Braids & wedding hairstyles

Posted on March 12, 2021December 15, 2022 by Pam Wrigley

Braids & wedding hairstyles

hair extensions braids wedding braided mermaid hairstyle and smoky bridal makeup by Pam Wrigley London Surrey

braids + Hairstyles = Wedding

Whatever the hair length, braids make a fabulous addition to lots of wedding day hairstyles.

Braids never seem to go out of fashion they just evolve.

So, if you had planned to have a braided hairstyle for your wedding in 2020 but your plans were disrupted, one thing that needn’t change is your hairstyle.

Braids can be created in any hair length and hair type, straight or curly, long or short.

And because braids add depth and volume, they also work beautifully in fine hair.

The beautiful wedding hairstyle in this photo by Gemma Chase shows a bridal hairstyle that incorporates braids and hair extensions.

braids wedding hairstyles bridal hairstyle hair up beachy waves braids wedding pam wrigley

Half-up hairstyles & Braids

Introducing the half-up wedding hairstyle.

There is no limit to the variations of this all-time wedding classic.

Whether you opt to keep your hair straight or opt for soft curls, braids will add just that little bit extra.

So you’ll be sure to look totally gorgeous, yet still have that “I haven’t tried too hard’ kinda feel.

The combination of beachy waves with a pull-through braid keeps this wedding day hairstyle looking soft and relaxed. The perfect vibe for a summer wedding.

Brides of any age can carry off a half-up hairstyle and look gorgeous. However, I find my mature brides generally opt for slightly softer twists in the hair rather than braids.

braided hairstyles for flower girls

Every little girl I’ve ever met loves braids.

So, to help keep your flower girls happy and sitting still in the stylist chair, offer them the chance to have a braid or 2.

I have lots of braid tutorials on my YouTube channel, why not take a look!

braids wedding hairstyles and buns bridal Pam Wrigley wedding makeup low bun braids

braids, wedding hairstyles & buns

The bun, another wedding hairstyle classic that has a dizzying number of options.

So, whether you opt for a high or low bun, your wedding day hairstyle will be as individual as you are.

The addition of braids into your low bun will give a little bit of extra interest, even in dark hair.

However, a quick note of caution. Braids can easily get lost in dark hair, particularly if the hair is all one solid colour.

Therefore, if you want your braids to be part of the main attraction it would be worth speaking to your hairdresser about having highlights or lowlights put in.

braided hairstyle gallery

Take a peek

at the Braided Hairstyles Gallery

If you’re not sure about what to do

with your hair or you’re worried about

what makeup would look best. . .

Just drop me a line – advice comes free!

Contact

Bridal hairstyles natural curls

Posted on March 10, 2021December 15, 2022 by Pam Wrigley

Bridal Hairstyles for natural curls

Working with natural curls

When creating bridal hairstyles for natural curls consideration has to be given to the fact that curly hair can be unpredictable.

So, it’s important that you find a wedding hairstylist who knows what they are doing.

Particularly when it comes to making the most of your beautiful naturally curly hair on your wedding day.

There are lots of options available with it comes to styling your naturally beautiful curls on the big day.

So the wedding hair trial is essential.

The first decision is do you rock your natural curls for your bridal hairstyle . . . or fake it?

wedding and bridal hairstyles for with natural curls half-up hairstyles

Wedding Hair Styles for natural curls

Choosing the right wedding hairstylist and using the right products are key. Especially when it comes to rocking your natural curls on your wedding day.

And time.

Don’t be on a time limit when you have your bridal hair trial, because you can’t rush the perfect natural curl.

Your stylist will need to work out if your natural curls need to be styled from wet, damp or dry.

The timings will depend on how much hair you have, whether it is summer or winter, and what technique is best for your hair.

If you’re styling your naturally curly hair from wet it will need time to dry. So you can see the results!

