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Step into the jungle for a style transformation of eye-catching colours, feathers, exaggerated skirts and fringes, and deluxe detailing, perfect for a tropical wedding.

Dress, Elbeth Gillis; earrings and ring, both Jangi

Dress, Anna Georgina; shawl, Kobus Dippenaar; earrings, Pichulik

Dress, Stefania Morland; ring, Jangi

Top, Janita Toerien; skirt, Ilse Roux Bridal Wear; necklace, Jangi

Bodysuit, Anna Georgina; skirt, Gavin Rajah

Top, Stefania Morland; skirt, Janita Toerien; earrings; Jangi; heels, Aldo

Dress, Elbeth Gillis; cape, Gavin Rajah; necklace, Jangi; arm cuff, Call it Spring

Dress, Gavin Rajah; rings, Jangi

Header image: Top, Zara; skirt, Elbeth Gillis; bracelet, Jangi

Fashion: Jodi Cohen
Photography: Gareth van Nelson
*All products subject to availability

Having your wedding day accompanied by your absolute besties as your bridesmaids, all matching and looking gorgeous, is an absolute dream. However, this can be quite a challenging task.

Your bridesmaids may not like your choice of dress, style, colour or overall idea towards what they will wear on the day, and if you’re someone who wants everyone to be happy and satisfied, this can cause serious complications and even some drama.

With an open mind and these simple tips, finding the perfect bridesmaids dresses that everyone will love will be much easier.

1. CUT OUT SAME-STYLE DRESSES

Unless your bridesmaids all look identical, the same style of dress will fit each woman differently, and may not be suitable or flattering for every body type. This is where styles like the infinity dress come in, where one dress with the same material and colour can be worn in multiple ways to suit each woman’s body. Try to be more open with finding different styles for each bridesmaid.

2. MAKE COLOUR THE COMMON THEME

If you’ve decided that your bridesmaids can wear different style dresses, make sure they stick to a very specific colour palette that suits you and your wedding theme. Even though the dresses may not be identical, your bridesmaids will still appear co-ordinated and will be comfortable in their favoured style of dress.

3. SET A GUIDELINE

Apart from simply having a common colour scheme, ensure that your bridesmaids know the boundaries of what you want for their appearance on the day. Try to use your wedding dress at a starting point, and model the bridesmaids dresses after it. Decide whether you want classy or glamorous, short or long dresses, what season you are getting married in, and how conservative they will need to be.

4. STAY IN TOUCH

Stay up to date with your bridesmaids’ dress-hunting, and, if you can, try to go with them to be a part of the decision process. Staying in contact will also show your interest and concern for your bridesmaids, as it is an important day for them too. Make a WhatsApp group and regularly ask for images. This may become frustrating, but it will be worth it to ensure that you are part of the decision-making process.

5. REMEMBER, YOU ARE THE BRIDE

Above everything else, remember that you are the bride and it is your special day. If you cannot come to an agreement with one of your bridesmaids and it is causing you more stress, it is not selfish to cut someone out. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you and your partner have decided for the wedding.

Image: Unsplash

Your wedding day is a joyous occasion, but all your leftover decor items can take up tons of space if left to collect dust in your home. And throwing them away is no good either. Take a look at some of our tips on how to recycle all your beautiful items to ensure they don’t go to waste.

1. MAKE A SCRAPBOOK

Keep all your wedding memories together by crafting a scrapbook filled with a copy of each stationery item, pressed flowers and any other decor items you can flatten and add in. Plus all your favourite wedding photos and any other bits and pieces you want to keep close.

2. THE WEDDING DRESS

If you aren’t too keen on keeping your dress in the back of your cupboard, you can sell it as a second-hand garment, or donate it to a charity. But rememeber to keep a piece of the fabric to add to your scrapbook!

3. THE FLOWERS

If you’re stuck with bunches of flowers from the wedding arrangements, gift them to your loved ones as thank yous, or liven up a hospital or old age home by creating beautiful bunches to donate.

