20 Fun & Sweet Engagement Cards

by gaby

etsy engagement cards

‘You Two Weirdos’ Engagement Card by Beccy Kitty Designs

*UPDATED FOR 2021* We’re finishing off our week with some ideas for fun engagement cards – after all, if you’re getting engaged, chances are a few of your friends are too! I personally really struggle to find nice cards for weddings and engagements – it seems like they’re always WAY too cheesy for my taste, and I just end up feeling silly giving them to someone who knows that’s not my style, but at the same time, you totally want to show you care (and a card with a gift is essential – nothing worse than being the bride who has to phone round your friends saying “was it you who gave us the breadmaker?”). So this is another time when my fave shop spot Etsy comes into play, because as you can imagine, there are loads of cute engagement cards on the site. I’ve picked my Top 20 – some are downloadable, some are beautifully printed for you, but either way, you’ll be able to give your friends one of these sweet, fun engagement cards with a smile on your face.

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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Spanish Flamenco Wedding Inspiration by Jacoba Clothing

by gaby

Lush Colorful Bouquet | Credit: Jacoba Clothing/PhotoKru

It’s Fashion Friday, you guys, so not only are we bringing you the best in wedding gowns for 2017, but I have some brilliant local fashion inspiration to share with you today, courtesy of our talented friends at Jacoba Clothing. This shoot was inspired by the bright colours and bold movements of flamenco dancers, and it’s full of the most beautiful bright florals and table decor, which just serve to highlight how pretty Jacoba’s dresses are. A stunning combination of comfort and detail, whether you’re wearing one as a bride or bridesmaid, you’re going to feel like a million pesetas (well, Euro, but whatever) and be ready to click those castanets and dance the night away (flamenco dance moves not guaranteed).

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Key Wedding Dress Trends for 2017

by gaby

Hello friends! As usual, January has been craaaazy, and I didn’t get to post this yesterday, so we’re going to have a jam packed Friday! Let’s get this party started. Last week we looked at all the top trends in weddings for 2017 and today we’re focusing in on bridal fashion because boy, there’s a lot of pretty stuff going on right now! Ever since these designs made their way down the catwalks at New York Bridal Fashion Week in October, I’ve been sighing over my personal faves, and watching to see where the trends are for this year. And as always, what’s new is often an evolution of what’s already established, so you’ll see some familiar shapes coming to the fore, but there’s also lots of cool new stuff to influence your own wedding dress dreams. As I mentioned in my trend report, this year it is ALL about the shoulders, whether that’s off-shoulder, shoulder detailing, or capes. And I have to say, I’ve never loved this neckline more. Add in details like bows, feathers and every kind of sleeve you can imagine, as well as beautiful textures and fabrics, and you have one pretty season!

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Opulent Organic Wedding at Diamant Estate by Nadine Aucamp

by gaby

You know, I’ve spent a lot of the last couple of weeks talking about wedding trends, and although I adore the whole greenery thing that’s going on at the moment (because what’s not to love about foliage?), I just don’t see flowers going anywhere for so many couples this year – or any year. You just have to look at the bright blooms in Stephanie and Tiaan’s spectacular wedding (which also has plenty of pretty greenery, thank you very much) to see why. Bright blooms in vintagey vases, overflowing organic bouquets, even floral print stationery (so pretty!). I love how this wedding comes together in a range of gorgeous shades, but I especially love how over the moon happy the bride and groom are on this special day, and all the smiles on the faces of their wedding party and guests. Now that‘s a trend that never goes out of fashion. Our fave, Nadine Aucamp, took these absolutely beautiful pics!

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Luxurious Floral Wedding at The Westcliff by Tyme Photography

by gaby

Luxe Draped Floral Arch with Chandelier | Credit: Tyme Photography & Wedding Concepts

It’s no secret around here that I’m a huge fan of Wedding Concepts, one of SA’s premier wedding co-ordinators and the creative force behind today’s wedding. Jenni and Roy’s wedding just happens to be a perfect illustration of why. It’s seriously luxe, but also classic and ever so elegant – from that breathtaking three metre high draped floral arch and crystal chandelier combo dominating the ceremony decor, through to the opulent reception overflowing with pink and lilac blooms (no wonder the guests were wowed!). It’s trendsetting without being brash or over the top. But best of all, it’s personal and intimate, and Wedding Concepts exceeded the couple’s expectations with sweet surprise touches like monogram details on the dancefloor and bar. With Johannesburg’s famous Four Seasons The Westcliff making for a five star backdrop, and Tyme Photography behind the camera, this is one celebration that couldn’t help but be spectacular!

