SO Weddings February 2017

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WEDDINGS

so

offers in store and online for this Christmas IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SU15, 128 Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells 01892 533307 info@toulsonjonesjewellers.co.uk

WW.TOULSONJONESJEWELLERS.CO.UK

THE SO MAGAZINE

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ALL’S FAYRE

Your guide to the best wedding fairs around

Bridal Bible

BRIDAL BUISINESS How Pantiles Bride stays ahead of the game

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AISLE STYLE

The top wedding trends for 2017

NAME CHANGER Two brides tackle the surname debate

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WEDDINGS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH TOULSON JONES

WEDDING PLANNER YO U R G O - TO G U I D E TO G ET YO U F RO M ‘ Y ES ’ TO ‘ I D O ’ …

ONE YEAR TO GO This is the ideal time to start making some of the bigger decisions about your wedding. Write a provisional guest list so you have an idea of numbers, as the length of your list will determine the type and size of venue you go for. Once you’ve got an idea, book appointments to see venues. Also bear in mind that you may need to book a registrar and arrange a wedding license.

Although it might seem too early, 12 months before the wedding is also a good time to start thinking about dresses. Finding ‘the one’ can take a while and boutiques have limited weekend appointments, so there’s no harm in getting organised and booking a try-on session.

NINE MONTHS TO GO If you’ve managed to find and book a venue then this a good time to send your guests ‘save the date’ cards to let them know about your impending nuptials.

At this stage you may be overwhelmed by websites, bridal magazines and lists.

To see the bigger picture, book to go along to a wedding fair. This will give you a great idea of what’s available from cakes, caterers, bands and photographers.

Plus, many exhibitors have discounted rates for brides booking on the day.

THREE MONTHS TO GO

SIX MONTHS TO GO

TWO MONTHS TO GO

Now hopefully the bigger elements of the wedding, such as your venue, caterer and dress are all sorted, which makes way for you to focus on the finer details, like decorations and accessories for the day, bridesmaid dresses and your groom’s suit.

This is also the time to get booking – if you’re planning to have your hair and makeup done on the day, book these.

The same goes for securing a wedding car and a hotel for the night of your wedding.

It’s also time to think past the wedding to the honeymoon and start making arrangements for that too.

As the wedding gets closer there’s lots to confirm. Choose your ceremony music, finalise your menu choices and speak to your suppliers to ensure everything is in place.

It’s also a good time to have your hair trial and start thinking about a beauty regime. Begin having pedicures so your feet are ready for the day, and if you’re having a spray tan it’s a good idea to book in a practice one first.

Your guests should all have the date firmly in their diaries, but now’s the time to make it official by sending out your invites. Allow guests enough time to RSVP but also bear in mind that until you have their confirmation you won’t be able to firm up numbers and complete table plans.

ONE MONTH TO GO Obviously the most important thing to

focus on is the hen and stag parties, but also book in a final dress fitting where you can try on your shoes and accessories and give your venue copies of supplier contracts.

TWO WEEKS TO GO Write a list of photographs you’d like on the day and give it to your photographer.

If you can, meet them at your venue so you can run through everything with them. If you’re jetting off straight after your wedding, begin packing now so it’s not a stress on the big day.

WEDDING WEEK This week will be busy but try to relax!

Have some beauty treatments booked so you’re ready for the big day, confirm the final details with your venue and suppliers and get any DIY projects and setting up completed. Then, have a glass of wine and an early night before the big day commences…

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FinishingTouches When it comes to weddings, it’s often the details that make the day. Meet some of the finest local suppliers and discover how they can help to make your day magical…

SARAH MCINTYRE Sarah McIntyre has been in the beauty business for over 20 years.

Specialising in anti-ageing bespoke facials, using state of the art equipment, she is passionate about skin care, and is constantly training in new treatments. She has developed a high performance facial designed to rejuvenate and improve the overall appearance of the face and neck.

The Ultimate Facial consists of muscle lifting, mesotherapy, radio frequency, to stimulate collagen, and LED light therapy to tighten the skin.

