From Grace Kelly to Audrey Hepburn, high-neck wedding dresses have been a celebrity favourite for decades.
This style is classic and demure yet packs a punch. It also lends itself to a Victorian-inspired look. For brides wanting a more modest look on their big day, a high-neck gown offers coverage without compromising on style.
Bow ties are a classic option that will add the finishing touch to your wedding day outfit. As dashing as they are, the sophisticated embellishment is a bit tricky to pull off. If you’re unsure and want to pull off the tasteful look yourself, here’s how to tie a bow tie on your wedding day, or any other day you want to look extra dapper:
Black is a classic colour to choose but if your wedding vibe allows for it, consider opting for a funky colour, pattern or material.
Sizing
To ensure you get that dashing and sophisticated look, adjust the bow tie according to your neck size. Ask a sales assistant to measure your neck when purchasing a bow tie. There should be an adjustable slider or a hook and holes that will allow you to make the bow tie bigger or smaller.
First place your bow tie around your neck facing up. Make sure that the right side is shorter than the left. Your left end is A and the right end is B.
Move A over to the right. It will be across from B. It should form an X shape.
Move A under B and bring it up through the neck loop.
You can now fold B towards the right and finally to the left, which will then create the bow shape.
The A side can now move straight down over the middle section (the bow shape)
A can be folded towards the chest.
Pinch the fold.
You need to push A through the loop behind B.
Finally, pull on the folded parts which will tighten it. Adjust the bow tie to be balanced on both sides.
For brides who refuse to sacrifice comfort for style, this collaboration might just be the wedding shoe moment of the year. Birkenstock has teamed up with New York-based bridal designer Danielle Frankel on a limited-edition footwear capsule that reimagines the brand’s most iconic silhouettes for weddings and special occasions.
The result? Bridal shoes that look fashion-forward, feel supportive, and are designed to last long after the last dance.
A modern take on bridal footwear
The six-piece Birkenstock x Danielle Frankel collection reworks four classic Birkenstock styles, alongside two exclusive designs created specifically for Frankel’s studio. Familiar shapes like the Arizona, Madrid and Tulum have been elevated with satin finishes, delicate ties, pearls and soft floral detailing, all while staying true to Birkenstock’s signature aesthetic.
Standout styles include a white satin Arizona adorned with pearls, a pared-back Madrid with refined straps, and a Tulum sandal updated with a sleek slingback. For brides looking for something more artisanal, the hand-painted Boston clog and chiffon-embroidered Arizona offer a distinctly couture feel.
Despite the romantic makeover, comfort is still at the heart of every design. Each shoe features Birkenstock’s cork-latex footbed, ensuring proper support throughout a long wedding day.
Why the fashion world is paying attention
Unsurprisingly, the collaboration has already generated buzz ahead of its official release. International fashion titles have praised the collection for challenging traditional bridal norms, celebrating individuality, and offering an alternative to classic heels.
Danielle Frankel, a long-time Birkenstock wearer herself, approached the partnership as a study in merging practicality with romance. Pearls, bespoke floral motifs and hand-finished details nod to her bridal couture roots, while production in Birkenstock’s German factories ensures the craftsmanship both brands are known for.
Is it for everyone? Probably not
Let’s be honest: bridal Birkenstocks won’t win over every bride, and for some, this will be a hard no. But for others, this collection will feel refreshingly liberating. And perhaps that’s exactly who it’s meant for.
When and where to shop the collection
The Birkenstock x Danielle Frankel collection launches on February 12, 2026, with select styles previewing during New York Fashion Week from February 11 to 16. It is said that the range will be available online via birkenstock.com and daniellefrankelstudio.com, as well as at selected retailers worldwide.
The Golden Globes 2026 once again proved that red carpets and wedding aisles aren’t worlds apart. From sculptural couture gowns that could effortlessly double as modern wedding dresses to sharply tailored suiting offering fresh inspiration for grooms and groomsmen alike, this year’s looks were a masterclass in ceremony-worthy style. Add in fashion-forward moments perfect for bridesmaids and wedding party outfits, and it’s clear: Hollywood’s biggest night delivered no shortage of ideas for couples planning a celebration that feels both timeless and of-the-moment.
