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    Destination weddings are quickly becoming a popular option, but as with any wedding choice, they come with their own pros and cons.

    Guests

    The biggest appeal of having a destination wedding is being able to get married in a beautiful setting and potentially having a much smaller guest list as not everyone will have the time or money to make the trip. However, this also means that some people that you would have wanted to be there might not be able to make it.

    Before settling on the idea of a destination wedding, chat to the people that you absolutely have to have at your wedding and see if they are able to make it. You can also consider covering a portion of their costs if your budget allows. For example, you could pay for their accommodation and then they are just responsible for their flights.

    Costs

    While your guest list may be smaller, meaning your ceremony and reception will cost less, you will have to spend more money on events surrounding the wedding to thank your guests for attending and making their trip worthwhile, and again, if you decide to cover their accommodation or some other costs, you will be spending even more.

    Gifts

    The biggest gift you will receive from your guests is their presence; if you are having a destination wedding, that should be enough. Since most of your guests’ budgets will go towards flights and possibly accommodation, you need to be okay with receiving smaller or fewer gifts.

    Planning

    Some resorts at popular destination wedding locations offer all-inclusive packages which means that most of the planning and execution will be done for you, which takes a lot of the stress off. But leaving the fate of your wedding day in the hands of others, especially when you are not able to be there to oversee planning and preparations, can also be very stressful. One way to combat this is to be flexible and to find reputable vendors.

    Legality

    Do your research on marriage laws in the location of your wedding and find out if the marriage licence you obtain is also legal in your home country. A way to get around this potential hassle is to get legally married in your home country and use your destination wedding as your celebration. You can decide whether or not to tell your guests about your legal marriage before the wedding, but since your destination wedding will be the main event and look exactly like any other wedding it might not be necessary.

    Honeymoon

    A big pro that comes with having a destination wedding is that you will save on your honeymoon as you will already be in the setting of your dreams. Although, this also means that your wedding guests will potentially be on your honeymoon with you as they have already travelled quite a way. You can consider travelling a short distance from your wedding location for a more private honeymoon. For example, if you decide to host your wedding in Santorini, you and your partner can travel to one of the other Greek islands for your honeymoon.

    Things to consider:

    – Whether the location of your destination wedding is easily accessible
    – Sending out save the dates way before the recommended time to give your guests enough time to look at flights and book at cheaper rates
    – Whether you are able to contribute towards any of the costs that come with a destination wedding like flights, accommodation or food
    – The fact that not everyone will be able to make it… and that some people you were hoping wouldn’t come will think this is a great excuse to take a little vacation.

    At the end of the day, it is your wedding and you decide where you get married, so you just need to see if the pros outweigh the cons based on your personal preferences.

    Image: Unsplash

    It is a great honour to be asked to be a bridesmaid as it means the bride values you so much they want to include you in their celebrations. This role does, however, entail more than standing up for them on their special day.

    Along with paying for a bridesmaid’s dress (hopefully the bride won’t ask you to get something too specific so that you can wear it again on another occasion) and your hair and make-up – you will also be responsible for planning the bachelorette party and in most cases paying for it too.

    Bachelorette parties are tons of fun, but can also cost a bundle. It is important to make it memorable as this may be the last time the bride gets to spend time with her friends as a singleton.

    It is customary for the bridal party and others attending the bachelorette party to cover the costs of the event for themselves and the bride. Whoever is planning the event should figure out the total cost of it, including the bride’s portion, and then divide it between the attendees. The reason for the bride not paying is because she is the guest of honour.

    That being said, this is the general rule for local bachelorette parties.

    Another big trend is destination bachelorette parties and that comes with a new set of rules. For a destination party, each person is expected to cover their own travel and accommodation costs, including the brides’ costs. If the bride wants a destination bachelorette party, she needs to understand that the cost is exponentially larger and it is unreasonable to ask guests to cover their own costs, as well as hers. Once at the destination, any events planned will be covered by guests.

    Despite the fact that the bachelorette party is a special celebration, it is not worth going broke over, especially if you still need to organise yourself for the wedding. When planning the event be mindful of the costs and try to plan something that everyone can afford.

    Picture: Pixabay

    We’ve rounded up some of the coolest hair accessories under the sun, fit for the modern bride looking for something a little different.
    Headbands
    They’re back! Big and bold, or slim and subtle, which ever you prefer. Headbands have the power to uplift your entire look with an added touch of elegance. What’s more, they’re reusable long after the wedding, and if you grow tired of them on the day, you can simply slip it off without compromising your perfectly crafted ‘do.

