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How to have a successful wedding dress shopping trip

February 4, 2020 No Comments

With endless choices in front of you and multiple opinions getting thrown at you from all directions, wedding dress shopping can be stressful! However, it’s an experience you’ve probably been dreaming of for years and it can be a magical event if you plan it properly.

It’s easy to get lost in the overwhelmingly dreamy ambience of a bridal store. Be sure that you’re prepared before you enter those doors.

Here are some tips to help you ensure you have a successful wedding dress shopping trip:

Set a budget

Before you get your heart set on a dress you can’t afford, set a budget and let the stores consultant know before they bring you any options. A budget helps you set your expectations realistically and also narrow down your options. Narrowing your options may sound disheartening, but in the end it’s a good thing. There are so many incredible options that can make the process difficult as it becomes hard to choose.

Start early

Never underestimate how long the dress process takes. Usually, gowns can take about 4 to 10 months to be made and completed. Choosing the dress, alterations, and three or more fitting appointments each at least a month apart makes the process span across many months. Getting started early ensures that your dress is with you well before the wedding, and takes a lot of dress stress off of your shoulders. Don’t forget that choosing a dress on it’s own can take a while!

Do your research

Having a general idea about the style of dress you want can speed up your dress shopping experience drastically. You’ll be doing yourself a huge favour by doing some style research prior to shopping.

Additionally, knowing what types of dresses are a good fit for your body will save you a lot of disappointment. You may see a dress that is the most stunning creation you’ve ever seen, but when you try it on it just doesn’t look the way you want it to. Do some reading about which styles suit your body to avoid getting attached to something that doesn’t fit your figure.

Moreover, it helps to go in having some general knowledge of wedding dress jargon. It’s not necessary, but it saves time. You won’t have to ask “what does that mean?” several times throughout your appointment.

Keep your team small

Decide who really needs to be there and don’r bring more than 4 or 5 people. Ensure you’re surrounded by positive people who understand you and your preferences. Taking a smaller group of people on your shopping trip also ensures that you have less unnecessary opinions clouding your judgement.

Be comfortable but prepared

Don’t get too dolled up, but wear some makeup and keep your hair looking good. This will help you to envision yourself on your wedding day. If you show up to fit dresses straight after a run, you may feel less glamorous and thus may reject dresses that you wouldn’t had you felt better!

Wear appropriate undergarments! It will give you a better idea of the real fit of the dress. Similarly, bring some extra shoes along. You’ll want to know what your dress looks like with the appropriate shoes, instead of with your trusty shopping sneakers.

Forget the comfort zone

You have be comfortable in particular styles, but give some others a try too. It won’t hurt at all, and you may stumble on something perfect.

Don’t compare your experience to others

Some people find their dresses immediately, others take weeks to find the perfect one. Don’t put pressure on yourself to fall in love with the first dress you see. Take your time.

Remember to move in the gown

When you’re fitting a gown, try dancing in it, walking in it, hugging in it and so on. If you can’t move properly, you’re likely to be very uncomfortable on the day.

Speak your mind

If you want something, say it. If you don’t like something, say that too. Don’t keep your thoughts to yourself or spare any feelings with regards to people’s opinions about your dress. At the end of the day, you’re the one wearing it on your special day.

Take a photo

Once you choose your dress, take a photo of yourself wearing it. You likely won’t get to see it again for a while. This will help you when the doubts and second-thoughts start to creep in. Just re-look at how enchanting you look in your chosen gown, and you’ll be good to go.

Also read: Wedding dress shopping timeline

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Dos and Don’ts of wedding invitations

February 4, 2020 No Comments

Wedding invitations are a big deal! They ensure your guests have all the necessary information and they give people an idea of your theme. Essentially, the invitation is the first taste people will get of your special day. The last thing you want is to miss the mark with your first impression.

There are a lot of considerations to remember when designing your wedding invitation. Not to mention the lengthy list of etiquette rules you need to follow.

Here are some dos and don’ts of wedding invitations, to help you through the process:

Do:

– Ensure the invitations match your wedding

Wedding invitations should match your wedding theme and colour scheme. This gives guests a good idea about what to expect.

– Include directions

This added effort will be much appreciated by your guests. Never take for granted that people know the location or how to get there. Visitors from out of town will be especially grateful.

– Put the Bride’s name first

Traditionally, wedding etiquette states that you should put the bride’s name first. This is a very small way to stick with age-old customs.

– Be consistent

If you’re using formal language on your invites, keep it formal on other cards like the RSVP card or the save the date too. Similarly, stick to a colour scheme and theme.

– Add an RSVP card

This will make it easier for guests to respond to your invitation. Put all necessary information on the card, including dietary requirements or menu choices, whether they will be bringing a plus one (if you’ve allowed them one) and whether they will be attending at all.

Don’t:

– Add your wedding registry

It is considered quite rude to expect a gift for your wedding. Instead of adding the registry to your invite, include it on your bridal shower invites or on your wedding website.

– Forget to keep one for yourself

Your wedding invitation makes for a great keepsake. It’s a good idea to keep one for yourself, and perhaps have it framed.

