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Trending in bridal beauty: soft glam

December 10, 2019 No Comments

Give good face with the new makeup trend sweeping the beauty industry: soft glam. Romantic yet sultry, this makeup look is perfect for the bride wanting to make a subtle statement.

Soft glam gives you the drama of a bold look that is paired down to appear more relaxed. Healthy looking and dewy skin, warm-toned eyeshadow, arched eyebrows and glossy, nude lips are key characteristics to this trend. Celebrity makeup artists Hung Vann Go, Patrick Ta and Mary Phillips are experts in this makeup trend.

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The eyes are the key to this look. Think warm-toned browns, bold wined liner and a natural bushy brow. Use a matte brown in the crease and make sure to buff the shadow out towards your temples for a blown out, catlike effect. A gold-toned shimmer shade in the centre of your lid will highlight your eye to perfection.

Our pick: Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow Palette in Original R179.

A natural yet full set of lashes is easily obtained with a stunning set of falsies. This will give you a flirty finish without being too overwhelming on the eye.

Our pick: Sorbet’s All Of A Flutter false eyelashes in the style ‘Loaded Lashes’ R60.

For bold and bushy brows, use a fine-tipped brow pencil with a waxy finish to create hairlike strokes. Remember to brush your hair upwards before filling them in for even greater fullness and fluffiness.

Our pick: Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil R375.

For lips, your best nude lipstick will work perfectly. Give your lips a pretty pout with a clear gloss over top.

Our pick: NYX Lip Lingerie Gloss in the shade Clear R169.90.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Accessories

Wedding looks inspired by Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi

December 10, 2019 No Comments

South Africa’s very own Zozibini Tunzi has just been crowned Miss Universe for 2019. Her beauty, strength and intellect have inspired us all to be a little bit like her. Take some style tips from our reigning queen this upcoming wedding season by taking a page from her fashion diaries.

Wedding dress:

Zozibini strutted down the Miss Universe stage wearing a stunning white caped gown representing her Xhosa heritage, designed by Biji – La Maison de Couture. Modern and structured, this dress makes a powerful statement.

Bridal capes are a great option for brides that are looking for a little something extra and for those that are looking to break away from the norm. If you’re not into the super modern look, you can soften the cape by going for lighter fabrics to give an airy finish.

Credit: Instagram / oksana_mukha_official

If you’re daring, why not go for an illusion gown wedding dress? Zozibini wore this Biji – La Maison de Couture to the Fairlady Santam Woman of the Future Awards earlier this year and gave us major #outfitgoals.

This lace applique gown is delicate yet sexy, perfect for the bride wanting to strike a balance. If you’re scared of the full illusion look you can always line certain parts.

Crowns:

Zozibini’s ornate crown, named ‘The Power of Unity’, celebrates the complexity, diversity, unapologetic ambition and strength of women. With more than 1,770 diamonds set in 18-karat gold, the crown features interconnected leaves and flowers. A 62.83 carat golden canary diamond is the stunning centrepiece.

While you might not have the budget to replicate this specific crown, there are so many ways to get the look. Give off regal romance with these stunning crowns.

Credit: Instagram / Mark Jay Photography

Feature image: Instagram / Zozibini Tunzi

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Wedding food and drink trends for 2020

December 10, 2019 No Comments

The new decade is soon approaching, bringing with it new trends in the wedding industry. The Knot’s recently released 2020 Wedding Report predicts the biggest trends expected to hit the industry within the new year. Food in 2020 is expected to be bigger and better. From more inclusive menus to interactive eating, this is how people will be dining on their big day in 2020.

Inclusivity:

Couples are moving towards being more inclusive with their menu’s, offering plant-based, vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options for their guests. Don’t forget to also offer fun non-alcoholic drinks other than soda. This adds a personal touch to your wedding, showing that you care for your guests and their dietary requirements.

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Childhood favourites:

Take a trip down memory lane by incorporating childhood favourites into your wedding menu. Rather than stuffy hors d’oeuvres your guests can barely identify, serve what you love. Today’s couples are creating unique twists on old faithfuls like grilled cheese, sliders and fries.

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Interactive eats:

We’ve loved the donut wall for the past few wedding seasons, now it’s time to take it up a notch. Interactive food options like conveyor belts or dessert stations throw a unique spin on food presentation. Consider having an ice-cream roller on site or a crêpe station for guests to pick and choose their desserts.