HAIRSTYLE PRODUCTS FOR NATURAL CURLS

Your stylist will bring products along with them. However, I always ask my curly girl brides to have their own curly girl hairstyle products to hand.

As a curly hair girl myself I have spent a life time trying to find just the right product for my hair.

I find my brides invariably know what products work best on their own naturally curly hair.

Achieving the perfect curl for your wedding day hairstyle is very much a joint effort, between your bridal hairstylist and you!

When working with natural curls achieving the perfect curl takes time. Natural curls cannot be rushed, but boy, is it worth it!!

Natural curls are gorgeous!!

Curly hair wedding hairstyle choices

If you feel your natural curls are too unpredictable or you just don’t like your curls, no need to worry.

As naturally curly hair girls we have the option of changing our curls.

You can tweak them, straighten them and even re-curl them. If you opt to re-curl your hair you have an even sized curl all over.

Re-curling your hair is a great option if you are unsure of how reliable your natural curl will be on your wedding day.

Naturally curly hair tends to hold a curl really well.

Curling your hair with tongs or straighteners will give you a glossy, even sized curl, that can be styled in to a beautiful wedding day hairstyle.

Your wedding day curls will stay curly and your wedding day hairstyle will look beautiful all day!

wedding day hairstyles for naturally curly hair and curly girl hairstyle tutorials by Pam Wrigley

DIY Bridal HAirstyles for natural curls

You might be just the expert you need to create to the perfect curl for your wedding day hair style.

If you are used to styling your hair every day then read on!

Working with your natural curls, applying the products and taming your frizz might be second nature by now.

If so, you might actually be the best person to work that magic on your natural curls for your wedding day.

Trial and error

Perhaps like me, you’ve finally found curly girl hair products that actually work on your natural curls.

You’ve worked out how much product to apply and when its best to wash to wash you hair.

Finally and just as important, you know how long your natural curls take to dry.

If you answer yes to points above, then you might actually be the best person for the job!

In short, if you are happy achieving the curl you like – then why not?

bridal hair style for natural curly hair and curly girl hairstyles for the wedding day

natural curls Hair-style Expert

As I mentioned, you might not believe it but you are the expert on you!

I’m not suggesting you style your wedding day hair or attempt to create a bridal up-do. It will probably be best to leave that to a pro bridal hair stylist.

But, if you do decide to create your own perfect curls on your wedding day there are a couple of points to bear in mind.

Depending on your hair thickness and curl type you might even find it better to wash your hair the day before.

You can apply your curl products and let your hair dry slowly and naturally.

Your bridal hairstylist would just need to come armed with a water spray and a bit of curl cream.

As it’s likely they will need to tame any last-minute flyaways after your hair has been styled!

bridal hair style for long natural curly hair and curly girl hairstyles for the wedding day

Hair styles for Curly girl brides

There are lots of options when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding day bridal hairstyle. Try different ideas and find out how to show your gorgeous natural curls off at their very best.

Soft relaxed styles are always a great option when it comes to making the most of your natural curls on your wedding day.

And for those of you with thin fine hair, like me, it’s best to opt for a soft relaxed wedding day hair style.

What’s more, keeping your natural curl, rather than straightening your hair, will help give the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.

If you are worried that your hair might shrink too much, or might revert to frizz if left open to the elements – on a damp, wet or windy day – then opt for an up-do on the wedding day.

A soft low bun is a fabulous wedding day hair style.

With the right bridal hair stylist these hairstyles can be it created on even quite short hair, giving the illusion of length and fullness.

If you’ve been blessed with beautiful long naturally curly hair, may be a gorgeous top knot or high bun will be a perfect bridal hairstyle for your wedding day.

Alternatively, why not let your curls do the talking.

Keep your hair down and show it off in all its natural glory!

natural curls gallery

take a look

at the hairstyle gallery for naturally curly hair

If you’re not sure about what to do

with your hair or you’re worried about

what makeup would look best. . .

Just drop me a line – advice comes free!

