From beach wedding to elegant affair, the plethora of themes brides choose for their big day is often mind-boggling. Here, we break down looks for you – and your man – for the six most common wedding themes.
1 Black Tie Do
When the invitation reads ‘Dress Code: Black Tie’, you know it’s time to amp up the glam factor. A satin mermaid gown in a regal shade such as deep blue, teamed with strings of pearls, is an effortlessly elegant option. Complete the look with a sleek updo and a classic, red lip. Make sure your beau looks the part too by having him follow in James Bond’s footsteps and donning a tuxedo. For a distinctive touch, he could wear a white jacket instead, or a white shirt with a black stripe along the side of the buttoned placket.
2 Mexican Fiesta
To the Mexicans, life is one big party overflowing with pops of vivid hues and vibrant patterns. Show your zest for life in a maxi dress covered in an intricate floral print. A flowy dress brings a hint of feminine flair yet is comfy enough to last you throughout a long night of dancing. Who says guys need to stick to a blazer in a neutral colour? A jewel-toned one is a fun alternative that can be accessorised with a uniquely textured hat. If he prefers a blazer in a subdued shade, he may jazz it up with a patterned scarf.
3 Country Fete
When venturing out to a beautiful farm area, you can forego the ball gown in favour of an understated, chiffon cocktail dress. Pair it with a cute top sporting cut-out shapes and add a simple pendant necklace to complement the top’s details. You’ll probably be walking through grass or on gravel roads, so flat shoes such as brogues are best. Men will look spiffy in a plaid or tweed waistcoat that can be dressed down with a casual sweater worn underneath it. A beret, much like those worn by English countryside natives, will round off the ensemble.
4 Indian Jamboree
As stunning as saris may be, most of us don’t have the knack to seamlessly drape one of them around our bodies. Try a churidar instead, which is essentially a dress-like top worn over skinny pants. Like the Mexicans, Indians are fond of embracing bright shades and loads of embellishments – even in menswear! Your S.O can clothe himself like an Eastern prince in a kurta, a two-piece outfit with a fairly long jacket and pants, which can often be just as ornate as any women’s look.
5 Beach Soirée
The wind in your hair and sand between your toes creates a relaxed vibe that can be reflected in what you wear. A lightweight kaftan allows for practicality without compromising on style. If you’d like to add some sparkle, a pair of chandelier earrings will do the trick – not to mention turn a few heads. A beach wedding is pretty much the only kind of nuptial affair where it’s fitting for the boys to whip out a pair of shorts. Skip the boardies though and opt for a tailored pair coupled with a button-down shirt.
6 Bohemian Festivity
Whimsical and free-spirited, a bohemian celebration gives you the chance take more risks with fashion. Try layering a sheer or crocheted slip over an opaque lace-trimmed frock, then dress it up with lipstick in a bold shade and loose waves. If your guy is into fashion, he’ll jump at the chance to don a pair of suspenders with his chinos. Help him pick out one with stripes in different colours to bring out his inner child.
Photography Mariya Georgieva, Rachael Crowe, Saksham Gangwar, Jake Young/Unsplash, Pixabay, Pexels, Courtesy images
When the stars came out to play on the Oscars 2017 red carpet, a selection of them donned exquisite frocks that are definitely fitting for your walk down…
Not sure how your flower girl will fit in with the rest of your retinue? We’ve rounded up some of 2017’s biggest bridal trends to help you dress the little ones on your big day.
1 3D appliqués
Adding a 3D element is a great way of taking the traditional to the next level – while still keeping that timeless elegance.
Oscar de la Renta
2 The bow-back
Incorporate a girly bow on the back of your flower girl’s frock – it combines a cute girly touch with a sophisticated wedding theme.
The Ladybug Collection
3 Prints
Add a splash of colour without going too bright by opting for a print (florals are especially chic).
Oscar de la Renta
4 Ombré
If you want to take a coloured dress a step further, why not go with a two-toned option? It adds an element of fun in a way that’s both sophisticated and feminine.
Joan Calabrese for Mon Cheri
5 Babydoll
Although its beauty lies in its simplicity, a light and airy babydoll dress is the ideal garment for fussy little ones and can be dressed up with hair accessories, garlands and beads.
