7 minute read
SIMPLY STUNNING
Simply stunning LOOKING YOUR BEST Get wedding-ready with help from Kent’s professionals
Your wedding will surely be one of the biggest days of your life, and with all eyes on you we understand that you’ll want to feel like the best version of your wonderful self. As the one waits for you at the end of the aisle they’ll absolutely love seeing the dial turned up to 11 on everything that made them fall in love with you. So, knock their socks off and be ready to strut your stuff as Kent’s experts come together to tell us what’s hot in the worlds of beauty, fashion and accessories for 2022.
THE 2022 HOTLIST
BALLGOWNS
“Ballgowns are making a comeback, although they never truly went away. The simplicity of this year’s weddings will make way for bigger and bolder affairs in the coming year. We’re also expecting the trend for bridal jumpsuits to continue. “My favourite dress from the boutique at the moment is Morilee’s Brooke. It’s a soft, lightweight lace gown that looks simply stunning on.” – Jane Park, Country Brides of Faversham
FLATS
“Brides are thinking much more practically about footwear, so many are asking for flat or lower heels. We recommend bridal sneakers or a low, block heel if you want a bit of extra height, brilliant too if your wedding is outdoors. The dainty Chloe shoe is our go-to – comfortable but cute.” – Victoria
https://johnknightphotography.co.uk
THE BRIDAL GLOW
“Natural, glowing skin is still very much in favour and can be created with radiance enhanced primers and shimmering powders. Dial it up with a combination of both or highlight certain areas such as the top of cheekbones swept up to the temples down the centre of the nose with a touch on the Cupid’s bow.” – Laetitia Rix, Makeup Angel NECKLINES
“We’re seeing lots of square necklines coming through in new collections and we haven’t found a body shape or bust size yet that it hasn’t suited! It’s modern, flattering and doesn’t show too much while remaining feminine. Luna, from our new range of Abella Bride gowns, is a wonderful example of this trending neckline – a stunning dress for the modern bride.
“The off-the-shoulder with a sweetheart neckline is still popular and will be sticking around for 2022. Gowns like Monet by Hayley Paige will be arriving at the boutique in the new year.” – Victoria Walton, Victoria Elaine Bridal
CLEAN LINES
“Clean lines are back and beautiful satins, especially matte dove satin, are proving popular for next season. Cap sleeves are also becoming a firm favourite paired with a plunge or illusion neckline. What we can be sure of is that 2022 will be full of elegance and class,” – Hayley Freeman-Revell, Victoria Grace Bridal
Image courtesy of Navette Jewellery
COLOUR SPLASH JEWELLERY
“Wedding jewellery won’t just be about white and neutral tones. By adding a splash of soft colour to your set, perhaps through an accent gemstone or pearl, you get an individual touch. Soft, pale hues of peach, pink and yellow enhance a vintage feel, while pale blue and green create a fresher look.” – Natalie Towell, Navette Jewellery “While wedding make-up still follows trends, it will generally be a paired-back version of what we see on the catwalk during fashion weeks around the world. So, following the lead of the runways into next year, lips are going bolder with classic reds and bright pops of pink to tie in with bouquets and palettes.” – Laetitia
https://johnknightphotography.co.uk
www.pennyyoungphotography.com ETHEREAL SHIMMER
“We’re seeing an ethereal trend with light reflecting shimmers and even some glitter for the boho, festivalloving brides. For the more adventurous, subtle adornments in the form of tiny pearls or sequins around the eyebrows, eyes and cheekbones can look pretty, even taken into the hair.” – Laetitia
HOW TO...
SHOP FOR THE DREAM DRESS
Victoria from Victoria Elaine Bridal says, “There are so many wonderful boutiques in our county so be sure to research them all. Find out their individual style and specialism before booking appointments at your top two to three shops. One of them is bound to have your dream dress but if not, don’t worry, you can always book more.”
