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    The modern wedding is one of fun, and unique-ness. Couples of today are eschewing tradition to create a personal story for their big day, one that will stay with them forever. As such, we have seen a number of new and different trends flare up in the wedding industry over the years. From neon signs and dried botanicals, to bridal jackets and artful cakes, couples are making statements with their wedding elements.

    While there is no one-size-fits-all for weddings, wedding trends often help to guide couples when planning their Big Day. These are the biggest wedding trends predicted for 2020.

    Individuality:

    The main trend of the 2020 wedding season is individuality. People are embracing what makes them unique and incorporating that into their weddings. With so many options, engaged couples are no longer pigeon-holed into particular styles that may not suit them. It truly has become a free-for-all for the upcoming 2020 wedding season.

    Bridal Fashion:

    Bridal designers of today has moved away from the traditional bridal look. Bridal fashion has become less of a focus on the ‘bridal’, but more on the ‘fashion’. The millennial bride is ready to take risks and be bold, and designers are loving it. With more brides opting for separate ceremony and reception looks, there is more opportunity to have fun.

    Vera Wang, Victor and Rolf and Monique Lhullier all featured puffy sleeves in their Bridal 2020 lines.

    Credit: Instagram / Vera Wang gang

    Victorian romance was featured in shows of Mira Zwillinger and Costarellos.

    Credit: Costarellos Bridal

    Reem Acra and Galia Lahav are putting the leg on display with side split wedding dresses.

    Credit: Instagram / Reem Acra Bridal

    The bridal jumpsuit is having a huge moment, and featured in collections by Cushnie, Pronovias and Viktor & Rolf.

    Credit: Instagram / Cushnie Bridal

    Statement veils are having a moment in 2019, and will extend to 2020. We most recently saw Hailey Bieber feature this accessory in her wedding to Justin Bieber.

    Veils are traditional and timeless, but with small finishes, they can be given a modernised look.

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    Unique Engagement Rings:

    Unique, vintage inspired rings will be the big trend for 2020. Mia Moross, founder of The One I Love NYC, says she has seen a rise in cushion-cut, hand-mined diamond rings being purchased, and predicts that there will be a rise in yellow-gold rather than platinum bands, as well as Art Deco pieces. She believes that modern couples want their rings to tell a story, and are looking for pieces that reflect history and soul.

    She also notes that couples are choosing the rings together, rather than the one proposing doing it themselves.

    Informal Venues:

    Informal and relaxed venues have been trending for years, and do not seem to be going anywhere. Forests, barns, backyards and beaches have been popular wedding venues for a good reason. It’s less stuffy, more inviting and often times more affordable than renting out halls and wine farms.

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    Sustainability:

    Today’s couples are much more environmentally conscious, and are actively looking for eco-friendly alternatives to many wedding staples. Many venues and suppliers are starting to incorporate sustainability into their services. One such South African venue, Cederkloof Botanical Retreat, provides various elements of sustainability in their wedding offerings, covering aspects of social, environmental and financial health.

    Seasonal Flowers:

    Dried botanicals have been featuring in many bridal bouquets, and are as popular as ever. Engaged couples are also leaning towards local, seasonal and sustainable flowers to feature in their weddings.

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    Statement decor:

    2020 wedding decor will focus on statement pieces. Think balloons, neon signs, elaborate wedding arches and massive floral centerpieces. Over sized decor makes for a wonderful talking point, and gives weddings a personal, unique touch.

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    Exposed lighting:

    Mood lighting is still all the rage. Exposed bulbs dangling from the ceiling, floating candles and twinkling fairy lights create a beautifully romantic setting perfect for weddings.

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    Picture: Unsplash

    Accessories are the final cherry on top of the cake. From jewellery to hair accessories, there are a host of additions that can be made to complete your final bridal look.

    Personalised bridal jackets have been trending for a few years now, most famously worn by Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West.

    Bridal jackets are typically leather or denim jackets adorned with personalised wedding script. Newlyweds wear these jackets on their wedding evening and as a bonus can keep it for decades to come. Another bonus is that it is easily DIY-able.

    Here are a few bridal jackets to inspire you on your big day:

    Crew love:

    Dress your bridal party in matching jackets to show off your squad.


     

    Just married:

    Shout out you newlywed status with these jackets.

     

     

    Wifey:

    You’ve got a new title now, and everyone can read it off your back.


     

    Till death:

    Have a physical reminder of your vows by emblazoning ’til death” on your bridal jacket.