4. THE STATIONERY

Leftover stationery items such as coloured paper, ribbon and other decor features can be sent to underprivileged schools and used for arts and craft classes. You can also use them in your scrapbook or hand them over to friends who are avid scrapbookers. If you are going to throw them away, make sure you are recycling them.

5. THE DECOR

Any wedding decorations such as fairy lights, ornaments, etc can always be put to good use, whether for special occasions or even just to brighten up your home. Alternatively, if you really don’t want to keep the items, you can always market them on various Facebook groups or local second-hand stores.

Image credit: Instagram

It’s 2018, and we’re moving into a time where people and fashion are letting go of the norms and setting new trends by unapologetically being themselves. Whether you completely reject gender stereotypes or don’t prescribe to the binary, we’re here to provide you with some gender-free fashion inspo for your wedding wardrobe.

Take a look at some of our favourite androgynous fashion choices this season.

1. @floridaelago

You can never go wrong with a classic suit and chic prints.

2. @houseofandrogyne

All-black is always a winner.

3. @afro.andro

Mix up touches of femininity and masculinity for a balanced look that will leave everyone gushing.

4. @dancingwiththem

Be unique and incorporate alternative and modern styles for your big day.

5. @dancingwiththem

Statement pieces paired with classic styles elevate your wardrobe in amazing ways.

Header image: @nicotortorella
Photography: instagram.com

Can’t decide on a shoe for your big day? We have some tips to help you choose the perfect pair of shoes for your wedding that will make the decision that much easier.

1. TAKE YOUR DRESS INTO CONSIDERATION

Stumbled upon your dream wedding shoes but haven’t bought your dress yet? We recommend wait a little before snatching them up because you want your shoes to complement the dress. If the length of your dress is shorter, then your shoes need to make a statement – go for a pop of colour or a shoe with some glitz and glam. If your dress length is on the longer side wear shoes that are comfortable and simple.

2. KNOW YOUR VENUE

Much like checking the weather before you step outside in the correct pair, the venue you’re having your wedding at should influence the type of heel and heel height you wear. Trust us, you don’t want to find yourself wearing pencil-thin stilettos anywhere near grass, rough paving or lots of stairs.

4. COMFORT FIRST

Always prioritise comfort. Always. If your shoes are hurting you and all you can think about is taking them off, then is having them really worth it? Go for a lower heel or a block heel so there’s less pressure on the balls of your feet. Choosing this option also means you will be able to stand a lot longer and be able to dance the night away with ease! And if you really must have that dream pair, shop a fancy pair of flats as well, in case you need backup halfway through the event.

4. THE REAL TEST COMES AFTER YOU BUY THEM

If your shoes can be returned, a good way to test whether they’re a good fit is to wear them – standing – for at least an hour (indoors, ideally on a clean surface). Take them grocery shopping or cook your dinner in them one night. If you find it too difficult, they may not be the shoes for you.

Incorporating Mzansi flavour into your wedding is a lovely way to pay homage to your country or family. Whatever your heritage, here are some of the best ways to stay proudly South African on your big day.

1. A SENSE OF CEREMONY

Are there poems, quotes or vows that are particular to your heritage or culture? Incorporate them into your ceremony and make sure to emphasise them in your programme. You could even elaborate on the origin and history of the words you include or ask whoever is marrying you to add these anecdotes as well.

2. YOUR ATTIRE

Is there a specific colour or print that has meaning in your family? Try and include it in a subtle way, for example, maybe a hairpin, brooch, pocket square or even a pair of shoes in a colour or pattern that represents your particular heritage.

3. THE FOOD

How about serving welcome drinks infused with flavours of well-known South African herbs and plants? Think buchu gin, geranium cordial, rooibos iced tea … the options are endless. And when it comes to food, traditional doesn’t have to mean boring. There are many ways you can transform much-loved homestyle dishes – from bredie to braai – into appetising, intricate canapés and sophisticated mains.

4. FLOWERS & DECOR

South Africa is blessed with an abundance of unique, exquisite flora. Instead of trying to get hold of exotic plants and flowers, try using indigenous, seasonal ones that are found in your hometown. Proteas, strelitzias and succulents can look striking paired with simple greenery, and will be a much more cost-effective option too! Consider texture as well: wooden, woven or African-print table runners and underplates work well when combined with minimalist elements.

