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    How to make exciting cocktails for your bachelorette

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    When one thinks of the drinks offered at a bachelorette party, the classics like vodka-cranberry come to mind. Instead of sticking to the obvious, mix things up with these fabulous cocktail recipes.

    1. Alcoholic slush

    This one is pretty easy and can be changed to suit various tastes. Whether you prefer vodka, tequila or both, a boozy slush is always a crowd-pleaser. There are equipment companies that hire out these machines, so you don’t have to do all the work. An alcoholic slush is perfect for a summer bachelorette party.


    2. Candy floss heaven

    To add a touch of flair to your cocktails, add some candy floss to the rim of the glass. It not only looks great but once the candy floss dissolves, it makes the drink taste even better.

     

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    Cloudy With A Chance Of Drip Drops. ?

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    3. Solid cocktails

    Who doesn’t enjoy a fruity popsicle with a touch of booze? Opt for your cocktail in frozen form and your guests will be over the moon. You can create a delicious mixture of your preference, poured into a popsicle mould and left to freeze for a few hours. Voila! A unique bachelorette cocktail.


    4. Mini cocktails

    Served in a tot glass, a mini cocktail is similar to a shooter. The saying “dynamite comes in small packages” rings true with these tasty and tiny drinks. Packing a punch per gulp, mini cocktails are guaranteed to bring an element of fun to the party.


    5. Healthy imitation

    Soak your favourite fruits in alcohol and serve them on a platter or as an additive to a mix of your choosing. A popular fruit to soak is watermelon. There are two ways to spike this fruit. The first is by cutting a hole into the top and sticking a bottle of booze into the gap. Allow the bottle to drain overnight. The second method is to cut the fruit up and pour the alcohol over the pieces. While a bit messier, it gets the job done.

     

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    Project for the weekend! #vodka #rum #tequila #alcohol #alcoholwatermelon

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    There are so many ways to make your cocktails interesting and flamboyant, without having to go to the extreme. Remember, if you are going to serve drinks with straws, make sure to avoid plastic straws and rather use paper or biodegradable straws instead.

    Picture: Unsplash

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    In Bridal Shower

    5 unique gifts your bridesmaids will love

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    Since your bridesmaids will have been accompanying you on this wedding-planning journey, preparing to hold your train and have tissues at the ready, it makes sense to spoil your BFFs with unique gifts that are thoughtful and, most importantly, functional. Here are our picks:

    1. CUSTOMISED WINE

    If your bridesmaids are vino lovers, buy them each a bottle of their favourite varietal with a ‘Thank you for being my bridesmaid’ label. They’ll no doubt enjoy the wine, but it’ll also be a sweet gesture they’ll want to display on their mantelpiece for years to come.

    2. MONOGRAMMED COMPACT

    A make-up compact is incredibly useful, yet something women hardly ever buy for themselves. Add a personal touch by embossing it with the bridesmaid’s initials.

    3. SCREEN-PRINTED TOTE BAG

    Tote bags are relatively inexpensive, and you can customise them to your heart’s content.

    4. LIPSTICK

    Every girl needs a signature lippie, right? Spoil your girls with a trip to a make-up shop to help them find a go-to colour that best suits their complexion, which they can sport on the day of the wedding.

    5. BRIDESMAID EMERGENCY KIT

    Fill a jar or make-up bag with girly essentials such as lip gloss, mints and a perfume sample, along with other handy items such as safety pins, plasters and a sewing kit.

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    Top 10 bridesmaid dress trends of 2019

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    The 2019 trends are here, and we are so excited to see what the new year has in store! When it comes to bridesmaid dress styles, modern themes are taking over with new and fresh looks that will give your bridal party a total make-over.

    1. ONE SHOULDER

    We’ve seen the return of this trend in everyday wear, and can’t help but swoon over the sophisticated style it brings in a bridesmaid gown.

    2. TWO PIECES

    Stunning two-piece sets allow your bridesmaids to mix and match their looks to your theme. This choice adds a playful side to your bridal party and is suited to a summer wedding.

    3. DRAMATIC SLEEVES

    Tie, cap and flared sleeves are all taking the wedding fashion scene by storm with their cute and playful appearances. Whether it’s dramatic flair or a statement you’re after, you are sure to find a creative sleeve style to suit your theme and bridal party look.

    4. VELVET

    Velvet fabric creates a subtle sultry aesthtic that, when paired with jewel tones, lets your bridal party flourish like royalty.

    5. ROYAL SHADES

    The royal weddings of 2018 have set the standard for wedding trends this 2019. Rich and textured shades of emerald green, mustard yellow and ruby red are major statements this season.

    6. MESH

    Sheer overlays flowing to the floor give your bridesmaid dresses an air of romance and grace that is both feminine and flattering.

    7. WRAP DRESSES

    Classic and elegant, the wrap dress is a suitable option for all of your bridesmaids. If you’re planning your wedding for the spring of 2019, this look will fit your bridal party perfectly.

    8. SHORT DRESSES

    Short and tea-length dresses detailed with tulle and pleated skirts create a fun and playful look that is also chic and reminiscent of ’50s styles.

    9. EMBROIDERY

    The reincorporation of various textures into fashion has led to styles like embroidery being brought back in new and creative ways. Let this age-old method take over your bridal party look in a gorgeous update that is modern and elegant.

