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WEDDING GOWNS: Brides prefer figure-hugging dresses and fascinators instead of veils.

HONEYMOON DESTINATION: Sugar Beach resort in Mauritius

 BEAUTIFUL BRIDES & GROOMS: Click here to visit the Sowetan Weddings page 

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Dress

Finding the perfect wedding dress can be your biggest challenge, especially when you want your dress to be modern and on-trend.

Thandi Masondo, owner of A Bridal Affairs By Fashion Studio Collection in Rosebank, Johannesburg, says the ball-gown look is on its way out.

"Brides are more into figure-hugging dresses and for comfort's sake they pick two-tier dresses that can be changed into a cocktail dress later," she says.

Veils

Masondo says instead of veils, more brides are using fascinators (hair accessories made of lace, feathers or flowers.)

"But you can't completely do away with the veil because of, among other things, the religious significance," she says.

Colour

Masondo says white gowns are out of fashion.

"People are more adventurous in terms of colours," she says.

Bouquets

Bouquets with soft colours such as ivory or light pink are in. They are big, with plush blooms like peonies, and adorned with pearls .

Suits

Tailored suits are always a good way to go, says Paledi Segapo of Palse Homme. He advises men to go for tuxedos.

"Tuxedos are timeless. Corporate suits are a no-no.

" A groom should not look as if he is going to work. Colours that work include black, navy and grey," he says.

He warns against neon colours.

"They are vulgar. A groom always looks good in manly colours," Segapo says.

Shoes

He advises men to stay away from "kick and Bhoboza's" (sharp-pointed, overly designed and shockingly bright coloured shoes. He says patent leather shoes make good wedding shoes.

Ties

He recommends cravats, bow ties or custom-made ties.

Shirts

"High-collar shirts or so-called BEE shirts are out and normal shirts with small or wing-collars are in," Segapo says.

WEDDING AND HONEYMOON

Biggest trend

According to Snazo Mdlungu of Sna Creations, the after-party is becoming very popular.

This can be held in a bar or lounge after the reception or invite your guests to a brunch the day after the wedding.

Food

Mdlungu says traditional food is the way to go.

"People love traditional dishes with vegetables and two or three salads," she says.

Decor

Mdlungu says one should choose fun and funky colours.

"Hot colours include bright, bold, saturated tones. Hot pink, bright orange and Kelly green are in. Pairing dark and light colours works well and so do colours that you would not normally team together," she says.

Venue

Outdoor venues are hugely popular for their beauty and ambiance and the minimal decor that is required.

Celeb Zizi Kodwa is following the trend and will have his wedding in Durban's Botanical Gardens in December.

Honeymoons

Couples are saving up and heading for distant, exotic locales.

Alexis Bekker, marketing and product manager of World Leisure Holidays, says Mauritius is a popular destination for honeymooning, anniversaries and weddings among local black celebrities, businesspeople and ordinary folk.

Sugar Beach and La Pirogue are very popular, he says.

"Sugar Beach is warmth and coolness, wood and white, intimate and endless serenity and pleasure. La Pirogue, nestled in a tropical garden along a beautiful beach, is an easygoing, tropical-style hotel with authenticity and charm," Bekker says.

To arrange a wedding or honeymoon there, book through World Leisure Holidays and Summer Times, he says.

Comments

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Sat May 25 12:44:53 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 19, 2011

Mpotjekegobotje

"Masondo says white gowns are out of fashion."
___
Masondo wa lwala,I still want a white gown!!!

"Mauritius is a popular destination for honeymooning, anniversaries and weddings among local black celebrities, businesspeople and ordinary folk."

Dear Bloggers,has anyone been there b4???Is it ayoba???
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Oct 19, 2011

1tsotsi

The biggest day of a girl's life is when she loses here virginity, coz you cant divorce that.
Report Abuse

Oct 19, 2011

tpaz

@ 1tsotsi , you right virginity is like a box of Pringles...POP....and it's gone... :)
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Oct 19, 2011

sarmologadi

my bigest day was wen i graduated 4 my highest degree, cauz i know and my mom told me dat no 1 can take it away frm me....

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Oct 19, 2011

guiliano

Nyala unyele.
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Oct 19, 2011

sarmologadi

@guiliano, very true hey...
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Oct 19, 2011

1tsotsi

SARMOLOGADI
my bigest day was wen i graduated 4 my highest degree, cauz i know and my mom told me dat no 1 can take it away frm me...
-=--------------
True that hey, even if you were to die on a monday no one would take that away
Report Abuse

Oct 19, 2011

clivage

1tsotsi
The biggest day of a girl's life is when she loses here virginity, coz you cant divorce that.
******************************
gv ths man a BELLS..........LOL
Report Abuse

Oct 19, 2011

clivage

guiliano
Nyala unyele.
**********************
TLALA UTLALIFE
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Oct 19, 2011

Galfrend

I agree,fascinators are the in thing-Are there people who still put on veils?

Clivage-Hello my baby.
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