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.
Monochrome suits are making a big comeback and wearing them correctly head to toe can result in a super sleek look. Pairing formal and more casual pieces together is the #1 rule for this top trend.
Belief has compiled a selection of the top 15 destinations for weddings based on its Belief Awards. The Belief Award is an online contest created to celebrate wedding planners around the world.The main goal is to spread the talent worldwide and to honour the professionals’ knowledge and experience. Winners are selected by an array of experienced judges with adequate knowledge and experience within the wedding industry.
For most brides-to-be, deciding where to get married has and will always be a stressful topic and tough decision to make. However, the latest trend in the wedding industry has been destination weddings.
1. Lipari, Aeolian Islands, Italy
Photography: Stefania Paternostro; Wedding planning: Francesca Casamento – Eolie in Love
Lipari is one of the biggest of the Aeolian Islands in Italy. Its beautiful sea views and stunning landscapes make Lipari a perfect wedding destination. Its natural beauty speaks for itself and will definitely add romance to any wedding.
2. Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Photography: Sylvia Guardia|; Wedding planning: Meghan Cox – Mil Besos
Situated on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio encapsulates the beauty of a rugged rainforest, coral reefs and white-sand beaches. Its tropical plants add to its amazing aesthetic, perfect for a wedding day. This wedding destination definitely has a romantic style but also a touch of elegance.
Looking for a unique beach wedding destination? Placencia is the perfect place. Situated on a beach resort on the Caribbean coast of Belize, this is where you’d want your wedding day to be. Perfect sea views and stunning palm trees are all the decor you’ll need.
4. Kefalonia, Greece
Photography: Ben Rigas – Wedding Stories; Wedding planning: Donna Palimeri – Kefalonia Weddings
An island west of mainland Greece, in the Ionian sea, Kefalonia is a beautiful wedding destination. Overlooking a harbour it would definitely add a touch of uniqueness to your special day.
If you and your partner are more adventurous and love the thrill and rush of exploring, the Bruararfoss in Iceland is the perfect location for your wedding day. Its spectacular waterfall views speak for itself, adding nothing but nature’s beauty for amazing wedding snaps of you and your loved one.
Looking for a chic and rustic yet stunning wedding destination? Playa Paraiso in Ecuador is the perfect location. Filled with activities to keep guests occupied, it’s without a doubt the kind of place where two can become one. It’s both peaceful and tranquil, which is what every bride wants for her and all her guests.
7. Gloucestershire, UK
Photography: Albert Palmer Photography; Wedding planning: Mary Cushen Wedding Planner
If you love the outdoors, you’ll definitely love this wedding destination. Situated in South West England, Gloucestershire is a stunning location. With views of the valley of the River Severn, it allows for an amazing outdoor setting.
8. Lake Maggiore, Italy
Photography: David Bastianoni; Wedding planning: Valentina Lombardi – Italian Wedding Company
If you and your partner want a traditional Roman Catholic wedding ceremony in a traditional Italian chapel, Lake Maggiore in Italy is the perfect destination for you. With breathtaking views and picture-perfect vistas, Lake Maggiore will add the Italian romance your wedding needs.
Need some Mexican beauty for your wedding day? San Miguel de Allende in Mexico is the perfect place for you. Its architecture, art and cultural festivals will add all the spice your wedding day needs.
10. Crete, Greece
Photography: Andreas Markakis Photography; Wedding planning: Anna Laudanska – Crete For Love
Greece’s largest island, Crete is both an elegant and scenic wedding destination. Its natural fine-sand beaches and white mountains create a perfect setting for a wedding.
11. Evora Boat, Lisbon, Portugal
Photography: Pedro Bento Photography; Wedding planning: Rui Mota Pinto
Ever dreamed of getting married on a boat? In Portugal, Lisbon the Evora Boat is perfect. Having your guests on board with you exploring the beauty of Lisbon will definitely make your wedding day one to remember.
Looking for a wedding destination with charming views and a breathtaking setting? Djupavik in Iceland is the answer. It will definitely make your wedding day the dream that will exceed all your expectations.
13. Alberobello and Polignano a Mare, Italy
Photography: Ivan L’Astorina; Wedding planning: Serena Ranieri – Italian Event Planners
Are you and your partner down to earth, sweet and romantic? The Alberobello and Polignano a Mare, Italy is the place you’re looking for. With perfect sunsets, it’s definitely a destination you’d want to consider.
