Looking for beauty ideas for your big day? The celebrity hair and make-up looks seen on the red carpet at Cannes this year are ideal inspiration! From gentle waves and nude lips (pared-down chic) to bold brows and cat eyeliner (confident glamour), the stars looked flawless – and elegant – from day to night. Top of our list was definitely Blake Lively, whose flowing locks and sun-kissed cheeks filled us with awe … and some envy! (Google her stunning, pearlescent Chanel dress for a fashion-forward wedding look.) We were smitten too with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s smoky eyes, Zoe Saldana’s bright red lips and Kristen Stewart’s fiery coloured hair. Frieda Pinto, Aishwarya Rai, Cate Blanchett, Sonam Kapoor and Julianne Moore were other style stunners who offered beauty looks to steal. Scroll down for some of our favourites. And remember: when choosing your bridal look, keep in mind the time of day, season, style of occasion and your wedding dress neckline.

Our style crush: Blake Lively

Make a statement with red lips, bold brows and retro waves as seen on Sonam Kapoor, Zoe Saldana and Aishwarya Rai.

Choose sleek hair, smoky eyes and subtle lips to sizzle like Freida Pinto, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Natasha Poly.

Elegant updos always add style and grace as Cheryl Cole, Cate Blanchett and Cara Delevingne prove.

Keen to change your hair colour? Jessica Chastain, Julianne Moore and Kristen Stewart prove that red is ravishing.

Side styles are always a nice surprise, so take your cue from Jennifer Lawrence, Eva Longoria and Naomi Watts.

Intimate weddings are a strong trend and Jacob and Elina Faber Silen took this to a new level with their sublimely elegant yet low-key celebration in the Western Cape. Every aspect of their wedding was personalised to fit their character as a couple, from their simple ocean-facing ceremony in Pringle Bay to their very small (only 20 guests!) reception at Elina’s parents’ olive farm in Stellenbosch. Taking their cue from their beautiful surroundings, their pared-down decor and simple colour scheme of classic purple and white echoed the stunning natural colours around them. A small celebration doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice anything on the fashion front, however – both Jacob and Elina opted for different ceremony and reception outfits. Elina changed from a romantic, floaty Catherine Deane gown to a sexy, short Diane von Furstenburg number, accessorised with royal blue heels. Both dresses feature stunning lace detailing, also a key wedding fashion trend. Jacob’s fashionable, slim-fitting blue suit was accessorised with fun yet stylish bow ties (blue for the ceremony and burgundy, matched with colour-matching suspenders, for the reception). Elegance personified! Thanks to Zandri du Preez for the fabulous images.

ELINA REMEMBERS

How did your groom propose?

Jacob and I met in Afghanistan where we were both working from 2011 to 2013. It really was the most unexpected thing to find love in a war zone, but we both knew within the first couple of months that this love was meant to be. He proposed to me at our apartment in Copenhagen, just a couple of weeks before I was off to Sudan for a new mission and we were to be apart for quite some time. We had already talked about marriage even though we hadn’t been together that long, but I really didn’t expect it when he casually popped the question over dinner one night! There was not a single doubt in my mind before I said yes! Once you meet the right person I think that you just know.

Tell us about the theme of your wedding.

The most difficult part was deciding in which country to have it in! First of all, Jacob is Danish and I am Swedish but with family in South Africa. Secondly, he is a diplomat and I work for the UN, so we both have jobs that require travelling and living abroad (we are not even living in the same country at the moment!). We chose to have a small wedding in South Africa and then another, larger three-day wedding celebration in Scandinavia the following summer.

We wanted an intimate wedding in a gorgeous location and my family’s vacation house in Pringle Bay was a natural fit. With the dramatic backdrop of the mountains and the ocean, it is really a one-of-a-kind location. The ceremony was simple, with a wedding arch on the lawn and with chairs on the stoep facing the ocean. I guess we broke a lot of rules, but we just wanted a wedding that was relaxed and beautiful but also special. We personalised the whole ceremony, including our vows, to really make it feel like us. It was such a blessing to be able to have our ceremony at the place I love the most.

