Your wedding day is probably one of the most important days of your life and every woman wants to feel and look amazing. Many girls grow up dreaming of how they will look on their wedding day and even those who don’t, once they become engaged start thinking of the big day and what they need to do to get ready. So I’ve put together a few points on how you can start planning so that your skin and wedding make-up will be just as perfect as the day itself!

6 Months To Go:

To start off, there is only so much magic we can do with make-up. The real secret to amazing skin is starting from within and get into good habits months ahead. One of my biggest tips is to start drinking plenty of water.  It’s a well-known fact that diet plays a huge role in achieving great skin so try keeping a bottle of water handy at all times. Also try to cut down on tea, coffee and alcohol as these can add to skin dehydration. If you don’t already, start eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and protein such as chicken and fish and cut back on processed and sugary foods. This will be hard – speaking as a major chocaholic, I know – but once you see the benefits it will be worth it!

Get into the habit of cleansing, toning and moisturing your skin every day and night and exfoliate gently twice a week to get rid of any dead skin that can make your skin look dull. Don’t use anything too harsh though as it can actually irritate your skin and do more harm than good.

3 Months To Go:

I would recommend going for a couple of facials a few months before the big day. Apart from being great for pampering the skin, planning a wedding can be stressful and this can show on your skin so taking time out to relax will do you the world of good.

If you have any very dry area’s of skin, for example elbows or lips start using something like Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream on the area to really soften it and after a few weeks you should see a big difference.

If you haven’t already thought about this yet you should start deciding on the make-up look you’d like for your big day. Then decide if you’d like to hire a make-up artist, go to a make-up counter or do your make-up yourself.

Unless you are very sure you know you can achieve a flawless, long-lasting look by yourself I would recommend getting your make-up done by a professional. If you do this it is a good idea going for a trial. This is the only way to be completely sure you get the look you want and are comfortable with it on the day itself. If you plan on having a fake tan I would have this done for the trial also and if possible maybe have your hair trial the same day so you can see the whole look together. You get a much better idea then of what you might like to change. Have your make-up trial as early in the day as you can. This way you can see how it lasts throughout the day. There’s no real point having it done at 6 in the evening, going home and then taking it off as you won’t really get to see how it will perform for you on the day. I would also suggest taking some pics at the trial. Sometimes you might think you look over done or not done enough but in photographs you will get a much better idea or how you might look in your wedding photographs.

Have your eyebrows shaped around this time too so you get a shape you’re happy with and can maintain up to the day or if you’re growing your eyebrows this will give them time to grow.

 The Day Before:

Don’t have any treatments such as facials or waxing done the day before your wedding, especially if you haven’t had them before. The last thing you want is to have a reaction or break out in spots and you have to hide it.

Make sure you get a good sleep that night also, or even a couple of nights before if possible, so you’re bright-eyed and fresh in the morning. The mornings can be chaotic and you need to be able to cope with anything the day throws at you. If you’re tired and stressed you’re more likely to worry over small things and not enjoy the day as much.

 The Big Day:

If you can, eat a good breakfast which is high in protein such as scrambled egg with a couple of rashers or a yummy omelette with some fruit rather than breads or cereals. This will keep you feeling fuller for longer and give you the energy you need for the morning ahead.

Have your skin cleansed and moisturised ready for your make-up artist although most artists will do this for you before they get to work.

Wear a top that opens down the front so that when your hair and make-up is done you just have to slip it off to get dressed and don’t have to pull anything over your head.

I would allow 45mins to 1hour for your make-up to be done. If you have bridesmaids and guests that need their make-up done as well take all this into account. A good idea is to have a timetable worked out so that you give everyone plenty of time and leave some time at the end for any touch ups.

Have an area of good natural light free for having your make-up done as this what the make-up artist will need to work at their best or if you’re doing your own make-up this will make it easier for you to see what you’re doing.

If you’re using a sun screen don’t use one that’s too high a factor as this can cause your face to look white in flash photography.