    Dramatic veils
    Although some brides are opting to forgo the tradition altogether, the veil still adds a romantic element that few other accessories can compare with. Instead of going the traditional route, set your sights on something more dramatic – think embellishments, opulent details or interesting fabrics to take you from basic to breathtaking.
    3-D Florals
    Forget flower crowns. Floral appliqués offer a fresh take on the otherwise bohemian alternative. Incorporate them into your hair in any way you deem fit. Clip it into your updo or ponytail along your hairline, or scattered throughout loose strands to look as though confetti has landed perfectly on your hair.
    Barrettes
    This quirky look has come a long way since the 90s. From  glitter and crystals, to pearls and diamonds, bridal barrettes are the perfect addition to your hairstyle for an updated take on traditional bobby pins that are mostly hidden away. Keep it subtle, or stack them on – either way you’ll win.
    Hats
    There’s absolutely no reason why you can’t wear a beautiful hat on your wedding day. It can take you from relaxed boho bride to ultra sophisticated, and you always have the option of taking it off when you feel it’s done it’s job (of making you look cool, that is).
    Image: Unsplash

    Amit Shah and Aditya Madiraju recently wed on July 19, in a traditional wedding ceremony at a Hindu temple. The two grooms shared their magnificent wedding pictures on social media and these quickly went viral, with people amazed at the fact that the two grooms had gotten married in a traditional temple.

     

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    Love is meant to be celebrated. Outfits | @anitadongre #l Photography | @charmipena

    A post shared by Amit Shah – Creative Director (@amit_aatma) on


    Both grooms, originally from India and now living in New Jersey, come from conservative and traditional backgrounds, and so wanted a religious ceremony where they could say their Hindu prayers. The lovebirds had actually been legally married earlier in the month at a city hall.


    On September 6, 2018 homosexuality was decriminalised by the Supreme Court of India when it declared Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code unconstitutional. This change being so recent, many LGBTQ people still live in fear of their families disowning them as it is often viewed by many as ‘shameful’.

     

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    We are all born to love – just live your truth. Outfits | @anitadongre Photograph | @charmipena

    A post shared by Amit Shah – Creative Director (@amit_aatma) on


    After Amit and Aditya posted their magical moments over social media comments flooded in, many saying that couple brought hope to them. The pair are extremely happy that their love has evoked such happiness and spread hope to others.

    Picture: Instagram/Amit Shah

    Who doesn’t love a great suit and who doesn’t look good in one too? That’s exactly why more and more women are opting to ditch the dress – along with patriarchal gender norms – for a bridal suit.

    We love how modern brides are breaking barriers and defying tradition, we love power moves and a bride wearing a classic blazer-pants combo to her wedding is exactly that, whether you prefer smart tailoring, relaxed and fluid shapes or modern and flourished designs. Here are a few things to know if you’re unfamiliar with the sartorial world of suits.

     

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    Love is love ♡ Would you wear a pant suit on your wedding day? Let us know below ?⁠⠀ —————————⁠⠀ Photography: @5ive15ifteen⁠⠀ Concept Creators, Producers, and Creative Directors: @ellie_lauraandcoevents, @baye_lauraandcoevents, @thyra_lauraandcoevents, @lauraandcoevents⁠⠀ Floral and Decor Design: @jodileighdesigns⁠⠀ Luxe Location: @gracevenue⁠⠀ Gowns and Pantsuit: @valencienneto⁠⠀ Earrings and Hair Pins: @tarafavajewellery⁠⠀ Hair and Makeup: @fancyfaceinc⁠⠀ Aisle Runner: @reznickeventcarpets⁠⠀ Veil: @blairnadeaubridal⁠⠀ Arch: @guelphtents⁣⁣⁣⁠⠀ ————————— ⁠⠀ #loveislove #equality #woodland #greige #grey #earthtones #pampasgrass #bridaljumpsuit #pantsuit #bridalfashion #bridalstyle #bohobride #weddinginspo #weddinginspiration #weddingtrends #bohoweddingdress #bohostyle #lgbtq #luxury #luxurywedding #wedluxetoronto #truelove #trueluxury

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    Know the difference

    Bespoke suits are traditionally cut from a pattern drafted from scratch for the customer, and so it differs from Ready-to-Wear, which is factory made in finished condition and standardised sizes, and from Made-to-Measure. Made-to-Measure typically refers to custom suits that are cut and sewn using a standard size based pattern. A Made-to-Measure suit will be more expensive than a Ready-to-Wear suit but will be cheaper than a Bespoke suit.

