Morning! With wedding season well and truly up and running, you may be wondering what the key wedding accessory trends will be. One lady who keeps her eye on the ball is Louisa Shipstone, Assistant to British wedding dress designer Stuart Parvin - here’s her thoughts on the coming season:

“What a fantastically exciting year to be either planning a wedding or working in the industry – with not one but 2 royal weddings on the cards, and extra time off to enjoy them, the excitement of us wedding obsessives is reaching fever pitch!

So what accessory looks are going to be key for this oh-so-important year? Tiaras have long been the mainstay of bridal accessorising, but have been less popular of late, so will the royal wedding encourage a return to this classic bridal look? A more modern way to wear a tiara, which has proved enormously popular in recent years is to go for a side worn headpiece or headband, which sits slightly flatter on your head than a “classic” tiara. These work well with a variety of hair styles and gown designs. I love, love, love this look with a vintage inspired gown and in particular the Venus Tiara from Ivory and Co.

Side Tiaras are a new, modern alternative to traditional styles. L-R Cameo Side Tiara by Halo & Co, image by David Burke Photography, Louisa's choice, the Venus tiara by Ivory & Co

Birdcage veils are also going to be a key look for 2011 – flawless make up, a killer frock and a cute as hell cage veil give you a bridal but super-modern look. Much as I love the silhouette stretching capability of a full cathedral veil, there’s something irresistible about the way these gorgeous little things frame your face, and they look fantastic with retro inspired gowns in particular.  Go wild with a flower corsage or a filigree antique style motif..

Birdcage veils are super-flattering. L-R Pearl Bandeau Veil, image by David Burke Photography, Tea For Two veil by Madeline Isaac-James

A good way to thoroughly modernise your bridal look is to use statement jewellery. Cocktail rings, chunky bangles and inspiring statement necklaces pep up any outfit and bridal wear is no exception.

Wearing a fishtail gown? A statement necklace will balance out your silhouette brilliantly and bring the look bang up to date. A word of warning though – this is not the look to go for if your gown is huge or incredibly detailed, but can look utterly divine if styled with a gown that’s gorgeously simple, with pared down design detail and lovely clean lines.

Make a style statement with a really eyecatching piece of jewellery. L-R: Hayworth Madame Cuff by Stephanie Browne, Rosalie necklace by Madeline Isaac-James, Starlet Earrings by Justine M Couture.

One thing brides always worry about is that their photos will date if they slavishly follow a particular trend for their wedding. Whilst this can be true, if you want to go for the statement look, but keep it classic and timeless – there are some lovely bold pieces out there in pearls, diamante and with antique style filigree which give the wow factor, but still keep your look beautiful and bridal. The Astor Pearl necklace by Stephanie Browne is the perfect example.

The Astor Pearl Necklace is a classic and a statement in one!

Delicate and sparkly will always have its place in bridal fashion, but why not layer up lots of pretty bracelets for that statement impact? Different shapes, designs and materials can complement each other superbly as well as being beautiful pieces in their own right –  why chose just one ?!  Take your cue from the variety of gorgeous stacking rings around at the moment and do the same for your wrists… try combining the Hayworth and Madison bracelets from Stephanie Browne, or the Vivienne and Audrey for an art deco vibe.

I can’t leave this piece without mentioning the most beautiful bridal shoes – in gorgeously soft suede and with the cutest bow in the world perching on the toe the Marylin shoe from Rachel Simpson will not only give you ‘good foot’ on your wedding day, but are versatile enough to wear with a huge variety of “normal” clothes… the only trouble you might have is deciding between the teal and mink colourways… but you could always make like Helena Bonham Carter and wear one of each ….

The most beautiful wedding shoes EVER! The Marilyn shoes by Rachel Simpson

My thanks go again to Louisa Shipstone for giving me her thoughts and images from David Burke Photography. So why not take one of these trends and make it your own – you won’t regret it!

