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    Most expensive wedding dresses ever made

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    Weddings come with a hefty price tag but none as much as these handmade, diamond-drapped, gowns fit for royalty. If platinum, emeralds or peacock feathers tickle your fancy – this is how much a wedding gown made exclusively of them would set you back…

    1. The Diamond Wedding Gown

    The gown is valued at $30 million (R427 430 400). Designed by Malaysian designer Faisol Abdullah, the hefty price tag on this gown is because of the expensive materials used to make it. It consists of 751 diamonds and the center of the dress features a 70-carat pear-shaped stone. Not only does the dress feature diamonds but the train is encrusted with them too.

    2. Yumi Katsura White Gold Dress

    The price tag on this dress is whopping $8.5 million (R120 989 000). It was created by Japanese stylist Yumi Katsura and the costly design is made from silk satin and features zari-embroidery handwork. It consists of 1000 pearls, a 5 carat white gold diamond and a green 8.8 carat diamond emblem. There are only two of these dresses in existence.

    3. Peacock Wedding dress

    This feathery dress contains over 2000 peacock feathers and is valued at $1.5 million (R21 330 000). The dress was made in Nanjing in a wedding dress factory. The bodice of the dress is made with suzhou and brocade embroidery.


    4. Danasha Luxury Gown

    Designed by Jad Ghandour and Danasha Luxury – the gown costs a total of $1.5 million (R21 330 000). It includes gold, diamonds and various other precious gems. The aim of this lavish gown was not to be a novelty – it was created to be stylish, elegant and not just covered in expensive jewels – but an extravagant gown.


    5. Kate Middleton’s Wedding Dress

    The Duchess of Cambridge wore an Alexander McQueen wedding gown. The dress featured lace sleeves which took influence from Grace Kelly’s wedding gown. The dress included a train measured at nine feet long (2.74 metres). Kate’s stunning wedding ensemble was topped off with Queen Elizabeth II’s tiara which contains 1000 diamonds. Her wedding dress is valued at $388,088 (R5,523,268).

    Picture: Twitter

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    In Advice

    It’s your wedding, wear black if you want to

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    Your wedding is fast-approaching and you love wearing black. Why not opt for an unconventional wedding dress? It’s no secret that wearing black makes you feel confident.


    A survey carried out by Buytshirtsonline found that the colour black might have connotations of death and gloom, but it’s a powerful performer in the eyes of the public, who see it as a serious, reliable and solid player. One thousand people were asked how they felt about specific colours in various situations and black had a higher percentage for most of the ‘good’ traits, for example, intelligence, confidence and sexiness. People associated the dark colour with being reliable, trustworthy and serious.

    Is there some sort of psychology behind wearing the colour black?

    It has been suggested people who wear black may be trying to guard themselves from unwanted feelings. If they have issues with anxiety by choosing one ‘plain’ colour it generates a sense of togetherness and control.

    Benefits of wearing black:

    1. Black is seen as elegant, classy and stylish. It’s an easy go to option for anyone, especially if you’re trying to impress.

    2. The monochromatic colour can make you appear thinner. It gives the illusion of a slender figure, which is why many women choose black.

    3. Time saver. Black pretty much matches anything and everything.

    4. As mentioned above, by wearing black, you may exude confidence.

    5. It works with every skin tone and hair colour.

    For those who enjoy bending the rules a little, a black wedding dress is a powerful statement. It symbolises your refusal to follow the norm and societies traditional standards.

    Did you know?
    Before the Victorian era it was normal for brides to wear various colours. Wedding dresses were expensive and some brides opted to adorn the best dress in their cupboard. On 10 February 1840, Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in a white wedding dress. The affluent followed suit and began wearing white. The pure colour stood for innocence and virginity. After the Royal wedding brides still continued to wear what they could afford.

    Your wedding dress should be a reflection of your personality. If you prefer black, white, pink or green, the choice is yours. This is your big day, you should do what makes you happiest.