We held the reception at my parents’ olive orchard in Stellenbosch. We didn’t feel the need to decorate, as we had the sprawling backdrop of the orchard. Instead, we focused on elements that were naturally there, such as seasonal flowers and lavender. The colour scheme was purple and white to complement the beautiful surroundings. Our menus and place cards where shaped as the Hand of Fatima, an ancient Middle Eastern charm symbolising blessings, power, strength and protection from evil spirits, which we saw as a totem for good luck for our future together.

We only had 20 guests at our wedding which really gave us the opportunity to spend quality time with all our guests whom we normally see only once or twice per year. At dinner, we were all seated at one big table which made it possible for everyone to take part in the conversation. It was such an intimate and magical day.

And the menu?

Great food and wine is hugely important for us and we spent a lot of time on getting that right. Our four-course menu was specially designed to include the olives and olive oils from our farm as well as the seasonal South African flavours that I love. For starters we had home-baked corn bread with avocado, garden herb and flower salad, followed by butternut soup with a kalamata olive salsa. Our main course was grilled kabeljou with tomatoes, rocket and a raspberry sauce vierge. The food was paired with some of our favourite wines from neighbouring vineyards that Jacob and his best man had selected before the wedding. For dessert we chose a light, seasonal, fresh fruit salad with ice cream, paired with a white Muscadel from my parents’ farm, Portion 36. We ended off with a traditional Swedish marzipan princess cake.

What was the highlight of the day?

The whole day was just the most wonderful day of my life, but if I had to choose there were two highlights. First, the ceremony was fantastic. It was so emotional, romantic and personal, especially because of the personalised vows that we had written. The second moment was during the dinner. All the guests had written a card with their advice, feelings and so on, which they read out loud at the dinner and then gave to us. It is such a wonderful memory that we can keep forever.

Any special advice for brides-to-be? 

This day is all yours and you are the ones who must enjoy it the most! Don’t be afraid to ask for help, your friends and families will be delighted to help out and you will need it. We would never have managed without help. For us, the whole day was about spending quality time together. We therefore also made sure to find times during the day where we could talk, just the two of us, to reflect on everything that was happening. Finally, hire a great photographer. Make sure that you like this person’s pictures but also that you like their personality! After all, you will spend the whole day with this person and you don’t want spend your whole wedding day with someone that you don’t like!

Little Black Book:
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Clothes Cabinet (Stellenbosch) 021 883 8529
Cake: Jessica Shepherd of The Table Restaurant 076 341 8933
Decor: Done by me and my mother, Birgitta Silen
Dresses: Lia gown by Catherine Deane, reception dress (Zarita) by Diane von Furstenburg
Flowers: Ryno at The Flower Cottage (Stellenbosch) 021 886 5296
Food: Jessica Shepherd of The Table Restaurant 076 341 8933
Groom’s outfit: Mond of Copenhagen +45 20 64 40 55
Groomsman’s outfit: Own suit
Hair and make-up: Hair by Melony Keyzer of Cut Above Unisex Hair Salon (Stellenbosch) 021 887 3588. Nails by The Spa @ Clos Malverne 021 865 2022. I did my own make-up.
Photographer: Zandri du Preez Photography 082 824 5101
Stationery: Done by me and my mother, Birgitta Silen
Venue: Portion 36 Olive Orchard

The naked cake sounds more like a saucy title than a wedding inspiration, but they’re trending on the wedding scene. You’ve probably seen a few in action already and we love their stripped-down look – uncomplicated and oh-so stunning! Without its icing a cake can really show off its form and filling and that’s really what the naked cake is all about. While layers of blonde sponge look elegant and classy, a darkly coloured cake conjures up a sultry mood. Of course, when it comes to fillings and toppings the possibilities are endless: from fresh fruit and frosting to berries, nuts, honey, caramel, cascading chocolates and natural blossoms, there’s almost nothing that doesn’t work. Naked cakes can be used with a variety of styles and themes, from simple and rustic to sheer splendour. They can be as tall or short as you like and the space around the cake is yours to decorate as you please. There’s something about a naked cake that smacks of home-baked honesty and lasting comfort (frills and fondant have had their time) – isn’t that what a marriage is all about in the long-run too?

Planning your nuptials can be so exciting, but if practicalities (family dramas, guest list dilemmas, budget woes) are threatening to suck all pleasure out of the process, stop for a while and focus your attention on the latest issue of Wedding Inspirations instead.