Use products appropriate for your skin type. If your skin is oliy you might need a primer to matify the skin and you may not need to use a moisturiser as well, as this could be too much moisture for your skin and make it too oily. If you have dry skin use products that are moisturing and don’t make your skin feel tight.

If you have redness in certain area’s like your cheeks or nose, use a primer with green in it such as Smashbox. The green balances out the red in your skin making you skin colour look more even.

Pick a foundation that matches your skin colour perfectly. If you like to look sun-kissed or tanned don’t use your foundation to achieve this, you can use bronzer later. Also, your foundation should only be used to even out your skin tone and not hide any marks or blemishes, that is what concealer is for.

Use a concealer the same colour as your foundation to hide any imperfections on the chin, around your nose or on any spots or imperfections you might have but use a lightweight, creamy concealer under your eye’s to hide any dark circles. You can go a shade lighter here but not too light or you’ll look too white in your photographs.

A little light reflecting product around the under eye such as YSL Touche Eclat will make you look more awake. A lot of women use this as a concealer which it’s not, it actually has the opposite effect so make sure you are using it as a highlighter not a concealer.

Use a lightweight, translucent powder to set your foundation and concealer where needed.

Waterproof mascara is a good idea for any bride. Even if you’re not usually one for tears it’s always good to be prepared just in case!

If you’re wearing false lashes, use an eyelash curler first so that the lashes sit perfectly with your own. You can then apply another coat of mascara on top so they sit seamlessly. I normally use individual lashes. They look much more natural and last longer than the strip lashes because they sit between rather than on top of your own lashes.

I’m a huge fan of eyebrows and I think they really frame the face so use a matt eyeshadow or eyebrow pencil, the same colour as your hair, to fill in any gaps and define the brows. The difference will be amazing!

A little shimmery highlighter looks gorgeous on brides, dusted on the top of the cheeks and blended into your blusher or along your colar bone and shoulders but be careful not to use to much as the flash photography will pick it up. Equally, don’t go for anything glittery on your eye’s, as much as we ladies love a bit of glitter, this will just look awful in your photographs. As a general rule, a little shimmer is ok, glitter is a no, no!

Neutral or pale lip colours tend to look washed out in photographs so go for something a little brighter than you would normally wear. Pinks, plums and rose colours work really well on brides and make your teeth look whiter too. Corals are another beautiful option if you don’t like pinks. To make sure your lip colour lasts longer use a lip liner. Fill in the whole lip as well as lining them so they look flawless and there’s no visible line.

The aim of your make-up is to make you feel and look like yourself only better so don’t go for a drastic change in what you’re used to. If you normally wear very strong make-up then going very light and understated will feel wrong for you, while if you never wear make-up going for a strong eye and dark lips will be far too overpowering for you. Play up your best features, whether it’s your big brown eye’s or fabulous Angelina Jolie lips. You want people to say how amazing you look… your features should do the talking, not the make-up!

Ultimately, you want to feel amazing and happy on your big day and while your make-up artist will be there to give you advice on what will look good and show you how to achieve it, only you know yourself what you want. If you’re not happy with what they have suggested don’t be afraid to say so and work together to get you the look that you love!

One last tip is to have one of your bridesmaids or friends carry a little emergency kit around on the day. Have a lipstick or lipgloss, blush, blotting paper or some powder – if you tend to get shiny, a couple of cotton buds for teary eye’s or touch ups and maybe a little sewing kit, a needle and thread will do, for those hem/button emergencies!

I hope some, if not all of these tips and advice will help you through the preparation for your big day and make looking your best even easier, then all you have to worry about is enjoying the day and taking all the compliments from your guests

Happy Planning x

Clare Hogan is a freelance make-up artist based in Dublin. She is available for weddings, parties and special occasions. Check out her website at http://www.clarehogan.ie or email her at makeupbyclare@gmail.com

Our first venture is candlelight packages for both church & civil ceremonies. Candlelight ceremonies are growing more popular as they are a fantastic pocket friendly way to create and intimate atmosphere. If you are looking for a warm romantic ambience then a candlelight package is the way to go.

Suitable for both church & civil venues My Dream Wedding are offering some incredible budget friendly packages.

