Trends & Ideas - SouthBound Bride

Bridesmaids in Cardigans

14 July, 2011 by gaby

It might be sunny in London at the moment (ha! worst summer in years, for the record) but I know my South African readers are feeling the chill. I know this because my mother, who lives in Durban, where it’s never anything less than about 30 degrees, keeps telling me how cold they are. Which probably only means it’s too cold to get in the pool, but not do anything drastic like wear long sleeves or anything. So my mom may not be getting any sympathy from me (sorry, ma!), but in Cape Town and much of the rest of the country, it gets a bit more nippy noodles. And if you’ve chosen to have a winter wedding (or hell, a spring or fall wedding, with the unpredictability of the weather these days), today’s roundup is just for you. In fact, the bridesmaid cardigan trend makes me feel so cosy that it’s almost worth having an out of season wedding for! One word: Cardies. Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Free Printable Wedding Photo Thank You Cards

24 June, 2011 by gaby

When the last guest has left and the tables have been cleared, there is of course only one thing left to do. Er, ok, two things (get yer mind out the gutter, will ya! ;) ). Thank you cards. Three little words to strike dread into the heart of any post-honeymoon bride. The fact is that while strictly speaking etiquette dictates that you have up to a year to send out those little notes, the sooner the better. Speaking from experience as a guest, they really are appreciated and necessary. But after all of those months of planning when all you want to do is relax into married life, they’re also a schlep. Well, here’s your solution. Not just one, but TWO different options of thank you cards from The Invitation Gallery – one classic and vintage and the other playful and modern. All you need to do is pick one, download and print it (or have it printed by your favourite print on demand service like PSPrint), attach one of your wedding pictures and get down to writing your personal notes. And there’s even an Afrikaans option for our Afrikaans brides and grooms! Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Crowning Glory

15 June, 2011 by gaby

Blame it on Elizabeth Messina, who first had the awesome idea of topping her own wedding cake with an antique crown, and then went on to photograph that same crown on some of her clients’ cakes, or in their hands, or on their pretty heads. They’re iconic pictures – the kind that stick in the mind and inspire a flurry of googling. Or blame it on Kate Middleton, for being all royal and getting married, and reminding us why we wanted to feel like princesses on our wedding day. Or just blame it on the tiny piece of gorgeous perfection that is a vintage crown. Either way, these have been popping up as cake toppers (and photo props) in some of the most beautiful weddings and style shoots of the last year, and every time they do, I get a little thrill. So of course I had to do a roundup, but right off I’m going to apologise, because I may be leading you brides up the garden path a little. Truth is, I have no idea where you can find these crowns, especially in South Africa. I did spot a couple on eBay and elsewhere online, and I’d love to hear from anyone who knows of a supplier or rental option in Cape Town, but chances are you may just have to start scouring local antique shops or getting creative. Even so, in the words of Dinky Bossetti (and if you get that 80s film reference I will totally love you forever), it’s good to want things. So here we go. Let the covetfest begin.

How to Style the White Bridesmaid Dress Trend

11 May, 2011 by gaby

*Updated for 2018* It’s official: the white bridesmaid dress trend started by Kate and William at their royal wedding is here to stay. Ever since Pippa Middleton showed up in that dress, and brides around the world started thinking “hmm, maybe I should have my bridesmaids in white too” – well, this particular taboo became history once and for all (although, for the record, if you’re a guest and you wear white you’re still an asshat). And yes, your granny might disapprove. But once she sees how beautiful your crew looks… well, I think she’ll come around. Whether it’s a beach wedding or an elegant vineyard soiree, they look crisp and classic (and give you a perfectly clean palette). Need some extra convincing yourself? Just take a look at this roundup of lovely bridal parties. And then check out our top tips for styling the white bridesmaid dress trend so that the bride still stands out, as you should!
This post contains affiliate links. SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Flowers in her Hair

30 March, 2011 by gaby

Dogwood Flower Crown by The Honeycomb

*UPDATED FOR 2021* A couple of weeks ago I featured a roundup of beautiful birdcage veils, but if your style is more bohemian than retro, I have a bridal accessory trend that’s just for you. Brides with flowers in their hair are nothing new (although they’ve gained a lot of popularity as an alternative to veils in the last couple of years), but recently I have been seeing a bloom of brides wearing full-on floral crowns. And you guys, I LOVE them! Once the preserve of ’80s flowergirls, the new wave of flower wreaths are soft and sweet but with a bold, high fashion edge. They’re not subtle, but boy are they beautiful. Check out these gorgeous flower crowns, including some beautiful silk flower options that you can buy from Etsy.

