BEAUTY
DRAMA DIVAS
Movie divas of yesteryear like Ava, Marilyn and Mariene epitomized glamour at it's best! From coffered hair to scarlet drawn lips and sexy lined cat eyes, the makeup was I feminine, sensual and attention-grabbing all at the same time.
ALL UP
Strong glamorous makeup needs no distraction! Pull hair away from the face and slick it back into a stylish chignon or twisted into beautiful bun. Keep stray hair in place with lots of hair shine and hairspray.
CURLY SUE
If you prefer leaving your long locks down, make sure you have a big hair do that will capture everyone's attention. For more drama, get your stylist to add loose curls with lots of volume. To finish, add a spray of crystals or glitter to your hair for some star-quality.
PINS AND CLIPS
Do away with the tiaras and flowers in your sleek bun or chignon and get long hair pins and clips. Choose long stick-like hair pins with dangling jewels or cloisonné designs. It's classic bridal beauty with an exotic touch. For something with more sparkle, a diamond brooch or tiara would be perfect.
GLOW
The new Guerlain L'OR Radiance Concentrate with pure gold makeup base gives a shimmering gold radiance when applied on the face. You can use it sparingly for a more subtle glow or intensively on focused areas for a sexy highlight. Available from Gurlain counters.
METALLIC ACCENTS
Depending on your colour theme, why not add touches of gleaming metallic colour to your makeup palette. Remember not to over do it; tiny accents of shiny colour brightens any look. Focus on the eyes and eyelids; for lips, a sparkly red sheen adds fullness and sexiness
SUPER MODEL
Get instant cheekbones and achieve the super sexy model look using Benefit's High Beam. Just dab on the luxurious silver-pink liquid for subtle highlights on cheekbones and a slim nose effect. Available from Benefit counters.
LASH SEXY
Play it up with dramatic diamante false lashes, Shu Uemura Tokyo Lash Bar has a large selection of stylish eyelashes that's perfect for creating that dazzling flutter. Illuminate eyes with a Swarovski crystal lash set or keep it subtle with metallic silver strands of lower eyelashes. You can even customize your own couture lashes for the personalize touch.
ACCESSORIES
LONG AND SHORT
Forget pretty trinkets that are neither here nor there. If you are wearing a shoulder baring gown, go for multi-strands pearl or crystal chokers with dramatic pendants, for V-shaped, low back or scalloped necklines, long glittering strands looped in layers are elegant and add a dash of old world romance. To match simple sheaths, drape luxurious gems all over. You can a also try bigger pieces on your arms, waist and shoulders.
FANCY FEATHERS
More designers are lining their gowns with trims beyond laces and frills. Feathers (short and long) are dramatic accents if used at the right places: along the hems of tiered skirts or as an embellishment to scattered crystal beading. Feathered shawls or even a feather boa instantly ups the glam factor too. To complete the look, get a hat designer to create a dramatic headgear with striking colored feathers.
SASSY STILETTOS
The higher the better. Forget low flats or stumpy heels. Glamour looks demand glamorously high stilettos. Super high heels are the perfect fit for gowns with long trains. Opt for diamante or crystal trimmed designs ion silver or gold leather.
CLUTCH IT
Choose a stylish satin clutch to complement to your glamorous evening or bridal gown. The clutch is fashionable and perfect for storing makeup essentials too.
CROP IT
While a long veil is nice, give it a modern touch by having your pouf cropped at shoulder-length and secured tightly in place by a crystal studded headband. You can also ask your bridal designer to embroidery sequins or diamantes all over your veil. It gives a dazzling effect that appears as if you have sparkling gems scattered all over your head.
TALONS
Gorgeous manicured nails are a must. Choose a bright dazzling colour with glitter or a sheen to match your evening gown or bridal theme. If you must have French manicured nails, opt for a coloured tip in gold or silver instead of the usual white. It's more edgy and classy.
BOUQUET DRESSING
Tiny posies are dainty and pretty, for something glamorous, have a bigger bouquet and wrap your stems with jewelry or luce satin ribbons for a dramatic appeal.
FASHION
SUPER SLINKY
Glamorous styles mean sultry, fluid lines that fit and slide over every curve. Mermaid of corseted sheaths with esra long trains are perfect styles. A low back or a plunging deep V-neckline showcasing glittering diamond necklaces are stunning attention-grabbers while short dresses dressed with glittering tassels or gold and silver lace and beadwork is a sure hit anytime.
