Wedding Hair and Make-up Cornwall

Today's wedding hair & make-up can be as individual as you are, bringing a fashion-forward aesthetic while staying true to your own style...

Here, the experts share their predictions on the pretty!

Between reception must-haves and fashion movements, anyone with an eye on the trends may start to fear that they're starting to follow the crowds, rather than paving their own stylistic way.

The true key to trendsetting is to take what's hot and make it your own: putting an individual stamp on a right-now trend to ensure that you emerge an enhanced, more modernised version of you.

Your hair and make-up are no exception. Why spend time and effort on seating plans and signage when you don't afford as much consideration to your own finishing touches, which can make a huge difference to your final bridal look?

We've asked some industry professionals about the latest trends causing a stir in the wedding hair and make-up world to help you achieve your own, totally now, version of bridal beauty brilliance...

Amy Potter (Toby Lowe Photography)

LUSCIOUS LOCKS
From my preferred daily look of 'messy undone styles' to sleek centre partings, fringes, tendrils, hair flips and even mohawks, bridal hair is having a charismatic moment.

For brides seeking something classic and elegant, there's scope for an effortlessly striking 'do. "For 2019 I think we will see Meghan Markle-inspired hairstyles, so low buns and chignons that will create the natural-looking 'undone' style, but yet still remains a polished look, " says Emma of Hair by Emma C (hairbyemmac.net).

"Meghan rocked an undone 'messy' bun with a centre parting. This was done in a controlled way, making sure it didn't become too wild after a few hours," explains Claire from The Pop Up Salon (thepopupsalon.co.uk).

"I also feel like half-up half-down hairstyles will become more simple, along the lines of an updo that's natural with a slight amount of movement within the hair. Veils are also becoming more popular since the royal wedding," adds Emma.

"A classically elegant chignon seems to be a huge trend for spring and this has become more popular thanks to Meghan Markle's wedding hair," agrees Helen from Hello Gorgeous Truro (hellogorgeoustruro.com). "Her loose chignon was styled with romantic tendrils and this soft dreamy look will no doubt inspire the direction of wedding hair for the coming season."

Another romantically inspired look is centre-parted styles with soft tendrils curled away from the face, while "sleek and simple low buns and ponytails dressed with white silk or velvet ribbons adds an ethereal and magical touch to any wedding hair style", she continues. "You will even start to see petals dusted over soft curls and big floral headdresses with plenty of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' inspiration."

"There are some beautiful variations on this low loose bun, which works so well for our laid-back Devon brides," says The Pop Up Salon's Rebekah. "We have been working with these soft low dos for some time now, but for 2019 we are seeing added height and extra texture to them. Still soft but a little more edge - we are going less bridal, more catwalk!"

But what about brides fancying a more statement mane? "If you're not into beach waves, then a slightly more styled voluminous wave with an '80s inspired flick is perfect for a modern and glamorous look," suggests Helen. "My favourite kind of bridal hair is relaxed, natural and undone. A lot of work goes into achieving this boho-glam look but I like the style to look effortless."

And it's not just the '80s that's inspiring bridal hair."I am also excited by the '60s looks that have been all over the catwalks, and are filtering through to wedding hair - centre partings, but with lots of teasy texture!" says Rebekah, with Katie from The Pop Up Salon agreeing. "The subtle '60s can be done beautifully, with soft messy waves and a small bouffant - think Brigitte Bardot!" she says.

Ellie at The Updo Girl (theupdogirl.com) shares her predictions, which take a classic and royal-inspired theme. "Centre partings are making a comeback; I have seen them everywhere recently and think they look really regal," she says.

"Top knots provide textured and sleek style for the modern bride who is after a more simple look, while textured chignons are simple and elegant, pulled back from the front with 'airy' texture, adding micro braids and pretty accessories for extra detail."

Roseanne from Ro Hair (rohair.co.uk) echoes the simplistic approach to bridal hair, but with a personalised twist. "All over the catwalk we are seeing low ponytails accessorised with beautiful fabric bows, a simple but huge statement, as well as headbands and flower crowns. Yet still the most simple of pins make the perfect finishing touch," she observes.

