No Bell Blues

Another glowing bride, ready for her special day...

Bridal Beauty: Head-to-Toe Prep Guide

Hair
Great bridal locks require a little love and devotion. We all know that washing, blow-drying, and heat-styling on a daily basis makes for a messy head, full of split ends and "wispies" (those little broken pieces of hair that stick up from your scalp). Start repairing from the inside out. Experts believe that a diet filled with Vitamin B helps bring out your hair's natural shine (dull hair is actually a symptom of a Vitamin B deficiency). Foods like fish, nuts, and eggs will give you a good head start. On the outside, an invigorating scalp massage and deep conditioning treatment (about 4 weeks prior to the event) not only feels good, but stimulates the hair follicles and adds body. FYI Despite what many bottles claim, there is no way to repair damaged ends -- once your hair breaks, get a trim.

Face
When it comes to the best way to care for your face, there are many schools of thought but here are a few good pointers for common issues. A good beautician can help those fighting a losing acne battle, by administering facial peels to knock out bacteria and oils, get you onto the correct skincare products and providing regular facials. Start focussing on that at least six months before the wedding-your skin will need to adjust to a new regimen. If you're looking to bring a dull complexion to life, the beauty therapist at your local salon or spa can provide a series of facials that clear blackheads, slough off dead skin cells, and improve circulation. But the real secret to great skin? Water. Drink tons of H2O before and on your wedding day to make your face look dewy and radiant.

Eyes
Dark circles and puffiness are common bride-to-be afflictions (all those late nights pouring over the seating chart is bound to take a toll, after all). Since the skin around your eyes is particularly sensitive, be gentle, take off eye makeup with a water-soluble remover (don't scrub), and keep rubbing to a minimum. A nightly application of eye cream, in combination with adequate sleep, will improve the appearance of dark circles and a cool compress once or twice a week (or as needed) helps keep puffiness at bay. During the days before the wedding, steer clear of too much salty food, which can cause eyes to look swollen.

Lips
For that all-important kiss at the end of the ceremony, you'll want your lips to be in the best possible shape. A Vitamin E stick (sold at pharmacies and health food stores) can combat cracks and creases that weather and nervous lip biting can cause. You should also exfoliate your lips at least once a week, to clear away dead skin Wet a toothbrush with warm water and brush lips with a gentle back-and-forth motion. Finally, protect your kisser with sunscreen, as the sun can leave lips looking -- and feeling -- parched.

Neck and Decollete
Since your gown no doubt shows off a little (or a lot!) of neck and decollete, start taking care of this overlooked region as soon as you can. Think of it as an extension of the skin on your face -- but remember that this fragile skin is thinner, has fewer oil glands than the rest of the body, and requires special care to keep it supple and smooth. Exfoliate it with a gentle face scrub every other day, apply a light moisturizer daily, and use sunscreen when heading out in a chest-baring top.

Body
You can get your body in shape without lifting a weight or walking a mile (though both will help relieve stress and whittle away at the inches). From the inside, a daily multivitamin can work wonders on a range of ills -- from digestive issues to sleeping problems to frayed nerves. Vitamins also up your energy factor, making wedding planning easier. On the outside, exfoliation is the name of the game, because it makes skin feel softer and more toned (no gym required!). Use an exfoliator each day, whether in the form of a loofah or a body scrub.

Legs
Your wedding dress might have your legs covered, but that's no reason to ignore them. Shave only after you've softened the skin with warm (not hot) water and use a moisturizing shave cream. One of the simplest rules for keeping them smooth post-shower, apply a rich moisturizer while legs are still damp.

Feet
Sure you'll probably treat yourself to a pedicure before the big day, but you should indulge your feet in sweet treatments in the months leading up to the wedding. Good foot care starts with a little tough love use a pumice stone or foot rasp daily to scrub away dry, cracked skin on heels and toes. Note that feet should be damp, not completely wet -- a sopping foot is too slippery to be properly exfoliated. Then treat your feet while you sleep slather on a thick moisturizer and slip into a pair of socks, which will retain body heat and help seal in moisture overnight. An added bonus to these measures well-moisturized, cared-for feet are less likely to blister in uncomfortable shoes.

Exciting news! Ds. Jopie Fourie from I Do, I Do, I Do! is now available for pre-marital counselling as well as marital counselling. You can contact him directly on 082 605 7499 or email him at [email protected].

Wedding Favour Trends this Summer

As a renowned wine exporting country it is obvious that beautiful wine favours will be first on our list to be reviewed. Most favour businesses offer solid chrome wine stoppers. These stoppers come in a variety of shapes and flairs, it is difficult to single any of these stoppers out as they are all truly unique in their own sense, however if push comes to shove the elegant crystal ball stoppers really stands out this season.

If you are looking for something a bit more quirky and fun, you absolutely have to take a look at the “Head over Heels” bride and groom cork stoppers. Choose the groom, with the bottom half of his black tux, white vest and tails topping the stopper, or let the bride do flips at the table, where guests will get a seldom-seen view of her white gown and shoes.

There is also a wealth of practical favours available. Our favourite is little Demitasse spoons, which has a small heart motive on the stem of the spoon and a cute little tea cup at the end.

We also loved the Heart measuring spoons. Each set of 4 spoons features "measures of love" on one side and actual measurements on the other. The measures of love are very sweet, reading: "A Pinch of Patience" = 1/4 spoon, "A Dash of Kindness" = 1/2 spoon, "A Spoonful of Laughter" = 1/3 spoon, and "A Heap of Love" = 1 spoon.

Favours that double as nametags are very popular and there is an abundance of options to choose from. Examples would be little beaded frames, silver chair place card holders, bells with a heart charm and cute little seashells.

Giving guests something edible is of course still very popular. Give this traditional favour a twist by fillings cute little wire boxes. The wire boxes are available in a variety of shapes, like wire boxes with a ribbon motive that looks just like a mini gift, heart wire boxes, mesh wire boxes with a butterfly etc. These wire boxes can even add to your décor if you place a little tea candle inside and have them lit just before you and your new husband enter the reception hall.

We left our absolute favourite for last. The little magic beans, or “love beans” as we like to call them. These favours consist of a hand-painted flowerpot, a bean and soil. When the bean is planted it grows to show the word “Love” on its first leaf. This is something completely different to the usual favours and your guests will definitely find them amusing.