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Self-serve bars:

Let your guests in on the action with self-serve bars. Rather than having to line up and wait for the mixologist to catch your eye, a self-service bar gives your guests something to do and some creative options. Think of offering a gin bar, with all the ingredients neatly set out for partygoers to help themselves to a custom drink.

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Image: Unsplash

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How to avoid family drama at your wedding

December 9, 2019 No Comments

Everything is organised: Your dress, your hair and make-up. The catering and photography are all systems go and you and your spouse-to-be are super excited for the big day. There’s just one issue left to tackle: the guests. You both love your families, but they can be a handful. This cousin is angry with that aunt, and that uncle hasn’t spoken to this one’s dad in years. Hopefully, you or your partner’s family members are mature enough to behave well at the wedding for your sakes and not ruin your day. But you never know!

So how do you handle family feuds on what’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life? Here are some things to keep in mind to help you prevent the much-dreaded drama:

1. Be smart with seating arrangements
When it comes to practical things like seating, be mindful of who sits next to whom. Of course, it might not be possible to keep everyone happy, but you can at least try to arrange it in a way that arguments will be least likely to break out.

2. Never get involved in the details
Remember, if it’s not your fight, it’s not your place to intervene. You have bigger things to worry about! For you to try and get in between will waste energy and emotional resources you’re supposed to save for joyous moments. Keep out of it as far as possible. When either of the parties involved try to drag you in, just calmly but firmly say something like “I understand that it’s tough for you, and I really appreciate that you’re here for me. I will not be able to talk to him/her about this, but why don’t you join me on the dance floor? I love this song!” This way, you move the attention away from the issue and hopefully remind them that you’re all there to enjoy the wedding.

3. Try to give everyone equal attention
Again, don’t choose sides. It’s important that you show everyone you are happy for them to be there for you and that you appreciate and love them all equally. Avoid spending too much time with any particular person or table so as not to create more friction.

4. Communicate beforehand
If things are that serious and you’re worried it might actually get out of hand, it might be wise to talk to each of the parties involved separately before the wedding day. Schedule a coffee date or write them a personal email explaining that you are looking forward to spend time with them but that you also expect them to behave a certain way on the day out of respect for you. Make it clear that you want them to be comfortable, but that you can’t control everything. Ask them to consider you and your partner during the day and set their differences aside.

5. Enjoy your day – regardless
At the end of the day, you have to choose whether you will allow other people’s behaviour to upset you or not. We know this isn’t always easy, but for one day you are allowed to focus on you and your own joy. Focus on the happy moments and the well wishes, the delightful food and beautiful surroundings. This is meant to be a celebration of love and all you should really be concerned about is the fact that your partner can’t stop smiling at you.

Picture: Pexels

In Accessories

Bring Pantone’s 2020 Colour of the Year into your wedding

December 9, 2019 No Comments

Weddings in 2020 will definitely be featuring something blue. Pantone has just announced their 2020 colour of year, and it’s a brilliant blue loaded with beautiful meaning.

For 2020, Pantone has selected PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue as their Colour of the year.

“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.”

“Imprinted in our psyches as a restful colour, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. Aiding concentration and bringing laser like clarity, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue re-centres our thoughts. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience.”

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With such beautiful symbolism, this hue works perfectly for weddings. Here’s how to bring on the blue on your big day.

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Image: Unsplash

In Advice

The Body Issue: Rectangle shape

December 6, 2019 No Comments

One size fits all? No! Not when it comes to your body shape.

Women come in all shapes and sizes and it’s so important to know your body type and shape to dress accordingly and accentuate your best features. To avoid your dress shopping experience being a stressful one, it’s important to know and stick to what works for your body.

It’s also important to remember that very few women fall into only one category as we can have different features from various body types. Why? Because we’re beautifully unique!

In this upcoming series, we’ll be looking at all the different body shapes and some gorgeous weddings gowns that will accentuate YOU perfectly.

Next up, is the rectangle shape.

With a third of women falling into this category, the rectangle body shape is known to be rather athletic due to there being very little definition, with your waist creating a straight body line. Women with rectangular body shapes are normally tall and lean, with the shoulders and hips being quite similar in width. Your goal here will be to CREATE CURVES!

Focusing on gowns that have an A-line silhouette, or ballgowns, will add more volume to the hip area, while fuller sleeves and shoulder detail will balance out the top half. A scoop neck or sweetheart neckline will further help to create curves.

Alternatively, a fitted dress with a padded bodice and sequins or diamanté detail to add dimension, or embellishment around the bust and shoulders, will help to accentuate those areas and bring attention to it.

