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    Easy ways to save money on your wedding day

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    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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    In Fashion

    Bridal capes

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    Bridal capes are a great option for brides that are looking for a little something extra and for those that are looking to break away from the norm. Bridal capes are elegant and very stylish plus they’re trending! Gain some inspiration from these tasteful bridal capes.

     

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    As you can see bridal capes can come in various styles, lengths and materials. It’s your day to shine, so choose to embellish your bridal look with a fashion forward cape.

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    In Accessories

    What’s trending in the wedding world of: Fashion accessories

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    Trends are ever-changing in the wedding world. If you’re looking for inspiration or maybe want to avoid what’s been overdone, then have a look at what’s trending in the wedding world of fashion accessories. Whatever the reason, these trends are great additions to your wedding look.

    Barrettes

    Complete your hair style with a bridal barrette. These pretty embellishments add a little pop to a minimal look especially if you’re not wanting to go too over the top. Opt for a bridal barrette if you’re looking for a sleek and trending look. 

     

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    Gloves

    What’s more ‘royal’ than bridal gloves? This graceful embellishment is trending and will give you that extra ‘princess’ touch.

     

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    Bold earrings

    Gone are the times of delicate diamond studs. Make a statement with your earrings. Go big or go home they say.

     

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    Headbands

    Forget the flower crown and opt for a bridal headband if you’re looking for something a bit different. Think of it as a fashion forward tiara.

     

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    Belts

    Tying a bridal belt around your wedding gown gives you an edgy yet elegant look. The belt also accentuates the waist and gives you that sought after cinched-in look.

     

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    Hats

    If flower crowns, tiaras and headbands aren’t your thing, bridal hats are trending and gorgeous. Oversized bridal hats make for a graceful and stylish statement.

     

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    In Advice

    What exactly is a boutonniere?

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    You probably know what it is, but maybe the name itself is unfamiliar. So what exactly is a boutonniere? It’s a spray of flowers that is attached to the left lapel, as many believe that when it’s placed on the left, it’s closer to your heart. A great idea is to have a flower from the bride’s bouquet feature in the boutonniere to create some sentiment and unity.

    Boutonniere, which is French, translates to ‘buttonhole’ in English.

    Image: Instagram

    As small as they may be, boutonnieres can really make a simple and beautiful statement.

    Image: Instagram

    Go as big and bold as you like!

    Image: Instagram

    Boo-tin-near.

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    Don’t forget to play with colours! How gorgeous does that pop of colour look?

    Image: Instagram

    Customise your boutonniere. Add things of meaning to you.

    Image: Instagram

    Have fun with it! After all, it is your wedding day.

    Image: Instagram

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    In Fashion

    What to wear to a formal-themed wedding

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    So you receive a wedding invitation that reads ‘formal’, but you don’t have a clue how to dress accordingly. You don’t want to be under or overdressed, so what’s a guest to do? The formal attire sits between semi-formal and black tie, but still denotes an elegant appearance. Luckily, the Wedding Etc style team and Zando are here to help:

    For the ladies

    You can never go wrong with a beautiful long dress where the hem ranges from knee, mid-calf or ankle, a jumpsuit, or dressy separates like suit pants and a jacket.
    Formal cocktail dresses are suited for a day wedding look, whereas a longer evening dress is suited perfectly for an evening wedding.

    D’Azure Red Jumpsuit R750, Zando
    Mareth & Colleen Black Stash Dress R1 590, Zando
    Princess Lola Boutique A Sparkle In Time Sequin Wrap Dress R1 300, Zando
    Anouk Off-Shoulder Burgundy Dress R995, Zando

    Pairing can make or break your entire ensemble, so complete the look with a gorgeous make-up look, a pair of statement earrings and a little clutch.

    All Heart Hammered Drop Earrings R109, Zando
    Jewels and Lace Bead Drop Earrings R29, Zando
    Lily & Rose Gold Weave Knot Stud Earrings R69, Zando
    Miss Black Maxima Clutch Bag R449, Zando

    Finally, slip on a pair of stunning, yet comfortable, heels in which you can dance the night away. Keep the tones muted if the rest of the outfit is louder in patterns, colour or style.

    Jerayclya Black Heels R1 199, Zando
    Madison Andi Diamante Detail Block Heel R499, Zando
    Utopia Barely There Nude Heels R299, Zando

    For the men

    A simple black or navy suit is classic for a reason. It’s a timeless ensemble you can wear over and over again.