White Wedding Package – €200.00

This package is an inexpensive way to decorate your church or civil venue. It includes set up and take away of the following items:

2 x Dressed Bay Trees

24 x White Mini Lanterns – 17cm H

12 x White Tulle & Flower Pew Bows

Romantic Candlelight Package – €350.00

This top of the range economical package is perfect for those looking for a traditional romantic glow. Especially great at winter weddings. This package includes set up and take away of the following:

2 x Dressed Bay Trees

2 x Large 6ft Wrought Iron Candelabras with 4 candles

10 x Large 6ft Wrought Iron Aisle Stands with 1 candle

10 x White Tulle & Flower Pew Bows

Top Tips for Choosing and Buying Your Engagement Rings

What should I look for when buying a Ring? How do I choose a Diamond?

We are all told about the four C’s when choosing a Diamond, but what does this mean?

What does Carat mean? What are Colour and Clarity, and what about Cut?

The Cut.

Of the four Cs which determine quality, diamond cut is the most important characteristic in choosing a diamond.

The cut refers to the diamond’s proportions and symmetry. The combination of these factors, together with the polish and overall finish is known as the cut of the diamond.

The cut of a diamond is often related to the final diamond shape, but not always.

If a diamond is cut too shallow, light can escape from underneath, reducing the brilliance.

If the cut is too deep, light can spread out from the sides, again affecting the sparkle.

A diamond with good proportions will allow the light to travel inside the diamond, reflecting the light through the table and crown (the area below the table, which usually tapers out to the widest point on a Diamond) for maximum sparkle.

The Carat.

The Carat is the weight of the Diamond. Not the actual dimension size.

All factors being equal, a larger diamond will cost more per carat than a smaller diamond because it is rarer. Two half carat diamonds will typically cost less together than a single one carat diamond.

A four carat diamond will cost more than four times the price of a two carat diamond of the same quality.

The Colour.

The Colour is pretty explanatory. Diamonds start on a scale from D, E, F downwards. Think D for Diamond. A D Coloured Diamond is in itself colourless to the naked eye. Unless you are a diamond expert you will probably not be able to tell the difference between diamonds which are colour graded D-I unless you are comparing diamonds side by side.

The Clarity.

A diamond clarity grade is a measure of how free the diamond is from internal inclusions (imperfections), or external blemishes (marks of various kinds). Diamonds which have no inclusions or blemishes are incredibly rare in nature. Most diamonds have flaws which cannot be seen except using 10 x magnification – which is how diamonds are graded. Such flaws do not affect the beauty of the diamond.

Why do I need to know about this? Can I not just buy the biggest I can afford?

Of course if you want to. But as I said it is weight, not size that you should be looking for.

And an ideal cut if possible. This is what will make your Diamond sparkle like a star, no matter what the size. When choosing a ring, I have told clients that it is best to take your time, and try on as many different styles as they like. In fact you should go to as many Jewellers as you like, some may suit, some may not, and importantly the dream ring you always wanted, may not look as good as it did in the magazine.

Ladies your hands are all different in shape and size, so see which Ring appeals most to you.

You will have that ‘Eureka’ moment, and you can go from there.

So how much should you pay?

Again the simple answer is what ‘can’ you afford. There are myths, and notions that you should pay so much. Realistically you should set your budget, and stick to it. If you don’t find the right Ring for the right price in one Jeweller, then search further afield. We are a nation of consumers; we have so many stores and shops on our door steps. So use them. Do not be intimidated by walking into a Jewellers and asking to try on their goods. We do it with shoes, clothes etc, and this is no different. In fact it is more important. It changes your whole life. Be in charge.

Where will I get the best deal?

A lot of people are searching for alternatives, and as with my advice above, here is what you should know.

Buying Online. You’ve seen the ring of your dreams, at a considerable saving. Should you go for it?

If as I said, you have done your homework, and are happy that after customs duties and V.A.T you are indeed making a saving, then it is a possibility. It is not something I would be comfortable with, considering the decisions you have to make.