    Style lingo

    Regarding stylistic choices, when it comes to choosing your suit you have to consider what you want in terms of lapels,vents, buttons and the lining. There are three types of lapels and vents, each with their own stylistic connotations.

    – The three-button suit is not usually a contemporary style choice, though it was quite a hit in the 90’s. The three-button suit has a high button stance creating a higher “V” on the chest, but because of this it can sometimes look stuffy depending on your height, so it’s a great option for someone over 6’2”.

    – The two-button suit is a much more popular choice in recent times, good for creating the illusion of an elongated chest with longer lapels and a deeper “V”.

    – The one-button suit is a fairly new trend, providing edge and sleekness with an even deeper “V”. This option usually pairs well with slim suits.

     

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    ***The Suit Issue*** Whatever you want to be, The Suit Issue is about you and today, we’re so thrilled to show off the Signature Fall 2019/2020 collection from @justinalexander truly allows you to be whatever you dream of. Jumpsuits, pants, mini dresses, jackets and ballgowns- this is the collective that tailors to you. See it now on the link in our bio.⁠ ⁠ x Ms Polka⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #polkadotgroom #polkadotbride #feelgoodweddings #thesuitissue #weddingtailor #weddingjumpsuit #weddingsuit #weddingjacket #justinalexander #bridaljumpsuit #modernbride #jumpsuit #coolbride #bridalstyle #weddingfashion #bridal #occasionwear #weddingdress #engaged #weddingstyle #instawedding #jumpsuits #receptionjumpsuit #justinalexanderbridal

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    The lining of a suit is not merely for cosmetic reasons. It adds structure and weight to your suit, so fully-lined suits will generally be warmer and have a more substantial look to them. Cheaper lining suits will often lack durability and breathability, creasing and sticking to your shirt or whatever undergarments you may be wearing under your blazer, so don’t disregard the importance of quality lining.

    By Keenan Martin

    Image: Unsplash

    Planning your wedding and finding inspiration can be tough. Luckily, wedding expos and fairs are there to guide soon-to-be wed couples. Not only can you get tips, ideas and special deals by trawling these, but they can also be a lot of fun. These events showcase decor, stationary, colour schemes, cakes and more to help you envision and plan out your perfect wedding. Some expos even offer the opportunity to meet with vendors that can assist you on your big day.

    Have a look at wedding fairs and expos you can visit in South Africa:

    1.Winelands Bridal Fair

    This event will be taking place on August 3 and 4 with stunning Stellenbosch as its backdrop. The bridal fair offers everything you may need for planning a wedding all under one roof. There are even experts there who can assist you.

    2. The Wedding Expo

    This annual expo takes place in Johannesburg and Durban and sees brides- and grooms-to-be from far and wide paying it a visit. You’ll find a variety of services to help you with your wedding planning.

    3. SA Bridal Fair

    You can catch this wedding expo in Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg. The event hosts local vendors who can lend a hand in all your wedding plans. Make sure you save the dates. It will be at Makaranga in KwaZulu-Natal on August 11, the Hilton Sandton in Johannesburg on October 13 and the next Cape Town expo will be happening next year, so keep an eye out.

    4. Bridal Expo

    Hosted at the Oakfield Farm in Johannesburg, this bridal affair will be taking place on January 25 – 26 and June 27 – 28 2020. Meet with wedding specialists who can help you plan your big day. The event includes competitions, bridal fashion shows, and a big bridal gown pop-up store with the biggest wedding dress sale in South Africa.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Every bride wants to look and feel incredible on her wedding day. Setting a wedding date may be just the perfect motivation needed to get to your goal weight.

    We asked Loredana Loots, an integrative nutrition and holistic health coach for her expert opinion on how to get into the best shape of your life.

    1. Set a realistic goal

    “Instead of going crazy and trying to reach an unattainable goal, start by adopting healthy and consistent habits that can easily become part of your lifestyle.This will not only help you in your journey of looking your best, but will strengthen your immune system and give you a much-needed mood and energy boost during the stressful planning times. It’s also important to not put too much pressure on yourself, or you’ll risk damaging your health as well as your mental wellbeing,” explains Loots.

    2. On your plate

    “Choose to eat real, whole foods (food in its natural state) whenever you can. These have not been processed, refined or altered and will provide you with the most nutrients,” says Loots.

    “Try to include a balance of the following foods everyday: Veg out: At least half of your plate should consist of fruit and vegetables. The power of plants is unbelievable. They are the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet! Rich and diverse in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, these are the nutrition superheroes you should always rely on. Aim to eat the rainbow.”

