SA Weddings, which hosts South Africa’s most anticipated Bride of the Year competition (BOTY), asked leaders in the wedding industry to share their tips and tricks with brides planning summer celebrations. While Kath Ballantyne, Managing Director of SA Weddings, talks all things BOTY competition.
“South Africa is on a high after winning numerous accolades including World Cup Champions and Miss Universe. Our wedding industry is also winning, we have talented creatives as well as cities that are globally recognised and who continue leading in event design. Today we unlock the trends these experts, all BOTY sponsors, advise are best.
“We’d love to see brides incorporate these trends into their upcoming weddings and can’t wait for the photos they enter into our Bride Of The Year competition,” says Kath Ballantyne, Managing Director of SA Weddings.
SA Weddings Bride of The Year competition
“The competition, now running for 19 years, has seen brides execute the most phenomenal trends over the years. Brides are encouraged to share photos of their spectacular day before getting friends to vote for them as the bride of the month. BOTY celebrates all brides and the diversity our beautiful country enjoys!
“The 12 monthly winners will be whisked away to the luxurious Cape Winelands where the couples will enjoy a weekend of spoils before the winner of a 7-day trip to the Maldives will be announced. However, all finalists will walk away winners with prizes from our incredible sponsors. Entries close at the end of February 2020,” adds Ballantyne.
Now for the trends.
To-Nett’s Florists & Decor talks floral installations and baby’s-breath
The return of baby’s-breath (Gypsophila) is a welcomed trend, however, brides must be wary of an outdated execution. Today, the flower is used in large bunches as floating clouds or dramatic installations. Do not try to divide it into individual stems as this immediately dates your design.
Brides are also becoming more bold, taking risks with colours such as bright pinks and yellows. This boldness is balanced with simple table settings offset by large, vibrant and Instagram-able installations.
There’s also a move towards becoming more environmentally friendly, choosing to go foam-free and reusing florals at the ceremony, pre-drinks and reception. “These simple trends could easily be incorporated into upcoming summer weddings – just add a splash of colour and be wise about the impact you make on the environment”, ends To-Nett’s Florist.
Nombulelo Magqira shares how your venue impacts your budget and design
Boschendal Wine Estate is renowned for its breathtaking weddings and scenery – they’re both extravagant and elegant. Nombuelo Magqira, Boschendal’s events manager, recommends choosing a venue that goes beyond just beauty but also offers value by including cutlery, glassware, chairs and some furniture in their packages.
She advises couples to spend time getting to know the venue’s offering and how flexible they are. You might want something extra special which requires changing a few things so your venue must want to make your event vision a reality. You should never just be a number. For summer weddings, double-check the quality of your venue’s landscapes as guests will want to spend time soaking up the sun on luscious lawns!
Food, food and food! Make sure you go for a tasting before your wedding. The food your venue offers needs to leave your guests reminiscing for days to come.
Minimalist stationery turns heads
Liesl Lambrechts, the founder of Artica Designs, says brides don’t want over the top stationery that steals all the limelight. They want elegant designs that play with one or two fonts and are printed on the finest quality paper. Gone are the days of crazy floral designs with five or more fonts.
The influence of perspex isn’t going anywhere this season as brides continue enjoying the bedazzlement it brings. It comes in a variety of colours and textures which can add to the design of your welcome boards, seating charts etc.
Chelsea Warren-Stone sums up the do’s and don’ts
Brides are truly starting to celebrate their uniqueness, making their character shine through event design.
At Warren-Stone Planners we are seeing requests for dry forage rise and we are even seeing requests for spray-painted florals grow in demand. Previously these were taboo but no longer.
Reflections are huge! Brides are requesting mirrors, perspex and other elements to add a reflective touch to their design, this in collaboration with the playful floral trends, has truly elevated celebrations in South Africa.
Warren-Stone recommends brides reconsider their wedding cake by making it more interactive – perhaps cake pops or even just a delicious interactive cake station. The sky’s the limit – just remember to book a wedding planner to ensure everything is executed to perfection.
How to be a winner
Create an entry profile for the SA Weddings Bride of the Year competition via the website. Don’t forget to encourage your friends and family to vote for you. Votes close at the end of March 2020 and Top 12 announced end April 2020. Every vote counts!
Good luck!
