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 your BFFs with unique gifts that are thoughtful and, most importantly, functional. Here are our picks:
1. CUSTOMISED WINE
If your bridesmaids are vino lovers, buy them each a bottle of their favourite varietal with a ‘Thank you for being my bridesmaid’ label. They’ll no doubt enjoy the wine, but it’ll also be a sweet gesture they’ll want to display on their mantelpiece for years to come.
2. MONOGRAMMED COMPACT
A make-up compact is incredibly useful, yet something women hardly ever buy for themselves. Add a personal touch by embossing it with the bridesmaid’s initials.
3. SCREEN-PRINTED TOTE BAG
Tote bags are relatively inexpensive, and you can customise them to your heart’s content.
4. LIPSTICK
Every girl needs a signature lippie, right? Spoil your girls with a trip to a make-up shop to help them find a go-to colour that best suits their complexion, which they can sport on the day of the wedding.
5. BRIDESMAID EMERGENCY KIT
Fill a jar or make-up bag with girly essentials such as lip gloss, mints and a perfume sample, along with other handy items such as safety pins, plasters and a sewing kit.
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…
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.
Kristin Breytenbach and Nicky Rossouw roped in their families for a modest-meets-rustic wedding in the heart of the Cape Winelands. THE VENUE Winery Road Forest was a dream…
Your veil doesn’t just have to be a piece of chiffon you plonk on your head, these statement veils have become the ultimate piece for the chic bride this season.
1. CATHEDRAL
The most dramatic of all the veils, with a minimum length of 2.5 m. The veil usually has plenty of lace and embroidery detail to further enhance the dramatic effect, and can sometimes even have a mantilla finish incorporated on top. It is best worn with an updo or bun that has been tightly secured, as the veil can be heavy!
2. CAPE
This is for you if you’re not a fan of the traditional veil, but still like the idea of having one. A cape is worn over the shoulders, and the possibilities for hairstyles are countless, as there are no restrictions. For a sophisticated look, go for a topknot or sleek ballerina bun; for a more Boho feel, opt for loose, textured curls.
3. FINGERTIP
The fingertip veil comes down to just where your fingertips are when your arms are relaxed. Best worn with a delicate updo or low ponytail so that the veil can be clipped into the back and still reach the fingertips. For a softer effect, hold the veil in place higher on your head with a headpiece so that it falls softly over your shoulders like loose curls.
4. BLUSHER
This is the part of the veil that covers the face, and comes in different lengths and styles. Although the more traditional option is to keep the blusher short, other styles use it to more dramatic effect, such as a longer-length veil with an equally long blusher. This veil works well with any soft, romantic hairstyle whether a low bun with loose strands or hair worn completely down. Stay away from a high ballerina bun, as you want to avoid having volume on top of your head. It can be held in place with an Alice band or tiara, but can also be delicately draped over your head if the edges have heavier finishes to weigh it down.
5. BALLET/WALTZ
This veil falls between the calves and ankles. It’s longer and more dramatic than a fingertip veil, but shorter and easier to dance in than a floor-length option. Best for a shorter hairstyle or a lower updo, where it can be clipped in securely.