Contact

Wedding Hairstyles Afro Hair

Posted on March 10, 2021December 15, 2022 by Pam Wrigley

Wedding Hairstyles Afro Hair

Wedding hairstyleS ❤️ AFRO HAIR

working with Afro Hair

Afro hair is seen at it’s most beautiful in the wide range of wedding day hairstyles created with this super versatile hair-type.

And for this reason, I’m always getting inspiration from a wide range of fabulous afro hair specialists.

The formidable braid works perfectly for a wedding day hairstyles in Afro hair.

There is no doubting that braids are seen at their very best in Afro hairstyles. What’s more, they never to go out of fashion.

Whatever the wedding hairstyle and the hair length, braids will make the perfect accompaniment to your wedding day style.

And even better, they can be created in any hair length.

Providing, that is, your wedding hairstylist has the right skill and dexterity needed in order to create amazing braids in even the shortest hair.

Afro hair & wedding day braids

Because Afro hair is so versatile, you have lots of choices when it comes to choosing a wedding day hairstyle.

So, you can choose whether to go natural, to braid, weave, twist or even straighten the hair.

Whichever way the cookie crumbles, you’re sure to find the perfect wedding hairstyle.

Always bear in mind your dress, hair accessories and even the height of your groom before you set your mind on a final wedding day hairstyle!

Long-lasting wedding day hairstyles

Your hair style can be created a day or so in advance of the wedding. However, you’ll need to listen carefully to the aftercare advice from your stylist, so your hair style looks amazing on the big day.

This will leave you with more time on the big day to concentrate on makeup and beautification before you walk down the aisle.

It’s up to you, whether you are rock your Afro, aim for 100% braids or perhaps a combination of the two. But I can guarantee you’re going to look totally gorgeous on your wedding day.

My favourite all-time Afro hair braiding specialist is Shimmy. She creates beautiful hairstyles with all the different textures encompassed under the title of Afro hair.

Wedding hairstyles with natural curls

Natural curls can be unpredictable, it’s a fact.

So, it’s important that you find a wedding hairstylist who knows what they are doing.

Particularly when it comes to styling your beautiful natural curls on your wedding day.

There are lots of options available with it comes to styling your gorgeous curly locks on the big day.

And a wedding hair trial is essential. Check out this natural curl blog to get more info when it comes to working with natural curls

If you’re not sure about what to do

with your hair or you’re worried about

what makeup would look best. . .

Just drop me a line – advice comes free!

Contact

Meghan Markle’s Wedding Prep: Sparkle Like Markle on your Wedding Day

Posted on May 16, 2018December 15, 2022 by Ruby Deevoy

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Meghan Markle’s Wedding Prep: Sparkle Like Markle on your Wedding Day

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526228113201{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]Want to sparkle like Markle on your wedding day? It’s totally doable – if you’re willing to put the effort in. It will come as no great shock to hear that Meghan Markle’s wedding preparations are pretty intense (fit for a princess, no less!) but as we’ll soon find out, the results are almost certainly going to be worth it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Preparing for your Big Day?” h4=”Get in touch to book your bridal hair & makeup trial!” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Contact” btn_size=”lg” btn_align=”center” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.weddingmakeupandhair.com%2Fcontact%2F|||”][/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526229290417{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]Embed from Getty Images[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526228237317{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]It’s the final countdown to the Big Day now and Meghan and Harry have both been busy ticking items off their ‘to-do’ list. From quitting drinking and getting fit to having facial massages and regular manicures, Meghan is undoubtedly going to look flawless as she walks down the aisle.

Aside from booking in for her bridal hair and makeup, rumoured to be with celebrity stylist Miguel Perez who is famous for his big, bouncy curls, there are plenty of other appointments Meghan is sticking to. Here are a handful of the most essential, that you might want to consider adding to your pre-wedding regime…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526228313132{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

The Facials

Meghan opts for facials that go one step further than your average, for that winning wedding photo smile! Rather than purely focusing on the skin, these extra-special facials work on the muscles of the face by massaging inside the mouth to strengthen and tone. Going to a pro is always going to get the best results, but at £260 a session with ‘skin guru’ Nichola Joss, it doesn’t hurt to know how to DIY at home!

