Just remember, fashion is a form of self-expression, and our selection of jewellery and accessories at SommerSparkle is here to help you express your unique style.
Enjoy the Elegance of Delicate Jewellery
Summer style calls for simplicity, making delicate jewellery the perfect go-to for this sun-kissed season. These subtle pieces are not only comfortable and lightweight but also emphasise your summer glow.
Minimalist Necklaces
Consider a minimalist gold or silver necklace, possibly featuring a singular pendant or charm, to infuse your summer attire with a touch of elegance. Layering delicate chains of varying lengths can also create a modern, trendy look.
Dainty Rings
Dainty rings are a summer must-have. Pile them on for a carefree, bohemian vibe, or choose a solitary piece for a more sophisticated style. Designs with intricate details or colourful stones can provide a discreet burst of summer colour.
Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings are a quintessential summer accessory. Available in an assortment of sizes, these earrings add a simple statement to your outfit or serve as the perfect finishing touch to a bolder look. For an unexpected twist, try mismatching hoops or gemstone drop earrings.
Make a Bold Impact with Gemstone Bracelets
For a more significant summer style statement, vibrant gemstone bracelets are the way to go. These colourful accessories are ideal for the season, adding a dynamic element to any ensemble.
Power of Colour
Different coloured gemstones can truly set your summer style apart. Rose quartz and sparkly crystal bracelets bring to mind the serene beauty of summer, while bolder shades like red coral or amethyst perfectly embody the warmth and vivacity of the summer months.
Layer It Up
Embrace the art of layering gemstone bracelets of varied sizes and shapes. Not only does this add an element of fun to your style, but it also allows you to play around with different colours and styles.
Shine with Crystal Hair Accessories
This summer, let your hair do the talking with our beautiful crystal hair accessories. Hairpins, or bands adorned with crystals can add a hint of sparkle to any hairdo, making them perfect for both casual and formal summer events. Match them with your jewellery for a cohesive look, or let them stand out on their own for a truly striking statement.
Embrace Timeless Elegance with Pearl Earrings
No summer jewellery collection is complete without a pair of pearl earrings. Their timeless elegance can uplift any outfit, making them an essential accessory for the season. From classic studs to modern drop earrings, these pearls can add a touch of sophistication to your summer wardrobe.
In a nutshell, whether you prefer the subtle charm of delicate jewellery or the striking allure of colourful gemstone bracelets, our boutique has an array of options to help you curate your ideal summer look. So, why wait? Update your summer wardrobe today with our hand-picked jewellery and accessories from SommerSparkle. After all, the right accessory can enhance your outfit and express your personality, ensuring you're always in style and setting trends, no matter the season.
Visit sommersparkle.com online today and make shopping for summer a breeze!
If you’ve been getting up every day of lockdown, putting on a full face of makeup and getting dressed up just to spend the day working from home, we salute you, although we think you’re probably in the minority. Many of us have become a little less inclined to take care when choosing what to wear when the only trips we’ve been taking are to the local supermarket. But good times are upon us once more. And if you’ve spent so long dressing down through lockdown, getting back to your stylish self may feel a bit daunting. You might have even forgotten how it feels to look and feel fabulous when you dress up!
You aren’t alone, it’s been a long time, so we want to help.
Here at SommerSparkle, we know how you look plays a big part in how you feel, and our collection of jewellery and accessories has been created to help you redefine your style as you emerge from lockdown.
If you’re not quite ready to resume your social life, we hear you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get dressed up at home, especially as we can now have friends over. That way, you can wear jewellery you love to make you feel great no matter whether you’re out and about, or having fun at home.
Completing your look with jewellery doesn’t mean bringing out the same old pieces time and again. Chances are you already have a few favourite jewellery pieces in your collection, but the new stuff available is tempting you. Learning how to mix ‘n’ match your jewellery and accessories can be a great way to treat yourself to a feel-good gift and bring out an old favourite or two to create a new look.
Try mix ‘n’ matching new with old jewellery, so you can look great every time you leave home. How? It’s pretty simple, really.
Let one piece be the star. Whether you want that to be a statement ring or enigmatic pendant, choosing one piece to build the look around is a great way to start mix ‘n’ matching jewellery. Choose something large and chunky, sparkly or colourful, something that catches the eye and sets the tone for the pieces you team it with. Then mix other pieces to tie the look. Perhaps choose the same stones in different settings, different stones but similar styles, even different metals for the other pieces, or big up one focal area, keeping other jewellery minimal. A statement necklace with simple stud earrings could work well, as could a simple necklace and earrings with your hands adorned with rings. Then easily transform an outfit from day to night simply by changing statement piece or adding more layers.
Feel-good jewellery looks amazing when stacked up or layered, so if you have a variety of rings you love, wear them. One thing about stacking is you make the rules. Pick your favourite rings, whatever style. Layer necklaces of different weights, metals or stones, and combine long necklaces with shorter ones to create an eye-catching combination.
If mixing isn’t your style, there is no need to feel left out, there are some great jewellery sets available. If you aren’t sure how much is too much, start by working on the rule of 3. Choose 3 rings, 3 necklaces and 3 bracelets, stick if you are happy, or add more if you’re feeling daring; the choice is yours.
As we all start to take the first steps into a post-lockdown world, one thing to remember is a little bit of style goes a long way towards giving you the confidence to get back into the things you love.
]]>A wedding anniversary is a special occasion of celebration and fond memories. Gifts are wonderful way of marking the occasion, although at times it may be hard to decide what to get.
