FINISHING TOUCHES

You won’t forget the final details when it comes to your big day with this stunning collection of regional accessories

TREND ALERT!

Jewellery has the power to be the one thing that makes you feel unique, explains Beverley Pile from Coggeshall bridal accessories business PS With Love… “Choosing your accessories and jewellery can be daunting. I’m sure we’ve all swayed between wanting timeless bridal hair accessories but also hankering after something a little different to capture who we are. There will always be bridal trends, but I would advise keeping your focus on quality, thoughtful design and beautiful timeless details.

“Your wedding dress will always set the tone for your overall style, but with accessories, it is all about complementing the finer details, considering the whole theme of your wedding to make sure you create a cohesive look. The off-the shoulder and puffed sleeve trend for 2023 is the perfect blank canvas for you to play with different earring styles and lengths, while the floral trend shows that florals are as timeless as pearls! Don’t be scared to accessorise an on-trend 3D petal dress with a floral accessory. If your dress features floral patterns or has distinct petal or leaf shapes, choose a hairpiece with flowers which feature a complementing floral or leaf shape.

“With so much choice out there, it can be difficult to find that perfect accessory which ticks all the boxes – and it may be that a one-of-a-kind bridal accessory might be exactly what you’re looking for. I love nothing more than working one-to-one with brides to create the perfect accessory that is unique to them.” www.pswithlove.co.uk Niche Jewellery Ivory & Co Wintersweet Hairclip, £55 www.nichejewellery.co.uk

Here are just a few of PS With Love’s accessories available…

https://fairweatherphotography.co.uk https://amycutliffephotography.com

Celeste Bridal Crown, £325 www.pswithlove.co.uk Daisy Hairpins, £145 www.pswithlove.co.uk Gina with gold details, £185 www.pswithlove.co.uk

www.hannahbarnesphotography.com https://amycutliffephotography.com

https://jobradburyweddingphotographer.wordpress.com

THE HISTORY OF THE WEDDING RING

“Wedding rings are considered the most romantic jewellery of our lifetime,” says Laura Cole from Witham’s Primrose Hill Jewellery. “They have been around for longer than you may think – in fact the first wedding rings date back to the Ancient Egyptians around 6,000 years ago. They exchanged rings made from braided reeds and hemp and wore them on the fourth finger of the left hand, believing there was a ‘vein of love’ that ran from this finger directly to your heart. This is where the tradition of the ring finger originates. It wasn’t until the Romans that the use of silver and gold was first seen in wedding bands, followed by the idea of adding engravings and personal messages. From there came the elaboration of multi band rings (to signify engagement, marriage and anniversaries) as well as more intricate designs with stones.” www.primrosehilljewellery.com Looking for your perfect ring? Chances are you’ve just found it!

Affinity Fine Jewellers Peridot and Diamond Ring, from £1,200 www.affinityjewellers.co.uk Niche Jewellery Twist Band Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, from £2,995 www.nichejewellery.co.uk Affinity Fine Jewellers Bespoke Tiara Shaped Ring, from £1,400 www.affinityjewellers.co.uk

Primrose Hill Diamonfire Solitaire Ring with Pave Set Shoulders, £59 www.primrosehilljewellery.com Affinity Fine Jewellers Diamond Set Band, from £1,400 www.affinityjewellers.co.uk Primrose Hill 9ct White Gold Solitaire Ring with Lab-Created Diamond, from £380 www.primrosehilljewellery.com

SPOTLIGHT ON… DRESS CODE NINE

Dress Code Nine is based in Kelvedon, Essex and has been established since 2017. “We specialise in bridal, bridesmaid, flower girls and evening wear,” says Dress Code Nine’s Carla Lynch. “We also have stunning hair accessories available, from our suppliers Richard Designs and Twilight Designs, including hair clips, hair vines, head jewellery and tiaras. Then there are our exceptional wedding veils! Available in many different lengths, styles and colours, veils are the ultimate bridal accessory. You can choose from lace, crystal scatters, Italian tulle, horsehair, glitter tulle, floral or pearl trains, and you can also have your own initials on your veil to make it even more bespoke.

“And don’t forget about your footwear! We stock Rainbow Club designs, which are made to feel like you’re ‘walking on air’! There are over 40 classic and timeless designs to choose from, which range from trainers to stiletto heels. The majority of these styles can be dyed in a single colour of your choice, and they also have styles exclusively designed for youngsters.” https://dresscodenine.co.uk

https://dresscodenine.co.uk ON YOUR HEAD

Need bridal headwear help? Victoria Carson from Margaretting’s Victoria Charles Headpieces has some advice… 1 Choose your wedding dress before considering your headwear. The style, colour and silhouette of your gown will help determine the perfect headpiece. 2 At your dress fitting take pictures of yourself along with all small, intricate details. These can then be used to match the perfect accessories. Also, request a colour swatch so you can achieve the perfect match. 3 Consider your hairstyle before choosing your headpiece. Crown, tiaras and veils work well with any hair style. Headbands and larger headpieces often look better with simplified styles. 4 A hair trial is a must, to be sure you’re comfortable with your headpiece and how it will sit. 5 Be yourself! There are no rules – it’s your day so consider your own style and image and choose whatever makes you happy. Victoria offers a consultation service where she can attend your wedding dress fitting and advise upon the perfect headwear to complement you and your gown – visit www.victoriacharlesheadpieces.com for more information.

