The bridal 'do

Today I got to live out my dream afternoon. I had a trip to my hair and make-up artist to trial my look for the wedding. Armed with my hair accessories and my Mum I headed the hour and twenty minutes down the road to meet the lady I'd hired for my big day. I've always loved being pampered and having people play with my hair so I was very excited about the prospect of an afternoon of it.

Naturally, given I was with my Mum, I arrived early and we were able to go in half an hour before our appointment time. I was having the trial at Heidi's house and we were ushered in and given cups of tea while we discussed ideas and showed her photos of my dress and veil to help guide styling.

There's no secret about the fact that my hair was always going to be curled for the wedding, as I've always preferred the softer wavy look to my naturally straight locks. What I hadn't decided until recently was whether I was going to have my hair half up or all up (down was never really an option). My preferred option is going to remain a secret from all until the day but suffice to say when Heidi had finished with the hair I was more than happy with the pretty and feminine bridal look that had been created. The accessories complemented it beautifully and I was delighted.

Once we had a tick in the box for hair it was on to make-up. I rarely ware more than a trace of make-up and so it was agreed that I would want a natural look on the day that would just enhance rather than overpower my face. To a fairly natural foundation we added smokey eyes and a lovely subtle lipstick as well as waterproof mascara. I was very happy with it all, as was Mum. At the end of 2 and a 1/2 hours we were done and I was released back to the wider world as a slightly more glamorous version of my normal self.

Heidi turns out to be quite a feisty character. I got on really well with her and I'm really looking forward to her being involved on the day. She had some very amusing tales of wayward bridesmaids (although I'm sure that won't apply to mine!) and it's clear that she won't stand for any nonsense. She will email me the schedule for tomorrow detailing the time slots for my bridal party to have their hair done and say she will probably arrive not long after 6am. Apparently as the bride I get done last and thus can have a lie-in. My only concern is how Heidi's schedule will tally with Helen, the photographer's schedule so I may have to liaise beforehand about their respective plans to ensure that there isn't a clash of ideas on the day!

Less than 8 weeks now. I can actually say... We're getting married next month!!!!

Wedmin

Today was devoted to wedministration and a few other bits related to our house move. In essence we are now at the business end of the planning. Deposits having been paid we're now reaching the point where second installments/ balances are needing to be settled. Naturally I have lost track of the various suppliers and deadlines that are needing to be met and thus today I have had to scour inboxes to find out who needs what by when. This information has then been transcribed into my wedding diary which contains all the relevant dates and contact numbers.

It was also D-day when it came to deciding on who gets invites and for what part of the day the invitations are offered. Surprisingly I found I didn't hit my maximum in terms of numbers for day and evening invites combined. I am allowed up to 75 guests in total for the evening but I only reached 70. That said my maximum for the day is ideally 50 but I am issuing 60 invites for the day to people who may realistically attend. I am also issuing 12 euphemistically termed 'courtesy invites' - these are day invitations that I am sending to people, mostly abroad, who have already advised us that they are unable/ unlikely to attend. Of course if any of them change their mind my numbers are completely blown but it's a chance I feel I have to take.

Today I have also been in touch with the two vicars concerned regarding the reading of the banns. The one who will be conducting the service has already arranged for them to be read in his parish the first three sundays of august. The one in the parish in which I now live is not being quite as helpful but I'm hoping will be of more assistance when I can speak to him on his return from holiday.

I have arranged my trial appointment with the hairdresser for my hair and make-up and I have agreed with my Mum to attend the appointment to offer a second opinion. I am very excited about this and for reasons that I am unable to elaborate on I need to have my trial a fair bit in advance of the wedding. The date has thus been set for 2nd August - exciting!!!!

Finally I have completed and sent to print the information insert for the invitations and supplied my Mum with about 95% of the addresses she needs - the others I have sent out requests for. The printers had completed the job within minutes of me sending the document over so watch this space for the invites coming out in the next week or so - if you're one of my guests that is!

91 days to go...

Hair and Make-up

The arrival of the latest batch of wedding magazines sent me into a slight meltdown. The reason for this... Yes they had suddenly impressed upon me the utter urgency of booking my hair and make-up artist. Unfortunately at the time I was in Scotland without access to my diary or my online banking for paying any necessary deposits. Thus I fretted for a few days and made sorting my beauty regime for the morning of the wedding the top of my to do list.

Seemingly this was with good reason as I was distressed to find that the first stylist I approached was already booked for the Friday 7 months hence when we will be getting married. Thankfully she supplied me with a recommendation of who else to approach and it was second time lucky.

Heidi Vince had an impressive website and is available on the day of the wedding. Thus all my problems were solved. Sadly it is only the start of hers though as the list of people requiring her attention has already grown to 7. Not only will I be having my hair and make-up done but she will be attending to the needs of my three bridesmaids, the flower girl, and both my Mum and James'.

I can't wait to book in for my trial!