Category Archives: Dress

Still look fabulous when you spend less

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Hair accessories

Hair accessories can be a big outlay for something that you will only wear once. Instead of one expensive tiara, why not opt for a lower cost small bridal comb and a few pins or clusters of grips? These can be arranged in groups to create a high-impact look for less. Mix and match the styles to create an elaborate big day finish.

Make an investment

Why not spend your wedding accessories budget on a few key pieces of bridal jewellery that you will wear again and again long after your wedding day? Even a statement and more expensive piece of bridal jewellery will effectively cost less if you wear it lots of times!

Perfect presents

It is wonderful to include family members and friends in your wedding planning so why not ask them if they would treat you to your bridal jewellery for your next birthday or Christmas present? People are often stuck for gift ideas and love to be part of your wedding preparations.

Double up!

Make your bridesmaids’ accessories their thank you gifts. Simply tell them you have their jewellery sorted and give them a wonderful surprise on the big day. It also ensures that your girls will be wearing accessories which fit in with your wedding theme.

Borrow

If you loved your Auntie’s or best friend’s wedding dress, then why not ask if you wouldn’t mind borrowing it? 

Wedding dresses can always look different if the veils are changed and the wedding bouquet is a different colour. We are sure that the person you borrowed it from would feel very happy that the dress has been put to good use and will bring back some good memories of their special day.

We are sure you can think of many more money saving ideas for your big day – just remember less is more…

Common bridal hair mistakes

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It’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life. As the bride, you’ll be the centre of attention, and not only will your friends and family be present, but your photographs will capture the moment forever. On the big day, you want to look like yourself, only better. There’s nothing worse than a bride wearing a gorgeous gown, in the perfect location, whose hair is so dreadful that guests can’t keep their eyes off of it. 

Brides should always have a consultation with the stylist who will be doing their hair one to two months before the wedding date to ensure that their dream hairstyle fits in with their dream day. 

Here are 10 common hair mistakes that brides make.

1. You forget your veil or headpiece. The veil factors into your overall look, and its length and style may determine if you’ll want to wear your hair up or down. If the veil hasn’t arrived yet, ask the bridal salon to loan you a sample, or at least bring along a photo when consulting with your wedding hairdresser.

2. You cut your hair days before the wedding. Stay away from the scissors and don’t plan on getting a haircut right before the big day. Instead, do it a month or two prior to the wedding to ensure that you like the cut and it will work with the hairstyle you’ve chosen.

3. You don’t carefully choose your stylist. You will remember your wedding day forever, so choose someone you trust to style your hair. If your hairdresser doesn’t typically do wedding hairstyles, ask him or her for a recommendation, or speak with friends or other brides who have had hairstyles you’ve admired.

4. You experiment with hair colour. Talk to your stylist about how you envision your hair on the big day, and let your colourist know if you are planning on wearing your hair up or down. It’s also not advisable to dramatically change your hair colour before the wedding. You want to look like an enhanced version of you, not someone completely different. 

5. You only try one style. Just as you tried on several wedding dresses (even if you knew the first one was the best), have your stylist show you at least three different looks based on your description of what you want.

6. You go to your consultation without any ideas. Pictures speak louder than words. Gather photos of brides hairstyles you like. This will give the stylist an idea of the kind of style you’re seeking. The stylist can’t make you look like the person in the picture, but he or she can attempt to copy the hair as long as the texture and length are not an issue.

7. You forget about touch-ups. If it’s in your budget, consider having the stylist stay after the ceremony and throughout the evening to do touch-ups to your hair—or even give you a completely different look. If the expense is too high, ask the stylist for tips on how to touch up your own hair during the reception.

8. You forget about the dress. Your hair should always complement your gown. Select your gown first and then decide on the hairstyle with your stylist.

9. You think short hair is your only option. If your cute bob doesn’t jive with your dream of having long locks on the big day, ask your stylist for extensions. This temporary fix can be a perfect solution.

10. You forget about the groom. Although you’ll be the focus of the big day, you will want his hair to look just as good. Make sure the groom gets a good haircut a week before the wedding. 

A handy 12-month planner

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The perfect Wedding needs planning and we thought that this 12-month handy wedding planner maybe just the job to ensure you are organised for the big day;

12 months to go…

Have the budget conversation with your fiancé and your parents?

