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How to look your big-day best

With trends constantly changing and the added pressure of looking your best, we understand how overwhelming the wedding planning process can be. To help make things a bit easier, we’ve rounded up some top tips from local suppliers.

Square necklines

“Similar to the wedding dress style and waistline, the neckline is definitely a defining element of a bride’s dress. Each neckline compliments in a different way depending on your body type, personality, and the silhouette of the gown. There are different types of necklines available, including halter, portrait, one shoulder, high and many more. However, the square neckline is becoming more and more popular among brides today. Square necklines are dramatic and romantic, with a renaissance feel to them. This neckline looks lovely on any bust size, as the clean lines help make the bodice feel secure whilst accentuating the shoulders and collarbones. Square necklines are usually included on gowns with straps or sleeves and are highly in fashion at the moment.

“Another trend is square backs. These again accentuate a bride’s curves whilst revealing a respectable amount of skin allowing for a sexy yet elegant look.

“We recommend wearing a statement necklace or your hair up with larger statement earrings to emphasise and highlight your clavicle.

“Whether your chosen neckline is square or sweetheart, it doesn’t matter. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that you are comfortable and love it!”

The team at May & Grace Bridal Boutique www.mayandgracebridal.com

Moonstone Long Drop by Sarah Alexandra 2383 by Mikaella

Finding the perfect gown

❤ 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. ❤ If you want a bespoke creation, 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. ❤ At the start of your appointment, your consultant will ask about your ideas and plans for the big day. Be descriptive as this will help paint a picture of how you envisage your special day and don’t be afraid to ask questions. ❤ Dress to your tastes for the appointment. This will help the consultant recognise your style. ❤ It’s important you feel comfortable both physically and mentally on your big day. Think carefully about what shoes you’ll be wearing and remember you can still look on-trend in flats. ❤ The evening reception is the perfect time to relax and unwind, so if you’re worried about tripping on your veil, why not purchase two?

Look for a shorter version that will transform your look. ❤ Separates are becoming really popular. It’s a great way of mixing and matching styles and is oh-so comfy. ❤ If you’re eco-conscious and want to cut back on your carbon footprint, shop locally. This means your dress won’t have travelled far, and it supports local companies.

The wow factor

“When it comes to hair, several trends are popping up in 2022. The chignon is a classic yet simple and sweet hairstyle which fits most face shapes. The relaxed version is a little bit undone, with loose pieces framing your face, which adds even more to its appeal. It can also be created as a gorgeous braided top knot bun. Braids are still highly requested by my clients, especially those wanting a boho look.

“Those with long hair will love the ponytail. You can jazz it up a bit and create something special. Try a half-up style, with the ponytail at the top half, and tie in a bow or a scarf for a relaxed look.

“The latest wedding make-up is based on fashion week trends. We’re seeing red lips, black eyeliner, blue accents, metallic lustre, and glow highlighter. You can play around with these ideas and add a touch of glam easily. Alternatively, you could combine nude lips with shimmery eyes as glitter is another huge trend for 2022. However, if this isn’t your thing, then nude lips along with a sultry eye and fresh dewy skin are still on point.”

Amy Lacey www.amylacey.co.uk

Trend predictions

“My prediction for 2022 is that anything goes! You can be as flamboyant as you wish or keep it simple yet elegant. One thing is for sure, all designers are paying a lot more attention to being eco-friendly and sustainable. Here at Fuchsia’s Vintage Bridal Wear, we offer sustainable, vintage gowns that look breathtakingly beautiful.”

Practice Beauty Clinic is a bespoke clinically led service in Sunbury-on-Thames. We use the latest cutting edge skin treatment technology accompanied by professional cosmetic products, some of which are only available in a handful of clinics across London.

In our clinic we are offering the most recently available combined laser technology to deliver superior results in much less time than traditional lasers. This is accompanied by a state of the art cooling machine, giving you fast almost painless laser hair removal. We also offer fat loss treatment using the Lipofirm Pro, used by celebrities and giving instant and lasting effects.

The non-surgical tightening & toning solution to reshape & contour your body exactly where you want. This is a full body solution, and with this ultimate treatment, you can receive more than one TriLipo session in the same day. You can kick start your body contouring regime to assist in inch loss, firming, toning and reducing cellulite. This treatment will provide the effortless body shape with the bonus of no need for post treatment exercise as blood circulation, oxygenation and drainage is enhanced though out the treatment(s). For that important beautiful glow on your big day, we offer the Geneo+ Facial treatment. It is clinically proven to lift, contour and smooth lines and wrinkles. This technology combines oxygenation, radio frequency and exfoliation, brightening your skin, leaving you looking and feeling more youthful.We aim to provide our clients with a full aesthetic service all under one roof that is clinically evaluated, safely delivered and professionally monitored. The access to expert clinicians also means that you can opt for anti wrinkle and filler treatments if you wanted to. We aim to make every client feel amazing on their special day, as that’s our ultimate focus.

Dr Saba Khan

MBBS, DFFP, DRCOG, MRCGP(Dist), MSc (MedEd).

Hair care hero

It can be stressful trying to decide on a hairstyle, especially since there are so many beautiful options out there. To help we’ve come up with a list of hairstyles that match different necklines.

Sweetheart

A sweetheart neckline can be styled in a variety of ways. Since there isn’t much detail around your shoulders, you could opt for the oh-so-popular Hollywood waves, which look particularly good with a boho or beach wedding. Alternatively, a half up and half down look or low bun is becoming more popular.

V-neck

The focus of a V-neck dress is on the shape the neckline creates, so avoid detracting from that with any dramatic jewellery. If you have naturally curly hair, why not embrace that? Alternatively, a braided up do or sleek low ponytail are popular trends for 2022.

Suit

If you’ve decided against a traditional wedding dress and are opting for a suit or two-piece, there are several ways you can style your hair. Soft, flowing waves with a flower crown or a sleek ponytail accessorised with a pop of colour are sure to grab your guests’ attention. Alternatively, if you have short hair, add a bit of volume and curls.

Off-theshoulder

It’s important to highlight your beautiful shoulders in an off-the-shoulder gown, so why not look for a low bun or soft romantic waves?

Low back

Dresses with low backs are becoming more popular in 2022. This gorgeous look can be styled in a variety of ways but we’re seeing more up dos, dramatic waves and sleek ponytails.

High neck

If your dress has a high or halter neckline, avoid having your hair down as it may detract from the gown’s beauty. Instead, look at low ponytails or soft up dos.

High back

Short hair can be left up or down with a high back dress without detracting from its design. If you have long locks, try an up do so you can still see the back of the gown.