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In Celebs

The most expensive celebrity wedding dresses

February 4, 2020 No Comments

Celebrities are known to lead a lavish life of excess, and it’s no surprise they would splash out big bucks on their big day. For many, the focal point of a wedding is the wedding dress, which can cost quite a bit of money.

Of course, money is no issue for celebrities, with many spending millions on their dream dress. These are the most expensive celebrity wedding dresses of all time.

Grace Kelly – $65,000 (over R960 00)

Grace Kelly exemplifies class, and her wedding dress was no different. The iconic film star turned royal stunned in a long-sleeve, high-necked victorian-style gown with lace detailing for her 1956 wedding to Monaco’s Prince Rainier III. The dress, which featured hand-sewn pearls and 125-year-old lace from Brussels, reportedly retails for over R960 00.

Jessica Biel – $100,000 (R1 477 290)

Jessica Biel opted against tradition by wearing a blush-coloured gown for her 2012 wedding to Justin Timberlake. The Giambattista Valli Haute Couture number featured delicate ruffles and is estimated to be worth R1 477 290.

Victoria Beckham – $100,000 (R1 477 290)

Posh Spice never disappoints when it comes to fashion. For her 1999 wedding to David Beckham, she wore a champagne-coloured Vera Wang number complete with a 6-metre train, estimated to be worth R1 477 290. She still owns the dress and plans to pass it down to her daughter Harper.

Princess Diana – $115,000 (R1 698 883)

Princess Diana’s wedding dress has gone down in history as the most iconic gown to ever exist. The Alexander McQueen ivory taffeta gown was adorned with sequins, frilled lace and 10 000 pearls. It’s thus no surprise that it would fetch a pretty penny, with an estimated cost of R1 698 883.

Elizabeth Taylor – $187,931 (R2 776 285)

This iconic actress has said ‘I do’ a record 8 times, but her most famous one was her very first back in 1950. At the tender age of 18, the starlet married Conrad “Nicky” Hilton (great-uncle to Paris and Nicky and heir to the Hilton hotel empire) in a gorgeous princess-cut satin gown featuring pearl embroidery. In 2013, the dress went up for auction and sold for R2 776 285.

Mariah Carey – $250,000 (R3 693 225)

It was a stunningly expensive dress never-to-be-worn. Mariah Carey was set to marry billionaire businessman James Packer back in 2018 but their engagement was unfortunately called off. Fans did, however, catch a glimpse of her custom Valentino wedding dress in her music video for her song, ‘I Don’t’. The dress was worth a reported R3 693 225.

Amal Clooney – $380,000 (R5 613 702)

The beautiful human-rights lawyer tied the knot with George Clooney in a stunning Italian ceremony. She chose Oscar de la Renta to design her perfect dress, which would be the last one this iconic designer would create before his passing in 2014. The off-the-shoulder wedding dress was appliquéd with fourteen yards of Chantilly lace and was hand-embroidered with pearls and diamante stones, and reportedly retails for R5 613 702.

Kate Middleton – $434,000 (R6 411 438)

Another royal to inspire countless copycat wedding dresses, Kate Middleton’s gown is still much loved today. Created by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, the Victorian-inspired dress featured lace appliqué , hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace, 58 gazar and organza covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops and a two-metre long train. All of this was achieved for the price of R6 411 438.

Kim Kardashian – $500,000 (R7 386 450)

Would it be a list about excess if it didn’t include Kim Kardashian? The reality star turned businesswoman wowed the crowd in a custom Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy Haute Couture design for her 2014 wedding to Kanye West. The long-sleeved dress featured sheer paneling and cutouts, and is said to be worth R7 386 450.

Victoria Swarovski – $1 million (R14 772 900)

She may not be a household name but her surname is. Heiress to the Swarovski fortune, Victoria Swarovski, shook the world when she wed Munich-based entrepreneur Werner Mürz in an over-the-top, three-day extravaganza back in 2017. Of course, the dress was adorned with, you guessed it, Swarovski crystals. 50o 000, to be exact. The custom-made gown was designed by Michael Cinco, weighed about 45 kg and is worth more than R14 772 900.