5. THE MUSIC

A wedding playlist is very personal and should include songs from some of your favourite moments together. Add a little twist by including a traditional song somewhere in the playlist – whether it be during your first dance or when people are grooving on the dance floor later.

Celebrate in the warm glow of candlelight and seal your love with a kiss beneath a star-studded sky wearing a non-traditional bridal gown in moody, midnight shades.

Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; veil and headpiece, both Olivelli

Dress, Stefania Morland; cape, Suzaan Heyns

Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; headpiece, Olivelli

Bridal bouquet, Fleur le Cordeur; dress, Suzaan Heyns; heels, Aldo

Bodysuit, Woolworths; veil, Suzaan Heyns; headband, Lovisa; feathers, stylist’s own

Dress and veil, both Olivelli

Dress, Stefania Morland; cape, Suzaan Heyns; headband, Lovisa

Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; flower crown, H&M; bracelet, Accessorize

Dress, Danielle Margaux; shoes, Aldo

Fashion: Rochelle Malherbe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson/HSMimages.co.za

*This look book was created for Wedding Album 2016-1; products may no longer be available and are subject to availability.

Having your nails done for your wedding day doesn’t mean your go-to choice has to be a French manicure. We know that it’s a timeless classic, but there are alternative trends that can definitely up your game. So we’ve put together these amazing nail ideas for the modern bride.

1. EMBELLISHED CUTICLES

This detailed look will immediately draw the eye to the cuticle, so first thing’s first, make sure they are in tip-top condition. Once that’s done, a neutral base in nudes, sorbet hues or even grey is key in making sure the detailing around your cuticle stands out. Apply your embellishment either to where the white crescents of your nails are or around your nail bed. You can use anything from silver glitter and gold polish to little gems. Just make sure it’s minimal and neat.

2. A GRAPHIC FRENCH MANI

Taking inspiration from the classic French, this graphic version incorporates colours and alternative designs for a modern revamp. Keep the length of your nails shorts and try to stick to only one or two colours in addition to your base coat. We love the idea of ivory with rose gold tips (to match your jewellery) as a perfect bridal look.

3. LADYLIkE NEUTRALS

Nothing screams ‘lady’ quite like a solid polish in a beautiful neutral shade. File your nails to an almond or oval shape, for an elongating effect, and coat them neatly with a rosy nude, a crisp white, a purply grey or a warm beige. This is soft and feminine and won’t take away from any of the other striking details in your overall look.

4. MODERN METALLICS

This creates an elegant and fun style that you can play with and alter according to how much bling you can handle. Try a solid coat in a pearlescent hue with a single vertical metallic stripe for a modest look, or go for a full-on gold foil over your base coat.

Photography: pinterest.com

Not sure how your flower girl will fit in with the rest of your retinue? We’ve rounded up some of 2017’s biggest bridal trends to help you dress the little ones on your big day.

1 3D appliqués

Adding a 3D element is a great way of taking the traditional to the next level – while still keeping that timeless elegance.

3D appliqueOscar de la Renta

2 The bow-back 

Incorporate a girly bow on the back of your flower girl’s frock – it combines a cute girly touch with a sophisticated wedding theme.

Bow backThe Ladybug Collection

3 Prints

Add a splash of colour without going too bright by opting for a print (florals are especially chic).

PrintsOscar de la Renta

4 Ombré

If you want to take a coloured dress a step further, why not go with a two-toned option? It adds an element of fun in a way that’s both sophisticated and feminine.

OmbreJoan Calabrese for Mon Cheri

5 Babydoll

Although its beauty lies in its simplicity, a light and airy babydoll dress is the ideal garment for fussy little ones and can be dressed up with hair accessories, garlands and beads.

BabydollDavid’s Bridal

6 Glitter

Everyone loves a little sparkle – especially if they’re under the age of eight! Your little one will feel like a princess in an enchanting dress of glitter or metallics.

GlitterSeahorse by Watters

Text Sharné Cupido

 Photography pinterest.com/weddingalbumsa