    JCrew 2 Button Black Jacket R1 449, Zando
    Nines Oliver Black Shirt R699, Zando
    Brave Soul Classic Long Sleeve White Shirt R229, Zando
    Ice Men 2 Button Electric Blue Suit R1 499, Zando
    Jonathan D Flat Front Tailored Fit Navy Formal Trousers R499, Zando

    With the formal dress code, ditching the tie or bow tie is completely acceptable, although, the option is yours. If you do opt for one of the two, keep them simple and clean. Alternatively, keep the shirt buttoned to the top and add little pops of detail like cuff links, a time piece, tie clips or lapel clips and a classic formal black shoe.

    Steve Madden Easton Leather Formal Lace Up Shoes R1 499, Zando
    Joy Collectables Rectangular Silver Toned Cuff Links R149, Zando
    Joy Collectables Plain Twill Tie R129, Zando
    Joy Collectables Silver Dot Tie Slide R79, Zando
    Non-European Black Bow Tie R350, Zando

    By Amy-lee Steenkamp

    All images courtesy of Zando

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    The tie vs the bow tie

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    Are ties out of fashion and has the bow tie taken over? The answer is NO! Both are equally acceptable and both are the ultimate accessory. As a groom, one of the most important fashion decisions you will need to make is whether you’ll be sporting a tie or a bow tie. With a variety of shapes, patterns, colours and styles, you really cannot go wrong with either, so here are some pointers:

    The Tie

     

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    Can you think of a more complementary pair than a suit and tie? There is no doubt that they just go hand in hand. When you want to keep it classic and slightly more traditional, the tie is for you.

    A well-tailored suiting option is perfectly highlighted with a tie. It will complete the look, leaving you looking utterly dapper. The tie has many elements to consider, like the type of occasion you are going to, as it could work for a formal/semi-formal and smart causal event, but remember a tie should end near the middle of the belt buckle in all cases.

     

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    Tie knots is where it gets a bit confusing because there are so many styles. Consider the type of shirt you’re wearing and the collar type of the shirt. A large triangle-shaped tie will look better with a widespread collar. A narrow knot will pair well with a straight point collar shirt

    The Bow Tie

     

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    Although you can wear a bow tie anytime, they definitely help you to stand out from the crowd. On your wedding day, you may want to keep it classic with black or white but this will not limit you, due to the variation of patterns and colours available.

    The bow tie is clean and looks different, but remember to keep the rest of your outfit muted in order to let the bow tie make a statement.

    If you are playing around with patterns, then stripes and polka dots are your go-tos. You can also play around with a variety of colours if you don’t opt for the classic black. Normally, the bow tie is classified as part of a more formal attire alongside the category of a black or white tie, but it doesn’t have to be as formal – we like to play it up, don’t we? But if you are associating it with a classic tuxedo, without a doubt, you’ll reach for your bow tie

    It can also be worn outside of the formal bracket. This is where funky colours and patterns will play a big role as it can soften the formality and be more of a casual accessory, adding a bit of spark to just about any outfit.

    By Amy-Lee Steenkamp

    Feature image: Unsplash

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    The latest in groomsmen style trends

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    This season, we say goodbye to boring, one-dimensional suits and welcome more creative pairings, with a hefty side of personality. Have a look at some of our favourite groomsmen style trends, sure to make its way down an aisle near you:

    Cream-coloured suits

    The groom and his groomsmen can steal the spotlight in cream suits, which offers a balance of soft romance and tailored masculinity.

     

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    Bold boutonnieres

    Spring is the perfect time to incorporate a pop of colour into your look. Celebrate the season with a bold boutonniere. It will contrast your otherwise simple suit perfectly!

     

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    Vibrant florals

    Florals will never not be a trend during the Spring season. Incorporate this print into your look by wearing a floral shirt or tie, or, if you want to go all out, why not try a floral suit?

     

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    Linen

    Keep cool in lighter tones like cream, grey, or dusty blue. This lightweight fabric is the perfect choice for an upcoming wedding in the warmer months.

     

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    By Larissa Vermeulen

    Feature image: Wesley Vorster Photography

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    In Fashion

    How to ‘bride’ for under R3000 with Forever New

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    Getting the perfect dress at a reasonable price is not the easiest thing. Brides tend to spend thousands of rands on either having the perfect dress made or hiring it. If you’re running tight on budget or would just like to save on your overall look, the Wedding Etc style team found the perfect ‘I do’ look for just under R3000.

