bridal fashion - SouthBound Bride

Wedding Veils for the Fine Art Bride

28 September, 2017 by gaby

Lace Mantilla Veil by Sibo Designs (Image: Brumley & Wells)

The other day we rounded up some GORGEOUS fine art wedding dresses from Etsy, but I’m not done yet with the pretty, oh no. Because a fine art bride also wants to rock a beautiful veil. And why wouldn”t she? Veils are quintessentially romantic and feminine, they look incredible on film (especially those with extra length or lace detailing) and they can also add a bit of vintage flair, whether that’s a touch of Art Deco glamour or a swish of old European grace. But don’t just take it from me. Dive into these 20 spectacular beauties, and you’re sure to agree! Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Jardin de Dentelle by Jessica Notelo & Elli-Nicole

23 June, 2017 by gaby

It’s Fashion Friday, and this week I’m super excited to be able to share this bridal inspiration, featuring the new collection from one of my favourite up-and-coming SA designers, Elli-Nicole! If you’re not yet familiar with this homegrown haute brand (which extends to both gowns and shoes) – well, you’re in for a treat! Because not only are Elli-Nicole’s shoes BEYOND, but the Elli-Nicole dresses are utterly, breathtakingly fit for a queen too. So basically, bridal heaven. In this lovely lookbook, photographer Jessica Notelo has captured all those incredible textural details – 3D petal bodices, a scattering of pearls like tiny seeds, a lattice of lace. She calls it Jardin de Dentelle, which means ‘Garden of Lace’ in French – and well, that pretty much says it all! So let’s take a stroll down this particularly lovely garden path, shall we?

20 Fairytale Princess Ballgown Wedding Dresses

21 June, 2017 by gaby

Оrganza Floral Wedding Dress by Anna Skoblikova

*UPDATED FOR 2021* When you think of a princess bride, the classic ballgown silhouette is immediately what comes to mind. And yes, some of you might think this is a bit tooooo much dress for you (although hell, if not on your wedding day, when?) but many brides who were initially considering something simpler have ended up with a ‘meringue’ because they were seduced by the magic gorgeous-making powers of this silhouette. With their fitted bodice, flared waistline and full skirt, they’re incredibly flattering to most body types. Ready to be a princess bride yourself? We’ve rounded up 20 of the loveliest princess ballgown wedding dresses 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.

Blush Collection 2017 by Bride&co

14 April, 2017 by gaby

Most of you are probably chilling out for the Easter weekend already, but I couldn’t resist bringing you some Fashion Friday loveliness today in the form of the new Blush Collection created by SA bridal boutique heavyweights, Bride & Co. I was so sorry to miss the launch of this gorgeous collection while I was on my travels, so I just had to bring you the a sneak peek now that I’m back! The Bride&co team have thought of every type of bride, dividing the collection into a range of ‘personalities’, so there’s something for everyone, no matter your bridal style. I love that there’s also a range of silhouettes, and every body type will find something that fits them beautifully and makes them feel like a million bucks!

20 Blooming Gorgeous Floral Wedding Dresses

3 February, 2017 by gaby

Embroidered Flower Wedding Dress by Wow Bridal Dress

*UPDATED FOR 2020* This month we’re crushing on everything floral and garden wedding, and that includes floral wedding dresses – in fact, they’re at the top of our list! From floral printed fabric to whimsical 3D flower applique and lace to gorgeous embroidery, a floral gown is like a little garden all on its own – can you honestly think of a prettier way to walk down the aisle? And as always, when I’m looking for cutting edge, accessible bridal fashion, I’ve turned to the talented makers at Etsy to find twenty floral gowns that will honestly make you swoon.

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

Key Wedding Dress Trends for 2017

13 January, 2017 by gaby

Hello friends! As usual, January has been craaaazy, and I didn’t get to post this yesterday, so we’re going to have a jam packed Friday! Let’s get this party started. Last week we looked at all the top trends in weddings for 2017 and today we’re focusing in on bridal fashion because boy, there’s a lot of pretty stuff going on right now! Ever since these designs made their way down the catwalks at New York Bridal Fashion Week in October, I’ve been sighing over my personal faves, and watching to see where the trends are for this year. And as always, what’s new is often an evolution of what’s already established, so you’ll see some familiar shapes coming to the fore, but there’s also lots of cool new stuff to influence your own wedding dress dreams. As I mentioned in my trend report, this year it is ALL about the shoulders, whether that’s off-shoulder, shoulder detailing, or capes. And I have to say, I’ve never loved this neckline more. Add in details like bows, feathers and every kind of sleeve you can imagine, as well as beautiful textures and fabrics, and you have one pretty season!

Best of 2016: Dresses

29 December, 2016 by gaby

Ah, one of my favourite posts of the year! Wedding dresses are one of the elements I adore about the real weddings we feature, and we’ve seen so many absolutely GORGEOUS dresses over the years, each with a story of how they came to be ‘the one’. This year has been no exception, and while we’ve seen a return to more traditional white gowns in general, it’s been all about the details – low backs and plunging necklines, soft tulle skirts, lace sleeves and backs, extraordinary fabrics and elegant silhouettes. It’s so hard to pick just twenty favourites, but in the end, this is the group of beauties we settled on. Dress swoon!

Organic Heritage Wedding Inspiration

10 October, 2016 by gaby

Nothing makes my blogger heart happier than when talented wedding pros whose work I admire and support get together to create something beautiful, and that’s just what I have to share with you today. A few months back, I shared Durban-based designer, Hanrie Lues’ ballet-inspired collection, Fleur de Ballet, here on the blog, and we got to do lots of dramatic swooning over her dreamy gowns. Well, today you get to see the second part of that collection. These dresses are amazing! But even better, you’ll see them brought to life by an incredibly talented team of KZN vendors, including Christy Hosking, Labola Weddings & Events, Bash Paperie and one of our favourite venues, The Venue Fontana. I mean, seriously, can you handle? The dresses (and the models) are beautiful, the florals are amazing, the stationery, the decor, the cake… I’m in blogger heaven right now! So let’s get on with some swooning, shall we?

Wedding Dresses for a Boho Bride

27 September, 2016 by gaby

*UPDATED FOR 2020* Hello lovely friends! Sorry we’ve been a bit quiet on SBB – been having a bit of a tech upgrade! Which is a good thing, obvs, but interrupted normal workflows. So I’ve actually decided to extend this month’s ‘Wild Beauty’ theme on through October – after all, I have so much more natural/boho wedding goodness to share with you! Starting with some fashion fabulousness, because oh my word, but Etsy is just a treasure trove for a bohemian bride. I rounded up some gorgeous boho wedding dresses a while back, and today I’ve found 25 more – just wait till you see them!

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

Bridal Body Jewellery

13 September, 2016 by gaby

JACQUELYN Gold Bridal Shoulder Necklace by Blair Nadeau Bridal (Image: Whitney Heard Photography)

*UPDATED FOR 2020* Just when I think I’ve seen it all in terms of accessories, bridal body jewellery has come along and blown me out of the water. I mean, seriously, could a boho bride (or a glamorous Gatsby bride, or any bride for that matter) ask for more? Pretty, intricate, interesting, feminine pieces that enhance that gorgeous wedding dress of yours and make you look like a total goddess. This is a great option if you’ve chosen a simple dress and want to dress it up a bit, or change up your look between ceremony and reception (or between a minimony and sequel wedding). I’m especially partial to shoulder jewellery at the moment, but I’m also loving the hand chains and barefoot sandals and back necklaces and I thought it was the perfect time to round up some Etsy bridal body jewellery faves.

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