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Accessories

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While it seems like a minor detail, the bridal bouquet is no small task. Flowers seem more simple than they truly are, and picking the perfect set of blooms becomes complicated.

You have to ensure that it matches and suits your wedding gown, it should fit the atomosphere in general, and all of this needs to be done on a budget. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, worry not. You’re not alone!

Here are some tips to help you pick your bridal bouquet:

– Dress first

Since your flowers need to match your dress, having a picture of the dress before you begin your flower shopping will ensure the best possible results. The dress will affect what size, shape and type of bouquet a florist will suggest. Picking your dress first makes this a much easier task. Additionally, you wouldn’t want to be stuck choosing your dress based on the flowers you chose!

– Think about size and shape 

If your dress is small, a big bouquet with large blossoms will drown out your dress and may even make it look disproportionate. Ensure that you’re opting for the correct size and shape! If you aren’t certain about what the right dimensions are, don’t be afraid to ask your florist, they are happy to assist.

– Research 

Add some images to your Pinterest board, find out the names of the flowers you like the most, and read up on which flowers are in season. If you approach a florist with all of this information, they’ll have a much better idea of what you want and what options are on the table.  They can make suggestions based on the information you have provided.

– Consider your wedding itself 

You want to ensure that the bouquet fits the occasion. It may look a bit confusing if your wedding is very formal and black-tie, but you’ve opted for a more boho-style bouquet.

– Budget

Before you go anywhere or talk to any florists, set your budget. A budget helps you narrow down the list of options, and also ensures you don’t get attached to something you actually can’t have.

– Comfort

This one is important and many often forget to take it into consideration. You’ll be carrying the bouquet all day long. Don’t choose flowers that may be awkward to carry.

Image: Unsplash 

These ain’t your grandma’s pearls. Symbolic of wisdom, pearls have a calming effect and are believed to attract wealth and luck as well as offer protection. With such loaded meaning, this sea gemstone is perfect for a wedding day. Add delicate detail with some well-placed pearls, and you’ll be feeling romantic and elegant in no time.

Take some inspiration from these sophisticated stunners.

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Feature image: Pexels

As everyone knows, detail counts when it comes to your wedding look. The dress and hair might be the main focus but trust us, it is possible to ruin a whole look with something as simple as jewellery. So, since we’ve come full circle and and are now back to the roaring 20s, we take some inspiration from a bygone era for dramatic yet feminine earrings that will complete the look to perfection.

Think bold, heavy, and dark, but always sophisticated and sleek. Stay away from cheap or imitation earrings as this could give a “fake” look you don’t want. Here, take the time to carefully consider the earrings that will match your style and give you rocker flair without overpowering the rest of your outfit.







Image: Pexels 

Accessories finish off your look, so why not go bold with a bridal hat? Bridal hats are definitely having a moment. From the runway to the royal family, we’ve seen this trend be rocked to perfection.

These hats are typically worn pre- or post reception, the best time to truly experiment and have fun with your look. Bridal hats are perfect for summer weddings to shield your face from the sun and hopefully protect your makeup from melting.

Beyond this, bridal hats can be effortlessly chic and classy. Regardless of your wedding theme, theres a style for you. A simple and clean wide-brimmed hat will give you old-school glamour, while a straw-hat adorned with flowers will scream boho luxe.

Take some inspiration from these fashion-forward brides:

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Feature image: Unsplash

Whether you’re a super low-maintenance gal or simply want to cut costs by doing your own bridal make-up on your wedding day, these three easy-to-create looks using RED DOT Cosmetics will ensure you don’t go barefaced.

Watch the full video below then scroll down for the full list of products we’ve used. Bonus: Enter our competition to win a RED DOT Cosmetics product hamper worth R675 here.

Makeup products used in the video above:

Look 1

Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 11 Dark Brown
Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 10 Twisted Brown
Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 09 Nougat
Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 02 Beige
Cosmetics Catchy Eyes Mascara
Cosmetics Velvet Touch Lipstick in 009 Matt Sweetness

Look 2

Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 10 Twisted Brown
Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 11 Dark Brown
Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 12 Dark Grey
Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 05 Grey
Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 06 Plum
Cosmetics Catchy Eyes Mascara
Cosmetics Velvet Touch Lipstick in 159 Boheme

Look 3

Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 02 Beige
Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 11 Dark Brown
Cosmetics Giant Pro Liner
Cosmetics Catchy Eyes Mascara

From the top of your head to the tip of your toes, accessories can make or break a look. Have some fun with a few well-placed pins to take your hair from drab to fab.