Here is a list of the most popular wedding themes which will make buying a gift a lot easier:
1st Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Paper
Gift idea: money, tickets for a show, travel vouchers, Gift vouchers
5th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Wood
Gift idea: A wooden plaque, furniture
10th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Aluminium
Gift idea: a smartphone, tablet
15th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Crystal
Gift idea: Crystal jewellery, glasses, ornaments
20th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: China
Gift idea: A tea set, crockery
25th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Silver
Gift idea: Silver coins, silver jewellery, silver trinkets
30th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Pearls
Gift idea: Pearl jewellery
35th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Coral
Gift idea: A holiday souvenir, sea shell, aquatic themed gift
40th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Ruby
Gift idea: Ruby jewellery
45th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Sapphire
Gift idea: Sapphire jewellery
50th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Gold
Gift idea: Gold jewellery, gold coins
55th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Emerald
Gift idea: Emerald jewellery
60th Wedding Anniversary
Theme: Diamond
Gift idea: Diamond jewellery
These ideas may also spark other creative ideas for you, which will make the gift buying process more enjoyable
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is the Founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique helping women to look amazing and feel fabulous with their beautiful jewellery, accessories & personalised gifts ‘as seen in Vogue’
Explore our collection here
]]>Here are some tips to help you prepare for your special day, even if you aren’t able to meet up in person with people or visit places:
Make A List
Being at home gives you plenty of time to create a list and bounce ideas off each other, so make the most of this
Pick Your Colour Scheme
Browse through magazines and search on the internet for ideas and themes you like the look of. Get inspired from the comfort of your own home.
Video Call Wedding Party
The beauty of the internet means that you can still communicate with your wedding party and swap ideas. Planning doesn’t have to stop. You may even want to have a glass of your favourite drink with you while you chat.
Flowers
Take a look at flowers you like online and list the ones you prefer, having some idea of what you would like is a great start.
Fitness Routine
Not sure when the exact date for your wedding is? No problem, this gives you plenty of time to work out and get fit, so you can meet the demands of your special day with ease.
Hair
Having time off means you have plenty of time to tend to the things you have always been meaning to do; such as your hair, for instance, condition and pamper yourself and try out new styles along the way. By doing this, you have a good chance of finding the wedding hairstyle you like and your hair will look and feel amazing too.
Make-up
Experiment with make-up and have fun trying out new shades, this way you have an idea of how you want your make-up on your big day.
Dress
While you may not be able to go shopping for your wedding dress; you can browse through magazines and search online for the style of dress you are after. There are also many bridal boutiques who offer online delivery too.
Relax
Take some time out for self-care. Relaxation is so important for your health and wellbeing and it will help you stay calm too.
Although you may not be able to do practical things, like visiting venues etc. just yet, there are things that you can still do. Focus on what you can do for now and try to enjoy the process as much as you can.
Remember, social distancing is in place for a reason and it’s not that you will never marry—it’s a ‘yes you can, when it’s safe to do so’.
So make the most of this time at home and enjoy the moment
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is the founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique helping women to look amazing and feel fabulous with their beautiful jewellery, accessories & personalised gifts ‘as seen in Vogue’.
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More and more of us are spending time at home, whether this is to work from home or stay at home for another reason. Some are happy to wear casual lounge wear or pyjamas because they feel more ‘comfortable’, while others worry about being caught off guard i.e. when the doorbell suddenly goes, or that impromptu video call.
Just because you are at home doesn’t mean you can’t dress up when you feel like it.
After all, you deserve to feel as glamorous and as polished as you like.
Here are some tips to help you look amazing and feel fabulous even or shall I say especially if you are at home.
Mental Wellbeing
It all starts with how you view yourself. When you decide to make an effort to take care of your appearance, that’s when the ‘magic’ happens. You start to see yourself as someone worthy of being admired and loved. You feel valued for who you are and what you are about. You suddenly realise that you don’t need an excuse or reason to feel glamorous, such as a party or event, you have a right to dazzle whenever you want to.
Make-up
Being at home gives you a chance for you to experiment with different ways of applying your make-up and discover new shades of colour that perhaps wouldn’t use daily. You can be daring and delight in the knowledge that you are doing it just for you. So, go ahead, have fun and experiment to your heart’s content. The beauty about make-up is that you can create a whole new personality at the tip of a brush.
Hair
Personal grooming can go a long way to achieving that polished look. Don’t be afraid to ‘flirt’ with new ways of styling your hair and treat your tresses to that deep conditioning treatment you’ve been putting off for a special occasion, because life is its own special occasion.
Clothes
Lavish some of your loving attention to your wardrobe and go through it, discarding the clothes you no longer wear and keeping only the clothes you feel amazing in. Keep a mixture of comfort, warm, pretty, glamorous, chic and stylish pieces that you can’t get enough of! This way, when you get up in the morning you will look forward to putting on your ‘dream pieces’ and every day will feel like a fairy tale, with you as the queen of your castle.
Accessories
Accessories can give you that quick pick-me-up throughout your day. For instance, if you’re rushing around getting things done, a sneak peek at a sparkly gem or colourful bracelet can give you that instant lift to help carry you through to your next task. It focuses our attention on all the things that are beautiful in the world. Love inspired trinkets are always a nice way of bringing back happy memories and getting that ‘fuzzy’ feeling all over again.