    Picture: Unsplash

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    In Accessories

    Behind the veil

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    By Amy-Lee Steenkamp

    There are very few hard and fast rules when it comes to planning a wedding but there might be a very important one that cannot be overlooked – wait until you buy or finalise your wedding dress before you decide on your veil.

    Deciding on a veil to pair your dream dress with plays a major role in creating your overall wedding look. Traditionally they are passed down through generations, in which case you might not have a choice but it is pretty special to adorn your mother’s or grandmother’s veil.

    The veil has the ability to highlight your appearance and enhance the detail on your dress.

    There are tons of veil styles to choose from and the most common material used is tulle. Always consider which you would be most comfortable wearing. Comfort is key.

    For a vintage inspired feel, a birdcage veil with trench netting that covers your eyes and stops right above your chin is for you. This can be enhanced with an off white or ivory coloured veil.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz2_ib3hDyx/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzoUo0nAbcW/

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    The most common is the blusher veil which covers the face and usually stops on the shoulders. It can be worn alone or with a longer veil underneath.

    Veils come in different lengths too. There are shoulder length ones, elbow length and fingertip length ones to choose from.

    Blusher veils:

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    Others styles include the Waltz veil – which is long but does not touch the floor. The chapel veil on the other hand does touch the floor. The most dramatic is the cathedral veil with a super long train ready to make a statement.

    Waltz Veil:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxna07HF5Qv/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxaeqitDDii/

    Chapel Veils:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-oC6-orFo/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz_N_BMHmEj/

    Cathedral Veils:

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByFFajsBtwn/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxjfuWKjw4L/

    A Mantilla veil ensures a soft and dainty feel to the wedding look as it is pinned to the brides hair with a comb and wrapped alongside her shoulders.

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzfNUTxgG2D/

    Get creative with your veil by attaching it to a hat and just having it flow backwards. Alternatively, you can attached the veil to the new trendy pearl slide clips for a modern feel. Consider your hairstyle first as this is key for the placement of the veil.

     

    Picture: Pixabay

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    Wedding dress silhouettes to flatter your body shape

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    It’s your big day! All eyes are on you, and that dress! The wedding gown may be one of the most important elements of this occasion of love. Well, to the bride at least. It’s something that every girl imagines herself in and it’s absolutely vital to many a bride-to-be that the dress leaves jaws dropped and heads turned.

     

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    HOW TO PICK A WEDDING DRESS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE. ——— When it comes to wedding dresses there are million and one styles and designs to chose from. From silhouettes, to necklines and fabric the options are endless. But the fact is not every wedding dress you love is suited for your body type. The female body type has been grouped into 5; 1. The Hourglass or Figure 8 ⏳ 2. The Pear ? 3. The Rectangle ◼️ 4. The Apple ?& 5. The Inverted Triangle ?. Which wedding dress fits each body type? – If you have an hour glass figure you can wear all types of wedding dresses from Ball gowns to Mermaid styles. – For rectangle shaped ladies all types of wedding dress styles look good on them except the Mermaid style. – Pear ?? shaped ladies will pull off Mermaid dresses ? perfectly ? – Apple shaped ladies would look great in A-Line and empire wedding dress styles. – While, ladies with an inverted triangle shape can rock all dress styles minus the Mermaid and Sheath style. Got any questions? Please share them in the comments section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #weddingdresstypes #weddingdressideas #weddingdressstyles #weddingdressshop #weddingdressdesign #weddingdressng #sellyourweddingdress #usedweddingdresses #onlinebridalboutique #mermaidweddingdress #ballgownweddingdress #sheathweddingdress #empireweddingdress #nigeriantopweddings #weddingsonpoint #preownedweddingdressesinlagos #brideonabudget #brideonabudgetnigeria #africansweetheartweddings #africanluxuryweddings #weddingdressinspo #weddingdressgoals #weddingdressideas #next2newbridal #lagosbridalstore

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    We’ve gathered a few of the most flattering wedding dress silhouettes for your body shape.