Kate. x

Hello! As ‘wedding season’ is fast approaching I thought it would be nice to do a blog post about how your wedding accessories can make some fantastic wedding photographs - most of all as part of the ‘getting ready’ photos before the ceremony. You’ll treasure your wedding shoes, jewellery and headpiece for long after the big day, so why not put them centre stage in some of your photos?

Of course I’m not a professional wedding photographer, so I thought I’d ask an expert! I asked Sarah from Sarah Vivienne Photography for her tips for getting gorgeous ‘getting ready’ photos – and here’s what she had to say…

The bridal preparations is one of my favourite parts of a wedding day and something I’d encourage any bride to have photos of.

Your last few hours as a single lady, shared with those closest to you, are some of the most emotion filled moments of your day. Imagine the champagne corks popping, lots of laughs, probably a few tears and seeing your parents’ faces as you’re finally ready, their little girl all grown up. Those are all opportunities for great photos.

The morning of the wedding can make for some emotional and stunning shots.

It’s also a chance to get some gorgeous pictures of your outfit (your dress, your shoes, flowers and accessories); which make fabulous little detail pictures and really help to tell the story of your day in an album.

Accessories shots can make lovely, unusual photos.

This part of your day can be captured candidly; all you have to do is concentrate on enjoying yourself and being beautiful. But there are some things you can do to help get great photographs.

Here are my 5 top tips:

1. Small details make a big difference

If pictures of your dress, shoes and accessories are important to you then choose a photographer who shares your excitement for them. Look for examples in their portfolio and choose someone with a style you like.

Look out for detail shots in photographers' portfolios

A great photographer will be able to make your details look their best, whatever they are and wherever you’re getting ready. But thinking about your dress in particular, one thing that can let a really good picture down is an ugly hanger. The loveliest of gowns are sometimes supplied with a plastic hanger. Definitely try to find a nice padded or wooden one.

Small details like replacing your dress hanger with a vintage or padded hanger can really make a photo

2. Think about what you’re wearing

There’s no need to dress up but do think about what will look good in your photos. A simple plain coloured robe or neutral shirt and jeans would be perfect.

Also try to have everyone else ready, or least wearing something similar, before they help you into your dress. That way you will all look good when you’re getting into your dress.

Make extra time for getting into your dress and make sure your bridesmaids are ready before you.

3. Be tidy

Try to be tidy and not have too many things lying around. That way you’ll see the moments and emotion in your pictures rather than the clutter in the background.

If you’re able to choose the room you get ready in then go for the largest, brightest space you can. This will give everyone room to move around easily and make it easier for your photographer to be unobtrusive and get the best angles.

Choose a big, light space and keep it tidy for the most striking photos.

4. Allow more than time than you think you’ll need

There’s a reason why brides are usually late!

Allow plenty of time to make sure everything is perfect. And if you’d like some gorgeous portraits of you and your family and bridesmaids once you’re all ready, then build in time for that too.

Set your hair and make-up artists a deadline to ensure you're running on time.

Let your make-up artist and hair stylist know what time you need to be getting into your dress by, so that they can be finished in time. And allow longer than you think you’ll need to get into your dress. I’ve known weddings where bits have had to be sewn back on a dress. Or bits cut off. And zips that have got stuck. Give yourself time and problems like this are less of an issue.

'Final touches' shots look fat better when you and your bridesmaids are calm and not running late!

Rushing out late can be very stressful and will leave you no time for those beautiful portraits. It’s much better to allow lots of extra time and be able to spend a few minutes relaxing and enjoying a glass of champagne before you leave.

Getting ready in good time allows time for great shots with your bridesmaids and family.

5. Don’t forget your Groom

Consider having a two photographer team so that you can have pictures of the Groom’s preparations as well as the Bride getting ready. It makes for a nice balanced album and is lovely for each of you to be able to see what the other one was up to!

Don't forget your groom! A second photographer is worth it to see how the boys prepared!

Some great tips, I’m sure you’ll agree. See more of Northampton Wedding Photographer Sarah Vivienne‘s work on her website.

Thanks Sarah,

Kate. xx