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SPARKLE AND SHINE

When it comes to my big-day jewellery, I want to steer away from traditional pieces. What can I opt for that’ll add a statement to my look? Let your wedding day jewellery reflect your individuality and style. Don’t shy away from colour – or diamonds! Not all diamonds are a traditional cut. Tourmalines have an array of rich (and subtle) colour – and diamonds don’t need to be obvious. Briolette drops and diamond slices bring a contemporary feel with the sparkle only a diamond can give. The jewellery you choose for this special day will be something you’ll treasure forever so it’s important that you make the right choice. We work with our couples to help and guide them along the way, from the initial visit to our boutique through to the big day itself. Rachel Sweeney | Cox & Power https://coxandpower.com HAT’S OFF

Our nuptials are quite relaxed so I don’t want to wear a traditional veil but I love the thought of wearing a bridal hat or headpiece. Can you share your advice and favourite styles? It’s always so special making hats and headpieces for a bride, and there are many options if you’d rather not wear a traditional veil. A favourite of ours is a small pillbox with a neat birdcage millinery veil, worn on the back of the head with a little bit of veiling over your eyes. It has a bridal feel but in a less traditional way and works beautifully with a contemporary wedding dress or suit and is timelessly chic.

Silk or flower covered hairbands are also popular. These can be made in all shapes and sizes, so designs can be dramatic or more discreet, and can also have a millinery veil pinned to them that can be removed after the ceremony so the band can be worn for the rest of the day.

We recently really enjoyed making a stunning bespoke sparkly 1920’s style headdress using vintage costume jewellery and pearl buttons found by the bride. The finished piece was totally one-off and a real expression of the bride’s personality and style.

I’d always recommend finding your dress first and then visiting a milliner to discuss with them what hat or headpiece would work. We think about the style, time of year, materials, face shape and of course, personality. As with all hats the right one will make you feel amazing, finish your outfit perfectly and you’ll love wearing it! Sarah Marshall | John Boyd Hats | www.johnboydhats.co.uk

I’m not used to wearing much make-up but I want to look flawless on our big day, whilst still feeling like me. Help! For an effortless look it’s important to choose a make-up artist who specialises in red carpet or event make-up rather than someone who specialises in bridal. A make-up artist with knowledge, experience and expertise in red carpet looks will know how to enhance your skin and features, without giving you a traditional bridal look. I’d always advise that you book a trial ahead of the big day to set your mind at ease. Ask for a look that’ll give you enough coverage while enhancing radiance and creating definition of your face structure. A great professional will work like an alchemist, combining products to make formulas to achieve the best result. Mathew Alexander | Mathew Alexander Hair and Make-up | www.mathewalexander.co.uk

BESPOKE TAILORING

My hubby-to-be is searching for his outfit but he wants something more special than an off-the-rack suit. Can you talk me through the process of going bespoke? Entirely cut and made by hand in our London atelier, our men’s bespoke suit process provides limitless possibilities. We cut each garment to your exact specifications. Even details such as lapel style, shoulder construction and stitch count can all be determined. An in-depth set of measurements are taken, and body figurations and posture considered as we work to accentuate your best features and reflect your individual style. Every suit’s then drafted from a paper pattern allowing us to create and innovate in making you a tailor-made garment that’s free from limitations of a pre-determined block, cut or style.

We pride ourselves on providing expert guidance in terms of styling, fit and cloth, with a focus on a warm and insightful service. Our 3000 cloths are exclusively hand selected from the finest UK, Italian and Japanese mills. Charlie Casely-Hayford | Casely-Hayford https://casely-hayford.com 84 LUXURY BRIDAL

I have an idea of the type of dress I’d like. What advice can you give me for my first bridal appointment that’ll help me find the one – even if it’s different to what I’d imagined? The first step is to have that shape, style and feel in mind of what suits you. If you don’t have an idea yet, that’s ok too, as we can help you find the special one! We have a beautiful edit of versatile glamorous gowns, simple white dresses, jumpsuits and separates and would work with you to explore, try on and find that perfect piece. We would then discuss how we adapt to make this personal to you, be it different colourways or fabrics, alterations to sleeves, neckline, or length. Suzannah London’s bridal pieces are charming, playful and incredibly skilful in construction. I work tirelessly with my technical team to create the most ultimate fit and feeling of a garment. The look and feel are equally important when investing in luxury. Suzannah Crabb | Suzannah London | www.suzannah.com