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

How to Wear a Birdcage Veil

9 March, 2011 by gaby

Tulle Birdcage Veil with Lace by January Rose Boutique

It only takes a quick look at my webstats to know that brides love birdcage veils! But did you know that there’s more than one kind? Or maybe you’re wondering how to style one with long hair down, or with a chic updo? We’ve rounded up some of the best birdcage veils from Etsy, and added top tips for how to rock ’em!

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

Hot Wedding Trends for 2011

5 January, 2011 by gaby

I’ve been in two minds about writing this post. On the one hand, it feels a little… presumptious. What do I know, right? But on the other, if I was newly engaged, it’s something I would be asking. What IS happening in weddings these days? And who better to ask than someone who reads hundreds of wedding blogs every day? (That’s me!) So here’s where I think things are going, and what I think South African brides can expect to see more of in the coming year.

1. The Royal Wedding
There’s no getting away from it – this will be a game changer. And that may mean that we haven’t seen the last of the tiara, or that royal touches like monograms and dramatic ballgowns will be big news again. However, indications from the palace are that Kate & Wills will have some modern elements (maybe even a slinkier gown?), and these are likely to be the ones that will be in our collective wedding consciousness for years to come.Read More

DIY: Christmas Crackers

21 December, 2010 by gaby

Now that the wedding craziness of last week is over, it’s time to get the family festive celebrations on the road, so I hope you’ll forgive me if we’re not completely wedding focused this week! My mom asked if I would make us individual crackers for our Christmas dinner, and I thought I would share them as a holiday DIY. They’re a little fiddly and take a couple of hours, but really make things personal and extra fun at the Christmas table. And for South African readers I picked up most of the necessaries at my local CNA, so everything’s easily available locally for a spot of last-minute DIY. These would be great favours for a holiday wedding or even another time of year with different decoration!

Guest Blogger: IndieBerries

13 December, 2010 by gaby

You guys, I am so excited about this guest post! One of my personal daily must-reads is indieBerries – a completely fresh and original (and award-winning!) blog just bursting with fun and creativity, written by the awesome Che. She documents her life in a series of hilarious cartoons, and she also just happens to be a craft goddess with a penchant for pretty stationery. I’m so honoured that she’s agreed to guest post for me today. Thank you so much Che! (I’ll give Durbs a big hello from you today!)

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Hi, I’m Che from the blog indieBerries. I’m South African currently teaching English in South Korea and I write a personal/inspirational/design/cartoon-infused blog.

Free Printable Grey & Yellow Invitation Suite by Brancoprata

9 December, 2010 by gaby

When I started this whole wedding blogging thing, it didn’t take me long to come across two of the rising stars in the industry – Sofia and André from Brancoprata. Talk about a match made in creative heaven! I was (and still am) blown away by their amazing, inspirational ideas and André’s beautiful photography (head over to their blog to be overwhelmed by the prettiness yourself). What I didn’t know then is that they are also incredibly lovely, and I have so enjoyed getting to know them. And I am still pinching myself that they not only agreed to guest blog while I’m in South Africa, but that they’ve also created some AWESOME free downloads to share with all of you! Muito obrigado, you two!

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Hello, you lovely readers from South Africa and beyond!! We are Sofia and André from Brancoprata, a Portuguese wedding company who specializes in design, decor and photography!
When Gaby asked us to guest post here we were delighted and completely honored with this opportunity to show you what we do!
So when we start thinking about what we wanted to post, we thought about something we never done before… a free download!! Something that could easily be printed and assembled at home!
So, without further delay, we give you a lifetime chance (…just kidding) to have a classic chic meets fresh and modern invitation!