The overall effect is a glowing, toned, and younger looking appearance. Look your best on your special day as the mother of the bride or groom. www.sarahmcintyrebeauty.org

REBECCA MUNDY When the months of careful planning have passed to treasured memories, it’s your wedding and engagement rings that will serve as potent and enduring reminders of your special day and the promises you have made.

It’s important to get them right. Having your rings custom made is the ideal solution.

Each ring by Rebecca Mundy is designed and

made exclusively for you, using time honoured and traditional techniques.

Rebecca’s attention to detail and focus on you and your ideas are key to ensuring that your rings perfectly encapsulate your lifestyle, personality and most importantly the memories of your special day. www.rebeccamundy.co.uk 01892 322 712

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ASTILBE & SORREL

SERENITY THERAPIES At Serenity Therapies, discover the true definition of luxury at our serene salon in Tunbridge Wells. We offer tailor made treatments to your individual needs from: massage, facials, waxing, threading, eye enhancements, manicures and pedicures.

We also offer more specialised treatments, including: glycolic face peels, collagen infusion and no-needle mesotherapy using Anubis from Barcelona and Fusion products. You could also try our natural facelifts using massage to lift and tone. We also offer our inch loss and toning machine LipoSculpt to help you along the way.

We truly have something for everyone at Serenity Therapies.

63a High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1XU 01892 535 252 www.serenitytherapies.com

Astilbe & Sorrel offer a bespoke service to create the perfect wedding flowers to suit you and your special day. From natural and wild bouquets to rounded posies of stunning roses, intricate flower crowns to quirky, stand-out buttonholes, you will be welcome to let your imagination run wild, and we’ll be here to guide you. Ceremony and reception flowers are also covered, whether you’re marrying traditionally or unconventionally, we’ll work with your tastes, colour palette and vision to achieve the look that you desire.

Contact Sophie on: 01580 754 825 or email: astilbeandsorrel@gmail.com

ELIZABETH ROSE It’s all about the shimmer this season.

Enhance neutral accessories by choosing elegant styles with a touch of shine and sparkle. This gorgeous mink coloured hat

by Failsworth (£99) instantly takes your outfit to the next level, whilst the patent toe on these Gabor shoes (£89) gives your look a chic and polished finish. This dainty Gaby’s heart necklace (£29) is perfect for a bride looking for a subtle last touch without overwhelming the impact of the dress.

All available from Elizabeth Rose, Tenterden, 01580 763 815 www.elizabeth-rose.com

STORY OF MY DRESS Story of my Dress was created to offer local brides something different, a one off dress that is stylish but still affordable. I like to be able to offer brides the unique, one of a kind and stylish choice of dress and accessories.

From our original vintage collection or our own ‘SOMD’ collection that we have carefully designed to sit alongside the vintage. All of our dresses are priced under £1200 unless bespoke.

The showroom is based in the Mill Yard in West Malling; it is super relaxed and personable, leaving brides and their families with a memorable dress shopping experience.

I never take for granted the pleasure of being involved in a brides most special time, it is such a privilege and I have many wonderful memories of my own from the many brides who have worn a Story of my Dress gown. www.storyofmydress.com 07919 154 115

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ADVERTORIAL

WEDDED BLISS

Make your big day extra special at Westerham Golf Club

S

et against the backdrop of the gorgeous Kent North Downs and offering stunning views across the course, this light, contemporary suite offers an idyllic location in a fabulous setting for your special day.

The first floor Valance Suite makes the most of its setting and offers panoramic views across the course and beyond.

High beamed ceilings, open fireplaces and large windows make this an open and light, yet cosy venue, which boasts private lounge and bar areas and a full length balcony.

Fully licenced for Civil Ceremonies, the Valance Suite can accommodate up to 230 guests (seated) at any time (250 for a ceremony).

This stunning venue has been wowing hosts for years and has been regularly shortlisted as a Finalist in the Kent Wedding Awards.

With a reputation for excellent cuisine and first class service, our guests can select from a range of pre-set menus and wedding packages,

designed to offer great value. Alternatively, why not let our talented chefs create a bespoke menu to suit you?

For those organising Asian, African or Caribbean celebrations, our events team are flexible when it comes to extended hours and specialist catering requirements and offer special terms if required.

If you would like to enquire about holding your wedding at Westerham Golf Club, please call our events team on 01959 567 100.