Buying Abroad. Yes there are some bargains to be had, but along with that comes the horror stories. Be wary of buying in some foreign countries. The grades of stones may or may not be as precise or exact as the controls in Europe. You may find that when you return with your Diamond Ring, it may appear to be as good as the ones on display, but may not be worth any more than you paid. Or it might be worth less. If your Diamond is accompanied by a Certificate, make sure it is one that you can rely on.EGL European Gemological Laboratory, or GIA Gemological Institute of America, adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to grading. A certificate from the store you bought it from abroad is not sufficient.

A lot of people are taking advantage of the Diamond district in Antwerp, and a lot of information about this can be found on the Internet. Again do your homework. The cost of flying over and back will contribute to the overall cost of purchase. This is something to consider. It is an approach that will save you some money, just make sure you include all costs. It is a more secure method if you wish to buy abroad.

What type of metal should I have my Ring made from?

Again, what would you like it made from. Gold, or Platinum?

Gold is Gold, there is no difference in Yellow, Rose or White Gold save the metals introduced along with the Gold to give it its colour. Traditionally it is 18K which is 75% Gold and 25% Metals, and 14K which is 58.3% Gold and 41.7% Metals. Platinum is a different Metal.

Pure yellow gold is actually very soft – too soft to be used in jewellery on its own, so it is usually combined with other metals, or alloys, to make it stronger and harder-wearing.

Typical alloys include copper, zinc and nickel.

Yellow Gold is available in different tones and the exact yellow hue depends on the type of metal alloys used and the percentage of each of them. Pure gold is a rich, shining yellow, full of lustre.

18K gold is also an intense yellow but 14K gold may be a little muted in tone compared to 18K because of the higher percentages of metal alloys which dilute the brilliant gold colour somewhat.

White Gold is actually yellow gold which has been combined with a white metal such as palladium or nickel to give it a white hue. White gold, if left uncoated, will usually lack lustre and shine because of the metal alloy. The natural colour of white gold is actually a light grey.

Generally, white gold is coated with a very thin layer of rhodium to give it greater depth of colour and shine.

Platinum is a very scarce metal, thirty-five times rarer in nature than gold.

The platinum used in jewellery is 95% pure platinum combined with 5% of other metals.

Since platinum is such a hard metal, it will not wear down and jewellery made from it will retain the same shape for a lifetime. Platinum is heavier than gold and appreciated by those who like the feel of heavier, more substantial jewellery which does not look weighty. Platinum is naturally white and will not fade or change colour. However, platinum jewellery will naturally acquire a patina – a special sheen – from daily wear. Some people prefer the patina look, but others prefer to have their platinum jewellery professionally re-polished from time to time.

So can I save money?

Again this is relative to your choice of stone, and work you want done. But if you do your homework, then yes you can. Avoid the cheap alternatives. Across the board you should be able to save 30%. I have the privilege of dealing directly with brokers, and utilising some of the best Goldsmiths in the Country. Savings of somewhere between 30% and 50% can be achieved.

Top of my priority however is advice. What to look for and how to look for it.

I have been supplying Diamonds and Coloured Stones for a number of years, and I have found that it is this approach that has worked the best. You can get as creative as you want, design what you like, and see it come to fruition. Just like a marriage it is a growing process. I take delight in developing a relationship with my clients, offering advice foremost, and guiding them through the whole process.

So, when picking your stone, pick one with a very good cut. You will be surprised with how much you will notice the difference after comparing stones.

• Do try as many options as you like. See what shape compliments your taste and hand. This could be a single stone, Solitaire, or a 3 Stone, or Multi stone Ring. Try them all. Have fun.
• If you are buying from a Jeweller you have their reputation to rely on.
• If you are buying your stones from a broker, seek Certification. Any stone over 0.50cts with top colour and clarity should be accompanied by an appropriate certificate.

So the Steps in a Nutshell.

1. Figure Out Your Budget

First of all, before you do anything else, figure out what your budget is.

You can buy a diamond engagement ring costing anywhere from a few hundred euro to upwards of tens of thousands. Pick a ballpark figure to begin with. You may find that you will want to adjust it as you do your research and discover possibilities which are just beyond your budget but worth the stretch for a much better deal.

