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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.

20 Chic & Sheer Wedding Dresses

13 March, 2018 by gaby

The Elle Gown by Elika In Love

This month we’re highlighting the transparency trend that’s one of the biggest 2018 wedding trends. But while transparent normally makes me think of acrylic and glass, there’s a whole barely there trend going on in bridal too. Sheer wedding dresses are where it’s at – a chic, sexy, super feminine way of expressing your fashionable self that I absolutely love. From the established illusion neckline and illusion back style, to nude lade gowns and sheer fabrics, to sheer panels showing off flashes of ‘skin’ (usually lining, in fact, which makes the look ironically and surprisingly quite modest), the whole thing is sheer perfection! We’ve rounded up 20 BREATHTAKING gowns from Etsy to inspire! *Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

20 Best Wedding Dresses of 2017

21 December, 2017 by gaby

Gorgeous gowns are one of the things I have come to love most about my job and year after year I’m stunned by the sheer beauty of our brides and their choices in bridal fashion, whether classic or daring. Each one comes with its own story, of how it came to be THE dress, and like finding a partner, finding the perfect dress can be a struggle. But every one of our brides tells us when you know, you know! The evidence is clear for all to see, and in between all the exciting talents emerging in the SA bridal fashion scene right now, it is SO hard to pick! But pick we did, with special reference to the dresses that YOU loved on social media in 2017. Each one of these is as special and unique as the woman who wears it, a reflection of the many hours of care that goes into creating a bridal masterpiece. That’s the hard work and talent of the designers we’re honouring here. But slaying it IN your dress? Well ladies, that’s all you.

20 Christmas Cards for Newlyweds

4 December, 2017 by gaby

Image: Riekert Cloete on SouthBound Bride

For those of you who’ve just tied the knot, the festive season is a really fun time to check in with family and friends and thank them for their love and support – maybe share a few wedding photographs or double up with a thank you card in the envelope. Or maybe you’ve yet to marry, but as an engaged couple, you’re dying to take some holiday snaps and send your first card together. Sure it’s cheesy, but so fun! Well, as it turns out, the makers at Etsy have come up with some seriously adorable ways to say “Merry Christmas from US” – and I’ve rounded up 20 of my favourites! Links in bold denote affiliate links. SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

20 Elegant Minimalist Wedding Dresses

20 November, 2017 by gaby

Magnolia Minimalist Wedding Dress by Lilu Bridal

Some brides are all about extra-ness – enchanting embellishment, beautiful bling, statement lace, or frothy tulle skirts that wouldn’t look out of place at an embassy ball. But for some brides, less is more. Think clean lines, ’90s-style silhouettes, and minimal embellishment. For a sophisticated minimalist bride, it’s all about gorgeous fabrics, stunning cuts, and fresh, pared-back styling, and designers are LOVING the look of right now. So if you’re planning a modern minimalist wedding or just want to rock elegantly simple chic on your big day, I have the perfect roundup of minimalist wedding dresses, which also happen to be fairly minimalist on the ol’ pocketbook – forget high end designers; every one of these beauties comes from either Etsy or the high street! *Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Wedding Veils for the Fine Art Bride

28 September, 2017 by gaby

Lace Mantilla Veil by Sibo Designs (Image: Brumley & Wells)

The other day we rounded up some GORGEOUS fine art wedding dresses from Etsy, but I’m not done yet with the pretty, oh no. Because a fine art bride also wants to rock a beautiful veil. And why wouldn”t she? Veils are quintessentially romantic and feminine, they look incredible on film (especially those with extra length or lace detailing) and they can also add a bit of vintage flair, whether that’s a touch of Art Deco glamour or a swish of old European grace. But don’t just take it from me. Dive into these 20 spectacular beauties, and you’re sure to agree! Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Marble & Geode Wedding Invitations

16 August, 2017 by gaby

Erin Suite by CitrusPressCo

Geodes, minerals and marble – they’re all over the place in wedding world! And there’s no place I love to see these motifs more than in invitations and paperware. It’s a great way to add that ‘precious’ touch to your wedding style, whether or not you’re bringing in mineral or marble details in the rest of your wedding, and I especially love the look for either boho or sophisticated city weddings. There are lots of fabulous options on Etsy, many of them printable, so I’ve rounded up 20 of my favourites right here! Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Greenery Wedding Invitations

4 July, 2017 by gaby

Printable Greenery Wedding Invitation Suite by The Brumby Nest

Our theme this month is greenery, with a special reference towards Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2017, also called Greenery. And of all Greenery wedding details I’ve seen so far (apart from actual greenery, obvs) I think the prettiest use of this colour has been in stationery. I mean, it’s such a bright, fresh green that it really catches the eye and looks amazing against both a crisp white and a rustic Kraft background, whether paired with a traditional or modern font, and of course, with plenty of pretty greenery illustration. So I’ve been squirreling my favourites away to share with you for a few months now, and whether you’re using this colour in your wedding design or just want to add a touch of natural, minimalist style to your stationery, I think you’ll fall in love with these paper pretties, all created by the makers at Etsy.
Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Sposabella Boutique Tour

8 May, 2017 by gaby

It’s a sunny afternoon when I drive up to The White House in Morningside, Durban, a little oasis for brides, bustling with wedding-related businesses. My destination is Sposabella Bridal Gowns, an exclusive bridal boutique, and I find it at one end of the corridor – its light, modern showroom awash in sunshine and smiles from owner Gayle Erasmus and her team. From behind a mirrorball desk, they welcome guests like old friends. But the real star of the show is, of course, the dresses. With elegant silhouettes of lace, tulle and sparkle lining the shelves and draped on a host of mannequins, it’s hard not to get a little giddy, and I imagine many real brides do. And that’s where the Sposabella team comes in again, with their reassuring presence and extensive knowledge of what brides want (and need!). The boutique is home to the Enzoani Beautiful range, which is even more gorgeous in person than on screen, and for KZN brides, Sposabella is the perfect place to spend an afternoon trying on gowns and undoubtedly falling in love with ‘The One’. I asked Gayle a few questions about what makes her salon unique, and Michigan Behn was on hand to take these lovely images.

20 Elegant Beach Wedding Accessories

21 April, 2017 by gaby

Boho Beach Destination Bridal Hairpiece Vine by Emma Rose Treasures

I do love my little trawls around Etsy – it feels a little like I’m in search of buried treasure, and whenever I turn up something truly lovely, something I know you all will love, it really is like I found the pirate’s gold. That’s particularly appropriate for today’s roundup, which includes all kinds of lovely little trinkets with a touch of the sea for brides, grooms, and bridesmaids. And while too many themey things could be a little cheesy, each one of these accessories stands alone as an elegant addition to your wedding attire. So peek inside the treasure chest and see which 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.