While many of these show-stopping dresses weren’t designed in traditional bridal shades, their silhouettes, textures and detailing translate beautifully into white, ivory and soft neutral palettes , making them perfect reference points for brides, bridesmaids and wedding parties seeking fashion-forward inspiration with lasting appeal.
Soft neutrals will always have a place in weddings, but 2025 has welcomed a richer shade into the spotlight. Chocolate brown has emerged as a key wedding colour trend. Now, we must admit, brown wasn’t at the top of our list of favourite colours, but seeing how it has been used at weddings made us fall in love a little.
Why chocolate brown works for weddings
Chocolate brown strikes a rare balance. It feels warm without overpowering a palette and refined without feeling cold. As a wedding colour trend, it offers something different while still photographing beautifully and ageing well over time.
It also complements a wide range of skin tones and transitions effortlessly between seasons, making it a strong choice for couples wanting to move beyond predictable whites and beiges without committing to bold colour.
Bridesmaid dresses in chocolate brown
Photo: Birdie Grey/Pinterest
Bridesmaid dresses are one of the easiest and most impactful ways to incorporate this wedding colour trend. Chocolate brown is flattering, wearable and instantly cohesive, whether styled in matching gowns or mixed silhouettes.
Satin and silk elevate the shade for more formal celebrations, while chiffon and matte fabrics soften the look for relaxed settings. Paired with gold jewellery, natural makeup and neutral bouquets, the result feels polished but unfussy.
Using chocolate brown in wedding decor
In decor, chocolate brown works best as a grounding layer rather than the main focus. Table linens, runners or napkins in warm brown tones add depth when paired with white crockery, candlelight and natural textures.
For ceremonies, subtle brown accents through wood elements, fabric details or earthy floral arrangements help anchor the space. Keeping lighter tones like ivory or blush in the mix ensures the overall look remains fresh and inviting.
Stationery and styling details
Photo: Kaleidoscope Events/Pinterest
This wedding colour trend shines in the details. Chocolate brown adds richness to stationery through textured paper, warm ink tones or wax seals, setting a refined tone from the first impression.
It also translates beautifully into styling touches such as signage, cake detailing or groom accessories like brown leather shoes or belts, creating cohesion without feeling overly styled.
Colours that pair well with chocolate brown
Part of chocolate brown’s appeal lies in its versatility. Paired with cream or stone, it creates a timeless, neutral palette. Blush and dusty rose add softness, while olive green, terracotta or black introduce a more contemporary edge.
Metallic accents like gold or bronze lift the palette further, adding warmth and subtle contrast without overpowering the look.
When it comes to wedding-fashion in 2025 and beyond, one of the most powerful developments is inclusivity. It’s no longer enough for bridal style to cater only to “traditional” gowns and tuxes; the focus is shifting to attire that honours all genders, body sizes, styles and identities. For your wedding magazine site, this topic allows you to speak to a broad audience, brides, grooms, non-binary celebrants, plus-size couples, and style-forward individuals who want their attire to reflect who they are.
This article will walk through why inclusive wedding fashion matters, the key trends to watch, how couples can make inclusive choices (especially in the South African / African context), and practical tips for planning and shopping, so you can offer your readers both inspiration and actionable guidance.
Why Inclusive Fashion Matters
Representation counts. As one expert put it when discussing size inclusivity: “Being inclusive means to honour and represent bodies of all shapes and sizes.”
Traditional bridal markets have often ignored non-binary identities, curvy bodies, petite frames or people outside the gender binary. According to one article from Vogue: “The majority of designs cater to brides and grooms who adhere to the gender binary.”
Inclusive fashion sends a message: you belong, you matter, you deserve to feel beautiful and true to yourself.
For a wedding magazine website: this topic resonates because it intersects with fashion, culture, identity and the modern moment, ideal for stylish editorial features and how-to guides.
Key Trends in Inclusive Wedding Attire
1. Gender-Neutral & Androgynous Looks
Celebrants are choosing tailored suits, tuxedos, jumpsuits, or gown/blazer hybrids rather than traditional binary styles.
Vogue notes that designers are offering trousers, skirts and dresses for “male bodies” and suits for “female-bodies” – blurring the gender lines in bridal collections.
