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Bridal Party

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Congratulations, you are getting married! After many years of relationship and waiting for the man of your life to dare to ask you the famous question, the time has come: you are going to celebrate your wedding and you must organize everything correctly to make it an unforgettable day.

For many brides to be able to organize their wedding day to their liking is a challenge, since they not only want their dress to be the ideal one and the place where the event will be held to be suitable for the type of ceremony they plan to celebrate, but they also want excellence in each of the details that surround an event of these characteristics: the type of flowers that will predominate throughout the ceremony, the banquet, the music, and of course choose what will be the dresses of their bridesmaids.

It is a truth known worldwide that a bride will always need at least one bridesmaid on her wedding day, although the ideal and most common is that there will be between 3 and 4 lucky bridesmaids who will accompany the bride to the altar and help her in everything she needs during the most important day of her life.

Now, what is the best way to choose the dress to be worn by the bridesmaids at your wedding? Is there only one way to get it right? Or does it all depend exclusively on the bride’s taste and the patience you have with her bridesmaids to accommodate her every whim and change of mind?

The answer is very wide. Cicinia has tons of experience dressing brides and their bridesmaids and they firmly believe that there are two main factors:  the place where the wedding will be held and the time.

From these two factors, and of course the personal taste of the bride and groom, they assure you that you can choose the dress for your bridesmaids without fear of making a mistake. Knowing where and at what time your wedding will be held will help you to solve many doubts regarding the wardrobe, such as: choose long dresses and dark tones if it is a night wedding or opt for a more casual dress with white tones if it is a beach wedding, among other things.

Straight from the Cicinia team, they’ll explain six original ways to dress your bridesmaids so that the theme of your wedding and your wardrobe are perfectly combined!

Take note!

A wedding based on your moon sign 

More and more brides are deciding to follow the designs of the moon and prepare their weddings based on what their zodiac signs tell them. For example, if you are a Leo bride, your bridesmaids’ dresses should be striking and quite seductive, because according to what astrology tells us about this fire sign, Leo women are usually very attractive, intelligent and with a great gift of people. Something that translated into the world of fashion results in dresses with large openings in the back, plunging necklines and beautiful silk or satin fabrics.

Each moon sign is different and unique, so every wedding that is prepared according to these characteristics is unique. Do not miss the opportunity to use this theme to make your wedding unforgettable for you and for all your guests.

In fact, in Cicinia we already have an opinion on this type of ancient quest, so do not hesitate to visit our article to learn more about it!

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A wedding on the beach 

Are you and your groom passionate about the beach and have always wanted to celebrate the most romantic day of your life surrounded by sand and sea? If so, you’ll be happy to know that using the beach theme to determine the style of your bridesmaids’ dresses is very effective. In fact, your own dress will also need to be tailored to the circumstances, as walking on the cold, hard aisle of a church is not the same as walking on the warm sand of a beach that sinks beneath your feet.

A wedding at the sea invites all dresses to be light, with a lot of flight and in white or beige tones. On the other hand, she also suggests you the option of eliminating shoes in your bridesmaids’ ensemble and opting for boho-style dresses with linen and cotton as protagonists. Finally, if you choose to do it in silver you can also think about choosing some kind of tiara or natural updo for you and your bridesmaids since in the sea it is always usually quite airy and for the ceremony and photo shoots you will be much more comfortable to have your hair well collected and out of your face.

Rustic Wedding 

If you choose to get married outdoors but instead of opting for the sea you choose the mountains, you can also choose the style of your bridesmaids’ dresses inspired by nature and everything that represents for you to get married in a place as magical as the woods.

A mountain wedding invites you to choose vintage style dresses, with off-white and lace as the protagonists of the design. On the other hand, you can also add a floral detail at the waist of your bridesmaids’ dresses or in their updos to match your wedding dress. This way you will blend in with your surroundings and look like real forest nymphs. The possibilities are endless, you just have to look at the place where you will get married and try to find dresses that fit perfectly with its light and colours.

An evening wedding 

As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, taking into account the time of day you are getting married will also help you determine the type of dress your bridesmaids should wear. Therefore, if you are getting married at night, your bridesmaids’ dresses should be according to the light and tones of a night event, that is, dark tones but full of bright elements that in contact with the light of the spotlights illuminate and generate a hypnotic effect on the dresses.