2. Decide on the Centre Stone.

A diamond is the traditional centre stone for an engagement ring, but sapphires of various colours, emeralds, and rubies are popular choices too. Once you decide on the type of stone you want, you’ll need to decide on the shape you prefer, too. If you’re interested in a Diamond, you’ll want to refer to the 4Cs.

3. Choose your Setting/Style/Metal.

There are endless engagement ring settings to choose from, including solitaire settings, three-stone and multi-stone settings. Sometimes, the setting you choose will be influenced by your lifestyle. Is it going to be set in Gold, Platinum or a combination of both?

4. Design Your Own Engagement Ring.

This isn’t compulsory, but it’s a tempting possibility. If you don’t fall in love with any of the engagement rings you have seen, then as mentioned earlier consider designing your own. It’s really very easy, and you’ll get exactly the design you’ve always dreamed of.

If you have any further questions you would like to know, feel free to mail me: GemInfo@iol.ie or keep up to date on Twitter @DiamondsIRL

First impressions of Karora was the smell. It smells like sunbed cream, I LOVE this smell and smell is a very important factor on your wedding day believe it or not. I’m always a little wary trying out new tans so I applied this very sparingly and a little really does go a long way. Application was easy enough, just spray on a mitt and rub on to skin using a circular motion. There is a guide colour. I was immediately impressed with how quickly it dried and the fact that it was not sticky at all. I could easily have put my clothes back on 10 minutes after applying, if even! My light application gave me a perfect sun kissed glow. It lasted a good 9-10 days without me moisturising every day and faded really well with no streaks so this would be great for the first week of your honeymoon while you are waiting on your real tan to take shape.

Applying your own fake tan can give you a headache at the best of times so the experts at Karora Cosmetics have provided this fool-proof 6 step guide to getting the perfect fake tan for your big day:

1. Always wax or shave 24 hours before tanning – this gives pores a chance to close and skin time to settle before tan is applied;

2. It is also important to exfoliate  at least 12 hours before tanning, this removes dead skin cells and any unwanted remnants of previous self-tan.  If you have sensitive skin try  KARORA Smooth Operator Micro Peel rrp €14.99 – a grain free and pain-free exfoliator that effectively removes dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing;

3. Only lightly moisturise the hands, feet, elbows, knees and any dry areas on the body.  Most  moisturisers tend to act as barriers and don’t allow the DHA in self tans to develop properly.  With the KARORA botanical tanning range it is not necessary to moisturise as it already contains one of nature’s super natural moisturisers – argan oil – which is rapidly absorbed into the skin helping the golden colour to last longer;

4. When applying your self-tan, map out the body in stages so you don’t miss bits.  Slowly work from the top of the body down to your feet.  To avoid clogging pores on your face  - a good tip is to run cold water over the face to ensure pores are closed and then pat dry.

5. To achieve a light tan wash product off after 4-5 hours or leave on for 8-10 hours for a richer colour (usually Karen spray tans her VIP clients the evening before an event);

6. Moisturise daily to prolong the life of your tan.   To top up your tan try KARORA Gradual Bronzing Moisturiser with SPF15 rrp€19.99 on the face and body – gives a colour boost and skin protecting glow;KARORA’s botanical tanning products are priced from €14.99-€24.99.

KARORA’s botanical bronzing in-salon treatment available from select salons nationwide and KARORA products available from pharmacies nationwide.  Shop online at W: karoracosmetics.com or call 01-9022333 for stockist enquiries.

6 Months Before:

Hire a hairstylist
This is not the time for experimenting or chopping and changing between hairdressers. Do some research and get some recommendations for a good stylist. Once you have found your stylist explain that you are getting married in 6 months and what kind of bridal style you are interested in. Together the two of you can come up with a hair care plan to follow over the coming months.

Schedule a makeup artist
Again, do your research. Request references and ask to see photos of recent work. A good make up artist who is confident in their work will not charge you for a make up trial.

