ON YOU All eyes

Withtrends constantly changing and the added pressure of looking your best, we understand how overwhelming the wedding planning process can be. To help make things a bit easier, we’ve rounded up some top tips and trend predictions from local suppliers…

Suited And Booted

Covid-19 is still affecting the wedding industry with postponements taking place throughout 2023, but we’ve started to see things become a lot more ‘normal’ this season.

When it comes to choosing your big-day suit, traditional styles and classic colours are making a comeback. Plain fabrics, especially grey and navy, are a buzz again with fancy patterned ties being a standout addition to the groom’s outfit. Welsh and Scottish kilts are still very popular here at Formal Hire, and many of our Home Hire customers are still enjoying the tuxedo look at some of the more glamourous venues in South Wales.

Tony Collins from Formal Hire Swansea www.formal-hire.com

Your South Wales Wedding says: Hiring can be cheaper and more convenient, but when you buy, you’ll often end up with a better suit. Make the decision based on your budget. You could buy the groom’s suit and hire the groomsmen’s suits that way you can save money without compromising on quality.

At the start of your appointment, your consultant will ask about your ideas and plans for the big day. Be descriptive as this will help paint a picture of how you envisage your special day and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Dress to your taste for the appointment. This will help the consultant recognise your style. Look through their collections and choose the designs that stand out to you. Take advantage of the consultant’s knowledge, as outfits can look completely different on a hanger and they will know instantly what will suit your shape. Trust them and remember they are there to help.

Hair Care Hero

When deciding on your wedding look, it’s always good to try and find a hair style that suits your dress, face shape, style and theme of the wedding. You need to consider what will make you feel comfortable and confident on your big day. Here are the latest trends to consider:

Relaxed but elegant chignon is a classic yet sweet hairstyle, which suits most face shapes and looks fabulous on all brides.

Messy and tousled is a romantic and loose up do and is ideal for those who like the ‘I just woke up like this’ look.

A classy low bun is elegant and sleek and is easy to create and maintain throughout the day.

Stacey Williams

www.facebook.com/staceyatnewimage

Searching For The One

We’ve seen a surge in the demand for sultry, off-the-shoulder gowns this season. This on-trend design is flattering on most body types and is found in lots of wedding dress shapes, from column to fit-and-flare and A-line. We’ve found that off-the-shoulder is a great choice for brides trying to choose between sleeves, straps and strapless as it highlights the décolletage whilst still offering a little coverage on the arms. www.jasminerosebridalstudio.co.uk

We offer a carefully selected range of beautiful gowns form leading bridal designers. From the moment you walk through the door you will have our undivided attention, with the entire bridal boutique reserved exclusively for you. Book your appointment today.

135 Bute Street, Treorchy CF42 7BB 01443 244 611 www.emily-kate.co.uk

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-4pm www.bridalboutiquenarberth.co.uk

Sunday: Closed Out of hour appointments available.

01834 862 780 deniseclewes@gmail.com

60 St James Street, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 7DA

Bridal Beauty

The make-up trends for 2023 are continuing down the route of natural glowing beauty with bold statements. Of course, in these times, anything goes, but I believe in finding a compromise between what’s ‘on trend’ and what actually suits your face. Your look should enhance your best features and create beautiful skin, regardless of fashion.

Think minimalist base make-up, natural, luminous and less is more. You need to achieve this look with products that blend with your skin rather than sit on top of your skin. Two of my favourite products for this are Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter, which blurs, smooths, and illuminates; this can be used under your foundation or on its own for day-to-day use. The second is Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin

Foundation which moisturises through the day, goes on with a dewy finish and allows natural freckles and skin tone to come through.

Shimmer eyeshadows are popular rather than the heavy glitter looks of the previous decade. Layer a translucent shimmer over a soft matt eyeshadow to create a delicate look that’s classic and classy.

Alternatively, go for a smoky look with browns blended to perfection, but keep the lips soft. Remember, go bold with your lips or eyes but never both.

Emma Locke from Makeup Locker www.makeuplocker.com

Getty Images

Accessorise And Shine

Your South Wales Wedding says: Jewellery and accessories can play a key part in helping you achieve your overall bridal look. Choosing pieces that complement your dress without upstaging it can be tricky, to help we’ve put together some top tips:

• Consider the neckline of your dress before purchasing your necklace. For example, if you have a gown with a high neck, avoid a dramatic necklace that will overpower the look.

• Veils are a great addition to any bridal look and with so many different lengths, embellishments and colours available, there is something out there for everyone. Try and match your veil with your dress to create a co-ordinated look or if you’re after something more quirky, why not opt for a coloured veil that ties in with your colour scheme?

• Pearls are the latest jewellery trend and can be added to your earrings, necklace, bracelet, hair piece, veil and even your bag.

Something New

The Bobby Pin has launched its 2023 collection of fashionable wedding accessories influenced by some of the year’s hottest trends. These dreamy finishing touches include intricately detailed hair vines, pins and combs in silver or gold metal finishes, plus a range of beautiful bridal earrings. Many designs are adorned with contemporary white clay and pretty porcelain blooms alongside delicate leaf and botanical motifs, while others feature luxurious pearl sprays or glistening crystal stones. To shop, visit https://thebobbypin.co.uk

Ankle grazers

These pearl-encrusted shoes, £130, are from the latest wedding collection by https://aldoshoes.co.uk/ collections/bridal-shoes

EDITOR’S FAVOURITE

This special occasion smock is from the new collection by Smock London. The dresses, which are perfect for flowergirls, are made from the finest fabrics. Hidden within the exquisite designs are secret messages and symbols including a row of hearts, a different flower in each dress plus two eternity symbol motifs symbolizing longevity and good luck. To shop, visit www.smocklondon.com

River Island’s first wedding occasion collection has launched offering a selection of mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses and flowergirl styles. There’s a range of silhouettes in a dreamy colour palette and fashionable fabrics include soft satin and tulle. There’s also stylish suiting for men and boys. To shop, visit www.riverisland.com