Inspiration - SouthBound Bride

Wedding Trends for 2017

3 January, 2017 by gaby

Credit: Nadine Aucamp/Anel Botha on SouthBound Bride

Let’s get this party started, shall we friends? Our editorial theme for January is ‘Just Engaged’ and we’ll be kicking off all of that loveliness later today, but first we just had to do our annual roundup of all the trends that are in store for you in 2017. I always feel like this is the best way to start my year – reflecting on the gorgeous trends from years before (many of which are still with us, happily, or have evolved into some of the ideas you’ll see here), and getting excited about the year of weddings to come. And as always, the best part of that is seeing how couples will make these trends their own, adding personal details, DIYs and twists that will set them apart and make them shine. So here are my Top 10 predictions – pick a fave or two that speak to you, and then make ’em yours.

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!

Best of 2016: Details & Ideas

27 December, 2016 by gaby

Hello lovelies! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas break, and are enjoying some much needed off-time until the new year! We’re continuing with our Best of 2016 series today by counting down twenty of our favourite details and ideas from real weddings throughout the year. Each of them is sweet and stealable, so take a look and be inspired!

Best of 2016: Aisle & Ceremony Style

23 December, 2016 by gaby

Today we’re turning our attention to that most special time of a wedding day, the ceremony. I personally love it when a couple puts that extra attention and care into their ceremony style, because while it’s relatively short compared to the reception, the ceremony is where all the most important stuff happens, right? This year, each of these couples created something extra special – a dreamy, magical place where vows where exchanged and a new chapter was begun. And PS, if you’re looking for even more aisle style ideas, you can find them in our dedicated Pinterest board.

Best of 2016: Bridesmaids

22 December, 2016 by gaby

Bridesmaid gowns are one of my FAVE parts of weddings, you guys, and let me tell you, when I’m looking at submissions they always catch my eye. And catch my breath sometimes too, because some brides get this so, so right. Whether the look is uniform or mismatched, classic or fashion forward, and whether the colours of the bridesmaid dresses complement or reflect the wedding palette, a well dressed group of ladies always stands out, and they always make the bride look extra amazing (tell THAT to anyone who says your bridesmaids shouldn’t upstage you by looking good). This year we’ve seen such a range of looks, and I loved every one, but eventually managed to narrow them down to these twenty favourites. So get inspired, and then if you like them, get shopping – links in bold denote affiliate links; SBB may earn a commission on any sales made.

Best of 2016: Cakes

21 December, 2016 by gaby

Oh, cakes! Gathering together the greatest confections from the year that was is one of my favourite parts of this series, because it always reminds me just how many incredible creations have breezed into SBB HQ over the last twelve months. This year I think we had even more than ever, because wow, narrowing them down was hard! We’ve had tiered cakes and metallic cakes and naked cakes and even a display of cupcakes made to look like succulents that was a breakout on social media. Some have come from real weddings, some from our beautiful styled shoots, but every one of them will inspire you – and if you want to see more amazing cakes, be sure to check out our Pinterest board!

Best of 2016: Bouquets

20 December, 2016 by gaby

It’s that time of year again, lovelies! For the next two weeks, along with some off-time for Christmas etc., we’ll be bringing you the best of the year’s weddings and styled shoots. I must say, compiling these is something I always look forward to, even though narrowing them down is SO HARD. And this year, we really have such a diverse crop of bouquets, in all different shapes and sizes and colours. What they all have in common is that they make a beautiful statement, and I hope that they inspire next year’s crop of brides to go the extra mile in choosing something special to carry down the aisle at their wedding. So here we go – in no particular order, our top 20 bouquets!

Summer Jewels Wedding Inspiration

19 December, 2016 by gaby

You guys, I can’t believe we’re finally heading into the final stretch of 2016 (surprised, but not sorry). That means that from tomorrow we’ll be starting into our traditional holiday ‘programming’ while I take a few days off, rounding up our best details, dresses, bouquets, cakes, and everything else wonderful from the year that was. I’m so excited to revisit these favourites! But before I do, I just had to end off the year with a bang, by showcasing this gorgeous styled shoot in bright jewel tones from GDG Photography, that’s absolutely perfect for the summer bride! The idea, which was based on a palette of rich, vibrant colours, was a combination of sophisticated and relaxed styles, inspired by the venue, the Hertford Hotel. Add a touch of gold to these bold florals, a boho headpiece, the dreamiest cakes and stationery, and some gorgeous dresses, and you have a winning combination that wows, and wows again. And if this is any indication of what we have for you in 2017, you know it’s going to be a happy new year! See you then, and have a safe and joyous holiday!

The Hunger Games Wedding Inspiration

12 December, 2016 by gaby

Get ready for some knockout wedding inspiration, lovelies! Today’s editorial is so super colourful and creative, it’ll blow you away. It comes to us from photographer Nerize Raath and her team of talents, and was inspired by The Hunger Games – or more specifically by the crazy Capitol styling from the films. Now I know this might not be a traditional place to find wedding inspiration, but not only will this shoot put a smile on your face, whether or not you’re a fan of the books and films, but look beyond the dramatic makeup and whimsical fashion, and you’ll find some absolutely gorgeous styling that would sit pretty with any stylish bride or groom on their big day. With a palette of bright pinks, corals, reds and purples, and soft duck egg blue, combined with luxe gold detailing and fresh fruit, the table is a modern wedding dream. Plus, there’s a Katniss cake. Too adorable!

Emerald, Copper & Burgundy Wedding Inspiration

1 December, 2016 by gaby

Happy December, lovelies! After a few days away working on another project, I’m back, and I have some gorgeous inspiration to share with you this month before we start dipping back into our annual ‘best of’ series. We’re kicking the advent countdown off today with a styled shoot that I have been looking forward to sharing with you for a while, but the colours were so Christmassy that I just had to wait until today. First off, the palette is amazing – rich emerald and burgundy have that beautiful mixture of warmth and depth, but it’s when copper is added to the mix that some modern magic really happens! Add in some beautiful bridesmaid gowns from SBB Directory member Jacoba Clothing. And don’t even get me started on the florals, because OMG they are amazing! Whether you’re planning a Christmas wedding, a holiday table, or just a wedding that makes great use of beautiful colours and flowers (at any time of year, but especially in winter, when jewel tones are particularly appropriate), then this is your palette! Thanks so much to photographer Nadia Basson and her team for bringing us this loveliness today.