LOOKING YOUR BEST

LOOKING

YOUR BEST

Couples inevitably want to look their ultimate big-day best for their wedding, which is why we’ve asked fashion and beauty experts from around the region to showcase inspiration and popular trends

RING-A-DING-DING

We’re looking for wedding rings, but we have no idea where to start as there are so many on the market. What advice can you share when it comes to finding the perfect pieces? Choosing your wedding rings should be an enjoyable experience; sipping a glass of fizz and trying on different rings with your partner is a memory to treasure.

It’s all about selecting the best fit and style to match your engagement ring. It should be the same metal as the other ring to reduce wear and tear, but it must complement the style and feel comfortable.

For the gents, it’s often a tricky experience as many haven’t worn a ring before, that’s why coming into the boutique and having an opportunity to try different widths and profiles is the best idea.

Here at Baker Brothers Diamonds in Bedford, we have a very relaxed atmosphere with a team of experts who love to share your experience while guiding you through the variations of rings while answering all questions. We will also clean and sparkle your engagement ring while you’re trying on wedding rings. Lizzie Mcauley | Baker Brother Diamonds | www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

BIG-DAY BEAUTIFUL

I’m wearing an off-the-shoulder dress for our wedding and wanted to know what hairstyle would work best with it. What would you suggest? There are plenty of hairstyle options when it comes to offthe-shoulder dresses. For brides opting for this dress style, a dreamy and romantic up do with soft waves would complement this style and wouldn’t compromise the gown’s details.

I like half-up half-down styles with beach waves for these types of gowns, but the most important factor to consider is your personal style and what would you feel comfortable in – that’s an important question I ask all my brides. I would always give my bride a trial with both looks but as a bridal specialist, I can offer advice but it’s down to personal preference. Danine Marie Eary | Danine Marie Hair www.daninemariehair.com

www.beckyharleyphotography.co.uk

LOVE IS IN THE HAIR

We’re having an intimate and romantic wedding on Valentine’s Day in a country manor. What soft and romantic hairstyles work best with the venue? A soft and simple style, which complements your dress would be the perfect option. The weather may be a little on the temperamental side of things, depending on the time of year, but a loose fishtail braid would work perfectly whatever the weather. The soft and effortless look works on various hair types and textures; hair stylists can even include additional hair to add extra length and thickness.

An alternative idea for an up do is a low chignon pinned to the nape of the neck with some soft curls around the face. This timeless and elegant look will complement any bride. Nicola Marshall | Bespoke Bridal Hair by Nicola Marshall www.bespokebridalhair.co.uk

SEARCHING FOR THE ONE

What style of dress will give me a timeless look for my manor house wedding? A timeless look involves the elegance of a low back, lace dress. One of our most popular styles is our Amelia dress, which features beautiful guipure lace over blush silk and a straight-cut skirt that falls perfectly over any body shape. Changes to the design of this dress can be made with our bespoke service, including adding a train for a more dramatic effect or taking off the short sleeves. This gown looks incredible with a detachable tulle overlay skirt for the ceremony, which can then be removed for the reception – the perfect two-in-one dress. Emily White | Emily Victoria White www.emilyvictoriawhite.co.uk

https://nikkismoments.com

HAIR GOALS

When should I start thinking about booking my hair artist, and do you have any tips for finding a company that’s a perfect fit? It’s never too early to book your wedding hairstylist, especially if your heart is set on a specific company as some are booked up to two years in advance and have limited availability through peek seasons (June to September).

Here are some tips: ❤ Websites are great, but I find that it’s a very polished view of companies work.

Have a good look through their Instagram or Facebook pages because you’ll get a more day-to-day view and see if their work style suits you and your wedding vibe. ❤ Look at your chosen venue’s recommended supplier list as most will have a couple of local hairstylists that have worked at the location – this can be useful if you’re not local to the area. I’d always go with a recommendation as the hard work is done for you. ❤ Find a price your comfortable paying, there are hairstylists at every price point with the most experienced being more expensive. If you receive a quote that doesn’t work for you, keep looking. ❤ Calling for a chat is the best way to see if a hairstylist can meet all of your needs.

They should make you feel comfortable and confident that you’re in the best hands possible so you can sit back and enjoy your day. Kim Sandford | Kim Sandford Hairdressing www.kimsandfordhairdressing.co.uk

SUMMER LOVIN’

My hubby-to-be and I are getting married next summer and would like to incorporate the season into my jewellery. Do you have any suggestions? The summer season provides endless inspiration for weddings and includes plenty of jewellery choices. Adding floral motifs in flower-shaped earrings, pendants and bracelets are great ways to add a summery vibe into your bridal bling. These could be inspired by blooms in your bouquet or summer meadow forms.

The boho look always feels very summery. Think layered-gold chains and anklets, flower-inspired hair slides or headpieces, which can all achieve a relaxed, summer look.

Colour-wise, if your wedding scheme allows it, aqua paired with coral and pinks set in yellow gold couldn’t be more perfect! Try aquamarine, amazonite or turquoise, paired with cherry quartz, morganite, pink sapphire, or coral. You could even design a set of bespoke jewellery for you and the bridesmaids incorporating these tones, which look so good layered together in clusters of gemstone beads. Finally, you can’t go wrong with diamonds as they look best in the bright summer sunshine. Jodie Gearing | Jodie Gearing Bespoke Jewellery Design www.jodiegearing.com

▲ With a beautiful sparkle and gorgeous colours, this intricately designed ring created by Heulwen Lewis Bespoke is sure to wow, well pretty much everyone who sees it! The company specialises in designing and creating beautiful custom-made jewellery for all couples no matter their style.

Check out the company: www.heulwenlewisbespoke.com ▲ Captured from a gorgeous shoot at Tewin Bury Farm Hotel, this hairstyle created by Bespoke Bridal Hair By Nicola Marshall is perfect for brides looking for a soft-boho style. The up do shows off the gown’s open back and the pearl hair accessories finishes off the look beautifully.

Check out the company: www.bespokebridalhair.co.uk

www.sdj-creative.co.uk

www.watters.com

▲ What’s not to love about this dreamy gown available at Oliver’s Bridal & Formalwear? With a romantic silhouette, cinched waist, tulle and an open back; this fashion-forward design will wow all guests.

Check out: www.oliversbridalandformalwear.co.uk ▲ These butterfly earrings by Heulwen Lewis Bespoke are perfect for any bridesmaid. The simple design will look complement any style of wedding or colour scheme and the piece can be worn again after the special day.

Check out the company: www.heulwenlewisbespoke.com

www.fantonphotography.co.uk

▲ Hair accessories can transform any hairstyle, and this one created by multi-award-winning Kelly Spence Bridal Accessories will look stunning in photographs. The piece is perfect for bohostyled weddings and works well with lowstyle chignon.

Check out: www.kellyspence.com ▲ For brides who don’t normally wear make-up but want to add a little coverage on the special day, check out this look by Sabina Ventriglia Makeup Artist. When it comes to creating a natural effect, getting the base right is essential and this supplier has it down to a T!

Check out the company: www.sabinaventriglia.co.uk