Mum’s the word at Cream of Royston

Visit our website or store today to view our hundreds of Bespoke made to order jewellery up to 40% off RRPOnce you know your son or daughter is getting married a wedding is just the excuse you need for dressing up. Bride aside wedding & engagement ring samples.all eyes will be on the Mums. Cream has been trading in Royston for 47 years and is predominantly a special occasion store. The extensive stock on two fl oors is colour co-ordinated for ease of selection. Everything is available from outfi ts (sizes 6-28) to shoes, bags, hats, hatinators, fascinators and lingerie. Brands stocked include Condici, Ispirato, John Charles and Veni Infantino. Dressed up, Lewis Henry and Ann Balon are perfect for plus sizes. Less formalwear from Frank Lyman, Veromia, and Alison is ideal for a day at the races, wedding abroad or guests and cruising.

Mothers usually purchase their outfi ts four months before the event and customers are given the option to change it if they see something they prefer later, but they rarely do. Once everything gels and you have the wow factor you have found the outfi t. It is usual for the mothers to coordinate with the wedding party. It is very important to be comfortable with what you are wearing. A shift dress with a jacket is always a popular choice because the jacket can be taken off in the evening when things warm up. A dress with a statement hat is also popular. It is important to be happy with the fi nal look. Whilst the outfi t must be perfect for the occasion, having the correct lingerie underneath can alter the whole look of a garment. Cream has a well stocked lingerie department which can be tried on with the outfi t. A free alteration service is available on all full priced outfi ts bought in store, a fi tting being carried out six weeks before the event, thus ensuring a perfect fi t. Shoes and bags are made in Spain in different heel heights and beautiful leathers.

The Sale shop, Occasions for less located opposite Cream in Roysia House offers mother of the bride and groom outfi ts, shoes, bags, hats and hatinators from previous seasons at fantastic prices. See the Sale page on creamfashions. com. There is also a half price section at Cream. See the bottom of the pages on Condici, John Charles, and Ispirato on creamfashions.com.

Why not pay Royston a visit, there is something for every occasion and budget. To book an appointment call Cream at 01763 244073 - email info@ Shortlisted for Bridal Jewellery creamfashions.com or Occasions Retailer of The Year 2021 & 2022 for less at 01763 247166 - email info@ occasionsforless.co.uk. The shop is Covid secure and the diary is fi lling up fast. Spring/Summer 2023 stock arriving soon.

www.creamfashions.com

~ ESTABLISHED 43 YEARS IN ROYSTON ~ - ESTABLISHED 47 YEARS IN ROYSTON Mother of the Bride Specialist

Condici • John Charles • Ispirato • Ann Balon • Gina Bacconi • Lizabella • Linea Raffaelli • Luis Civit • Lewis Henry Condici • John Charles • Ispirato • Ann Balon • Veni Infantino • Lewis Henry • Couture Club, Veromia and Dressed Up

Sizes 8 - 22 • Free Alteration Service • Matching Hats, Fascinators • Shoes & Bags available Sizes 6 - 28 • Free Alteration Service • Matching Hats, Fascinators • Shoes & Bags available

Lingerie from Fantasie, Charnos, Lepel, After Eden, Royce & Triumph. Cup sizes AA - H Lingerie from Fantasie, Charnos, After Eden, Royce & Triumph. Cup sizes AA - H

These earrings, necklaces, hair vines and bracelets from a host of Essex suppliers are sure to complement your wedding day best…

Little Black Cat Jewellery Sterling Silver Feather Necklace with Aquamarine, £48 https://littleblackcatjewellery.com

Niche Jewellery Ivory & Co Cinnamon Rose Crystal Fairytale Hairvine, £185 www.nichejewellery.co.uk Little Black Cat Jewellery Sterling Silver Larimar Teardrop Necklace, £64.50 https://littleblackcatjewellery.com Primrose Hill Jewellery Diamonfire Pearl and Zirconia Tennis Bracelet, £229 www.primrosehilljewellery.com Little Black Cat Jewellery Sterling Silver Pearl Drop Earrings, £36.50 https://littleblackcatjewellery.com

Primrose Hill Jewellery Freshwater Pearl Bubble Drop Earrings, £42 www.primrosehilljewellery.com Little Black Cat Jewellery Sterling Silver Ribbon Twist Bangle, £57 https://littleblackcatjewellery.com Niche Jewellery Ivory & Co Kensington Necklace, £80, and Kensington Earrings, £35 www.nichejewellery.co.uk

MALE ROOM

We’re not forgetting about you guys! When it comes to headwear the cap is in huge demand for weddings, as Daniel Longman from Westcliff-on-sea’s Classic Cap Company explains… “What better way is there to finish off the guys’ outfits? With complementary styling, fabrics and shapes you will certainly be glad you topped it all off with a cap! Your other half will be easily able to identify you as a groom among the best men – and you’re sure to stand out in the crowd. Flat caps and Baker Boy caps are a firm favourite nowadays, and give the feel of a real classic wedding. With the current culture of TV programmes, films and stage shows all showing off some amazing quality headwear, there is no better look. Plus… it also hides a disastrous pre-wedding haircut!” Looking for accessories for guys? Why not try…

Failsworth Carloway Navy Harris Tweed, £45, and Failsworth Patchwork Harris Tweed, £49 www.classic-caps.co.uk Brown & Newirth Artemis Men’s Wedding Ring, from £485 www.nichejewellery.co.uk Stetson Hatteras Baker Boy Donegal Tweed Blue, £85 www.classic-caps.co.uk

One of the largest wedding shows to be held in the South of England

• Win a luxury honeymoon • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Bridal fashion shows • Covid-19 secure • Entertainment • Refreshments

FREE ENTRY

Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of

DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

IN ASSOCIATION WITH