In an interview with Marie Claire, Nichola explained:

“If you have troublesome skin and you need some corrective work, like if you have acne or scarring, you need to start working on a routine at least four or five months before the big day, seeing your facialist every two weeks to get your skin in the best condition you can. You can eventually cut it down to every three weeks, but you should still be getting regular massages between those appointments.”

Follow Nichola’s ‘five minute fix’ guide for more a full DIY routine

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3049″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1526229182474{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526228343270{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

The Manicures

Perfect nails are a must on your wedding day – the last thing you want are scruffy hands for those ring close-ups.

Meghan gets regular manicures to keep her fingers looking their best, so naturally she has her manicurist booked to visit her the day before her wedding. My advice is that you do the same! If your hands and nails needs a little TLC, treat yourself to a series of manicures leading up to your wedding to get them into the best condition possible. If they’re not in bad shape, still book your wedding day nail appointment in advance so you know you’ve got that. Book it for the day before, if possible. Failing that, in the week running up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526228416490{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

The Workout

Exercising before your wedding is not necessarily about losing weight or squeezing into a particular dress size – it’s also a fantastic stress buster for when all the planning gets on top of you and it can help to improve your posture for walking down the aisle.

Meghan Markle has purportedly been getting wedding fit using Heartcore Pilates, taught by her friend and pro instructor Heather Dorak, but she’s also been ensuring a healthy mind with her regular meditation. Apparently she attended a four-day initiation class with mindful coach Light Watkins and came away with her own, personal mantra to help ‘calm and centre’ her mind. Lovely![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3053″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1526229421192{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526230114071{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]Pilates is a brilliant pre-wedding exercise as it will help you stand up straight and really look your best as you walk down the aisle. Here’s an easy posture improving pilates exercise you can try, from Marguerite Ogle at VeryFitWell:

Posture and Alignment Exercise

Begin standing. Stand with your feet and legs directly under your hips. Your legs and feet are parallel, and your knees are pointing forward, straight but not locked. Get details on good leg alignment.

Balance Your Weight. Adjust your body so that your weight feels like it is falling directly through the middle of the foot. A good way to do this is to rock slightly forward and back on your feet, making the movement smaller and smaller until you feel your weight is balanced over the center of your foot.

Activate your core muscles. Lightly pull your abdominal muscles in and up. As you do so you engage the pelvic floor muscles as well. You are going for a feeling of aliveness in the core. Just this move is usually enough to improve one’s posture significantly.
Drop the tailbone. Activating the core will allow you to drop your tailbone down toward the floor. This is a neutral spine position, where the natural curves of the spine are present without tucking or hyper-extending(sway back) the pelvis. A popular image is that the pelvis is a bowl of water and you don’t want the water to spill out to the front or the back.
Relax and open your chest. The chest is not caved in and not thrust out, just resting easily. There is a small point at the bottom of your sternum, and that, like the tail bone, should be pointing straight down.
Shoulders down, broad back. Allow your chest to drop and open as your back expands. As this happens and you feel the support from your core, your shoulders drop away from your ears and your shoulder blades slide down your back. Cultivate a posture whereby your core is holding you up, not your shoulders!
Ears reach for the sky. Your head and neck are completely supported by your core and easily float above your shoulders. Imagine that the tops of your ears are reaching for the sky. Your gaze is straight forward, with your throat open and chin resting naturally.

Review the lineup. If you were seen from the side your body part line up will look like this:

ankles
knees
hips
shoulders
ears

Marguerite suggests going through this posture checklist as many times as you can during the day and says “it is an especially good exercise to do once you are warmed up, or even after a workout when your awareness is heightened and core well engaged.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526229655507{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]Embed from Getty Images[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526228540698{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

The Brows

Meghan Markle apparently goes for a brow shape called ‘The Audrey’ at Riley’s Mayfair salon, clearly, after the gorgeous Audrey Hepburn.