When you look amazing; you feel fantastic, the two go hand-in-hand. It’s a big confidence-booster too. And as you go about your day, being your charming, beautiful self just remember;
You deserve this.
Be Bold, be beautiful, be you!
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is the founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique helping women to look amazing and feel fabulous with their beautiful jewellery, accessories & personalised gifts ‘as seen in Vogue’.
Are you looking for beautiful jewellery, accessories and personalised gifts? Click here
]]>Here are a few simple tricks to make you feel like a million dollars on a budget.
]]>Here are a few simple tricks to make you feel like a million dollars on a budget.
Dazzle your hair with sparkle
Hair accessories are a great way of adding a touch of glamour to your hair. It could be something as simple as a sparkly hair clip or a glorious hair vine to make you feel like a queen of the party.
Look elegant in earrings
Drop earrings are always an unexpected delight and can add that subtle sophistication to your outfit in an instant. While stud earrings are a terrific pick-me-up and perfect for everyday use.
Clutch bags all the way
You can’t go wrong with a sparkly clutch bag; they are ideal for carrying your essentials and make a stunning accessory and talking point.
Be charmed with bracelets
Bracelets are the combination of charm and style. They can be versatile, stylish, classy and quite the collection piece. Being armed with a few bracelets means you are prepared for every eventuality, even at a moment’s notice.
Necklaces that make a statement
Necklaces are a wonderful way of adding individuality to a top or dress. For instance; enhance a black dress with a pearl necklace and you’re good to go!
So, you see it doesn’t have to cost the earth to upgrade your range.
Take a look at our selection with everything from sparkly hair clips to polished pearls…
‘The world is your oyster’.
Take your pick today and visit sommersparkle.com to ‘add a touch of sparkle to your life’
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is the founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning boutique helping women to look amazing and feel fabulous with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories ‘as seen in Vogue’.
Looking for beautiful jewellery & accessories? Click here
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More and more couples are choosing to write their own vows. While this may come easily to some, there are many who have sleepless nights over what to say or write about.
Here are some tips to help you create and write your own wedding vows and speech:
]]>More and more couples are choosing to write their own vows. While this may come easily to some, there are many who have sleepless nights over what to say or write about.
Here are some tips to help you create and write your own wedding vows and speech:
How did you meet?
Create a brief story and set the scene of how you both met, this is a wonderful way of telling your very own fairy tale or comedy and it also helps to break the ice.
What do you love about them?
Tell the world what you love about the person your intended, include the little funny things and characteristics. This brings the story to reality and makes it relatable.
Why did you choose them?
Briefly, say why they are just right for you.
Make some vows
Say, ‘I promise to…’ or ‘I vow to…’ or similar phrases and state things that are personal to you both. These can include religious vows from the Bible.
You may also wish to include humorous anecdotes too.
Reassurance
Say, that you promise to be there during bad times as well as the good times i.e. ‘in sickness and in health’.
Eternal
Say, that you promise to be with them forever i.e. ‘until death do us part’
Once you have written your vows, it’s a good idea to read them out to your belovèd. This avoids any awkward or embarrassing moments. It’s important that you are both happy with your vows and that they are personally meaningful to each of you.
Maintaining eye contact help keep it personal, so try to look at your significant other while you are saying your vows.
Your wedding day is devoted to you both; it is for sharing your happiness and showing each other how much you mean to one another. Try not to worry about the finer details.
Simply speak from the heart and the rest will take care of itself.
Celebrate your love and enjoy every moment.
This is your time ©
by Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories ‘as seen in Vogue’.
Looking for wedding Jewellery & accessories? Click here
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Click here
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Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time for you and you must be buzzing with enthusiasm and joy.
Not sure where to begin with all this wedding planning? Don’t worry, here is a countdown that will guide you from 12 months in advance to your big day. Remember that no two weddings are alike and this is a just guideline, there are no set rules.
Create your own fairytale, one that is special to you both.
1 Year Before
Before you get carried away on the rollercoaster, sit down and have a chat with your beloved; write down ideas of what elements are important to you. What type of wedding do you want? Will it be a small, private one or an extravagant and big wedding.
Set a budget.
Set your wedding date and choose and reserve your venue and book your registrar.
Send out Save the Dates.
Ask around for recommended photographers and videographers.
Have a look at magazines, photos and consider what colour combinations and styles you are partial to.
Decide roughly how many guests you would like to invite.
Select your best man, maid of honour, ushers and bridesmaids.
Have a look for suppliers such as a florist, cake maker, caterer, it is never too early to start looking. The earlier you start the less overwhelmed you will be in the long-run.
Book transport.
6 Months Before
Buy your wedding rings, remember to allow time if you are having them custom-made.
Book your honeymoon and check that your passports are valid.
Book your hairdresser, facial, tanning session and make-up artist. Ensure you also book your hair and make-up trial so that there aren’t any unwanted surprises.
Select the dresses and accessories for your bridesmaids and bridal party. Select the suits for your groom, fathers, best man and ushers.
Order your wedding favours and stationery.
3 Months Before
Have a meeting with your caterer and organise the menu and drinks.
Send out your wedding invitations and wedding gift list.
Arrange your hen and stag do’s.
Plan your order of service and ceremony details, choose the music, hymns and readings.
Go to your first dress fitting.
Order gifts for your wedding party including bridesmaids, maid of honour, best man, ushers and parents of the bride/groom.
1 Month Before
Confirm your guest list and arrange any special meal requirements and the seating plan.
Prepare and rehearse your speeches.