The winter 2014 edition, on sale from today, is bursting with beautiful ideas and sanity-saving advice, all guaranteed to calm your nerves and boost your mood. It has a fresh new design too, proving that the cold weather is no reason to hide behind old layers!

Key features include the gentle country fashion shoot – which offers gorgeous outfit ideas for grooms especially – and the DIY bridal hair article (minimal effort required!). You’ll love the four reception themes too, ranging from a chic, rustic champagne and copper celebration to a bold, bright Scandi-inspired bash aimed at modern couples. Look out for romantic wedding cakes as well, plus vibrant (locally sourced!) winter wedding flowers.

Other highlights in this edition include fun advice articles on topics such as deciphering “groom-speak” (the careless things he says that induce panic!), choosing your bridesmaids and saving money on the bar bill. But that’s not all…

To find out more, rush out and buy your copy, priced at R49.95, from Pick ‘n Pay, CNA, Exclusive Books, PNA and Dis-Chem stores nationwide, as well as selected SPAR supermarkets and independent retailers. Alternatively subscribe and never miss an issue. Details are here!

Of course you’re already bubbling with joy, but what about a glorious glug of the sensational champagne/copper duo to make you bubble over? A look that’s gracious, elegant, oh-so chic and bang on trend, this stylish colour combination may have hints of yesteryear (but so then do true love, good manners and white dresses), but it’s also gentle and warm (great for a winter wedding) and, like moonlight and candlelight, very flattering. Our June issue devotes eight stunning pages to this lovely combo – styled by The Pretty Blog – and covers everything from sensational reception themes to dress, stationery and decor options. Teamed with champagne, copper imparts a subtle glow, which is great for the complexion (think eyes, nails, lips, cheeks); used in decor it suits almost any look, from the sophisticated to the rustic (chandeliers, embossed stationery, lilies and bulbs, old barn walls…). For interesting options pair it with glass, grass, raw wood, crisp linen or old leather. Unite it with other colours and its versatility stretches even further. For more ideas (and for pairing with rose gold, silver, teal, ivory, greens, white, pale pink and plum) take a peek at our Hot Copper blog too.

Photographs: Feather and Stone

So you’ve seen our new winter issue and want to replicate the beautiful bridal hairstyles inside? Good for you! These five looks are definitely do-able at home – all it takes is a little time and effort, and the step-by-step visual guide below. Remember when choosing your favourite style to consider the neckline of your wedding gown (generally, high necks suit updos) and the mood of your wedding day (a relaxed, boho-style celebration lends itself more to loose locks than a tight topknot). Have fun!

Hair and make-up: Sam Scarborough

Photographs: Nic Huisman

A cascade of curls

Create a fun and fresh boho look by taking up half your hair and leaving the rest to roll softly over your shoulders.

1. Start off by curling your hair. Simply clamp your hair in your iron and twist it from the roots, dragging the iron slowly towards the edges. Section off parts in layers to make this easier.
2. Gently run your fingers through your hair to separate your curls. Spray with some hairspray to stop the curl from dropping.
3. Using a wide-tooth comb, tease the hair at the crown of your head to create some height.
4. Gather some pieces from the front of your hairline and secure them together at the back with a statement clip.

High princess bun

An elegant look for a classic bride. A sparkling band around the base of the bun and a pair of delicate earrings complete this fairy-tale updo.

1. Separate a section at the top of your hair and clip it away.
2. Secure the rest of your hair in a high ponytail. Give your ponytail some texture by teasing it, then with a soft bristle brush smooth out the top layer. Now loosely wrap the pony around the band, securing it with hairpins.
3. Half the section on the top of your hair. Tease the back section to give you height, then create a bubble and secure it to the base of your bun. Finally take the front section and smooth it over the bubble and secure the ends into the base of the bun.

Twist up

Open up your face with this glam style: it shows off your features but still has a soft feminine look, especially when adding floral accessories.

1. Start off with textured hair (either allow your hair to dry naturally or use a curling tong to give your hair some oomph).
2. Take a section of hair from your temples and twist it in towards itself. Curl your hair in from the bottom gathering the hair from underneath and tuck it in.
3. Continue to twist your hair all the way along from one ear to the other, loosely pinning the hair to your head.
4. Twist some strands around your face to create a softer, more flowing look.