This style is allegedly designed to instantly lift the face with tinting, threading and tweezing will make all the difference to her overall look. The brows are so important as they are the frame of the face!

When getting your eyebrows done before your wedding day, make sure that you leave a few days before you’re actually walking down the aisle, just in case you get any irritation.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3054″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1526229540066{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526228574780{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

The Health-Kick

The Markle Sparkle secret weapon? Well, it’s been said that she has two, actually: Matcha tea and Manuka honey.

Both of these are packed with skin-clearing, health-boosting anti-oxidants making them the perfect health kick before your wedding day. You can eat/drink them both and wear them as a face mask too![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3055″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1526229729849{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526228729119{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]Here’s how to make your own Matcha and Manuka honey face mask, with a wonderful recipe from Anna Marie Gianni:

Matcha Green Tea Mask

If you’d like to see what green tea can do for you when you put it on your skin, we have a simple way for you to try it.

First, start with a quality matcha green tea product. Matcha is a good option for skin care because it is naturally more potent than regular green tea.

Next, mix a tablespoon or two of your powder with one or more of the following ingredients, depending on what effects you’re looking for:

Few drops of lemongrass (for cleansing and purifying)
Tablespoon of rosewater and several drops lavender oil (to soothe sensitive skin and minimize the appearance of large pores)
A tablespoon of manuka honey and yogurt (for deep moisturization)
One egg (to absorb excess oil, tighten, and tone)
Water or aloe vera gel (for simple anti-aging effects)
One-half to one teaspoon coconut oil(to create smooth, soft, radiant skin)

You can always add a few drops water to any of the above to create your preferred consistency.

Apply the mixture to your face, and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing and following with your favourite moisturiser.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1526230042073{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

Bridal Prep

Whatever your bridal prep schedule before your wedding day, the most important thing is that you stay calm and happy! It’s so easy to get swept up in the organisation that you don’t leave enough ‘me time’. Meghan’s bridal prep largely focuses on her mental and physical wellbeing and this is what is going to give you that gorgeous glow more than anything else. Apart from some strategic highlighting and contouring, of course![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Wedding Planning: How to Get Your Guests to RSVP on Time!

Posted on September 9, 2017December 15, 2022 by Ruby Deevoy

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Wedding Planning: How to Get Your Guests to RSVP on Time!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1504980335212{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]As a Bridal Hair & Makeup Artist with over 20 years experience, I’ve seen it all when it comes to weddings and as such, I’ve picked up a lot of really, wedding planning handy tips on how to make the big day run as smoothly as possible.

One of the most common problems I hear about from my brides both on their trial run and on their wedding morning is what a struggle it has been to get their guests to RSVP on time, so today’s blog contains my advice on how to get those RSVPs when you need them![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2093″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1504980230009{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Still need to book your bridal hair & makeup artist?” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”View Prices” btn_size=”lg” btn_align=”center” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.weddingmakeupandhair.com%2Fprices%2F|||”][/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1504980263772{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]Sending out wedding invitations is often something that couples leave surprisingly late, but if you’re hoping to get ahead of the game and really crush it with your wedding planning, make sure that you bump this task right up your ‘to do’ list.

Why? Because one of the biggest hassles about getting all your wedding bits and bobs sorted has got to be trying to get your guests to RSVP in a timely fashion!

Although all-things-wedding might be the only thing on your mind, it’s usually not so much for your friends and family, so when your wedding invitations go out be prepared to do a bit of extra leg-work to get those responses back.