Clear your skin
Blemishes, acne scars and other skin problems can all be resolved if you begin a regimen now. To improve your complexion, consider monthly facials and treatments like fruit-acid peels, which refresh skin’s outer layer. Microdermabrasion, a form of exfoliation that uses tiny crystals, is better for sensitive skin or a glycollic peel. Many salons now offer special offers for these treatments on certain days or a discount if you book a course.

3 Months Before:

Target areas
Be it bingo wings or that spare tyre that is bothering you now is the time to get serious and attack that target area. If you think about, 3 months of sit ups and bicep curls are not that bad really…….

Shape your brows
Research is important here again. You will be amazed what a difference a good brow shape makes to your face. Personally I think you can’t go wrong with benefit brow bars. Go for follow-ups every three weeks.

1 Month Before:

Brighten your smile
Visit the hygenist at your local dentist for a teeth cleaning. If you are in the mood to splash then perhaps a professional teeth whitening session is on your list. We do not advise home teeth whitening treatments as they have been proven to damage the enamel on your teeth. Look after your teeth from here on in. If there is one thing that is a given on your wedding day that is the fact that you will be smiling from ear to ear.

Hold a beauty rehearsal
Do a trial run of both your hair and make up so you can see them together. Then hit the town, no point sitting at home all dolled up with nowhere to go.

2 Weeks Before:

Cut and colour
Cut your hair two weeks in advance so it won’t look too blunt. Have colour touched up now as well to give it time to settle in.

The Week Of:

Smooth skin
Make an appointment to have your eyebrows shaped and other areas, like bikini line and legs, waxed. This way, there’s enough time for any redness to fade. Maybe you might fancy treating your husband to be with a brazilian? Make sure a take two Panadol 1 hour before the treatment if you do.

Pack an emergency kit
Fill a cosmetics bag with supplies: tissues, a nail file, breath mints, and hair pins. Ask your makeup artist for powder, lipstick, and concealer to put in a custom makeup palette. Also, bring your nail polish for quick fixes.

The Day Before:

Put on polish

Get a manicure and pedicure a day ahead so nails can thoroughly dry. Should you nick or smudge a nail, gently even out the area with a buffer and smooth on a dot of color.

Wash your hair

“The buildup of oils overnight makes hair easier to work with the next day.

Exfoliate and Tan

We advise having this professionally applied.

The day of the Wedding:

Just relax
The more at ease your mind and body are, the better you’ll look. Stress can show up on your skin in the form of acne or eczema. To help stay calm, take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.

Pace yourself
Allow ample time for hair and makeup: Three hours before is when many brides begin their hair, followed by makeup, with each taking around an hour. Pull on your dress only after hair, makeup, and perfume are set (oils in fragrance can discolor your dress). Lastly, arrange hair accessories and veil.

The couple who began dating in 2007 secretly wed in July 2010 and later announced that Miranda was 4 months pregnant. Pictures of the big day have yet to be seen.

9) David Walliams & Lara Stone

Little Britain Star David Walliams married Vogue Cover Girl Lara Stone in a lavish ceremony in May 2010. The bride wore a givenchy corsetted dress in ivory washed silk  satin. They were joined by a host of celebrities such as Matt Lucas and James Corden.

8.) Megan Fox & Brian Austin Green

In June 2010  24 year old Megan Fox wed Brian Austin Green on a beautiful beach in Hawaii. The couple were joined by Brian’s son Kassius.Megan and Brian had been dating for six years on and off before tying the knot.

7) Penelope Cruz & Javier Bardem

In the same manner as Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green seemed to get married without anyone noticing, so did Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Cruz, 36, and Bardem, 41, married in a small, private wedding ceremony in July 2010 at a friend’s home in the Bahamas.Cruz wore a gown designed by designer/ friend John Galliano.

6) Katy Perry and Russel Brand

We are rating this one slightly on the low side simply because there are no pics! After an abundance of wedding-planning rumors Katy Perry and Russell Brand tied the knot in October 2010 in a fairy-tale ceremony in India at the Aman-i-Khas resort in the countryside of northern India. The celebration lasted six days, starting with a Bollywood-themed party and culminating in a ceremony that included 21 camels, horses and elephants! After the ceremony, the two both took to their Twitter pages to announce their new status.