Full-size diagonal bun

<bodytext>Modernise the bun with this beautiful yet detailed look – it’s easy to do but so effective! Finish it off with a jewelled comb to add some pizzazz.

1. Create a deep side parting and sweep the hair across your forehead. Secure the rest in a low ponytail.
2. At the base of the ponytail, above the hairband, split the ponytail into two sections.
3. Take the length of the ponytail and fold it through the band. Tease the ponytail to create volume and texture.
4. Loosely roll the ends into the base of the ponytail and secure it into a long bun.

Fish braid

A braid is a very trendy option but can still look romantic. It is perfect for a bride who wants her hair out of her face without the style looking too structured.

1. Create a middle parting all the way down your head from your forehead to the nape of your neck.
2. Holding the two sections in either hand, take a thin section from the outside of the left half to join the inside of the right half. Then take the outside of the right and move it to join the inside of the left. Repeat all the way down.
3. Keep your braid tight all the way down. Once you have finished it and secured the end with a rubber band, gently pull at the strands of the braid to loosen it up for a messier look.
4. Gently pull out some front sections to soften the edges of your face. To add a finishing touch, lightly curl these pieces.

With rising exchange rates and global green concerns, it’s no surprise that local honeymoons are hot and happening. With heaps of our very own wow factor so close by, there are loads of glorious slip-away places for that never-forget-you trip. Our winter 2014 edition offers seven ideal South African destinations to try, one of which is the enchanting River Bend Lodge in Addo, Eastern Cape.

Set in the sweetly scented semi-arid Eastern Cape, River Bend Lodge is situated in the Addo Elephant National Park. Now the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo covers around 180 000 hectares, which stretch from the Karoo around Darlington over the inimitable Zuurberg Mountains, through Sundays River valley down to the Bushman’s River mouth. It is home to around 550 elephants as well as lion, buffalo, black rhino, hyena, leopard, antelope and, uniquely, the Addo flightless dung beetle (no driving over dung here, please!).

River Bend Lodge is set in a similarly sprawling Cape Colonial farmhouse with wraparound verandas, large sash windows and that Eastern Cape quiet. The honeymoon suite has under-floor heating, a private veranda, indoor-outdoor showers, a secluded plunge pool and a garden looking onto the immense landscape.

Besides game drives, the Lodge offers photography courses, walking with giraffe and a wealth of birding (five different biomes make it home to around 300 bird species).

The Lodge, home to the Silverthorns restaurant and the Plumbago Spa, is an ideal venue for total rest and relaxation as well as a base from which to explore this bewitching region. Visit riverbendlodge.co.za.

Photographs: supplied

If you’re thinking of a low-key yet lovely reception, our winter issue offers six pages of inspirational DIY decor – Scandinavian style – where clean lines and pop pastels predominate. This frill-free look works brilliantly for those wanting a slick and modern wedding reception that’s a little out of the ordinary. Creatively styled by Julie Gallagher of In Good Company, this feature is packed with fabulous fresh ideas that will add delight to any party. We love the use of wallpaper instead of table linen (cost-effective and clean!), the neon-dipped cutlery and the funky flowers. We also love the candies at the kiddies’ place settings (but don’t leave out the adults on this one…). There’s a lot more too: pop-up name cards, functional pressies, cool guy gadgets, shooters that will go down oh-so well and some free printable downloads from Silvergate Design. Take a look at what’s in store – and grab the June issue for more.

Photographs: Vanessa Lewis

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD D.I.Y                            CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD D.I.Y

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD D.I.Y

It’s fun, it’s different and it’s great if you have fabulous legs! For brides looking for a touch of va-va-voom or something a bit less formal, the short dress can seal the deal. There are so many stunning little numbers out there that this trend has been welcomed with open hearts. Of course, the first step in choosing a wedding dress is knowing your figure and what looks best on you – and if a short dress is an option, we have inspiration aplenty. From spaghetti straps and cocktail-style frocks to a vintage or twenties touch (think layers of lace or flapper-style fun), short dresses can be teamed with killer heels that make a statement in their own right. There are also A-line, ballerina, ruched and Twiggy-straight options; you can even team a long-sleeved short dress with hot long boots for a dashing winter look. For those wanting the best of both worlds (who doesn’t?), start out in a full and formal skirt and whip that off when the dancing starts to reveal a sexy mini underneath. What fun!