Jane from Country Brides of Faversham tells us what to do once you’ve arrived for your appointment: “Relax. The more chilled you are, the more you’ll enjoy your experience. And trust your instinct. If your nan falls in love with the sparkly ballgown and your maid-of-honour thinks the mermaid dress is the one, while you can’t stop thinking about the chiffon boho number, ask to try them all again and see how you feel the second time around. Ultimately, you’re the one getting married and you have to feel confident in your choice of dress.”
If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from our brides, it’s the importance of keeping an open mind. Hayley Freeman-Revell from Victoria Grace Bridal agrees: “So many ladies walk in wanting one thing and walk out with something completely different! If you go to your appointment with an open mind and allow the advisor to guide you, you may be surprised what you fall in love with.”
www.pennyyoungphotography.com
DEFINE THE EYES FOR A MODERN LOOK
Laetitia from Makeup Angel says, “The defined brow that was trending has softened greatly and has been replaced by a more natural, swept up look. This can be achieved using eyebrow gel to hold it in place. Lashes are great for weddings as they add a touch of glamour and extra definition for photos. The lash technician industry is booming and with so many styles, the semi-permanent option can be a good choice. Finally, natural eyes are now getting smokier, so get the 2022 look by beautifully blending out smoky lids for soft bridal finish.” – Laetitia SELECT YOUR JEWELLERY
Natalie Towell of Navette Jewellery says, “Consider investing in a high quality item of wedding jewellery, ensuring it’s worn throughout the years and becomes a keepsake and an heirloom of the future. In time, it might even become something old or borrowed.”
Lorraine Marsh of The Diamond Setter says, “Know that you always have a choice and what better way to commemorate your wedding day than with a bespoke piece designed and made just for you. We believe that staying away from mass-produced jewellery brings truth to your own identity. It also gives you confidence that your rings are made with intergrity, and it’s important to know who made them, where they’re made and what’ they’re made from.
“Find a jeweller who gives you their time and attention rather than pushing one of their stock pieces on you. Don’t be afraid to ask for something designed especially for you. We use computer aided design as part of our bespoke service, not just wedding rings, but for any piece of jewellery. It will allow you to visualise an accurate representation of what your piece will look like prior to its creation.”
Image courtesy of The Diamond Setter
PREP YOUR SKIN
Claire Aunger from Kent Professional Makeup says, “The winter months can cause problems for many skin types, especially for a dry, delicate skin. However, using the correct products and regime can really make a difference.
“Firstly, even if the sun isn’t shining, you must use a moisturiser both morning and evening, which contains and an SPF. Ensure too, that you exfoliate your skin once to twice per week using a cream exfoliant or gentle resurfacing product. Avoid harsh scrubs that can cause further sensitivity and irritation. It’s a good idea to use a lip exfoliant as well to ensure lips are smooth and hydrated for the big day.
“Be sure to drink at least two litres of water every day, which will help your skin’s moisture levels. And last, but not least, ask your MUA to use a hydrating primer before applying your make-up.”
GET YOUR DREAM UP DO
Natasha Peto from Natasha Peto Hairdressing says, “Even if your hair is fine and straight, the hugely popular messy bun is still more than achievable. In fact, I always recommend this look for clients with fine hair as we can add extension pieces in to achieve the required volume by hiding them underneath the bun and arranging your own locks over the top. This will hide any extension used for a natural look and results in a beautiful messy bun.”
CONTACT THE EXPERTS
Country Brides of Faversham, www.countrybrides.co.uk The Diamond Setter, www.thediamondsetter.co.uk Kent Professional Makeup, https://kentprofessionalmakeup.co.uk Makeup Angel, www.makeupangel.co.uk Natasha Peto Hairdressing, www.instagram.com/natashapetohairdressing Navette Jewellery, www.navettejewellery.co.uk Victoria Elaine Bridal, www.victoriaelainebridal.co.uk Victoria Grace Bridal, www.victoriagracebridal.co.uk