    1. A’s for days! For all the gorgeous ladies with beautiful curves, the A-line silhouette may appeal to you. It’s usually fitted at the top to emphasise the waist and then flares out at the skirt. It’s a very flattering shape not just for curvaceous brides but all body shapes.

    2. Wanting to highlight your curves a bit more? The trumpet silhouette is what you’re looking for. It hugs your curves, and flares out from the knee down. As body-hugging as it is, it still allows for a lot of movement.

     

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    We posted a picture of the back and train on this dress about 2 weeks ago and it was one of our most liked photos! We totally get why because the fit on this dress is beyond good! Gabi and Alex love a pretty ballgown and they both put this dress on and raved about how good they felt in it! They said they felt held in yet sexy but not too over the top, a perfect combination for a wedding dress!⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #onefinedayfittedweddingdress #onefinedaymermaids #essenseofaustralia #D2770 #essenseofaustraliaD2770 #fittedweddingdress #mermaidweddingdress #mermaidbridalgown #mermaidbride #trumpetweddingdress⠀ #sexybride #sexyweddingdress #sexyweddingdressideas #sexybridalgown #sexyweddingdressinspiration #sexyweddingdressinspo #sexybridallook #sexybridalfashion

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    3. The sheath shape. If you’re petite or slender, this is very flattering. It’s tight-fitting and elongates the body.

     

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    Floral lace is combined with glitter tulle. All start in a halter neckline, end in a flattering sheath silhouette | Our gorgeous #florence from #venus2019collection is what you’re looking for . . . #sheathweddingdress #laceweddingdress #sparkleweddingdress #weddingdressinspo #koreanbride #singaporebrides #vancouverbridal #hamiltonbride #torontobridalshop #vancouverbridalboutique #kansascitybridalboutique #coloradobridalstore #virginiabrides #floridabridal #weddingdressinspo #weddingdressshopping #kentuckybridalshop #louisianabride #wyomingbride #sacramentobride #austinbride #texasbridestobe #londonbridal #manchesterbride #liverpoolbride #newcastlebridal #georgiabride

    A post shared by WEDDING DRESS MANUFACTURER (@selfa.bridal) on

    4. Looking to make an even bigger statement? Have a look at the mermaid style. It’s similar to the Trumpet shape mentioned earlier but a bit more dramatic. It’s also a bit more constricting, however.

     

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    Wedding gowns & bridesmaid dresses, we do it all! ✨?? @morileeofficial style no. 8177

    A post shared by Bravura Fashion Bridal (@bravurafashionbridal) on

    5. Off to the ball! The classic ball gown silhouette emphasises your waist. The fullness of the skirt means this dress compliments various body types. If you have a ‘plank’ shape, it creates the illusion of bigger curves. For women who are a bit more busty, this dress can create a nice balance.

    6. Dropped waist. This gorgeous silhouette flares out a little bit below the waistline. It compliments taller brides, as it can elongate the torso area.

    At the end of the day though, it’s about the dress you feel the most beautiful and confident in and your opinion matters most. There are no actual rules – just go for it.

    Picture: Pixabay

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    When two cultures become one

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    Diversity unites us. We are no longer confined to people from our own creed, culture or nationality. Perhaps once upon a time, it was frowned upon to marry across cultures, and couples would have to convert or choose one culture or the other. But in this day and age, it’s not unusual for people from different backgrounds to tie the knot.

    Anjuli Nanda and her husband Charlie Diamond are the picture-perfect example of two cultures merging. They had two weddings: a traditional Indian wedding, and a traditional British one, both which took place over one weekend.

    Two separate weddings obviously means two different dresses! On the Friday wedding, which was a traditional Indian ceremony, the beautiful bride wore a striking red lehenga, a type of full-length skirt that is embroidered and pleated, designed by Nepalese-American fashion designer, Prabal Gurung. Anjuli chose the lehenga not only because it is traditional wedding attire, but to pay tribute to her late mother.