Further information can also be found at: www.westerhamgc.co.uk

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH TOULSON JONES

12TH FEBRUARY The Wedding Experience @ The Royal Wells Hotel

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR A W E D D I N G FA I R I S A G R E AT WAY T O D I S C O V E R A R A N G E OF AMAZING SUPPLIERS, CHECK OU T POTENT IAL V EN U ES A N D, I F YO U ’ RE LU C KY, S A M P LE S O M E CA KE !

With around 30 exhibitors from florists to photographers, you’ll find a wealth of wedding suppliers at this show. The backdrop of the stylish Royal Wells Hotel completes the experience – the perfect event to get a head start on planning your big day.

H E R E ’ S Y O U R G U I D E T O T H E B E S T FA I R S , S H O W S A N D E V E N T S TA K I N G P L A C E I N 2 0 1 7 …

10.30am to 3pm.

Free entry. www.royalwells.co.uk

BEST FOR… GORGEOUS GROUNDS

BEST FOR… STYLISH COUPLES

19TH MARCH

19TH FEBRUARY

19TH MARCH

18TH & 19TH MARCH

One Warwick Park Wedding Show

Chiddingstone Castle Wedding Fair

Spring Wedding Fayre @ The Little Silver Hotel

A Most Curious Wedding Fair

This newly-opened luxury hotel in the heart of Tunbridge Wells has lots to offer when it comes to weddings.

Discover more about the contemporary setting, meet a range of quality suppliers and discuss your plans with the onsite professionals.

Taking place within the beautiful castle and their marquee too, at the annual Chiddingstone Castle wedding fair you can meet selected specialist suppliers, enjoy some live entertainment and sample some delicious treats while you browse.

What’s not to love?

Constantly voted one of Kent’s top wedding venues, The Little Silver are sharing their wisdom with a spring wedding fayre. Head to the Tenterden venue to discover the beautiful setting, plus speak to a variety of recommended professionals and exhibitors all under one roof.

Style savvy couples need to get these dates in the diary and head to Brick Lane in London for one of the coolest wedding fairs around. With a whole host of the most on-trend exhibitors in attendance, and with catwalks showcasing the most stylish bridal looks, this fair is a great way to discover what’s‘now’in the wedding world.

11am to 3pm.

Free entry. www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

11am to 3pm.

Free entry. www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

10.30am to 3pm.

Free entry. www.little-silver.co.uk

10.30am to 5.30pm.

Entry £8.50 in advance or £10 on the day. www.amostcuriousweddingfair.co.uk

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BEST FOR… LOCAL SUPPLIERS 18TH FEBRUARY

19TH FEBRUARY

19TH FEBRUARY

5TH MARCH

Kent Wedding Fair @ Friday Street Farm

The Hop Farm Wedding Show

The Sussex Boutique & Bridal Boot Fair

Salomon’s Estate Wedding Show

Housed in stunning tipis, this fabulous fair is filled with the best local suppliers. Get a chance to speak to wedding experts and see a wonderful array of local vendors, including photographers, cake makers, florists, jewellery, lighting, hair stylists, celebrants, favours, ice creams, photo booth bus, circus acts, DJs and more.

Plan your dream day in the stunning surroundings of The Hop Farm at Paddock Wood.

View the wedding facilities, demonstrations and services available, and meet local handpicked wedding suppliers, who will all be on hand to help build your special day.

It might be a little further afield, but for pre-loved bargains and unique finds, East Dean and Friston village hall near Eastbourne is the place to go. As well as brides and grooms selling their wares, there’ll also be handpicked local businesses offering special offers for their unique products and services.

If you’re looking for an elegant venue steeped in history, then consider a visit to Salomon’s Estate in Tunbridge Wells for their wedding show. Meet a range of top suppliers, see the spectacular rooms and grounds, and receive a free goody bag too.

10am to 4pm.

Free entry. www.homegurrown.co.uk

11am to 3pm.

Free entry. www.thehopfarm.co.uk

10am to 2pm.

Free entry. www.alldressedupweddings.co.uk

11am to 3pm.