David’s Bridal
6 Glitter
Everyone loves a little sparkle – especially if they’re under the age of eight! Your little one will feel like a princess in an enchanting dress of glitter or metallics.
Seahorse by Watters
Text Sharné Cupido
Photography pinterest.com/weddingalbumsa
Old-world glamour never goes out of style – in fact, it’s called classic for a reason! Have your groomsmen add pocket squares to their suits to complement your…
Want maximum style for minimal effort? Try your hand at our quick styling tricks for hairstyles that work as hard as you play.
1 The fresh princess
Create carefree beach waves by twisting damp or wet hair up into a coiled bun like model Gigi Hadid. Pin it up high for a modern top knot or at the nape of the neck for a more elegant chignon that you can wear from the beach to the bar. For a more chilled out style, release it when almost dry and shake loose carefree summer tresses. You can also refresh locks the-day-after-the-night-before by spritzing hair at the roots with a dry shampoo and giving it a quick blast of a hair dryer (powerful bathroom hand dryers work too in a pinch).
Style heroes Indola Innova #Style Style Reviver (R253) and Batiste Dry Shampoo Cool & Crisp Fresh (R69.95, get it here).
2 The crimper
Rock a gentle version of on-trend crimping by plaiting sections of hair for an hour or two and then releasing. If you’re in a rush you can also seal the deal quickly by pressing each braided piece between a hair straightener for a few seconds. Not bold enough for a full head? Use just one or two sections of plaiting intermittently through hair, which you can release later in the day for a crimped effect.
Style heroes ghd Style Heat Protect Spray (R180) and ghd Platinum Styler (R2 899).
3 The city slicker
For that just-stepped-out-of-the-water sleekness, there’s nothing better than smooth, gelled-back hair. This look is so hot right now, and so perfect for summer. Comb hair back sleekly with a clear gel to keep the top smooth, then apply a bit of cream or conditioner to the lengths of the hair to maintain softness.
Style heroes L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Hot & Sleek (R80) and label.m Gel (R315).
Text Lauren Watters
Photography popsugar.com.au, glamour.com, allure.com, IG @gigihadid, courtesy images
Blush is a wonder product as it can instantly brighten up the face and it’s definitely the one make-up item I’d like to have with me if I…
We’re lucky enough to live in a country with the most incredible romantic getaways, often just a short road trip away. Here’s a round-up of some of our penny-pinching favourites.
Words Jill Kayton and Zainab Slemang
Die Rondekraal, Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm, Northern Cape
Best for wide, open spaces that burst into a riot of colour in spring, and stargazing at night.
Situated on a private farm outside Nieuwoudtville, ‘the bulb capital of the world’, Die Rondekraal is a stone and thatch cottage that oozes charm.
Who goes there? Nature lovers with a taste for culture and heritage.
Must try Sundowners overlooking the waterfall at the edge of Papkuilsfontein’s spectacular 180m canyon and an informative guided tour of the San rock art on the farm.
Good to know The cottage is well equipped for a self-catering honeymoon, but you can also order two- or three-course dinners delivered piping hot to your door (and judging by the rave reviews on TripAdvisor, we’d suggest you do!).
Rates R395 pp sharing; two- and three-course dinners from R180–R240 pp
Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm, Nieuwoudtville
+27 (0)27 218 1246
www.papkuilsfontein.com
Little Willow Brooke, Franschhoek, Western Cape
Best for a romantic bolt-hole within walking distance of Franschhoek’s culinary hub.
Situated above a bubbling stream in a thicket of willow and oak trees, Little Willow Brooke is a Cape-styled country cottage with all the trimmings: think tin roof, wonky terracotta paving and rough whitewashed walls.
Who goes there? Foodie couples who want to experience the buzz of Franschhoek, with somewhere quiet to cosy up at the end of a busy day of eating and drinking.
Must try A dip in your own private plunge pool and a picnic on the grassy verge down by the river.
Good to know Pop into the surrounding wine farms for a leisurely tasting and bring home your favourite vintage to enjoy with a braai on your stoep or next to the fireplace inside.
Rates R750 per couple per night
Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
+27 (0)83 321 7008
www.littlewillowbrooke.co.za
Crawfords Beach Lodge, Chintsa, Eastern Cape
Best for a four-star beach honeymoon.
