London Wedding Planner

Today we’re very excited to feature an interview with the uber-talented bridal accessories designer Kelly Spence . Kelly is well known throughout the wedding industry for her exquisite hair pieces and wedding jewellery, and her designs are regularly featured in the national press. We’re delighted she’s found time to drop by and share her top tips on choosing the perfect wedding accessories – over to you Kelly!

How did you get into designing wedding jewellery?

I have a degree in Art & Design and had always enjoyed making jewellery as gifts for family & friends, but my first venture into wedding jewellery was when a cousin asked me to make some hair accessories for her wedding. It was then that I fell in love with designing and creating pieces that would be part of such a special day and hopefully treasured for years to come. I soon began designing for brides nationally and internationally and as demand for my work grew from both brides and some of the top bridal boutiques and dress designers, I quickly realised that there was a gap in the market for uncluttered design-led pieces, custom-made for the discerning bride.

Where do you get your inspiration for your pieces?

That’s a difficult question, as so many things inspire me! Nature is always an endless source of timeless inspiration, from the tiny clustered petals of a cloud-like hydrangea to the delicate fronds of a maidenhair fern. One of my biggest current inspirations however, has to be vintage romance & Hollywood glamour. I love the ultra feminine fashions of the 20s, 30s & 40s when women were at their most glamorous and wore beautiful hair accessories on a daily basis. I of course also draw inspiration from my favourite bridal dress designers. I have to keep abreast of the latest trends in wedding dresses and always try to imagine what jewellery and/or hair accessories I would like to wear if I were getting married in that dress!

Do you have a signature style or design?

My signature style has to be one of simple elegance, clean lines and attention to detail. I like to design pieces that are romantic yet modern but do not overpower. My customers are typically women who have a strong sense of personal style and often don’t wish to compromise their designer dress with off the peg accessories.

I particularly like designing versatile hairpins that can be used individually for a minimal look or can be clustered together to create a larger more dramatic accent piece. All of my designs are hand made to order, offering every customer the opportunity to contribute toward the design process and have adjustments made to their jewellery or accessories to perfectly compliment their wedding day look.

What have been popular styles this year, and what do you see being in fashion for 2010?

This year has been all about hairpins and combs. We have seen a move away from the more structured and formal tiara and toward a softer and more asymmetric look. Hairstyles have been more romantic with accessories to match. Gentle curls, waves & loosely pinned chignons at the nape or side of the neck have all been very popular and many brides have been accessorising with an accent piece to one side. This could be a single comb or large hairpin nestled by the ear or one of our vintage hairgrips gripping a wavy fringe to one side. Very popular this year have been combs from our vintage diamante collection which are all one-off pieces created from genuine vintage jewellery from the 30s, 40s & 50s. Brides also love that these pieces can be their ‘something old’! Other big sellers have been our delicate freshwater pearl & Swarovski crystal Genevieve comb, Lucinda comb & Felicity Hairpins.

The vintage trend has been so huge this year in dresses as well as accessories that I definitely see it continuing into 2010. 20s/30s inspired gowns in delicate & flowing fabrics with feature seed beading are still a huge story and we have a range of new hair accessories to compliment using old French beading techniques that were previewed to great success in 2009 and which we are expanding for 2010. Asymmetric hairbands are also gaining in popularity and we are expecting them to feature strongly in Spring/Summer 2010. Veils this year have either been very short and poufy or very long and flowing, especially in silk. Tying in with the vintage style dresses, the birdcage veil is also becoming more popular.

What are the important things a bride should think about when looking for her wedding accessories?

There are many things to think about but here are my top 5 insider tips:

1. Timing it right. One of the biggest mistakes that brides make when looking for accessories is not allowing enough time. If you are not buying something off the peg, most accessory designers need at least 8-10 weeks to be able to create a piece for you, 3-4 weeks for veils. Your hairdresser will also thank you if you have been prepared enough to have your hair accessories ready for your final hair trial. Don’t forget to tell your accessory designer about any hair appointments you might have so she can ensure that your hair accessory is with you in time.

2. Try before you buy. Be open-minded and try on lots of different styles. Like dresses, accessories come in all shapes and sizes and you may be surprised at what turns out to be ‘the one’! If you have found a designer you like but can’t decide on a particular piece ask if they offer a bespoke service so you can have something unique designed and created just for you. Design elements from your dress can often be incorporated to create a perfectly co-ordinated look.

The same goes for veils, you don’t need to be restricted to the limited selection often available at bridal salons. Find a company that offer custom-made veils. Our veils are available in any style and any length in either silk or synthetic tulle. If you are going to be wearing a veil make sure you try on hair accessories with and without a veil.

3. Use your imagination. Chances are you are not going to see all of your accessories together with your dress until the big day itself, so trying to visualise everything together can be very beneficial. If your visualisation skills are not so good then take a picture of your dress and any fabric swatches that you may have to your accessory appointment. This is especially important if you are having a bespoke piece designed or need to match a veil colour.

4. Look left, look right. If you decide upon a decorative comb, hairpin or asymmetric hairband, think about what side you would like to wear it on. Think about your guests’ & photographer’s view, if you will be facing your fiancé to say your vows everyone will be looking at one particular side of your head more than the other. You don’t want to purchase an exquisite hair accessory and then find that you can’t see it in any of the photos!

5. Enhance, don’t overload. Less really is more when it comes to accessories. No one will notice your beautiful dress if they are distracted by a large tiara, dramatic necklace, dangly earrings and bracelet! Choose one accent piece and tone down or omit other jewellery. If you have an intricate neckline on your dress consider a delicate haircomb paired with a chunky bracelet. If your décolletage is open, choose some chandelier style earrings and a sparkly hairpin.

Thank you, Kelly, for such great advice. If you’re looking for the perfect accessories for your big day be sure to take a look at Kelly’s site here . She’s offering Helen Carter Weddings blog readers  a 10% discount for all orders placed before October 31st 2009 – just quote code HCWOC09.

You might also find interesting:

• Ask The Expert – Catherine Shaw
• Mad About…Twigs and Honey
• Ask the Expert – Weddings in Surrey
• Ask The Expert – Blue Sky Flowers