Fix a date and time
Decide on guest numbers
Visit reception venues and book one as soon as possible
Buy wedding insurance

11 months to go…

Send save-the-dates

Book your wedding photographer and videographer (Make sure the church or wedding venue allows photos and videos to be shot!)
Book the caterer, DJ and/or band
Make appointments to try on wedding dresses

10 months to go…

Choose your guests – bridesmaids, ushers and best man etc.
Decide on your dress (allow at least six months for a made-to-measure dress to be delivered)
Choose and order your bridesmaid’s outfits.
Start thinking about a honeymoon, including the costs, season and flights

9 months to go…

Find a wedding florist and discuss your flowers, including buttonholes, bouquets and arrangements for the church and reception venue
Taste and confirm your menu and drinks with your caterer
Choose and order your bridesmaid outfits

8 months to go…

If you’re getting married in a church, discuss readings with the minister or priest and music with the musicians
If it’s a civil ceremony, enquire about what readings and music are permitted
Order invitations and envelopes (allow one invitation per married couple or family), plus place cards, menus and a seating plan

7 months to go…

Book transport to the wedding venue and on to the reception for you and your bridal party (as well as a car to take you to your first-night hotel or the airport)

Order your wedding cake

Choose and order wedding favours

6 months to go…

Remind your fiancé to get his and the usher’s outfits
Choose gifts for the wedding party
Pick your wedding rings
Confirm the order of service with your priest or registrar, and then have guest booklets printed. If you have a choir, they need copies, too

5 months to go…

Go honeymoon shopping (Remember summer clothes aren’t easy to find in the winter and vice versa!)
Book a hairdresser and style consultation (do this earlier if you’re planning to grow your hair)
Book your make-up artist and trial appointments

4 months to go…

If you’re changing your name, renew your passport now or do it after you have your honeymoon. The officiating minister or registrar will sign the form
Find out if you need visas or inoculations for your honeymoon.
Discuss hen and stag night plans with your friends.

3 months to go…

Pick a company and start gift-list window shopping!
Book for a colour (if you get your hair coloured) and a trim
Organise a rehearsal and inform those who will need to be there
Attend a reading of the banns, if you’ll marry in a church

2 months to go…

Send out invitations six weeks before the day and keep a list of acceptances
Check that your fiancé has organised the rings, his wedding clothes, and your first-night hotel
Try on your whole wedding outfit, including headdress, shoes and underwear. Forgotten anything? Get it!
Book any other beauty treatments (nails, fake tans, etc.)

1 month to go…

Confirm numbers with caterers and do the seating plan
Discuss special requests with your band or DJ
Order honeymoon currency and traveller’s cheques
Visit the hairdresser to try out hairstyles with your veil and tiara, and have your final cut and colour
Have your hen and stag nights – after all that running around, it’s time to party!

Colour Schemes

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A soft yellow and grey colour scheme is a great choice for a spring wedding. These colours will look beautiful in any wedding venue! These fab finds will help you create this delightful theme.

Bright bridesmaids

Dress your maids in pretty yellow dresses with silver details to add a bit of sparkle.

Stunning wedding stationery

Pretty teacups wedding invitations are so sweet and it will give your guest the clue to your colour scheme they will have been waiting for.

Pretty petals

Get your guests involved with you colour scheme on the big day by handing out confetti where you can mix petals to fit your theme, this mix is a lovely combination for your yellow and grey theme.

Amazing accessories

Add a touch of colour to your wedding outfit with this sparkly hair comb, and you can wear it after the wedding too! It’s super glam.

Wonderful wedding cake

Have a beautiful wedding cake with its hand painted flower detail is so pretty and a can also double up as a magnificent centrepiece for your reception.

Fabulous favours

Think of your colour scheme such as a yellow and grey colour scheme.

Flaunt your footwear

Primrose yellow shoes will look gorgeous as a little hint of colour under your dress. Alternatively, if your bridesmaids are wearing pale grey dresses these will complete their outfit perfectly!

With so many combinations of colours it’s sometimes hard to think, you want it to look good and not have any regrets.  We think that in the Spring Yellow and Grey look fab and even the gentlemen guests won’t mind wearing a bit of Yellow and Grey!!!

