Top Bridal Trends for 2019

Just as food has become more organic, so the use of floral décor for your wedding has also become more conscious of nature. In order to make your wedding more eco-friendly, stay true to the season and your local area. Here in the Kalahari, be sure to make use of field grass, garlic flowers, or twigs as seen on our table decor and in the bride’s hands (by A Pretty Occasion). Floral installations are becoming more popular than flowers in vases, so be sure to have some hanging from the roof, create a floral wall, or even try bringing the outside in.
Yes, I said it: bring big trees and bold plants into your venue!

Floral accessories have taken the place of jewelry. Long, long gone are the days of tiaras. Instead, embellish your hair with a crown of flowers and foliage and exchange pearls for something fresh and floral. However, if you still desire some sparkle, try these beautiful Swarovski earrings from Miglio Designer Jewellery.

When it comes to the dress, crop tops and skirts are all the rage for 2019! Simple and elegant lines, just like Megan Markle’s wedding gown, are also wildly trendy. As you’ll see in the photos, Mark of B Couture shows this look using soft tulle, Milano satin and stretch. Pure white, elegant, fresh and in style. And for the groom, bring out the vest! Three piece suits are back in style for this new season.

Lisa Viviers from Beauty and Body did the makeup for our collaboration model, Jené Moller. Lisa says: “I applied a foundation that covers the skin well, hiding any possible imperfections. The eyes and cheeks were done in matte colours to compliment the earthy and living coral theme. Bold red lips are a big trend this year and the brides’ mouth was suitable for this colour, making a dramatic and sensual statement.”

This year brides are going for a more edgy and individual approach. Personalization now plays a large role in your special day, and the details of your wedding should be matched to your personality. Gone are the days of tradition. Instead, say “hello!” to arty stationery, welcome circle aisle ceremonies and cheer for unconventional parties that last all night!

Even though the most important part of your special day is the celebration of your love and the commitment that you make before witnesses, there is no reason why you can’t also have the best night of your life. A creative way to celebrate the moment that you become Mr. and Mrs. are smoke bombs. Or alternatively you could opt for masses of colourful confetti! These riots of colour make for fabulous photographs.

Another splurge that is on trend in 2019 is illustrated stationery. Invites, programs, name tags, thank you notes and much, much more can all be illustrated now. There is nothing more personal or creative than these little details that set a uniquely creative tone for your special day. Colour in the small moments, and leave a lasting impression! The stationery in our styled shoot was made by Mallet Fish Wedding Stationery.

Décor wise there is no set in stone trend, but velvet linen and colored candles are very popular for table settings. Vinyl stickers (Suneldo Drukkers) applied to clear Perspex or glass stands compliment the edgy theme. A Pretty Occasion and Tent Rent are responsible for our absolutely stunning table décor and arrangement where we blended living coral with a dramatic, hard black and loved the result!

Over the past few years, the trend has been shifting away from traditional and formal weddings to more laid back, fun and interactive celebrations. No need for the new Mr. and Mrs. to be spending the entire night seated like statues. There could be no better way to enjoy YOUR night and YOUR friends and family than an interactive ‘kuier’, which – let’s be honest – always happens over good food (and yes ladies, those kitchen table chats that last all night – you know what I’m talking about!).

This year, interactive food setups and grazing tables are a must. Your guests should be lingering over large wooden boards with interesting flavours of charcuterie, homemade pastries, preserves, pates, local cheeses and seasonal fruit. For your main course, serve flame grilled meats from the braai. And the cherry on top, as with any good dessert, is sweet display pieces and doughnut walls. The cake in our styled shoot was made by Takes the Cake. A delicious orange, almond and geranium cake was designed to fit our matte black and coral theme. The living coral macaroons, made by Sweetfix, are still on trend and are a welcome plated thank you gift.

To end off the night, serve a little cheese and cracker snack. Pair this with a sweet dessert wine. Orange River Cellars has an amazing selection and an exceptional straw wine – support local! This (almost) midnight snack will be a great surprise and a lovely bedtime filler before the night ends. Gin bars are still trending from last year, so invest in some lovely infusions and condiments for beautiful and delicious drinks.

Well, that’s my take on all the fun ideas for a new year and a new season in the celebration of love and romance. Happy planning,