find a way to incorporate what you want. Natasha adds: ‘Being honest will allow us to quickly rule out what you can’t afford and find a suitable dress in your price range.’
EARLY-BIRD BRIDE
Start shopping at least six months before your big day – even more if you intend on having your dress made. ‘Trends like lace appliqué take time,’ says Natasha. A boutique may have to order in your size or make alterations – and you don’t want to rush that process.
BYO
Wear a strapless nude bra and panties, even shapewear if you’ll be wearing it on your big day. ‘It’s easier to judge fit with a smooth silhouette,’ says Natasha, ‘and no one warns you about this, but you should be ready for the designer or consultant to see you in your undies! Wedding gowns are tricky to get in and out of.’
Remove any jewellery in case it catches. A simple necklace can change the entire neckline of a dress. Make an effort with your hair and make-up to get a sense of what you will look like on the day. Taking a pair of heels along is also recommended, but boutiques often have pairs to try on.
TRIBE VIBE
The first fitting can be overwhelming and you will want to be surrounded by your people. When fitting at Lou & Co, Natasha recommends that you bring along only two or three people whose opinions you value most, such as your mom, sister or best friend. ‘Too many opinions make it harder to know what’s right.’
ROME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY
Chances are, you won’t find ‘The One’ at your first try-on session. Don’t be disheartened! There are always more boutiques and other designers to try. And, with every consultation, you will walk away knowing something new about the one you really want.
As part of the wedding prep, the perfect rehearsal dinner will make for an evening of fun, love, and a chance to mingle before the big day. Lately,…
Having a wedding officiant is not only crucial but also an extremely important part of your day. As the MC of your ceremony, they set the tone of the celebrations to come, and are also meant to present you and your partner as a couple by expressing your story to your guests. This means the task not only be suited to someone with expertise but also has a personal connection to you and your partner.
That said, finding a wedding officiant that will suit your big day is no easy task. You may want to ask the pastor at your local church or have a friend or family member do the honours, or you could even find someone online. What you need to remember is that whoever you choose, it is up to you to communicate what kind of ceremony, verses and atmosphere you want for your big day.
1. DO THEIR VALUES MATCH YOUR OWN?
You’ll want to have a wedding officiant who is understanding of you and your partner’s morals and has similar views. If you do not intend for your ceremony to be religious, but your officiant believes otherwise, it can cause an issue, so make sure that you all see eye-to-eye.
2. ARE THEY A CONFIDENT SPEAKER?
This may be a given, but wedding officiants are under a lot of pressure to say the correct things and keep guests entertained, despite the focus being on you and your partner. Ensure that your chosen officiant is confident and eloquent before they speak on your big day.
3. DO THEY KNOW YOU, AND YOUR VISION?
Your wedding officiant should only want the best for you and your partner and must be open to your plans and ideas. Aside from this, they should also spend time getting to know you both in order to provide a personal and unique speech at your wedding ceremony that is suited to you.
4. WILL YOU ALL BE COMFORTABLE WITH PROPER & OPEN COMMUNICATION?
Aside from regularly checking in, your wedding officiant should keep you up to date with their progress and any plans they require you to complete before celebrating your big day. Have regular meet-ups to ensure you’re both on track before the wedding and to discuss their speech and the wedding proceedings. And most importantly, make sure you choose someone who you can be honest with about ideas or a direction you don’t like.
NB: If you are looking online or want to hire an outside wedding officiant, make sure that you do research on their credentials and history before committing to a contract.
Image: Unsplah
Let’s face it, putting together a wedding can get pretty pricey! But not everything has to be a custom creation that breaks the bank. You can easily save…
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 stay. To start, exploring the estate – the gardens, pool, spa and various restaurants – takes an entire day, and who wants to rush that?
As a honeymoon cove of luxury, the pool, surrounded by loungers and gazebos with its own bar, is a priority on a hot sunny day. Head over there straight after breakfast to have it all to yourselves for a little while, sipping white wine-wine spritzer or a sneaky cocktail – just you and beau.
Speaking of breakfast, it’s honestly a pity you have to wait until the day after checking in until you get to experience the spread that is the breakfast buffet. Everything you could possibly want is on the table (pun intended) from oysters to cold-pressed juice to fresh pastries, and always completed with a cappuccino. The eggs Benedict that should follow any continental spread is stacked with so much salmon and perfectly prepared hollandaise sauce, you might struggle to find space to finish it all.
After a morning swim, and if you haven’t gone back to your room and finished the contents of your complimentary mini-bar, you need to head to the spa for a relax in the hot tub overlooking the vineyards,; unless you’re staying in an exclusive suite, that is. Then your personal steam room takes preference. Lounging on the deck on a hot day, laps in the (very) heated indoor pool, a workout or mist completely relaxes you when you’re unwinding from the whirlwind that was planning and executing the perfect wedding.
This is even before you’ve ventured upstairs, where a world-class spa with an endless list of treatments and massages awaits. (Side-note – if you’re even slightly decor obsessed – feast your eyes on the embroidered upholstery that covers the walls.)
The reason that Lanzerac feels so much like home is the unique decor. Nothing is the same in each room – in one, a lucky find of lime floral headboards inspired the greens and pinks throughout the suite. In another, bold wallpaper panels are installed behind the Californian king-sized bed, inspiring the colouring for the rest of the suite.
It’s the combination of old and new furniture and finishes that makes it special and anything but standard hotel decorating.
The Craven Lounge is another must-see where one antique find provided inspiration for the rest of the space. Paintings of 19th-century hunters on the wall with their red jackets inspired the red tapestry rugs covering the floor. This lounge is where one ends a tranquil day, sipping on whisky or Champagne before heading to your room to get some rest for the adventures that await you tomorrow.
Want to see more or make a booking? Head over to lanzerac.co.za now!
Since your bridesmaids will have been accompanying you on this wedding-planning journey, preparing to hold your train and have tissues at the ready, it makes sense to spoil…
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 information to your guests. Equipped with one of these DIY seating charts, you’ll be good to go!
1. THE SEATING CHART/WEDDING FAVOUR COMBO
Combining your seating chart with your wedding favours is an amazing way to save both time and money.
Cacti, Stodels
2. STAY ON TREND WITH COPPER CREATIVITY
If you particularly like the metallic trend, this is totally up your alley. Use copper piping to assemble a sturdy frame. Hang string or ribbon from the frame, and then attach the seating cards for each table. Decorate with some greenery and place in a prominent position.
Copper pipe, Builders; greenery, Fabulous Flowers; stationery, Lezanne’s Designs
3. MOTIF MAGIC
Group your tables to correspond with your theme. Print cards with the different categories and pin to a gorgeous board outside the venue.
Stationery, The Pink Collection
Styling: Francoise Jeanne de Villers
Photography: Gareth van Nelson
*All products subject to availability