Feature image: Instagram

In Advice

How to have a successful wedding dress shopping trip

February 4, 2020 No Comments

With endless choices in front of you and multiple opinions getting thrown at you from all directions, wedding dress shopping can be stressful! However, it’s an experience you’ve probably been dreaming of for years and it can be a magical event if you plan it properly.

It’s easy to get lost in the overwhelmingly dreamy ambience of a bridal store. Be sure that you’re prepared before you enter those doors.

Here are some tips to help you ensure you have a successful wedding dress shopping trip:

Set a budget

Before you get your heart set on a dress you can’t afford, set a budget and let the stores consultant know before they bring you any options. A budget helps you set your expectations realistically and also narrow down your options. Narrowing your options may sound disheartening, but in the end it’s a good thing. There are so many incredible options that can make the process difficult as it becomes hard to choose.

Start early

Never underestimate how long the dress process takes. Usually, gowns can take about 4 to 10 months to be made and completed. Choosing the dress, alterations, and three or more fitting appointments each at least a month apart makes the process span across many months. Getting started early ensures that your dress is with you well before the wedding, and takes a lot of dress stress off of your shoulders. Don’t forget that choosing a dress on it’s own can take a while!

Do your research

Having a general idea about the style of dress you want can speed up your dress shopping experience drastically. You’ll be doing yourself a huge favour by doing some style research prior to shopping.

Additionally, knowing what types of dresses are a good fit for your body will save you a lot of disappointment. You may see a dress that is the most stunning creation you’ve ever seen, but when you try it on it just doesn’t look the way you want it to. Do some reading about which styles suit your body to avoid getting attached to something that doesn’t fit your figure.

Moreover, it helps to go in having some general knowledge of wedding dress jargon. It’s not necessary, but it saves time. You won’t have to ask “what does that mean?” several times throughout your appointment.

Keep your team small

Decide who really needs to be there and don’r bring more than 4 or 5 people. Ensure you’re surrounded by positive people who understand you and your preferences. Taking a smaller group of people on your shopping trip also ensures that you have less unnecessary opinions clouding your judgement.

Be comfortable but prepared

Don’t get too dolled up, but wear some makeup and keep your hair looking good. This will help you to envision yourself on your wedding day. If you show up to fit dresses straight after a run, you may feel less glamorous and thus may reject dresses that you wouldn’t had you felt better!

Wear appropriate undergarments! It will give you a better idea of the real fit of the dress. Similarly, bring some extra shoes along. You’ll want to know what your dress looks like with the appropriate shoes, instead of with your trusty shopping sneakers.

Forget the comfort zone

You have be comfortable in particular styles, but give some others a try too. It won’t hurt at all, and you may stumble on something perfect.

Don’t compare your experience to others

Some people find their dresses immediately, others take weeks to find the perfect one. Don’t put pressure on yourself to fall in love with the first dress you see. Take your time.

Remember to move in the gown

When you’re fitting a gown, try dancing in it, walking in it, hugging in it and so on. If you can’t move properly, you’re likely to be very uncomfortable on the day.

Speak your mind

If you want something, say it. If you don’t like something, say that too. Don’t keep your thoughts to yourself or spare any feelings with regards to people’s opinions about your dress. At the end of the day, you’re the one wearing it on your special day.

Take a photo

Once you choose your dress, take a photo of yourself wearing it. You likely won’t get to see it again for a while. This will help you when the doubts and second-thoughts start to creep in. Just re-look at how enchanting you look in your chosen gown, and you’ll be good to go.

Also read: Wedding dress shopping timeline

Image: Unsplash

In Decor

Decor trend: Gold and glass

February 4, 2020 No Comments

Decor trends come and go, but some things always stay the same: Class never gets old. While a huge trend right now is going green by being more environmentally friendly as well as bringing plants and nature into the decor, many brides like to fuse it with something sparkly here or there. So, an easy option is to turn to the table decor for a hint of gold and using metals and glass that can, of course, be repurposed after the wedding.