If you’re looking for architectural show-pieces to make your wedding images stand out, Murcia and Granada, Spain is the perfect location for your wedding day, no decor or added extras needed. The place itself speaks volumes.
If you and your partner love modern art, the Verbeke Foundation in Kemzeke, Belgium is the perfect location. All kinds of art can be seen, from contemporary to modern. An art lover’s dream!
Afrique is a new collection that is bold, raw, connected to earth and proudly South African. Each jewel tells a story and evokes captivating mystique and elegance, which is perfect for a bride who wishes to honour and remember her culture or heritage on her wedding day.
If you’re a bride who prides herself on her culture and heritage and you’re looking for an outstanding element along those lines to complement your wedding day, keep reading.
Black Betty Jewellery and Design has been around since 2012. Created by designer Kristin Weixelbaumer; the concept stems from her constant enthrallment with the relationship between natural elements and the human experience.
The key component in their creative process is handcraftsmanship and they truly value the essence of humanity inherent in imperfection. All their jewellery is designed by pen and paper and is brought to life by the handiwork of artisans in South Africa, India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Due to its core value, every piece of jewellery is unique and each has their own story to tell, with its own personality. They have a wide range of jewellery; from earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets which is perfect for any age, occasion and mood.
Their new collection, Afrique, is bold, raw, connected to earth and proudly South African. Each jewel tells a story and evokes captivating mystique and elegance, which is perfect for a bride who wishes to honour and remember her culture or heritage on her wedding day.
Although some jewellery pieces may look familiar they have taken a new approach and have added a variety of new materials such as sterling silver and gold vermeil in order to keep their jewels both fashionable and chic.
The Afrique jewellery is elegant enough to make the simplest wedding dress breath-taking and beautiful. To all the brides finding it hard to choose jewellery for the big day, have a look at Black Betty’s new Afrique collection, it’s definitely one to be considered.
How you tell your guests about the big day is pretty, well, crucial. Do it in style by taking advantage of one of these wedding stationery trends.
GREENERY
It was Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2017, so it’s no surprise that greenery is making a huge appearance on wedding stationery. Whether it’s wreaths of rustic leaves printed around the edges, or fresh foliage attached with twine, this trend is still here two years later.
LASER CUTTING
With this modern technique, couples can really get creative with the way their stationery opens up, by incorporating layers of beautiful artwork.
METALLICS
They’re huge in the fashion and beauty world, so it was only a matter of time before wedding stationery followed suit.
TWINE
Going for a rustic feel is as easy as attaching greenery, flowers, tags or treats with twine. Or you can just use it to tie your invites closed.
If you’re looking for farm-style luxury, the farmhouse at Bartholomeus Klip offers the perfect country escape for newlyweds. Experience the best of both worlds with a chic and elegant layout amidst the forests and mountainous surrounds of the Cape Winelands.
THE VENUE
Located in the Riebeeck Valley, Bartholomeus Klip nestles among the mountains of the Elandsberg Nature Reserve on a sheep and wheat farm. The property is home to beautiful forests and a dam, and is situated on the border of a game reserve if you want to catch a bit of wildlife on your trip. Couples can enjoy a tranquil and private stay in the exclusive venue that caters for their every need. If you love being surrounded by nature but still prefer the comfortability of being indoors, then Bartholomeus Klip makes the perfect stay.
THE ROOMS
The rooms in the big farmhouse are quaint and charming, and conveniently attached to the house is a stunning restaurant so you don’t have to venture far for a romantic meal. Country-style meets splendour with wooden flooring, calming shades, claw bathtubs and stylish metal bed frames, offering a unique experience that will let romance flourish. Choose between a variety of rooms in the guest house, farmhouse, or self-catering units on the property, all boasting beautiful views and privacy.
THE FOOD
You can expect only the freshest in local produce, imaginative dishes and a luxurious take on home cooking at Bartholomeus Klip. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the conservatory on the farm, or spend an afternoon indulging in one of their three-course meals at the restaurant. Guests can also partake in High Tea, with delicious sweet and savoury goods made freshly on the farm.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
With an immense variety of activities, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do. Whether it’s a quiet break to spend time with your partner, or a fun-filled adventure, you’ll find it all. Take part in one of the morning or evening game drives through the wilderness, or enjoy kayaking, canoeing and wind-surfing at the local dam. Guests can now also partake in archery, an exciting new activity on offer at the farm.
