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Choosing a signature fragrance that represents who you are as a person is one thing, but finding a special one, separate from your everyday life, is another. If you’re planning to buy a special fragrance for your wedding day, take these thoughts into consideration:

What do you like?

Consider the type of fragrance you’re usually drawn to, and eliminate the ones you absolutely don’t like. If you want to try something new and different, make sure to get a sample of the fragrance so that you can wear it beforehand and figure out if it suits you. Remember, fragrances smell different on you than it does in a bottle. Furthermore, experiment and try out scents with different notes, but from the fragrance families you like. So if you usually wear a floral fragrance, try something with citrus notes – perfect for a summer ceremony al fresco. Or if you want something warmer for an evening reception, try jasmine, amber or musk notes.

What flowers will you have at your wedding?

Taking inspiration from your floral arrangements or bouquet is a clever way of tying your elements together, as well as creating a special scent memory. You’ll likely have beautifully fragrant flowers throughout your wedding space, so choose a fragrance that carries those same notes. If you’re having roses, choose a scent with geranium as one of the heart notes. If you’re having a forest of eucalyptus, choose a scent with fresh, herbaceous notes such as bergamot and pine. And if you’re using local fynbos and Proteas as your floral focus, go for a fragrance with woody or earthy notes such as vanilla, sandalwood and oud.

Will you and your partner share the fragrance?

Although you and your partner probably don’t usually share the same fragrance, it’s a good idea to do that for your wedding. Your sense of smell is directly linked to the olfactory processing system in the memory part of your brain, which is why a certain fragrance can immediately take you back to a certain moment in your life. With this olfactory element, it also triggers emotions, which your wedding day will definitely be filled with. Choose a fragrance that will represent both your personalities, with an added element that represents you as a couple, too. If you like a floral fragrance, and your partner likes something spicy, combine the two, then add a note of something you both like, like the smoky scent of a campfire or the crisp scent of freshly cut grass.

Carry your scent through

After you’ve picked your wedding fragrance, whether you and your partner will share it or not, carry the fragrance through to the rest of the space as well. A lot of fragrance houses have candles and diffusers within the same fragrance range, so place these elements on the tables, in the bathrooms or in spaces where guests will be spending a lot of time to create a sillage that goes beyond just you.

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You wake up on the day of your wedding and your skin is on fire. Although it’s not ideal, there are easy ways to soothe and calm skin down in a flash by following a few simple steps and being prepared.

In advance

It’s an absolute fact that stress and anxiety causes inflammation, which could potentially worsen conditions like eczema, psoriasis and general sensitivity. It also disrupts your sleep pattern, leading to less efficient time for your skin to recover and, thus, a duller appearance. However, saying you should reduce stress and actually doing it are two very different things. But it is crucial to your skin’s sanity. Helping your body and mind relax a little could be as simple as going for a walk, taking a well-deserved nap or starting your day with a few minutes of meditation. This will help reduce cortisol levels which will bring down inflammation. Along with that, make sure you drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside and up your energy levels.

The day before

Try to keep your skin as clean as possible the day before – that means no make-up, no harsh products, and no crazy masks or treatments. Also, stay out of the sun completely. Avoid salty food and alcohol as this can cause further puffiness. Before you go to bed, make sure your skin is properly cleansed and do a very light exfoliation with a formula that you trust. Lastly, seal in moisture with a good, hydrating moisturiser while your skin is still damp, then call it an early night.

The day of

If you’ve been taking proper care of your skin in the months and days leading up to the big day, you should be fine – but Murphy’s Law always has something else planned. Don’t fear, just reach for the ice. Should you wake up with red, itchy and inflamed skin on the morning of your wedding, wash your face with a gentle cream cleanser. It should contain ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, and lavender for an ultra calming effect. Then, take a few ice blocks and wrap them in a soft, damp face cloth or muslin cloth. Gently press the ice to irritated areas on your face for a good few minutes to help calm down inflammation and constrict blood vessels. Take this time to relax and lie down, or take a cool bath. Apply a soothing mask with a high aloe vera content afterward and keep it on until you need to start getting your make-up done.