    10. JUMPSUITS

    Some bridesmaids will be skipping the dresses altogether in favour of sophisticated and modern jumpsuit styles. They’re comfortable, fashion-savvy and your bridal party can wear them past your wedding day.

    Images: Pinterest

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    In Advice

    Lookbook: A midsummer night’s dream

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    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

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    5 tips to remember when picking your bridesmaids dresses

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    Having your wedding day accompanied by your absolute besties as your bridesmaids, all matching and looking gorgeous, is an absolute dream. However, this can be quite a challenging task.

    Your bridesmaids may not like your choice of dress, style, colour or overall idea towards what they will wear on the day, and if you’re someone who wants everyone to be happy and satisfied, this can cause serious complications and even some drama.

    With an open mind and these simple tips, finding the perfect bridesmaids dresses that everyone will love will be much easier.

    1. CUT OUT SAME-STYLE DRESSES

    Unless your bridesmaids all look identical, the same style of dress will fit each woman differently, and may not be suitable or flattering for every body type. This is where styles like the infinity dress come in, where one dress with the same material and colour can be worn in multiple ways to suit each woman’s body. Try to be more open with finding different styles for each bridesmaid.

    2. MAKE COLOUR THE COMMON THEME

    If you’ve decided that your bridesmaids can wear different style dresses, make sure they stick to a very specific colour palette that suits you and your wedding theme. Even though the dresses may not be identical, your bridesmaids will still appear co-ordinated and will be comfortable in their favoured style of dress.

    3. SET A GUIDELINE

    Apart from simply having a common colour scheme, ensure that your bridesmaids know the boundaries of what you want for their appearance on the day. Try to use your wedding dress at a starting point, and model the bridesmaids dresses after it. Decide whether you want classy or glamorous, short or long dresses, what season you are getting married in, and how conservative they will need to be.

    4. STAY IN TOUCH

    Stay up to date with your bridesmaids’ dress-hunting, and, if you can, try to go with them to be a part of the decision process. Staying in contact will also show your interest and concern for your bridesmaids, as it is an important day for them too. Make a WhatsApp group and regularly ask for images. This may become frustrating, but it will be worth it to ensure that you are part of the decision-making process.

    5. REMEMBER, YOU ARE THE BRIDE

    Above everything else, remember that you are the bride and it is your special day. If you cannot come to an agreement with one of your bridesmaids and it is causing you more stress, it is not selfish to cut someone out. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you and your partner have decided for the wedding.

    Image: Unsplash

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    Thank you gift ideas for your bridesmaids and groomsmen

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    Since your bridesmaids and groomsmen will help ensure everything goes according to plan, why not show your appreciation for them with a small token of gratitude? Take your pick from these thoughtful and creative thank you gift ideas.

    FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS

    1. Transform an old glass jar into a lucky packet of pampering essentials or buy a cute zippered purse and fill it with her favourite items: lip gloss, mints, chocolate, a perfume sample, a hand mirror. Add a tag with a loving note and voila!

    2. If you’re having a winter wedding, consider gifting each bridesmaid with a pashmina or shawl in a colour that matches their dress or your overall colour scheme.

    3. For summer, try getting hold of paper fans. These will not only come in handy when the heat gets too much to bear, but can also serve as awesome props for photographs!

    4. If you and your bridesmaids are getting ready together, a cute silk robe is a nice gift and will foster bonding between you while you get ready.

    FOR THE GROOMSMEN

    1. Personalise a wooden box by filling it with a handy shaving kit: a brush, shaving cream and a delicious-smelling aftershave.

    2. An accessory such as a bow tie, cufflinks, pocket square or socks is an awesome addition to your groomsmen’s attire and will remind them of the day whenever they wear it.

    3. Customise a leather bracelet or keychain with each groomsman’s name.

    4. An instant camera will help encourage them to document your wedding in their own unique way.

    5. Buy inexpensive T-shirts or hoodies and get them monogrammed with a fun quote or saying that means something to all of you.

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    6 Runway-inspired flower girl dresses

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    Not sure how your flower girl will fit in with the rest of your retinue? We’ve rounded up some of 2017’s biggest bridal trends to help you dress the little ones on your big day.

    1 3D appliqués

    Adding a 3D element is a great way of taking the traditional to the next level – while still keeping that timeless elegance.

    3D appliqueOscar de la Renta

    2 The bow-back 

    Incorporate a girly bow on the back of your flower girl’s frock – it combines a cute girly touch with a sophisticated wedding theme.

    Bow backThe Ladybug Collection

    3 Prints

    Add a splash of colour without going too bright by opting for a print (florals are especially chic).

    PrintsOscar de la Renta

    4 Ombré

    If you want to take a coloured dress a step further, why not go with a two-toned option? It adds an element of fun in a way that’s both sophisticated and feminine.

    OmbreJoan Calabrese for Mon Cheri

    5 Babydoll

    Although its beauty lies in its simplicity, a light and airy babydoll dress is the ideal garment for fussy little ones and can be dressed up with hair accessories, garlands and beads.

    BabydollDavid’s Bridal

    6 Glitter

    Everyone loves a little sparkle – especially if they’re under the age of eight! Your little one will feel like a princess in an enchanting dress of glitter or metallics.

    GlitterSeahorse by Watters

    Text Sharné Cupido

     Photography pinterest.com/weddingalbumsa

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