FASHION &BEAUTY Q&A Our local professionals solve your problems 96

Q&A Fashion & beauty

Our experts reveal all

BEST-DRESSED BRIDES

My dream is to have a made-to-order wedding dress and I especially love the pretty tea-length styles. What’s the process and cost?

Meet the expert: Louise Allison is the owner of Louise Rose Couture based in Reading, offering made-to-order bridal and couture evening wear. Louise also offers sample gowns available to rent.

Louise says: Having your wedding dress made for you is an exciting experience, it’s not often you have a professionally trained designer and seamstress at your fingertips! My first piece of advice before committing to a bespoke design is to make sure you have tried various silhouettes on to ensure you know what shape works best for you. Often, brides visit me with a very clear idea of what they want, but after trying on my sample dresses, ideas can evolve or even change completely.

Once we have the overall style decided, we can look at the finer details such as fabric and finishes, for example, you might want to add longer sleeves or change the neckline. All designers work slightly differently, but after the initial consultation with me, you can expect to receive a sketch of your dress along with a quote and time frame. For a made-to-order gown, most designers will create a mock-up of your dress for fitting purposes before cutting into your bridal fabric. Expect to have four to five visits for the entire process. Costs can vary widely, but on average you could expect to pay between £1,250 and £2,500 depending on the fabric and level of detail.

Louise Rose Couture | 07921 912 397 https://louiserosecouture.com www.facebook.com/LouiseRoseCouture www.instagram.com/louiserosecouture

I’d love some ideas for a whimsical, ethereal wedding dress for my boho-inspired spring wedding – can you help?

Meet the expert: Holly Lewis is part of the talented team at Debbie Rees Bridal, a luxury bridal boutique located in Wokingham.

Holly says: For a spring wedding, we can focus on the floral textures of lace which embodies the bohemian style. My first dress recommendation would be Darcy by Madison James, pictured. It’s an ethereal dress with a semi-sheer structured bodice and a soft A-line skirt and the nod to the theme is in the delicate tulle off-the-shoulder straps.

For a slightly different shape, I would suggest Deidra which is part of the new Signature collection by Justin Alexander. It’s a stunning silhouette featuring a leafy textured lace. With this dress, you can create two looks because it comes with a detachable train that adds drama. The colourway of a dress can make all the difference and with Deidra, the warm peachy tones of the tulle highlight the beauty of the ivory lace on top.

For something a little different, why not try Alivia by Justin Alexander, a real showstopper! With a striking cut-out lace train and bodice, this crepe fabric is lightweight, easy to dance in and shows off your figure - perfect for a spring wedding.

Alivia Deidra Darcy

Debbie Rees Bridal | 0118 327 5506 | www.debbiereesbridal.com www.facebook.com/debbiereesbridal www.instagram.com/debbiereesbridal_

WITH THIS RING

We’d love to design our wedding rings - can you help?

Meet the expert: Rosalyn’s Emporium is a bespoke jewellery business based in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, offering commissions, Make Your Own Wedding Ring workshops and remodelled pieces.

Rosalyn says: I’ve been running Make Your Own Wedding Ring experience days from my private workshop for five years now and each one is personalised to the couple making it one of the highlights of their wedding preparation (so I’ve been told!) The workshops are aimed at beginners and I’m experienced at teaching and have more than 21 years of experience in making bespoke wedding rings so you’re in safe hands.

I work with precious metals including gold, platinum, palladium and silver and I can use your gold and precious stones in some situations. Once the rings are made, they can be set with these stones and engraved or plated.

Experience days cost £450 per couple plus materials per ring in addition. This ensures fair pricing because you only pay for what you need based on the current prices. It also reduces waste on resources used to extract metals and stones meaning your rings are sustainable as well as unique.

I also offer a full design and make service if you don’t want to make the rings yourself and I can also recycle and remodel items.

Rosalyn’s Emporium | 07967 203 868 https://rosalynsemporium.com www.facebook.com/rosalynsemporium www.instagram.com/rosalynsemporium

COLOUR POP

I want to book a make-up artist for myself and my bridesmaids who can recommend new-season colours for us that suit us all - can you help?

Meet the expert: Imogen Sandy is a Berkshire-based make-up artist.

Imogen says: With spring approaching, adding subtle pops of colour to your bridal make-up is an excellent way to welcome the season and celebrate your bridal party’s individuality. Colour can be intimidating, but by introducing muted tones, it can elevate a bridal make-up look. When researching your make-up inspiration, consider looking at the colour wheel. Colours on the opposite sides of the wheel create flattering contrasts that look phenomenal in photographs, for example, pops of green teamed with auburn hair.

A personal favourite of mine is a splash of colour on the inner corner of the eye; a shimmering lilac with a matching shade in the waterline, for example, photographs beautifully. Trials are the perfect way to explore the use of colour with your make-up artist so use this time to try new things and don’t be afraid, make-up is not permanent - it comes off!

Imogen Sandy | 07876 826 710 www.facebook.com/makeupbyimmie www.instagram.com/imogensandymua

ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS

I want to book a hair and make-up artist for myself and my bridesmaids who works with only cruelty-free products - can you help?

Meet the expert: Julie Podbery is the founder of Jules Makeup Artistry & Hair Design based in Witney, Oxfordshire covering weddings in the surrounding regions and nationwide.

Julie says: I’m happy to assist brides on their wedding day with both hair and make-up as a dual service. I use cruelty free products, some of which are vegan too. I have tried and tested many brands and for weddings, I use make-up items from Charlotte Tilbury, Delilah, Tropic, Huda Beauty, Hourglass and Beauty without Cruelty, and hair products from Maria Nila and Moroccan Oil. These products are all kind to the skin and hair and more importantly, not tested on animals plus Tropic is a clean and green brand meaning it’s kind to the environment. All of these products look beautiful and are wonderfully pigmented and have been tested for longevity. I offer refillable lipsticks and powders for touch-ups plus I also give cruelty free skincare advice at the trial consultation that helps brides achieve flawless skin in time for the big day.