Free entry. www.salomons-estate.com

BEST FOR… DIY BRIDES 2ND APRIL

21ST MAY

29TH JUNE

7TH & 8TH OCTOBER

Mountains Country House Open Day

Wedding Fayre @ Mercure Tunbridge Wells

Wedding Open Evening @ The Spa Hotel

The Totally WOW Wedding Fair

All areas of this stunning venue will be dressed and available to explore when they hold their wedding open day. Meet their recommended suppliers, sample canapés and enjoy a complimentary drink while viewing the house and gardens.

The events team will be available to show you around and answer any questions you may have about your forthcoming wedding.

This Kent Wedding Fayre brings together the best local wedding suppliers and specialists in the industry, dedicated to making your special day perfect. Go along to talk to the exhibitors, and get some great ideas and inspiration in the process. With florists, photographers and bridalwear sellers among the exhibitors, there’ll be plenty to discover.

If you’re thinking of holding your nuptials at The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells, then attending one of their wedding open evenings is a must. View the beautiful function suites dressed for wedding ceremonies and wedding breakfasts, and their wedding coordinators will be on hand to give you a guided tour and assist you with all aspects of planning your big day.

Creative Brides have teamed up with Chafford Park in Tunbridge Wells to create a unique wedding fair. These ladies know how to find and showcase the best quirky and original suppliers in beautiful surroundings, so if you’re looking for something a bit different for your wedding, or want some DIY inspiration, this is the fair to find it at.

10am to 3pm.

Free entry. www.mountainscountryhouse.co.uk

10.30am to 3pm.

Free entry. www.mercuretunbridgewells.co.uk

5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Free entry. www.spahotel.co.uk

11am to 3pm.

Free entry. www.creativebrides.co.uk

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Dress Success In 1997 Maria Musgrove-Wethy launched The Pantiles Bride boutique in Tunbridge Wells. As she celebrates its 20th birthday, she reflects on where it all began, ands what’s in store for the bridal industry…

You’re celebrating your 20th birthday – what made you decide to start the business in 1997?

In 1989 I got married in the Caribbean and on the way home a US outlet store was selling wedding gowns at $100, and with an exchange rate of almost $2 to the pound it was a shame to say no! I invested $600, bought a suitcase and my business plan was scribbled on the back of the menu card on the BA flight home! At the time I was travelling the world for an international training company and wanted a business closer to home as my biological clock

was ticking. My first foray into bridal was in 1990 hiring gowns from our oast house in Lamberhurst.

Why did you decide on Tunbridge Wells as a location for the shop?

In the seven years I had been hiring gowns I had seen six bridal shops open and close in Tunbridge Wells and in 1996 one shop selling my favourite designers was closing down so I thought ‘it’s now or never’. In the 90s recession there was a surfeit of shops on both the High Street and The Pantiles.

I opted for the pedestrianised Pantiles as

I preferred its genteel Georgian charm.

Twenty years on The Pantiles is at its prime and with its café society brides are charmed by the whole vibe here and with its easy access by train from London we often find them visiting again even after they’re married.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced since you started the business?

Finding the right calibre of staff – particularly qualified seamstresses. My current team and I have 50 years’ experience in bridal. Our fitting and alterations service is in-house which sets us apart from other bridal

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“Over half of our brides are from personal recommendations and when a new bride says: “my friend bought from you and she says not to go anywhere else” I really know we’re doing a great job” well as taking bridal consultations as I believe that the only way to keep The Pantiles Bride at the number one spot is by helping brides find their dream dress and giving the ultimate personal service.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

After the wedding when a bride sends us photos and tells us how amazing she felt on her day and then says that she’ll be telling her newly engaged friends to come and visit us.

Over half of our brides are from personal recommendations and when a new bride says: “my friend bought from you and she says not to go anywhere else” I really know we’re doing a great job.

boutiques and provides a truly luxe service to every bride.

We look after our bride from the moment she orders her gown to when she collects it.

What’s a typical day at work like for you?

Busy and never boring. One minute I can be updating social media, the next I’m reassuring a bride with a ‘wedding dress wobble’ and then sourcing a gown for an overseas bride who needs it shipped in a month when the lead time is usually three times that! That’s as

How do you decide which designers to stock?

