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! *Shopping sources in this post use affiliate links. This means SBB may earn a commission if you make a purchase from our links.
It’s Fri-yay, and yay indeed, because I am super excited to share this lookbook feature with you! As you know, I am always on the hunt for pretty, on-trend bridesmaid fashion, and I’m a huge fan of local brand, Jacoba (who by the way, are not just for bridesmaids, because they are awesome for MoBs, guest outfits, formalwear, and even brides themselves!). Why? Because Jacoba dresses are not only great to look at, they are super comfy to wear, and they’re made in a range of styles that genuinely suit ladies of all shapes and sizes and ages and skin tones. There’s nothing worse than seeing a pretty dress on a model and going to try it on yourself and then… well. We all know what changing room despair feels like. But Jacoba uses gorgeous models in realistic shapes to show off their clothes, so you can see what it would actually look like on your girls, and there’s something super flattering for everyone. And here’s the best part – they come in ALL THE COLOURS. 40 of them in fact. So you just pick what you like, choose your size and colour, click click and order, and you’re done! They deliver worldwide, and also have a shop in Tyger Waterfront, where you and your bridal party can try on dresses in person. So that’s why I love the brand, and today we’re showcasing their latest lookbook, which takes an on-trend dark and moody spin on the boho trend, and shows you how you can make your girls look like gypsy goddesses on your big day! I’m loving the way that accessories comepletely transform each look, and how little lace and sheer details make each dress special in their own right! There’s even a deliciously dark tablescape. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Ok, I give in. Velvet is officially a thing again. And as much as the fact it’s a ’90s throwback makes me feel old (so, so old), I have to admit, I’m kind of loving the way that velvet’s working out for weddings this time around. Not least when it comes to bridesmaid dresses! There are some seriously pretty velvet bridesmaid gowns out there at the moment, both from big names like Jenny Yoo and Twobirds, and from high street stores like ASOS. As autumn hits us here in South Africa, it’s the perfect time to consider this luxe, elegant fabric for your bridal party – and I have just the inspirational images and shopping choices to help you along the way! *Shopping sources in this post use affiliate links. This means SBB may earn a commission if you make a purchase from our links.
Weddings are the best, obviously, but we all know that finding that perfect occasionwear can be a challenge, especially if you’re going to be front and centre as the mother of the bride (or groom!) or a bridesmaid. After all, there’s a fine line between bold and on trend and… 27 Dresses. So what’s a stylish gal to do? Answer: head to Reiss, one of my favourite fashion retailers, who have just released their gorgeous Spring wedding edit. Taking inspiration from far-flung destinations, the collection includes both polished, city-ready looks and carefree dresses that invoke a sense of wanderlust. From pantsuits to wrap dresses, there’s great choices for both modern mamas who want to avoid the frump, and bridesmaids looking for fresh looks with beautiful fabrics and tailoring – and of course, there’s lots of lovely choices for wedding guest outfits too. I’m super excited to be partnering with this fashion-forward brand to bring you their new collection, shot on location in Morocco, as well as some ideas for how to style some of my favourite pieces. *Links in bold denote affiliate links.
Yay, bridesmaids! As y’all have probably picked up by now, BM fashion is one of my fave parts of wedding design- even after doing this job for so long, I always do a big OOOOOH! at any perfectly styled bridesmaid party! And just when I thought I’d seen it all, this year’s bevvy of bridesquad beauties came in and made everything fresh and pretty and awesome once more. From mismatched lineups to ladies rocking the same gown, every one of these 20 examples is sure to inspire! And not just for bridesmaids, for the love of fashion too! Which makes it extra handy that we’ve included lots of shopping options. (Post includes affilate links – SBB may receive a commission on any sales.)
When it comes to beach weddings, there are so many gorgeous options for a bride-to-be, but what about her best girls? As you know, we love a bit of bridesmaid fashion here on SBB, especially when it involves fashionable looks that ladies can wear again after the big day. And while there are many, many ways you can go for a beach do, depending on your colour scheme, location and vibe, I’ve rounded up 10 of my absolute favourites, complete with shop-tions so you can get the look yourself! Top image: Jack and Jane Photography/Timeless Weddings Co./Josephine Clothing on SouthBound Bride
Time for some fashion, lovelies! One of the trends that I am LOVING at the moment for bridesmaids is separates – everything from crop tops to more demure shirts and skirts, flirty tea length tulle, and maxi beauties. This was originally going to be a general bridesmaid separates inspiration post, but when I started researching it, I found that there was one label that was popping up again and again for the coming season – I always love Coast‘s bridesmaid offerings, but they’re knocking it out of the park at the moment with this look. Exhibit A: their first separates style a couple of years back, which I pinned and which has been repinned a gazillion times, but if anything, the new styles are even more fabulous. So I just had to show them off! (This post includes affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission on any sales.)
So earlier today, we looked at how to choose your bridal party and as a bonus, I thought we’d look at how to ask them! Bridesmaid proposals have become a THING, and while I don’t think anyone should feel obliged to do any more than sit down with your favourite friend and say, “how about it?”, at the same time it’s such a special moment and doing something special to mark it and make your friends feel loved and appreciated can never be a bad thing! There are some great DIY ideas for bridesmaid proposals out there, but for the time-strapped bride, the makers at Etsy have created a range of super cute gifts that will make saying ‘be my bridesmaid’ a pleasure – everything from wine labels to jewellery to mini unicorn pinatas (!). Here are 20 of our faves! (Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.)
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.
A couple of weeks ago, we rounded up some gorgeous boho wedding dresses here on SBB. But boho isn’t just for brides – oh, noho. Because the only thing better than a stylish gypsy bride is one with a retinue of gorgeous bohemian bridesmaids rocking their own indie bridesmaid dresses. But what does that look like? Of course, the very nature of ‘bohemian’ is that there are no rules, but my favourite look (which happens to gel perfectly with an organic, chilled out, festival wedding vibe) is white lace or crochet dresses, mismatched (of course). Just add some pretty sandals and some wildflowers, and you have the perfect look for your ladies. Which of these white boho bridesmaid dresses is your favourite? *Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.