Are you planning a beach wedding?

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Once you find the perfect wedding dress and booked an amazing seaside wedding venue, you need to start thinking about your look. 

What constitutes beachy wedding hair for you? Braids, texture with waves. A fresh unstructured playful look.

What should a bride do if she’s marrying on a beach in a humid climate and is prone to frizzy hair?

The best thing to do would be to have braids or twists in the hair, or have the hair pulled back fairly tightly. Always embrace the texture and using salt spray to add to it, perhaps have some braids around your face for some pretty detail and then it doesn’t matter so much if the rest of the hair gets a little frizzy as it adds to the look. You can also use a strong hairspray to seal the hair but it can look quite fixed so although it seals away moisture it may not fit for a relaxed look as much.

What styles work for a breezy beach in the UK and why?

It depends on how warm it is, but if it’s really breezy, a loose chignon of some sort to keep the hair away from the face. A look with loose tendrils and texture would be ideal, nothing too fixed and neat. Then if it isn’t too structured the odd hair being blown about will add to the look and it will not look as though anything is out of place.

How can a bride master boho, beachy waves?

The conical wand is best to create natural looking waves in the hair, and salt spray for adding texture is brilliant. Adding a few fishtail braids woven through or around the face can look very boho; a fine floral crown looks amazing with this style or a few small flowers dotted through the hair also will look beautiful.

What type of wedding hair accessories would you recommend for a beach wedding?

Definitely a flower head crown– Or a few faux flowers dotted through the hair.

Things to Avoid

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After months of planning, you want your wedding day to be perfect and for that reason there are a few things to avoid the day before your wedding! Take on board these points to avoid some easily made mistakes.

Making Any Extreme Changes to Your Hair

If you want to do something a little different with your hair before your wedding day such as dying or cutting it, the day before your wedding day is not the time to start experimenting! It is recommended that you try out your new look about 6 months in advance giving you plenty of time to change it if it goes horribly wrong! Even a basic trim is recommended to be done a week before your wedding and a refresh of colour 10 days before.

Drinking Too Much Alcohol

I’m sure we don’t need to remind you how you feel after too much booze! We appreciate that you may want a glass or two of champagne to celebrate your wedding eve, but leave it at a couple and make sure you drink plenty of water between glasses. You have the whole of the next day to go crazy on the bubbly stuff so keep it modest the day before.

Fake Tanning

To ensure you get the perfect skin tone and don’t end up with your dress a delicate shade of tan, apply your fake tan 48 hours before the wedding, not the day before.

Going to Bed Too Late

We know it might be difficult to sleep with all the excitement, but endeavour to hit the sheets at a reasonable time. Even if your still awake, lying down in the dark will help rest the mind and body so that you are fresh for the next day.

Extreme Physical Activity

A bride should glide down the aisle, not be hobbling because of achy muscles or worst yet, a broken limb! Let’s keep any extreme physical activity that could cause injury to a minimum the day before your wedding.

Sunbathing

It can be tempting to top up your tan the day before your wedding, especially if you are getting married abroad, but the last thing you want is to burn, strap marks or sun stroke! However, if you can’t bear the thought of missing a day out in the sun make sure you apply a high factor sunscreen, wear a hat and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Leave Everything to the Last Minute

The last thing you want to be doing the day before your wedding is panicking because there are still things to be sorted. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help from friends and family the week before the wedding to get any last minute things sorted, leaving you to do nothing but relax and pamper yourself the day before the wedding.

Using New Cosmetic Products, You Haven’t Tried Out Before

Whilst you may never have had an allergic reaction to cosmetic before, don’t take the risk right before your wedding. Have a trial run of all the beauty products you intend to use (including makeup, creams, oils, face washes etc.) well in advance so that you can ensure you look nothing but radiant.

Cringe-worthy moments

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While most aspects of planning a wedding are really fun and exciting, there are a few moments, which may leave you feeling uncomfortable. There are also aspects of the day that may make you feel a bit anxious. 

Telling your friend, she’s not your bridesmaid

Having to tell one of your friends that she isn’t your bridesmaid is probably one of the biggest hurdles in the planning stage of the wedding. The best way to let her know that you still care about her is to tell her quietly and ask her to do something else at the wedding, for example make a speech.

