Whether you’re a metrosexual, moustachioed man or a couldn’t-be-bothered bearded bro, our ultimate grooming guide will have you looking dapper on your big day.
BACK TO BASICS
If you haven’t started investing in a solid skincare regime yet, the day you get engaged is the perfect time to start. Begin by washing your face correctly with a good-quality cleanser, add a biweekly exfoliation into your routine, and nourish your skin with a moisturiser that suits your skin type and contains an SPF for daily sun protection. Speaking of hydration, up your water intake to eight glasses a day for a clearer, more radiant complexion come the big day.
We recommend:
Dermalogica Daily Defense Block SPF15
Clinique For Men Oil Control Exfoliating Tonic
Nivea Men Active Energy Face Wash Gel
CLOSE SHAVE
The only way you’re going to find your stubble sweet spot is by testing it out before the wedding. Shave a few times and take note of how long it takes for your beard to grow to a length you’re happy with for the ceremony. An unruly, scruffy beard is never a good look, so trim it slightly more than you usually would for a clean look (and to keep your bride smiling) on the day.
We recommend:
Philips Series 7000 Wet And Dry Shaver
GO PRO
If you’re wary of trimming and styling your own stubble, why not gather your groomsmen and treat yourself to a hot-towel shave ahead of your wedding? Chat to your trusty barber about both your hair and fuzz options, including how close to the wedding you should have your final haircut and shave – all depending on your typical growth and proneness to irritation.
EYES ON THE PRIZE
Maybe you hit the bar a bit heavy at the bachelor party and your peepers are far from sparkling. Sit for a few minutes with ice packs on your eyes (cold cucumber slices work too, in a pinch), and then follow with redness-reducing eye drops and a soothing under-eye gel.
We recommend:
Clarins Men Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum
TOP TO TOE
Don’t forget about your hands and feet – they deserve a good pampering too. Book a men’s mani-pedi at a salon a few days before the wedding. Your bride will be impressed at your attention to detail, and we bet you’ll love the feel of well-kept fingertips and soft skin. Use a dollop of hand cream on the day to prep your mitts to ensure plenty of hand-holding.
We recommend:
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector
GRIN AND BARE IT
Consider getting your teeth cleaned and whitened a few weeks before the wedding, especially if you are a big coffee drinker, red-wine lover or smoker. For a cheaper alternative, add a dentist-approved whitening toothpaste to your brushing routine a few months before the day.
SCENT AND SENSIBILITY
There are few things worse than a groom who reeks of cheap cologne, so be sure to choose your fragrance wisely and apply sparingly. Already have a signature scent? Go with that, or shop around a few weeks before the day to find something special. We recommend a lighter scent (one with ‘green’ notes of herbs and zesty citrus) as opposed to an overly masculine one with strong woody notes.
We recommend:
Chanel Allure Homme Sport EDT
BROW NOW
Tame those caterpillars by plucking any errant hairs a few days before your wedding. Focus only on removing the rogue hairs between your eyes. Leave the ones above your brows and inside the inner or outer-eye lines alone – plucking these is overkill.
We recommend:
Studio Basics Slant Tip Tweezer
Set in the picturesque town of Port Alred and along the Sunshine Coast, the Royal St Andrews Hotel prides itself on its luxury service and beautiful facilities. With…
This summer’s nail trends are keeping it simple and feminine with pastels, glitter, nudes and a few bold details. Incorporate one of these 5 gorgeous summer nail trends for a glamorous feel on your big day.
1. NUDES
Simple, neutral and oh-so-sophisticated, nude shades bring a subtle elegance to your look. Pair with shimmery jewellery and bold make-up for added flair.
2. METALLICS
Make a shining statement with tinted metallic shades to suit your wedding theme.
3. MARBLE
The marbled effect will give your bridal look an elegant and modern touch, one that you’ll definitely want to try again.
4. PASTEL
Soft pastel shades matched with delicate details will always be a winner for a bride. Pinks, blues and lilacs make lovely summer options.
5. RED
Make classic bright red your colour for the day, and have your nails shaped into a bold and daring style for an extra sultry statement.
Images: Pinterest
Sun? Check! Sand? Check! Sexy selfies? Check! When it comes to a beach holiday, Durban ticks all the boxes – year-round! And the stunning four-star Belaire Suites Hotel…
From simple design to styles with flair, this season sees wedding cake trends that flaunt colour, details and texture perfect for a summer wedding.
1. RUFFLED
Trends from the fashion world are making their way to the foodie scene, with ruffles giving cakes a lovely textured look that is unique. This look already creates a light and fluffy style that is simple and elegant and doesn’t need much more decorating.
2. A TRIO OF CAKES
Following Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding, couples are taking inspiration from their magnificent cake which sat in a trio instead of the usual tiered layer. This creates a slightly more casual look, but also allows for more variation. You can have three different styles and flavours!
3. NAKED
The naked cake trend continues to be a popular option for couples who want a more rustic theme for their big day. You can be playful with fillings and flavours and top it with fresh summer fruit to inject a bit of freshness
4. A TOUCH OF ART
Adding an artistic touch to your decor, theme and food is a big trend this year, and what better way to show your love for art than with a hand-painted wedding cake? With a simple tiered cake as your canvas and a few added details, you can have any kind of design to fit your style.
5. PUT A NAME ON IT
Another trend derived from a royal wedding is the newlywed’s initials placed on to the cake. Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank had their initials monogrammed around the bottom tier of their cake, which has led couples to bring back this sentimental trend.
Images: Pinterest
Surrounded by their nearest and dearest, Ané Bartleman and Marius Eksteen celebrated their special day on a sprawling estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. THE VENUE We scoured the…
If you’re someone who doesn’t like to play by the rules, then DIY paper flowers will be ideal for you. You also won’t have to worry about wilting, watering or the fear of a guest knocking over an arrangement, not to mention the amount of money you’ll save!
1. Crepe paper bouquet
2. Paper flower initial
3. Tissue paper centrepiece
4. Paper flower backdrop
5. Paper flower crown
Images: Pinterest