2021 has been a rollercoaster ride filled with alcohol bans, gathering restrictions and rushing home from your friend’s home to make sure you don’t miss curfew. But finally, spring is in the air, and there are plenty of incredible spring wedding trends to admire.
The wedding industry may still be feeling the effects of the pandemic, and it’s evident in the trends for spring. Think smaller guest lists, more intimate settings, and fresh decor colours that are sure to liven up 2021 and beyond. It’s all about personal details and adding a non-traditional touch.
Here are a few of the top wedding trends for spring that we can’t get enough of right now:
Fairy lights
Outdoor weddings have become the norm thanks to COVID-19 as it provides a safer option for guests and vendors, with fairy lights and whimsical wedding tents now being added to every bride and groom’s shopping cart. Including twinkle lights in your decor offers a touch of romance and ethereal quality. The combination of drapery from tents and the proper mood lighting is sure to create a sense of brightness and ease for your wedding day.
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A destination wedding with a twist
While we’d all love to spend our wedding day frolicking on the beach of Mauritius, travel has been up in the air lately. So, what do you do? You bring the destination to you, of course! Transformative design is the keyword for 2021 as couples use their favourite destinations to inspire their event’s decor, look, feel and colour palette. Whether it’s the sweet and savoury treats of France or the tropical vibes of Bali, this trend is all about immersing your guests in your favourite destination in the world.
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Simple and intimate
We’re looking to keep things simple in 2021 and that extends to the food and entertainment. More couples are turning to acoustic performances to entertain while guests enjoy an intimate restaurant-style dinner service. Hosting a reception service at your favourite restaurant is a great way to support local businesses, provide guests with good food and spend the evening in a relaxed setting. It may even be a little cheaper than hiring a catering company!
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Quantity vs. quality
There’s no question that 2020 has forced us to re-examine what we find important, and that includes downscaling from quantity to quality. More guests, more flowers, and the biggest wedding cake have all been replaced with a smaller guest list, simple yet beautiful flower arrangements and single-tier cakes. Small events will likely be the trend for the foreseeable future, not that we’re complaining.
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Fresh colours
Neutral colour palettes are always an elegant touch, but couples are looking to shake things up with vibey colours that add a breath of fresh air. Bold pops of colour mixed with elegant prints are taking over spring as more couples exchange those “typical” wedding decor ideas for fun and bright colours.
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Picture: laurene_and_the_wolf
It’s been a weird 18-months. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all needed to adjust our lifestyles – sanitise, wear masks, social distance – it’s been an interesting…
Scent is a powerful tool. A fact that was so beautifully proven by Cleopatra, who brought two powerful warlords to their knees through the art of scent.
A scent tells a story, can evoke a memory, or ignite your fight or flight response. Much like how scents can excite or repulse you, the way you smell can encourage those reactions in others. Desire is formed by engaging all the senses, and smell is a key factor. Fragrance is the ultimate accessory, much like wearing a scarf or a dazzling pair of earrings; adorning yourself with the right perfume can make those around you stop and turn.
As German writer Patrick Süskind perfectly surmised in his novel – Perfume: The Story of a Murderer: “Odours have a power of persuasion stronger than that of words, appearances, emotions, or will. The persuasive power of an odour cannot be fended off, it enters into us like breath in our lungs, it fills us up, imbues us totally. There is no remedy for it.”
Aside from the obvious advantage of keeping you smelling good throughout the day, what other reasons could there be to splashing on your favourite perfume? Here are three of our favourites:
Confidence:
Did you know that fragrance can enhance your mood and the way you feel? Fragrance plays a role in eliciting emotion and can include anything from sexy, happy to relaxed. It’s all about how you connect to the scent on an emotional level. The perfect example of this is the Montblanc Legend and Montblanc Explorer.
Legend combines notes of bergamot, lavender, sandalwood and oakmoss to create a contrasting and strong, yet tender, perfume. Bergamot, vetiver and patchouli mingle to produce the woody, aromatic and leathery concoction that is Mont Blanc Legend. All of these elegant and sophisticated notes combine to form a fragrance that exudes a scent of confidence.