An example of the ideal bridesmaid dress for this type of wedding would be a cobalt blue dress covered with sequins and with a large opening in the back. In our catalog you will find a wide variety of options that match this description, do not hesitate to consult it to learn more.

Indoor wedding in classic style 

Your wedding will follow all the classic canons of traditional weddings, it will be held in a church and the banquet will be indoors. You may think that this style of wedding is already seen and that your bridesmaids’ dresses will not be anything out of the ordinary, but the truth is that you can also innovate in this field and use the classic style to your advantage to choose a beautiful and timeless design that will make both you and your bridesmaids look very beautiful and fashionable.

An indoor wedding invites you to choose long silk or satin dresses, with demure sweetheart necklines and with some kind of cape or veil on the shoulders that bring movement and sensuality to the design. Pastel colors are perfect for this type of ceremonies, such as salmon or blue. Whatever your choice, on our website you will surely find the bridesmaid dress that suits your needs.

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Winter Wedding 

More and more brides and grooms decide to get married in winter and have a wedding worthy of a Christmas fairy tale. However, getting married when temperatures are so low makes the search for a dress even more complex, but nothing is impossible. You just have to let yourself be carried away by the magic of the season and its colors.

For example, if you are getting married in December or January you can opt for green or red colors (since you are in the middle of the Christmas season) and thicker fabrics that help your bridesmaids to cope with the cold without preventing them from looking beautiful. Wearing gloves is also a good idea, both to keep your hands from getting cold and to make the whole dress more complete and elegant.

You can also opt for all-white dresses that emulate snow and do the same with the rest of the decoration. The options for choosing a dress in winter are many, you just have to relax and look at all the information available to you.

These are six really effective ways in which you can find the perfect dress for your bridesmaids to look spectacular on the most beautiful day of your life. Although they are not the only ways to find your ideal dress, we hope that with the information we have given you and by consulting our website, you will be able to find what you are looking forward to for your wedding.

For more tips and tricks, visit: https://cicinia.co.uk/

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No matter the season, you want members of your bridal party to feel elegant and stylish. Unless you have an unwavering vision for your bridesmaids, it’s quite easy to be swayed by the plethora of wedding trends out there. 

Between wrap dresses, bold prints and jumpsuits were helping you sift through the trends and providing you with killer ensembles that your bridesmaids will love wearing.

The elegant slip dress

Rust and champagne colours are all the rage right now and tying this phenomenal colour in with an elegant slip dress design will leave your bridesmaids feeling chic.

Wowing with bold prints

Adding bold prints to any dress, no matter the occasion can be a great way to elevate things. Whether it is summer or springtime, this floral design contrasted with navy hues is bound to make a statement.

Wrap dress for the win

We love a gorgeous wrap dress. Not only are these trendy designs comfortable, but they can be as chic as you would like. Add a few patterns or make it pop with a gorgeous colour like emerald green and you have a winner.

Jumping for joy

Jumpsuits don’t have to be the only thing on the bridal menu. Jumpsuits are uber comfortable and can add a little twist to your wedding party, the colour is also to die for!

 

Who says chiffon is outdated? This fabric is an extremely popular and versatile choice and can be incredibly affordable for bridal couples on a budget. There are so many possibilities that come with choosing this fabric, but make it’s always important to make it your own.

A sea of velvet dreams

When you think of bridesmaids dresses, velvet may not be the first thing that comes to mind. This fabric can be quite a departure from traditional fabrics such as chiffon, but it offers a unique look for brides looking to take the road less travelled. It will also leave your bridal babes feeling stylish and oh-so fierce.

Pictures: Pinterest | Show me your Mumu

Times have changed and so have traditions. It’s the year 2021 and most people have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Budgets are tight and health concerns are real. If you’re getting married but don’t feel you need to have both a bachelorette and a kitchen tea, there are several ways to combine them into one awesome bridal event.

There are loads of benefits of combining the two events into one. Weddings tend to happen in a shorter span of time between getting engaged and getting married due to ever-changing COVID-19 regulations. One bridal event will save time and energy, as well as money. It will also mean you get exposed to fewer people and environments, keeping your immediate bubble small and staying within that bubble instead of hanging out with different groups of people.

Here are some ideas of ways your bridal event can include everyone from your mom and aunt to your besties. Activities that everyone will enjoy and don’t break the bank is the way to go.