All tones of gold, champagne and rustic hues mixed with clear glass pieces will have a striking, glamorous effect. The best part is, these colours go well with almost any other main colour scheme so it won’t be overpowering if you choose to pair it with another colour. Here is some of our favourite decor inspiration.

Image: Instagram

In Advice

Dos and Don’ts of wedding invitations

February 4, 2020 No Comments

Wedding invitations are a big deal! They ensure your guests have all the necessary information and they give people an idea of your theme. Essentially, the invitation is the first taste people will get of your special day. The last thing you want is to miss the mark with your first impression.

There are a lot of considerations to remember when designing your wedding invitation. Not to mention the lengthy list of etiquette rules you need to follow.

Here are some dos and don’ts of wedding invitations, to help you through the process:

Do:

– Ensure the invitations match your wedding

Wedding invitations should match your wedding theme and colour scheme. This gives guests a good idea about what to expect.

– Include directions

This added effort will be much appreciated by your guests. Never take for granted that people know the location or how to get there. Visitors from out of town will be especially grateful.

– Put the Bride’s name first

Traditionally, wedding etiquette states that you should put the bride’s name first. This is a very small way to stick with age-old customs.

– Be consistent

If you’re using formal language on your invites, keep it formal on other cards like the RSVP card or the save the date too. Similarly, stick to a colour scheme and theme.

– Add an RSVP card

This will make it easier for guests to respond to your invitation. Put all necessary information on the card, including dietary requirements or menu choices, whether they will be bringing a plus one (if you’ve allowed them one) and whether they will be attending at all.

Don’t:

– Add your wedding registry

It is considered quite rude to expect a gift for your wedding. Instead of adding the registry to your invite, include it on your bridal shower invites or on your wedding website.

– Forget to keep one for yourself

Your wedding invitation makes for a great keepsake. It’s a good idea to keep one for yourself, and perhaps have it framed.

– Send them out too late

You’ll struggle to get RSVPs and many guests won’t make it if you send the invitations out too late. People need to plan ahead so they can be available and some may need to travel long distances to get to you! Remember that everyone is busy, be considerate about that and send out the invitations no less than 2 months prior to the wedding.

– Be vague about who is invited

Put the full names of guests on the invitation. If somebody is allowed a plus one, indicate it clearly.

If you’re having a child-free wedding, be clear about it. However, it is considered more polite to indicate that the wedding is an “adults reception” rather than stating “no kids”.

– Forget important information

Names, dates, times, location. Add all of these things! If your reception is in a different location to the ceremony, indicate that. Anything that may affect the guests’ attendance is worth mentioning.

Image: Unsplash

In Accessories

Affordable Beauty cosmetics at Red Dot cosmetic shop in Cape Town

February 4, 2020 No Comments

Get beauty cosmetics at new Red Dot cosmetic shop in Cape Town

Red Dot Cosmetics aims to sell affordable and quality cosmetic products to consumers in South Africa – for face, hands, accessories or any skin & body part.

The name ‘Red Dot’ originated from sale prices which are displayed in a red circle, coining the phrase that customers can now get their favorite beauty products at decent prices.

The online store assures to deliver quality products and informative content about health and beauty. Shop items from the comfort of your own home on Red dot’s 100% secured e-commerce platform. Operating times are Monday-Friday from 9h00-18h00. For online assistance or desperate queries please email [email protected].

Makeup online: Our list of beauty cosmetics

Lipstick, blush, eye shadow, highlighters, brushes, mascara, setting spray, lip liner, eye pencil, nails, treatment and more.

Contact information:

Website: https://www.reddotcosmetics.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reddotcosmetics/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddotcosmetics/

Visit Red Dot products to find out more about this online makeup store.

In Advice

Tim Moolman: Not your average wedding photographer

February 4, 2020 No Comments

Wedding photographers are a dime a dozen, but this one truly stands out. An official photographer to the British Royal Family, Tim Moolman has captured some famous moments. His love of wedding photography, however, has become career-defining.