So, you’ve found the love of your life. Now it’s time to find the other one – your wedding dress. Read our top tips from local experts before you head to the boutiques or meet a designer.
COLLECTION, COUTURE, HIRE OR PREVIOUSLY LOVED?
Each option has its own pros and cons. So it basically comes down to personal preference and budget. Buying or hiring a new or worn dress means that you can try on the dress before you buy it. But Natasha Holmes, owner and designer of Lou & Co, cautions: ‘Boutiques often only stock sample sizes, which isn’t the size of an average woman. If they don’t stock your size, don’t waste your time, as you simply cannot commit to a dress if you can’t try on the right size.’
If you have a dress made, Stephen of Stephen van Eeden Atelier advises you create a shortlistof potential designers and ‘make sure that their aesthetic and style reflect your personal style’. Having a dress made from scratch requires confidence in your designer, more time and, often, more money, but guarantees something unique.
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
‘There is a big price difference between an off-the-rail gown and made-to-measure bespoke,’ says Stephen. Designers usually have a price range on their website and it’s worth knowing beforehand. Stephen suggests you look at the quality and finishing of a dress to see if it is fully lined and French seamed, as this determines the true cost.
If you’re buying or hiring, let the sales consultant know your budget. A good one won’t suggest anything outside of your budget but will find a way to incorporate what you want. Natasha adds: ‘Being honest will allow us to quickly rule out what you can’t afford and find a suitable dress in your price range.’
EARLY-BIRD BRIDE
Start shopping at least six months before your big day – even more if you intend on having your dress made. ‘Trends like lace appliqué take time,’ says Natasha. A boutique may have to order in your size or make alterations – and you don’t want to rush that process.
BYO
Wear a strapless nude bra and panties, even shapewear if you’ll be wearing it on your big day. ‘It’s easier to judge fit with a smooth silhouette,’ says Natasha, ‘and no one warns you about this, but you should be ready for the designer or consultant to see you in your undies! Wedding gowns are tricky to get in and out of.’
Remove any jewellery in case it catches. A simple necklace can change the entire neckline of a dress. Make an effort with your hair and make-up to get a sense of what you will look like on the day. Taking a pair of heels along is also recommended, but boutiques often have pairs to try on.
TRIBE VIBE
The first fitting can be overwhelming and you will want to be surrounded by your people. When fitting at Lou & Co, Natasha recommends that you bring along only two or three people whose opinions you value most, such as your mom, sister or best friend. ‘Too many opinions make it harder to know what’s right.’
ROME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY
Chances are, you won’t find ‘The One’ at your first try-on session. Don’t be disheartened! There are always more boutiques and other designers to try. And, with every consultation, you will walk away knowing something new about the one you really want.
Let’s face it, putting together a wedding can get pretty pricey! But not everything has to be a custom creation that breaks the bank. You can easily save on all your planning by incorporating some DIY ideas into your wedding decor. Don’t get us wrong, there are certain aspects of your big day you just simply can’t skimp on, but when it comes to these five, you can get everyone involved in making stunning DIY decor.
1. THE INVITATIONS
Avoid spending on expensive printers and stationery costs for your wedding invites, and make them yourself instead! You can get the family or your bridesmaids to help out and make a fun day of it. Plus, it will give your wedding stationery a personal touch. Try it: Make your own printed stationery
2. THE SEATING CHART
With so many ideas available online, creating a beautiful and affordable seating chart is a breeze! This is where you can truly let your artistic flair shine through and bring your theme to life. Try it: Make one of these creative seating charts
3. THE CENTREPIECES
It may seem tempting to dress your tables in extravagant centrepieces with a luxurious feel, but there is just as much elegance in simple and minimal decor styles. Design your own centrepieces for a beautiful and practical setting your guests will love. Try it: DIY candle table runner
4. THE FAVOURS
Nothing says ‘I appreciate you’ more than a hand-made gift. Treat your guests to thoughtful favours they can take home and cherish from your big day. Try it: Find 6 affordable favours here
5. THE TABLE SETTINGS
Apart from hired cutlery and crockery, you can personalise each guest’s table setting with DIY decor including greenery, ribbon or placemats to suit your theme. Try it: Paper and painted placemats