Sounds like a bit of a nightmare, right? Well yeah, when guests don’t RSVP until the last minute (or at all), that really puts a spanner in the works, so following a few, simple wedding planning steps to get the yay or nay from your guests is well worth it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2362″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1504977444388{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1504977565939{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

Here’s how to get your guests to RSVP on time:

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Make It Easy

Requesting an RSVP by post is one sure-fire way to find yourself with minimal responses. People have busy lives and the last thing they’re going to find the time to do is tick that ‘attending’ box and mail it back to you.

The easier the better, when it comes to getting a timely RSVP, so keep the reply options really easy.

Set up a wedding email account (this is a great idea anyway, to help you keep on track of all your wedding vendors and quotes) and ask your guests to ping you over a brief message. Everyone has a smart phone these days so sending an email is no big deal. Welcome to the future!

If you’re set on keeping it traditional and still want to go for the snail mail system, do provide that pre-stamped return envelope. It adds on a cost, but it’s worth it for the efficiency and the money you’ll save on not having excess meals going to waste.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2228″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1504983936334{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1504979279078{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

Be Very Specific

Don’t give your guests the opportunity to be lax about their RSVP. Make it abundantly clear on your wedding invitation that you require a response by a certain date and make sure that the certain date you choose is WAY ahead of your wedding.

If you don’t state exactly when you need your answers by, I can guarantee that you will be getting them much later than is ideal.

Stay Organised

It’s easy to let the little things slip, but do try your very best to stay super organised when it comes to keeping a record of who has RSVP’d and who hasn’t.

Create a spreadsheet and make a note of every reply you get as soon as you get it; this way, when it comes to having to do your chasing up (which, unfortunately, you will have to do) your life will be made much easier.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2158″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1504979308485{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1504984251656{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

Chase Up

We’ve broken the news to you in the point above, so let’s get down to the details. You will, inevitably, end up having to chase a good chunk of your guests for an answer, no matter how clear your wedding invitations were – so how do you go about doing that?

Despite it being very understandable that you need an answer with plenty of time to spare, many guests don’t get that, so try to be gentle with your reminders and don’t get too frustrated! Your wedding email address comes in handy here again as an email is probably the best way to send a quick, friendly reminder out.

You’re one step closer to your perfect day![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1693″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1504984036990{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Have The Big Day Your Wedding Guests Really Want…

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Ruby Deevoy

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Have The Big Day Your Wedding Guests Really Want…

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1503340436236{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]It’s all very well and good saying that your big day is for you and your spouse so at the end of the day, all decisions should come down to want you want. To an extent that’s true, however, not every couple wants to throw a wedding that is just for them – many brides and grooms are concerned about how to keep their wedding guests really happy and how to ensure that their wedding is the one that everyone remembers as the wedding!

If you’ve put together a great guest list, brimming with names of your nearest and dearest, your wedding attendees are going to consist of family and friends that you wouldn’t want to celebrate this moment without. Considering that, it’s no great surprise that you might be thinking about what to include in your big day for your wedding guests to enjoy.

We’ve all been to weddings that were expensive, tedious and a little less than fun but that’s almost certainly not the kind of day you’re aiming for! Make sure that your loved ones have an amazing time at your wedding, by making it one to remember.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2330″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1503340555528{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1503340705953{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

Serve Late Night Snacks

Weddings can be quite exhausting and all that activity and exciting works up an appetite! You might not feel hungry, thanks to all those wedding day nerves, but your wedding guests definitely will – even if they were there for the big meal earlier on!

After a while of drinking and dancing, your guests are going to start feeling the need for a late night snack, so indulge them, rather than having that be their cue to leave.

Going for a relaxed vibe doesn’t mean that you have to lose out on beauty. There are so many gorgeous barns, gardens, and even festival sites available to hire for an utterly beautiful, yet informal backdrop. You and your guests will feel like you’re celebrating in serious style, but if you spill a drink on the dance floor, it’s not the end of the world. Phew![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2340″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1503341138009{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1503340673653{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

Save on Favours, Spend on Booze

Wedding favours are a cute tradition, but unless you’ve got something really personal or creative in mind, your wedding guests probably aren’t that fussed. Most token wedding favours are discarded pretty early on or forgotten about altogether when it’s time to leave, so save yourself the time and expense of getting everyone a bag of almonds and instead, put that extra cash behind the bar!