A lasting impression:
Only 10% of the impressions you leave on someone are related to the words that you utter, while the rest is hinged on body language and appearance. When you’re feeling confident and in your power people remember this, which can provide a potent first impression. As humans, we utilise our five senses: scent, sight, taste, sound, and touch. Certain scents can trigger our memory, and if you’re wearing the right scent, this will only add to the allure and impact of that all-important first impression.
A unique signature:
Similar to pheromones, everyone has their own unique scent. A person’s fragrance is unique to them, that’s why finding the right one that suits you is so important. There are so many incredible fragrances to choose from that perfectly encompass an individual’s personality. There’s no question that finding this level of individuality through scent can influence confidence and self-esteem.
Picture/s: Supplied
South Africa’s favourite city of oaks, Stellenbosch, is pulling out the stops for gardeners and lovers of the great outdoors in a new, week-long festival that will transform…
Over the last year, director and head designer George Stander has dedicated much headspace to his brand, his business and what the future holds. It was during this time that he became very nostalgic about his younger days; a time when he spent most of his days surrounded by his family.
This got George thinking about how important a role his family played in his life, who he is today and, by extension, what his business has become. As an ode to his family, George decided to do something calculated but drastic: he decided to rebrand his business. Geo by George is now Leocé Luxury Couture.
A culmination of names in George’s family, Leocé is truly a brand for women of every age, producing garments that can be dressed up for formal occasions or that all-important business meeting but can also be dressed down for a casual dinner with loved ones.
“My roots are the essence of my whole being. As a family, we may be different in many ways, but we have one thing in common – love,” says George.
“With this big change comes one big promise: I will continue to design and produce luxury garments of the highest quality. This is something that will never change.”
Visit www.leocecouture.com for further information, or to shop the brand’s collection of formal dresses, wedding dresses, sleepwear and dressing gowns, kimonos and more.
The coronavirus pandemic may have shattered the hearts of countless brides-to-be, but that shouldn’t put a damper on throwing an epic bridal shower. From drive-by baby showers to…
There is no end to South Africa’s beauty. The country is blessed with stunning natural scenery from coast and mountains to the bustling city and relaxing Cape Winelands.
If you’re on the market for your dream venue, look no further. We’ve compiled some of our favourite locations across the country that will be the perfect backdrop to your big day
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Down to earth with a rich history and winemaking tradition, Blaauwklippen is one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch. Pick from the Manor House Lawn, Manor House Terrace, the Greenhouse and The Cathedral for your big day.
Visit their website for more info HERE.
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Old-world charm and elegant heritage awaits you at Le Jardin Villa in Stellenbosch. Take a step back in time into romance and wonder at Le Grand Jardin’s Looking Glasshouse. A giant tree stands in the centre of the glasshouse, giving you the ultimate ‘Secret Garden’ atmosphere.
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This award-winning venue is truly a masterpiece to behold. Set between luscious and natural forests on the edge of Cullinan, Lace on Timber perfectly pairs french industrial details with romantic finishes.
Visit their website for more info HERE.
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A fairytale setting in the heart of Johannesburg, Shepstone Gardens mixes old-world glamour with modern finishes to give you the best of both worlds. On the grounds are an on-site chapel, a glass marquee, and a grand hall. The on-site chapel has intricate stone walls, large stained-glass windows and a stunning glass roof that screams opulence and whimsy.
Visit their website for more info HERE.
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Go for glamour at La Paris Estate in Stellenbosch. From the marbled floor and antique chandeliers to the regal wine tanks surrounding the estate, this location is guaranteed to take your guests’ breaths away.
Visit their website for more info HERE.
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At the foot of the Waaihoek Mountain, situated in the beautiful Breede Valley lies Bosjes, a working Cape Dutch farm meets hotel and bistro. The glass-walled chapel features a unique curved roof, making it appear as if the building rests on the body of water.
Visit their website for more info HERE.
Picture: Pexels