Q&A Fashion and beauty Local experts offer advice on how to look your big-day best SPRING ROMANCE I need some ideas for a bridal hairstyle that can be worn up for my late-spring wedding – what can you suggest? To create a spring look, there’s a few things to consider. Generally, these seasonal nuptials tend to include soft colour palettes such as pinks, leafy greens and yellows. To narrow down some style options, I look into what accessories the bridal party will have first, whether that’s fresh flowers, flower crowns, combs etc. This would help create the perfect style on your trial, whether it’s a soft low bun, a swept up textured up do with pieces down, or a beach waved half up half down style with twists or plaits. The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and confident. It’s easy to think you need to have a certain style for the theme of your wedding, but you still want to remain looking like yourself. Make sure to be honest about how you’re feeling about the style throughout your trial and trust in the process. Have your trial done in the morning, if possible, so you can see how you feel throughout the day and if you like the look. Also, wear a top with a similar neckline to your dress so you can imagine how your hair will fall on the day. Claire Hateley www.instagram.com/hairstylistworcester FINDING THE ONE I’m a plus-size bride about to start wedding dress shopping and I’m dreading it! Do you have any advice? First of all, don’t be nervous! This is supposed to be an enjoyable experience for you and the ones you love. Secondly, I would advise you check with the store that you like that they stock samples of plus-size dresses before visiting. Unfortunately, and unfairly, some bridal shops have a different idea of what ‘plus size’ should be. Here at Ava May Bridal, we consider plus size to be a size 20 or above, but some stores will consider a 16 as plus size. It’s also worth noting that wedding dress sizes aren’t always like high street sizes. You may have to go up a size or two in a wedding gown. It’s also worth checking how many samples they have in your size. It’s one thing to state that they can order up to a size 36, most designers will be able to do that, but they might only have samples in a size 14. Since Covid-19, stock levels have fluctuated with the need to sell off-the-peg for last-minute brides wanting to take advantage of venue discounts, so even if you booked an appointment months in advance and they said they had the sample sizes you needed, give them a call the week before to double check. If you’d prefer to be in the fitting room on your own or to have the shop to yourself, let the bridal shop know that too. My store will always try to accommodate brides, but we need them to be honest with us too. Lastly, I would say to do some research on the kind of gowns you think you might like and show them to the team at the store. Keep an open mind and remember the bridal consultants are there to help you as much or as little as you need. Jen Jamieson www.avamaybridal.com D283 Cinderella by Allure Bridals 90
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