Private picnic

Picnics never get old. It’s chic, low-fuss and absolutely yummy. You can choose a theme or let the theme be the food! Gather your closest ladies and avoid the crowds by finding a private spot. You can also book a picnic from a vendor so it can be all set up in a cosy little nook when you arrive, ready to dig in.

Day by the pool

It’s summer! Sun’s out, which means bikinis and sarongs are on. Plan a fun day of leisurely lounging by the pool if you have access to one. Make cocktails together and get your dose of Vitamin D. Remember to wear adequate sunscreen, hats and seek out some shade every now and then.

Board and card games

 

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Who doesn’t love a good games night? Collect all your favourite board and card games and let your competitive side take over. You can even go as far as to place bets so there’s real incentive to win, or take it easy and just have a good laugh with your mates for the sake of it.

Cook or bake together 

 

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Food, glorious food. Whether you’re an aspiring fine-dining chef or just a plain old sweet tooth, get everyone together for a day of creating a beautiful meal, dessert or even just snacks. You can go for a cooking class or go DIY, as long as you walk away with a full belly and happy heart. Oh, and don’t forget to open a bottle of wine.

Spa day

Look, we’re not saying it’s never been done before. But honestly, who wouldn’t want to do it again (and again and again)? Book a day at your favourite spa for some serious relaxation. Plus, it will leave everyone looking and feeling refreshed and in top form for the big day!

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, some wedding plans have been put on hold and others happened sooner than expected. If you tied the knot before your planned wedding date, this means you likely missed out on some of the traditional pre-wedding celebrations.

Typically, a bachelorette party is a celebration of the bride’s last night of singledom. But what if you’re already married?

In comes the wifelorette. A wifelorette is a party given in honour of a woman who is already married. Generally, this kind of party happens if the bride could not have a bachelorette party before her wedding.

 

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Wifelorettes are no different than the usual bachelorette, so let your creative juices flow and plan something that is perfect for you and your best friends. From a night out on the town to a weekend away, or even a fun scavenger hunt, anything goes.

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Weddings can change even the most rational person into a bridezilla. Unfortunately for these bridesmaids, their bride got a bit too controlling and laid down the law, giving them a 37-rule contract of do’s and don’t to follow in the lead up to the big day.

According to the Mirror UK, the bride demanded her bridesmaids may not alter their hair colour, gain more than 3kg or intentionally fall pregnant before the wedding.

Bridesmaids also required a doctor’s note to miss dress fittings or any bridal activities like the bachelorette party.

The bride even went so far as to ban her bridesmaids from wearing false eyelashes, ban colourful nails and glossy coloured lipstick.

Here are the rules in full:

– I will not try to convince the bride to change anything in her wedding.

– I will not talk negative about anyone in the wedding.

– I will wear only black or dark brown hair on the day of the wedding (highlights may be accepted with prior approval).

– I cannot wear any lashes the day of the wedding unless professionally installed.

– I have to attend the bridal shower and bachelorette party, fitting and rehearsals and wedding (only time this can be missed is death or jail, pregnancy over five months and some sickness with recent doctor’s note).

– I will take care of my skin, hair and nails from now until the wedding.

– The bride will choose my make-up artist the day of the wedding.

– I will agree to wear the dress the bride chooses regardless of my own opinions, style or colour.

– I will not wear any extra accessories, items of clothing or jewellery the day of the wedding except my wedding or engagement ring.

– I will not intentionally fall pregnant before the wedding. (Pregnancy under five months will not be excused from attending wedding events.)

– I will support the bride in everything she chooses.

– I will not consume more than seven units of alcohol during any event except the bachelorette party (there will be no limit).

– I will not bring a date to wedding or reception without bridal approval.

– I will not bring any outside people, except kids, to any meeting.

– I will not bring my kids to the wedding unless they are a part of the wedding party (no exceptions).

– I will make sure I have an accountable babysitter the day of all events and I understand that no show for no babysitter will not be an acceptable excuse.

– I will not make any advances towards males in the wedding party.

– I will not date anyone in the wedding party that I wasn’t dating before I signed this contract.

– I will be happy and positive at all times during wedding and reception.

– I will not grow sensitive and angry with the bride because I understand that she has a bossy attitude.

– I will not attempt to outdo the bride in any way.

– I will wear the hairstyle the bride chooses for the wedding day.

– I understand that I have to purchase my own dress and shoes and hairstyle for the wedding.

– I understand that the bachelorette party may be a destination getaway.

