ANDREW AND ROB’S TOP TIP Do your research and find a reputable boutique. Look at reviews and check out their social media for pictures of real brides and to get an insight into their experience and feedback. SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING REINVENTED Green and sustainable are key buzzwords for 2022 weddings as more and more newlyweds-to-be become increasingly aware of eco credentials and the carbon footprint of their big day. Choosing a vintage dress can tick a lot of boxes not just for your something old, but something green too. “If vintage style isn’t your thing, you may be surprised to discover how some designs from decades ago can look as fresh and contemporary as if they’d just come off the catwalk,” explains Erica Arnold, owner of Hampshirebased Real Green Dress, specialists in original restored vintage and beautiful remodelled gowns. To find out more visit www.realgreendress.com From the Pure Collection of restored vintage dresses From the Evolution Collection of contemporary dresses crafted from vintage pieces. Aliana Ellis Bridals NOT JUST A WHITE WEDDING Finding the one is like no other shopping experience. There’s so much emotion invested in the process that it can evoke a whole range of feelings. “When choosing your dress it always helps to have the style of your wedding in mind and the venue,” advises Sarah Pardey of Sarah Jane Bridal in Poole, Dorset (www.facebook.com/pg/ sarahjanebridalboutique). She believes colour is set to be one of the big trends for 2022, particularly delicate hues like blush, champagne and soft nude tones. “Blush and warm shades are great for brides with a pale complexion as they can enhance their skin tone,” adds Sarah. “Black wedding gowns are also big – they look fabulous but are very daring and definitely not for the faint-hearted. Again, it’s best to consider your venue and wedding style before choosing one.” SARAH’S TOP TIP When searching for your dream dress, try to limit the number of boutiques you visit to no more than three as it can get very confusing. HAVE FUN Co-owners of award-winning Creatiques Bridal Boutique in Southsea (www.creatiques.co.uk) Andrew and Rob Pearce have a wealth of experience in the wedding industry. Their message to brides-to-be is to make the most of the dress shopping, relax and enjoy it. They advise, “Choose very carefully who you invite to come with you. Some brides feel under pressure to ask members of the family or people who may be challenging and why would you want that hanging over your wedding-gown experience? It should be fun!” Dreama by Justin Alexander MINDFUL MAKEOVERS The dress, bridal hair and make-up are all important we know, but what about the inner you? In today’s ‘Insta-perfect’ world, the pressures can be overwhelming and health and beauty expert Harriet Forrester (www.facebook.com/beautybyharrietemma) believes looking after your mental wellbeing should be a priority too. She says, “Being the best version of yourself has to be based on how you feel which can easily be neglected when you’re busy planning a wedding. As much as it’s great to have the right look, it’s important to get your mental health right too. Prior to the big day, make sure you find time to relax and just as importantly to exercise and be active. It’s not just about body image, but also about giving yourself the right head space, whether that’s through yoga, running or a high-intensity interval training session. Even if you’re busy, try to invest the time to make it happen, it really does make all the difference.” To make the most of your make-up trial Heather advises: ❤ Try to look for inspiration from pictures of people where little or no filters have been used and with similar hair, skin, and eyecolouring to your own. ❤ Ideally book your trial around eight to 12 weeks before the wedding. Any later could be a rush and you don’t want to struggle to get an appointment, equally too far in advance and your style may change. ❤ Provide a few options if you can, but equally trust your makeup artist. We really do understand what looks, colours and styles work. ❤ Pre-plan your trial. Are you happy for people to see your bridal make-up, or do you want to keep it a surprise? ❤ Prep your skin either by investing in a facial a few days before your appointment or exfoliate and use a hydrating mask the day before. ❤ Sleep, water, diet – three essentials to be more aware of before your pre-wedding makeover and in the run-up to your big day as it can make all the difference to how you look and feel. LOOKING YOUR BEST 53
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=