Frills symbolise all things feminine, dreamy and just plain sweet. They can be big or small, simple or elaborate. This makes them really flexible; suitable for a so many different purposes within one unique wedding theme – frills and flounces.

Invitations
Use frills and netting in your wedding invitations so that your guests get a clue about your gorgeous wedding theme. This can be in the form of literal netting glued around an invite made from card, or it can be dye-cut to resemble frills and lace for a more budget-friendly alternative.

Wedding Attire and Accessories
Use frills in your gown (in the form of layers, lace or an entire tutu skirt), the bridesmaids’ dresses, and the groomsmen’s dress shirts. For the frilliest option of all, tutus are very trendy. Choose accessories that are adorned with frills or styled to resemble frills. In this way, your shoes, veil, jewellery and hair accessories can all echo your theme in style and feminine fun.

Dress bridesmaids and flower girls in sweet tutus. For the older girls in your entourage, choose longer, flowing tutus for a more formal look. Little girls look irresistible in any kind of tutu, regardless of how formal or relaxed your wedding is going to be.

Décor
Be careful not to over-use frills and lacy layers in your décor, as it can become stifling and, as a result, ineffective. Use netting and flowy fabrics on your tables and chairs to establish the cute theme and hang lamps with tutu shades above each table, or use giant white feathers as a romantic lampshade instead. Add frills to the fabric items of your décor, such as napkins and table runners. If you want to keep the décor romantic and whimsical, keep your frills in muted pastels. However, even a really modern, cutting edge theme can be achieved by using vibrant colours, perhaps even neons.

Food
Create the most beautiful wedding cake by using fondant to add layers and layers of frills to a plain white number. Of course, when it comes to food and beverages, there really is no limit to the number of ways that you can decorate and garnish the items on your menu to express the frilly theme. Get creative with frilly lettuce, edible rice paper and colourful petals.

By keeping your ruffles and tutus tasteful and not overdone, the groom and his entourage aren’t going to feel like they’ve crashed an all-girl event. So, when opting for this theme, pay attention to including some masculine elements and neutral colours.

• Avoid white, cream or ivory if the bride will be in one of these colours so that you do not look too similar to her.
• Speak to the bride before shopping for your outfit so that she can advise you regarding her theme colours as well as any preferences she has regarding the style of your attire (this is, after all, her big day).
• Communicate with the other mum to find out what she will be wearing and discuss possibilities together. You will be having many photographs together and it is wise to make sure that your choices complement one another. If you do not know one another well or have not gotten on well in the past, keep your approach friendly. This is not the time for feuds.
• Do not try to compete with anyone – choose a dress that suits you, your colouring and your physique.
• In situations where the person your child is marrying has a mother and a stepmother, it is still only necessary to speak to his or her mother about her choice in clothing. You do not want to offend the mum by being in contact with her ex’s new wife.
• In general, it is a good idea to avoid black (a colour that usually represents mourning) and red (which can come across as harsh and a little flashy). However, these colours can also look great, so take these cautions as suggestions, rather than rules.
• The safest and most subdued colours to choose are burgundy, blue (of varying shades) and lavender. They are classic, feminine and usually work well with most skin tones.
• The bride may want you to match her wedding colours or the colours of the bridesmaids’ dresses. On the other hand, she may want you to steer clear of it completely. Communicate well ahead of time. If she wants you to match her bridesmaids but not look exactly like them, it is advisable to choose the same colour, but a few shades lighter than what they are wearing.
• It is also important to know the couples’ theme colour to avoid clashing with it. Wearing a tan dress to a pink and turquoise wedding will not do you any justice and your dress will stick out like a sore thumb in the wedding photographs.
• You will need to have your dress at least one month ahead of time. This gives the other mum plenty of time to find her own dress and gives you peace of mind.
• Be careful of overdoing the formal look. Sequins, feathers and heavy make-up may actually make you look older than you really are.
• Consider how the bride may feel if you opt for an ultra sexy dress. You do not want to overshadow her on her wedding day. This does not, however, mean that you have to look frumpy and old-fashioned. There is a very wide middle ground of elegance and style.
• Your dress should not be longer than the bride’s (unless she is wearing an above-the-knee style).
• Choose comfortable shoes as you will be dancing, milling around and posing for photographs for much of the day.

