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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

    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

    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.

    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