– I understand that I have to purchase a bachelorette party T-shirt and fund my own trip if it is away.

– I understand that the maid and matron of honour will need help funding some of the events.

– I understand that the bride does not want any suggestion and this agreement is on here twice, two different ways, because the bride wants it to be clear. Only suggestion allowed is a way to get her exact item at a cheaper price.

– I will not drop out of the wedding party for any of the reasons listed above. If I do not like anything listed, I will not sign the contract and I will be replaced. I understand that if I do not agree to the above terms it will not ruin the bride and I’s friendship. But if I sign and agree and later want to drop out, then it will ruin our friendship.

– I understand that no friendship to the bride is bigger than anyone in her wedding party and everyone will be treated equally.

– I understand that I may have to do physical activity at the reception and this requires practices provided by the bride.

– No coloured contact lenses allowed.

– No black drawn-on eyebrows or thick drawn-on (matter of fact, revert back to make-up law above).

– No glossy coloured lipstick allowed (the kind that looks very, very shiny and bright).

– No colourful nails the day of the wedding. Only colours allowed are American, French or Nudes.

– I will provide the bride with my normal seven-day schedule within five days of signing this contract.

– I will agree to save at least $50 (about R740) a month for expenses for the next 14 months.

Unfortunately for the bride, not all of her bridesmaids were on board with her expectations. Only six of the ten bridesmaids ended up agreeing and signing the contract.

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When it comes to planning your big day, you want your closest people by your side to get your through. Things will get crazy, overwhelming and exhausting which is where your A-team step in.

But how do you know who to ask? Who should be your maid of honour and should you even have one? There will most likely be many outside voices telling you what to do, feelings of moral obligation or pressure from your partner around who to include in your bridal party. Take a breath, we’re here to help.

If you have no idea who to ask, consider the following guidelines.

You have the right to choose

It’s your wedding. Not your mother’s,  mother-in-law’s or sister’s wedding. You should be comfortable with the people around you, trust them and be able to rely on them. Choose people you know well, have a close relationship with and that you know carry your happiness at heart.

Your maid/man of honour needs certain qualities

Some traditions dictate that a bride should ask her closest female family member to be the maid of honour, while others firmly believe that it should be your longest-standing friend. While your man/maid of honour might tick both those boxes, the most important thing is that he or she must be your closest friend. They may be a sister, cousin or school friend, but they may also be a recently met colleague, sports mate or even an older person who is a role model and mentor in your life.

That being said, they will need to handle some arrangements, do a lot of planning and be hands-on during the process. As such, they would need to be at least a semi-organised person, live close enough to see you regularly and know you well enough to avoid planning things you would not enjoy.

Your bridal party don’t need to be best friends with each other

The maid of honour and bridesmaids are a group of people who all love you, but they don’t need to love each other. Yes, you want them to have a good time and getting along will be a bonus, but the main thing is that you have the people there that you want. If they really care about you, they will put any potential differences aside and work together as a team to make your dream come true.

You are allowed to exclude people 

This part sounds harsh, but it might be necessary. As with guests, you can’t always have everybody there. Sometimes practicalities just won’t allow it and other times it could be that people expect things of you that are unfair. If it so happens that you and your partner’s sister just don’t see eye to eye, for example, you shouldn’t have to feel pressured to include her in the bridal party. It would probably be a relief to them as much as it is to you, if you don’t ask them.

Remember this is your big day and your happiness counts most.

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Ring bearers and other youngsters who form part of the procession always bring a smile to everyone’s faces at the wedding. Some ask their nephews and nieces, cousins or own children to be the ring bearers. Others include their fur-babies.

Whether it’s the outfits (some have very important titles like “Ring Security”) or the faces (a few babies have admittedly fallen asleep on the job), we simply adore these gorgeous kids and animals.

Those with pets don’t stop with dogs, mind you. There are “wedding llamas” and also a bunny involved. Have a look at our favourites.

 

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Not one for the club scene? That’s perfectly acceptable. With all the stress of wedding planning, a nice relaxing weekend with your best girls is a great way to calm your nerves.

Low-key brides wanting to do something a little different to the traditional bachelorette rager can opt for more serene experiences designed to soothe those frazzled nerves and get you ready for your big day. Here are a few fun activities to consider.

Spa Day:

Who doesn’t love a spa day? A fresh set of nails, a massage and a facial can do wonders, especially when you’re feeling tense from wedding planning.