Photo Credit: Casual Wedding Dresses

While the bride’s attire certainly steals the show at many a wedding, the groom is also kitted out and looking his best. His outfit needs to suit the style and theme of the wedding, and needs to cater to his unique tastes and personality. In addition to the basic elements of his suit (whether a tuxedo, a day suit or something less formal), there are a number of accessories available to grooms. These add an element of pizzazz and certainly create a very special look and feel for the big day.

Grooms’ accessories include:

• Cufflinks – these are usually reserved for special occasions, and what day could be more appropriate than the wedding? Accessory outlets are now providing a range of cute, funny and glamorous cufflinks to match any personality, style and theme. These also make for fab keepsakes for the groomsmen.
• Cravats – this classic style of neckwear has, again, become a very popular option for grooms and groomsmen. It is usually worn with a matching or complementary waistcoat.
• Ties – the traditional tie is perfect for less formal weddings or grooms that are not comfortable in cravats or bowties. These can be worn without a waistcoat, and are available in an enormous variety of colours and designs.
• Pocket squares – an added extra that finishes off a formal suit to perfection, the pocket square should be the same colour and design as the waistcoat and cravat / tie / bowtie. Have a little fun with it by creating a flouncy look or be more subtle with a neatly ironed affair.
• Cummerbunds – these bands go around the waists of the groom and groomsmen, under the jacket. They create a very formal look and should match the neckpiece.
• Bow ties – these go particularly well with a tuxedo and really do give the outfit a special air of elegance and classic style.
• Waistcoat – this is a great addition to finish the suit off, even when the jacket is removed at the reception. The groom’s waistcoat can be slightly different to those of the groomsmen to make him stand out. Waistcoats are available in an endless array of colours, textiles and designs.
• Socks – do not neglect this important facet, which is likely to show when the groom is posing for certain photos, dancing and, perhaps, kneeling at the altar.
• Shoes – polished, comfortable shoes are a must to ensure that the men in the bridal entourage are able to enjoy the day without squashed toes and blistered feet. Depending on the suit, the shoes are usually black or brown. However, each couple and wedding is unique, and the shoes allow for you to get creative. Fun options include boots, wellingtons and sneakers.
• Watch – do not wear a watch unless you have a stylish, elegant one. Your plastic diving watch will only detract from the formality of the day (no matter how many metres down you can dive with it).
• Belt – your belt should match the colour of your shoes, and should be comfortable. Do not squeeze into a belt you already have if it does not fit properly. Rather, invest in or hire a belt that is flattering and easy to dance in.

Certain traditions (such as many of the Asian religious ones) dictate very different accessories for grooms, including jewellery and colourful jackets. For this special occasion, it is worth hiring or borrowing the appropriate attire. The photographs and memories will last a lifetime and it is important that you look and feel your best.

Photo Credit: Cufflinks123

Finding a wedding dress pattern is just as important as finding the right dress in a boutique. There are some online resources from which to buy such patterns. These include:

www.simplicity.com – Simplicity is a well-known brand and has a range of patterns for some gorgeous gowns.
www.voguepatterns.mccall.com – from classic to designer, Vogue promises quality and elegance.
www.mccall.com – McCall’s is another trusted name in sewing patterns and has a great selection for the discerning bride.
www.weddingpatterns.com – for really unique designs, take a look at the limited range on WeddingPatterns.com

Finding out what size is best for you is the next important step. Do not trust what your jeans or underwear says. You will have to measure yourself and use those numbers to decide on a size. If you will be wearing specific underwear, measure yourself while wearing it. Use a soft tape measure to measure around the bust, waist and the widest part of your bottom. If your measurements are between two sizes, rather get the larger of the two, as taking it in is much easier and looks more professional than trying to enlarge a smaller size. If you are opting for a ball skirt, you only need the bust and waist measurements.

Then, choose your pattern. Choose something that you love but that you are also confident of being able to handle. Once you have decided on the dress, choose the fabric. Ensure that the style is one that can be made using this particular fabric and that the colour suits the overall look and feel. Once this is all done and dusted, consider what adjustments you want to make to the pattern to make this dress uniquely yours. You may want to add spaghetti straps or shorten the length so that a colourful petticoat sticks out slightly.

Before even touching your wedding dress fabric, make a mock-up gown out of Muslin or any spare cotton that you have. This is your chance to do the real hard work, experiment with your alterations and seeing where changes need to be made. While wearing the dress in front of a mirror, get someone to help you to pin it until it fits you perfectly. Feel how comfortable it feels and look carefully at the length of it before committing yourself to anything. Make the alterations so that the dress fits exactly according to where the pins were placed.

