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.
Before we kick off a brand new editorial theme next week, I wanted to sneak in one last little bit of winter wedding inspiration. As you know by now, I love using 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! (Links in bold denote sponsored affiliate links. SouthBound Bride may earn a commission if a sale is made.)
Maybe it’s from watching too many movies, but when I think about wedding dress shopping, I picture a charming little shop full of soft light and plush chairs and flowers and champagne – a place where dreams are made, and where somewhere in amongst the silk, tulle and lace, that perfect wedding dress is just waiting for you to try it on and fall crazy in love, and share that amazing moment with your mum or best friend. Sadly, reality sometimes falls short of the fantasy. So you can imagine how thrilled I was last year to discover the most wonderful little boutique right here in Durban, tucked in amongst the leafy streets of Westville that I know so well. Toujours Wedding Houseis an absolute gem – a light, bright studio nestled off a sunny courtyard, with just the right amount of chic understated detail to let the gowns, veils and accessories take centre stage. Guiding her brides through their experience is owner Tracey Laubscher, who you immediately warm to like she’s an extra bridesmaid, and who knows and cherishes each dress in her collection like a favourite song. I couldn’t wait to go back to the boutique to do a special little tour, together with the talented Eileen Laubscher of Bright Girl Photography. We spent our morning drinking tea, shooting these beautiful images, and chatting to Tracey about what makes Toujours such a special place…
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.
Swoon alert! I have some seriously GORGEOUS fashion inspiration to share with you all today, in the form of the latest collection of fine art bridal accessories from Enchanted Atelier by Liv Hart. Inspired by Albert Joseph Moore’s painting, ‘Dreamers’ and a love for styling her brides with artfully designed pieces, it’s an exquisite collection of crowns, combs, hairpieces and gauzy silk tulle veils that will not only lend their ethereal beauty to the bride who wears them, but become treasured heirlooms in years to come. And don’t get me started on these lookbook images by Laura Gordon – I’m dying over every exquisite frame.
Brideys, do I ever have some beautiful inspiration for you today! Last year, I discovered Romantic Art Life, a collection of gorgeously intricate bridal hair accessories, which I shared on the blog. Well, I recently came across the 2016 collection, and I am in LOVE. Each one of these pieces is so special and perfect for a wedding day look (or even a bridal portrait shoot or engagement session, styled right). And there happens to be the most gorgeous lookbook too, full of beachy romance and lots of dress, hair and makeup inspiration on top of the amazing accessories – I couldn’t wait to share it! Here’s a bit more about the collection, entitled ‘Gentle Soul’, from designer Anastasiya: “My 2016 Bridal Collection “Gentle Soul” was inspired by the organic elements of Florida, pastel colors of the beach sand, relaxed feel of the sea and sky. I wanted to create a timeless style full of movement and romance. Our elegant bride believes in magic, loves to dance and sing, dreams about love. Her soft & romantic gowns from light & airy fabrics, accessories with intricate details in her hair, illuminate the beauty of her gentle soul. Her soul that is unprotected, beautiful and soft.“
I’ve probably said this before, but one of my absolute favourite times in a wedding day is those blissful (and busy!) few hours spent between a bride and her retinue on the morning of the big day, sipping champagne and giggling with excitement as hair and makeup get done and the big moment approaches. It’s such a special time to spend with your girls – the women who have supported you, and loved you, and are there on this day to usher you into this next magical phase of your life. A memory to cherish. So I’m all for making sure that you all feel pretty and comfortable, even before the dresses are on and the shoe straps are tied. That’s one of the reasons I adore Plum Pretty Sugar, whose whisper-soft robes in garden-inspired prints are perfect for a wedding morning. But beyond that, the Plum Pretty Sugar accessories and apparel are part of a feminine, romantic lifestyle brand, and you’ll feel beautiful in their line long after the wedding day… the honeymoon, newlywed life – even on into maternity. So when Aisle Society bloggers Elizabeth Anne Designs & Coastal Bride teamed up with PPS to create a Southern styled shoot, you can imagine how excited I was to share the images! These pics take us right up to those moments before the walk down the aisle, with the girls in their dreamy PPS Couture bridesmaid gowns, and the beautiful, laughing bride, complete with protea bouquet (you know I love that!) And don’t forget that PPS ships to South Africa, and beyond.
Well, here’s a trend I never thought I would be covering, let alone coveting: bridesmaid jumpsuits! You may have noticed that jumpsuits, pantsuits and rompers are all over the catwalks, to the extent that brides in jumpsuits are a thing now and looking absolutely gorgeous doing it. And where brides lead, bridesmaids will follow, or vice versa. Bridesmaids in pants and jumpsuits, while not super common, have been popping up as a very chic (and comfy) alternative to the traditional dress or even skirt and top. And I have to say, I actually love the look. I think it’s the mix of sexy but not revealing, and formal but not too formal, that makes jumpsuits such a great occasionwear fit to a wedding. Of course, this isn’t everyone’s thing – I could definitely see it more at a sophisticated city soiree than a romantic countryside affair, but if it appeals, go for it. And even if not for your girls, all the jumpsuits in the ‘shop the look’ section below would make fab rehearsal dinner/going away outfits for a bride-to-be! *Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.
Long bridesmaid dresses are so en vogue right now, and with good reason – they’re elegant and oh so flattering. Add a long twist on the little white bridesmaid dress trend and you have a look that’s supremely lovely – sweet, summery and a little angelic! Whether you pair the long white gowns with glamorous updos or boho crowns, it’s a beautiful way to dress your girls for the big day – and don’t worry, the bride is never upstaged! This is one of the top looks for the season (as seen most recently on SBB in Pedro & Chelsea’s wedding a couple of weeks ago), so I thought it was high time I gathered some inspiration and ideas to get the look.
To finish off our fashionable Friday, we’re taking some time to gawk at some gorgeous dusty blue bridesmaid dresses. I just love dusty blue weddings – this periwinkle/cornflower hybrid is super pretty and super flattering thanks to its cool tone, which makes it perfect for bridesmaids whatever your wedding theme or style. Yesterday, in fact, we featured a lovely wedding with Serenity bridesmaids, and they looked amazing, so I thought it was the perfect time to pull out some inspiration and shopping ideas. This post contains affiliate links. SBB may receive a commission on any sales made.