Practice your wedding dance.
Book your last dress fitting and have fittings for the rest of your bridal party.
Double-check all bookings with your suppliers.
1 Week Before
Prepare an emergency kit for your wedding day; include plasters, sanitary wear, safety pin, scissors, sewing kit, make-up, painkillers etc.
Confirm all outfits are good to go.
Prepare and distribute a schedule of the day to all members of your wedding party. Include a map to the event and a contact list in case of last minute emergencies.
Withdraw cash to take with you to pay suppliers on the day if needed.
Have your wedding rehearsal.
1 Day Before
Delegate someone to collect all the outfits.
Organise someone to decorate the venue and arrange delivery of items there.
Hand over rings, speeches, vows and supplier details with payments to the best man.
Prepare your dress, underwear, jewellery and accessories ready to wear the next day.
Try to get a good night’s sleep and go to bed early.
Set your alarm to get up early, so that you have lots of time to prepare.
Your Wedding Day
Enjoy your day.
Take some time during the day to gaze into each other’s eyes and enjoy the moment.
Let the celebrations begin…
by Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
Looking for Wedding jewellery & accessories? Click here
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Sign up here
Gold has always been a symbol of quality and abundance. It has been the colour of choice for centuries and it is once again becoming increasingly popular, particularly amongst fashionistas, to complement their assortment of outfits.
Gold plated jewellery differs from solid gold jewellery and is more affordable and therefore more accessible for many. It is a metal coated with a thin layer of gold. This is what often gives it a shiny, vibrant finish which is very pleasing to the eye.
Here are some tips to help you look after your gold-plated jewellery.
Storage
Store your gold-plated jewellery separate from your other jewellery, in a velvet box or wrapped in a soft cloth. Keep it away from hard surfaces to prevent scratches.
Wearing
Gold-plated jewellery is not intended to be worn all the time. Put it on last when you are getting ready to go out and take it off first when you get back after a night out.
Avoid
Keep your gold-plated jewellery away from any harsh or strong chemicals, such as perfumes (only spray before you put your jewellery on), hairspray, soap and detergent.
Let your creams or body lotion be full absorbed into your skin before wearing your gold-plated jewellery.
Remove
Take your gold-plated jewellery off before you shower, bath, swim or exercise
Clean
Keep your gold-plated jewellery away from jewellery cleaners and anti-bacterial soaps.
Instead, very gently wipe your gold-plated jewellery now and again with a soft, very slightly dampened cotton cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust on it and to prevent any building up.
Polish
Gently polish or pat your gold-plated jewellery with a soft, non-abrasive jewellery cloth to keep it looking shiny and vibrant.
Re-plating
Take your gold-plated jewellery to a local jeweller to get it re-plated with another layer of gold when you see it begin to wear away.
Gold-plated jewellery is versatile and comes in a variety of designs, making it a great choice for your jewellery collection; especially for that unexpected party or event.
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique filled with beautiful jewellery & accessories to 'add a touch of sparkle to your life.'
Looking for Jewellery & Accessories? Click here
Want more tips like these? Join our VIP list to receive regular tips and goodies direct to your inbox.
Click here
]]>Here’s a list to help you find out what your birthstone is:
January
Garnet – This deep red gem is often considered to ensure safety while travelling.
February
Amethyst - This mystical gem is often used to evoke courage and help to make relationships stronger.
March
Aquamarine - This gem with a colour that resembles the sea is thought to protect people when at sea and help to heal liver, stomach and heart ailments.
April
Diamond – The magnificent diamond represents everlasting love (which is probably why it is popular as wedding jewellery) and is also believed to give courage to its wearer.
May
Emerald – This vibrant green gem symbolises patience and wisdom and is often thought to help with re-birth, love and fertility.
June
Pearl – The pearl is a symbol of purity and is often worn by royalty.
July
Ruby - The magnificent ruby is thought to protect against evil and is the gem of nobility.
August
Peridot – Is a pale green gem that symbolises strength.
September
Sapphire – The stunning sapphire has hidden depths and represents wisdom.
October
Opal – This gem is thought to protect the eyesight of the wearer and promotes confidence and fauth.
November
Topaz – The Topaz is thought to sharpen intellect and strength and also symbolizes love
December
Tanzanite or Turquoise – The Tanzanite is thought to promote metaphysical healing and the Turquoise is known for protecting against evil.
Jewellery with birthstones make a lovely gift, especially for birthdays or anniversaries.
Looking for some beautiful gems take a look at our collection of rings here
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique filled with beautiful jewellery & accessories to 'add a touch of sparkle to your life.'
Looking for Sparkly Jewellery & Accessories? Click here
Want more tips like these? Join our VIP list to receive regular tips and goodies direct to your inbox.
Click here
]]>Here are some tips to help you maintain the sparkle in your new-found treasure.
Clean
If there is a lot of dirt on your crystals, mix a little dish detergent with lukewarm water and gently wash the residue off; you may wish to use a very soft brush, such as a make-up brush to help you. Then rinse the soap off completely with cold water before drying it with a soft cloth and then polishing it up with a soft lint-free cloth.
Polish Your Sparkles
Polish your jewellery regularly with a soft lint-free cloth to preserve the brilliance of your sparkly jewellery.
Storage
Avoid storing your jewellery with other items that could scratch it over time. Try and keep them separate, preferably in a soft pouch. Keep them away from areas of moisture and damp or places of extreme heat, room temperature is ideal.