Wedding guests are usually far more appreciative of complimentary booze than they are of favours, so why not give them want they really want?

Thoughtful Touches

Make your wedding unique by adding some thoughtful, personal touches to the proceedings. This doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive – it could be something as simple as having some old photos of you together with your guests put onto their tables, handwritten notes thanking them for coming or, if you are keen on having favours, giving them something they can actually use – like a hangover kit, or fold up pumps for the ladies![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2338″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1503340950737{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1503340607118{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

Consider a Relaxed Venue

If you’re having a family-friendly wedding, it can help everyone to relax if the setting isn’t somewhere that you wouldn’t imagine children would usually be allowed to run free!

Stately homes and grand halls look fabulous in photos and for some, this impressive setting is perfect for them, but if you think that you and your guests might have more fun in a relaxed venue, don’t shy away from that.

Going for a relaxed vibe doesn’t mean that you have to lose out on beauty. There are so many gorgeous barns, gardens, and even festival sites available to hire for an utterly beautiful, yet informal backdrop. You and your guests will feel like you’re celebrating in serious style, but if you spill a drink on the dance floor, it’s not the end of the world. Phew![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2341″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1503341237513{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1503340779644{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

Instil That Party Vibe

There’s no need to have your sit down meal feel like a sombre affair, so don’t be afraid to liven it up a bit!

After the ceremony, you’ll all be feeling wired and excited, so keep that upbeat feeling going with dance-inducing music playing upon entry to your dinner hall and keep the meal fun and light-hearted, with games and conversation starters on the tables. This is a great way to keep people chatting and energy levels up.

Avoid Interruptions

You are of course going to want to have some traditions and interruptions to the proceedings, such as speeches, first dance and cake cutting, but try to keep them minimal.

There’s no need to have poor old dad droning away for 15 minutes or to make everyone stop what they’re doing to watch you newly weds have your photos taken as you cut the cake, so keep things short and sweet and don’t force people to pay attention if they don’t want to.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

5 Simple Ways to Look Amazing in Your Wedding Photos

Posted on April 16, 2017December 15, 2022 by Ruby Deevoy

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5 Simple Ways to Look Amazing in Your Wedding Photos

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1492362265008{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]There’s no denying that getting your wedding photos right is a pretty huge deal – these are going to be your memories to last a lifetime after all, so you want to make sure that you look your very best.

Having your hair and makeup done by a pro certainly helps with this, from knowing the best flash-friendly makeup to use that will last all day, to creating a hairstyle that you know is going to stay put and look fabulous, but there are some more things that you can do to help you feel confident in getting that photo album you’re after.

Getting your wedding photos taken, whilst a fun thing, can also be a bit daunting for many, so doing everything in your power to boost your confidence and help you feel as though ‘you’ve got this’ is going to help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1999″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1492362130129{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Practice your poses

It may sound silly, but there’s no harm in practicing some poses in the mirror ahead of your big day, so that when the time comes for you to step in front of the camera you feel totally ready.

The likelihood is that your photographer will be taking plenty of candid photos that you won’t need to strike a pose for, but there will probably be some snaps of you with family and friends that are set up. Figure out how to flaunt your best assets and disguise bits you’re a bit self-conscious about in a subtle but effective way, by doing things like putting a hand on your hip to slim arms, or pressing your tongue behind your teeth for that perfect, natural looking smile.

Avoid a Double Chin

We’ve all fallen victim to a double chin cropping up in photos – it happens to even super slim people! The trick to avoid it isn’t just to lose weight, it’s actually more about how you hold yourself.

