Wrap-up of the 2010 Bridal Trends

Trends come and go, as is illustrated once more in the shoe category, but what are the trends a decade after the second millennium? Looking back at previous years, it’s very clear that times and indeed trends have changed. From big hair, shoulder pads and bellbottoms to plaited hair and skinny jeans, nothing seems to stay the same. The Bridal industry is no different!

Welcome to the SA Weddings Trends Edition!

With the help of our very knowledgeable service providers we set out to give you exactly what you need to know regarding the latest trends and tips within the Bridal Industry. We will be covering various categories including Wedding cakes, Wedding gowns, Bridal Shoes and much, much more.

The trendiest thing about this newsletter is that you can WIN fantastic prizes! Each category which we will be elaborating on will have a question at the end – all you have to do is to SMS the correct answer to us and you stand a chance to win some amazing prizes.


Marriage Officer:
The wedding Guy (Go to page)

“You may kiss the bride”            
So you’re married? CONGRATULATIONS. You're about to embark on an exciting journey of life with your partner, discovering the many joys and happy moments together. I have had the privilege of saying “you may kiss the bride” since 1997 and what a joy it’s been! Weddings are truly one of the most romantic and memorable days in one’s life. From a Minister’s point of view (and a Marriage Officer) my best, single piece of advice is this, “please ENJOY the day and stop stressing”.

Here are some other things you’ll want to consider in your planning and preparation:
Do some Marriage Preparation sessions together. My experience is that those couples who do some kind of marriage preparation have a far greater chance of being happily married.
Deal with excess “baggage and issues” with an experienced Marriage Counsellor or Minister. A healthy, happy marriage consists of two individuals who are both ‘whole’. Deal with things like divorce, trauma, loss and disappointments.

For your Wedding Ceremony itself, here are some of the latest trends:
Do your own Vows! Yes it adds a personal touch and can be humorous, heart-felt and serious all at the same time.Do a “Blending of the Sands”. This is becoming more popular, especially with a couple who comes from different cities and nations. Sing a song together. Nothing like a song to add that romance and special touch to your wedding. Light a candle together as a sign of your unity. This was traditionally a Catholic ordinance but it’s becoming more popular. Remember you can do this in a fun but serious manner.

Lastly, “may your honeymoon NEVER end.”  God bless you and all the best for your wedding!!

QUESTION: Since when has The Wedding Guy been saying, “You may kiss the bride”
SMS your name with the answer to the above question to 36697. “NAME (SPACE) ANSWER”
(sms charge: R5.00 per sms)
PRIZE: FREE Ceremony. (Cape Only. Subject to availability.)



Jewellery and Accessories:
Rebel Rose (Go to page)

Brides of the new millennium…
It’s out with the old and in with the new - modern brides feel free to play and have more fun! Breaking free from the mould of conforming to outdated norms, the “ordinary” is replaced with flowers and feathers and design element enhancing the enchanting spirit of Africa.

The economy does not influence the amount brides spend on their outfits and jewellery.  Brides would rather invite fewer guests and enjoy a more intimate reception than compromise on their appearance. It is, after all, one of the most anticipated days of their lives where they are “Mrs. Universe”!

Social networking and online shopping has revolutionized the decision-making process for brides.   Breathtakingly beautiful accessories have become more readily available in South Africa through online shopping.  Brides no longer only have to rely on extravagantly accessorised dresses, but now have unlimited access to unique accessories to complete the picture of their dreams. 

The unflawed quality of Swarovski pearls and precision-cut crystals is clearly reflected in bridal photographs and makes these elements “show- stoppers” of bridal accessory creations.  The luxurious, satin feeling of an exquisite piece of jewellery against your skin on your special day, gives you the quiet confidence of knowing that you look your very best!
 
Selecting wedding jewellery for yourself and your bridesmaids should be an exciting and joyful part of your wedding day planning.  Rebel Rose Jewellery exists to do exactly this!  They guarantee an unforgettably fun experience as they share in your excitement and gladly assist to make you look and feel you’re very best on your special day.  

Offering affordable designer bridal jewellery, hair accessories and bridesmaid jewellery sets, Rebel Rose brings forward the “rebel in all of us”.  Utilising only the finest materials including Freshwater and Swarovski pearls, Swarovski crystals, and their unique exquisitely handcrafted porcelain roses, Rebel Rose Jewellery is chosen by emotions...and loved by women.

QUESTION: Which type of pearls does Rebel Rose use?
SMS your name with the answer to the above question to 36697. “NAME (SPACE) ANSWER”
(sms charge: R5.00 per sms)
PRIZE: Freshwater pearl and crystal bracelet with a sterling silver clasp from Rebel Rose Jewellery.