Avoid
Keep your items away from harsh chemicals such as ammonia-based cleaning products, lotions, perfumes and sprays.
Wearing
Put your jewellery on last after you have got dressed up, before going out and take them off first when you get home.
Now go ahead and show off your sparkles; after all you deserve to ‘add a touch of sparkle to your life.’
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique filled with beautiful jewellery & accessories to 'add a touch of sparkle to your life.'
Looking for Sparkly Jewellery & Accessories? Click here
Want more tips like these? Join our VIP list to receive regular tips and goodies direct to your inbox.
Click here
]]>The time of year where it’s all go and with so much to do and so little time. You need ways to dress up fast while still adding glamour to your look.
Whether it’s heading out to an after work do or getting invited to a last minute event.
Be prepared. Here’s how to look like you own it and still be as sparkly and glam as you like.
Hair
Hair accessories are handy and easy to pop in your bag for that unexpected event. Choose something a little glamorous to add that touch of sparkle to your look.
Earrings
For instant glamour a pair of sparkly drop earrings can make you feel glamorous at a moment’s notice. They are sure to lift your mood even after the toughest day.
Bracelet
Bracelets are easy to wear and can make all the difference to your attire. Pop one on for that hint of surprise.
Belt
A belt is a great accessory and can transform an outfit from something ordinary to something special. Try and choose one to match your bag and shoes if you can.
Clutch
A clutch is fast becoming a must-have accessory and is a great way of storing your necessities, such as your phone and keys. Opt for a glitzy one and everyone will asking you where you got it from.
Shoes
Ideally these should match your bag and your belt but if not go for something that is comfortable to wear and looks good too. That way you’ll be ready in no time.
Now all you need is to touch up your make-up, fix your hair and as if by magic you are ready to sparkle.
Enjoy!
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique filled with beautiful jewellery & accessories to 'add a touch of sparkle to your life.'
Looking for Party Jewellery & Accessories? Click here
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This time of year gives you the perfect opportunity to have some fun as you experiment with jewellery & accessories in the lead up to ‘Party’ season
With this in mind, have you ever thought of creating your own unique look by layering?
You can layer bracelets, rings and have fun layering necklaces.
When it comes to layering necklaces you can experiment with different styles, colours and even links to find what works for you. Here’s some guidance to help:
Necklines
Low necklines can frame your jewellery, while blouses or tops with a collar tend to suit shorter necklaces and layered or linked chains.
If you are wearing a statement necklace, then you only require one other necklace with a finer texture
Necklace layering:
The Base
This tends to be the shorter necklace that you treasure
The Layers
These can be slightly longer necklace(s) in different shape, style, texture or colour to your 1st necklace
The Finale
This is usually the longest necklace that completes and enhances your overall look
Have fun experimenting :)
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique filled with beautiful jewellery & accessories to 'add a touch of sparkle to your life.'
Looking for Party Jewellery & Accessories? Click here
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Sapphires can be found in a variety of colours and are the most versatile of gems. A sapphire has a triangular crystal structure consisting of aluminium oxide otherwise known as a corundum.
The sapphire is often worn for special occasions and is the stone of the 45th wedding anniversary. A popular gem of choice for royalty, kings originally wore sapphire to protect from harm and envy. The late Princess Diana had a sapphire engagement ring, which was passed down to the Duchess of Cambridge.
The solidity of a sapphire makes it a great choice for jewellery, as it is easy to maintain. For instance, it can be cleaned with warm, soft soapy water. Although try not to do too much manual work as it is at its best whilst admired at leisure. Above all the sapphire looks captivating and alluring and is a gem that is sought after.
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
For a selection of rings click here
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Click here
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Here are some tips to help you choose your wedding jewellery and accessories:
Wedding Dress
Choose your wedding dress first, this will act as a blank canvas or base which you can build your jewellery and accessories around. Pay attention to the material, pattern and style of your dress.
Embellished Dress
If you have an embellished dress, you don’t have to have many accessories or jewellery, as this would take the attention away from your dress. Instead, keep it subtle with little or no jewellery. Perhaps with a pair of studs or a single strand necklace.
Plain Dress
If your dress has hardly any pattern or embellishment on it, then you can afford to wear more sparkles as this will enhance your overall look.
Colour of your dress
Silver, platinum, blue or purple jewellery tend to suit white dresses. Gold, ivory, red, and green coloured jewellery compliment ivory, cream, champagne or gold coloured dresses the best. While white pearl jewellery go well with all coloured dresses.
Pearls
Pearls are perfect for a subtle vintage style theme. They work well with lace and silk fabrics as they look elegant and sophisticated and create a romantic and soft finish. As well as the traditional pearl necklace and earrings set, they also look great as a pearl hair accessory such as a hair comb or hair pins for that finishing touch.
Tiaras
A tiara or side headband looks fabulous with a contemporary A-line or long-sleeved gown, as it does with a princess-style gown. Perfect for that regal feeling. A veil can also be worn with a tiara.
Sparkles
A sparkly cuff bracelet, choker or chandelier style earrings look brilliant with a strapless or mermaid-style dress. You could also scatter a few sparkly hair jewels in your hair to continue the theme. If you can’t sparkle on your wedding day, when can you?
Floral
If you are having a beach themed wedding or one which is surrounded by nature, then a floral garland to decorate your hair would create a romantic and feminine look. A floral bracelet and a subtle necklace would also look pretty.