Once you have got the dress looking and feeling perfect, alter the paper pattern accordingly. This is done by carefully cutting the Muslin dress apart into its individual pieces, laying it back onto the paper and cutting the paper around it. Once you are happy that the paper pattern now resembles the well-fitting fabric version, you can mark the pattern out on your official wedding dress fabric. Cut the fabric very carefully with a very sharp pair of scissors. Ensure that you have laid the fabric out according to its grain or else your dress will pull in all sorts of strange directions. To mark specific point on the fabric, use a colourful threaded stitch rather than any sort of marker.

Put the pieces together and tack it. Before sewing it properly, try it on one more time to check that it is the perfect size and shape. If any adjustments need to be made, you can simply untack it and make them. Once you are happy, you can sew it.

Now comes the fun part. Use different laces, beads and ribbons to embellish your gown until it is exactly what you have always dreamt of wearing.

Summer
Because you will no doubt already be a little nervous, you are likely to sweat a little more than usual on your big day. Therefore, your dress should be made from very light, airy fabrics that allow the air to flow through them more easily. Silk and chiffon are good examples. Not only will these be cooler, but they are also less constricting. Popular styles for summer weddings include strapless dresses, and gowns that only have one sleeve. Another popular trend that has recently emerged is the advent of shorter wedding dresses. These can be knee-length, giving an elegant look; mid-calf, reminiscent of 1920’s tea parties; or short, for the sexy, daring bride. An up-style in your hair will go a long way in keeping your neck, shoulders and back cool.

Autumn
As the days are warm, but beginning to cool, and the nights become rather chilly, your dress will need to be accommodating so that you are comfortable for the entire duration of your wedding celebration. Heavy fabrics will ensure that icy winds do not penetrate your gown and freeze you, while maintaining a strapless or one-shoulder look will still keep you comfortable while in the sunshine. Consider having a Pashmina, lace jacket or sash to wear in case you become very cold (particularly when waiting for your photographs to be taken). Consider leaving your hair loose for extra warmth on your back, and a natural, autumn look and feel.

Winter
Take advantage of the cold weather to indulge in opulent, warm fabrics, long gloves and heavy accessories. For added warmth, consider a feather boa or a fake fur shawl. Keep you colours in line with the winter theme (e.g. white, silver, grey, light blue), and go for fairytale magic, rather than an earthy, natural feel. Hair can be up or down. An up-style is usually considered to be more formal, while loose hair can create an “ice princess” look, if done effectively. Ensure your guests are comfortable by offering knee blankets.

Spring
Spring weddings are very popular. Spring promises warm, fresh days with plenty of sunshine and little wind. It is also considered to be a time of natural abundance. Your dress can be made of light, luxurious fabrics that move with your body. Opt for a fabric with a bit of a shine for a more elegant look. Mid-calf dresses are perfectly suited to spring weddings, and this time of year allows for the use of colour more than any other season. This can be in the form of a coloured sash, fascinator, shoes, jewellery, and so on. As with autumn, you may still become a little cold, especially when leaving the reception or waiting outside for your photographs to be taken. Therefore, have a shawl or sash available.

Photo Courtesy of Bakati

If the couple has opted for pink and orange stripes with a fun font, the wedding will likely be more casual. Likewise, a daytime wedding (before 18h00) is usually more relaxed in terms of a dress code than evening weddings (after 18h00). Even the wedding reception venue will provide some clues. Obviously, what guests wear to a beach wedding will be very different to their attire at one held on a 5-star vineyard estate.

However, the following rules should be followed if the invitation states the style of the wedding:

Semi-Formal
This means less than formal, but much more than casual. Colour coordination is key to creating a smart but comfortable look. Men can wear a dress shirt, tie and chinos (jacket optional) with stylish shoes, while women will look great in a knee-length or full-length dress and a Pashmina or shawl over their shoulders (especially inside the church).

Formal
Formal weddings mean that guests should put extra effort into their attire to create and go along with the formal ambience. Men should wear dark suits with a black, grey, blue or white shirt (turned-down collar) and a tasteful tie. Women can wear cocktail dresses (not too short or revealing) or elegant evening dresses that drop to the floor. Some sequins and jewellery is ideal to create a very formal, elegant look. A pair of heels will finish the look (remember to keep them comfortable enough for dancing).

