Perfect Wedding April 2017

If you’re in the throws of wedding planning, you’ll already have had a lot of... how shall I put it... ‘guidance’ from friends/family/ total strangers about how your day should look and feel. They will have ‘insight’ into the traditions you should follow, which venue you should choose, and even what you should wear. Well, we’re here to tell you that you, as a couple, should do exactly what you like! Weddings are so personal and individual, that they should reflect you, not your mother-in-law, your best friend or your hairdresser! Do things differently if you wish, or stick to tradition if that’s what feels right, but it must feel exactly that... right. This issue, we break the bridesmaid rules over on page 81 (jumpsuits for your girls?) and get…

GLOWING SKIN “To achieve picture-perfect skin, use a primer to create a good base and then follow with your foundation – I recommend using the Smashbox BB Water foundation for a really flawless finish.” Nigel Barnes, Make-up Artist STAYING POWER “Curls look amazing but they have to be done properly to last the whole day. Prep hair well before you start – on really wet hair, I recommend using a mousse with a drop of Argan Oil to give it shine and hold, then dry hair downwards with your hairdryer to close the cuticle and diffuse the roots to get maximum lift.” Karine Jackson, Hair Stylist FRESH FLORALS Work lots of greenery into your bouquet, like this one from Wild At Heart, for a totally spring-ready feel. GOWN GOALS We…

KEEP IT COSY We tweeted about easy ways to incorporate the hygge trend into your W-day and you guys loved it. Mid-ceremony snuggles may be a little awkward though… SWEET DREAMS Perfect Wedding magazine arrived today – my bedtime reading is now sorted! #weddingmag #imengaged @lifeathollytree SWOON-WORTHY BRIDAL VEILS YOU LOVELY BRIDES-TO- BE ARE OUT IN FORCE LIKING OUR LUST LIST OF UH-MAZING VEILS. OUR FAVE? THIS LACE-TRIMMED BEAUTY FROM TWIGS AND HONEY. SIMPLY STUNNING! DIY drinks dresser This super-cool ‘pimp your prosecco’ station has been re-pinned again and again. Give us a glass and count us in! 55 % OF YOU WILL BE HAVING A WEDDING #HASHTAG – prepare to be Insta- famous! GET IN TOUCH Just engaged? Tell us about your proposal for a chance to feature in…

NATURAL BEAUTY Move aside, white wedding dresses. Nude is the new hue in town, made even more beautiful with delicate white detailing. We are SO on board with this trend. TOMORROW’S GIRL Created by the masterminds behind Pronovias, bridal brand St. Patrick has released a 2018 collection preview (out July), St. Patrick Studio Collection, and if the two styles we’ve seen are anything to go by, it’s going to be uh-mazing. sanpatrick.com SATC STYLE BELIEVE IT OR NOT, MANOLO BLAHNIK HAS NEVER HAD A BRIDAL COLLECTION (WE KNOW, RIGHT?). NOT ANYMORE! TAKE CUES FROM SJP WITH A PAIR OF HOT HEELS FROM THE NEW MARRIED IN MANOLOS RANGE. THE GLOVES ARE...ON News just in: gloves are officially in vogue. Go short and sweet, long and lacy or for a runway-…

So, you choose your guests, and send out invites, yes? If only. In theory it should be this straightforward, but it’s a rare bride who avoids a minefield of family politics and tricky etiquette. Whether it’s plus ones or little ones, distant cousins or can’t-stand uncles, here’s how to steer your way through in style... Where to start THE KEY FACTORS AFFECTING YOUR GUEST NUMBERS ARE venue capacity and cost. The usual starting point for most couples is to settle on a number of guests, then divide that between the two of you. However, wedding planner Alexandra Merri (thebijoubride.com) suggests otherwise: “Forget the even split, as the most important thing is to be surrounded by people who truly want to share in your celebrations.” There’s no point dividing your numbers…

If you’re struggling to meet everyone’s demands and manage your numbers, an evening guest list is a failsafe backup. Use it as an opportunity to invite a host of your parents’ friends, work colleagues or plus ones you’re less familiar with, but bear in mind some guests might take offence at only being invited to the evening if you’re asking them to travel a long way. Minimise the risk by making your evening do into an event in itself: set a firm start time, make sure guests are greeted with a drink and put on catering, as there’s nothing worse than feeling like a bit of an afterthought.…