10 Custom Bridal Illustration Keepsakes

Custom Wedding Dress illustration by Art Rose Prints

As we announced this morning, August is couture month on SBB (loving this theme!). One aspect of fashion that I personally adore is fashion illustration, and I follow a number of brilliant illustrators on Instagram. But outside of being involved in the fashion world, it’s not often that you’d get to have your very own illustration. Let’s be honest, it’s not often you might have a dress designed for you either! That’s what makes a wedding dress the perfect opportunity, and a fashion illustration of your gown the perfect keepsake. Some designers will create one for you themselves, but if that’s not the case, or if you’re buying a dress instead of having it made, that doesn’t mean you should lose out. I found some wonderful illustrators on Etsy who will do custom designs, and I just had to share them with you! Each has a slightly different style and medium, but they’ll all take an image of your gown and turn it into a masterpiece that you can display with pleasure in your home or office – or give as a gift to someone else.

Read More

20 Romantic Draped Ceremony Arches

Dreaming of an outdoor ceremony? Then you are going to adore today’s inspiration roundup. Romantically draped arches are such dreamy decor elements. Cascading, sheer fabrics and ropes of gorgeous florals create the most exquisite backdrop for saying your “I dos”. Whether it’s a flutter of cotton draped over a simple wooden frame adorned with fragrant foliage, or a four poster canopy with layers of sheer fabric and a crystal chandelier, there are many ways to style an unforgettable ceremonial arch. Take note of this lovelies, draped arches aren’t limited to the altar area so why not create a fabulous draped entrance or even a series of arches down the aisle?

Read More

A SouthBound Guide to Veil Types

008-SBB-romantic-boudoir-kate-pleasants

Image: Kate Pleasants on SouthBound Bride

When it comes to classic and romantic wedding inspiration, there’s nothing more representative than the traditional (or even the traditional-with-a-twist) wedding veil. Long or short, I love these beauties. So I thought it was the perfect time to update one of the most popular posts from deep in the archive, our guide to bridal veils and types of wedding veils. A veil dictionary, if you will. And of course, I just had to update it with lots of beautiful, pinnable images. The best part? You can actually buy any one of the different veils featured here for your own wedding – just click on the links in bold. Of course, you may not want to rock a veil at all, but if you’re considering it, read on, because you’re about to discover a whole world of pretty options you didn’t even know existed! Links in bold denote sponsored affiliate links. SouthBound Bride may earn a commission if a sale is made.

Read More

20 Romantic Bridal Updos

We’re ringing in our Thursday with some classic romantic style of the bridal hair variety. Because how much do we love a pretty updo? Tons. It’s the ultimate in sleek sophisticated, but what amazes me is that even after all this time, stylists keep coming up with new and beautiful twists (literally! and braids and curls, etc.) on traditional looks like buns and chignons and tucks. Each of the styles we’ve gathered together has the glamour of an updo, but with the softness and sweetness that a romantic bride craves. But good luck picking a favourite, because they’re all divine!

Read More

Millennial Pink Bridesmaid Dresses

There’s no more classic look for bridesmaids than pink gowns, especially now that long bridesmaid dresses are so en vogue. Millennial pink is the colour of the moment, which makes this the perfect time to choose this classic pink, a few shades up from blush and yet still soft enough to be a pastel, for your girls. As always, we’ve rounded up some real wedding inspiration for you, along with a shopping guide so you can get the dusty rose bridesmaid dress look for yourself.
This post contains affiliate links. SBB may receive a commission on any sales made.

Read More

20 Winter Wedding Invitations

Printable Winter Wedding Invitations

*UPDATED FOR 2020* As you know by now, I love using wedding stationery as a sophisticated way to get across whatever theme or motif you have chosen for your big day, and in the case of a winter wedding, it’s a great way to pay tribute to the season! Whether you’re planning something frozen and fabulous or cozy and comforting, I’ve found some seriously beautiful invitations from the Etsy makers to get your guests in the mood for a winter wonderland of weddingness. And PS, many of these would be gorgeous for an autumn or rustic/woodland wedding too! The best part? All of these winter wedding invitation templates are printable and affordable!

