Incorporating Mzansi flavour into your wedding is a lovely way to pay homage to your country or family. Whatever your heritage, here are some of the best ways to stay proudly South African on your big day.
1. A SENSE OF CEREMONY
Are there poems, quotes or vows that are particular to your heritage or culture? Incorporate them into your ceremony and make sure to emphasise them in your programme. You could even elaborate on the origin and history of the words you include or ask whoever is marrying you to add these anecdotes as well.
2. YOUR ATTIRE
Is there a specific colour or print that has meaning in your family? Try and include it in a subtle way, for example, maybe a hairpin, brooch, pocket square or even a pair of shoes in a colour or pattern that represents your particular heritage.
3. THE FOOD
How about serving welcome drinks infused with flavours of well-known South African herbs and plants? Think buchu gin, geranium cordial, rooibos iced tea … the options are endless. And when it comes to food, traditional doesn’t have to mean boring. There are many ways you can transform much-loved homestyle dishes – from bredie to braai – into appetising, intricate canapés and sophisticated mains.
4. FLOWERS & DECOR
South Africa is blessed with an abundance of unique, exquisite flora. Instead of trying to get hold of exotic plants and flowers, try using indigenous, seasonal ones that are found in your hometown. Proteas, strelitzias and succulents can look striking paired with simple greenery, and will be a much more cost-effective option too! Consider texture as well: wooden, woven or African-print table runners and underplates work well when combined with minimalist elements.
5. THE MUSIC
A wedding playlist is very personal and should include songs from some of your favourite moments together. Add a little twist by including a traditional song somewhere in the playlist – whether it be during your first dance or when people are grooving on the dance floor later.
From the table settings to the dance floor, let your wedding signage be as playful, stylish or whimsical as you are! 1. IN LOVE WITH THE DANCE FLOOR…
Celebrate in the warm glow of candlelight and seal your love with a kiss beneath a star-studded sky wearing a non-traditional bridal gown in moody, midnight shades.
Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; veil and headpiece, both Olivelli
Dress, Stefania Morland; cape, Suzaan Heyns
Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; headpiece, Olivelli
Bridal bouquet, Fleur le Cordeur; dress, Suzaan Heyns; heels, Aldo
Bodysuit, Woolworths; veil, Suzaan Heyns; headband, Lovisa; feathers, stylist’s own
Dress and veil, both Olivelli
Dress, Stefania Morland; cape, Suzaan Heyns; headband, Lovisa
Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; flower crown, H&M; bracelet, Accessorize
Dress, Danielle Margaux; shoes, Aldo
Fashion: Rochelle Malherbe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson/HSMimages.co.za
*This look book was created for Wedding Album 2016-1; products may no longer be available and are subject to availability.
Oh-so cute! These DIY wedding favour bags will do double duty as table activities for younger guests and takeaway bags for sweet treats. WHAT YOU’LL NEED Gift bags…
Infuse your wedding decor with a spirit of adventure, incorporating shades of desert sand in beige, khaki and ochre.
TIP: Fruitcake travels well – s0 send your guests home with a slice in a pretty box.
Cakes, Dilley’s Cakes and Cupcakes
Silver platter gold cake server to hire, both Check My China; home-made marshmallows, MaMère Confections
Oval platter to hire, Check My China; boutonnière, Fleur le Cordeur
TIP: Play with contrasts to create depth and interest – mix textured linen and raw terracotta, smooth porcelain and wonky ceramics, fleshy succulents and thorny branches.
Linen napkins to hire, Plush Props; cups and bronze-rimmed dinner plates, all Mervyn Gers Ceramics; floral arrangements, Fleur le Cordeur
TIP: Look for fabric swatches with African patterns for inspiration
Wedding invitation, thank-you tag, name tags and venue map, all Seven Swans; desert rocks to hire, Propeller Props
White side plate to hire, Plush Props; rose-gold fork to hire, Check My China; cake, Dilley’s Cakes and Cupcakes
Aqua espresso saucer and white espresso saucer, Mervyn Gers Ceramics; terracotta snack bowls R4 to hire, Check My China; white plates and mini pot-pie pot to hire, all Plush Props
TIP: A wooden tabletop (painted in Plascon Orange You Glad) + water-based paints + potato stamps = endless design possibilities!
Karoo dining chair with matt gold ribbon seat, Pierre Cronje; floral centrepiece, Fleur le Cordeur; dinner plate with bronze edging, Mervyn Gers Ceramics; white side plate and linen napkin to hire, both Plush Props; name tag, Seven Swans; slender cup, Mervyn Gers Ceramics; green glass and copper cutlery from to hire, Check My China; terracotta jug to hire, Propeller Props
Decor: Shannon Daniell
Photography: Andreas Eiselen/hsmimages.co.za
*Products subject to availability
Your make-up is arguably one of the most important aspects of your wedding day – besides your dress and hubby-to-be, of course. There are a number of questions…
Having your nails done for your wedding day doesn’t mean your go-to choice has to be a French manicure. We know that it’s a timeless classic, but there are alternative trends that can definitely up your game. So we’ve put together these amazing nail ideas for the modern bride.
1. EMBELLISHED CUTICLES
This detailed look will immediately draw the eye to the cuticle, so first thing’s first, make sure they are in tip-top condition. Once that’s done, a neutral base in nudes, sorbet hues or even grey is key in making sure the detailing around your cuticle stands out. Apply your embellishment either to where the white crescents of your nails are or around your nail bed. You can use anything from silver glitter and gold polish to little gems. Just make sure it’s minimal and neat.
2. A GRAPHIC FRENCH MANI
Taking inspiration from the classic French, this graphic version incorporates colours and alternative designs for a modern revamp. Keep the length of your nails shorts and try to stick to only one or two colours in addition to your base coat. We love the idea of ivory with rose gold tips (to match your jewellery) as a perfect bridal look.
3. LADYLIkE NEUTRALS
Nothing screams ‘lady’ quite like a solid polish in a beautiful neutral shade. File your nails to an almond or oval shape, for an elongating effect, and coat them neatly with a rosy nude, a crisp white, a purply grey or a warm beige. This is soft and feminine and won’t take away from any of the other striking details in your overall look.
4. MODERN METALLICS
This creates an elegant and fun style that you can play with and alter according to how much bling you can handle. Try a solid coat in a pearlescent hue with a single vertical metallic stripe for a modest look, or go for a full-on gold foil over your base coat.
Photography: pinterest.com