Monday, 28 November 2011

Grooming the groom


Although on these pages we tend to focus on the bride, we like to consider the men from time to time. After all, they take centre stage on their wedding day too. So with this in mind, West Weddings went in search of tips to ensure your groom looks as groomed as he can be...

Don't worry, we’re not necessarily advocating that you start using ‘guyliner’ or foundation (although more power to you if you do want to give these a go), but in the run up to your wedding, it’s definitely time to get groomed.
Kate Moss checks the quality of Jamie HInce's grooming on their wedding day
Starting at the top, make sure that your hair is at its best. Bristol barbers RSR are experts when it comes to making grooms look good. Owner and lead stylist Rachael has been at the razor’s edge of men’s grooming for 15 years, and has a wealth of ideas for men wanting to rock a stylish haircut on their wedding day.

“It’s fashionable at the moment for men to not look overly styled,” says Rachael. “The most popular cut is a short back and sides but longer on top, similar to the way men wore their hair in the 1940s. The main difference nowadays is the products. Dry and matte waxes and creams create texture and movement but without looking overly wet or greasy.” Rachael recommends American Crew Fiber wax or Fudge Matte Hed texture paste.

For your wedding haircut, preparation is key. Rachael advises coming in a week to ten days before the wedding for a cut. “It takes about three days for hair to settle down,” she says. “So you want to make sure that you give it enough time for any sharp edges to soften.” RSR can also wash and style your hair on the day, ensuring that your new cut is shown off to its full advantage.

When it comes to your skin, don’t think that moisturiser is just for your bride - men’s skin needs as just as much care as women’s. There are lots of products on the market now that are designed specifically for you, with big names such as Nivea and L’Oreal creating whole ranges based on the specific needs of men’s skin. If exfoliator and eye roll-on gel seem a bit too much effort, however, at least take the time to use moisturiser on a daily basis to ensure your skin looks smooth and in tip-top condition for the photographs.

If the thought of walking into a shop and buying male moisturiser causes you to shudder with horror, a more cunning option is to buy a cream that both you and your new wife can use. Eternal Skincare’s aloe super hydrating moisturiser is unscented, meaning it’s suitable for both men and women. It also multitasks as a face cream, body moisturiser, after sun and massage lotion, so you’ll have more room in the suitcase when you go away on honeymoon.

Eternal Skincare's aloe cream is a clever multi-tasker

A visit to a spa is also an option for some body TLC – after all, why should pampering be just for the ladies? Robin James Aveda spa in Bristol offers a number of treatments tailored specifically for men. These range from stress-relieving massages and facials to more adventurous options including eyebrow shaping, manicures and pedicures. There is even a back and chest wax for those of you who can handle the pain! Robin James also has a ‘groomsmen’ package, which combines a number of treatments for you and your best men plus lunch or afternoon tea and champagne. This is the perfect chance to relax and unwind before the big day.

You’ll be looking at your wedding photos for years to come so it’s definitely worth investing some time and effort into your appearance. After all, your wedding suit might date but a good hairstyle and clear skin never go out of fashion.

 

Tuesday, 8 November 2011

Pretty pieces for your home

Need a gift for the married couple?  Want a gift for yourself?  Take a look at these wooden wonders.

Etsy. We simply have to stop meeting like this. I like you, I do, but I have commitments, bills, rent, cat food. I can't see you anymore... well... maybe just once more. Or twice.

All of the items for sale at Uncommon Handmade are to die for. I love woody, crafty items and what is really drawing me to these is the almost unfinished quality. Take this chandelier for example, it's available in plain wood (arguably pretty in it's own right) and pre-painted. For all of you out there with itchy fingers this means you can decorate your own pretty chandelier. Wedding reception decor anyone?


Costing just over £35 (and that's before the postage from the USA) it is not a cheap option.  But there is something incredibly fun about it. I cannot help but picture grooms with rolled up shirt sleeves, open fires and a thick, cosy rug to cuddle down on. Heaven!

Not all of their products evoke such a woodsy setting though - some are positively sun kissed. So if you're suffering from some seasonal blues, feast your eyes on these...



Tangerine wall clock £23, Bamboo doily clock £20,
Mini fridge magnets £6

These would make lovely gifts for a new couple or even just for yourself. So why not treat somebody special?

Hannah xxx

Tuesday, 1 November 2011

Pretty wedding confetti

I love books. I love vintage. Confetti, well, I don’t dislike it... especially when it combines all three of these lovely things.

Taking a stroll through Etsy led me to these pretty confetti packets. The lovely lady behind Scrap Shoppe is a self-confessed diet coke drinker, chocolate eater and lover of all things pretty.






Prices vary depending on the shape, paper and quantity. The maple leaves cost approx. £9.62 for 365 and are about an inch in size. Not being a confetti aficionado I could not tell you how far this will go  but I CAN tell you that using these super sweet leaves, birds, butterflies or hearts will make any table display extra lovely (I’ve said love/lovely far too many times).

Am I right? Are these pretty? YES!

Hannah xxx

P.S For anyone crafty (who wouldn't start sobbing at the thought of cutting up books) why not have a go yourself? Pop to a craft shop, pick up a shaped hole punch and away you go!