    Protein please: Eggs, lean meat, poultry and fish (organic and pasture-raised if possible). Beans, legumes, raw nuts and seeds. Broccoli, watercress, green peas, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, asparagus and spirulina. A quarter of your plate should consist of protein.”

    Whole grains and friendly fats: Not all carbs and fats are enemies! They are vital for a healthy bodyweight and good health. Whole grains should take up the remaining quarter of your plate. Try out quinoa, brown and wild rice, buckwheat or rolled oats. 1 to 2 tablespoons of healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, raw nuts and seeds, avocado, tahini, nut butters and organic coconut oil added to every meal will ensure the absorption of vitamins, balance your mood and nourish your hair, skin and nails. Fatty fish such as wild caught salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies are also high in essential omega-3 fats.”

    “Drink up: Water, that is! Something so obvious but often overlooked. Add a squeeze of lemon, apple cider vinegar and a dash of ginger for a natural detox, to fight the bloat and encourage glowing skin. Herbal teas without milk and sugar also count.”

    “Cold feet: Avoid or limit sugar ,processed/junk food, refined carbs and gluten, conventional dairy (plain Greek yoghurt in moderation), excessive alcohol, caffeine and salt.”

    “Snack attack: Keep healthy snacks on hand to beat any cravings and the 4pm slump. Raw nuts, fruit, dry and lean biltong, veggie soup, air-popped popcorn, boiled eggs, etc.”

    3. Get moving

    “Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-6 days per week. Mix it up, keep your body guessing for maximum benefits. Try to do a variety of workouts every week in the form of strength training, weighted, resistance and body weight workouts that target the legs, glutes, back, biceps & triceps, chest, abs and shoulders,” says Loots.

    “Encourage more movement through pilates, HIIT, Zumba and Barre classes to tone, increase cardio health and muscle-to-fat ratio. Low intensity, restorative workouts like yoga, walking, casual swimming and cycling are ideal for ‘active rest’ days.”

    Last, but definitely not least…

    “Your wellness and state of mind is just as important as what you put in your body, and the exercise you do. Adopt some of these habits early on and they too will soon be part of your daily routine:
    – Get enough sleep and priorities a healthy routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday.
    – Avoid caffeine after 2pm
    – Try not to use electronics 2 hours before bed
    – Eat your last meal of the day atlas 2 hours before you go to bed
    – Wind down with a good book, a warm bath, aromatherapy, a soothing tea such as chamomile, meditation or controlled breathing, or a combination of them all!”

    Get in contact: Loredana Loots – [email protected]
    Facebook: Nourish To Flourish Health and Wellness Coach
    Instagram: @nourishtoflourish_with_lore

    Picture: Unsplash

    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

    Louis Ducruet, grandson of legendary Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly, wed Marie Chevallier in an elaborate ceremony this weekend. The happy couple had a two-day wedding celebration that starting on July 26 in Monaco. The first day involved a civil ceremony and the matrimonial occasion was conducted by Mayor of Monaco, Georges Marsan. The couple celebrated in the gardens at the Prince’s Palace.


    The lovebirds paid tribute to his royal grandparents by having their religious ceremony at the same cathedral in which they were married. They had their second nuptials at The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate. Rainier III, Prince of Monaco and Grace Kelly wed there 60 years prior. They also visited the graves of his famous ancestors and placed flowers.


    Louis and Marie met at university and were engaged on February 12, 2018. Marie had three special outfits for her wedding weekend. She opted for an ivory jumpsuit designed by Rosa Clará for the civil ceremony. The jumpsuit comprised of a silk crepe culotte and the waist was embroidered with lace.

     

