2021 Engagement Ring Trends

2021 Engagement Ring Trends

So you’re engaged, or thinking of getting engaged, and you can’t wait to get that engagement ring on your finger. But hang on, WHICH ring? Picking an engagement ring is a massive decision (whether you do it together or leave it up to your partner) – it’s a piece of jewellery you’ll have to wear and love for the rest of your life. The good news is that long gone are the days where pretty much everyone was after a platinum round-cut solitaire. These days, there are SO many incredible options, and you can pick whichever one suits your personal style (even if that IS a platinum round-cut solitaire!). With ethical diamond concerns, couples have opened their eyes to other gems or natural diamond substitutes, and traditional cuts have expanded to include many more of the so-called fancy shapes (for more on diamond shapes, see our guide!). And with celebrities having such a massive influence on design and fashion, there are always new styles and twists emerging alongside the classics. Here are the five 2021 engagement ring trends that are taking the world by storm, and a selection of gorgeous engagement rings from Etsy to inspire you!

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2019 Engagement Ring Trends

So you’re engaged, or thinking of getting engaged, and you can’t wait to get that engagement ring on your finger. But hang on, WHICH ring? Picking an engagement ring is a massive decision (whether you do it together or leave it up to your partner) – it’s a piece of jewellery you’ll have to wear and love for the rest of your life. The good news is that long gone are the days where pretty much everyone was after a platinum round-cut solitaire. These days, there are SO many incredible options, and you can pick whichever one suits your personal style (even if that IS a platinum round-cut solitaire!). With ethical diamond concerns, couples have opened their eyes to other gems or natural diamond substitutes, and traditional cuts have expanded to include many more of the so-called fancy shapes (for more on diamond shapes, see our guide!). And with celebrities having such a massive influence on design and fashion, there are always new styles and twists emerging alongside the classics. Here are the eight 2019 engagement ring trends that are taking the world by storm, and a selection of gorgeous engagement rings from Etsy to inspire you!
Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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15 Iridescent Wedding Details to Love

If you haven’t noticed, we’re loving iridescence in wedding world this year – just a couple of weeks ago we featured some on-trend inspiration that would make any mermaid blush with pleasure! Whether you’re a full-scale, unicorn-loving, iridescence junkie, or just someone who wants to add a few magical rainbow touches to your wedding decor, we have some great, grown-up, iridescent wedding ideas to share.
*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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20 Unique Handmade Wedding Gifts from Etsy

Samantha Jackson on SouthBound Bride

I absolutely love the summer wedding season – getting dressed up, seeing lovely friends, celebrating gorgeous couples, wedding everything obviously – but one thing that I always find a bit stressful is finding the perfect gift. That’s probably because I usually go off-registry, though. I mean, I get that they’re useful, but I always want people to know I’ve actually taken the time to think about and choose the perfect gift for them, and not just ticked a box on a list. That’s why Etsy is such a brilliant resource for finding the perfect, cool, unique wedding gift. It’s full of beautiful handmade presents you would never have thought of otherwise, lovingly created – many personalised. Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find a creative wedding gift that suits the couple you’re buying for. In fact, you could get lost browsing there for HOURS, so to save you some time, I’ve picked out 20 of my personal favourite Etsy wedding gifts, all sold in the UK.
*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

20 Unique Handmade Wedding Gifts from Etsy | SouthBound Bride

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20 Dark & Moody Jewel Tone Bouquets

Everything’s coming up dark and moody these days – in a good way of course! The gothic-ey jewel tone palette, incorporating lots of deep reds and purples, pops of fuschia, emerald greens, and glossy black have really been embraced by the modern bride and groom, who want something elegant, grown up, and dramatic all at once. My absolute favourite way to make the dark and moody theme come alive is via lush florals, dripping from the ceilings, covering the tables, and of course, making the biggest statement of all in the bride’s bouquet. I’ve rounded up 20 absolutely breathtaking moody bouquets to inspire you!

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20 Beautiful Keepsake Wedding Vow Books

Personalized Vow Books by Dawn Naomi Calligraphy

So here’s a darling little wedding stationery trend I personally love: vow books. Personalised vows are for many modern couples a very meaningful part of their ceremony, and definitely something to remember and cherish. Vow booklets or journals serve the dual purpose of being a pretty way to keep your vows handy on the day (better than whipping out a crumpled piece of paper anyway!) and being a beautiful memento to refer back to over the years. I wish they’d existed when one of my closest friends got married – I helped her scribble down her vows on a scrap of paper and after the ceremony she asked for a copy and I had no idea where they were by then (something I felt bad about for a decade until she told me just the other day she’d had them all along, whew!) Some of our talented local South African stationers have caught on to the trend (I especially LOVE this set from Blooming Wonderful), but you’ll also find some really lovely options on Etsy. I’ve rounded up 20 faves!
*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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Lilac & Lavender Wedding Dresses

Lace Wedding Dress by Luv-Luv

Lace Wedding Dress by Luv-Luv

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

It’s official: lilac is the new blush! With bold Ultra Violet being the colour of the year and the bridal runways featuring some beautiful lavender and lilac gowns in the last shows, purple is definitely having a moment right now. And while I’m not always the biggest fan of bright purple, I am LOVING the softer shades of the spectrum on brides right now! It’s like blush, but a little more grown up and sophisticated, and it reminds me of fields full of lavender in Provence, or soft purple pastel blooms. SO pretty. We’ve rounded up 20 of our fave lilac and lavender wedding dresses from Etsy to inspire you.

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20 Magical Forest Wedding Ceremony Setups

Forest Wedding Ceremony with Origami Cranes | Credit: Carolien & Ben (8)

Carolien & Ben/Secunda Bloemiste on SouthBound Bride

I remember featuring my first forest wedding a few years back, and wondering if it was a trend that would be a hit with SA brides and grooms. Well, safe to say, the answer is hell yes. You all LOVE a woodland wedding, and in the past couple of seasons it’s been a pleasure not only to share a number of seriously gorgeous forest wedding ceremonies, but to see many SA venues create forest ceremony spaces that rival the best in the world (if you’re looking for ideas of where to host your wedding in the woods, just check out our archive). I thought it was high time I rounded up some gorgeous ceremony setups amongst the trees to inspire! (And be sure to scroll through to the end for some bonus forest wedding inspiration in the form of some gorgeous wedding invitations!)

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Beautiful Bridal Capes & Capelets

bridal capes

Palais Crystal Snowflake Cape by Gibson Bespoke

*UPDATED FOR 2020* Hands down my favourite current trend is bridal capes! This trend has been brewing on the catwalks for some time, but this is the season where I feel like the trend for bridal capes and bridal capelets has really come of age, and WOW but there are some gorgeous options for you to buy right now! Whether you want a cover up for church, to add a little bit of drama to a simple gown, or as a veil alternative, this is a look that has plenty of drama but at the same time looks super classic and beautiful! Here are some of our faves from Etsy – the only problem is picking just one!

Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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Tropical Print Bridesmaid Dresses

Tropical Bridesmaids | Credit: Oh Happy Day & Dane Peterson

Let’s get tropical! Yes, I know, it’s winter outside in SA (belieeeeeeve me I know – I spent last weekend huddled round a fire in Dullstroom), but that also makes it the perfect time to start thinking ahead for the next summer season. Tropical prints are SO hot right now, and with brands like Show Me Your Mumu really making this look popular in the last year, I thought it was time to round up some of my favourite tropical bridesmaid lineups. If you’re planning a beach or destination wedding, or just love this summery look, then prepare to be inspired!
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