When you’re having your wedding photos taken, remember to lengthen your neck by moving your head forward and then tilt your chin upwards. This may feel slightly unnatural, but you’ll be glad you did it when you get all those single chin images back later![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1567″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1492362348254{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Laugh – for real!

Fake smiles and fake laughter is not a good look in wedding photos, so instead of putting it on, try getting a real giggle out instead! Forget the bad jokes from the photographer and desperate attempts to recall something hilarious on the spot, just start with a fake laugh and go from there. Let out a big old, false guffaw with whoever you’re having your photo taken with, then do it again and again. Soon enough, you’ll all be laughing for real. Try it – it works!

Stand Tall

Bad posture has a lot to answer for in many wedding photos, so try to hold yourself correctly as much as you can throughout the day.

Draw your shoulders back, lift your chest up and tuck your tummy in. Breathe, to relax yourself (looking stiff isn’t great either!) and then smile. You’re photo ready!

Hire a Pro Hair & Makeup Artist

Having a professional do your hair and makeup really does go a long way in making you look great in your wedding photos, not just because of the skill involved in creating that perfect look and the high quality products, but also because of the confidence it will instil in you.

If you feel amazing, you’ll look amazing – it’s that simple![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Wedding Planning Tips for Savvy Brides-To-Be

Posted on December 8, 2016February 16, 2017 by Ruby Deevoy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1481210079915{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]Wedding planning is a pretty full-on job from the get go. There’s so much to consider, from booking your venue to finalising the menus, and with such a lot whizzing through your head it’s easy to allow your own needs to get forgotten about.

The real key to having a wonderful day, once all the big stuff is sorted, is to go with the flow – you can’t control everything – but that being said, there are some little things that you can do to nip any niggles and issues in the bud.

A small amount of personal prep is all it takes, but it’s always the things that newly weds only think about in hindsight that would have been really handy. Fortunately for you, with over 20 years working in the wedding industry, I’ve met my fair share of brides and attended literally thousands of weddings! With my top wedding planning tips for a savvy bride, you’re bound to have the perfect day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1692″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1481209830327{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1481210001850{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

Wedding Planning Tips for Savvy Brides-To-Be

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Pack Your Survival Kit

A bridal survival kit is a bit of a must for all brides-to-be, full of things that you would never think of that often turn out to be invaluable on the day. Here are a few unusual items that have been known to come to the rescue:

A piece of white chalk – perfect for covering up any wedding dress blemishes, should they appear throughout the day.

Protein bars – Nerves and excitement can be a real appetite suppressant, but don’t let yourself suddenly get to the point where you’re starving. An emergency protein bar is a great thing to have to hand.

Fashion Tape – Avoid any wardrobe malfunctions by coming armed with fashion tape

These, along with the obvious aspirin, tissues, dental floss, mints and makeup for touch ups will have you set.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1481209723941{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”]

Be Honest

If there’s something that you really want, or really don’t want make it clear to whoever needs to know well in advance. Don’t just go along with things to make everyone happy, because your upset is bound to come out when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed on the day.

Honest communication from the start of wedding planning is key to getting the day you want.

Test Your Shoes

We all know that new shoes can be a bit of a pain – literally – and being in pain is the last thing you want on your wedding day.

Practice wearing your shoes around the house ahead of the big day, so that they’re broken in a and comfortable to wear when the time comes to walk down the aisle.

Obviously, no matter how much you test drive your shoes, discomfort can still strike, so don’t forget to bring blister plasters with you just in case.

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Get Personal

You’re going to spend most of your time in a spin on your wedding day and often newly weds regret that they didn’t get to spend much time with their new husband or wife, which is of course what the day is all about!

Avoid getting caught up in a whirlwind and missing out on this beautiful time, by figuring it out during your wedding planning.

Allocate yourselves some alone time after you’ve said your ‘I dos’, so that you can cry and kiss and cuddle and share the moment with each other. You will be so glad that you did this – this is the sort of memory that will last you a lifetime.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]