Quality and reliability are our key criteria along with an ability to move with the times. We listen to our brides and if they aren’t loving what we’ve selected then we need to change.

Our bestselling designer is our new label Jesus Peiro from Barcelona.

Our aim is to have a good mix of styles and when a bride says: “you’ve got the best selection anywhere and I wish I’d come here first” we know we’ve got it right.

Where do you think the wedding dress market is going to go in the future?

How long have you got? As a committee member of the Retail Bridalwear Association (a prestigious trade association with just over 100 members) this is a subject which is often hotly debated by our member shops.

Competition has never been as fierce from other retailers, internet sellers, pre-loved gown

shops, US giant David’s Bridal and outlet shops springing up in major cities. To quote retail guru Mary Portas: "To survive on the high street, shops must prioritise experience and ethics”. It will be survival of the fittest and for me that means those suppliers and shops that embrace service and what the customer experience really means for a once in a lifetime luxury purchase of a wedding gown.

How have wedding dress trends changed over the years, and do you have a favourite style?

1987 was heavily influenced by Princess Diana’s gown and in the 90s the ‘meringue’ (Four Weddings and a Funeral has a lot to answer for) was still in vogue. The millennium saw strapless, separates and colour coming through. Vintage has now given way to boho as relaxed festival weddings and more informal venues such as barns and village halls are becoming increasingly popular.

My heart is still in a classic silk gown with a high bateau neckline with the contemporary twist of a low back or a glamorous beaded belt detail or even a traditional bow and sash all complemented by a cathedral length tulle veil with lace edging. Gorgeous and timeless!

What are some of the big dress trends you’ve seen emerging for 2017?

A swing away from strapless, structured and all over lace and a trend towards simpler, softer styles with interesting backs and sleeves. Oh and the bow is back in a big way!

Can you share a piece of advice for anyone looking for a wedding dress?

Have your venue booked, come and visit in the season in which you’re getting married (a year before) and the fewer people you bring with you the easier your choice will be. Buying your gown is the ultimate shopping experience and you want to be with people who really know you and want the best for you. www.pantilesbride.com SO Magazine / FEBRUARY 2017 / 83

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH TOULSON JONES

THE LOOK of LOVE The world of weddings is increasingly changing – from dress styles to food requests, each year brings about its own set of must-have requirements. In the age of Pinterest, every element of a wedding must now be considered, and with an abundance of options, knowing where to start is one of the hardest tasks. With this in mind, we spoke to some of the best local wedding experts around to find out what their big trend predictions for weddings this year will be, and also how the bridal market has evolved too…

THE FOOD

By Chicks that Chop, caterers We have been catering for weddings for 23 years and have seen many changes during that time. We started with canapés being barely mentioned and every request was for a buffet or plated main course and pudding.

The weddings we have catered for over the last few years and bookings for this year are completely different; clients now want lots of delicious canapés followed by a family service style main course, with dishes served to the centre of each table for guests to hand around to each other. This creates an informal atmosphere and facilitates guests talking to each other very quickly, even if they have never met! We often provide a

butterfly leg of lamb from the barbecue accompanied by interesting and unusual salads. We are very fortunate to have the likes of Yottam Ottolenghi (Plenty, Plenty More, The Cookbook) and Sabrina Ghayour (Persianna & Sirocco) around who have introduced us to some great dishes, a feast for the eye as well as the palate! There seems to be a lot more foodies around than ever before which makes life much more interesting for us caterers. www.chicksthatchop.co.uk

THE HONEYMOON

By Baldwins Travel The possibilities and choices for planning a romantic honeymoon are endless, with so SO Magazine / FEBRUARY 2017 / 87

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THE HAIR

By Liz Bower, owner of Simply Beautiful Wedding Hair

many travel operators out there, how can you make the perfect choice of destination and experience that will last a lifetime?

Whilst you might choose your destination based on yours and your partner’s lifestyle, hobbies and interests, you should also consider what is on your bucket list as a life-long travel wish.

It is a time to relax and unwind after the excitement of the wedding festivities, so look to find romance, pampering and exquisite food, but most importantly, make memories.