Attorneys:
LegalWed (Go to page)

Trends in marriage systems and Antenuptial Contracts:
So much has changed over the years when it comes to types of marriage systems and Antenuptial Contracts.  LegalWed – the Antenuptial Contract Specialists – illustrates these changing trends from the days of your Grandmother to modern times!

In your Granny’s days...

Couples got “divorced” even though they were happily married and continued to be happily “married”!  They just never told anyone that they were actually divorced. This is because marriages in those days were “in Community of Property”.  This means that the couple was seen as one unit and if there were business risks, the whole family was at risk. 

To prevent both spouses going insolvent (and the family losing everything) the couple would quietly get divorced and put everything in the wife’s name, just to keep it safe from creditors!

In your Parent’s days...

The idea of marriage out of community of property was then introduced.

Couples got married out of community of property and put everything in the wife’s name to protect against bad business deals.  This way, if the husband went insolvent, it only affected him and the wife wasn’t insolvent too. This way the family wouldn’t lose everything. The problem with this is that if the marriage ended (by death or divorce) the husband would have nothing in his name and would be left with nothing!

Nowadays, we have the best of both worlds...

Couples can now choose to marry out of Community of Property with Accrual (sharing). This means that there are two separate estates and the husband and wife are seen as two separate individuals. 

The accrual part means that assets can all be put in one spouse’s name, but if the marriage ends (by death or divorce) the entire bundle of both their assets are shared between them. This way the family assets can be protected against the outside world while still being shared by the couple.

The trend in modern times:

The majority of modern couples take advantage of the way our law has adapted and sign an Antenuptial Contract with accrual (sharing) to ensure that they create a fair marriage contract, that also  protects them (and their assets) against the outside world.

QUESTION: In what does Legal Wed specialise?
SMS your name with the answer to the above question to 36697. “NAME (SPACE) ANSWER”
(sms charge: R5.00 per sms)
PRIZE: FREE Antenuptial Contract.



Bridesmaids:
The Brides PA (Go to page)

Bridesmaids & Trends
If you consider the words “bridesmaid” and “trend”, a couple of immediate thoughts jump to mind; not all of them of classy bridesmaids. The last couple of wedding seasons have simplified the bridesmaids' look. That is, if you try and stick to an idea and not try to incorporate ALL the ideas you might like.

Based on what we do know, when choosing the bridesmaids’ attire, consider the following:

1. One color per dress! Strategic lace/ribbon/flowers are allowed but approach with extreme caution.
2. Bright colors are a definite YES PLEASE for this season.
3. Match a plain dress with a pair of big bling earrings or outrageously sexy high-heels. If the dress demands attention, rather opt for smaller accessories.
4. Knee length dresses have always been popular, but it seems longer dresses have made a comeback. It all depends on the type of wedding the bride is aiming for, e.g. longer dresses match more formal weddings.
5. Velvet - yes velvet - is back. But brave ones be warned, simplicity is the key here.
6. Acceptable accessories (but in moderation) includes: bright nail polish, a touch of lace on the dress, red shoes for all the bridesmaids and animal prints.
7. The Golden Rule - Follow a plain approach with one striking item to round off the bridesmaid look.

Unfortunately more often than not, we do still stumble upon those blatantly obvious errors in judgment. The bride ultimately does have the last say, and if she happens to pick the only shading of yellow that does not match your complexion, you as the bridesmaid, will have to smile, nod and blow the socks off the reception with your magic animal balloon tricks, but until that choice is made, stick with the dress you know looks good on you. That is ultimately the trick of this trade.

QUESTION: True/False – Does Brides PA recommend more than one colour per dress?
SMS your name with the answer to the above question to 36697. “NAME (SPACE) ANSWER”
(sms charge: R5.00 per sms)
PRIZE: "The Bride" t-shirt and tutu for her bachelorette/kitchen tea.



Bridal Shoes:
Anella Shoes (Go to page)

In the shoe department brides are definitely going for COMFORT this season!
The romantic classic shoe will always be popular regardless of what trendsetters prescribe. We are seeing that brides are going back to the classic bridal shoe in the color of their dress, but one definite new trend which I think is here to stay is: Bling is in! Previously girls used to hide their shoes – now they want to show their sexy style which completes their beautiful dress! With Anella they can now dance the night away in comfortable elegance.

What inspired me to design these gorgeous and functional necessities? Out of my own experience of struggling to find the perfect shoe, I now endeavor to satisfy my customers by the large variety and quality Anella can offer.

QUESTION: True/False – Bling is in!
SMS your name with the answer to the above question to 36697. “NAME (SPACE) ANSWER”
(sms charge: R5.00 per sms)
PRIZE:20% discount on a pair of Anella Shoes.