5) Robbie Williams & Ayda Field

Long Term Bachelor Robbie Williams married Ayda Field in front of 75 family members and friends during a romantic ceremony at Mulholland Estates in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Guests were treated to a sunset reception with champagne and gourmet hors d’ouvres after a brief ceremony and exchange of vows.

4) Hilary Duff & Mike Comrie

Hilary Duff tied the knot in a Vera Wang gown in front of 100 guests in August 2010.

3) Nicole Richie & Joel Madden

Longtime couple Nicole Richie and Joel Madden decided to end 2010 with a bang—by tying the knot at Lionel Richie’s Southern California estate. After being escorted down the aisle by her famous father, Nicole and the Good Charlotte frontman were officially wed by a very special minister: the Reverend Run, the Run-DMC rapper and reality-TV star! The winter-themed wedding, which featured the couple’s daughter, Harlow, as the gorgeous flower girl, had a guest list of about 130, which included Khloé Kardashian, Samantha Ronson and an elephant for good luck!

2) Chelsie Clinton & Marc Mezvinsky

In a wedding ceremony that was rumoured to have cost 2 million dollars, Chelsea Clinton tied the know in July 2010 in a Very Wang Strapless Gown.

1) Amy Huberman & Brian O’Driscoll

Who better to top the number one spot than our very own “Bramy”! Actress Amy Huberman married Rugby Star Brian O Driscoll Dubbed at St Joseph’s Church, Aughavas and attended a private reception later in Lough Rynn Castle Hotel, Mohill, on July 2nd 2010. The ladies of Ireland oohhed and awwed over Amy’s stunning choice of gown. Amy chose to wear a classic fairytale inspired gown by Irish Designer Stephanie Allin and the bridesmaids also wore irish designs by Fee G.

The couple were so down to earth that Brian even arrived early to greet & sign autographs for the waiting specators. Altogether now awwww.

Well have no fear ladies. My Dream Wedding has a fantastic range of “Wedding Bling” and we have put together a wee guide for you!

Most important of all What is the style of your wedding dress?

In very broad terms there are four styles of wedding dress (or indeed bridesmaid’s dress), namely:

(a) classic elegant dresses  (e.g. a simple white satin a-line dress nipped in at the waist);

(b) princess style dresses (e.g. boned with netted underskirt);

(c) flowing and romantic dresses (e.g. empire line, perhaps with chiffon or lace); and

(d) figure hugging dresses (e.g. fully fitted with a fishtail).

Jewellery works best when it either subtly accents your dress or acts as a stunning feature against a simple background. It’s best not to, for instance, overpower a traditional lace ornate dress with heavy diamond jewellery when an elegant pearl pendant would look more in keeping with the style of your dress.

Again as a very general guide, dresses falling within category (a) are the simplest to accessorise as they look great with almost any jewellery. For a full on princess effect (category b), chandelier earrings or a fancy diamond necklace are probably the order of the day, since you’re likely to be a fan of sparkles! For dresses in category (c), these team best with pearls or more subtle pieces; and for (d) you can either keep the jewellery to a minimum by wearing smaller or non drop earrings and no necklace or go all out and wear a showstopping piece of jewellery or two.

Earrings:

Earrings can make or break an outfit. Your hairstyle, necklace and headpiece can play a major role in deciding the type of earrings you wear. If you have an upswept hair style, long earrings with drops will be the ideal option for you. Similarly, small bejeweled hoop earrings or simple studs can complement a decorated veil, tiara or a dramatic necklace.

Consider also the bodice of your dress. If your dress has a lot of detail you might be better off going for a simple stud or a small drop. If your neckline is a sweetheart neckline a necklace may be too much for the dress in which case your earrings will be your jewellery statement, a chandelier style would be perfect for this.

