Wedding Styling
I enjoy different kinds of styling, that’s why I get such satisfaction from my work especially when a regular client invites me to style her for her wedding and honeymoon from the very beginning.
A busy city lady, jetting off for work here, there and everywhere around the world, I was limited when I could meet with her on appointments, shopping trips, etc. Regular communication whenever I found something was key.
From the first consultation, our separate lists compiled before the appointment, proved we were both on the same wave length, knowing the client inside and out is crucial to get the styling right especially when the lady is not always around.
So 6 months from start to finish.
Finishing Touches
I wanted my lady to experience bridal shops as well as an exclusive occasion wear boutique baring in mind my lady was a mature bride but first time married.
It was brilliant she had the same conclusion as myself and also the dresses that were perhaps of interest were either out of reach money-wise or just wouldn’t be ready for the wedding date. Also when a busy working lady isn’t in the country much, they were strict on their fitting times as well.
The prices didn’t really add up to the quality wasn’t there. Shop assistants are interested in their big sale and don’t in all honesty have a lot of interest on the actual bride and her day.
I have total control and the highest interest for my ladies on whatever styling I’m working on.
Classical and a little vintage glamour was the theme. Sophisticated elegance was on course for these 2 serious golfers. After all that’s where the couple met on the green. It’s the story of the green-keeper and the golfer meeting across the golf course.
where dress code and etiquette matter.
Classic sophisticated with a couple of golf clubs added at the bottom keeping it tasteful
It’s all very romantic and so it should be.
Now the fiance is scottish and a Paul Smith suit was purchased for going away on the cruise but for the wedding he wore a kilt in his clan. Browns, sands, creams, greens and blues with gold posy baskets, gold and bronze jewellery including tiara, lace and gold golf confetti with 2 small golf clubs on an elegant cake too.
So back to the fiancee’s dress.
Straight to BIBA, I knew my favourite but I wanted again for my lady to try on a couple more but myself and the staff present all agreed the BIBA Limited Edition vintage inspired was the one.
The bride to be shed a tear because the dress felt absolutely so right for her.
So, one item was ticked off the list. Now honeymoon suit was tried on, again no need to look anymore for that. Immaculately fitting. Time is always of the essence when you’re with client so researching properly is paramount for the day to go smoothly. Honeymoon lingerie tried on and purchased with some being ordered for me to collect at Rigby & Peller. Fiance’s suit to be collected, shoes, socks and shirt were on the list too.
Tiaras and no fascinators or fancy hair clips wouldn’t be right for the theme and the Henrietta Tiara was the one. Swarvoski ear-rings and necklace with the ‘Dune’ clutch being considering everything was an expensive item.
Keeping to the budget I had to play with was of course important as so easily items can run away with you.
You are a Princess
The most difficult item for the bride-to-be was the clutch,
although it was my favourite at the start, my lady had in her mind had a pouch but then I felt the elegant touch would be lost, so after long time trawling and of course trying to find something a little cheaper, there had to be no expense spared and the “Minted-Diamante Clutch” was totally worth it.
The shoes came from America, which again was quite exhausting for me. I never give up and clients will confirm I go that extra mile.
I-DO wedding shoes
working 24/7 is often the case. Again from head to toe, each item must be outstanding.
Bridesmaids were also on my agenda. Ages 11 and 7. So a time was spent giving my lady options to co-ordinate with the theme and her dress. The bride’s dress was to have a little lace but lace can be rather ageing on a more mature bride so the bridesmaids dresses were to be lace.
No need to see the bridesmaids, I was confident with the 2 dresses I had selected would fit. So on another shopping day, these were purchased at John Lewis. Better than we could have hoped with lace and lots of netting.
Shoes for the bridesmaids went on for a bit. So many look cheap and tacky….I wasn’t happy with what had been purchased by the client and instead I continued searching until I found the exact look.
Lace Netting and a Touch of Gold
Gold metallic dancing shoes were purchased and a gold headband to complete the bridesmaids’ looks.
Gold metallic dancing shoes
Clients who know me, whatever they purchase or I advise VERSATILITY is so important, more than ever now.
Even when I found the bride’s dress, I was looking at ways in how it could be worn again. With the BIBA gown,
it wouldn’t look out of place at a ball where client frequents with work, being cut at the front, draped down at the rear, obviously the train taken up. Then when that’s had it’s time, why not bring the dress up to the knee for a classical yet sexy dress.
The bridesmaid’s dresses will definitely be utilised again as will their gold shoes.
Girls comfortable and relaxed playing Top Trumps
Groom’s mother was assisted and items purchased to complete her outfit.
Hair advised and a selection of make up tried and purchased on our shopping trips too.
On the day, it’s not just about styling the bride either. I delivered the cake, advising correct time for hair and make up and keeping inquisitive family and friends away from the hotel room. A few bubbles and nibbles, applying further make up, trip to the toilet, hair titivated and basically having my lady feel like she has never felt before unless of course she’s a Princess. It’s taking control of the whole time I’m with my lady always in a friendly way.
Facials, manicures, pedicures, massages and a long run every so often with visits to the gym to keep in top-tip condition were kept on track.
Here’s a salon that’s not just all about beauty and botox and has a very holistic and well-being approach thanks to the owner Jill Ingham.
Why not take a look around the site of Body Kind, you’ll be impressed.
Every minute is worthwhile to me, I love the appreciation and congrats from people admiring my work and receiving the most sensational flowers from my lady was truly amazing, really not needed as I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work in styling for weddings.
It’s not all about the bride, but the whole celebration and ceremonial theme and what other people will be wearing
Bride's Classically sophisticated theme
matters as does the classical meaningful music being played whilst eating.
Photographs are your memories and the look has to be right.
You don’t have to always plan 2 years in advance, it’s getting the right people on-board to make it a stress-free time of organising and planning before and on the day, it can actually be a joy as well as relaxing with a couple of glasses of bubbly along the way to enjoy.