Widely recognised as South Africa’s leading documentary wedding photographer, Moolman’s work is iconic. He is a rare breed of professional photographer, able to capture photographs in many different genres – and do it well. He’s a Fujifilm X-Photographer ambassador, a passionate documentary photographer, and is also known for his skateboarding photography.

Surprisingly, this artist only began capturing these moments at the age of 30, and quickly fell in love with it. He learned most of his skills on-the-job while working at a photography shop that hired out photographers for various events.

Through his wedding documentary work, it is clear to see that Moolman is a craftsman that blends into the background to capture those images brides and grooms might have wished were taken during their big day. Instead of the big moments, Moolman favours those smaller, more intimate exchanges. Some of his favourite moments of a wedding are when guests are interacting with the couple, congratulating them with hugs and kisses. Behind-the-scene photography tells the story of the moment, capturing smiles and tears, the joys of those who were there and, sometimes, the sadness that goes along with it.

“During a wedding, hundreds of random things happen every minute. There’s joy. Tension. Anticipation. Glee. Drama. Boisterous buttons seek to escape. Little fingers trail across spotless windows. Soggy (t)issues sit in the hands of emotional aunts. I see these little moments clearly – and wedding couples miss out on them, because you can’t be everywhere. But I am.”

“This is my passion, these are my images, this is your story.”

To couples, Moolman advises that they take the time to truly enjoy the day instead of focusing on all the things that may have gone wrong.

“No event ever runs 100% according to plan and I feel it’s far more important to focus on the love and joy with friends and family instead of worrying about some minor table decoration.”

Please visit his website or his Instagram to view more of his incredible work.

Feature image: supplied

In News

Fried chicken, jelly and deadlifts: Inside a CrossFit wedding

February 3, 2020 No Comments

For some, fitness isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. No matter the place, it’s always a good time to get some pumps in. This CrossFit loving couple truly agree with this sentiment, so much so that they decided to have a deadlift competition at their wedding reception.

Ericka and Caleb Sommer from Colorado, USA, are both devout Cross-Fitters. The pair even met at a gym that they now run together. Of course, when it came time to tie the knot, they knew they wanted to incorporate their love of fitness.

“We wanted the ceremony to reflect our personalities — hungry, outgoing, and a little bit crazy,” Ericka told Popsugar.

So how do you incorporate their unique personalities? Well, first, their officiant fed Ericka fried chicken during the ceremony. “He knew I’d be hungry if we stood too long in our 20-minute ceremony, so he brought me a snack.”

Mid-ceremony fried chicken snack. Credit: Adam Houseman

She must have needed that protein for their next standout moment: a choreographed first-dance featuring a mini-dodgeball game between the bride and groom. As the pièce de résistance, the pair also had a Jell-O-eating contest, an ode to their favourite activity to do together: competitive eating. Following this, the pair go head-to-head yet again, this time in a deadlifting contest.

Deadlifting contest. Credit: Adam Houseman

“No one remembers you slow dancing to an Ed Sheeran song,” she says. “People remember you deadlifting in your wedding dress and diving on the floor to go face deep in a pie pan of colors-that-stain Jell-O.”

Chest bumping away fro their first dance. Credit: Adam Houseman

The pair also drank pre-workout shots with their guests instead of alcohol.

Pre-workout shots instead of alcohol for the wedding guests. Credit: Adam Houseman

Photographer Adam Houseman perfectly captured all of these unique moments. For more of his work, please visit his website: https://www.ahpphotos.com/

Feature image: Instagram / Ericka Sommer

In Destination

The tale of the travelling wedding dress

February 3, 2020 No Comments

Who says you can only wear a wedding dress once? This couple decided to make the bride’s wedding dress worth every cent by taking it along on their travels all over the world. The images they’ve since captured are nothing short of amazing.