With winter settling in around us, we zoom in on some seasonal flower ideas that banish any hint of grey. Fabulously styled by Evegenia Poplett of event company Splendid Affairs, the June issue devotes six pages to vivid winter flower options that are delightfully local and truly vibrant. Inspired by the change in season, Evegenia shows how a combination of texture, size, shape and hue can lead to richer, more visually sophisticated displays – that actually create a warmer feeling too. She combines blooms and foliage (hello, penny gum!) with candlelight to create more warmth and achieves layers of added visual depth through reflection in glass and polished metallics. The floral story doesn’t just end with the arrangements though: as this feature shows, it can be carried through to accessories such as stationery, name cards and favours – just for starters. A little inspiration will have you dreaming. Enjoy!

Photographs: Rensche Mari

Elegant sophistication was the order of the day at Holden and Hette-Lize Marshall’s classically traditional wedding, celebrated at Steenberg Hotel in Tokai. Neutral wedding outfits made the colours in their beautiful flowers stand out, while elements such as silver, porcelain and crystal added to the subtly glamorous feel. Beautiful lace detailing on Hette-Lize’s Didi Couture dress enhanced her elegant look, with her fun red heels making the look her own. Admire their timeless celebration in these images from Vizion Photo.

HETTE-LIZE REMEMBERS

How did your groom propose?

Holden surprised me with a gorgeous diamond ring and “Will you marry me?” during his speech at his 50^th birthday party. It was such an awesome moment, because all our friends and family were there. I was so stunned and excited that I burst into tears.

 Tell us about the theme of your wedding.

We were married at the beautiful Steenberg Hotel in Tokai, because it is so beautiful there and it has special meaning to us. We combined beautiful elements from different themes to create a beautiful, glamorous, comfortable and joyous atmosphere. For example, we kept the wedding outfits neutral and light, and added glamorous make-up and hair and colourful and diverse flowers. On the tables we combined antique silver, porcelain, crystal and raw wood with more showstopping flowers. Many elements were classic – crisp white shirts, embroidered lace – which gave a sophisticated and traditional feel to the wedding. Some elements were quirky, such as games during the pre-drinks. We also served Steenberg wines with cheese, nougat, chocolate and wedding cake just after signing the register. We chose the music carefully, as this is the biggest contributor to a good atmosphere.

And the menu?

For starters we had Caprese salad (plum tomato, buffalo mozzarella, olive tapenade, pesto, basil and tomato poppers) and wild mushroom risotto croquette, served with goats’ milk feta, watercress, truffle sauce and shimeji mushrooms. For mains we had a choice of beef fillet served with Madagascan peppercorn jus, garlic pomme purée, veal sweetbreads and baby spinach; or fresh linefish with a light lemon butter emulsion on a spring onion potato cake with tender green vegetables. Dessert was a pick-your-favourite selection, with coffee and tea served with wedding cake.

What was the highlight of the day?

Walking down the aisle with my dear dad, seeing all our friends and family, our beautiful children, all smiling and then… my dashing husband, waiting patiently for me as he always does. In that moment all our stars lined up, everything was perfect and I thought my heart was going to explode with sheer happiness and pure love.

Any special advice for brides-to-be?

Surround yourself with recommended service providers so you can focus on your job: being the bride. Take charge. Prepare. Don’t be a wallflower at your own wedding: put your stamp on every detail. Embrace the day – it is a gift.

