Wedding season is approaching, and Almost Essential would love to help you in your preparations for your big day with some of our trusted partners to help you along the way. Starting with the latest 2023 wedding dress trends, from 3-D florals to ball gowns, there’s something for every style.

One of our partners Diane de Malherbe offers bespoke bridal dresses with exquisite embroidery and craftsmanship, allowing brides to create a one-of-a-kind wedding dress. Hairstylist Jasmina can help you achieve your dream hair look, while makeup artist Nadira Persaud can create a personalised makeup look that complements your style. Finally, when choosing a wedding cake, make sure the design complements the overall style of the wedding.

.

Your dream dress

First on the list is 3-D Florals, which designers experimented with for several seasons, and this year it took on new life in the form of a skirt full of daisies and next-level necklines.

Bow details come in at number two, with a more reigned-in, tailored look that feels a little 1990’s Gwyneth Paltrow in the best possible way. Simple waist sashes were updated with gauzy materials or a little bit of bling.

The neckline of-the-moment is Off-the-Shoulder, which has a modern Disney Princess feel executed in both structural sweetheart shapes as well as transparent fabrics with floral embellishment.

The fourth trend is Off-the-Shoulder with Sleeves. This look brings a lot of drama, and the two most popular iterations were voluminous puff sleeves that make shoulders and collarbones appear dainty in comparison, and a more modern silhouette that starts with a little volume at the top, then tapers into a slim sleeve at the wrist.

Transparency is quite possibly one of the most ubiquitous trends this season, with designers experimenting with sheer layering, sometimes with piles of frothy tulle that had an ethereal effect.

Colour is the sixth trend, with pastel blue and pale pink being the two most popular choices.

Capes come in at number seven, with designers executing them in semi-transparent materials to show off the dress details beneath.

Minis are making a comeback, with micro weddings on the rise. More and more brides are taking a fashion risk, these leg-baring beauties are worthy of the main event.

And finally, ball gowns leave A-line silhouettes in the dust, popularly paired with a strapless bodice, the waist-cinching skirt featuring everything from cascading floral embellishments to ruffled tiers.

If you’re looking for a bridal dress designer that can make your dream dress come to life, Diane de Malherbe’s bridal dresses are designed in-house and exquisitely crafted in their atelier with the finest fabrics and intricate handmade embellishments. They also offer fully bespoke bridal dresses upon request, from a unique sketch, to the selection of specific fabrics, and the creation of custom-made embroideries.

Diane de Malherbe’s bridal dresses are known for their exquisite embroidery and craftsmanship. Every embroidery is carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans in her atelier, ensuring that each stitch is perfect and that the final product is of the highest quality. This attention to detail makes each wedding dress unique, and adds a personal touch that can make it truly special. Personalising your wedding dress with embroidery is a trend that has been growing in popularity in recent years, as more and more brides want to add their own unique flair to their special day. Whether it’s a monogram, a special date, or a meaningful quote, embroidery allows brides to create a one-of-a-kind wedding dress that they will cherish forever.

Find out more here.

Lovely locks 

Preparing for the big day involves not just the dress, but also making sure your hair is looking its best. That’s where Jasmina, a seasoned hairstylist, comes in. She can help you get your hair length, colour, and condition in top shape before the big day. With 15 years of experience, Jasmina’s training in London has made her a sought-after hairstylist in the fashion industry. She specialises in blow dry but can also handle ladies’ haircuts, base colour, as well as children’s and gents’ haircuts. Her clients appreciate her natural-looking blow-dry style, which does not make the hair look too puffy. And not only is she talented, but she’s also a friendly and pleasant person to have around, making the experience of getting ready even more enjoyable.

Book Jasmina here.

Make-up perfection

Choosing the perfect wedding makeup look can be a daunting task, but with the help of makeup artists Nadira Persaud, it’s possible to achieve your dream look. One way to determine your wedding day makeup is to visualise yourself standing in front of the mirror in your wedding dress and hone in on the feelings you had at that moment. Additionally, consider the colours of the florals you’ll carry, the season, and the environment in which you’ll be married.

We suggest finding visual references, such as red carpet beauty looks, that have a similar skin tone and hair and eye colour, rather than relying on overly edited Pinterest or Instagram looks. It’s also essential to have multiple makeup trials before the big day to determine how the makeup wears and lasts.

It is advised to choose a makeup style that reflects who you are, whether it’s a natural, high glam, or “no makeup” makeup look. No matter what look you choose, make sure it complements your personality and style and does not stray too far from what you typically wear when going out.

Find out more here.

The cherry on the cake

Choosing the perfect wedding cake is an exciting part of the wedding planning journey. It’s essential to make sure that the cake design complements the overall style of the wedding. Our talented cake chefs advise that you finalise the cake design 3 to 6 months before the wedding date. It’s important to choose the cake’s flavour based on what you and your partner love rather than what’s trendy. Consider the size of your room when designing the cake to match the height of the space, and always have a budget in mind. Beyond the cake, think about the dressing of the cake, including the display elements such as linen, cake stands, and flowers. The cake should be given a prominent position with the best natural light and backdrop for photography. Above all, enjoy the process of designing and choosing the perfect cake that tells your unique love story. We have two amazing cake chefs available on our site Lucia and The Cake Chef

Almost Essential offers access to a range of services to help brides-to-be prepare for their big day. From the latest 2023 wedding dress trends to bespoke bridal dresses, hair styling, and makeup artistry, they have trusted partners who can assist with all aspects of the preparation. Diane de Malherbe’s bridal dresses are designed in-house and exquisitely crafted in her atelier with the finest fabrics and intricate handmade embellishments, while hairstylist Jasmina can help get your hair in top shape. Makeup artist Nadira Persaud can create a personalised makeup look that complements your style. With these services, you can be sure that you will shine on your big day.