Practical tip: feature designers or boutiques in South Africa who offer gender-neutral options, or highlight how to tailor classic pieces for inclusive looks.
2. Size Inclusivity
According to Brides.com, the challenge isn’t only offering larger sizes, but letting those larger‐size clients try on purpose-designed pieces with their bodies and proportions in mind. Brides
It’s not just about sizing up a sample; it’s about fit, tailoring, representation in imagery, and the shopping experience.
On your site: Show real South African brides/grooms across the size spectrum, highlight boutiques offering extended sizes, talk about tailoring and customisation.
3. Style Freedom & Self-Expression
Many couples are moving beyond the “white dress / black tux” paradigm: colour, texture, pattern, bold silhouettes are in.
For inclusive fashion, this means each person’s outfit can reflect their identity, culture or aesthetic — not just what’s expected.
Especially for African weddings: consider how local culture (prints, textiles, colours) can be fused into inclusive attire.
How to Make Inclusive Choices: A Game Plan for Couples
Step 1: Define your “authentic style”
Ask: How do I feel most like “me”? Do I gravitate towards traditionally feminine dresses, sharply tailored suits, or something in between?
Create a mood board-style list: silhouettes, colours, fabrics, accessories that reflect your identity.
Step 2: Research inclusive vendors
Look for bridal/boutique shops that carry extended sizes and gender-neutral pieces.
Ask about sample sizes available for try-on (especially important for larger sizes).
For gender-neutral attire: ask about bespoke tailoring, mixing suits with skirts/trousers/blazers, custom hybrids.
Step 3: Fit & tailoring matter
Regardless of size or gender identity, a good fit makes the outfit feel you.
For curves, small frames, or non-binary bodies: ask for adjustments in design (waist placement, chest fit, length).
For non-traditional silhouettes: ensure the fabric, proportions and finishing reflect your body in the way you want to be seen.
Step 4: Coordinate (don’t match) with partner & wedding party
Inclusive fashion is not about forcing everyone into one mold. Instead: let each person feel free to express themselves while still visually supporting the union.
Example: One partner wears a tailored suit in deep emerald, the other a flowing skirt-set in the same hue — shared colour, different form.
Step 5: Use your platform to show diversity
If you’re writing for a wedding magazine: include images of diverse bodies, styles, cultures.
Include tips for readers: where to shop in South Africa, how to ask the right questions at a boutique, what to do if you can’t find exactly what you want (e.g., bespoke, custom alterations).
Inclusive Fashion in the South African & African Context
Highlight local designers and boutiques offering inclusive sizing and gender-neutral tailoring.
Reflect cultural identity: prints, textiles, local craftsmanship can be integrated into inclusive outfits (e.g., traditional African prints in bespoke suits or gowns).
Consider climate and setting: if marrying in Cape Town, Joburg, or elsewhere in Africa, fabric choice, comfort and mobility matter. Inclusive fashion shouldn’t sacrifice comfort.
Provide lists of resources: where to rent, where to custom-make, inclusive shops in major cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban) and also spotlight regional/cultural artisans.
Inclusive wedding fashion is more than a trend. It’s part of a deeper shift in how weddings express identity, authenticity and love. When couples feel free to choose attire that truly reflects them regardless of gender, size or tradition, the celebration becomes richer, more meaningful and more memorable.
Shoes are possibly one of the most crucial features of an ensemble, especially when stepping out and revelling in the affair that is your bestie’s wedding.
If you’ve been raking your brain and scrolling through online catalogues to figure out what shoe you’ll be sporting to bring together the perfect wedding ensemble, here are the top three shoes that are a must, as told by stylist, Rojaun Devos!
Knee-high boot
A knee-high is one of the shoes that simply make every and any outfit look better. Make sure it is a good length and that you give enough room for your legs to breathe. An investment is definitly a leather or suede pair as these are timeless and will never go out of style, and it also offers the perfect option for a winter wedding.
Picture: Pinterest
A nude heel
Nude is a classic colour, timeless and definitely a must-have when it comes to heels. Sometimes we have to go to work events or even dinner parties which doesn’t always call for pops of colour or anything that is too much of a statement, so it’s the perfect purchase if you’re looking to splurge but still get your money’s worth outside of being a guest at your friend’s wedding.
