• Category

    Weddings

    Category

    With more and more brides opting for a budget-friendly wedding, DIY wedding decor has been (and will always be) trending. Putting together an elegant wedding with stunning decor shouldn’t break the bank or put a hole in your pocket. In most cases the way you envisioned the decor for your big day makes you realise that some ideas and dreams can’t be bought, so why not do it yourself?

    1. WINE CORK SEATING CHART

    Ebriderides wants their dream wedding to be unique in its own way. Instead of paying someone to compile your seating chart using expensive materials, try collecting all your wine bottle corks and put them to good use.

    2. HAND-PAINTED BALLOONS

    Who said balloons are only meant for birthday parties? Balloons have taken the wedding world by storm. Brides are now opting to have wedding balloons as a part of their ceremonies and receptions. Instead of buying all the fancy balloons you see online, simply purchase the balloons of your choice, and make them unique with some hand-crafted paint and stencils for a minimalistic decor feel.

    3. LIGHT BULB FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

    Floral arrangements tend to be quite pricey. Keep all your blown light bulbs, remove the inside elements and give them a good wash. Hang them up in your reception area and add some small blooms. This look really brings some out-of-this-world elegance to any area.

    4. WHEELBARROW DRINKS COOLER

    Serving drinks at your wedding reception doesn’t need to be a nightmare. If your reception area is outside, make use of a wheelbarrow for guests to grab a cold one. Simply clean it out, add some ice and fill it with some beers and coolers. It’s great to avoid the long queues at the bar and an easy grab-and-go for your guests to enjoy.

    Images: Pinterest

    For 2019, brides all around the globe are setting some new trends when it comes to decor by simply going back to the basics. Instead of lavish and expensive decor, they’re settling for a more chic, elegant and stunning look and feel for their big day.

    1. CANDLES

    Although candles may seem like a cliché decor element to add to your wedding day, they are definitely trending this year. Candles give off an amazing vibe and setting to any wedding venue. With many styles, scents and looks to choose from, they fit just about any theme and setting. But of all the types out there, taper candles are winning this year.

    Even though they may seem a bit old school, taper candles have the power to elevate your wedding setting without any effort, and their elegance speaks for itself. They’ll make your table setting feel expensive and luxurious without you actually having to break the bank.

    2. LUXURIOUS FABRICS

    Fabulous fabrics and linen are in! Couples have found a way to add a rich sense of both dimension and texture to their wedding decor. They’re throwing out the traditional fabrics and bringing in more luxurious options, such as velvet, cashmere and corduroy to name a few. Use faux versions for table runners, tablecloths, ribbons on invitations to instantly upgrade your look and feel.

    3. PASTELS MAKE WAY FOR BRIGHT COLOURS

    Out with the muted pastel shades and in with bright vibrant colours. Brides have boldly moved away from light colour schemes to more bold and beautiful shades. Top trending decor colours for 2019 are predicted to be yellow, blue and sea green.

    4. ALL ABOUT ACRYLIC

    This is one medium that will gain much-deserved popularity this year. Use it to make long-lasting, durable invitations, hire acrylic reception furniture perfect for an outdoor affair and make the most of it for all your signage and stationery.

    5. FLORAL CREATIONS ARE GOING GREEN

    In 2018 floral hoops and oversized wreaths trended in wedding decor concepts. This year unique and abstract floral decor is set to take over. Colourful floral arrangements are making way for greenery. Brides are opting for simple, chic and elegant arrangements. Brides are taking more care in selecting wedding venues where the beauty of the location speaks for itself and doesn’t have to be supplemented with too many flowers and extra decor elements. But for your bouquets and wedding arches, go for greenery!

    6. BALLOONS ARE BACK! 

    Confetti and sparklers as the bridal couple leave the ceremony is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Although many look forward to the old-school send-off by showering the couple with confetti, rice or rose petals, brides are finding new and unique ways to make that moment memorable. With plenty of colours to choose from, brides are now opting to use balloons, not only as cost-effective wedding decor, but also as the bridal couple walk down the aisle after the wedding ceremony.

    7. STATEMENT LIGHTING

    Every bride loves some amazing lighting. From a thousand fairy lights to bolder statements lights, which include neon lights and stunning chandeliers, brides are allocating more of their wedding budget to their lighting options.

    Images: Pinterest

    Go bold or go home! Menswear is no longer restricted to a boring black tux – we’re talking bright colour, mixing and matching prints, and show-stopper accessories.