Inviting work colleagues to the wedding

If you don’t want to invite everyone in the office to your wedding day, that’s absolutely fine! It’s your day, just invite your closest work friends and be discreet. Ask them to keep quiet about it too and if you decide to invite everyone, try not to leave one or two people out.

Inviting your mum or mother in-law to the hen do

Inviting your mum to your hen do can be a hard decision. If you feel like you won’t be able to let your hair down, relax and have fun then don’t invite her. An alternative can be to do something a bit more formal to celebrate with your mum rather than taking her out with your friends. It’s important to make sure she doesn’t feel left out though.

Messing up the first dance

Every bride fears messing up the first dance, whether that means stepping on the groom’s toes or falling to the floor. It is definitely something that should be practiced a few times, it doesn’t have to be choreographed but take some time with it. If you really can’t dance, then just simply sway with each other and invite everyone to join the dance floor as soon as possible.

Going to the ladies’ room in your dress

This may be something that’s overlooked when choosing your perfect wedding dress, but essential on the wedding night. This is one of the main reasons you should be really close with your bridesmaids, it’s essentially their job to help you with potential problems like this on the night.

Photo angles

It’s a given that on your wedding day there will be hundreds of photos taken of you and you may be worried about not looking good. Try not to worry too much about this, you’ve paid a wedding photographer to take photos of you and they’ll know what angles look the most flattering on you. You can always have a chat with the photographer to ask for the photo you’ve always been dreaming about for the mantelpiece though.

Deciding between lingerie or supportive underwear

This can be a tricky decision because you want to feel the best on your wedding day but wearing tummy-tucking underwear with a non-VPL will be really forgiving when you’re wearing your dress. It’s definitely something to keep in mind; you’ll always have the chance to change quickly after the wedding reception.

Dealing with family feuds

Most of the time, relatives will be civil with each other at a wedding even if they don’t get on with each other. They love you and are there for you on your big day, they won’t be focusing on each other. If you are worried however, then make sure they aren’t sat on the same table or sat near each other at the ceremony. The more distance that can be created between them, the better.

The perfect shape for your figure

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The right wedding dress can do wonders for your figure. It can cinch you in at the waist, create the illusion of a flat tummy, hide big hips and much more – if you choose the right style for your body shape. Not sure what shape you are? Let us help you find your perfect style…

Apple – weight mainly around the middle

An ‘apple’ shaped bride has a body shape which tends to store the majority of the weight around the midriff – think Kate Winslet. Many people who are blessed with this sexy body shape aren’t too sure which is the best way to flaunt their assets but we can recommend the following designs;

A heavily pleated bodice which will help to hide and add additional shape to the torso and help to create a more defined waist. An A-line skirt which helps to keep the figure balanced and draw attention away from the waist.

Pear – weight mainly around the hips and thighs

Brides with a pear-shaped figure tend to have ‘more junk in the trunk’ and so carry more weight around their hips, bum and thighs. When balanced correctly a pear shape can look like a screen siren, take J-Lo for instance, a woman famous for her junk! For this shape we recommend;

A full skirt can hide and balance the figure by flaring out from the middle and highlighting a tiny waist. The sweetheart neckline helps to draw the eye to a defined décolletage and toned shoulders, typical of those lucky pear-shaped ladies. The beaded belt adds an element of bling for that J-Lo factor.

A fitted bodice helps to draw the eye upwards to the torso and the banded waist helps to define and exaggerate an enviable waist. The floral detailing across the bodice helps to add a feminine feel.

Hourglass – Fuller bust and hips, small waist

The hourglass figure can suit many styles of dress. The key to an hourglass figure is to accentuate the waist as this is your main asset. Many people believe the hourglass shape to be the perfect figure and this is embodied by Kelly Brook who is famous for her womanly curves. The following styles would be perfect for this heavenly body shape…

For example, a classic fishtail skirt and form fitting bodice. Hourglass stars such as Dita von Teese often favour this dress shape as it helps to show off a tiny waist but also highlight desirable assets, which an hourglass will possess. The sweetheart neckline will also help to define the bust whilst drawing the eye to a woman’s most treasured assets.