A simple drop earring:

Ava Earrings, €25.00 available from www.mydreamwedding.ie

A Simple Drop Earring with Pearl

A Statement Chandelier Earring:

€40.00 available from www.mydreamwedding.ie

Lightweight Statement Long Drop Earrings:

Audrey Earrings, €58.00 available from www.mydreamwedding.ie

Necklace:

Choose a necklace that complements the cut of your wedding gown. A diamond solitaire will surely work well with a V or sweetheart neckline, whereas a rhinestone choker or a pearl will look stunning with a strapless straight across bodice.

Use the length and drop of your necklace to draw the eye down to your dress or up to your face.

A choker can feel either modern or antique at the same time, for instance a pearl choker can turn a lace dress into a vintage masterpiece.

If you have delicate straps on your dress then you will need a delicate necklace.

Statement Drop Necklace:

Saoirse, €38.00, available from www.mydreamwedding.ie

Delicate Style Necklace:

Ava Necklace, €25.00, www.mydreamwedding.ie

Vintage Style Choker:

Three Strand Pearl Choker, €20.00, www.mydreamwedding.ie

Bracelets:

Bracelets are becoming increasingly popular as wedding  jewellery. If you have a high-necked dress then your bracelet can be your statement piece. Try to avoid going for the whole earrings, necklace and bracelet set.

Be careful when choosing your bracelet. If it has a lot of rhinestones it may get caught in your dress.

Also, consider wearing a tennis bracelet to complement bare plain gloves and pearl or rhinestone cuffs over bare wrists.

Delicate Style Bracelet:

Jessica Bangle, €25.00, www.mydreamwedding.ie

Statement Bracelet:

Juliette Stretch Bracelet, €34.00, www.mydreamwedding.ie

Watches:

Some say never wear a watch with a dress and that bride does not need to know the time. However if you are a bride that just can’t be late then they are some wonderful pieces available.

Cuff Watch:

Goes with most dresses. €44.00, www.mydreamwedding.ie

Vintage Style Watch:

€44.00, www.mydreamwedding.ie

Don’t forget to harmonize the gemstones present in your headpiece or dress with those present in your jewelry. Zirconia or diamonds will complement crystals or sequins whereas pearls will go well with beading.

MR AND MRS QUIZ

Before the party, ask the groom 20 or so questions about himself.
At the hen party ask everyone how well they think the bride knows her groom. Have them write down how many of the twenty questions they think she will get right.

Here are some sample questions to get you started…

1. What is ‘HIS’ confirmation name?
2. What shirt collar size does ‘HE’ wear?
3. What kind of animal was his first pet?
4. What was the name of his favourite childhood pet?
5. What is his favourite music group?
6. What was his first album/cd he brought?
7. What was his first album/cd he brought?
8. What was the first movie they saw together?
9. What is his favourite meal that the bride has made?
10. What Female movie/TV star does ‘HE’ fancy?
11. How old was he when he had his first kiss?
12. What bra size does she take? (no peeking)
13. What day did he say is their anniversary?
14. What were his exact words when he proposed?
15. What is his favourite Ruby/Soccer Team?
16. What is his favourite car?
17. What famous movie/TV star does ‘HE’ think he is most like?
18. What is his favourite lingerie of hers?
19. Who will be the most hung over after the wedding?
20. What does he like best about his “bride to be”

When you have finished asking the “groom” the questions, ask him how many of them he thinks his “bride to be” will get right. Compare his guess to her result and for everyone she gets wrong make her do a forfeit.

A January bride will be a prudent housekeeper, and very good-tempered.

A February bride will be an affectionate wife, and a tender mother.

A March bride will be a frivolous chatterbox, somewhat given to quarreling.

An April bride will be inconsistent, of forceful, but well-meaning.

A May bride will be handsome, agreeable, and practical.

A June bride will be impetuous, and generous.

A July bride will be handsome, but a trifle quick-tempered.

An August bride will be agreeable, and practical as well.

A september bride will be discreet, affable, and much liked.

An October bride will be pretty, coquettish, loving but jealous.

A November bride will be liberal and kind, but sometimes cold.

A December bride will be fond of novelty, entertaining but extravagant.