    Julius (left) wears: Shirt, Edgars; jacket, Zara; trousers and bow tie, both Eurosuit
    Nicolas (right) wears: Shirt, Zara; blazer (part of set), trousers (part of set) and bow tie, all Eurosuit

    Hector (left) wears: Shirt, trousers (part of set) and bow tie, all Eurosuit; waistcoat, Edgars;
    sneakers, Pressroom
    Julius (centre) wears: Shirt and waistcoat, both Sello Medupe; blazer and pocket square, both Woolworths; trousers (part of set), Eurosuit; shoes, Old Khaki; rings stylist’s own
    Nicolas (right) wears: Shirt, Topman; blazer, TM Lewin; trousers, Sello Medupe; tie, Thomas & Benno; shoes, Aldo; pocket square stylist’s own

    Hector wears: Shirt and trousers (with belt), both Zara; waistcoat, Edgars; tie, Eurosuit; sandals, Woolworths

    Julius wears: Shirt and trousers, both Sello Medupe; blazer, Zara; sunglasses, Call It Spring; tiepins, Smith Jewellery; pocket square stylist’s own

    Nicolas wears: Shirt, Thomas & Benno; blazer, Topman; pocket square and feather both stylist’s own

    Hector wears: Shirt and bow tie, both Eurosuit; waistcoat, Woolworths; blazerEdgars; pocket square stylist’s own

    Nicolas (left) wears: Shirt (with collar pin), Topman; blazer (part of set), Eurosuit; trousers, David Tlale; shoes, Old Khaki
    Julius (right) wears: Shirt, J Crew at Zando; blazer, David Tlale; trousers (part of set), Eurosuit;
    pocket square 
    and sneakers both stylist’s own

    Julius wears: Shirt, Edgars; blazer, Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs; neckpiece, Smith Jewellery; pocket square stylist’s own

    Nicolas wears: Shirt, Edgars; blazer (with spider brooch) and trousers, both Sello Medupe; bow tie stylist’s own; pocket watch, Smith Jewellery; shoes, Madison at Zando

    Fashion: Kim Mitha-Coe
    Photography: Andreas Eiselen/HMimages.co.za
    Grooming: Yumna parker/Buff Make-up
    Models: Hector & Julius/Cover Model Management, Nicolas/20Management

    *All products subject to availability

    We got together with some of the best local bakers around to show you six of our favourite wedding cake trends to help you make sure that your wedding cake… takes the cake!

    1. METALLICS

    Metallic studs – like the ones we see on shoes and clothing on the runway –  add dimension and texture to a cake.

    Mandy Byren from Cake Heaven SA

    2. OMBRE

    Ombre, especially metallic ombré, is still huge on the wedding scene. It’s beautiful in its simplicity and allows for interesting cake toppers.

    Linda Knop from Sugar Cakes

    3. SIMPLICITY

    This season sees wedding cakes relieved of too many decorations and intricacies. A move to simpler yet striking designs like monotone or two-tone cakes is the style of choice. Watercolours and pastels reinforce this idea of less is more.

    Wade van der Merwe from Cakes by Wade

    4. BRUSHSTROKES

    Think drama and flair with strokes painted in chocolate or fondant forming a beautiful portrait. Combine them with natural elements – another top choice – adding a flower or two for a softer, whimsical look.

    Kanya Hunt from The Hunt House Kitchen

    5. MARBLE

    Marble hasn’t left just yet! Apply it interestingly by having a pink, green or even blue marbled tier. Add some metallic ombré or gold dust and have fun with the design!

    Daniella Green from Charly’s Bakery

    6. NATURE

    Along the theme of greenery and the environment, bakers are having fun playing around with different elements such as bark, birds, feathers and leaves (real or edible). These will take your cake from pretty to memorable.

    Robyn Potter from Chocswirl

    Styling: Chiara Turilli & Amerae Vercueil
    Photography:
     Samantha Pinto

     

    Planning your big day is both an exciting and stressful time, with immense pressure to be at your best. Don’t forget to break away from all the organising every now and then for some me-time. These relaxing DIY face masks are the perfect way to take time out for yourself and keep your skin glowing and ready for the wedding.

    Create easy facemasks with simple ingredients in your kitchen for a quick escape that will leave your skin feeling fresh and renewed.

    THE METHOD

    1. Mix all the ingredients together.
    2. Use your hands or a clean make-up brush to apply the mask to your face.
    3. Leave for 15-20 minutes.
    4. Wash off and cleanse and moisturise.

