Shwe shwe & blush wedding inspiration

The best part of a styled shoot for brides and grooms (apart from basking in the sheer prettiness, of course!) is the wealth of fresh ideas that you can borrow to add an extra special touch to your own celebrations. As part of our Styled Shoot Competition showcase this week, we’re breaking down five of our favourite ideas from each shoot, as well as bringing you tips and advice for recreating the look from the talented team behind each entry. Next up, we’re taking a second look at the romantic Rose Quartz shoot by the very talented Yolande Snyders and Yellow Papaya.

Shwe shwe motif
As I mentioned, I’m crazy for this truly South African fabric and in a time when pattern is a big trend in wedding design, I think it’s a great way to bring a stylish local focal point to your big day. In this shoot I love how the pattern has been scanned and incorporated into non-fabric elements, but also how it pops up in clever details like the bouquet wrap and OMG that awesome cake (an amazing job by Delicately Different)!

See more: Tips for including shwe shwe in your wedding

Mimosa bar
Mimosa bars are GENIUS. I set one up for my mom’s 70th birthday, and it was easy, pretty and a huge hit with the guests! Everyone loved making their own champagne and juice cocktails with different kinds of fruit and garnish, and it meant that the non-drinkers didn’t feel left out of the festivities.

Local is lekker canapes
A great way to give a nod to South Africa in your wedding (especially if you have foreign guests, who will love this!) is to include comfort food canapes that are local favourites, like the ones in this shoot (and how cute are those koeksusters and bunny chows?). Presentation is key – I especially love the retro-tastic Lucky Star tins, so chat to your caterer and get creative!

Geometric stationery
You already know by now that geometrics are a big trend in design at the moment and I love how they’ve been incorporated here by Pink Pigeon, along with the mixed shwe shwe-style patterns. They manage to be funky but elegant at the same time, and I love how they form sweet little packages. Don’t be afraid to play with different shapes and sizes when it comes to your invitations and stationery.

See more: Hexagon Wedding Details

Diamond alternatives
There are lots of reasons why many modern couples are looking at alternative stones for both engagement rings and jewellery in general these days, including some serious ethical and ecological considerations. I absolutely love the chunky rose quartz ring by Free Range Jewels that the model in this shoot is sporting – it really makes a statement! Why not think outside of the little velvet box when you consider your own wedding jewellery choices?

See more: How to Wear Statement Bridal Jewellery

TOP TIPS FROM THE TEAM

You don’t have to spend thousands on creating an unusual focal point. The design of the shwe shwe will speak for itself. Start with a pattern you like. and use shwe shwe elements in various forms throughout your wedding. You can cut small strips and wrap them around juice bottles as welcome drinks. Scan the shweshwe print you are using and incorporate that into other design elements (i.e. your stationary or the paper used under the food).
Keep the colour that you pair with the shweshwe subdued as the print will be your main focal point. We used the blush pink as a combining colour to achieve a subdued but striking look.
Create lounge type seating areas for your guests to relax and socialise as opposed to formal seating. This type of wedding set-up is suited to afternoon to late afternoon weddings and smaller gatherings.

This shoot is part of the SouthBound Bride Styled Shoot Competition 2014

Get the Look: Rose Quartz

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