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How to create the perfect wedding look

We’ve asked local suppliers to send in some of their top tips for incorporating a theme or colour scheme into your big-day style.

Pastel-themed weddings are an up-and-coming trend that we’re seeing a lot of here at Your North West Wedding, so we asked make-up artist, Amy Brown (www.amybrown-makeup.co.uk) how to incorporate pastel shades into your make-up.

Amy says: 2021 is all about pastels, which can easily be incorporated into your theme through your flowers and make-up. A pop of colour can be applied subtly through your eye shadow or liner, allowing you to keep the rest of your make-up bridal. These hues go well with a light liquid blush and soft lip, creating a fresh look.

Those of you wanting a more vibrant style could go for a shimmer pigmented product. I recommend MAC Pigment Colour Powder or the Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, both are great for adding a hint of colour to your day. These products, alongside many others, can be purchased at www.lookfantastic.com, and you can receive 20 per cent off using the code LFTFAMYBROWN.

Pastel tones

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FINDING THE ONE

If you want an on-trend design that will make your big day stand out, then look no further than a pastel palette. ❤ Go against tradition with a coloured wedding dress or add a pastel tulle skirt over the top of your gown. This can then be removed later in the evening to create a completely different style. ❤ Add a pop of colour through your veil or by adding a belt. ❤ A bespoke creation may be the best option for you but take into consideration the time scale and money involved. Most bridal boutiques suggest you visit up to a year before your wedding, but if you’re after a tailored creation, it may be worth booking an appointment as soon as possible to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for.

The great outdoors

Wedding planner, Deanna Melia from Your Forever After (www.yourforeverafter.co.uk) gives her top tips for creating a nature-inspired celebration.

Deanna says: Are you having a themed wedding? Whether you choose a rustic, garden, bohemian or Victorian theme, you need to ensure that you incorporate it into your overall look. It will most certainly take a lot of thought and time deciding on a theme, but the results will definitely pay off.

DÉCOR

This includes anything from menus, table names/numbers to centrepieces. For example, if you plan on having a garden wedding, you could use softcoloured flowers with lots of greenery and use the same blooms in your bouquet to bring the two elements together.

Opt for white plates and tablecloths and pastel placemats to break up the hues and to add a more subtle tone. Try having menus in a floral design that match your bouquet, and each table name/number a specific colour.

Decorate the aisle with dried petals instead of confetti as they are biodegradable, meaning that there will be no harm to the environment in terms of pollution. They also look and smell beautiful and are super affordable!

A wedding arch can be decorated with the same blooms as your bouquet. Drape them in between white, chiffon fabric to bring out the tones of the flowers and to add cleanliness to the look.

HAIR AND MAKE-UP

For a garden wedding, the half up and half down look or a classic bun with plaits is the way to go. They look beautiful, elegant and can work with a tiara, flower crown or clip. Make sure you go to a hair stylist and get a trial before your wedding day, after all, what works for one person may not work for another, so trial and error is your best friend.

For an outdoor wedding, it's best to go with a natural look and incorporate hints of your colour scheme. For example, if you were to have a pastel pallet, then you would go for softer shades, whereas if you have bold hues like wine red and navy blue, you might go for heavier make-up. Again, make sure you go for trials as you may have something in mind but then hate it during your trial. Choosing a reliable and reputable artist is important to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.

VENUE

If you want a specific theme for your wedding, your venue choice is crucial. It should be the first thing you choose when it comes to your wedding day as everything else is usually planned around it. For outdoor celebrations, make sure your property has a backup option in case it rains, such as an event tent put up outside a covered area to protect you and your guests from the weather.

DRESS AND SHOES

Saying yes to the dress can be difficult as many brides want to go for looks over practicality. For example, if you’ve chosen to have an outdoor wedding in January in the UK, it’s likely going to rain, which means that a design with a long trail probably isn’t going to be very practical and will get dirty very quickly. This is by no means a statement to stop you from getting that style but maybe have a detachable trail so that when you’re not on a beautifully protected wedding aisle, it doesn’t get ruined.

Have a pair of flat shoes to hand, as you never know what the weather is going to do, and slim heels will most certainly sink into the mud, which can be disastrous, so chunky heels, kitten heels or flat shoes will be your best friend!

Don’t forget, the most important thing is that you are comfortable and it makes you happy because after all, it’s going to be one of the most wonderful days of your life. No matter what theme you go with, always remember, sometimes less is more.

Vintage romance

Make-up artist, Emma Askew (www.emmaaskew.com) tells us how you can incorporate a vintage theme into your make-up.

Emma says: Vintage-inspired weddings are one of the most fun make-up looks to create. Here are some of my top tips:

Glowing skin. Make-up will only sit well if it has a good base. Water will be your best friend so keep hydrated running up to your big day. The vintage look is all about porcelain skin, so invest in a quality long-wearing foundation such as Estee Lauder Double Wear which will see you right through the day and into the evening. Keep your skin matte and finish with a translucent pressed or loose powder to lock your make-up into place. Laura Mercier does an excellent one that will last you well beyond your big day.

Create the perfect eyebrows. It’s amazing how different you can look with good or bad brows. Make sure yours are well-groomed and shaped. Vintage brows are strong and immaculate.

Winged eyeliner. This is synonymous with the vintage look, and the key is to practice, practice, practice! Try a black liquid eyeliner pen such as the L’Oreal Perfect Slim. It’s super easy to use, waterproof, and one of the easiest ways to achieve wings. If you’re worried about straight lines, you can purchase templates to pop next to your eye or use a piece of sellotape that will do a similar thing.

Lips. Red lips are a must when it comes to recreating that vintage look but be aware this look is high maintenance for a wedding day. Ask your maidof-honour to be on lipstick duty, as you don’t want the dreaded red ring around your lips showing up on your photos. Regular application will make sure your pout is picture perfect!