You can arrange for a group spa day at a local beauty salon or wellness centre, or you could even have them come to you. Allow your guests to pick from an assortment of treatments, and throw in some delicious light snacks and infused water to complete the vibe.

 

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Yoga:

Feeling tense? Maybe you need to work out those muscles! Yoga is a great way to ease stress and get your body moving in a low impact workout that will leave you feeling calm.

You can have a yoga instructor come to you to host a yoga class, complete with breathing exercises, and guided meditation. If you want to add a unique element, you could even try goat yoga!

 

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Staycation:

Live the life of luxury without even leaving your city. There are so many incredibly Airbnb listings across South Africa, allowing people to book out entire villas overlooking mesmerising views.

All your guests can pool together to book a place with enough space for everyone in a central area. You can spend the weekend chilling poolside, cooking up meals with your besties, and bonding.

Wine tasting:

Wine tasting is a national sport in the Western Cape. With so many wineries to choose from, locals are truly spoilt for choice.

For a safe experience, we suggest taking a trip on the Franschhoek wine tram, a hop-on-hop-off service connecting you to six wine estates in the Franschhoek Valley.

 

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Yacht life:

What’s more luxurious than lounging on a luxury yacht? Spend the day cruising away with 360° views and sunshine warming you up.

You don’t need a specific destination, a local cruise is perfect. Most boats are equipped with sound systems so you can DJ the day while you work on your tan, and menu and bar options are typically available as well.

 

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Tradition dictates that only the bride can wear white on her big day. Well, it’s 2020 and rules are meant to be broken!

The tradition of brides wearing white began with Queen Victoria back in 1840, and has been an accepted and essential part of weddings ever since. However, many brides are skipping tradition and creating memorable weddings following their own tastes on desires. Some opt to not even wear white.

Why not take it one step further and have your bridal party dress in white too?  The key to pulling off this trend is contrast. Even though everyone is wearing white, guests should immediately be able to tell who the bride is. Keep enough difference between your dress and your bridesmaid dresses so that the roles are clear.

Here are some beautiful bridal parties wearing white and making a statement.

 

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Wine tasting is basically a national sport in South Africa. With award-winning wineries found across the country, wine not take advantage and spend the day sipping away?

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, people are advised to stay home as much as possible. However, if you still really want to host a bridal shower then you can bring it to the safety of your home. Create a DIY wine tasting experience for your closest friends with these easy steps.

Create (and stick to) a Guest List

This may seem like an obvious first step when planning an event, but there is always someone who doesn’t RSVP and shows up anyway. Gently remind everyone you invite that you need a definite yes or no answer. The last thing you want is thirsty friends and not enough wine and glassware to go around.

“Extra” is Just Enough 

Wine is an inherently fun theme for a bachelorette party or bridal shower, but why not make your event as Insta-worthy as possible? Create a fun bar or bar cart, deck your tables out with florals or tossed confetti, or incorporate fun signage to make your venue really pop! You can also have fun with your food. Cheese and crackers always pair well with wine but offer your guests something sweet as well as a macaron tower or petit fours.

Pick Your Poison 

It may be best to stick to a specific type of drink on the day. Mixing alcohol can be dangerous, so avoid sipping on gins to wine to beer in one sitting. Once you decide the type of alcohol you want to serve, it’s time to choose the different brands. Choosing four to six different brands is just the right amount to have enough variety and keep your guests sipping pretty.

Since you don’t have to fill up the glasses completely, an average 750ML or 25.4oz wine bottle is enough for about eight people. We recommend having an extra bottle of each wine for every eight attendants, so if someone wants a refill of their favourites after the tasting is over, it is readily available. Plus, once a favourite is chosen, you’ll want to have enough of that wine for a toast!

Winner, winner

Help identify the winning bottle by setting up a wine scorecard. This allows your guests to track their notes and assign numerical values to each wine. Lastly, don’t forget enough pens (to write with, duh) and water (to cleanse the palette) for each attendee.

Execution

Remember the four “s’s” (see, swirl, sniff, sip). Have your gals take the time to really enjoy and savour each sip. Invite them to judge the appearance, aroma, body, taste, and finish of each wine in front of them. Although the responses are based on an individual’s taste, it is a great way for your friends and family who don’t know each other to bond over likes and dislikes.

Whether you wine a little or a lot, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the moment with your closest family and friends.

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