Do you know which scent you want to wear on your big day? No? Choose a wedding fragrance that’s as fun, flirtatious or sensual as you are. Here are some of our favourites.
1. Jimmy Choo Illicit EDP (100 ml) – A provocative juice with seductive notes of bitter orange, sambac jasmine and honey amber.
2. Azzaro Pour Elle Extrême EDP (75 ml) – Warm, sensual and deeply enveloping, this elegant scent is an evening delight.
3. Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Rosé EDP (100 ml) – For something that’s simply sparkling, this fruity floral is fun and just a little flirtatious.
4. Repetto Eau Florale EDT (80 ml) – A pretty pink juice with feminine notes of grapefruit, plum blossom and rose.
5. Oscar de la Renta Oscar Velvet Noir EDP (100 ml) – Classic and sexy with beautiful notes of osmanthus, ginger and warm amber.
6. Dunhill Icon Absolute EDP (100 ml) – A modern-day ode to all things woody and spicy for the discerning and stylish groom.
7. Giorgio Armani Armani Code Profumo Pour Homme (60 ml) – Perfect for the classic gentleman, a scent with a decidedly rich and sophisticated air.
SA Weddings and Alexa Lily have teamed up to create the ultimate wedding planner for brides-to-be! Your Bridal Edit contains all the necessities a bride will need to…
Your ultimate skincare countdown to your wedding day to ensure your skin is the best it can be on your big day, plus our must-haves!
6 MONTHS BEFORE
If you’re looking to overhaul your skin in a matter of months, chemicals peels are one of the best and most cost-effective methods for facial rejuvenation. They target everything from tone, texture and fine lines to breakouts and general radiance – something every bride wants! Start with a course of four to six peels over the first month or so, followed by monthly maintenance sessions to keep your skin gorgeous.
Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate
Chanel UV Essentiel Daily UV Care Multi-Protection Anti-Pollution SPF50+
3 MONTHS BEFORE
Looking for one ingredient that will change your skin in a big way? Retinol is a powerful antioxidant that refines texture, improves tone, boosts both cell renewal and collagen, and puts any embarrassing blemishes to bed. Start off slowly once a week to get your skin used to it and avoid unpleasant reactions, upping the dose as the weeks and months go by, and your skin gets stronger.
Dr Dermal MicroRetinol 5 Rich Repair
1 WEEK BEFORE
And on the seventh day, she rested! Now is the time to stop stressing and start sleeping. Getting enough Zs in the week before your wedding is a crucial skincare step to give your skin time to repair itself and allow you to wake up feeling rested and energised.
Elemis Biotec Skin Energising Night Cream
The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Sleeping Cream
1 DAY BEFORE
It’s almost here! The big day is only a sleep away, so give your skin some final TLC by applying a hydrating skincare serum or ampoule, followed by a moisturising mask. The combination will help to hydrate and plump up your skin, which allows your make-up to apply smoother and look fresher.
Bioderma Hydrabio Masque Moisturising Mask
Thinking of making your own wedding cake? With our help, it won’t be as daunting as it seems. We also know that you have flavours you go back…
Here in SA, we’re spoilt with beautiful landscapes that make for breathtaking bridal photos. But, with unpredictable weather in many places, it takes solid planning to pull off the perfect outdoor wedding. Use these tips to make sure yours is an affair to remember.
1. SOUND THE BELLS!
Whether you decide on a dreamy beach wedding or to say your vows at the edge of a dramatic cliff, get the audio right. The last thing you want is your voice getting lost in the sound of crashing waves or a gentle breeze, leaving your audience (or even your beau!) trying to make out what you’re saying. If you’re using a videographer, bear in mind the quality of the audio during playback. Get a microphone system hooked up to the closest power source, and if you’re using wireless microphones, make sure the batteries are fully charged. The same goes for the music, entertainment and speeches at the reception.
2. A MONKEY’S WEDDING
As the saying goes, if the sun is shining and it’s raining, a monkey’s about to get married. So take notes and don’t greenlight your Plan B if it pours on the morning of your big day but your outdoor ceremony or reception is only later in the afternoon. While we agree it’s only practical to let your guests know the venue has changed, the rain may stop in time. Instead, use a canopy or arrange umbrellas if you’re expecting a light drizzle. For longer ceremonies or the chance of heavier rainfall, ensure you have spoken to your venue about a contingency plan. Remember: rain is said to bring good luck to a couple on their wedding day, and can make for some memorable candid photos too.
3. LIGHT IT UP
You’ve browsed Pinterest, ogled at different photographers’ sites, and may even be sold on the idea of an outdoor wedding solely because of the beautiful lighting opportunities it lends. Whether you are after a magical enchanted forest look with thousands of fairy lights hanging from trees or a beachy do with strings of Consol jars hung from beams and paper lanterns lodged in the sand, keep it all well lit and as hazard-free as possible. If your ceremony is around twilight, max out on the amazing golden light two hours before sunset. The flattering natural light + your own beautiful additions = mesmerising photo perfection.
4. EVERYONE’S INVITED!
Everyone should feel welcome, including your pregnant cousin or frail uncle, so try to make your wedding as accessible as possible. The key here is structure and practicality, and you don’t have to forfeit aesthetics in favour of this. You may be working with an open space, but use lighting and decor to contain it and make sure everyone has a great time. Think about wheelchair access (smooth walkways), steady ground (mats and rugs on the beach, for example) and close proximity to amenities.
5. SITTING PRETTY
Make sure there’s enough comfortable seating and mingling space for everyone. This is especially important for a more casual affair. Think couches, benches and swing chairs in neutral colours that you can customise with the textures and colours of the wedding.
With a nod to this fashion capital, this project is quick and easy for the busy bride. Give a romantic air to a city wedding with these London skyline…
Want to keep your honeymoon local without sacrificing on luxury? Drostdy Hotel in the Eastern Cape town of Graaff-Reinet could be where your memories are made. This boutique hotel features an Africology spa, state-of-the-art gym and choice of three swimming pools surrounded by gardens. If you can drag yourself away from the pampering, there are plenty of historic sites to visit in SA’s fourth oldest town and mesmerising natural beauty in nearby Camdeboo National Park.