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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.

10 Beautiful Bridesmaid Looks for Beach Weddings

17 April, 2017 by gaby

When it comes to beach weddings, there are so many gorgeous options for a bride-to-be, but what about her best girls? As you know, we love a bit of bridesmaid fashion here on SBB, especially when it involves fashionable looks that ladies can wear again after the big day. And while there are many, many ways you can go for a beach do, depending on your colour scheme, location and vibe, I’ve rounded up 10 of my absolute favourites, complete with shop-tions so you can get the look yourself!
Top image: Jack and Jane Photography/Timeless Weddings Co./Josephine Clothing on SouthBound Bride

Trend Alert: Bridesmaid Separates!

25 January, 2017 by gaby

Time for some fashion, lovelies! One of the trends that I am LOVING at the moment for bridesmaids is separates – everything from crop tops to more demure shirts and skirts, flirty tea length tulle, and maxi beauties. This was originally going to be a general bridesmaid separates inspiration post, but when I started researching it, I found that there was one label that was popping up again and again for the coming season – I always love Coast‘s bridesmaid offerings, but they’re knocking it out of the park at the moment with this look. Exhibit A: their first separates style a couple of years back, which I pinned and which has been repinned a gazillion times, but if anything, the new styles are even more fabulous. So I just had to show them off! (This post includes affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission on any sales.)

Mismatched White Lace Boho Bridesmaid Dresses

7 October, 2016 by gaby

A couple of weeks ago, we rounded up some gorgeous boho wedding dresses here on SBB. But boho isn’t just for brides – oh, noho. Because the only thing better than a stylish gypsy bride is one with a retinue of gorgeous bohemian bridesmaids rocking their own indie bridesmaid dresses. But what does that look like? Of course, the very nature of ‘bohemian’ is that there are no rules, but my favourite look (which happens to gel perfectly with an organic, chilled out, festival wedding vibe) is white lace or crochet dresses, mismatched (of course). Just add some pretty sandals and some wildflowers, and you have the perfect look for your ladies. Which of these white boho bridesmaid dresses 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.

New Bridesmaid Fashion Trends to Look Out For This Season

10 August, 2016 by gaby

We’re still talking fashion but today we’re focusing on the bridesmaid end of the equation. I think when it comes to your girls you have two options – you can go for something that’s more classic and traditional, or you can have a little more fun and pick something on-trend. And yes, if you go for the second option, it’s going to look dated at some point – but then, don’t we all love looking at those pics from our parents and grandparents’ eras and checking out the fashion of the day? Of course, some brides manage to find their balance somewhere in the middle, by picking the more classic-looking of current styles. Whichever way yo go, it’s always worth keeping an eye on the runways in the years leading up to your big day, to get a sense of the cuts and textures and colours that will be available off-the-rack – and you may just fall in love with one of them! So with that in mind, I’ve rounded up ten of the trends that have already begun to make their way into our everyday fashion vocabulary, and that are sure to be the key new bridesmaid looks for 2017 – as well as some of my fave shopping links to get you started.
Top image: Aglow Photography/Alana van Heerden on SouthBound Bride

Millennial Pink Bridesmaid Dresses

4 July, 2016 by gaby

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.

Mismatched Pastel Bridesmaid Dresses Done Right

16 June, 2016 by gaby

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.

Feminine Bridesmaid Inspiration

29 February, 2016 by gaby

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.

Bridesmaids in Jumpsuits

19 February, 2016 by gaby

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.