A few destinations that are hot for 2017/18 are: Caribbean, Mauritius, African Safari or New Zealand – where you could be helihiking on glaciers, kayaking with dolphins, horse riding through the bush and bathing in natural hot springs. www.baldwinstravel.co.uk

Succulents and herbs are on brides’ wish lists and British grown flowers are also definitely growing in popularity – I use them in my wedding work as much as possible.

Nudes are still in demand but I’m seeing more peachy tones combined with darker colours like marsala or navy. Contrast is key – think dusty blues, burgundy and champagne alongside touches of metallic shades like gold, copper and rose gold.

Peonies and garden roses are still popular and both work brilliantly with the favoured peach and marsala tones. Of course the classic simplicity of white and green never tires and is still in demand. www.thefloristtunbridgewells.co.uk

THE PHOTOS

By Sam Yardley, wedding photographer

THE FLOWERS

By Jo Fisher, owner of The Florist Tunbridge Wells No two weddings are the same of course, but in recent years the natural and rustic style has been very popular and continues to be. Bouquets in particular are no longer uniform but are getting looser and bigger and I see this continuing into 2017 with unstructured, natural cascade bouquets being a firm favourite.

Over the past 12 months I have seen an increase in the influence of social media on the expectations of my wedding couples. I am sure that this has not yet seen its peak and that the popularity of Pinterest and Instagram will continue and grow, giving my brides inspiration for their own weddings and photography. This can sometimes give unrealistic expectations, but by working together we can interpret the ideas to create their own personal story. www.samyardleyphotography.co.uk

2017 will be a season full of soft braids and beach waves, high messy top knots and twists. Rope braids, fishtail braids, slick French braids, Dutch braids, are all on the cards, as well as classic neat, simple chignons and rolls. Trends are simple, soft, and natural around the front and full of adornment around the back.

I like my brides to bring all their ideas along to the trial, to help create your own look.

Pinterest boards are great for inspiration and a fantastic way for me to understand a bride’s personal style, and theme of their wedding.

Will your hair style need to be created around your hair piece? Maybe a floral crown, or a hair vine trailing through the back of a style, or even beautiful comb made from great grandmother’s diamante buckle or broach. Will you be wearing a veil?

Bridal hairstyles have changed over the last 12 months, swaying away from side of nape messy knots, which were huge in 2015/16 and classic half up half down, pinned to the middle with a clip.

The world is your oyster! www.simplybeautifulweddinghair.co.uk

THE JEWELLERY

By G Collins & Sons, jewellers As a lot of ladies are now opting for diamond halo designs and diamonds set into the shoulders of their engagement rings and they are often finding diamond set wedding bands compliment their engagement rings better than a plain wedding band. We are also noticing more people opting for rose gold instead of yellow gold, with a softer colouring it tends to compliment more skin tones and is very on trend at the moment.

Many women buy their fiancée a wedding gift for their big day as something special to commemorate the occasion, now one of our most popular gifts is a Cartier watch. It’s the perfect gift of a timeless watch that he will enjoy every day for the rest of his life. www.gcollinsandsons.com

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THE MAKEUP

By Ellie Gill, makeup artist One of the things that most brides want is to look the best version of themselves.

Over the past year ‘festival’ style weddings have been hugely popular and lots of my clients have wanted a fresh, natural look to go with the laid-back vibe of their wedding.

I’ve gradually seen an increase in people becoming interested in the ingredients that go into their cosmetics and I think ‘green beauty’ will be huge in 2017.

Last year wellbeing and healthy eating were both huge trends. The awareness is moving towards natural, safe, healthy cosmetics.

The great thing about products containing all-natural ingredients is that they make achieving the pretty, glowing bridal look super easy! Natural products often contain skin-nourishing ingredients which can help improve the skin’s overall condition.

I’ve been working as a makeup artist in the wedding industry for five years now. This will be my first transitioning to an all-green; natural makeup kit and I can’t wait! www.elliegill.co.uk

THE DRESS

By Rebecca Doyle, owner of Isabella Grace bridal boutique The two mains trends in wedding dresses for 2017 will continue to be colour and statement backs.