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    Breathtaking Royal Wedding! First of all we would like to congratulate Marie Chevallier and Louis Ducruet, a charming and beautiful couple, we wish you all the best! Our designer Rosa Clará designed Marie Chevallier’s wedding dress for her civil ceremony with Louis Ducruet, in Monaco. She chose a sophisticated, weightless silk crepe culotte jumpsuit with embroidered lace at the waist. The sleeveless design features a discrete V-neckline and an exquisite open back, to marry her love, Louis Ducruet! We can’t feel any prouder of taking part in this memorable day, thank you so much for trusting in us and for believing in our values. You looked outstanding! __ ¡Espectacular boda real! Nos gustaría felicitar a Marie Chevallier y Louis Ducruet, una pareja preciosa y encantadora, por su matrimonio. ¡Os deseamos todo lo mejor! Nuestra diseñadora, Rosa Clará ha diseñado el vestido de Marie Chevallier para su boda civil con Louis Ducruet, en Mónaco. Escogió un sofisticado y ligero vestido pantalón elaborado en crepe de seda y bordado con encaje en la zona de la cintura. El diseño, sin mangas, presenta un sutil escote en forma de V y una delicada espalda abierta. No podemos sentirnos más orgullosos de formar parte de un día tan memorable y de una boda tan emocionante. Muchas gracias por confiar en nosotros y en nuestros valores, ¡ha sido un placer! __ Special thank you to Bruno Bebert for this beautiful picture! __ #RosaClara #RosaClaraCouture #RoyalWedding #Monaco #BridalFashion

    A post shared by Rosa Clará (@rosa_clara) on


    Her religious ceremony outfit was designed by Atelier Boisanger. She wore a silk zagar wedding dress embroidered with delicate chantilly lace. The dress took a total of 300 hours of embroidering to be completed.


    After the religious ceremony, the bride changed into her third outfit. She opted for another Rosa Clará design. This time a lace dress with a deep neckline and a short hemline under an embroidered overskirt. The outfit was a short but sophisticated.

     

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    It’s celebration time! Impressive Marie Chevallier wore one of our unique designs as her second wedding dress for her church ceremony. She selected an amazing lace dress with a beautiful deep neckline, subtle beaded appliqués and a bold short hemline under a spectacular extra-soft tulle and embroidered overskirt – the perfect blend of striking statement, elegance and sophistication! A marvelous wedding full of love, charm and happiness. We have enjoyed so much the design of both dresses, it’s been a pleasure. Congratulations once again! __ ¡Hora de celebrar! Rosa Clará ha diseñado el segundo vestido de la boda religiosa de Marie Chevallier. Hablamos de un vestido “two looks in one”; es un atrevido diseño corto y de pronunciado escote confeccionado con encaje y sutiles apliques de pedrería con una espectacular sobrefalda de tul extra suave y encaje bordado. ¡La combinación perfecta para arriesgar de forma elegante y sofisticada! Hemos disfrutado muchísimo de la creación de ambos vestidos para la preciosa boda real de Marie Chevallier y Louis Ducruet. ¡Enhorabuena nuevamente! __ Thank you Bruno Bebert for this special picture! #RosaClara #RoyalWedding #BridalFashion #Monaco

    A post shared by Rosa Clará (@rosa_clara) on

    Picture: Instagram/ Louis Ducruet

    Most brides would give their right and left arm to be able to wear an Elie Saab original on their wedding day. To be able to adorn four of his gowns in one wedding is unheard of unless you marry his son of course. The Lebanese fashion designer’s son Elie Saab Jr married Christina Mourad on July 19 in an elaborate weekend-long affair. The three-day celebration took place in Lebanon and his new daughter-in-law had the privilege of wearing four Elie Saab gowns. Two were custom made just for her special day and the other two were part of his Haute Couture collection.

    The pre-party celebrations had Mourad in a Haute Couture themed Fall-winter jumpsuit from the 2019/2020 collection.


    For the wedding ceremony she wore a one-of-a-kind Elie Saab gown. The dress was made from ivory silk and included 500,000 sequins. It featured a high neck bodice along with a 4.5-metre train.

    The special ceremony was held at Bkerké and the aisle was decorated with candles and lots of greenery. Neiman Azzi was the planner-extraordinaire behind the joyous occasion.


    The beautiful bride changed into a second Haute Couture gown for the reception. A heart-shaped corset featuring a full skirt. This train was only 3.5-metres long. It was adorned with 650,000 sequins and 150,000 Swarovski Strass pieces.

    The festivities were held in the mountain resort of Faqra in Lebanon and the guest list included Dita Von Teese, Sara Sampaio, and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri. The venue was transformed into a magical experience – table tops were covered with mirrors and the space included a massive moon sculpture.


    To end off their lavish wedding weekend, Christina wore a beautiful dress from the Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2019 collection. It included a coral-shaped brooch from her father-in-law.

    Their after wedding day party was held at Elie Saab’s home in Lebanon.

    Both dresses took almost 900 hours to make. It also took 200 hours to tailor, 150 hours of draping, 450 hours of embroidery and 80 hours for the embroidery design. They employed a total of six tailors, three pattern makers, twelve embroiders and ten petite mains to get the gowns ready in time.

    Picture: Instagram/Elie Saab Jr.