– Send them out too late

You’ll struggle to get RSVPs and many guests won’t make it if you send the invitations out too late. People need to plan ahead so they can be available and some may need to travel long distances to get to you! Remember that everyone is busy, be considerate about that and send out the invitations no less than 2 months prior to the wedding.

– Be vague about who is invited

Put the full names of guests on the invitation. If somebody is allowed a plus one, indicate it clearly.

If you’re having a child-free wedding, be clear about it. However, it is considered more polite to indicate that the wedding is an “adults reception” rather than stating “no kids”.

– Forget important information

Names, dates, times, location. Add all of these things! If your reception is in a different location to the ceremony, indicate that. Anything that may affect the guests’ attendance is worth mentioning.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Tim Moolman: Not your average wedding photographer

February 4, 2020 No Comments

Wedding photographers are a dime a dozen, but this one truly stands out. An official photographer to the British Royal Family, Tim Moolman has captured some famous moments. His love of wedding photography, however, has become career-defining.

Widely recognised as South Africa’s leading documentary wedding photographer, Moolman’s work is iconic. He is a rare breed of professional photographer, able to capture photographs in many different genres – and do it well. He’s a Fujifilm X-Photographer ambassador, a passionate documentary photographer, and is also known for his skateboarding photography.

Surprisingly, this artist only began capturing these moments at the age of 30, and quickly fell in love with it. He learned most of his skills on-the-job while working at a photography shop that hired out photographers for various events.

Through his wedding documentary work, it is clear to see that Moolman is a craftsman that blends into the background to capture those images brides and grooms might have wished were taken during their big day. Instead of the big moments, Moolman favours those smaller, more intimate exchanges. Some of his favourite moments of a wedding are when guests are interacting with the couple, congratulating them with hugs and kisses. Behind-the-scene photography tells the story of the moment, capturing smiles and tears, the joys of those who were there and, sometimes, the sadness that goes along with it.

“During a wedding, hundreds of random things happen every minute. There’s joy. Tension. Anticipation. Glee. Drama. Boisterous buttons seek to escape. Little fingers trail across spotless windows. Soggy (t)issues sit in the hands of emotional aunts. I see these little moments clearly – and wedding couples miss out on them, because you can’t be everywhere. But I am.”

“This is my passion, these are my images, this is your story.”

To couples, Moolman advises that they take the time to truly enjoy the day instead of focusing on all the things that may have gone wrong.

“No event ever runs 100% according to plan and I feel it’s far more important to focus on the love and joy with friends and family instead of worrying about some minor table decoration.”

Please visit his website or his Instagram to view more of his incredible work.

Feature image: supplied

In Advice

Go green with these nature-inspired wedding cakes

February 3, 2020 No Comments

As couples turn more and more to natural finishes for their big day, plants are being given more and more power. Fresh, earthy greens are springing to perfection in wedding decor, from wedding bouquets to floral centrepieces. But what about your wedding cake?

As cake decorations, flowers are expected. So why not consider using leaves? They’re stunning, easy to gather and will add a fresh finish to your cake.

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHPWdo9AdAn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6vG7ivB33j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7C0WbGJLR2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B64pyUYHTie/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B15emixBblX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B78NSgDA5mS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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https://www.instagram.com/p/BCDsoFPrOEr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Get the look: Demi-Leigh’s wedding makeup

January 31, 2020 No Comments

Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters has been serving us looks for years, but her latest one might just be our favourite. The former Miss Universe tied the knot to American footballer Tim Tebow in spectacular style recently, and her bridal makeup has captured our hearts.

Creating her own spin on soft glam, Demi-Leigh’s makeup artist, Renee De Wit, worked with the models stunning features to enhance her natural beauty on her big day. Here’s how to achieve Demi-Leigh’s soft glam face beat.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7vNr-UhjTO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Using a mix of Smashbox Studio Skin and Chanel Ultra le Teint foundation, De Wit created a dewy, flawless base. She completed the face with the Sensai highlighting concealer, Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in the shade Fresh Melon to give the cheeks a gentle flush of colour and the Dior Backstage Glow face palette to perfectly highlight Demi-Leigh’s cheekbones and the high points of her face.

Smashbox Studio Skin available at Foschini Beauty for R580.

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in the shade Fresh Melon available on Bobbi Brown.co.za for R490

The focus of this look is definitely the eye makeup. De Wit opted for a soft brown smokey eye, using the Urban Decay Born To Run Palette and Dior 5 Colours 757 palette to create a blended crease shade. Remember to diffuse the shadows outwards towards your eyebrows to create a catlike effect that is ultra feminine.

The lid shade comes from the Huda Beauty Rose Gold Palette. Chanel Waterproof eyeliner in Espresso smudged and layered with Bobbi Brown Long wear Gel liner pot mixed with Inglot Duraline sealer was used to achieve a soft angled liner.