Personality
Wear jewellery and accessories which reflect your personality and make you feel comfortable, after all it is your day. For instance, if you prefer a low-key approach, keep it simple by wearing stud earrings and/or an understated tennis bracelet. If you enjoy the attention wear chandelier earrings and/or a chunky necklace to create a bold look.
Shoes & Clutch
These usually match, just make sure that you are comfortable and happy with your choice. Silver, white or blue tend to go with a white dress and gold, red or purple tend to be more suited to a gold, champagne or cream dress.
Rehearsal
This is a very important step. Try on your jewellery and accessories with your dress and stand in front of a mirror to see how you look. Check how you feel, as chances are you will be wearing this for quite a long time, so it is important that you feel comfortable and are happy with your selection.
Now you are all dressed up and ready to go, just remember that golden rule:
Enjoy Your Day!
by Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
Looking for Wedding jewellery & accessories? Click here
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]]>It has a regal presence and has been worn by people of noble stance for centuries, including royalty and is also mentioned in the Bible for its beauty and wisdom and is thought to be one of the most precious stones God created.
The name, ‘ruby’ stems from the Latin word, ‘ruber’ which means red. Hence its vibrant, rich colour.
Throughout the world the ruby has hidden depths, including being associated with energy, passion combined with fiery optimism. A symbol of impulse and power.
The ruby continues to be a firm favourite and is often given as a gift of love. Today, it remains a symbol of success and abundance, with hidden depths with a rich lustre.
The beauty of the ruby makes it a great gem to wear with almost any outfit, whether formal or to simply add that touch of colour to your ensemble.
Looking for ruby jewellery?
Explore our collection here
by Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
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]]>Well, do not worry here are some tips below to help you select one that is just right for you.
Occasion
First of all, consider the event or occasion you will be going to. Is it a glitzy or glamourous affair? If so then a sparkly or sequinned bag will be perfect, especially as the accents of light reflect the details. It will look extra sparkly and glisten with glam.
If it is a wedding and you are a bride, opt for a clutch that will complement your dress well in terms of the shades such as white, ivory or even silver or gold. Remember you can always pass your clutch to a member of your bridal party to hold during your wedding ceremony.
On the other hand, if you are a wedding guest, follow the dress code and choose a clutch to complement your outfit. Floral designs and pastel shades usually work well. Try it out and see.
A clutch for a prom can be glamorous and sparkly or full of sequins. Go for one that suits your prom dress. There are lots of colourful ones around including beautiful shades of blue, red, silver and gold. A lightweight one would also be ideal, especially if you plan to dance the night away.
Time
Find out what time the occasion will be. For instance, if the event is during the day, a more subtle bag would be required in comparison to a bolder looking bag for the evening.
Season
If it is a spring or summer occasion opt for pastel shades and lighter colouring. You can even choose floral designs, which are great for outdoor events or weddings and christenings. If the event is in autumn or winter then enriching colours are ideal. For instance, deep reds, gold, navy and silver.
Dress Code
Find out what the dress code is as early as possible. This will give you chance to get organised. Select your dress or outfit first and then choose your accessories, so that they complement your dress. Your accessories should enhance your overall look.
Details
If you have a lot of detail in your dress or outfit, go for a plainer clutch with some detail or embellishing, so it works well with your dress. If you have a plain dress, you can afford to have more details and embellishments on your bag. Your clutch or evening bag, ideally should match or at least complement your shoes to a certain extent, as this will help pull your whole look together. If you are wearing a belt this should also complement your shoes and your bag. Again, this also depends on the occasion, for instance, if it is a Christmas party or glamourous event then you can never have too much sparkle or sequins.
Size
The size of your clutch depends on a couple of factors. Think about what you would like to carry. Is it the bare minimum? Or are you a ‘just in case’ type of person, who feels comfortable when they carry more things with them?
Style
Which style do you prefer? Clutches come in all different designs. From box, rounded to rectangular shapes and others. Would you like an adjustable chain? So that you have the option of ‘wearing’ your clutch while you dance or to make it easier when you walk.
Mirror
It’s always a good idea to try out your clutch or evening bag while wearing your chosen dress or outfit, in front of a mirror. That way you can see your complete look.
Enjoy choosing your clutch and remember if it makes you feel good, you will look good.
Have fun!
by Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
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Are you looking for a beautiful clutch or evening bag? Click here
]]>“It’s supposed to be the happiest day of my life and everything should be just perfect, with everyone around being happy for me and rushing to help with whatever you need and everything going smoothly right? So, why does it feel the opposite? I never thought I would feel so lonely and like I have to do everything myself, while everyone, including those closest to me, seem to be fighting over the most trivial things. I thought they would support me. Why do I feel this way? I just want to scream…”
Are you a bride-to-be who is feeling like this?
It’s perfectly understandable you feel this way, especially as this is supposed to be the ‘best’ day of your life. Here are some tips to make you feel a little better about things and help you stay calm as you prepare for your wedding day.
Perfection
First of all, let’s start with the ‘P’ word. Perfection. You can begin by taking the pressure off right now because guess what? There is no such thing as ‘perfection’. So, take a deep breath and breathe out a sigh of relief.
Nerves
Realise that it is okay to feel nervous and anxious. There is no need to pretend everything is ‘fine’ and under control if it isn’t. Don’t keep things bottled up, make sure you tell someone close how you feel.
Connection
Communicate your thoughts and share your feelings with your fiancé. This will help you both to stay connected and remind you that you are both in this together. You are not alone.
