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    Simplistic and elegant, minimalism values experiences over things. Blank spaces and basic lettering may seem boring, but this paired design makes a powerful yet subtle statement.  If you identify with the minimalist trend then you will love these wedding invitation designs.

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    Feature image: Pexels

    For a fun and flirty finish, consider donning a tea-length gown for your big day. While sweeping trains give an ample dose of drama, a tea length gown is chic and effortless – perfect for the relaxed bride.

    From your engagement party, rehearsal dinner to the big day itself, these glamorous gowns will leave you looking lovely.

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    Black is the new black. Symbolic of sophistication and power, black is a bold colour perfect for the couple wanting to make a statement. While black may seem morbid to some, there are so many ways to incorporate this rich hue into your big day that don’t appear gothic.

    Take inspiration from these dark treats:

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    Wedding season is upon us and unfortunately so is the scorching summer. Sweat drenched outfits and melting makeup are not ideal on your wedding day. While you can’t get rid of the sun, there are a number of ways you can make the day more manageable for you and your guests.

    Here are some key tips to beat the heat this wedding season:

    Pack an emergency kit

    Sweat is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Pack an emergency kit filled with products designed to keep you looking fresh throughout the day. In your kit, make sure to include deodorant, perfume, baby wipes, powder to mattify your makeup and extra makeup for touch-ups.

    Avoid too much alcohol

    The heat and alcohol are not friends. Consuming alcohol while sitting under the beating sun can leave you feeling drunk way sooner that you expected. Your body will struggle to regulate its internal temperature, putting you at a higher risk of heat stroke. Alcohol is also a diuretic, meaning you will urinate more frequently and thus lose more body fluid. This can led to dehydration if you’re not careful. Stay safe and sip on some refreshing H2O for every alcoholic drink you consume.

    Cool favours

    If you’re planning on having an outdoor summer wedding, keep your guests in mind with some cooling favours. Whether they are made of paper, wood or miniature motorised ones, a handheld fan will do wonders to create a slight breeze. You could also offer sunglasses or parasols in your wedding theme. Make sure to monogram them with a sweet message to make these favours extra memorable.

    SPF!!

    We know, we know. We sound like a mom telling their 5-year-old to lather up with some sunscreen before heading out to the beach. However naggy it may seem, we will always campaign for the use of SPF because it is crucial to protecting your skin from the suns harmful rays, especially if you’ll be outdoors. Make sure to use a good facial SPF and lotion up with a body sunscreen. Most dermatologists recommend using a SPF 15 or SPF 30 sunscreen.

    Wear lighter fabrics:

    It might not be your biggest concern, but the fabric of your wedding attire will have a large effect on your day. When choosing your wedding dress/suit, make sure to go for lighter, more breathable fabrics that won’t trap in the heat. Think linen, chiffon, crepe, tulle and organza.  Fabrics you will definitely want to steer clear from include velvet, leather and silk.

     

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    For a modern day fairytale dress, look no further than the princess gown. With a full and flowing skirt, this dress style is wonderfully whimsical and romantic.

    Princess gowns are the most traditional of the silhouettes, often considered the most romantic and feminine due to its fairytale-esque shape. Join the ranks of famous brides like Mariah Carey, Serena Williams and Diana, Princess of Wales by choosing this style.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Credit: Instagram / lovestoryfilms
    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.

    Credit: Instagram / Pnina Tornai
    Credit: Instagram / Berta Bridal
    Credit: Instagram / Miss Hailey Paige

    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 / Minas Florals
    Credit: Instagram / Elizabeths Events
    Credit: Instagram / Mark Jay Photography

     

    Feature image: Instagram / Zozibini Tunzi

    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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    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.

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    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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