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

Read More

How to: Hot Chocolate Bar

Hot Chocolate Bar & Printable Sign by Pen and Paper Flowers

One of the things I love most about winter weddings, whether you’re having them in some snowy cabin in the mountains of Canada, or in our more temperate climate (not that it feels that way at the moment!), is that you can bring in details that are really cosy, to give your guests that comfy, wrapped up feeling. From blanket favours to hot drinks, it’s a great way of pampering them and using the chilly weather to your advantage. And speaking of hot drinks, a hot chocolate bar has to be one of my favourite kinds of details! I mean, who doesn’t love a delicious, warming cup of cocoa, especially when it comes with all the trimmings. So today I thought I would break it down into simple steps, so you can easily create your own (and make it beautiful!) Links in bold denote sponsored affiliate links. SouthBound Bride may earn a commission if a sale is made.

Read More

Mismatched Pastel Bridesmaid Dresses Done Right

Photography: Anneli Marinovich | Make-up Artist: Ana Ospina Ruiz | Hair Stylist: Jo at Lovehair | Florist: Adventures in Flowers

You know how much we love perfectly mismatched bridesmaid dresses here on SBB, especially when they come in a range of the prettiest sorbet shades. A few years back I worked with the brilliant Maids to Measure on a styled shoot and their gowns are absolute perfection, so I was super excited to find out that this breakout label has just launched their collection at UK department store John Lewis. There are seven different styles and eight beautiful colours, so whatever your palette (or season), it makes co-ordinating your girls’ dresses an absolute dream. In fact, I was so excited that I decided to have a little play and put together three colour stories using the new Maids to Measure gowns and matching them up with stationery, flowers, table settings and pretty details. I’m seriously struggling to pick a favourite! (PS You can see the full Maids to Measure at John Lewis collection HERE.)
Shopping images and links in bold denote sponsored affiliate links. SouthBound Bride may earn a commission if a sale is made.

Read More

20 Crazy Gorgeous Winter Wedding Cakes

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – a gorgeous cake defnitely gives me a case of the wedding ‘oohs’. Especially when it reflects the feel or theme of the wedding. If you’re planning a winter or autumn bash, you may be looking to go for the always chic rustic feel (and we’ve rounded up some seriously adorable rustic winter cakes and naked cakes in the past), but there are lots of other options too, thanks to the incredibly creative cake designers around the internet. How about a touch of knit or plaid, or icing reminiscent of icicles or snow? Decorations like snowflakes and antlers, pinecones, gingerbread houses or snowy peaks? Simple white cakes glammed up with evergreen, sugar crystals, or berries? Or simply a nod to Scandi style with a traditional Norwegian/Swedish/Danish kransekake? Each one of the cakes below channels a winter wonderland vibe, but with the most stylish of executions. Let’s get cake-spired! ;)

Read More

21 Something Blue Engagement Rings

Blue Engagement Rings

Ice Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring by Eidel Precious

*UPDATED FOR 2021* Engagement rings with coloured gemstones are a trend that’s definitely here to stay. And as much as I do love a classic diamond, I’m also loving seeing this trend evolve, because why shouldn’t there be as much choice in rings as there is taste in jewellery? Pink and yellow engagement rings have had their moment in the spotlight, but now blue engagement rings are having their moment. The sapphires, the aquamarines, the blue topazes, the blue diamonds, and of course, tanzanite. It’s amazing how many beautiful options there are with these gems, and best of all, they’re at a huge variety of price points to suit any budget. So if blue is your colour and you want lots of bling for your buck, consider this statement alternative. After all, if a sapphire was good enough for Kate Middleton…

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

Read More