Amy Hughes of hair and make-up duo Made Over Ladies (www.madeoverladies.com) can usually be found transforming brides into more beautiful versions of themselves. Being behind-the-scenes on the morning of the wedding gives her an unrivalled glimpse into the latest trends, so she tells us what wedding accessories are currently making waves….
Coco Chanel famously said, “When accessorising, always take off the last thing you put on.” When it comes to wedding accessories, I’m not sure if I agree with the grande dame of fashion. The accessories a bride chooses to compliment her and her bridesmaids’ dresses are just about as much fun to choose as the gown itself. Some may opt for a simple dress and let the accessories do the talking, while others choose to go for a ‘more is more’ look with a detailed dress and complimentary sparkling adornments to boot! Here’s a run down on the favourites I’ve fallen in love with recently on the UK wedding scene.
Hair accessories
Think beyond the traditional tiara here and you will be spoiled with stunning, sparkling and one-of-a-kind options. Wear a beautiful necklace over the forehead as a gorgeous Gatsby-style brow band (just ask your stylist to secure with kirby grips). You could also use an ornate necklace to add detail to the back of your hairstyle; you can easily remove the chain and add combs or clips to keep it in place. Finally, if you have an heirloom brooch that’s been handed down through the years, you could have it pinned into a chic up-do. Just add a birdcage veil for some extra vintage charm.
Brooch bouquet
Your bouquet is one of the main focal points of your wedding outfit and while I love fresh flowers, they don’t last forever. If you want a bouquet that’ll last a lifetime and be a show-stopping accessory, choose a brooch bouquet. Adorned in jewels and all that sparkles, these glitzy bouquets can customised to incorporate personal items like your grandmother’s engagement ring or a pin you’ve kept from childhood. Follow your theme through to the groomsmen’s buttonholes and mothers’ corsages to provide a timeless keepsake that can be worn again and again.
Red heart brooch bouquet, made to order, Get Knotted http://www.get-knotted.net/wedding-flowers/brooch-bouquets/
Personalised handkerchief
While we’re on the topic of keepsakes, why not gift your wedding party each with vintage hanky personalised with your wedding date and even a personal message? They’ll be a treasured accessory and a necessity if you expect a tear or two on the big day.
Personalised handkerchief by Adventures and Teaparties, £15, at notonthehighstreet.com http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/adventuresandteaparties/product/personalised-handkerchief
Clutch bag
Keep your wedding day essentials all in one place – a bridal clutch. Choose a simple satin purse bag and adorn it to match your wedding theme. You can customise one for your each of your bridesmaids with lace, pearl-trimmed ribbon, an oversized bow or sew-on silk flowers.
Clutch bag, £44.95, Pink by Paradox London http://paradoxlondon.com/
The contrast shoe
Ivory isn’t the only wedding shoe hue to consider. Instead, choose a colour that packs a punch. This year I’ve seen ‘Tiffany blue’ to echo the colour scheme, royal blue with crystal brooches and red suede Mary Janes. The options are endless and it makes for a fantastic photo opportunity when you lift the dress to show that fun pop of colour.
Catherine royal blue suede shoe, £170, Rachel Simpson Shoes http://www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk
The statement lip
As a make-up artist, one of my personal favourites in accessorising your wedding outfit is a statement lip worn with confidence! Exfoliate your lips with a muslin cloth or toothbrush in the run-up to the big day and seal in moisture with a lip balm. Choose a lip colour to compliment your wedding theme. Try MACs Matt finish Russian Red if you’re going vintage, or Clinique’s Chubby Stick in ‘Pudgy Peony’ for a youthful, fun pink. Your happiness and dazzling smile will be the perfect accessory on your big day!
Chubby Stick in Pudgy Peony, £17, Clinique http://www.clinique.co.uk/