Here are some ideas to make sure your hair game is on point on your big day.

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Feature image: Pexels

 

Black, unnoticeable socks for men are boring, even at formal events. In the olden days, if a man’s socks stuck out of his trousers’ pants, eyebrows would rise. Today, men proudly wear bright and colourful socks to formal events to stand out and add a bit of personality. They can decide on a theme or colour scheme and match, or each man can wear his own unique pair.

Here are some ideas for your groom and his groomsmen if they want to take a walk on the wild side!

 

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Image: Instagram/stephanieteagueevents

Why do brides get to have all the fun? There are so many ways for grooms to bring their personality out on their big day that won’t eclipse the proceedings. Once such way is with their boutonnière. Yes, florals are classic, but they’re also expected.

Let your personality shine through with a unique boutonnière that speaks to you and what you love most. Love Star Wars? Have a lightsaber-wielding Darth Vader hold up your florals. Dungeons and Dragons fans can use their dice as a fashion statement. You could also pay tribute to a loved one that has passed away by pinning their image to your lapel.

Take inspiration from these crafty gents:

Feature image: Unsplash

If you decide to wear a veil on your wedding day, why not go big? A statement veil is perfect for the bold bride who is not afraid to put herself out there. Using unique fabrics and decorations, a simple veil can be transformed into a fashion statement.

Here are some ideas:

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Image: Unsplash

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but also precious commodities and rare beauties forged from the earth. Rare jewels are often backed by an underbelly of exploration and greed. The burden of ensuring products are ethically sourced should never fall on the consumer, but on the producer instead. In saying this, it is our duty to challenge the transparency of companies.

Ethically sourced wedding rings have an array of underlining principles such as fair trade wages, lab-grown diamonds, recycled materials and conflict-free diamonds/jewels. You don’t necessarily need to be an environmental advocate or human rights lawyer to protest the crimes against the diamond industry. Below you will find a list of producers creating ethically sourced jewellery for the socially conscious bride-to-be.

Taylor & Hart

 

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Taylor & Hart was founded by friends, Nikolay and Shane. They believe the love between partners are intangible and sacred, therefore your wedding bands should be made from the most exceptional materials on earth. The company creates beautiful handcrafted rings made from lab-grown diamonds, recycled gold and ethically sourced materials. Nikolay and Shane go beyond the Kimberly Process to ensure their diamonds are conflict-free.

Monique Pean

 

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This brand boasts unique shapes and structures specifically designed for the bold bride. The classic shape of engagement rings is challenged through Monique Pean’s artistic take on wedding bands. Although the designer has an artistic, non-conventional mindset, the materials and craftsmanship are put in the forefront. The brand truly understands creating pieces of uniqueness, which they reflect in their use of materials. Rare materials such as fossilised walrus ivory and dinosaur bone are utilised and are sustainably sourced and crafted through fair trade initiatives.

John Hardy

 

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Established in 1975, the island-inspired jewellery brand is directed by Hollie Bonneville Barden and has a well-rounded grasp of serving both the community and environment. John Hardy thrives on the community of Bali and the idea togetherness. The brand empowers the community of the island by providing apprenticeships and life long job security. In doing so, they preserve traditional artisan craftsmanship and culture, with many of the pieces inspired by the island and drawing the traditional aesthetics of the Balinese culture. The company not only preserves the community but the environment as well by committing to sourcing stones, diamonds and metals that are conflict-free and ethically produced in every step of the way.

Barino Neal

 

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The brand was launched in 2008 by Anna Bario and Page Neal. The owners visualised a jewellery company whereby no bounds of conformity were attached to their pieces. They believe you are free to marry whomever and however you choose. The jewellery is handcrafted and carefully designed using reclaimed precious metals, fair-mined gold and ethically sourced stones.

Ashley Heather

 

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Ashley Heather is a Cape Town-based brand led by designer and maker, Ashley. It’s a remarkable, innovative brand that collects discarded electronic products and recycles them into jewellery. The aesthetics of the handcrafted pieces transcend trends and the contemporary designs are simplistic and minimal. The brand believes in creating pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation in the hopes of persevering quality craftsmanship.

Dear Rae

 

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Dear Rae is the brain child of fine arts graduate Karin Rae Matthees. The brand uses local materials and manufactures to create unique pieces. Dear Rae design aesthetic can be described as classically minimal pieces that you can wear for the rest of your life. Karin’s brand adheres to the Kimberly process as well, and sources local manufactures for production, ensuring each step of the manufacturing process is completely transparent.

By Mia Smith

Feature image: Unsplash