     

     

    Babe:

    Not one for official titles? Go with a cute nickname like ‘babe’.

     

    Wife of the party:

    Remind everyone that it’s your day with a jacket screaming ‘wife of the party’, or ‘bride’.

     

     

    Get sappy:

    Once you’ve found your person, everything falls into place. Let them know how you feel with a jacket with ‘it was always you’ written across it, or let them know you’ve found your happily ever after.

     

     

    Surnames:

    Have your surnames emblazoned on your jackets for a personalised touch.

     

     

    Picture: Instagram / Kim Kardashian

    Wedding dress shopping can be stressful. With so many cuts and styles available, brides can easily become overwhelmed by the options. To make things easier, here’s our wedding gown 101 guide to the most popular wedding dress silhouettes.

     

    Ball gown:

    Also known as princess style, this wedding dress silhouette is characterised by a full skirt, fitted bodice and natural waist. It is the most traditional of the silhouettes, often considered the most romantic and feminine due to its fairytale-esque shape. This cut works well on most body types, especially more straight figures as it creates shape. However, more petite brides might get lost in the fullness of the skirt.

    Famous brides that have worn this look include Mariah Carey, Serena Williams and Diana, Princess of Wales.

     

     

    Mermaid:

    This silhouette is for the daring bride. This curve-hugging cut is fitted to the brides body from the chest to the knees, where it flares out. It works best on brides that want to enhance their curvy shape.

    Kim Kardashian, Melania trump and Khloe Kardashian stunned in this wedding dress style.

     

    A-line:

    While similar to a ballgown, the A-line silhouette skirt is more flowy in style. The fitted bodice flows into the skirt forming an upperclass ‘A’ shape.

    Priyanka Chopra, Duchess Kate Middleton, and Allison Williams have worn this style.

     

     

    Trumpet:

    Also known as fit-and-flare, this style is fitted on the bodice and flares out mid thigh, making it a blend of an A-line and mermaid silhouette. It is typically easier to move around in than a mermaid dress. This style works best on brides wanting to accentuate their waists.

    Beyonce, Ciara, and Michelle Kwan all wore this style on their Big Day.

     

    Empire waist:

    This wedding dress silhouette it fitted and flares out underneath the bust. They are flattering for most body shapes and are comfortable to wear.

    Celebrity brides that have worn this style include Kelly Clarkson and Priscilla Presley.

     

    Drop waist:

    The drop waist silhouette is essentially an A-line gown with a lower waistline. Instead of flowing from the natural waist, drop waist gowns begin to flow from the hips. This style hugs your waist and hips, making it perfect for brides wanting to accentuate these parts of their body.

    Caroline Kennedy and Poppy Delevigne have worn this style for their wedding day.

     

     

    Sheath:

    This classic style features a narrow shape that flows  straight down from the neckline to the hemline. Brides with more athletic or lean builds look best in this style. It also works well on petite brides as the straight lines work to elongate bodies.

    Celebrity brides that have donned this silhouette include Jada Pinkett Smith and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

     

     

    Picture: Unsplash

    One of the most time-honoured traditions still in existence today is the wedding day. Traditional weddings include a host of specific customs that brides typically engage in, one of them being wearing a wedding veil.

    For centuries, lovebirds and strangers have been getting hitched and brides donned the famous headwear. Widely considered just another fashion accessory on your big day, the wedding veil actually has an interesting history.

    The history of the the wedding veil

    The wedding veil is arguably the oldest part of the wedding ensemble. There is some contention over its specific history, but most wedding historians pinpoint ancient Greeks and Romans as the first people to wear the wedding veil. According to Julie Sabatino, expert bridal stylist and founder of the The Stylish Bride, brides of this time wore the wedding veil to disguise themselves from evil spirits aiming to spoil their joy. Some accounts show that veils were red in hue to symbolise the fire of the betrothed’s commitment as well as to ward off evil spirits.

    Wedding historian Susan Waggoner speaks of the Christian symbolism of the veil, telling Brides.com that in ancient times, people “wrapped brides from head to toe to represent the delivery of a modest and untouched maiden.” These were also the days of arranged marriages, when a bride’s virginity was her most important marker. The veil thus became a way of representing modesty and purity. The veil also acted as a method of concealing the bride’s face to the groom to prevent him from getting cold feet and running away from the stranger he was about to marry.

    In Judaism biblical times, the groom would place the veil on his bride as a symbol that he was marrying her for her inner beauty.