Jeff and Jennifer Salvage met online and quickly fell in love. Once engaged, they decided on a destination wedding to Easter Island, and thus needed a wedding dress that could travel in a backpack. Jennifer’s dress, a Maggie Sottero gown, made the long 7 000 mile (11 265km) journey from their home in the United States to Easter Island.

Impressed by how well the dress held up, the pair then decided to take it along with them on their travels. Almost 12 years later, Jeff has taken photos of Jennifer all over the world in her iconic wedding dress.

They’ve been dogsledding in Iceland. Credit: Jeff Salvage, One Woman One Dress.

Hiking in France. Credit: Jeff Salvage, One Woman One Dress.

Horseback riding in the Bahamas – Holland America Cruise. Credit: Jeff Salvage, One Woman One Dress.

ZERO-G Experience® in Florida. Credit: Jeff Salvage, One Woman One Dress.

Thus far, the dress has travelled 308 635 miles (496 594 km) and has been in 50 countries, including Albania, Argentina, Croatia, Germany, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

The pair typically go on two trips a year, and continue to do so because it keeps them close. “It’s very easy for couples to grow apart,” Jeff told Business Insider. “This is one way we have a common bond and drive.”

To see more images, visit their website: www.onewomanonedress.com

Feature image: Jeff Salvage, One Woman One Dress

In Advice

Go green with these nature-inspired wedding cakes

February 3, 2020 No Comments

As couples turn more and more to natural finishes for their big day, plants are being given more and more power. Fresh, earthy greens are springing to perfection in wedding decor, from wedding bouquets to floral centrepieces. But what about your wedding cake?

As cake decorations, flowers are expected. So why not consider using leaves? They’re stunning, easy to gather and will add a fresh finish to your cake.

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

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https://www.instagram.com/p/B6vG7ivB33j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7C0WbGJLR2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B64pyUYHTie/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B15emixBblX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B78NSgDA5mS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzfgM15Brgx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCDsoFPrOEr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Unsplash

In Drinks

Pros and cons of an alcohol-free wedding

February 3, 2020 No Comments

Considering an alcohol-free wedding can be stressful. We know that weddings are big parties and many guests will expect some drinks. We also know that you want your guests to have a good time. At the end of the day, however, it’s your special day and you’re free to do as you please.

Maybe you and your partner are not big drinkers or maybe you come from religious families who frown upon drinking. Whatever the reason, you have a tricky decision to make.

Here are some pros and cons of an alcohol-free wedding to help you make the best choice for you:

Pros:

– Your expenses will be much lighter on the pocket

Supplying all your guests with enough alcohol for the entire wedding can cost you a small fortune. You’ll also have to provide the drinks whether or not they consume all of it.

If you have an alcohol-free wedding, you save all of that money!

– There’s no risk of guests getting too tipsy

Everybody has that one family member who tends to get a bit out of control with the drinks. There is always a risk of things getting out of hand when there are drinks involved.

Avoid all the potential shenanigans with an alcohol-free wedding.

– You can get creative

There are tons of alternatives to alcohol, and the concept is not unheard of. Get creative with mocktails or other replacements. This is a chance for you to add more of your personality to your special day.

– Everyone gets home safely

There will be no need for Uber, Taxify, or any other app. Guests will leave completely sober and will get home safely.

Cons:

– The dance floor might be less lively

Drinks do tend to lighten the mood; they definitely loosen your guests up more than anything else can. Without alcohol, there may be less mingling and dancing.

– No champagne toast

Toasting to your marriage may be a bit weird without champagne.

– It’s against expectations

Most guests expect to be served drinks at a wedding. This could lead to some disappointed or fidgety people in your audience.

Whatever you decide, remember that this is your day! You can do what you like. It is a good idea, however, to mention that the wedding is an alcohol-free zone on your invitation – if that’s the route you decide to take. It will save you a lot of unnecessary questions from guests on the big day.

There are in-between options too. You don’t necessarily have to choose between zero alcohol or freely flowing drinks. A cash bar or a limited bar may also be possibilities to consider.

Also read: Open bar vs cash bar: what’s the difference?

Image: Pexels