    Dress: R1899
    Dress: R1899

    When choosing a store-bought dress, here are a couple of things to look out for:

    – How the dress flatters your body type.
    – The seam finishes and quality of the material.
    – A style that you can also repurpose by wearing it to an evening out or any formal occasion.

    Earrings: R169
    Earrings: R169

    Next up, choose an earring based on the hairstyle you will be having. A slightly larger earring suits an updo perfectly. A mix of silver and gold is also a huge trend in jewellery right now, as it will go with almost anything.

    Shoes: R899
    Shoes: R899

    A neutral heel is always a perfect solution when deciding on the colour of a shoe. Not only is it a good staple shoe to have in your closest, but you can wear it with almost any look, whether it’s casual or more dressed up.

    By Rojaun Devos

    All images courtesy of Forever New South Africa

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    In Fashion

    Victoria Magrath’s wedding weekend and five bridal outfits

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    Beauty and fashion YouTuber Victoria Magrath and Alex Harrison tied the knot in Provence on August 31. The couple opted for a weekend full of wedding festivities, including a pre-wedding event and a post nuptial brunch. Have a look at Victoria Magrath’s five bridal outfits.

    Pre-wedding celebration 

    The InTheFrow star opted for a powerhouse white pantsuit.

    The bride-to-be in a tailored Pronovias tuxedo. The suit featured a satin stripe down the sides of the pants along with a beautiful camisole.

    Image: Instagram

    Pool party 

    The second day of wedding festivities included a pool party for their guests. They enjoyed delicious cocktails and lunch while soaking up the French sun.

    Victoria wore an Amaio Swim bridal swimsuit. Made from Italian Euro jersey and French illusion mesh. The swimsuit was embellished with silver beads and cut out details.

    Image: Instagram

    The ceremony 

    This is what the whole weekend led up to. The wedding ceremony.

    The blushing bride wore a Phillipa Lepley Couture gown. The dress was made from luxurious silk crepe and consisted of a tight fitting corset along with thin straps. The back of the dress was embellished with buttons while the front featured a satin band.

    Image: Instagram

    The bridal gown also included an embroidered veil with unique detailing. “Hand stitched lavender and rose floral embroidery, and two tiny bees meeting in the middle of the veil to represent the city we came from (Manchester),” says Victoria.

    Image: Instagram 

    The reception

    After tying the knot, it was time to celebrate!

    The happy bride decided to wear a second Phillipa Lepley gown. The ballerina length dress consisted of a sweetheart neckline and a full tulle skirt that was embellished with crystals.

    Image: Instagram

    The newly weds busting a move!

    Image: Instagram

    Post-wedding brunch

    After the matrimony events, the pair decided to wrap up the weekend with a post-wedding brunch for their guests.

    After a long night of celebration, Victoria got into her final outfit for the weekend. A Suzanne Neville Orwell dress. It consisted of a fitted midi sleeve top, with an open V neck back and a flowing skirt.

    Image: Instagram 

    Feature image: Instagram/inthefrow

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    What’s trending in the wedding world of: Fashion and beauty

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    Trends are ever-changing in the wedding world. If you’re looking for inspiration or maybe want to avoid what’s being overdone, then have a look at what’s trending in the wedding world of fashion and beauty. Whatever the reason, these trends are great ideas or additions to your wedding repertoire.

    Fashion

    – Wearable flowers

    Greenery shouldn’t have to be reserved for your decor alone. Sure we all know about flower crowns, but what about incorporating some florals in your wedding outfit as well?

     

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    Floral bandeaus make us this happy too. We’re serious when we say bridal portraits with them need to be a thing!! • • Photo: @melissamarshallx // Style and Design: @maeandco_creative // Muah: @styledbymal_bridal // Model: @officiallyquigley // Pants: @chosenbyoneday // Earrings: @in.the.company.of • • • • • • • • • • #gypsybride #elopementcollective #bohobride #weddingphotomag #junebugweddings #oregonbride #austinbride #austinflorist #portlandflorist #pdxbride #portlandbride #texasbride #indiewedding #pnwedding #florist #weddingflorist #adventurebrides #radlovestories #justalittleloveinspo #goodseedfloral #floralinspo #flowerstagram #floralclothes #wearableflowers

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    – Statement headpieces

    The 2018 Met Gala’s theme was Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, so it’s no surprise that statement headpieces are still in!