Urban Decay Born To Run Palette available on Urban Decay.com for R800

Bobbi Brown Long wear Gel liner available on Superbalist R420

Line the lips with the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lip liner before filling in the centre with a warm mid tone nude. De Wit opted for MAC Retro Matte lipstick in Lady Be Good and the Bobbi Brown Brownie Pink lipstick. Of course, don’t forget to lock the look in with a stronghold setting spray. De Wit chose the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray.

MAC retro matte in Lady be good available at MAC for R330.

Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray available at Foschini Beauty for R860.

Feature image: Instagram / Tim Tebow

In Advice

Glamorous bridesmaid dresses for a formal affair

January 30, 2020 No Comments

If you’re planning a glamorous affair, you’ll want your bridesmaids to look the part. Complete the look with bridesmaid dresses full of wow-factor.

Regardless of your colour scheme, some well placed sequins and fancy fabrics will provide the ultimate sophistication. Your best girls will be feeling fancy with full-length gowns made of luxurious fabric like silk, satin and velvet. Or go full-glitz with sequins, embellishment or tulle.

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6JHicqHYRg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7v_uownpf7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4v6LqqHkFD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5RE6FRF-41/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7HTu-Epw_n/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tEa_VhHem/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5OcRdnlFQD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7CYF4tnDzT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6mvJmrARss/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5V2xPPKEbL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Unsplash

In Accessories

How to: 3 Easy bridal looks with RED DOT Cosmetics

January 30, 2020 No Comments

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

In Advice

Now trending: mountaintop marriages

January 30, 2020 No Comments

Your wedding day is considered the happiest day of your life, so why not spend it in a place you love? Churches, beaches and gardens are popular wedding venues for a reason. They fit with your theme, they’re easy and accessible. But, if you want to stray away from the norm, why not consider getting married on a mountain top?

Lovers of the outdoors will especially favour this trend. It’s easy and stunning. There is literally no decor required: the scenery is your backdrop. This way, you also save on decor costs.

Mountains and cliffs are also great locations for your wedding photoshoot if you still want a church wedding. To make your images extra special, wait until sundown to capture these memorable moments. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6yM7ipnsB2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1HgNSdh50v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2T55anDEOZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7mJaHLBj1w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Pros and cons of writing your own wedding vows

January 30, 2020 No Comments

So your wedding day planning is coming together. You’ve got your vendors sorted out and your decor and attire is turning out perfectly. Now, you’re focusing on the finer details. Included in these details are the wedding vows.

Many couples find pleasure in writing their own wedding vows. They believe it’s more special, more personal, and a way to fully express what their partner means to them. For others, writing wedding vows is a nightmare. You’re concerned about what other people will think, if you’ll bore your guests, if you’ll speak for too long, the list of worries are endless.

If you’re still uncertain about which way you’ll go, perhaps considering the pros and cons of both will help you make your final decision.

Pros

– Your guests will be interested

The traditional wedding vows have been heard a million times before. Since you will be presenting some fresh material, your guest are likely to listen more intently and hang on your every word.

– The vows will be more personal

If you write your own wedding vows, they’ll come from your heart, from your experiences with your partner, and they’ll be based on your life together thus far. You could also talk about your hopes for the future, and paint a picture that the traditional wedding vows don’t allow.

– You can add anecdotes to make it more special

This is probably the best part about writing your own wedding vows. You’re able to tell stories. These personal anecdotes add a uniqueness to your vows, as no couple has the same stories as you.

Cons

– Public speaking is already difficult as it is

It’s likely you’ll be nervous on the day. You’ll stand in front of all your friends and family, on one of the biggest days of your life, and you’ll have to remember all those things you wrote down. It’s tougher than it looks!

But if you stick with the traditional wedding vows, theres no chance of you stumbling on your words, forgetting what you wrote or losing your place on the page in front of you.

– There is quite a bit of stress that comes with it

While writing you own wedding vows is a very special task to take on, it’s also quite stressful. You want to say all the right things, keep you audience interested, keep it short, be articulate, and the list goes on and on. This can be a lot of pressure.

If it feels too much, opt for the traditional wedding vows.

– You and your partner may have different styles

You and your partner may have vert different styles, and thus your vows may come across as a bit incompatible. Maybe you write a two page long set of vows, and your partner only writes a paragraph. This could be a bit awkward.

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

Colourful cakes for your something blue

January 29, 2020 No Comments

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. For decades, couples have been following this age old tradition to usher in their nuptials. When it comes to ‘something blue’ why not get creative and incorporate it into your cake?

Blue is said to represent purity, love and fidelity, and as such has become a highly symbolic colour for weddings. It also has the bonus of warding off the Evil Eye, according to legend. Incorporating blue into your wedding thus acts as a means of protection and good luck.

Beyond tradition, blue is super on trend at the minute. The 2020 Pantone Colour of the Year is PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue.

“A timeless and enduring blue hue, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is elegant in its simplicity,” explains the company. “Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”

With all this in mind, it seems a natural choice to use the blue hue in your big day. Here are some ideas to use it in your confectionary treat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4VnE8jnfX6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B35X_fsA42B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Feature image: Pexels