Adorn your crown with fresh flowers, a dainty hairband, bespoke headpiece or garden-inspired hair bouquet for spotlight-stealing tresses, with Katie predicting that: "Seasonal blooms delicately entwined to create pretty petal headpieces and oversized crowns of flowers are set to be bigger and better for this year's wedding season." And don't disregard the humble plait! "Braids for me are still big news," says Katie. "I am working with fanned fishtails, Dutch and classic braids to add texture to almost any hairstyle."

Or opt for an individual take on the undisputed trend du jour: simplicity. "Low buns and face-framing tendrils are being left down to soften any updo, but for the most effortless bridal look this year the 'lob' is most definitely in, with a soft wave mirroring its casual feel," adds Roseanne.

The Updo Girl

Hair by Emma C (Arianna Fenton Photography)

CAPTIVATING COSMETICS
Whether you want to mirror your hair in your bridal make-up, or create a head-turning contrast between the two, experimenting with today's top trends will help you to define your personal leanings - and leading look.

With the catwalks awash with statement make-up including snowflake eyelashes, luminous and rosy complexions, bronzed eyelids, and winged or silver-foil liner, a new fairy tale aesthetic has appeared, from unfussy and alluringly feminine to futuristic and attention-grabbing.

"Skincare featured heavily backstage on the catwalks, which made my heart sing!" says Claire Bowring, a make-up artist and skin specialist (clairebowring.co.uk). "I am a huge advocate of looking after your skin so you glow from within - and I'm not talking in an overdone fake highlighter kind of way. Get that luminous, healthy glow that looks like you've just had a facial."

"Matte is out, all-over glow is in!" agrees Claire from The Pop Up Salon. "Meghan Markle embraced her freckles and used only the sheerest of foundation where needed. To create Meghan's luminous look, replace a pressed powder with a foundation with a dewy finish."

"'Glossy' and 'sheer' are the 2019 buzzwords," says make-up artist Amy Potter (amypottermua.com). "Pale pink eyeshadow is making a comeback and we can expect undone, Victorian romance to take charge of spring wedding make-up."

For those seeking a sun-kissed look for their spring or summer wedding, simplistic bronze shades on the lids will deliver flattering warmth to any skin tone, accompanied by unfussy brows and 'glass skin', recommends Amy.

"Whitened pastels in creampuff orange, lavender and light salmon are due to carry throughout the seasons on the cheeks and lips, and from late summer and beyond, dark chilli pepper lipsticks and warming peach blush matched with glossy eyes will complement the aesthetic of the autumnal bride," she says.

"I find that most brides want to look like themselves at their most beautiful," says make-up artist Suzi Winter (suziwinter.co.uk), raising a vital point about the potential pitfalls of achieving your desired fashion-forward look versus the importance of appearing like yourself.

"This year is all about glowy, luminous skin and soft pinky gold highlights. I think we will see a lot of dusty rose cheeks and soft berry lips, which were a favourite at Bridal Fashion Week, along with metallic nails. And big, natural eyebrows are here to stay!"

Of course, there's always room for a bold statement lip, and the red lip is having a resurgence, says Claire Bowring. "Keep make-up pared back elsewhere, with all the focus on the lip."

The other news for bridal beauty is that brows and lashes are still very much a key focus, especially beautiful, naturally groomed brows and luscious long lashes. "Look into LVL lashes, a treatment that lifts, volumises and lengthens all with your own lashes - a perfect way to enhance what you already have without it all looking too much," says Claire Bowring. "Graphic eyeliner is still going strong this season too, with the ultimate cat flick being requested. And metallics and glitters are making an appearance this season, just try a little hint of it on the eyes with a soft shimmer or sparkle."

One thing is for sure, the trick of ensuring successful hair and make-up is to merge your own sense of style and natural look with what's en vogue. After all, as cosmetics legend Bobbi Brown quite rightly asserts: "Beauty isn't about looking perfect. It's about celebrating your individuality."