     

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    This headpiece + embroidered dress combo is SLAYING: on the blog today! ✨⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠・・・⁠ Photography: @emswanphotos⁠ Bride/Planner: @chels_mcewen⁠ Venue: @409southmain⁠ Flowers: @lynndoyleflowers⁠ Dress: @nataliewynndesign⁠ Bridesmaids Dresses: @modcloth⁠ Alterations: #greenneedlealterations ⁠ Hair: @cwacked⁠ Crown: @batcakes_couture⁠ Tux: @itailor⁠ Cake: @frostbakeshop⁠ Day-of Coordination: #aaronjones ⁠ Linens: @whitedoorevent⁠ Live Music: @weezypage ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠・・・⁠ #embroidereddress #celestialwedding #weddingheadpiece #nontraditionalwedding #alternativewedding #offbeatwedding #weddinginspo #weddings #weddingplanning #wedding #authenticwedding #weddingfashion #edgywedding⁠

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    – Sleeves

    The style may not be for everyone but wedding dresses featuring statement sleeves are trending. Strapless wedding gowns just seem so boring now.

    –Royal wedding inspo

    Who doesn’t want to be a princess? With the recent royal weddings, it’s understandable that the regal influence has made its way to the wedding world.

    – Wedding jumpsuits

    Who said brides have to wear a dress? Jumpsuits are so hot right now. They can be dressed up or down as much as you’d like.

     

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    New blog post about the Open House last week. Link in bio. The Love Warrior is bohemian romance with hidden deep satin pockets, a sexy sheer bodice, wide 70s waistband and bell bottoms, bandana inspired lace, and a button back. Accesorized with my custom Flower Headband. @algawlik @lustrebella @thevineyardsatchappellodge @longg_livethequeen @thephotobusatx #indiebride #bohobride #bridalfashion #bridaljumpsuit #weddingjumpsuit #desireemariedesign #desireemariebride #southwestbride #southwesternstyle #austinbridaldesigner #austinbride #bespokedesigner #custommade #vintageinspired #sheer #vwbus #bellbottoms #lacejumpsuit #madeinatx #madeintexas #couturebridal #bridalcouture #couturefashion

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    Beauty

    – Natural make-up

    At the end of the day, it’s your big day and it’s your choice to go bold or not. With that said, many brides are opting for a more natural make-up look. It’s not as heavy and emphasises your natural beauty.


    – Red lips

    The passionate colour is in. It makes for a bold statement and really stands out well if you opt for wearing white on your wedding day.


    – Sun-kissed

    Keeping with the more natural make-up look, instead of going with a ‘Kardashian contour’ brides are choosing a more ‘bronzed goddess’ feel. The sun-kissed look is achieved by bronzing the high points and making use of subtle shimmer.

    – Sleek hair styles

    What’s great about this style is that it works for any length of hair. The sleek look will also allow your gorgeous face to stand out and be on display!

     

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    I often get asked what do I do on the weekends I don’t have weddings. I’m not sure if I ever told you but I help other photographers capture beautiful wedding days as a second photographer! It’s a lot of fun! ? This weekend I will be helping @erin_brennan_photography and I am so excited! . . HOST: @styledshootsacrossamerica PLANNING & DESIGN: @heatherbengeevents VENUE: @2400ontheriver GOWNS: @enaurabridal FLORALS: @intrigue_designs, @cecedesignsllc, @thorneandthistle HAIR: @bilgahmoka MAKEUP: @makeupbysarah.lord MODELS: @clickatl #georgiaweddings #filmphotography #ishootfilm #virginiaphotographer #dcweddingphotographer #weddingphotography #weddings #filmweddings #bridalportraits #bridaldetails #bridalhairstyle #sleekbride #sleekbridalupdo #bridalmakeup #virginiaweddingphotographer

    A post shared by Hana Gonzalez (@weddingsbyhana) on

    – Windswept style

    If having your face on full display doesn’t appeal to you, then going with a windswept look is a great option! Some brides prefer a neat and more put-together look, but if you’re looking for that ‘they must’ve used a fan to get this shot’ kinda vibe, then opt for a windswept style.

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