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Weddings are a time of joy and celebration, but they’re also the chance to indulge in a bit of luxury! Many brides select a special fragrance just for their wedding day that captures the sense of romance and excitement. Some brides prefer to choose a classic scent such as Chanel No. 5 or Guerlain’s Shalimar, which never fails to make an impression. Others like to wear something new and different that will really stand out. There are so many perfumes available, so finding the right one can be quite a task. When selecting your perfume, bear in mind what flowers will be in your bouquet, because the...

We all know that most brides spend many months dreaming up the perfect wedding gown, but finding the right outfit can be just as important for the parents of the bridal couple! Their outfits must not only match the wedding theme, but also look good together. It’s even better if parents can invest in formal attire that can be worn for other special occasions. Our advice for parents of the bridal couple is to opt for harmonious styling, but without worrying too much about being perfectly coordinated. A tie is sometimes the easiest and most elegant way for the father of the bride to incorporate the colour...

Dress colour – As a guest at a wedding, is it inappropriate to wear a very similar colour to what the bridesmaid/Maid of Honour will be wearing? Good question! We have asked the help of our styling expert, Marilize de Clercq, and this is her advice: :As a guest, I presume that you know the bride and how she would feel about it. My personal opinion is that, if possible, try not to wear the same colour as the retinue. Some wedding dress codes are colour-coded, but if not, be original and different. After all, you are not the bridesmaid and you don’t want to offend the bride! If you know that the bride is...

For last year’s words belong to last year’s languageAnd next year’s words await another voice.And to make an end is to make a beginning.~T.S. Eliot, “Little Gidding” We have opened the book of 2010. Its pages are blank. I would like to thank all the Elsje Designs clients that has given us continuous improvement feedback during 2009 – we really appreciate your honesty. Without this valuable feedback we would not have been able to grow in leaps and bounds. We take your comments serious and have worked hard to improve systems at Elsje Designs! At the beginning of 2009 we employed...

The summer months are undoubtedly the most popular time to celebrate a wedding. However, the weather can be scorchingly hot and it’s always a good idea to the strength of the African sun into account! Here are a couple of indispensable tips on how to keep things cool at a summer wedding: • Choose a venue that has plenty of shade. If your ceremony or reception is indoors, be sure to check if there is air conditioning. • Consider the time of your wedding. A late afternoon or early morning wedding might be a better option during the hot summer months. • Offer guests plenty of refreshments at pre-ceremony...

We can’t wait for the first Live At Your Table Design and Lifestyle Event in Stellenbosch, 4-15 November 2009! The Aleit Group and a host of gorgeous stores and restaurants are participating in the event, which includes inspiring decor displays, special offers and a fabulous competition to win R10 000.00 in shopping vouchers. On Monday 9 November Aleit is presenting a Styling and Design Workshop which is not to be missed, click here for all the information about this wonderful event!

Here’s a wedding dress that really takes the cake! Artist Lukka Sigurdardottir created a quirky wedding dress made out entirely out of cake. It might not be the most practical concept, but it is a remarkably creative interpretation of the wedding dress. For more images, visit the Gather and Nest Blog.

Last month we featured some fun ways to cut down wedding costs. With the wedding season almost in full swing, here are some more ideas for a fabulous day that doesn’t blow the bank! Choose a venue that is so striking or beautiful that it doesn’t need much décor. The setting will say enough and you’ll save on decor costs! Have a lunch or brunch wedding to reduce lighting costs. Furthermore, the bill for the bar will be less pricey in the absence of a crazy late night after party. Use indigenous flowers to create unfussy but stylish flower decor. Also select flowers that are in season, so that...