Hair and Beauty:
Mooi Hair and Beauty (Go to page)

Summer 2010 equates to a healthy glow. To achieve this, Mooi suggests hair colour that looks natural and a cut that ensures your hair condition and shape is better than ever. You might even consider going from blonde to brunette as Elle magazine beauty editor, Lynette Botha, did recently at Mooi.

RégimA peels can lighten pigmentation and refine skin texture – we recommend it wholeheartedly. But, if you, like blogger Kim Gray are nervous about trying Mooi's RégimA peels, don't worry. You'll leave the salon with rosy cheeks and a beautiful glow. Skin care has gone from only being able to maintain what you have, to being able to reverse damage that's been done and we love it!

The must-have for Summer 2010 is eyelash extensions. You'll not only look your most beautiful on your wedding day, but fantastic in all your make-up free honeymoon pics. Eyelash extensions, done successfully, look and feel unbelievably natural. Comments should be that you look different, but nobody should be able to put their finger on the fact that you've had extensions done.



Gift Registries:
Wedding Gift List (Go to page)

Style guru, Fiona Hilton from “The Wedding Gift List” reveals what’s on the trendiest gift lists…
Wedding registries used to be about getting the basics for young newlyweds who were setting up home for the first time. But these days, many couples already have all the basics and have probably been living together for a few years anyway, so the trend in gift lists has been to ‘upgrade’ to more grown-up things and finally get some of the funky, designer houseware that you always loved but didn’t think to buy yourself. And for those who feel they have everything, a few big gifts (and the request for guests to contribute towards them) has become more common; think outdoor furniture, large appliances, or even weekends away. Another in vogue idea for the more socially conscious, or the second-time-around marriage is charitable donations instead of gifts.     

The latest trend, however, is the honeymoon registry, with couples choosing to have their guests make donations to their honeymoon. For the ease of both you and your guests, The Wedding Gift List is proud to offer a specially created honeymoon registry system with vouchers for your holiday donations, which can sit alongside more conventional gifts.

QUESTION: What is the latest trend with regards to a gift registry?
SMS your name with the answer to the above question to 36697. “NAME (SPACE) ANSWER”
(sms charge: R5.00 per sms)
PRIZE: Receive 10% off any gifts remaining on your list when we close your Gift List.



Caterers:
Stir Food (Go to page)

The top current trend is interactive cuisine, offering guests new and innovative cuisine while providing entertainment. Get rid of canapés and starters and replace these with a few live food stations. Braai stations can offer smaller portions items like Italian steakrolls with sundried tomatoes, pecorino & fresh rocket, harissa-spiced tiger prawn skewers with coriander yoghurt and chapattis or gourmet “braaibroodtjies” filled with slow roasted tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil all done in front of your guests’ eyes.  Other options are wok stations doing Asian fare, salmon tables offering everything from smoked to cured salmon served up in a variety of interesting ways. The sky is the limit.

Moving on to main course, buffet to table or alternating main courses are definitely the way to go. This enables your guests to taste a wider variety of flavour and insure that nobody gets bored with the classic fillet towers or chicken breasts. Buffet to table normally includes at least two meat and one fish option served with a variety of side dishes, flavoured salts and sauces served on platters for guests to dish up for themselves.

Traditional plated desserts have been out for a while, rather offer a variety of small desserts served canapé style by waiters. This enables you to have a larger variety and insures that the party gets started earlier, giving your guests more time to enjoy the dance floor.



Music:
Gary Sletcher (Go to page)

Current trends include love songs instead of the traditional Wedding March. I do still get requests to lead brides down the aisle with the Wedding March, but I have led brides down the aisle with “Chasing cars” by Snow Patrol, “In the mood” by glen Miller and even the “Pink Panther”.

Back in the old days the music and the photos were serious and solemn, all very formal. Some parts of the ceremony should be formal especially when it comes to the vows but for the most part things are a bit lighter and happier and more fun.

I did a double wedding once, two brides and two grooms. They were very different brides as I was soon to find out, the one bride wanted the traditional wedding march and the other wanted “In the mood”, the funny part was when the wrong bride stood next to the wrong groom - they swapped wives before they were married! They quickly swapped back and after a good laugh the ceremony begun.

QUESTION: What song did Gary Sletcher play from Snow Patrol?
SMS your name with the answer to the above question to 36697. “NAME (SPACE) ANSWER”
(sms charge: R5.00 per sms)
PRIZE: When you book Gary Sletcher for the Ceremony music, you will also receive the pre-ceremony music worth R1000.



Cakes:
Exquisite Cakes (Go to page)

At Exquisite Cakes, we have seen it all - from dramatic colour cakes, sophisticated cakes, tall cakes to cute cupcakes.