Little Black Book:

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Yolande Daries of Yolande’s Fashion Design 078 107 3315
Cake: Wade van der Merwe of Cakes by Wade 082 932 4522
Coordinator: Karla Oettler of Absolute Weddings 083 4401583
Decor and flowers: Izette Carinus of Leipzig082 477 0069. Wooden boards by Brendan Tinsley of Tinsley Wood Crafters072 183 5744
Dress: Didi de Wit of Didi Couture 021 975 8738
Entertainment: Brent Lawrence of Dream Weddings (DJ) 083 265 2076; email brent@dreamweddingsdjs.co.za. Ricky Botsis (singer) 083 375 4450
Food: Catharina’s Restaurant at Steenberg Hotel 021 713 2222
Groom’s outfit: Hilton Weiner (Cavendish Square) 021 683 3069
Groomsmen’s outfits:Hilton Weiner (Cavendish Square) 021 683 3069
Hair and make-up:Annelize Bester of Anna-B 072 323 5443
Jewellery: My engagement ring and wedding band are from Browns (Cavendish Square) 021 683 3273. Holden’s wedding band was handcrafted by Adeline Joubert and Adi Cloete of Firepetals 021 447 2025
Photographer and videographer: Kat and Andre Willemse of Vizion Photo 076 608 6277
Stationery: Cila De Caprio 073 858 8929; email cila.decaprio@gmail.com
Venue: Catharina’s Restaurant at Steenberg Hotel 021 713 2222

While the big day is the start of your lives together, many couples feel they have loads to celebrate many years down the line too. Say hello to the anniversary photo shoot! It’s a great way of creating new memories and consolidating older ones – and since many wedding days are over in such a flash, it’s a chance to relive some of the romance with considerably less stress! In our June issue, we get inspiration from Confetti Daydreams bridal blog writer Storm Buckingham’s very own anniversary shoot. Don’t miss her tips on styling a special look (we love the sparkle in hers!), incorporating keepsakes and mementoes and choosing a photographer to work with. Remember that an anniversary photo shoot could be the ideal occasion for a sleek new dress (or two), so plan accordingly (and don’t forget his outfit either!). Many anniversaries feature a favourite meal, so whether it’s a simple cheese and wine or a slap-up dinner, consider snapping those as well. In short, make the event about the two of you and have fun! Grab our new issue for details.

Photographs: Tasha Seccombe

With the cooler months upon us, feathers are ideal to add a warm yet dramatic element to your wedding look. From brightly coloured fringe dresses to a totally feminine Gatsby feel, there’s huge potential for unique touches with this theme. Soft headpieces (try a few feathers twisted into your hair or an elegant feather tiara), long boas and even longer trains are just the beginning. Feathers can be used in bouquets, on shoes and as confetti (add a little glitter for a really glam look). For table, chair and room decor, use feathers instead of flowers as signature pieces, or combine them with flowers in the place settings and on the seating cards. Use a feather motif in your stationery, on your cake and in any wedding signage. You don’t have to stick to white only – there’s a world of coloured feathers that will add zing to your scheme, or go all the way with naturally out-there peacock feathers. However you choose to strut your stuff with feathers, it’s a theme that can really work!

With the very beautiful bushveld on our doorstep, many a local bride is choosing the spectacular setting of a bush wedding – and for that, winter is the perfect time of year. With the wealth of fabulous lodges available, the choices are unlimited – and very often you have an expert team ready to cater to your wildest dreams. If it’s peace, poise and nature you’re after, we suggest keeping your choices as simple and authentic as possible for a wedding that really works. Be guided by your venue and the setting when choosing colourways and decor: use what’s there and celebrate it, rather than bringing in loads of foreign influences. For colour, look to the surrounding vegetation for inspiration – will it be greens and pinks, green and ivory, natural and blush, olive and silver or the fiery oranges of a dry riverbed? For the ceremony, a simple tree works brilliantly, but what about a hide, a bridge, or a lookout point? We quite like the safety of the bride arriving in a safari vehicle (hair and dress stay tidy), but we’ve seen everything from elephant back to parachute. Ditto for your photos – though many a lodge will lend you a friendly wild animal if that grabs your fancy. For decor we suggest once again a natural slant (proteas, acacia, grasses, bark), teamed with gleaming glass, candles, warming fires, fairy lights, paper, rustic boxes or galvanised buckets. Do keep confetti eco-friendly too: think leaves, petals, salt or spice. For these and more have a peep below – it’s our heritage after all. Create your own and share them with us!

