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    When it comes to weddings, every bride dreams of looking flawless as she walks down the aisle. But the big question is: should you do your own makeup or trust a professional stylist? In South Africa, where weddings can range from intimate garden ceremonies to grand luxury affairs, the decision often comes down to budget, confidence, and personal style.

    The Case for Doing Your Own Makeup

    Sourced: Canva

    If you’re someone who feels confident with a makeup brush, doing your own makeup might be a cost-effective and empowering choice.

    Pros:

    • Budget-friendly: Perfect for brides who are cutting costs in 2025’s tighter wedding economy.

    • Personal control: You know exactly what products work for your skin and what look makes you feel beautiful.

    • Practice makes perfect: With trial runs, you can perfect your wedding-day look well in advance.

    Cons:

    • Stress factor: On the morning of your wedding, nerves can make even the steadiest hands shaky.

    • No backup plan: If something goes wrong—like a smudged eyeliner—you may not have time to fix it.

    • Less polished: Even skilled DIY brides may not achieve the long-lasting, camera-ready finish that professionals deliver.

    The Case for Hiring a Professional Stylist

    Sourced: Canva

    Professional makeup artists bring experience, creativity, and calm to your wedding day preparations.

    Pros:

    • Expertise: Trained in working with different skin tones, textures, and wedding-day lighting.

    • Stress-free: You can sit back, relax, and enjoy being pampered while someone else ensures you look radiant.

    • High-quality products: Pros often use premium, long-wear products that keep your makeup intact through tears, heat, and hours of celebration.

    Cons:

    • Cost: Hiring a professional can be pricey, especially for bridal parties.

    • Less control: You’ll need to communicate your preferences clearly to avoid a look that doesn’t feel like “you.”

    • Availability: Popular artists in South Africa get booked months (sometimes years) in advance.

    Finding the Balance

    Many brides are now choosing a hybrid approach, doing their own makeup for pre-wedding events like the bridal shower or rehearsal, and hiring a professional for the big day itself. This way, you save money but still enjoy the polished, stress-free look for your wedding photos and ceremony.

    The choice between doing your own makeup and hiring a professional stylist ultimately depends on your budget, confidence, and vision. Whether you’re a DIY queen or prefer the pampering touch of a pro, what matters most is that you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your special day.

    Featured Image: Canva

    We may not all have our finger on the pulse of pop culture, but celebrity red carpet and wedding looks are a great form of inspiration. With your bridal glam look located on an already long list of to-dos, why not simplify things by allowing your favourite celebrity to be your muse.

    We’ve rounded up 6 celebrities that have left us giddy with inspiration:

    Dakota Johnson 

    The 50 shades of grey actress left us mesmerised with this romantic look. Keep things casual with a half-up, half-down hairstyle, while sporting a neutral makeup palette, rosy blush, a few subtle pink hues, and a beautiful bold lip.

    Picture: Getty Images

    Demi Lavato

    You’re not looking for subtle, you’re looking for wow! If bold is what you’re after,  then opt for darker tones to help you get that beautiful vintage look. Select a bold smokey eye or let your lips be the star of the show and grab a softer shade for your eyes. Pair this glam look with old Hollywood waves and you’ll have a look that’s gorgeous for brides planning a winter wedding.

    Picture: Getty Images

    Adele 

    Who doesn’t want their makeup to look as gorgeous as Adeles? The songstress is famous for her winged eyeliner, a winner for many brides these days, but blend and layer your eyeshadow for a more glamorous look. Darker brows add a pop of colour while false eyelashes will have your soon-to-be husband swooning.

    Picture: Getty Images

    Leslie Rose

    The Game of Thrones star looked like an angel on her wedding day, opting for natural makeup that let her gorgeous face do all the talking. A flower crown for that extra bit of magic and shades of pink for her cheeks and lips were the perfect combination.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Priyanka Chopra 

    Priyanka Chopra may have had multiple outfit changes during her three-day wedding to Nick Jonas, but the actress looked absolutely stunning in this bold and beautiful outfit at her Mumbai wedding reception. She paired her dark red lip with neutral eyeshadow for a bit of sultry romance. She finished the look with her locks flowing over her shoulders, but this look can be paired with an up-do.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Meghan Markle

    She may not be the future queen of England, but Meghan Markle looked like an absolute queen on her wedding day. The royal rocked a natural look with a low chignon which was parted down the middle. Rosy lips, dewy skin and a headband fit for… well, a royal.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Feature Image: Pinterest

    There’s something truly special about an unabashedly feminine look on your wedding day. Take a cue from these timeless hair and make-up trends for that quintessential dreamy look.

    Twiggy Lashes 

    To create this doe-eyed look, focus on defining both top and bottom lash lines by loading your lashes with mascara. Fill in any gaps and add volume with individual lashes.

    wedding make-up trends

    Red Velvet 

    There is a reason red is the colour of love, and when it comes to wearing it, it’s all about choosing the perfect texture. Not as shiny as creamy lipstick, but not as dry as a matte version, a velvet lip is a beautiful in-between texture that is extremely wearable with a decadent edge.

    wedding make-up trends
    Picture: Pinterest

    Wing It

    When it comes to wearing winged eyeliner, the most important thing to keep in mind is your eye shape and what suits you best. The win should lift your outer eye corner, creating a flattering feline shape.

    wedding make-up trends
    Picture: Pinterest

    Glass Skin 

    No obvious sparkly highlighter here, this is more of an overall ‘lit from within’ glow. Start with good skincare leading up to your big day, making exfoliation and hydration your focus.

    wedding make-up trends
    Picture: Pinterest

    Glitter Goddess

    Glitter is one of the biggest trends in make-up right now, appearing everywhere from the runways to the red carpet. It adds that extra glamour to your look when dabbed over cream-textured shadow.

    wedding make-up trends
    Picture: Pinterest

    Read Also: Looking for the perfect wedding dress? Here are a few tips to find ‘the one’