Write it down
If it helps to express yourself, write it down, this will help provide clarity for your mind because you can see it all on paper. It can help to release emotions and you may even see things from a new perspective.
Delegate
You are not a super-hero so don’t try to do everything yourself. As soon as you have selected your bridal party, delegate tasks to each of them and check-in on how things are going now and again. Let them know when things need to be done by and to inform you if there are any problems along the way. Allow for any hiccups when you factor in the time. Better still, if your budget allows hire a wedding planner to take care of this all for you. If not ask reliable friends and family to help out where they can. If you are doing this yourselves make a list of what needs to be done and do one thing at a time.
People-pleasing
Don’t try to please everyone, it is a never-ending circle and you will be wasting your time. It doesn’t matter what others think. Yes, they will be happy to voice their opinion and yes, you can listen to them if you wish, but you will be saving yourself a lot of heartache if you make a decision and stick to it. The focus should be on you and your fiancé, not about who sits next to who.
Conflict
This may occur between families, for some reason events trigger a variety of feelings for people. It could be anything from jealousy to anger. It helps to remember that, although it may not feel like it now, this stressful time is only temporary and will pass.
Remember your why?
At stressful times, it is worth pausing to take a step back and look at the picture by remembering why you are getting married and that it is a celebration of your love for each other. It will help you get through it all.
Take Time Out
Take some time for yourself, whether it’s to meditate, exercise, go dancing with friends or spending some time reading or listening to music. It will put things into perspective and keep you feeling good and positive about yourself.
Relax
Give yourself some space to breathe and relax. Pamper yourself. Indulge in a facial, massage or whatever you prefer. This will give you a wonderful sense of well-being, which will help keep you calm.
Have Fun
Regardless of whatever is going on, remember to have fun along the way and enjoy the experience. After all it is your special day.
Have a Fabulous Day!
by Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
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]]>
Earrings are a wonderful way of accessorising and adding glamour to your look. They can make you feel feminine and can complete your look beautifully.
Here are some tips to ensure that you wear earrings that enhance your best features and style.
The shape of your face
To accentuate your best features it is a good idea to start with the shape of your face.
Oval shape
You’ll be pleased to know you can wear almost any style of earrings. Pyramid shaped earrings and classic studs will enhance your cheekbones beautifully.
Heart shape
Chandelier style or teardrop shaped earrings help to balance out the top proportion of your face, as the weight of the earrings will be at the bottom part of the earrings.
Square shape
Choose earrings that are more round with soft edges, such as hoop earrings and avoid rigid square or rectangular shaped earrings.
Long shape
Look for earrings with some width such as hooped earrings, short dangly drop earrings, clustered and round shaped studs.
Round shape
Select long dangly drop earrings to contrast.
Try to go for the opposite style to shape of your face. For instance if you have a more round shape face opt for earrings that are longer and if you have a longer or square shaped face go for earrings that are circular.
There are other elements to take into account:
Facial Structure
Large
If you have a larger bone structure you are able to wear chunkier and heavier earrings such as statement earrings with ease.
Small
If you have a small and fine bone structure go for small, delicate and slim earrings
Medium
If you have a medium facial bone structure you can go for earrings with average proportions and weight.
Personality
Think about your personality when selecting earrings as this will help you ‘feel’ good about yourself.
Down to earth
For a girl next door and casual look opt for subtle and small earrings that are practical.
Classic
You can’t go wrong with timeless classics such as pearl, diamond, gold or silver studs or small earrings
Romantic
For a romantic look choose circular and round shaped earrings, which are subtle yet feminine.
Bold
For a more dramatic look go for statement style earrings with sharp edges
Creative
A splash of colour in your earrings will help you feel vibrant and full of energy.
Season
Autumn
Shades of gold and earthy tones are great for Autumn
Winter
Pearls are a pleasure to wear as are sparkly and more glamourous earrings in the lead up to Christmas.
Spring
Floral designs, shades of pink, lavender and silver are delightful this time of year
Summer
Shades of blue, gold, silver and floral designs are perfect for that summer glow.
Occasion
Consider the occasion when choosing your earrings.
Daily
Subtle and practical earrings are great for everyday
Night
You can afford to be glamourous with sparkle and colour
Event
Check the dress code and choose earrings to complement your outfit. For instance pearl and floral design earrings are perfect for a wedding while sparkly and dangly drop earrings are fabulous for a party
Always wear what you love and feel best in as this will help you look amazing and feel fabulous wherever you go…
by Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
Looking for a selection of beautiful earrings? Click here
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]]>The first Mother’s Day took place in 1908 in the U.S by a lady called Anna Jarvis who arranged to have a memorial, in honour of her mother at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in West Virginia, which still has an international Mother’s Day Shrine.
Anna Jarvis started her campaign to make Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1905, following her mother’s death. She was a peace activist, who looked after wounded soldiers during the American Civil War. As a way of honouring her mother, she started up Work Clubs for Mothers where they discussed topics such as public health concerns and dedicated a day to honour mothers as she felt that a mother was “the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.”
At first this proposal of making Mother’s Day a public holiday was turned down in 1908 but Anna persisted and in 1911 West Virginia had their first Mother’s Day and in 1914 Woodrow Wilson honoured mothers by making it a national public holiday.
Thus, Mother’s Day soon spread internationally and the first Mother’s Day cards were on sale in the 1920’s.
To this day Mother’s Day is a day where families get together to show love and appreciation for the Mothers of the family.
