LOOKING YOUR BEST

ON YOU All eyes

Local experts on how to look and feel your big-day best

Planning a wedding can be pretty hectic, particularly if you’re working to a tight timetable. It’s easy to get lost in a whirl of colour swatches, to-do lists, spreadsheets and appointments and forget one of the most important things – you; and your other half of course! To enjoy the journey and de-stress the planning process as much as possible, try to let go of the reins, delegate where possible and prioritise the most important things, like being kind to yourself and not sweating the small stuff. Sleepless nights, stress and anxiety are barriers to becoming the relaxed, radiant bride of your dreams so remember to add in some allimportant ‘me-time’. THINKING AHEAD

One of the key priorities on the road to looking and feeling your bridal best, is not leaving things to the last minute. Some things aren’t a quick fix so it pays to put in the groundwork early to get the best results. Do your research, look online, scour wedding magazines and start putting together a moodboard of inspiration; your suppliers will love you for it as it makes their job so much easier if they can share your vision. Matching your look to the style of your venue is another key consideration if you want to achieve a coordinated effect. A good starting point is to focus on the kind of bride you want to be, traditional or alternative, chic and elegant or free-spirited boho. With so much choice, it’s important to find what suits you and your personality so you can still look and feel like you on the big day – just a more glamorous version.

FINDING THE ONE

Once the dress is in the bag, everything else can flow from there, from the type of hairstyle you choose, the make-up, jewellery and accessories. Although it’s tempting to start looking straight away, it’s a good idea to know where you’re going to marry first as the type of venue can set the tone for the whole day. If you’re planning to theme your wedding, think about that too and the colour scheme to narrow down the search and avoid getting overwhelmed. Although it helps having an idea of what you want, try not to be too fixed on a specific style as bridal boutique owners and their staff are there to help and have a wealth of experience in helping brides-to-be to find the one. Keep an open mind and you may well be surprised!

There’s a wealth of wonderful boutiques in the region, where you can be sure of a warm welcome and a wedding ‘fairy Godmother’ to help guide you.

Check out: www.ashtonjaynebridal.com

Finding the bridal look to suit you can be daunting, especially if you’re not used to experimenting with your hair and make-up. Here award-winning Cambridge-based hair and make-up artist Kate Fletcher of www.flashkate.com shares some of her top tips to help get you on track:

THE DOS DO consider the overall look you want to achieve. What does your dress look like, is it structured, classic, or boho? For a coordinated bridal look your hair and make-up needs to tie in with it. A boho dress looks great with a softer make-up and loose textured hair, while a more fitted dress can work well with classic eyeliner and a bolder lip. DO take into account your usual style, so if you always wear a red lip why opt for a neutral colour for your wedding? If you always wear your hair down, don’t feel you have to have an up do for a bridal look either – you want to feel like yourself on the day. DO remember to factor in the time of year. For summer weddings you should always wear products with sun protection (factor 50 please!) – a good make-up artist will know which ones won’t cause flashback in the photos. In winter you’ll need a heavier moisturiser to combat dry skin. Colours can make a big difference to reflect the seasons too. DO book you hair and make-up trial about three to six weeks in advance. If you do it too soon your hair and skin may be different by the time the wedding comes round. DO have your accessories and veil ready for the trial to try out with your hairdo as it can make a huge difference.

… AND THE DON’TS DON’T try a fake tan the day before your wedding, have a test run so your make-up artist can gauge colour choices. Usually it will look better a few days in any way. DON’T feel you have to plaster make-up on, you shouldn’t feel it on your skin and you should still look like you. DON’T expect too much from your inspiration photos. They are useful as a guide but your hair stylist and make-up artist won’t be able to make you look exactly the same! DON’T go for synthetic extensions. Fake hair is heavier and doesn’t bounce like real hair making it obvious that you’re luscious locks aren’t all your own. DON’T overlook your neckline. Whether you’re opting for a strapless, one-shoulder or sweetheart style, the top of your gown is a key shape to keep in mind when it comes to choosing your style. For example, a full-on up do may make you feel too bare with a strapless dress.

BRIDAL GLOW

For that gorgeous natural bridal glow it’s important to have a beauty checklist that’s super easy to follow. Make-up artist Emma Burgess of Norfolk-based Brunetti Artistry uses luxury products that are both vegan and cruelty free for a timeless bridal look that’s not only kind to your skin, but mother nature too. Visit www.brunettiartistry.co.uk and read on for some of her key tips for prepping your skin to make sure you’re looking on point for the big day.