It really is now all about the back of the dress. The aim is to make the back as stunning and striking as the front of the dress, if not more so. The first thing that most of the wedding guests see at the start of the wedding day is the back of the bride’s dress so it really is important to think about this. When I got married ten years ago, it was

a simple boring zip at the back. But now, the possibilities are endless! Brides are also moving away from traditional ivory and towards more vintage colours such as blush, champagne and almond. There will also be a continued move away from the big lace dresses we have seen in 2016. Brides are tending to go for more delicate lace or choose alternative fabrics with a hint of lace.

The most popular fabric for wedding dresses at the moment is crepe, which is just so elegant and graceful. www.isabellagracebridal.com

THE VINTAGE

By Cara Lee-Whyte, owner of Story of My Dress Having carefully collected my original vintage wedding dresses over the last four years I have certainly seen many changes!

When I started purveying for original vintage it was at a time when 1950s tea length dresses were extremely desirable, original or newly designed. I couldn’t collect or restore them fast enough. The request for 1930s wedding dresses never seems to fade either. The long flowing silk, bias cut beauties are extremely hard to get hold of due to the length of time they would have had to been stored correctly but as soon as they are in the shop they are out again.

Right now I would say that the 1960/70s dresses are becoming extremely popular; the brides are looking for a much more relaxed, easy to wear look. The dresses from this era are whimsical and evoke a sense of free-spirited brides perfect for the outside, barn, garden weddings that are very frequent amongst my brides today.

1960s guipure lace, crochet, off the shoulder

and 1970s fringing and fluted sleeves are going to be huge this year. Think ‘summer of love’ and Woodstock vibes. www.storyofmydress.com

THE THEME

By Natalie Wilkins, wedding co-ordinator at Chiddingstone Castle Over the past year, we saw less of the vintage shabby chic of the past few years.

Giant balloons and statement paper-craft has emerged, with huge fluffed out pompoms and a reappearance of the giant paper globe lantern. Festival fever has made an impression; capturing the relaxed fun of the modern British summer, with a nostalgic nod towards the traditional. Some couples have extended to the croquet set to recreate a light-hearted mock-up of a mini fete; with stacked hay bales, coconut shies and candy floss, ‘pimp your Prosecco’ stands and rustic wheel barrows chilling the beer on ice. Guests are encouraged to kick off the high heels for the egg and spoon, relay and sack races.

A new idea to us, awakened the most evocative of senses when one couple scented the castle throughout with reed diffusers.

Walking past the NEOM stand in a perfume hall whilst shopping, I was transported back to the joyful wedding here. www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

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WEDDINGS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH TOULSON JONES

Fresh Faced If you’ve got a wedding coming up, now is a good time to start a new skincare regime.

So’s Vikki Hyder heads to Serenity Therapies in Tunbridge Wells to experience the benefits of their new Fusion XPERT Mesotherapy facial

I

’ve tried and tested various methods over the years, but finding one that feels relaxing and gives that soothing effect, along with the science to give good results, is a task, not to mention an expensive game!

Victoria at Serenity Therapies has been excited to try their new needle free Mesotherapy on me, and gauge my thoughts on how it matches up to other facial treatments in the market at the moment.

The Fusion XPERT is an advanced approach to Mesotherapy based on a combination of electroporation and photo bio-stimulation, which enhances the transportation of products through the epidermis to the dermis via cellular pores. This process allows product to reach the heart of the cells, at the same time emitting an LED light to activate certain biological functions of the skin and the cells.

Victoria assures me this technique is results driven, and still feels like the good old facials we all love and go back to for that feel-good factor.

Feeling warm and relaxed, Victoria begins to cleanse my face, preparing the skin for the next step of exfoliation, which is applied and left to work its magic on the surface, removing dead skin cells at a deeper level than your everyday products at home. Next stop, the Fusion Meso is applied using the Fusion Xpert Machine, which has a rounded mushroom shape to it, giving a massage effect to the face as the serum is penetrated into the skin with a micro pulse synced with your own pulse by wearing a wrist band attached to the machine.

The sensation of the machine is similar to a CACI facial, but instead of long thin prongs, its round surface offers a milder pulse and more pleasant sensation when gliding over the face.

