Wedding shoes this season have kept their feminine and traditional style while taking on new fashionable looks from high street trends. Today’s bridal shoes are proving to be more over-the-top with bespoke, handcrafted details such as bows, lace ties, oversized gemstones and corsages. The peep toe is also a big trend, with every designer releasing at least one version of their own detailed peep toe style.

For the taller bride, flats are in big demand and the girlier and prettier, the better. The flat ballet pump is making a revised comeback. Say goodbye to frumpy and boring pumps and hello to today’s sexier designs of overlaid silk, lace and vintage-styled jewelled flats. All the new, improved bridal shoe designs have gone over-the-top, to a new, fashionable and much more enchanting selection.

Summer is the best time to have fun with your shoe fashion and rock something edgy and colourful, and all we are seeing this summer is vibrant bights. For those of you who are struggling to find wedding shoes – and if you are the braver of brides – colour is the way to go. We saw many a hot model working the runway in purple shoes this season and if you can’t buy a wedding shoe, buy a fashionable shoe and make the look your own.

Being in the shoe industry you would think that my wedding shoe shop would be easy, but the bridal shoe selection in our charming country is not much to leave you spellbound by. Since my proposal I have made it my personal mission to find a range of elegant, enchanting shoes that all brides can get excited about.

I searched and searched for my ideal wedding shoe, which I finally found from the wonderful, brilliant designer brand, Badgley Mischka. I chose a gorgeous classic Mary Jane stiletto with the trendy detail of an oversized handcrafted tulle corsage. I am desperately waiting for their arrival!

I am also happy to inform you that in my own shoe searching endeavours, my partner and I managed to secure distribution rights to this exciting range of designer wedding shoes which will be available for all shoe-loving brides later in the year. Let’s be honest, most of us have dresses that are so long that you don’t even see our shoes, but if you’re like me it’s just another excuse to buy a new, sexy pair of shoes.

“A pair of shoes can change your life. Just ask Cinderella.” – Anonymous

Fashion shoes available at Cherimoya (shop #3, Portside, Green point Main Road, Cape Town).
For wholesale please contact Aimee Sarkin (Lilikoi) e-mail aimees@corpdial.co.za

Stir Food and Webersburg are helping to save the planet, one gourmet dish at a time! The estate boasts a new organic vegetable and herb garden, proudly founded by Stir as part of their plan to become a leader in green catering. As chef Piet Marias says, “we recycle all our products, including organic waste which we use as compost. We also aim to only use seasonal produce from the winelands area and to buy organic wherever possible, keeping the carbon footprint as low as possible with regards to ingredients.”

To top it off, Stir is a firm supporter of SASSI and only uses seafood that falls within the green zone.

Chic, contemporary and downright fun... what’s not to like about a cocktail party wedding? This year the trendiest couples are hosting late afternoon and evening celebrations that capture the smartness and sass of a cocktail party. It’s a great way to enjoy a wedding with a relaxed but stylish atmosphere, whether you choose a fashionable city hotspot, a private home or perhaps a boutique hotel as your venue.

After the ceremony, join your guests at an elegant, lounge-style event that allows everyone to mingle and chat. Instead of a sit down dinner, serve a creative menu that offers a selection of delectable bowl food and canapés (don’t forget your favourite cocktails and drinks!). Add a jazz band or slick DJ into the mix and your evening is complete.

It’s pink, fluffy and sure to put a smile on anyone’s face – no wonder that candyfloss is fast becoming a fashionable sweet indulgence to serve at weddings! This childhood treat will delight your guests and add a quirky, light-hearted touch to your menu. Serve it in pretty bags or paper cones (your stationery consultant should have some fun ideas) as part of a selection of desserts.

Fashionable grooms know that the best way to create a polished look is with a pair of smart cuff links. Not only do they look elegant, cuff links also offer a subtle opportunity to individualise your outfit. Lady Peculiar designers Truda Bam and Louise van Graan suggest that grooms should break away from traditional or “serious” designs and rather choose something with an element of fun and personality. Imagine little birds to match your wedding lovebird theme, the profiles of a bride and groom, or perhaps a phrase describing your love for each other. For those who like a personal touch, Lady Peculiar can also customise designs to suit your needs.

3 Andringa Street, Stellenbosch
www.ladypeculiar.co.za
The Metro Groom – Grooming the groom
 

Gone are the days of hiring a suit. These days the groom is everything but an afterthought when it comes to his attire for the big day. It’s all about the finishing touches, so get a suit that fits your unique physique and have it tailored if it does not fit like a designer suit. Don’t wait till the last week or the day before. Groom, get groomed, go to the barber, go for a mani and facial and please get a fine pair of stylish shoes!

This is the day when two become one, so make the effort to compliment your bride in her beautiful designer gown.

It all started when George Clooney walked down the red carpet wearing an untied bowtie, followed by Daniel Craig sporting a loose bowtie for a James Bond photo shoot. Now untied bowties and half-tied bowties are all the rage on catwalks, and the funkiest grooms are taking note of this trend. The untied bowtie is perfect for late night partying, creating a look that says “I’m cool but I don’t try too hard.” Grooms, you don’t have to Google how to tie a bowtie anymore, just slap it on and off you go!