Our favourite redness-reducing heroes:

Bioderma Cicabio Creme R236.95 Available at Clicks. Picture: Supplied
The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Rescue Cream Mask R210 Available at The Body Shop Picture: Supplied
Aloe Unique Aloe & Honey Gel Mask R119 Available online at aloeunique.co.za Picture: Supplied
Dermalogica Calm Water Gel R949 Available online at dermalogica.co.za Picture: Supplied

Image: Unsplash

Your nails may seem insignificant compared to your wedding dress but they still need to stand out. Your hands will be on show, from guests wanting to have a look at the shiny new rock to the photographer capturing different angles of it.

Nail designs have come along way in the last few years. From single to multi-colours, various finishes and nail art, some brides opt for the classic French tip look but you don’t have to stick to the norm.

Simple with a twist
If you want to maintain a simple look, what about a neutral colour with a touch of nail art? It still looks elegant but includes a fun element.


Don’t be scared of length
Long claw-like nails are in and look great. If you’re unsure on what shape to get, ask your nail technician to shape the nails according to your hands.

Glitter for days
Looking for more of a sparkle for your wedding claws. You can get glitter on one nail or a few, a strip of shine or go for a glitter ombre technique.


Have fun with finishings 
If you’re not one to experiment with colour, how about changing the finishings. Try a matte, metallic, sheer, textured or pearl finish. Make sure to ask your nail salon what they offer because a lot of the time it’s not on display.


Artsy nails
Wanting to showcase the creative side? Add some nail art or pattern on your nuptial nails.

 

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New Design~ Tropical Abstract ? ? #nailart #nails #original

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Special tips
How about plain nails with a funky tip. Opt for various patterns, colours or (don’t forget the) finishes.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match, there is really no reason to play by the rules.

Picture: Pexels

We’ve rounded up some of the coolest hair accessories under the sun, fit for the modern bride looking for something a little different.
Headbands
They’re back! Big and bold, or slim and subtle, which ever you prefer. Headbands have the power to uplift your entire look with an added touch of elegance. What’s more, they’re reusable long after the wedding, and if you grow tired of them on the day, you can simply slip it off without compromising your perfectly crafted ‘do.

Dramatic veils
Although some brides are opting to forgo the tradition altogether, the veil still adds a romantic element that few other accessories can compare with. Instead of going the traditional route, set your sights on something more dramatic – think embellishments, opulent details or interesting fabrics to take you from basic to breathtaking.
3-D Florals
Forget flower crowns. Floral appliqués offer a fresh take on the otherwise bohemian alternative. Incorporate them into your hair in any way you deem fit. Clip it into your updo or ponytail along your hairline, or scattered throughout loose strands to look as though confetti has landed perfectly on your hair.
Barrettes
This quirky look has come a long way since the 90s. From  glitter and crystals, to pearls and diamonds, bridal barrettes are the perfect addition to your hairstyle for an updated take on traditional bobby pins that are mostly hidden away. Keep it subtle, or stack them on – either way you’ll win.
Hats
There’s absolutely no reason why you can’t wear a beautiful hat on your wedding day. It can take you from relaxed boho bride to ultra sophisticated, and you always have the option of taking it off when you feel it’s done it’s job (of making you look cool, that is).
Image: Unsplash

You should also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools for more guidance. Get your wedding makeup artist booked and secured seamlessly with these fool-proof guidelines:

1. Do your homework

Unless you have a make-up artist on speed dial or a trusted MUA friend, it’s best you do some proper research on who to book. Gather a list of makeup artists in your region and go to their websites or social media pages to see examples of their work. This isn’t only to see the quality of the final product, but to get an idea of their style and general aesthetic. It’s best to opt for someone who specialises in weddings as they will be more likely to provide you with makeup that will last the longest. Once you’ve seen one or two that you like, request a quote.

2. Book early

If your wedding date is set in stone, there’s no reason not to tick one more booking off your checklist. Most makeup artists are booked far in advance, especially in wedding season, so try to make the booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

3. Always book a trial

You might think everything will work out perfectly on the day, but to be extra sure, book a trial so that your MUA can be aware of exactly what you want. This way you can also see how quickly he/she works and what you’ll look like on the day. Make changes if necessary and see how long it lasts. Go out for dinner with your bridesmaids after your trial so they can give their opinions and so you can see how the makeup wears in between drinking and eating.