    The 18th century saw the veil fall out of fashion as brides opted for caps, bonnets, tiaras, jewels, wreaths and other adornments. However, they came back in style when Queen Victoria donned a four yards (3,7m) by 0.75 yards (0.7m) wide veil during her wedding to Prince Albert on 10 February, 1840. Following her iconic wedding, the veil became a symbol for wealth, status and style. The length, weight and quality of the veil all spoke highly of the status of the bride. This is why royal brides traditionally wore the longest veils.

    Roger Fenton / Getty Images

    The wedding veil today

    Today, the wedding veil is largely seen as an optional accessory. Many brides opt out of wearing wedding veils. Some consider it too traditional and unnecessary, others just don’t like the look. However, it is still quite popular and is largely used as another fashionable element to your Big Day. Many celebrity brides have famously donned the wedding veil, including Ciara, Princess Diana, Kim Kardashian and Duchess Meghan Markle.

     

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    Picture: Unsplash

    Some brides dream of the day they get to wear a wedding dress. A long train sweeping the earth as you glide down the aisle. Or maybe indulging in metres of gorgeous silk, swaying as you move and enfolding you like a cloud as you sit down. Not all brides, though. Some want all the glamour without all the fuss. No tripping over the seams or restricting your movement as you rock it out on the dance floor. This new trendy jumpsuit is all the rage, but you’ll have to squint your eyes to see it.

    Created by Spanish bridal label Pronovias, this full-length, long sleeve semi-nude suit has hand-sewn florals covering the basics. The design comprises more than 200 crystals embroidered into lace and chantilly, and it took more than 244 hours to complete.

     

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    While it might sound daring to some, we’re all for the “you do you” mantra and whatever makes you feel good, will make you look good, too.

     

    Picture: Facebook/Stellari

     

    The bow brings a sense of nostalgia to any item it is paired with, as well as a cute and feminine touch. You can play around with the size of the loops of the bow and the material used to create the bow, allowing you to create whatever you want.

    Here are 6 ways to incorporate the bow into your wedding:

    Dress

     

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    Hair

     

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    Shoes

     

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    Bouquet

     

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    Chairs

     

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    Stationery

     

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    Feature image: Unsplash

    Choosing those little accessories that bring your look together can be a daunting task. You might think you don’t have time to search for bags and belts but the devil’s in the details and something seemingly small can make or break your whole look.

    Carrying a purse or clutch on your wedding can be super useful for keeping all your necessities together, from lip stick (always need to be photo ready) or tissues (you know his speech will make you tear up). As for belts, think dainty and tasteful with maybe even a sliver of bling for a little (or a lot of!) sparkle.

    They’re all the rage this year, and we’ve found the latest trends.

    Three bag ideas:

    1. The silky clutch

    If your style is elegant and mature, a smooth silky clutch will complete the look. Catching a bit of shine, silk is a good option if you want to be subtle yet stylish. And of course, the texture is pleasing to the touch so no scratching or getting caught in your dress!

    Hitched.co.uk

    2. The beaded pouch

    Beads can be made into any design or pattern that your heart desires. It is also a fun way to show your creative side, or to match your dress if it has beading on it. Just make sure the beading is done well to avoid it coming loose and spilling beads all over the floor. No one wants to be crawling on their knees picking up beads.

    Weddbook.com

    3. The sling bag

    Don’t want your hands full? Fair enough. A sling bag is easy, classy and won’t be in your way if you want to be holding your new hubby’s hand. Small links are in, rather than string. It adds an edge and is available in almost any colour.

    DHgate.com

    Three belt ideas:

    1. The bow

    It might sound old fashioned, but a bow on your dress does not have to be that hideous thing your mom had on her matric farewell dress. In this case, size really does matter and small is the way to go. In no way should it steal the thunder of your dress, but rather add a subtle and feminine tone.

    theknot.com

    2. The bling

    Now, to some people, the word “bling” sounds cheap. Don’t stop reading just yet. If you have a plain design and love simplicity, wearing a diamanté belt will lend some sparkle. No one ever said go over the top. Less is more and your eyes will still be the brightest thing about you.

    Amazon.com

    3. The colour

    Want to steer away from the traditional all white attire? Add a splash of colour to brighten up your outfit. You can opt for matching the wedding’s decor theme, or go all out and choose a way different colour to make sure you stand out. After all, on your wedding day, you should definitely get all the attention!

    magaela.com
    Picture: Pixabay

    Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo and Mohale Motaung’s traditional wedding was an extravaganza of epic proportions. The couple, dubbed #SomHale on social media, wed in a lavish traditional African ceremony at Kibler Park, Johannesburg on Saturday, September 28.