After two variants of cream by Anubis Barcelona are absorbed, one for anti-ageing problem areas and the other for generic rejuvenation, Victoria moves on to apply a mask, which is left for ten minutes, further helping the anti-ageing process and calming

the skin. We finish with an oxygen cream massaged into the skin, which feels extremely nourishing and soothing on the face.

This treatment is just one of many this system offers, and focuses on ultimate anti-ageing (£65). But, there are treatments to suit a range of concerns, including acne, pigmentation, eye contour rejuvenation and even cellulite.

I leave with a healthy glow and my face already feels rejuvenated. For the best results, you would commit to one or two facials a week for around six weeks, followed by a monthly upkeep. Victoria explains that following this plan would achieve results in four weeks, with the new skin cells coming to the surface, so this would definitely be an ideal treatment for brides-to-be, mother of the bride or even a guest seeking a bit of pre-wedding pampering.

Serenity Therapies 01892 535 252 www.serenitytherapies.com

“This plan would achieve results in four weeks, with the new skin cells coming to the surface, so this would definitely be an ideal treatment for brides-to-be”

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WEDDINGS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH TOULSON JONES

BRIDE WARS Should you change your name when you get married?

Two members of the SO office battle it out…

YES

NO

Anna Hawkins Of course I changed my name when I got married. It was an opportunity to adjust my brand attributes; to ‘launch’ myself as a married woman. At my core, in a darkened room, I’m still me, but marriage gave me a chance to mark a conscious step-change. Having selected the man I thought would be a great husband and father, why wouldn’t I want to be ‘Mrs Man-That-I’d Chosen’?

Others may hang on to their maiden name for reasons to do with identity or feminism. I put it to you that a misunderstanding of what marriage means has more than likely occurred.

Becoming a wife means you take on a new identity, a refusal to accept this is surely a nod towards commitment phobia, perhaps an inkling that things might not work out in the long run?

Keeping your maiden name at work makes slightly more sense, but I still believe it’s a mistake. It’s a well-known fact that married women do better at work. Being (successfully) married is good for one’s personal brand. Sure,

Eileen Leahy changing email addresses is cumbersome but IT departments are fairly nifty these days and redirection is possible.

Aside from aforementioned philosophical reasons, there are plentiful practical reasons to change your name. If, for example you travel with your child (who presumably has your husband’s name? Another confusion…) you’ll need identity papers to prove you’re not kidnapping them. What fun at the airport!

The ONLY exception might be if the surname to be taken was truly hideous, but then, using the gift of foresight, I would not have merrily courted anyone with a surname of such ridiculousness. A man who had lived under the cloud of such a terrible label would undoubtedly have deep psychological issues that may manifest themselves in marital affairs further down the line.

I rest my case, in essence, changing one’s name is merely a confident assertion that your man is worthy of your hand in marriage.

‘What’s in a name?’ Goes the old adage . . . well in my personal opinion quite a lot actually.

A woman having to change her surname when she marries is, to me, a tradition that’s totally draconian and sexist. Why on earth should we? Why should a man’s surname automatically take precedence over a woman’s once that wedding band is slipped on her finger? What era is this? The one when women didn’t have the right to vote or open their own bank account? No, it’s the 21st century where women work just as hard as men, earn their own living and make their own decisions so the idea of being forced to change the name that has defined you since birth is beyond preposterous!

When I got married over 12 years ago there was never any question of changing my name. I was known as Eileen Leahy, both personally and professionally as a journalist.

That aside, I have to admit that I really like my Irish surname and despite the

majority of people not having a clue how to pronounce it (phonetically it’s Lee-hee) I rather enjoy the fact that it’s unusual and that it suits my Christian name (also Irish) very well. Why at the ripe old age of 32 would I have wanted to take on someone else’s name which didn’t bear any relation to me? I was marrying the man I love for his gorgeous and generous nature, incredible sense of humour, and great taste in music – not his name.

When I had my children I was also rather miffed that they automatically take their father’s name if you are married. Quite a bitter misogynist pill to swallow when you’ve carried them for nine months, given birth and breastfed, but that’s another rant for another time...

Ultimately for me it’s having the freedom of choice to keep a name I love and expresses who I am – despite being married – and that makes me feel like I’m still me and not owned by anyone else.

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