4. Communicate

At your trial, it’s essential to bring along photos of what you want to give your makeup artist a clear view of what you expect. It’s also ideal to show him/her photos of yourself where you really liked your makeup. Be very clear about what you don’t want and what you would like to stay away from. That said, don’t let your MUA try to convince you to do something you wouldn’t normally do. The same goes for on the day – communicate and be clear about your feelings.

5. Be prepared

Wear something in a similar colour to your wedding dress for your trial, and also try to wear something with a similar neckline. Although your MUA should inform you of the specifics beforehand, it’s best to try and have everything done as you would for your wedding – your hair, your spray tan, your lashes and eyebrows. Also, don’t forget your veil or hair accessories if you’re having a hair trial too.

6. Get all the details beforehand

Ask your prospective MUA for any specific terms and conditions, payment details, travel arrangements etc, to make sure no unwanted surprises pop up on the day. If there’s a contract involved, even better – this just makes things so much easier for both parties. They also need to provide you with a timeline of when certain people need to be ready to have their makeup done (if you book for more than one person).

Image: Unsplash

When it comes to hairstyles for your wedding day, you need to take account for the type of hair that you have. This will help to determine what kind of style will work best.

You also need to consider what comes with each style in terms of needed products and up-keep/touch ups. If you don’t want to worry about what your hair looks like, then choose a style that is quite structured. These generally come with little maintenance.

For styles that are less structured, as you will either have to have a touch up at some point or accept the fact that your hair will look different to how it was when the wedding started.

So let’s take a look at each classic hairstyle and you can decide which one will work best for you.

Bun

You can choose a high bun or a low bun, both are elegant looks. A bun keeps your hair in place for the whole event. It is also a great option if you don’t like having your hair in your face. It’s also great for those who get hot easily as having the back of the neck open helps one to keep cool. The bun style also allows for you to add hair accessories or clip your veil into the bun.

Half up/half down

 

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This is hairstyle is for those who want to keep their hair out of their face but still want the flowing look. It is, however, difficult to keep the hair in place throughout the wedding. If you do decide on this style, you should be okay with your hair being a little messier towards the end of the event. This style works for most hair lengths and textures.

Ponytail

 

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You can do a high ponytail or a low one for a more romantic look. This style allows you to keep your hair out of your face and works for short and long, thick and thin hair. It also shapes your face.

Loose, flowing curls

This is an effortless and laid-back look. It works for most hair lengths and textures. Those with thicker hair might need a touch up as the weight of the hair will cause the curls to drop. Also, those with difficult hair will have to be weary of the weather because frizz is a real thing.

Braids

Braids are great for creating a styled look but still making sure that your hair is structured. If you have unruly hair, then a braid would be a good option for you. The only issue that comes with braids is that for them to work best, you can’t have any layering in your hair.

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, so of course you want to look your best but you also want to be comfortable and enjoy the day or night without constantly worrying about your hair.

Image source: Unsplash

Planning your big day is both an exciting and stressful time, with immense pressure to be at your best. Don’t forget to break away from all the organising every now and then for some me-time. These relaxing DIY face masks are the perfect way to take time out for yourself and keep your skin glowing and ready for the wedding.

Create easy facemasks with simple ingredients in your kitchen for a quick escape that will leave your skin feeling fresh and renewed.

THE METHOD

1. Mix all the ingredients together.
2. Use your hands or a clean make-up brush to apply the mask to your face.
3. Leave for 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash off and cleanse and moisturise.

THE MASKS

1. Aloe vera mask

1 tsp aloe vera gel
2 tbsp rosewater
2 tbsp coconut oil

2. Turmeric mask

1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp coconut oil

3. Home clay mask

2 tbsp bentonite clay powder
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp vitamin E oil
2 drops tea tree essential oil

4. Cucumber mask

½ cucumber, blended

5. Lavender facial scrub

1-2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp Epsom salts
2 drops lavender essential oil

Image: Unsplash

These days it’s not just their bodies that brides are getting into shape before the big day. Twelve months before my big day I consulted with several aesthetic doctors for a pre-wedding skincare routine and I absolutely fell in love with Dr Reddy from Medisculpt.