❤ Cleansing, toning, and moisturising are the key to a glowing complexion.

Including all three in your beauty regime can help unblock pores and allow your skin to breathe better. ❤ Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and prevent the onset of blackheads but be gentle and don’t use anything too harsh. ❤ Get plenty of sleep, it’s vital and burning the candle at both ends can lead to dark circles and puffiness around your eyes – not a good look for your wedding day! To combat this I’d recommend using a light product such as

UpCircle eye cream with coffee and maple to hydrate the delicate under-eye area. ❤ Avoid having a facial too close to the wedding! Although it may seem like just what you need to unwind in the run up to the day, maybe opt for a relaxing massage instead. Facials tend to draw out impurities, which in the long run is what you want, but it can also result in breakouts and redness in the days or even a week after a treatment. ❤ If anything is going to help you get that glow and keep your skin hydrated, it’s a good moisturiser. If you’re thinking of treating yourself, I’d recommend investing in a good one to make you feel special. I really love Helichrysum &

Oat Cream by Palm of Feronia, a deeply nourishing Argan oil-enriched cream which helps to promote cell regeneration while allowing your skin to breathe and control shine – for 10% discount visit www.palmofferonia.com and use the code BRUNETTIARTISTRY.

Make the most of your hair trial to make sure you get the right style to suit you then all you have to do on the wedding morning is sit back with confidence, relax and enjoy this special time with your bridal party. Sharron Wratten of Suffolk-based Elegant Hair & Beauty (www.eleganthairandbeauty.co.uk) recommends: ❤ At the trial don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions from your stylist. ❤ Describe your wedding dress or better still, take some pictures with you so they can see for themselves and get a good feel for your overall look. ❤ After doing your hair ask your stylist to take pictures from the front, back and sides so you can see if you want to make any adjustments – and don’t be afraid to speak up! ❤ Keep your hair in good condition with regular trims and treatments. ❤ Go to your trial with clean hair and the colour you intend to have on your wedding day. ❤ If you’re planning to have hair extensions on your big day go for your trial with them in.

Many stylists stock clip-in ones and don’t be scared to try them if it helps give you the effect you want. Many styles are created with extensions not just for length and volume, but they can help the finished look last longer too. ❤ Don’t shy away from using hair products to help create the effect you want. They can help keep your style in place and add smoothness or texture and shine. ❤ Wear some make-up (ideally have your make-up trial before your hair on the same day if at all possible). ❤ It can be helpful to have one person with you for a trusted opinion (if the salon allows). ❤ Allow plenty of time for your trial and ensure your stylist has all the time they need on the wedding day.

Let’s face it, whether you’re the tall, willowy type or a curvy plus size, there’s always something most of us would like to tweak, even just a little bit! Whatever your shape or number on the dress label, body confidence is a must for that bridal feelgood factor to shine out on the day. Achieving it may involve a few lifestyle changes though. There’s no sustainable quick fix, so allow yourself plenty of time if you’re thinking of embarking on a fitness, healthy eating or weight-loss programme to avoid putting yourself under pressure. SPA-TASTIC!

No one wants to be a fraught frazzled bride, so take time out for some well-earned R&R and enjoy the whole wedding journey. The award-winning spa at the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa in Newmarket has everything you need to get big-day ready, all under one roof. The welcoming spa is an oasis of serenity and calm, ideal for pre-wedding pampering with your other half or your best girls. Sit back and relax in the spacious hydrotherapy pool, try out the steam room and sauna or the rooftop hot tub; the perfect place to chill out with a friend or partner. Treat yourself to an indulgent beauty treatment or massage in one of the ten treatment rooms; there’s a couple’s treatment suite too so you and your other half can enjoy some quality time together. Visit the website for updates: www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

DON’T FORGET THE LITTLE ONES!

A cute pageboy or darling flowergirl can add that extra touch of magic to the bridal photos. For bags of ahh-factor check out the range of irresistible clothing for little ones at www.coccolinonorwich.co.uk They’ve been selling gorgeous children’s occasionwear, accessories and more from their Norwich-based shop and online store for more than 15 years. Stocking quality, ethically sourced and organic children’s clothing for boys, girls and babies, there’s something to suit a whole range of styles and tastes.