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Stylish Jewel Tone Engagement Party Inspiration

by gaby

Stylish Jewel Tone Engagement Party Inspiration | Image: Katie Parra

Happy Monday, lovelies! It’s time for another week of inspiration on SBB, and we’re starting things off with another gorgeous shoot that’s right in line with January’s theme: Just Engaged. This time, we’re turning an eye to stylish engagement parties and couple shoots, because this jewel toned beauty is a combination of both. Captured by photographer Katie Parra and featuring adorable real life couple Brandon and Tyler, it’s an absolute feast for the eyes, with a touch of suave vintage charm and the most beautiful, lush florals. I love the cozy, understated masculine feel that Clutch Events and En Fleur Event Design have managed to create here, using rich colours, swathes of greenery, and a very chic bar cart for cocktail hour. And let’s not forget the cake, with its swags of icing, and the perfect finishing touch: a vintage Porsche!

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Coffee Mugs for the Newly Engaged

by gaby

Does This Ring Make Me Look Engaged Coffee Mug by Sweet Water Decor

Does this ring make me look engaged? It’s a question posed dozens of times over the last year on Instagram and Pinterest through those adorable coffee mug engagement announcements. We have to call it, besides the ring itself, a just engaged slogan mug is pretty much the must-have accessory for the bride-to-be! Whether you’re using it as a cute way to let folks know your big news, as a means to drink your tea or coffee while getting down to the business of wedding planning, or as a sweet gift for a newly betrothed buddy, Etsy has a ton of great options, so we’ve rounded up our favourites, just for you!
Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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Woodlands Elopement Inspiration

by gaby

Woodlands Elopement Inspiration | Credit: Lad & Lass Photography

Can you think of anything more romantic than an elopement in the woods? Nope, neither can I. Which is why I can’t wait to share this absolutely gorgeous styled shoot from Lad & Lass Photography, Bouwer Flowers & Hey Pioneer, and their team. And if you loved the boho forest goodness in our real wedding this morning, then you are going to luuuurve what we have in store. Macrame ceremony arch. Stylishly rustic tablescape. A boho lace dress,  a groom in bold Marsala, fresh from the forest florals, a to-die-for chocolate naked cake… I could go on and on. But I think my absolute favourite is the bell tent set up (complete with whimsical floral entrance) for the bride and groom, to give their first night as Mr and Mrs that woodsy glamping feel. So… how much do we all want to have a forest elopement right now?

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Free Spirited Forest Wedding at Harmonie Proteas by Vicky Bergallo

by gaby

Free Spirited Forest Wedding | Credit: Vicky Bergallo

One of the things I love about editing SouthBound Bride is that I get to hear the most amazing love stories from couples, many of whom come from completely different places, and it’s like the world conspires to somehow, through a series of events, have them meet and fall in love (what tells you I’m a huge romantic, eh?). Jaydene and David are one of these couples, whose unlikely meeting happened thanks to David’s Mormon mission to South Africa, and progressed in the old fashioned way through heartfelt correspondence while Jaydene was on her mission. Together at last, they celebrated the second day of their wedding weekend with family and friends in the proudly South African surroundings of Harmonie Proteas, where Jaydene and her mother built a boho fantasy forest setting for their vows and reception, using some of the bride’s favourite things. And goodness, but Jaydene made a gorgeous bride in her custom lace sleeve gown, wow! With bridesmaids also in lace and flower crowns, the perfect rustic setting, and these pretty pics by Vicky Bergallo, it was a day to remember!

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Pantone Colour of the Year 2017: Greenery

by gaby
How to use Pantone's 2017 Colour of the Year Greenery in your wedding | SouthBound Bride

With a new year comes a fresh colour of the year to play with from the folks over at Pantone and while some years I’m not completely on board with their choice (cough cough Marsala), I am ALL about Greenery, the 2017 COY. It’s fresh, it’s bright, it’s organic, and it feels absolutely right for this brand new year. I can’t WAIT to see what all my favourite wedding pros come up with in styling this shade over the next few months, but in the meantime, I had a play around and came up with five palettes incorporating Greenery, as well as several of Pantone’s other Spring 2017 shades. The great thing about Greenery is that it combines into classic choices, but can also substitute for the greens in less obvious palettes with a really fresh effect. For example, we normally see blues combining with soft sage, but use Greenery and you have something pretty and new. The key thing is to use Greenery as an accent colour – a whole wedding in it might be overwhelming, but in clever touches (especially those using actual greenery), you’re winning. Which is your fave? Links in bold denote affiliate links. SBB may make a commission on any sales made.

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