    The couple had numerous, often matching outfit changes throughout the day. Their first look was designed by Gert Johan Coetzee, who was inspired by a North African theme.

    Have a look at everything that went on at the spectacular event:

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    A host of local celebrities were in attendance, including Bonang Matheba, Casper Nyovest, Kelly Khumalo, Lerato Kganyago, Pearl Thusi, Julius Malema, and Thando Thabethe.

    According to Liquid Image Consulting, the creative team behind the wedding, the pair had a particular dress code for guests. “Dresscode: #Somhale wanted to showcase African Tradition and they personally selected a region from Africa for each guest detailing what they should wear and sent extensive dress code mood boards to ensure everyone stayed on theme!!” they wrote in an Instagram post.

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    The wedding venue was royally decked out in a white and gold colour scheme.

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    The eight-tiered tower cake and chandelier cakes were a sight to see.

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    According to Somizi, the couple will have their white wedding in January 2020.

    Image: Instagram

    Trains were originally added to wedding dresses as a symbol of wealth due to the extra fabric needed. The style became popular as brides all over wanted to emulate the royal and wealthy style and you have to admit, they do make a huge impression.

    Here are some of the latest wedding dresses featuring trains:

    Rossana Spose

     

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    Pronovias

     

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    A post shared by Pronovias (@pronovias) on

    Gahlia Lahav

     

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    A post shared by Galia Lahav (@galialahav) on

    Calegra Bridal

     

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    Robyn Roberts Bridal

     

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    Molteno Creations

     

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    Feature image: Pixabay

    For those planning their wedding, some things may seem out of their financial reach. Most modern weddings have become extravagant and costly, but they don’t have to be. There are a number of ways an engaged couple can save some coins whilst planning their dream wedding. Here are some tips to reduce your wedding budget:

    Turn to technology:

    Cut costs by sending out digital wedding invites and having guests RSVP online. Simply find a great digital artist to design your online invite (or design it yourself using apps like Canva) and set up a link to a website, Google Drive document, app or a phone number guests can use to RSVP.

     

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    Think local:

    Of course, dedicated wedding venues are popular for a reason. However, there are a variety of other locations that can work just as well for a fraction of the price. Consider having your wedding reception at country clubs, community halls, parks, restaurants, galleries or even a family member or friend’s property.

     

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    Say yes to the affordable dress:

    A large chunk of one’s wedding budget often goes towards the dress. Spend your money wisely by searching for sample sales, repurposing a family member’s dress, picking something off-the-rack or even thrifting a wedding dress. Remember that any dress can be good as new with some custom-additions. Think of it as your ‘something old’!

     

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    Get a personal officiant:

    Have a friend or family member become ordained online so that they can marry you and your partner, saving you money and giving your wedding a personal touch.

     

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    DIY the day away:

    There are so many simple DIY’s that will save you money and personalise your wedding. Use thrift shopped mirrors, chalkboards or window panes to create one big wedding program. Besides being cost-effective, it’s also better for the environment to not print out individual programs.

     

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    Go out-of-season:

    Off-peak dates can get you your dream venue at a cheaper price. As most weddings are held on Saturdays, consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday to cut venue and food/drink costs.

     

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    Mix-and-match:

    Use more affordable flowers as decoration. Mismatched, smaller centerpieces are cost-effective and cute. You can also add bulk and dimension to your bouquets by using foliage.

     

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    Give power to your flowers:

    Flowers are expensive. Make sure they work double-duty by reusing them throughout the day. Consider reusing bridesmaids bouquets after the ceremony to create one large centerpiece or add them to table decor.

     

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    Strategically plan out your Big Day:

    We get, it, sometimes things can run overtime during your wedding. However, photographers and musicians will charge extra if they have to stay longer than originally agreed, or wait around unnecessarily. Ensure you stick to a swift schedule between your ceremony and reception to avoid paying more than you bargained for.

     

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    Make your wedding family style:

    Shareable family-style meals are more cost-effective and interactive than 3-course sit-down meals. Consider designing a shareable menu filled with fan favourites that will cater to every diet.

     

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    Be wise with your wedding favours:

    Wedding favours don’t have to be extravagant. Something small and travel-friendly is ideal. Think mini-wine bottles, handmade soaps, individual succulents or tiny jars of your favourite sweets. You can also offer shareable favours for couples, such as a bottle of wine, to cut costs. You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools

     

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    Image: Unsplash