Necklines are going to play a crucial role when picking your perfect wedding dress. A high neckline like the halter neck or keyhole neckline will help lift your cleavage and create the illusion of more curves, while showing off your collarbone and shoulders. A sheath dress is also a great option as the dress emphasises the waist. It is fitted and nipped at the waistline but with no waist seam.

Here are a variety of great dress styles perfect for a rectangle body shape:

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By Amy-lee Steenkamp

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

20s inspired wedding dresses

December 6, 2019 No Comments

We are on the brink of entering the new 20s so it’s only right we take a look back at the glamorous style that epitomised the Jazz Age. A time of decadent fashion, the roaring 20s was extravagant, over-the-top and exciting. Fashion featured art deco-inspired geometrical prints, stunning embroidery and beading galore.

It’s almost a century later and these styles are still just as relevant and timeless today. If you want to channel your inner Daisy Buchanan, take notes from these glamorous gowns.

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Picture: Pexels

In Advice

Now trending: ruin wedding venues

December 5, 2019 No Comments

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While they may not be for everyone, abandoned buildings and structures have been trending in the wedding world recently. Couples have been opting for outdoor venues featuring crumbling walls, open ceilings and overgrown bushes for a memorable venue guests are sure to marvel at.

While it may seem macabre and weird at first, these venues offer their own kind of romance. There is something special about a place left behind. Venues like these have a history, a story to tell.

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Take, for example, this ancient convent in the Amalfi Coast. The stunning architecture still stands, giving a glimpse into a time once lived. You barely need any decor: the venue itself is the masterpiece.

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The spaces don’t have to be abandoned, they just need to give off an old world spirit. It’s even better if they’ve existed for decades and once had a different use. This stunning venue was originally an icehouse.

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This building is reminiscent of a rundown castle that once existed. You can almost hear the clipping of horse hooves, the rustling of trailing medieval gowns.

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These wedding venues are timeless, unique spots to say ‘I do’. If you want your wedding day to stand out, this just might be the type of venue for you.

Image: Instagra / Emily Battles

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Groom style: Stand out from your groomsmen

December 5, 2019 No Comments

A bride is usually very easy to spot. She wears a wedding gown that stands out from the crowd, and there is absolutely no chance she’ll be mistaken for a bridesmaid. The groom on the other hand, may get lost in a sea of suits.

This seems a bit unfair. It would be a shame for a groom to not be seen on his big day. There are ways (some more subtle than others) for a groom to stand out from his groomsmen. Have a look at these ideas:

– Different neckwear

If you’re wearing a tie, have your groomsmen wear bowties or vice versa. You could even switch it up completely by having your groomsmen sport classic neckwear while you wear an alternative neckpeice. There are way more alternatives than you think.

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– Vary in suit colours

The colour of your suit makes a tremendous difference. This is one of the easiest ways to stand out from your groomsmen. You’ll be the main focus, without a doubt. This works especially well when your groomsmen wear more dull toned suits while you wear something brighter.

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– Accessorize

Add something extra to your outfit. You could add a hat, a pocket watch, a brooch, or really anything you want. All you need to do is find the best way to incorporate it.

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– Play with patterns

If you really want to make a statement, you should consider adding some patterns. Keep your suit the same colour as your groomsmen, but add some pizzaz by adding a pattern. Alternatively, you could do this on a smaller scale by simply wearing a shirt with pattern or print while your groomsmen wear plain shirts.

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– Smart-casual groomsmen

By simply having your groomsmen ditch their blazers, you’ll be the centre of attention instantly.

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– Switch up your tie colour

If you’re the type of groom who wants to be set apart, but does’t want too much attention, simply switch the colour of your tie. This one is very subtle, but very effective.

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– Get creative with your boutonniere

Similar to the tie switch above, you could keep it simple and just vary in the colour of your boutonniere. You could also personalise it and get creative, there are endless possibilities. Have your groomsmen wear the classic flower, and hand craft your own boutonniere.

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Image: Pixabay

In Advice

Dresses we love: Mermaid shape

December 5, 2019 No Comments

So many body shapes, so many dress designs. What works for one might not work for all. One dress shape we do love, is the mermaid design. You might think you need to be tall and slender to pull it off, but you don’t. If you love the style, find one that you fall in love with and go for it. Remember, a pair of heels never hurts and will complement this shape especially well.

You can glam it up or play it down, any way you like. Cream and champagne colours are very hot right now, as well as sequins and gems.

Picture: Pexels