Your West Midlands Wedding- December 2020/January 2021 (Issue 71)

96 Local experts offer advice on how to look your big-day best this winter DRESSED TO IMPRESS Q – I’m looking for a stylish suit to wear at my upcoming wedding. I’d love something that ties in with our winter theme without being over the top. Do you have any suggestions? One of the most critical questions we ask grooms-to-be is, what do you plan to do with the suit after the big day? Often they are planning to wear it again to other weddings, so it’s worth factoring this into your fabric choices. A mid- weight around 12oz will do you for most months of the year. The key to using it in the winter is texture. Hopsack and glencheck are my personal favourites and look awesome. If this isn’t crucial, then you can afford to be heavier on the cloth weight, which will drape even better too! For a relaxed, barn style wedding mid-weight tweeds are a great option. The material makes up wonderfully, has bucket loads of texture and depth and photographs like a dream. Look for herringbone and twill. If you’re having a formal affair, then a luxurious flannel is your friend. The slightly mottled texture gives a warm, deep feel, whilst screaming sartorial elegance. Most tweeds and flannel colours mirror the colder seasons too. Burnt orange, mocha brown and forest green alongside the ever classic navy and mid greys. Lastly, note that heavier cloth works well with a softer made suit. Think less padding and more Italian style. Let the quality of the cloth do the work, and the softness of the suit do the comfort. Scott Caddick Owner and tailoring specialist www.colmoretailors.co.uk SPARKLE AND SHINE Q – How can we incorporate Christmas hues into my bridesmaids’ hair and make-up? I love a Christmas wedding, especially if the weather is on your side. The most important thing is to take care of your hair before your wedding. This is especially important in the colder months as the winter air can make it look dry and a little dull. I always offer my clients a deep conditioning treatment and shine to make the locks look glossy and healthy. With the potential for rain, snow or sleet – or even the wind messing up your bridesmaids’ hair, I always recommend an up do. This will stay in place and hold any decorative items regardless of the weather. Fresh flowers can be the perfect romantic finish to your girls’ hairstyles, but you’ll have to make sure the blooms you have chosen can withstand the colder temperatures. Snowdrops are a good choice or hardy greens such as ivy and ferns. Add a sparkly tiara or decorative accessory to create a festive look. A simple pop of colour such as plum or red lip will offset paler skin beautifully and look great against their dresses. Use a simple black liquid liner on the eyes that will pair beautifully with the bold lip. Don’t forget to use waterproof products to avoid any smudges! If you’re like me and not a lip girl and would rather go for statement eyes, try a smoky eye with added glitter and sparkle. You could also add a shimmer of gold into the crease or corner of the eye. Laura Timms Hair and make-up artist www.lauratimms.co.uk Q&A Fashion & Beauty SEARCHING FOR THE ONE Q – I’d like to wear a stylish dress that will also keep me warm at our winter wedding. What I should look for? Try and find something with a high neck and/or sleeves. We have a fabulous dress by Kenneth Winston called 1879 , which has a detachable train so you can create two looks in one. The gown is a champagne colour and is adorned with embroidered cotton lace. It’s the perfect dress for a winter wedding and will definitely make an impact on your guests. Julie Reilly Wedding dress expert www.perfectionsbridalstudio.com COLOUR POP Q – I want to wear a colourful wedding dress. What should I look for? Here at TDR-Bridal Birmingham, we love a splash of colour! Not only is it a great way of expressing your personality, but it can also pull together your theme and if done right make a beautiful aesthetic for your guests that they’ll remember for years to come. Many dresses come with colour options, so if you find a design you love, check if there’s a way of incorporating your chosen hue into the design. Always ask your boutique for their opinion and what the options are before you buy, as there may be a way to add some amazing beadwork or three-dimensional flowers, which are on trend right now. It may be something as simple as a bow or belt, there are lots of different ideas depending on the design you choose. It’s always important to think about how to incorporate the colour into other parts of your wedding or décor so that you get a really cohesive theme. Another thing to consider is what flowers you want. Do they come in the hue you’re looking for and do they complement your gown? All too often blooms can be overlooked until the last minute, and if it’s not an exact shade your chosen, then it may end up looking a little mismatched. Fundamentally introducing colour is fab, just do your homework first and ensure you plan everything down to the last detail, taking as much advice from the experts around you as possible. Rebecca Baddeley Wedding dress expert www.thedressingroomsbridal.co.uk