• There’s nothing we love more than receiving a healthy dose of inspiration, especially when it comes to wedding planning. The biggest thing to tick off the to-do list right now? The wedding dress. With so many incredible designers to choose from and endless trends to pour over, it can be tough to settle on a single design.

    Thankfully, you don’t have to. Here are a few incredible wedding dress designs that we can’t get enough of right now:

    Off the shoulder never looked this good

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXy2LjYqjSt/

    Bohemian Flow 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CRV_IH9J8eu/

    Queen-spiration 

     

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    A post shared by ZUHAIR MURAD (@zuhairmuradofficial)

    Pretty, please with a bow on top

     

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    A post shared by ELIE SAAB Bridal (@eliesaabbridal)

    Simplicity

    A Classic

    A Gorgeous Switch-up

     

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    A post shared by Elbeth Gillis (@elbethgillis)

    Picture: @thunderandlove

    When the wedding day rolls around, all eyes will be on you … and your hands. Between intimate shots of you and your handsome {new} husband, everyone fawning over your wedding ring, and the signing of your wedding certificate, your hands will be getting plenty of time in the spotlight.

    And adding a fresh manicure to your wedding to-do list will ensure that your gorgeous nails get a chance to shine. Perhaps a simple French manicure is right up your alley, or moody and bold hues provide a little pop of colour. Here are a few wedding manicure ideas for you to think about:

    Keep it neutral 

    The colour grey should never be underestimated! This colour provides a modern yet elegant twist for your wedding day and gives a pop of colour that isn’t too over the top.

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    Keep it simple, but not too simple

    Adding a nude colour to your nails is a great way to ensure that you keep things simple, choosing to let your wedding gown do all the talking. However, a great way to utilise this trend while still being a little flashy is by incorporating a subtle design such as this gorgeous marble-esque nail design.

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    A touch of gold

    Simple yet oh-so magical. Painted gold foiling is a subtle way to add a little je ne sais quois to your nails and your big day.

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    The single rhinestone 

    Who wouldn’t want to match their engagement ring or wedding band? This bridal manicure trend has been around for a while, so why mess with a classic? This is a wonderful way to include some glitz without the gold to your nails.

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    Romantic reds

    Attention bold brides! If you’re looking to make a statement when it comes to your nails, then this one is for you. Deep reds such as burgundy can be a wonderful way to add colour to your white gown while sprinkling some extra romance to your day.

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    Ombré Away

    Trying out an ombré nail design for your wedding day can be a great way to spice things up without getting too crazy. Stick to neutrals or soft shades if you’re looking to keep it simple.

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    Metallic to rock your world

    Add some extra sparkle to your wedding day with a metallic manicure. A great way to ensure that colours don’t clash is to make sure that your fresh manicure matches your engagement ring or wedding band.

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    Picture: @loreanjewellery

    Basking in the beautifully warm rays of the African sun while walking down the aisle and saying “I do” to your special person sounds magical. For many couples, warmer weather means wedding bells with summer being a favourite season amongst bridal couples looking to get hitched.

    But one of the most important aspects of planning a summer wedding it – hydration, hydration and more hydration. Adding a signature cocktail to your wedding day not only helps your guests to cool off, but a signature cocktail can set the mood. 

    Stumped on which mouth-watering cocktail you should add? Here are five mouth-watering cocktails that your guests will love.

    Coconut Margarita
    Photo: With Salt and Wit

    Whether your beachside or on a wine farm, this creamy addition will transport your tastebuds to the ocean thanks to the coconut milk, water and fresh squeeze of lime. Get the recipe here.

    Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade
    Photo: Life as a Strawberry

    Lemonade screams: “summer is here!” But this blackberry and whiskey lemonade drink will certainly wow guests and become an instant hit. Get the recipe here

    Rum Orange Swizzle
    Photo: Jelly Toast Blog

    When we think of rum and orange were immediately reminded of the turquoise waters and white-sandy beaches of a tropical island. There’s no question that this drink will transport your guests to their favourite tropical destination in the world. Get the recipe here.

    Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade
    Photo Cooking Classy

    Another lemonade winner, this time with raspberry. This delicious cocktail packs a summery punch thanks to the raspberries and lemonade – yum!  Swap the sparkling water for some sparkling wine. Get the recipe here.

    Frozen watermelon margarita
    Photo: BBC Food

    Watermelon is a staple during summer, so why can’t it be a staple at your wedding too? This tantalising summer cocktail blends frozen watermelon and tequila, bringing to life something your guests will never forget. Get the recipe here.

    Cucumber Lime Basil Sparkling Spritzer
    Photo: Food52

    Cucumber slices, basil leaves, and sparkling wine – this is what makes a refreshing drink! This is the perfect cocktail addition to any wedding if you’re not looking for something too sweet. Get the recipe here, swapping Preseco for your favourite bottle of sparkling wine.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Your wedding day is often a mix of excitement and anxiety, with stress thrown in for good measure. Unfortunately, uncomfortable bloating, a few panic attacks and unexpected energy dips may also rear their unnecessary heads. 

    If there’s one thing that any bride wants to feel, it’s great – especially when you feel the glare of countless eyeballs on you. Whether you imagine it as the day of your dreams or the start of an incredible journey, here are six tips to leave you feeling your best on your big day. 

    Grab a cup of lemon water

    Hot water and a squeeze of lemon is the miracle cure to bloating. It also offers a natural way to boost alertness and energy – who knew! Lemon is also bursting with vitamin C and is a great immune booster (you hear that COVID!) Along with all these incredible benefits, it will also help you stay hydrated throughout the day, so make sure that you sip on a glass or two. 

    Don’t forget to eat

    Saying “I do” can be overwhelming with your wedding day going by in a blur. If there’s anything that you take from this article it’s this – don’t forget to eat! Indulge in a few healthy snacks and good food throughout the day to keep your energy levels up and squash those nerves. Loading up on veggies, proteins and some healthy snacks will ensure that you steer clear of those sugary snacks and carbs, which are known to spike sugar levels and cause you to lose energy quicker. 

    Handy essential oils 

    There are so many benefits to having your favourite essential oils handy. Energy crashes and anxiety be gone, thanks to a few sniffs of lavender and peppermint essential oils. Put a few drops on your pulse points or take a few sniffs, including a few bottles of oils in your clutch will offer you a natural way to boost energy and calm your nerves. 

     

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    Trade coffee for green tea

    Is green tea the best tasting beverage? No, but it will leave you a lot less jittery than consuming five cups of coffee. Green tea is teeming with antioxidants and caffeine, ensuring that you get your energy and have glowing skin. A few other benefits? It helps with that pesky bloating and it also contains the amino acid L-theanine which promotes relaxation. We see no downsides!

    Exchange letters with your soon-to-be husband

    Your big day can go by in a whirl, and while you’ll have a ton of beautiful photos, there’s nothing that stops time quite like a handwritten love letter. Consider writing heartfelt letters to each other to help wash the jitters away. There’s nothing quite as magical as reading a letter from your person and cracking a smile. Plus, it’s bound to fill your day with love!

    Surround yourself with people you trust 

    Last, but not least is surrounding yourself with loved ones on your big day. We all know that wedding planning is stressful and the last thing you need is negativity. If those around you aren’t wiping away tears of joy, then be sure to cut a few people from the guest list. This is your special day, so make sure that you surround yourself with judgement-free and positive energy – only! 

    Picture: Finn and the Fox Photography