Like many things in life, sharing the moment with a gal pal generally makes it more special. Weddings are the same, of course – so enter the bridesmaid! With one, two or a handful of very special ladies at your side, you’re guaranteed a whole lot of extra fun … and a whole lot of extra decisions to make! The good news is that when it comes to bridesmaids’ fashion, the options in 2014 are endless. While identical bridesmaids’ dresses may be timeless, the mix-and-match look is in: interpret this as either mix-and-match patterns in a colour palette of your choice or as mix-and-match outfits that work well together. As far as pattern goes, think bold florals, punchy brights, sexy stripes and chevron, and team these with a plain number or two in your colour way. For the cut, be kind to your BFFs and let them choose what suits them: some look better in long styles, others best in short and sweet. Another popular trend is the day-into-night bridesmaid’s dress: take off a little something after the ceremony (cue a jacket, pashmina, cover-up or sleeve) and add a touch of sparkle (hello, jewellery!) for the evening do – sparkle is so hot right now (as are metallics, gorgeous back details and lace)!

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He’s the most important man of the day – and yet the groom often gets lost in the commotion. Like you, he’s feeling a whole range of emotions so paying him some special attention will go down well (even if he doesn’t admit it). His feelings are a great starting point: while you are getting dressed, send the photographer to the male quarter to document a bit of his prep time – there’s sure to be some serious bonding and AWOL emotion for the taking.

Before take-off there’ll be a lot of prep too and you’ll no doubt want to guide him a little through his big day fashion opportunities. While some version of a suit is the most usual wedding attire for the man of the moment (and yes, we think it’s dashing), by no means do men have to wear the conventional. Anything goes, as long as it fits into your theme and doesn’t look as if he got dressed in the dark. There are also some fab ways of adding a bit of an edge to a suit while still looking decidedly dashing: think suit and sandshoes (yup, tux and takkies), sunglasses, hats or caps, braces or a cheeky tie. There’s something rather appealing about a row of elegantly matching men, so help things along by having the groomsmen looking similarly polished (keep their kit in the same colourway if they don’t match exactly).

The groom (and groomsmen) may also be in line for a gift or two, so shower them with love: think “wedding day survival kit”, matching ties, hip flasks, watches, braai tools…

Why celebrate your love with one function when you can have many? Kavitha Singh and Russell Coleman celebrated their union in four vibrant, colourful ways and the lucky bride shone in five gorgeous outfits: during the mehndi ceremony, the bride was adorned with intricate henna designs (Kavitha’s hot-pink sari contrasted beautifully with the henna); for the hurdee (cleansing) ceremony, she wore a stunning canary-yellow sari; for the Christian ceremony she wore a classically elegant white dress; and for the Hindu ceremony and reception, she wore two beautiful gold-embroidered burgundy saris. The timeless Nooitgedacht Estate in Stellenbosch was the perfect backdrop for this explosion of colour – enjoy the vibrant celebration with these beautiful photos from Yolandé Marx….

With rising exchange rates and global green concerns, it’s no surprise that local honeymoons are hot and happening. With heaps of our very own wow factor so close by, there are loads of glorious slip-away places for that never-forget-you trip. Our winter 2014 edition offers seven ideal South African destinations to try, one of which is the enchanting River Bend Lodge in Addo, Eastern Cape.

Set in the sweetly scented semi-arid Eastern Cape, River Bend Lodge is situated in the Addo Elephant National Park. Now the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo covers around 180 000 hectares, which stretch from the Karoo around Darlington over the inimitable Zuurberg Mountains, through Sundays River valley down to the Bushman’s River mouth. It is home to around 550 elephants as well as lion, buffalo, black rhino, hyena, leopard, antelope and, uniquely, the Addo flightless dung beetle (no driving over dung here, please!).

River Bend Lodge is set in a similarly sprawling Cape Colonial farmhouse with wraparound verandas, large sash windows and that Eastern Cape quiet. The honeymoon suite has under-floor heating, a private veranda, indoor-outdoor showers, a secluded plunge pool and a garden looking onto the immense landscape.

Besides game drives, the Lodge offers photography courses, walking with giraffe and a wealth of birding (five different biomes make it home to around 300 bird species).

The Lodge, home to the Silverthorns restaurant and the Plumbago Spa, is an ideal venue for total rest and relaxation as well as a base from which to explore this bewitching region. Visit riverbendlodge.co.za.

Photographs: supplied