The most popular option for 2010 has definitely been Fondant over Creamy Butter Icing or Chocolate Ganache Cakes and Chocolate Collar Cakes.  What do I mean by these?

Fondant over Creamy Butter Icing or Chocolate Ganache Cakes:  Most brides and grooms are opting for this type of cake, because it is cost effective and most people prefer the taste of creamy butter icing or ganache to that of any other cake.  Adding fondant to your normal sponge cake with creamy butter icing or ganache still gives you a wedding cake with a smooth and elegant feel, within a budget. 

Chocolate Collar Cakes:  This type has been a hit so far this year!  With this type – the choices are endless as you can make use of almost all cakes; even a carrot cake if you wish.  Instead of the fondant, the decorator will cover the side of the cake with chocolate slabs and end it off with fresh roses!

2010 Top Trend Tip:  Smooth lines, not too much detail, and fresh flowers. Remember to add some sparkle to the cake!

QUESTION: True/False – For Chocolate Collar Cakes, instead of the fondant, the decorator will cover the side of the cake with chocolate slabs and end it off with fresh roses! 
SMS your name with the answer to the above question to 36697. “NAME (SPACE) ANSWER”
(sms charge: R5.00 per sms)
PRIZE:R500 discount voucher towards your wedding cake. (Eastern Cape Only)



Bridal Wear:
Dreamcatcher Bridal Wear (Go to page)

While personal taste is key when choosing a Wedding gown, current trends leave the 2010 Bride spoiled for choice! Here are some of the trends that are hot at the moment.

Ball Gowns are still very much in style. Bodices can be ruched, gathered or draped (helping to hide any figure flaw there may be) and are very figure hugging. Ruffled tiers form the skirts using contrasting materials, asymmetrical lines or floral embellishments to add texture and movement to the dress.

Goddess styles are prominent with the Grecian dress where a natural waist emphasised with beaded belts. Either plain satin or with chiffon drapery and ruching, this style is popular and very elegant.

Flowers and asymmetrical lines are becoming increasingly popular with A-line or Mermaid style dresses. These embellishments can include oversized clusters of flower corsages accentuating the waist, or tiny to large flowers flowing over the one shoulder in an asymmetrical line.

Lace is no longer considered old fashioned and boring. From intricate and delicate to big and bold, lace is being used in a very flattering and stylish way on figure hugging A-line and Mermaid dresses. Lace can be very romantic and elegant without being tacky.

Brides are not shy to add a touch of colour to their gowns, either with a delicate touch by adding a coloured sash around the waist or more extravagantly by embroidery and beading from top to toe. White isn’t automatically considered the right way to go; it remains the Bride’s choice.

With such great trends, any Bride can be sure to be that “breathtaking vision” walking down the aisle.


QUESTION: True/False – Lace is still seen as old-fashioned.
SMS your name with the answer to the above question to 36697. “NAME (SPACE) ANSWER”
(sms charge: R5.00 per sms)
PRIZE:50% Discount voucher for your dream wedding gown. Only Pretoria / Johannesburg.



Photo- and Videographer:
Maximum Aperture Photo and Video (Go to page)

Wedding videos have changed from the simple and straight recording to a more exciting and refreshing approach and today there are several techniques that can be applied to your wedding video to give it that truly memorable experience and joy in the years to come.

We can introduce a wedding trailer which includes highlights of your wedding - creating a hunger for more of the feature length DVD. We can also create outtakes at the end of the video detailing all those funny moments you don’t want to forget or may have missed for example your aunty strutting her stuff on the dance floor. Another option is to include still photos in your video which will also give it that interesting feel.

QUESTION:  How many trends were mentioned in the article?
SMS your name with the answer to the above question to 36697. “NAME (SPACE) ANSWER”
(sms charge: R5.00 per sms)
PRIZE:25% discount on one of Maximum Aperture’s wedding packages.



Suits/Tailors:
Top Hat (Go to page)

Being in the business for over 60 years we have noticed a return to the age of Elegance - Classic Tuxedos, Morning Coats and more.          

Very popular options are also Silver Grey & Gold Satin suits with accessories to match the ladies’outfit.

QUESTION:  How long has Top Hat been in Business?
SMS your name with the answer to the above question to 36697. “NAME (SPACE) ANSWER”
(sms charge: R5.00 per sms)
PRIZE: Free rental of the grooms wedding outfit (not transferable)


If you have ANY questions about the current trends in the Bridal industry – please feel free to either contact me at jana@saweddings.co.za or any of our ‘in the know’ service providers!

Wrap-up of the 2010 Bridal Trends | Wedding Articles