If you're an avid follower of the latest designer collections, you'll know there's no shortage of figure skimming, thigh-splitting, back-baring wedding dresses out there.
While we're all for flashing a little flesh, for most brides, feeling sexy on your wedding day, means something entirely different than showing some cleavage.
And if that sounds like you, we have bridal style expert (and BM regular) Charlotte Munro on hand today, with her pro tips on pulling together a look that will leave you feeling like one bombshell bride.
Scroll down to read her tips, along with advice on hair and make-up from Laura Anne, plus the gorgeous images they created together with Sanshine Photography (and a couple of our favourite subtly sexy looks from the S/S 2016 collections.)
Feeling Sexy on your Wedding Day
This article is all about that highly controversial wedding phrase – feeling sexy on you wedding day; Who it is for, what's it about, and how you can make it work for you on your big day.
I often work with brides who say to me that they want to look graceful, elegant and demure on their big day.
When we are at the bridal appointment, they choose dresses that they think match this description but when trying them on, they don’t have that happy look.
Instead they pull at the top, and fidget with the skirt and when we come out of their appointment and have a chat, tell me they didn’t like any of the dresses because they felt frumpy, old fashioned, uncomfortable, and not elegant or demure.
Dress by Grace Loves Lace
The word demure means different things to different people. The actual definition of demure is as follows –
1. of a woman or her behaviour – reserved, modest, and shy. “a demure little wife who sits at home minding the house”
Synonyms: Modest, unassuming, meek, mild, reserved, retiring, quiet, shy, bashful, diffident, reticent, timid, timorous, shrinking
Now I don’t know about you, but that seems pretty antiquated to me.
My vision of demure is more modern, elegant, beautiful and serene.
The word sexy can also mean lots of different things to different people. Say the word sexy in relation to a wedding and opinions start coming from every direction. Say ‘sexy wedding dress' and I bet you automatically think of a see-through number with a neckline down to your belly button.
But just like demure, sexy can mean beautiful and elegant. Wedding dresses can be sexy without being revealing.
It’s all about the feeling, rather than looking sexy, you want to feel sexy on your wedding day, and that doesn’t mean an eyeful of cleavage, or a revealing thigh split to everyone.
Jumpsuit by Sophie Sarfati
Whether that feeling comes from being confident in what you wear underneath your dress, finding that pair of OMG shoes, or trying a daring smokey eye look, it doesn’t matter, you just have to find the sexy that’s right for you.
And just for the record, it is actually okay to feel sexy on your wedding day, people seem to think sexy and weddings don’t go together.
It’s your big day, you’re probably spending a lot of money on this one day, you should look however you want to look, and in my opinion you should definitely feel amazing, and feeling amazing usually includes a bit of sexy.
It Isn’t Just About the Dress
Your outfit isn’t limited to just the dress, sexy can be applied to shoes, lingerie, even accessories. Sexy shoes anyone?
The dress isn’t the be all and end all of your wedding day look, there are so many elements which could bring a touch of sexy to your outfit without looking like you are going out for a night on the town.
The Right Make-up can do Wonders
Dress by Grace Loves Lace
If your dress is more conservative, why not consider going a little bolder with your makeup?
Try that smokey eye you’ve always dreamed of, and red lipstick always adds a touch of intrigue.
Make-up artist Laura Anne can tell you all about the looks we created for our beautiful model, and give tips on how to make them work for you.
‘Sexy' doesn't always mean lots of black eye shadow, red lip stick and generally a face full of make-up.
Pick aspects of your regular makeup that you love and push it to the next level.
A classic red or a modern fiery orange lip teamed with a subtle un-done eye make-up can be incredible sexy and if you don't wear a lot of eye makeup on a day to day basis, you will feel super comfortable and yourself at the same time.
If you are looking for that smoldering eye look, keep the rest of your makeup very simply to allow your eyes to pop without over-powering the face.
Hair down has to be the sexiest look but there are so many styles that you can choose from.
A sleek vintage wave, boho beachy or classic and smooth teamed with a simple twist on one side, a beautiful braid or simply just down with a gorgeous hair accessory, make the most out of your natural hair, leave it down and show it off!!
For ladies with finer hair, add some clip in hair extensions to really fill out the style. – Laura Anne.
Confidence is Key
Dress by Berta
Feeling sexy comes from feeling confident, and the best way to do that is to stay true to yourself.
Find a dress that fits your personality, don’t change who you are for other people – it’s your wedding, be you.
Some great tips, right? I'm always a fan of side-swept Hollywood waves and a punchy red lip (though killer heels and a smokey eye is a pretty hot look too!).
Thanks so much to Charlotte Munro, Sanshine Photography, Laura Anne, and the rest of their team for sharing their gorgeous shoot, and inspired ideas with us.
Check out Charlotte's Honest Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping.