Another show stopping design for an hourglass would be a figure-hugging, pleated bodice with statement tulle, fishtail skirt. This exaggerated shape helps to balance out your faultless curves and the fitted bodice will help to highlight that defined waist.

Reverse Pear – Larger bust with smaller hips and legs

The key thing for a ‘reverse pear’ figure is to balance out the silhouette. Dresses with a fitted bodice and fuller skirt tend to work better as they help to even out the figure and create more of an hourglass shape. Celebrities such as Eva Mendes really rock this shape by following these simple rules.

A fitted bodice helps to define the waist and the lace shoulder straps help to keep the bust secure and the bride comfortable. The full skirt adds volume to smaller hips and balances out a heavy top. 

Athletic – Slim all over

With an athletic build you need to create the illusion of curves as this body type is toned and sculpted to perfection. This build tends to look best in form-hugging dresses as they do not have the worry of looking top or bottom heavy. Celebrities such as Cameron Diaz can look amazing in practically any dress due to her enviable athletic shape…

A belted definition at the waist to help create the illusion of womanly curves. A cowl bust helps to emphasise a smaller chest and the beaded straps help to secure the dress and show off toned shoulders. A column skirt helps to keep the silhouette even and elegant.

A Hot Pink Wedding!!!

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Stand out from the crowds with a hot pink wedding theme! This colour looks lovely with ivories and creams so will compliment your dress perfectly, and is an easy theme to stick too!

Beautiful bridesmaids

Your bridesmaids will stand out from your guests in hot pink bridesmaid dresses! Team them with simple pink and cream bouquets and let the dresses do the talking

Stunning stationery

Your stationery is the first glimpse of your wedding day that your guests will get; impress them with a bright design that will give the wow factor!

Fancy footwear

To add a pop of colour to your wedding outfit with amazing pink shoes which will be the perfect finishing touch!

Pretty petals

Lovely petals make the perfect biodegradable confetti to hand round to your guests. We love the two toned pink and cream colour!

Decorative details

Personalise candleholders with bespoke vinyl stickers from with decals. You can also have vinyl stickers designed for on the dance floor, walls, table centres, favours or anything you want! Add a hot pink candle to fit in with your theme.

Why your Wedding day is the best day ever!!!

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Kenilworth Homestead Wedding-7

It’s all about you

Your wedding day is a literally a day where you and your partner can embrace each other. Everything on the day is for the both of you; everyone is there to celebrate your love and marriage. Most importantly, it is a day to celebrate the start of your lives together!

The dress

Choosing your Wedding dress is possibly the best part of the wedding planning. It’s what every girl dreams of! It’s one time you can buy a really expensive dress without having to justify the price tag.

Wonderful company

One of the best things about the wedding is being able to spend a whole day with your closest friends and family. It’s all about love, laughter and celebration!

Pamper time

Although the morning of wedding is pretty stressful, it’s also a chance to be pampered by professionals whilst drinking champagne with your best girls. You can get your hair and make-up done professionally while you sit back, relax and think about married life!

Hen do

You may find it hard to get all of your best friends together at the same time to catch up and have a party. However, your hen doo is the perfect time for this! And what better reason to meet up to celebrate the fact you’re transitioning to married life. There are many ways to have a hen do, rather than going all out with sashes and tiaras, you could have a more formal affair where you dress up and have a sophisticated cocktail party.

Romantic honeymoon

Whether you decide to go to a hot country, go travelling or simply rent a quiet cottage in the countryside, a romantic getaway directly after your wedding is the perfect way to start married life. It gives you both a chance to let your hair down after months of planning your perfect wedding and look back on your memories.

Dream wedding

Everyone has an idea in their head as to what they want their wedding to be like, whether it’s princess Wedding, boho-inspired big day or a Disney themed affair, we’ve all been dreaming about the idyllic wedding since we were children. Now you’re a bride, you finally get to plan every single aspect of it, even from choosing what kind of cutlery you want! Although wedding planning is stressful, it’ll be completely worth it.

Love of your life

You know what the best bit of being a bride is? You get to marry the love of your life: your soulmate, your best friend and your love. If that’s not the best thing in the world, we don’t know what is?