Picture: Pinterest
The pump
This is the perfect shoe for gals that absolutely hate wearing heels… but, desperate times, call for desperate measures, and pumps are the perfect balance between both words. What we love about this style is that it can go from day to night in a second. Simply swap your jeans for an elegant slip dress, and voila!
I’m sure we’ve all had a moment where we’ve sniggered at the fact that our friend got a matching tattoo with their significant other. Opinions on getting matching couple tattoos have the ability to divide a room, but no matter you’re thoughts, these inked memories have gained notoriety in recent years thanks to celebrities such as Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner.
Along with popularity, getting matching tattoos can be a great way to creatively express a lifetime commitment. So, before you say “I do”, here are a few matching tattoos to get – all in the name of love.
Coordinates
Coordinates all the way to your heart, maybe? In this case, you and your SO could get matching coordinates that lead all the way to where you first met. It’s a beautiful sentiment that you’ll never get tired of looking at.
Not everyone will be keen on getting their bride or groom’s face inked on their body but for those brave enough, it can be a great way to skip the cheesy quotes. Sticking to a minimalist design may help you to feel a bit braver, especially with this line tattoo.
The great thing about matching tattoos is the fact that they don’t actually have to be matching. Grab a design that complements each other, similar to this spaceship and solar system tattoos.
“Always” is a word you’ve probably uttered as you’ve gazed into your significant other’s eyes. There’s nothing simpler than a scripted tattoo, and it’s less painful too – bonus!
Is there anything more romantic than a handwritten love note? Take it a step further and get your SO’s tattooed onto your skin, it can be a wonderful message that carries a deeper meaning.
You’ll probably never forget the day that you tied the knot, but to commemorate the occasion, why not add the date so that you know neither of you will ever forget.
Ryan Reynolds may be married to Blake Lively, but he’s the internet’s husband now. The Marvel actor has left women around the internet swooning after his adorable reaction to Blake’s colour-changing Versace dress.
And deservedly so. The dress is a beautiful ode to the Statue of Liberty and the theme for the Gala titled: “Guilded Glamour.”
The dress is perfect, mesmerising, beautiful, and a shiny example of glamour:
The pictures of the dress “changing colour” is equally as beautiful, it’s hard not to see why anyone would have an awe-inspiring reaction:
While it would’ve been incredible to see a dress changing colour before our eyes, it was actually a top layer that was expertly removed by a crew of handy individuals half way up the stairs.
With 12 official languages, 9 provinces, and a country filled with love, it’s fair to say that South Africa’s diversity is pretty amazing.
Planning and celebrating weddings differ across cultures and religions in South Africa, and it is important for all locals and Internationals to be informed about the unique traditions the country has to offer.
With that being said, Wedding Etc has started an exciting and informing series that will delve into several wedding cultures and traditions in South Africa. The series will primarily focus on the cultural wedding attires of the groom, bride, and guests.
In the first series piece we will be covering the Xhosa wedding attire. Keep an eye out for our future features on others such as the Zulu, Indian and Muslim cultures.
The bride’s attire
The Xhosa ethnic group is the second-largest cultural group in South Africa and their weddings are a huge celebration. The bride, called the umakoti, is traditionally the centre of attention.
On her special day the bride wears a long skirt or dress which is called the Ijermani or isishweshwe, which symbolizes that she is no longer a girl. The skirt is like no other as it is covered in beautiful embroidery and beadwork from top to button.
This part of the outfit is then paired with a tartan blanket that wraps neatly around the bride’s shoulder. The blanket represents the protection and care that the bride-to-be will add to her new family.
The final touches include a woolen scarf around the bride’s waist, a black doek and beaded necklaces, bracelets, necklaces, and a matching handbag.
The groom’s attire
The groom’s outfit is quite a powerful statement as it is usually warrior inspired and also echo’s his bride’s attire. He wears a white wrap around his waist that has the same decorations as the bride. The groom also wears a blanket, called ingwaca, over his shoulders. To finish the look, the groom’s head and neck are showered with beads.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen attire
The family members of the newlyweds dress in similar patterns and fabrics. They are not as extravagant but they complement the couple of the day.