Situated in the seaside village of Chintsa, 40 km from East London on the Wild Coast.
Who goes there? Honeymooners looking for an all-inclusive tropical escape, without having to board a plane.
Must try Long beach walks, lazing by the pool with sweeping views down to the beach, dining on delicious, fresh seafood at the lodge’s restaurant … there’s no end to activities for post-wedding relaxation. Top of our books is a visit to Senses @ Crawfords, where the professional therapist will banish any residual stress with a Swedish massage, to be followed by a glass of bubbly in the jacuzzi.
Good to know Choose a sea-facing, front-row room for the best views.
Rates Seven-night, all-inclusive honeymoon packages start at R4 975 pp. While that’s a little over our pocket-friendly minimoons benchmark, it does include unlimited local drinks and three meals a day, which add up to a pretty sweet deal.
42 Steenbras Drive, Chintsa East
+27 (0)43 738 5000
www.crawfordsbeachlodge.co.za
Platbos Log Cabins, Rawsonville, Western Cape
Best for a peaceful and secluded waterside getaway.
Situated on a private farm, cradled by mountains in the breathtaking Slanghoek Valley in Rawsonville, just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
Who goes there? Eco-travellers who don’t want to sacrifice style and comfort.
Must try Fishing for bass from the outside deck of your cabin, with a cold drink in hand and nothing but the call of the fish eagle to break the silence.
Good to know There is no electricity, but the kitchen is fully equipped with gas appliances and the cabin has battery-operated solar lights. To get to the cabins, you need a 4×4 or raised vehicle (something with decent ground clearance).
Rates R1 380 per cabin per night
Slanghoek Road, Rawsonville
+27 (0)23 344 3138
www.platboslogcabins.co.za
Ndiza Lodge & Cabanas, St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal
Best for the incredible diversity of wetlands and wildlife
Situated near the Umfolozi River mouth in St Lucia, a World Heritage Site.
Who goes there? Adventure-loving couples.
Must try A sunset boat cruise on Lake St Lucia estuary, home to an abundance of wildlife, including hippos and crocs.
Good to know Ndiza really knows how to treat newly-weds – apart from a complimentary three-course seafood meal served with wine at a private candlelit table, honeymooning couples will also receive a voucher for a two-night stay on their first anniversary.
Rates From R495 pps per night, including breakfast
153 Hornbill Street, St Lucia
+27 (0)35 590 1113
www.ndizastlucia.co.za
Magoebaskloof Getaway, Haenertsburg, Limpopo
Best for a rustic and relaxed mountainside escape
Situated in Magoebaskloof near Haenertsburg and Tzaneen, a three-hour drive from Pretoria. Book one of the three self-catering log cabins on the dam, backed by indigenous forest. Camping and caravanning sites are also available.
Who goes there? Active couples keen on hiking, fly-fishing and birdwatching.
Must try Pick up a map at reception and follow the two- to three-hour trail to the top of the farm, stopping en route for a refreshing shower under a crystal-clear waterfall.
Good to know Fly-fishing permits are available free to guests staying over – you only pay for the trout or bass you take home.
Rates From R650 per cabin per night
R71, Haenertsburg, Limpopo
+27 (0)83 449 7024
www.magoebaskloofgetaway.co.za
La Roca Guest House, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
Best for exploring the nearby Kruger National Park and the incredible natural wonders of the Panorama Route.
Situated in a large subtropical garden adjoining Nelspruit Nature Reserve, La Roca is a four-star boutique guest house providing luxurious accommodation in tastefully decorated rooms.
Who goes there? Discerning travellers who appreciate value for money and above-par hospitality.
Must try Take a self-drive tour of the Panorama Route, stopping to marvel at the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and the Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Unwind after a day’s sightseeing with G&Ts at La Roca’s glorious pool, with uninterrupted views over the reserve.
Good to know Mpumalanga’s capital city, Nelspruit, hosts the popular InniBos arts festival every year in July, attracting more than 200 musicians, actors and artists and some 100 000 spectators.
Rates From R1 000 per room per night, including breakfast.
56 Van Wijk Street, Nelspruit
+27 (0)13 752 6628
www.laroca.co.za