     

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    My reign begins #AD⚡️CD

    A post shared by Anjuli Nanda Diamond (@anjulinanda) on

    The colour red is highly symbolic in Indian weddings, representing life, love, passion, prosperity and fertility. The bold colour also compliments various complexions, and the bride is always guaranteed to stand out. Anjuli’s lehenga was filled with detail and meaning. The skirt consisted of eight panels, each with patterns that represented meaningful moments in the couple’s relationship.

    Anjuli was also bedecked with jewellery for the wedding. Her wrists were stacked with red bangles, along with a few of her mother’s gold ones, and her necklaces and one set of earrings were designed by Anita Dongre. The glowing bride also donned a pair of Marlo Laz earrings designed by her friend and bridesmaid, Jesse Lazowski.

    The big day consisted of various traditional Indian wedding customs, including the Baraat – the groom’s procession to the ceremony on horseback. Arriving on a decorated horse, the groom is then welcomed by the bride’s family and garlands are exchanged. Anjuli and Charlie’s ceremony was also conducted by a Hindu priest and performed under a traditional mandap. After the ceremony, the couple and guests indulged in cocktails along with an Indian buffet.

    For the British wedding on the Saturday the next day, the bride wore a white Westwood Couture gown from Vivienne Westwood with a perfectly-fitted corset. In keeping with English tradition, Anjuli had Something old, new, borrowed and blue – her great-grandmother’s gold wedding band (“something old”), Marlo Laz tanzanite and diamond ring (“something new”), her mother-in-law’s earrings, bracelets, and trinity ring (“something borrowed”), and her mother’s sapphire and diamond pinky ring (“something blue”).

     

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    An unpublished favorite ?

    A post shared by Anjuli Nanda Diamond (@anjulinanda) on

    This time, the ceremony was conducted by the dashing groom’s friend, and Charlie’s sister and Anjuli’s maid of honour each did a reading. The happy couple wrote their own vows. After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed famously British pastimes such as badminton and croquet set up on the lawn, followed by the wedding reception.

    So what’s better than one wedding? Two, of course! For Anjuli Nanda and Charlie Diamond, this was a dream come true.

    Picture: Unsplash

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    The perfect shoe to say I do

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    Wearing heels for the entire duration of your wedding may seem  a little daunting, especially for women who are not used to being in heels for hours on end. Let’s face it, some of us live in sneakers or takkies, so why change who you are on your wedding day? Rocking a pair of sneakers is the perfect shoe to say “I do” in.

    With so many customizable options for wedding sneakers, you will be spoilt for choice. We can’t think of a better way to dance the night away.

     

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    Sneakers can be subtle or overstated. The style options and colourways are endless. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can order and customise your own sneakers online. There is literally a pair of sneakers for every fashion sense.

    While choosing a pair of shoes for your wedding may be overwhelming, there is one thing that a pair of sneakers has over any other shoe: comfortability.

    Rocking a pair of kicks down the aisle will most definitely leave your guests intrigued. Also your lower back, knees and hips will be eternally grateful.

     

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    A post shared by Patricia (@dino_s.aurier) on

    If you really wanted to add a touch of flair to your outfit, buy a matching pair of sneakers for him and her. Nobody will forget the wedding where the bride and groom wore a matching pair of sneakers, will they?

    Image: Pixabay

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    5 autumnal bridal looks we can’t get enough of

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    With golden leaves and a slight chill in the air, autumn is here and so are the fall bridal make-up trends of 2019! This year there’s a fun mix of colour bold designs, while some looks are heading to back to simple glamour. Find your perfect autumn look with our top five picks.

    1. VAMPIRE GLAM

    A dark lip is a perfect look for all skin tones. Keeping the eyes light and naturally creates a gorgeous contrast effect that will leave you glowing. Go for a dark cherry or blackberry shade for a rich shade of red.

    2. ALL BLACK

    This isn’t your average smoky eye. The all-black eye look really embraces the cool and darker tones associated with the coming of winter and lets your eyes stand out. Pair this with a light and natural lip to balance out the boldness of the make-up.