Black Tie
A wedding with a Black Tie dress code requires gents to don a tuxedo and ladies to get their most elegant cocktail dresses on to celebrate the big day. A bit of bling and colour is acceptable to create a more modern, personalised outfit.

Daytime Wedding
Take advantage of the sunshine and (presumably) pretty surrounds by wearing colours, light fabrics and free-flowing designs. Men can wear a lighter suit (grey, beige, etc…) with a coloured shirt and tie, while ladies can feel free to wear a floral dress, a skirt and shirt or a dress suit that is flattering and elegant. If the weather is cool, darker colours are appropriate (although black and navy should still be avoided).

Evening Wedding
Being at night implies being slightly more formal. Generally, men can wear a comfortable dark suit with a tie (jacket optional), while ladies have slightly more freedom. A cocktail dress, stylish pants suit, smart “dinner” outfit or even a more formal floor-length gown would be appropriate.

If you are still unsure of the dress code, ask other guests what they intend to wear, so that you can be sure that you will fit in with at least a group of your peers. Alternatively, it is always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed, so err on the side of formality.

Photo Courtesy of Best Wedding Dresses

The following guidelines will assist you in buying the perfect vintage dress and avoiding some commonly made mistakes:

Steer Clear of Stains and Tears

Do not buy a dress that is stained or torn with the idea that you can fix it. You do not know what left the stain and, even if it is something that is usually quite easy to remove, it is unlikely to be as cooperative after years of neglect. Then there is the problem of what to use to remove the mark. Most modern detergents and stain removers will cause the fabric to disintegrate. In the case of a tear or hole, sewing the fabric will likely cause it to rip as it will be fragile, a weak spot. A patch will not work either as it will be almost impossible to match the fabrics exactly. If you absolutely have to have the dress and it is torn or stained, consult with a very experienced, well-renowned seamstress and allow her to repair the fault herself.

Avoid the Oldest Dress in the Selection

The older a fabric gets, the more fragile and delicate it becomes. With age, it is more likely to tear and disintegrate when you apply any pressure (by pulling it over your head, for example). If you have a vintage dress that is an heirloom, store it carefully, away from moisture and moths. Generally, try to steer clear of anything that is over 100 years old. Also remember that the style of dress worn between 1900 and 1930 was particularly lacy, silky and delicate, so these dresses may not have weathered the years as well as more robust styles and fabrics of later eras.

Choose the Size Carefully

The way that clothing is sized has changed dramatically over the years. A size 14 has not always been a 14, so it is imperative that you be measured and fit the dress on. Take into consideration that you will likely have a petticoat or hoop under the dress and factor that into the sizing. In addition, the women of yesteryear were usually a completely different shape to us. They were generally narrower, shorter and more petite. It was also the norm for them to wear a corset under their clothing, which aided in shaping and trimming them.

Check for Weak Spots

Examine the dress closely to ascertain if all of the ‘weak spots’ are still intact. These include seams, fastenings, the stitching that joins the skirt to the bodice and the area under the arms.

Have a Budget

Authentic vintage dresses are worth a lot. Still, it does not help if you cannot afford it. Exercise self-control and discipline.

Consider a Modern Replica

If your heart is set on a vintage style, but you are unable to find a good quality dress in your area, consider having one made up according to your style, size and taste. Communicate clearly so that your dress-maker knows what you are looking for. Take time to find old-fashioned laces and silks and to collect photographs of vintage dresses so that your seamstress has a clear idea of your desires.

Every girl dreams of her wedding day: the perfect groom, the perfect retinue, the perfect dress and the magical sound of chapel bells welcoming a new shared future. 36Boutiques.com is inviting blushing brides to be the opportunity to register online for free membership. And, with discounts of 35% – 70% off the retail price of South Africa’s most desirable designer labels, as well as imported luxury brands, it promises to be worth it.

The definitive online shopping destination will be showcasing a variety of elements to ensure the perfect wedding. Expect extravagant couture from Leigh Schubert, Kluk/CGDT, and I Love Leroy at pocket friendly prices. You can also look forward to exquisite accessories from the likes of  Robyn Roberts and Louise Carver as well as advice and exclusive discounts from some of South Africa’s most sought after venues, photographers and make-up artists.

Visit www.36boutiques.com for your dream wedding.

