Trends & Ideas - SouthBound Bride

The SouthBound Guide to Brunch Weddings

1 June, 2018 by gaby

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

*UPDATED FOR 2020* I have just one word for brunch weddings: LOVE. Seriously, morning weddings are one of my absolute favourites (and I’ve been to a few in my time too). Yes, evening weddings are fun and you can tear up the dancefloor all night long and have your first dance under the stars. But if that’s not your thing, or if maybe you want a more intimate gathering or a chance to appreciate the daytime beauty of your venue, or even if you just want something a bit more different, then planning a wedding brunch could be perfect for you. Plus, I mean, it’s BRUNCH. Who doesn’t love brunch? And some people ask: are brunch weddings boring? Or, are brunch weddings tacky? And the answer on both counts is definitely no. In fact, with a morning wedding, you have the flexibility to make it as casual or as formal as you wish, and with a shorter timeline, you actually have less time to keep your guests amused. And trust me, nothing keeps them amused like great food and drinks, and brunch style weddings are ALL about the menu (foodie couples rejoice)! Bottom line, morning weddings are awesome, so we’ve put together a comprehensive guide full of brunch wedding ideas to help you plan one!

How to Steal Harry & Meghan’s Royal Wedding Style

20 May, 2018 by gaby

All royal wedding images issued by The Royal Family via Facebook & Instagram

It’s official! Harry and Meghan (aka the Duke and Duchess of Sussex) are married! And with a guest list that meshed Hollywood royalty with actual royalty, the Royal Wedding 2018 is certain to go down as the wedding of the year. I’ve seen lots of mixed opinions about Meghan Markle’s wedding dress and big day style in general but I personally LOVED it – I think the gown was incredibly chic and looked stunnning on her, and that she accessorised it to perfection. I have a feeling it’ll go down as being just as iconic as the gown Princess Catherine wore a few years ago, and I have no doubt that many brides-to-be will be influenced by Meghan’s minimalist elegance, both at the wedding ceremony itself, and at the evening reception, where she wore a halter neck gown and aquamarine cocktail ring. Want to get a bit of Markle sparkle for your big day? Or get your groom kitted out like Harry (minus the military uniform, unless he’s actual in the forces, obvs)? We’ve got you covered! From jewellery to dresses to a classic black tux, here are ten ways you can steal a bit of Harry and Meghan’s wedding style for yourself. *Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Gypsy Boho from Jacoba Clothing

11 May, 2018 by gaby

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?

Chic Velvet Bridesmaid Dresses

7 May, 2018 by gaby

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.

Transparent Wedding Signage

16 April, 2018 by gaby

Acrylic Wedding Welcome Sign by alongthelinesdesign

*UPDATED FOR 2020* Transparent signage is nothing new to South African weddings – we’ve been rocking our perspex for a few years now, but that doesn’t make me love the see-through wedding signs that are trending for 2018 any less! It’s the perfect marriage of modern and contemporary with… well, whatever you want really. Add flowers, and it’s the perfect complement to organic or botanical styles. Adorn with foliage and hang on a tree and it’s rustic. Tropical greenery and it’s perfect for a beach wedding. Add white calligraphy and you’re good for a romantic or elegant wedding, gold and you’re immediately glam. Pretty much whatever your wedding style, this is one detail that will be right at home. And you’ll find loads of lovely acrylic wedding signs on Etsy, so of course I just had to round up my faves!

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

Reiss Spring Wedding Collection for Stylish Guests, Modern Mothers of the Bride and Best-dressed Bridesmaids

10 April, 2018 by gaby

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.

How to Style a Celestial Wedding

2 March, 2018 by gaby

Image credit: Cornelia Lietz/Kiss from Fleur/Nice Plume on SouthBound Bride

I’ve been looking forward to this for a while – pretty much since the celestial themed wedding trend started to grow. I don’t know about you, but the night sky is one of the most romantic things to me, and one of life’s greatest pleasures, and it’s been inspiring poets and lovers for centuries. Bringing that into your wedding… well, it’s just lovely. Whimsical, ethereal, magical, and a great tie in to update travel themed weddings or for those of you who love astronomy, stargazing, science… or just feel like you want your wedding to have an epic, otherworldly feel (after all, you love your bae to the moon and back, right?) Here are ten star themed wedding details you can add to your wedding that will have your guests truly over the moon! *Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

10 Dreamy Wedding Dresses Under £500

23 February, 2018 by gaby

Cathlyn Bridal Dress by Phase Eight

Over the last few years, I think it’s safe to say that bridal fashion has gone from pretty awesome to OMG amazing. Every season designers take my breath away with their dreamy creations, and it just seems to get better and better each time. But as much as I LOVE couture, not all of us can afford Vera Wang, amiright? Champagne tastes, lemonade budget. Fortunately, as bridal fashion has grown, so has the market for beautiful affordable wedding dresses, and these days, the high street delivers some absolutely swoon-worthy (and budget friendly!) options for the modern bride. Today I’m rounding up 10 of my favourites – each for under £500! Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Celestial Bridal Fashion

19 February, 2018 by gaby

Etoile Veil by What Katy Did Next

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

*UPDATED FOR 2020* Celestial weddings are one of the biggest wedding trends, and one of the prettiest way to bring this theme into your wedding is through your bridal attire. A veil that looks like it’s sprinkled with stars? Yes, please! A crown worthy of a moon goddess? Love. And as usual, the makers at Etsy are well ahead of the curve, so I’ve rounded up 20 beautiful bridal dresses and accessories that will leave you starry-eyed!

2018 Wedding Trends

8 January, 2018 by gaby

Welcome, friends! It’s back to work for me today, and I’m kicking off our 2018 editorial programme with our traditional post rounding up the Top 10 trends of 2018. In years past, we’ve nailed many of the trends that are now so very familiar, and it’s always fun to look back and see a progression. This year is no exception! There are some really lovely trends coming through from the worlds of fashion, design, and interiors that we’ll be seeing all over the place in weddings. So let’s get started – and let’s get excited! Here are my predictions – find one or two that resonate with you, and then add your own twist to make them all yours. (This post contains some affiliate links, marked in bold. SBB may receive a commission on any sales.)