YOU LOOK Made

Our local experts have some stellar advice for pre-wedding preparation and on the day itself

Trial And Error

Linda Leonard says: In the run up to your wedding, cleanse your skin every day and use a mild face pack or treatment weekly, but not the day before the wedding! Don’t get any strong cleansing treatments in the month prior to the wedding, just to be on the safe side in case you have a reaction to the products.

If you’re doing your own make-up, practise beforehand with the exact products you will use on the day to be sure you’re happy with how you will look. My advice is use a professional, and have a trial run a few months before the wedding. You don’t want all that stress on the morning of the big day. There are many artists to choose from check their portfolio, have the trial and get to know them before the day so you feel comfortable and confident that they’lll make you look your absolute best!

Less Is More

As for hair, make sure your hair is cut about two months prior to the wedding and discuss with your stylist what’s going to happen such as are you going to have high/lowlights for the wedding? If so, do that one week prior. Again, you should have a trial run to work out how you want the hair on the day. Brides think they need long hair for occasion hair ‒ that’s a myth ‒ shoulder-length is perfect for both up dos and down styles.

Linda Leonard Hair and Makeup https://lindaleonardhairandmakeup.uk

Bridal Spray Tan

Sonja Bowden says: You want your skin to be in great shape before your spray tan as it gives a brilliant finish and prolongs the life of your tan, so exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! It’s so important to start this twice a week, two weeks before your tan:

•Be very gentle

•Get your partner to do your back for you

•Use a mitt rather than scrub as these can leave a residue

•Pay extra attention on knees, elbows and heels

Use an oil-free body and facial SPF every day in the run up to the wedding. There are a few reasons for this:

•Sunburn can affect your spray tan even weeks after it has healed

•Prevents tan lines forming ‒ a spray tan can help disguise tan lines but it will not hide them completely

Emily Watkins says: Let the sparkle speak for itself and opt for some simple diamond studs and a pendant to keep it dainty. The wedding rings don’t have to match, they should reflect your personal style not your partners!

F.Hinds, www.fhinds.co.uk

•It’s also a good idea to think about what neckline you’re wearing Wash off your tan eight-hours after application. The best thing you can do to make sure your tan lasts longer and fades evenly is to moisturise twice a day with an oil-free moisturiser. This will ensure your tan lasts long into your honeymoon.

Blush Effect by Sonja

www.blusheffect.co.uk

Top Tips

Amy Lacey says: Leading up to the wedding, always have a trial and try and arrange it for the same day you’re having a dress fitting so you can see the complete look. Look after your skin and have a facial or two leading up to the day. Finally, treat your hair to a nice deep-conditioning mask a couple of times in the month before the wedding too.

Amy Lacey Bridal Hair & Makeup www.amylacey.co.uk

Style File

The Skin Has It

Sonja Bowden says: The best skincare advice in the run up to the big day would be to not change your skincare routine in the month before the wedding. If you want to improve your skincare, start no less than six months before the wedding. This will ensure you don’t react to a new product or have a skin purge. Other things you can do to help your skin are:

•Double cleanse in the evening! Your first cleanse will remove the make-up, SPF and dirt from the day, your second cleanse will clean deeper into your pores removing bacteria, sweat and dead skin cells

•Get enough sleep

•Look after your gut health, beauty really does start from within

•Drink plenty of water, it helps your skin and your spray tan Blush Effect by Sonja www.blusheffect.co.uk

Rob & Jason say: As a groom, you want to look your best on your big day, here are some tips for styling ahead of your wedding:

•Dress for the occasion: Make sure your outfit is appropriate for the wedding’s dress code and venue. If it’s a formal wedding, wear a tuxedo or a dark suit. For a more casual wedding, you can wear a lighter-coloured suit or even a single-breasted jacket and chinos. Research looks that you will feel comfortable in if formalwear isn’t your normal style.

•Plan for the season: Think about the time of year you’re getting married. Choose a colour and style that complements your skin tone and body shape. Think about who else will be your groomsmen and make sure they are complemented by your choice of outfit. Choose a best man or woman who will support you on visits to choose outfits and accessories.

•Get the right fit: The fit of your suit or tuxedo is essential. Make sure it fits well and doesn’t look too baggy or too tight. You may need to have it tailored to get the perfect fit. We work closely with Dapper who offer formalwear for men to hire or to buy.

•Accessorise with care: Accessories can elevate your outfit and add some personality. Consider wearing a pocket square, cufflinks, a tie bar, and a watch. Make sure they all match and complement each other. Here at Dapper & Suave we have everything from a conversation starter print to statement prints in a range of neck ties, cravats, pocket squares, bow ties and more.

•Dress as a team: We would encourage you to pick colours from your bridal party to pull the whole look together or a print that joins up the groomsmen. It’s also important to put the right people in the right accessories. We often see the father-ofthe-bride in a tie, whereas a pageboy will look great in one of our bow ties or even a cravat.

•Keep it simple: Don’t overdo it with accessories or flashy patterns. Keep it simple and classic, so your outfit doesn’t distract from the bride.

•Invest in good shoes: Your shoes will be a crucial part of your outfit, and you’ll be on your feet for most of the day. Invest in a good pair of dress shoes that are comfortable and stylish or a good quality smart trainer if you have a more relaxed vibe on the day.

Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and colours to find what works for you.

Dapper & Suave, www.dapperandsuave.uk

07768 653422 hello@amylacey.co.uk amylacey.co.uk