She wasn’t gung-ho to fill or botox me to ‘perfection’ which is why I adored her approach. Instead she analysed my skin and worked out a programme for the year ahead. Yes, I started my skincare routine a year before my wedding (one of the only things I did in advance) and the focus was on my pores and pigmentation.

For the first 6 months I alternated between gentle chemical peels and oxygen facials. In the last 6 months we started the famous Vampire facials, which we did every 8 weeks and the results were spectacular.

The week before my wedding I did an L.O.L facial. This was my absolute favourite! The results are immediate. A L.O.L facial is a Lift, Oxygen and Lights facial. Throughout my whole wedding weekend everyone kept saying, ‘You’re literally glowing you’re so happy’. Honestly, most of that glow was thanks to the L.O.L facial. In truth I was stressed out of my wit, barely eating and definitely not sleeping – all the worst demons for one’s skin.

No matter how good your make-up artist is, you cannot really cover bad skin and no matter how badly I was neglecting my body before the wedding, my skin remained flawless from the work we had done throughout the year.

Your veil doesn’t just have to be a piece of chiffon you plonk on your head, these statement veils have become the ultimate piece for the chic bride this season.

1. CATHEDRAL

Yu Aiping

The most dramatic of all the veils, with a minimum length of 2.5 m. The veil usually has plenty of lace and embroidery detail to further enhance the dramatic effect, and can sometimes even have a mantilla finish incorporated on top. It is best worn with an updo or bun that has been tightly secured, as the veil can be heavy!

2. CAPE

Marchesa

This is for you if you’re not a fan of the traditional veil, but still like the idea of having one. A cape is worn over the shoulders, and the possibilities for hairstyles are countless, as there are no restrictions. For a sophisticated look, go for a topknot or sleek ballerina bun; for a more Boho feel, opt for loose, textured curls.

3. FINGERTIP

Marchesa

The fingertip veil comes down to just where your fingertips are when your arms are relaxed. Best worn with a delicate updo or low ponytail so that the veil can be clipped into the back and still reach the fingertips. For a softer effect, hold the veil in place higher on your head with a headpiece so that it falls softly over your shoulders like loose curls.

4. BLUSHER

Oscar De La Renta

This is the part of the veil that covers the face, and comes in different lengths and styles. Although the more traditional option is to keep the blusher short, other styles use it to more dramatic effect, such as a longer-length veil with an equally long blusher. This veil works well with any soft, romantic hairstyle whether a low bun with loose strands or hair worn completely down. Stay away from a high ballerina bun, as you want to avoid having volume on top of your head. It can be held in place with an Alice band or tiara, but can also be delicately draped over your head if the edges have heavier finishes to weigh it down.

5. BALLET/WALTZ

Wei Xinkun

This veil falls between the calves and ankles. It’s longer and more dramatic than a fingertip veil, but shorter and easier to dance in than a floor-length option. Best for a shorter hairstyle or a lower updo, where it can be clipped in securely.

As night falls, the forest becomes a scene of drama and mystery, complemented by plush fabrics and rustic details. Scroll through our magical lookbook for all your forest-themed wedding inspiration.

From left: Brass candleholders (to hire), Propeller Props; silver candleholders (to hire), Plush Props; tall candleholders, @home; small jug, flask and medium jug (to hire), all Plush Props; tapas bowl and cutlery, both Check My China; dinner plate, side plate, wine glass, tall glass with short stem and short glass with short stem, all Woolworths; linen, Fabric City; velvet runner, Fabric Centre

Rolled menus, Secret Diary; feathers, Epanouir Flower Studio

Cake from, Kanya Hunt from The Hunt House Kitchen; cake stand (to hire), Check My China; velvet fabric, Fabric Centre; crystal wine glass, Woolworths

Plate and spoon (to hire), both Check My China; blueberries, Pick n Pay; bottle, Merrypak; thank-you tag, Secret Diary; glass, Woolworths

Chairs (to hire), Propeller Props; fairy lights and ping-pong balls, both Game

Menu, Secret Diary; feathers, Epanouir Flower Studio

Decor styling: Francoise Jeanne de Villiers
Food styling: Chiara Turilli
Photography: Gareth van Nelson
Venue: D’Aria, Cape Town

*Products all subject to availability