SHAWLS CREATIONS
Dress up your simple slinky gown with lush flamboyant shawls. Or do what john Galliano did in his past collections for Christian Dior: He used a Chinese embroidered sil shawls as part of a stunning evening gown.
GOLDEN GIRLS
For some star glamour, get your brial posse dressed in gold dresses or hints of gold (like gold sashes, headbands, ties, flowers or cuffs). It'll be impressive and stunning.
SETTINGS
TWINKLING HIGHLIGHTS
Besides a colour theme like scarlet red or gold, think sparkling embellishments you can use to dress up staid settings. Sequins and shiny beaded strands can be used to decorate candleholders, floral centerpieces and even plate settings. Just get the right hue to match your colour theme ie. Silver with white or pink, gold with red or green.
BIGGER THE BETTER
Forget pretty, tiny flowers. For more impact, large luscious blooms and oversized leaved and ferns add more colour and drama to any wedding venue or setting. You can also opt for multi-tiered floral arrangements that help fill up bigger spaces. Whether it's multi-hued or a single striking colour, these towering arrangements may be all you need for a glamorous setting.oh
BUFFET STYLE
The formal sit-down banquet dinners are overdone. For a stylish celebration, have a fancy buffet spread with bite-size treats, elegant canapés, classy table decorations and bubbly champagne. To add to the festive ambience, opt for on-the-spot fresh cooking of special dishes. This can cost much less than the usual banquet as well.
GRAND DINING
Dine like the rich and famous royal families. Instead of round banquet tables, opt for long rectangular tables that stretch along the length of the ballroom. It exudes a sense of grandeur and splendor.
TOPPERS
Instead of the traditional bride and groom figurines or flower display, why not top your cake with a spectacular jeweled monogram. You can also design your own topper using wire and accented with crystals, glass beads or rhinestones for added glitter and glamour.
INTERACTIVE BAR
Perfect for an all-adult bridal celebration. Have an open interactive bar packed with various fruits and liqueur flavors. Your guests will have fun creating their own cocktails and mixes. You can even provide a recipe menu at the side. Serve in wide-mouth glasses for a modern touch.
BRIGHT LIGHTS
Lights are attractive and alluring and great for a stunning celebration. String fairy lights all around the room for more glam sparkle.
SHAPELY SHAPES
Square and circular cake shapes are a yawn. Try a hexagonal design or mix square and circle tiers together for a unique appeal. For the more adventurous, you can design your cake according to your theme such as having a tall magnificent castle cake for a princess wedding or a large sailboat design for a nautical theme.
ORIENTAL DREAMS
Chinese silk fabrics are rich and lush. You can have red accents in your settings or use Chinese embroidery skills for table clothes or drapes. Don't forget the lacquered paper fans and chopsticks as wedding favors.
A GRAND BALL
Create the magnificent atmosphere of a lavish tent by draping long pieces of solid gold, silver or ruby coloured cloth outward from the centre of the ceiling with the lavish chandeliers hanging above.
SPARKLERS
For the evening celebration, have you guests wave sparklers around during your march in. Or, you can have the sparklers stuck onto your wedding cake and have them lighted before the cake cutting ceremony.
CAKE PARADE
Instead of having the waiters do a grand march in when serving the first dish, get them to do a cake parade and serve each table individual 10 inch bridal cakes. Induce a variety of designs and cake flavours.
WEDDING PREP
ORIENTAL CHARM
Brides wearing a cheongsam or chino inspired evening gown can carry a chic hand-painted Chinese paper fan rather than the usual bouquet of flowers. If you're having your wedding outdoors, you can even carry a lovely hand-painted oriental paper umbrella to shade yourself. They also make for great favours.
MONEY MONEY
Rather than have your guest come up with their own red packet, design your own stylish version and slip it in together with your invitation card. Or, you can create a wedding gift envelop and send it together with the invitation. It's also a great way to hint that monetary gifts are preferred.
CARDS AND SUCH
Play around with font, paper, prints and texture (use brocade, sequins, ribbons, diamantes, crystals silk) to create a glamorous invitation card. It'll definitely give your guests a peek into what to expect at your wedding
