The making of trending nuptials
A wedding, and finally walking down the aisle is not as easy as some would like to think. Finally, walking down the aisle and marvelling at the final product that will wow one’s friends and family takes months, and for some a year or as much time as it takes before the bridal couple can smile and exclaim that, this is it.
Dresses, décor, cakes, entertainment, food, dessert, venue and even graphic designs of small but important things that range from menu, invitation cards, table numbers and so much more are just what make a wedding what it is. This past Saturday, one of the leading resorts in Gaborone, Grand Palm Hotel hosted their annual Wedding Expo. This year, the Grand Palm Hotel had partnered with the Fashion Without Borders, and the expo was a culmination of three days of exciting events that included a fashion exhibition, wedding expo as well as two thrilling nights of fashion shows.
The wedding expo affair provided many with an insight about latest wedding trends. Exhibitors ranged from décor companies, wedding cakes and desserts, wedding planners, and more. Something that Style learnt at the event is the fact that the dripping cake is the in thing now. The cakes that were shown on the day gave many a glimpse of what many prospective brides would be opting for this year. According to Batish Nchini of Celebration Cakes, wedding trends keep changing every day. She says that clients were now getting excited over naked cakes, and that some were running away from big cakes to small cakes. Others, she says, were intrigued by a dessert table.
“Right now, clients are going for dripping cakes,” she says. She also notes that her company is doing something unique and decorating cakes with fresh flowers, caramelized popcorns, Oreo’s and even marshmallows. She further said that when it comes to décor, people were now interested in Chameleon chairs instead of tiffany and phoenix chairs which used to be all the rave. Also trending right now, she says are gold glasses. “As décor companies we are constantly buying and trying to keep up with the times,” she notes. Speaking with one of the exhibitors, Melanie Harmse of Mystique Bridal Services Botswana, explains that her company specialises in a number of services that include invitation and RSVP Cards (online), save the date cards (online), seating chart, order of the day, table card, menu cards as well as welcome poster.
The company also provides décor and bridal services. Based in Phakalane, she explains that something that sets them apart from other companies is their unique offer to their clients; a website page for their special day. The company was established two months ago, and for those who are looking for the perfect dress, it is the go to company. “We can also custom make your dream wedding gown,” she says. She further says that they hire and sell wedding dresses and advises that clients or would be brides should opt to hire instead of buying dresses. This, she says, is cost effective. She also says that they have dresses for different clients, from budget to high end. “We are a one stop shop and we offer clients with almost a complete package except for catering,” she says.
Another exhibitor who is offering clients with a sweet tooth of an array of beautiful creations is none other than Sunflower Desserts. The company was created in 2016, and specialises in wedding cakes, desserts, cupcakes, dessert table and birthday cakes. Speaking with this publication, the company representative, David Matabane explains that for clients who are interested in procuring their services, they start off with a consultation which will determine the client’s budgets and needs.
He also explains that in their dessert options, clients can choose delectable pancotta, cheesecakes, malva pudding, chocolate mousse and trifle. The company, he explains does not only targets weddings but also caters to individuals and corporate clients. The company is run by his sister, Nametso Senwelo who is a trained professional.