    3. METAL MAGIC

    Will we ever stop loving metallic shades? Not when these shimmery looks keep coming back as top contenders in all aspects of the wedding day. Dazzle your eyes with rich shades of shimmering orange and gold to mimic the fallen leaves of autumn for your bridal make-up.

    4. BOLD EYES AND DEWY LIPS

    Graphic designs have added an artistic touch to bridal glam, with fine line work, extended cat eyes and pops of colour. Match this look with some dewy lips to perfectly complement the light and minimal feel.

    5. ALL THAT SPARKLES

    Imagine the glitter on your eyes as little snowflakes falling on your face and you have a stunning magical wintery look. But don’t just stop at your eyes, bring the glitter down along your cheekbone for some added highlight and a more whimsical style.

    Images: Pinterest

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    Embrace metallics for your wedding day

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    Let’s face it, metallics are more than just a colour scheme for your big day. They’re bold, fun and glamorous! You can instantly liven up any piece of decor or your wedding look by adding one of these sparkly hues to the mix, meaning they’re fantastic for any part of your day. Be inspired by shades of gold, rose, silver and metal for your wedding day.

    THE DRESSES

    Have your bridesmaids sport sparkling ensembles in a variety of styles to suit their body types. They will feel like princesses by your side while still matching the wedding theme. And if you really feel like making a statement, drench yourself in one of these gorgeous hues for a bold and sophisticated bridal gown.

    THE CAKE

    Your wedding cake is where you can really let metallics shine, and they fit with beautiful florals, geometric shapes, marble and many more trends. Even just having a simple white 3-tier cake with some metallic finishes is an elegant choice.

    THE DECOR

    Let your reception decor flourish with an array of gold, copper and silver pieces that provide a warm yet stylish setting for your guests to indulge. Take it to the silverware and table setting and mix in some greenery for something slightly more rustic, or opt for a glamorous affair with striking pieces.

    THE FLOWERS

    Create a metallic effect with your wedding florals by spray-painting your chosen shades on to fake greenery and flowers and arrange them amongst your bouquet or flower arrangements. It’s an easy way to glam up your wedding decor and add a touch of sparkle.

    THE STATIONERY

    When it comes to wedding stationery, there can never be too much glamour! You can opt for simple touches of metallic to liven up some pastel shades, or make it the focus of your theme. Have this flow throughout your wedding stationery, from the save-the-dates right through to the table menus.

    Images: Pinterest

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    Afrique: A new collection by Black Betty Design for the modern African bride 

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    Afrique is a new collection that is bold, raw, connected to earth and proudly South African. Each jewel tells a story and evokes captivating mystique and elegance, which is perfect for a bride who wishes to honour and remember her culture or heritage on her wedding day.

    If you’re a bride who prides herself on her culture and heritage and you’re looking for an outstanding element along those lines to complement your wedding day, keep reading.

    Black Betty Jewellery and Design has been around since 2012. Created by designer Kristin Weixelbaumer; the concept stems from her constant enthrallment with the relationship between natural elements and the human experience.

    The key component in their creative process is handcraftsmanship and they truly value the essence of humanity inherent in imperfection. All their jewellery is designed by pen and paper and is brought to life by the handiwork of artisans in South Africa, India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

    Due to its core value, every piece of jewellery is unique and each has their own story to tell, with its own personality. They have a wide range of jewellery; from earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets which is perfect for any age, occasion and mood.

    Their new collection, Afrique, is bold, raw, connected to earth and proudly South African. Each jewel tells a story and evokes captivating mystique and elegance, which is perfect for a bride who wishes to honour and remember her culture or heritage on her wedding day.

    Although some jewellery pieces may look familiar they have taken a new approach and have added a variety of new materials such as sterling silver and gold vermeil in order to keep their jewels both fashionable and chic.

    The Afrique jewellery is elegant enough to make the simplest wedding dress breath-taking and beautiful. To all the brides finding it hard to choose jewellery for the big day, have a look at Black Betty’s new Afrique collection, it’s definitely one to be considered.

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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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