    THE MASKS

    1. Aloe vera mask

    1 tsp aloe vera gel
    2 tbsp rosewater
    2 tbsp coconut oil

    2. Turmeric mask

    1 tsp turmeric
    1 tbsp honey
    2 tbsp coconut oil

    3. Home clay mask

    2 tbsp bentonite clay powder
    2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    1 tsp vitamin E oil
    2 drops tea tree essential oil

    4. Cucumber mask

    ½ cucumber, blended

    5. Lavender facial scrub

    1-2 tbsp coconut oil
    1 tbsp Epsom salts
    2 drops lavender essential oil

    Image: Unsplash

    With all the details you have to think about while planning your big day, one thing many couples often overlook is the grand getaway. After you’ve wowed your guests with your big entrance, the delicious meal, and that epic dance party, you probably won’t want the night to end. So sweeten the deal and go out with a bang! Here are 6 unique ways to bid adieu to your guests and ride off as newlyweds in style.

    1. Own your exit with an old-fashioned car. Consider renting an old-fashioned car for your grand exit. Tie a few empty cans to the bumper and hang a home-made “just married” sign in the window, and you’re set for a classic sendoff…just like in the movies. The pictures you’ll get from this getaway will look great at the end of your wedding album, hung on the wall of your entryway, or on your thank you notes!

    2. Hop in a horse and buggy. If you love horses or are just into the classic, romantic charm of a horse-drawn carriage ride, this is the getaway for you. Just be sure to have the driver bring a heavy blanket to keep you and your new spouse warm as you leisurely make your way home.

    3. Take a trolley. For couples getting married in a city where trolleys are iconic fixtures (think: New Orleans or San Francisco), leaving in a trolley can be the perfect way to bring your wedding locale’s personality into your wedding. The best part? All of your nearest and dearest can join you when you depart if you’re not ready for the night to end just yet.

    Like many of us dog lovers, I have a tendency to spoil our family dog, Bailey. How can you blame me, when he buries his nose in my couch looking for his old toys in such an adorable way? I love our guy, but the thing is, I’m skeptical about getting him new toys because he’s very particular: he only buries his favorite toys in the couch, but many of the rest of them just sit on the floor. When he was a puppy, I used to spend $40 per month on toys and treats alone (those bully sticks can get expensive)! But, in trying to find a (much) more wallet-friendly way to keep Bailey entertained, I found the absolute best gift you could get for any dog, any size, any personality.

    We’ve all imagined what our ‘perfect dress’ would look like and have idolised certain styles that would suit our body type, but sometimes what we want doesn’t always match up to the real thing.

    When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, there are a couple of things to consider (see how to find your perfect wedding dress according to experts), but a good way to start is figuring out your body type and what styles will suit you best.

    THE BODY TYPES

    1. Apple – Full bust with rounded torso and hips
    2. Athletic – Tall, slim and a straight waistline
    3. Curvy/hourglass – Defined waist, full bust and rounded hips
    4. Pear – Wide hips and slim shoulders with a small waist
    5. Petite – Slim and small frame
    6. Tall – Over 1.75 m with a varying frame
    7. Triangle – Broad shoulders and slim hips with a straight waist

    THE DRESS TYPES

    Mermaid

    This style is perfect for an hourglass shape as it will accentuate your curves.

    Sleek

    Those with a tall and slim frame will suit this look beautifully and elegantly.

    Tea-length

    Tea-length dresses are perfect for those with an apple shape. They accentuate the frame and provide the look of having a longer torso and legs.

    Ballgown

    This stunning princess-inspired look will let athletic and pear frames shine by balancing the proportions of bust to hips.

    V-neck

    This particular neckline flatters larger busts, complementing an hourglass shape.

    Halter neck

    Having the focal point be your neck, halter necks give the allusion of narrow shoulders, suiting tall and athletic builds.

    Strapless

    Elegant and sweet, strapless dresses allow petite shapes to appear taller, while also flattering a smaller bust.

    A-line

    This style suits triangle shapes by balancing out the hips-to-bust ratio and giving a more defined waist.

    Sweetheart

    The sweetheart gives the allusion of smaller shoulders, suiting those with broad shoulders and fuller busts.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Romantic, symbolic and a key part of any wedding, take your time when making your pick of flowers. Here are flour flower arrangements to inspire you.

    FRUIT CENTREPIECE

    Bouquet, The Holloway Floral Design

    GREENERY

    Delicious monster leaves, Aspenvase (left), vase (back) and vase (right), all Woolworths

    FEATHER BOUQUET

    Feather bouquet, Epanouir Flower Studio

    HANGING INSTALLATIONS

    Hanging installation, Foraged

    Styling: Francoise Jeanne de Villiers
    Photography: Gareth van Nelson

    *All products subject to availability