The following traditional suit styles are each appropriate, depending on the style of the wedding and the time of day it is being held:

Traditional Morning Suit:
Despite its name, this suit is appropriate for almost any formal affair. It is the traditional “groom’s suit” and is usually dark in colour, paired with a white shirt and a coloured cravat and waistcoat to match the theme colours of the wedding. It is comfortable for most men, since these are the types of suit they are used to wearing for formal occasions. Variations can include longer jackets that resemble a butler style, pinstripes or tailcoats. This attire is ideal for a day or night wedding.

Black Tie Suit:
Evening weddings work best for a Black Tie event. This is a particularly smart and glamorous suit that really makes grooms feel dashing in a ‘James Bond’ kind of way. This suit is usually known as a tuxedo and is generally black with a white shirt and black bowtie. Guests can be asked to follow the same dress code for an ultimately stylish wedding.

Lounge Suit:
Lounge suits are more relaxed, sometimes omitting a jacket altogether. They can be lighter in colour (stone, grey or brown, for example) and are paired with a white or coloured shirt. They can be modern (brown suit with a turquoise shirt) or more traditional (cream suit with a white shirt) and allow the groom flexibility. He can decide whether he would like to pair the outfit with a tie and jacket, or if he feels more comfortable with an open collar and no jacket. These are generally more suited to informal or civil weddings.

Of course, there are other options available to modern-day grooms, depending on their heritage and the theme of the wedding. For example, grooms with strong ties to their Scottish heritage may prefer to wear a kilt made from their clan’s tartan and those associated with the military may want to wear their uniform. On the other hand, if you have chosen to celebrate your union on the beach in a barefoot ceremony, he may even look good in Hawaiian style shorts.

If you are purchasing the suit (as opposed to hiring it), make sure that it is flexible enough to be worn on other important occasions. It is also vital that the groom wears new, polished shoes. Get these at least two weeks before the big day and have him wear them around the house to make sure that they are comfortable.

If your husband-to-be is willing, try to involve him in the process of choosing his outfit as much as possible. This ensures that his suit will reflect his taste and, therefore, compliment him. He will also look and feel more comfortable in it, which means more natural photographs. Encouraging such involvement instills the same sense of excitement about his wedding day that you have likely been enjoying through your planning.

The original tiara was worn by kings and emperors and was made from leather or beautiful fabrics. They were high, cylindrical crowns covered in embellishments such as gemstones. The Assyrians even included animal horns and feathers in their decoration thereof. Today, though, these items are far more feminine and ornate. They are generally small bands that are placed on top of the head, decorated with crystals, gems and pearls. Occasionally, brides will wear the tiara on their forehead as a front-let band.

Your tiara should be chosen once you have chosen your dress and have a fair idea of what your hair will look like on the day of your wedding. While they generally work for every style of dress and genre of wedding, tiaras come in so many different shapes and forms that it is essential that they match your dress and the general look and feel of your big day. If you will be wearing a veil with the tiara, try to bring it along when shopping for your crown, so that you can be sure that the two will work together.

Tiaras are great for creating a dramatic look. They suit short or long hair, loose styles or up-styles. This flexibility allows you, as the bride, to feel comfortable while never negotiating on absolute style and elegance.

The shape of the tiara plays a huge part in its suiting you. Brides with round or fuller faces should choose a higher tiara with a peak in the centre, so that it can elongate the face upwards. Those with long or oval faces should have a more petit, flatter tiara that does not lengthen your face even more.

The colours in the tiara need to match your dress and the theme colours of your wedding. Although tiaras are not usually colourful, even the base colour of the metal frame can play an integral role in your overall appearance. If you are planning on having a white dress, choose a tiara that is silver with rhinestones, diamante, Swarovski crystals or white pearls. Ivory gowns are best complemented by gold-toned frames with amber stones and ivory pearls. Champagne dresses are stunning and can be made even more beautiful with dark ivory pearls in a gold tiara. Any tiara with pearls in should be paired with pearl jewellery of the same colour for a completely cohesive look.

If possible, the pattern of your tiara should match the embellishments on your dress. This does not have to be an exact match (which is almost impossible unless the tiara is custom-made). If your dress is slim-fitting and simple in style, a tiara with geometric patterns works well. On the other hand, if you have a more old-fashioned dress design with floral detail, choose a tiara with tiny diamante flowers.

If you like the idea of jewels in your hair but feel that a tiara is a little overwhelming, try a jewelled headband or even hair combs, pins or clips with embellishments. These are also flexible and elegant, without quite as much of an impact as the classic tiara. Whatever hair piece you choose, make sure that it reflects your own personal style and identity, but that it still works well within the outfit as a whole.