Looking for a special Mother’s Day gift? Click here
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London special occasion jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale events with their beautiful jewellery & accessories.
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]]>Congratulations on your engagement!
This is such an exciting time for you and it is easy to get carried away or get lost in the momentum. One thing’s for sure there will be lots of planning to do. For some this can appear quite daunting and nerve-wracking and even bewildering at times. But don’t worry take a deep breath and do one thing at a time and you will have your wedding organised in next to no time.
If you live in Essex and are looking for wedding professionals in Essex and the surrounding areas. Here is a list of a few that come highly recommended to help you out…
Photographer - Kelsie Low Photography
Kelsie is based in Essex and is a creative photographer who specialises in artistic wedding photography. Her beautiful photography comes from the heart and she goes the extra mile to capture stunning imagery.
Website : www.kelsiephotography.co.uk
Contact : kelsielowphotography@gmail.com
Wedding Planner – As You Wish Wedding and Events Planner
As You Wish are an award-winning wedding & events co-ordinator and planning company based in Essex who offer a bespoke personal service, which is first class. They believe in offering perfect planning of your event with intricate attention to detail, creative design and ideas.
Website : www.asyouwishweddings.co.uk
Contact : info@asyouwishweddings.co.uk
Wedding Cars – Premier Carriage
Premier Carriage offer a selection of beautiful and prestigious vehicles ranging from the most luxurious modern wedding cars, 50’s and 60’s classic cars and vintage vehicles from the 20’s. They also provide wedding cars for hire in other counties.
Website : www.premiercarriage.co.uk
Contact : enquiries@premiercarriage.co.uk
Florist – Sue’s Flower Studio
Sue specialises in creating beautiful bespoke floral designs for Weddings, Events and special occasions and is based in Essex.
Website : www.suesflowerstudio.co.uk
Contact : suesflowerstudio@gmail.com
Luxury Wedding Stationery – The Wedding Stationery Boutique
The Wedding Stationery Boutique are an award-winning family run business based in Essex who specialise in creating luxury wedding stationery.
Website : www.theweddingstationeryboutique.com
Contact : nicolacullen@btconnect.com
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
For regular tips & exclusive offers delivered direct to your inbox, click here
Know anyone who may be interested in this article?
Feel free to share
]]>In the days or even weeks before. Pay attention to what you eat and drink
For instance, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly those with a high water content. Eat a balanced diet as you will need the energy. Drink plenty of water to flush out any toxins, so your skin looks amazing.
2. Fitness
Try and get regular exercise. This will help maintain your health and energy levels on the day. It is also a good stress reliever
3. Skin care
Start a good skin care regime, your skin will thank you for it and this will help keep blemishes at bay, which will help you feel good and confident about how you look on your special day. It will also serve as a good base for applying your make-up, which in turn will help you look your best.
4. Make-Up
Practice experimenting with make-up and what colours will suit you, bear in mind the colour of your dress and the season. Book your make-up artist in plenty of time and have a trial session, so you know you will love it. It’ll be fun too.
5. Hair
Experiment with different hairstyles. Ensure you are comfortable as you will be wearing your hair this way for a long time. Try on any hair accessories in advance. Book your hairdresser early on and have fun practicing how you’d like your hair. This goes for your bridesmaids too.
6. Parties
Ensure you have any parties in advance and don’t have your hen night the night before.
7. Sleep
Make sure you get your beauty sleep and try to get into this habit a few nights in advance if you can. This will keep your eyes looking sparkly, help you feel rested so you are at your best on your special day
8. Calm
Try and take a few quiet moments to yourself each day. You may choose to meditate, be still or read. When you are mentally at ease it will help you to stay calm, even if those around you are flapping around.
9. Smile
A smile now and then throughout the day will help you to feel good about yourself and will also make you look good
10. Confidence
Be confident and rest assured in the knowledge that you look amazing and that you are loved and admired by the one you love. Take a deep breath…
You’ve Got this… Enjoy your day
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
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]]>According to Christians, here are some reasons behind our chosen decoration.
The Holly- very popular in Christmas, its red berries symbolise Christ’s blood and the leaves symbolise the crown of thorns. The Holly is considered to be the male plant.
The Ivy – a female plant that needs something to support itself, it is a reminder of how we need God to support us throughout our life.
The Mistletoe – ancient Greeks believe the mistletoe to be an aphrodisiac and aid for fertility. While Norsemen believed they would cease fighting for a day if a plant hung above a doorway, where they met and consider it to be a plant of peace. It wasn’t until the 18th century when kissing came into it. Couples were to have a kiss while there were red berries. Each time they kissed a red berry would be removed. To this day, it is generally thought to bring peace and good luck into homes.
The Christmas Wreath - stems from Roman times when it was a symbol of victory to hang one on the door. Affluent Roman women often wore these on their head as a sign of being privileged
The Christmas Tree also known as the Fir Tree was a symbol of the everlasting life with God.
Handy to know when hanging those decorations up
Don’t forget to take them down by Twelfth Night
Looking for sparkly decorations for yourself?
Take a look at our collection here
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
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Know anyone who may be interested in this article?
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]]>Here are a few tips to point you in the right direction
Don’t drink too much
Plan to have your hen or stag do a few nights before ,as opposed to the night before. This will prevent hangovers on the day and dark circles from appearing around your eyes.
Get a good night’s sleep the night before
This will help you look your best and appear more calm and serene in your photos (however you may be feeling on the inside). Sleep will help your overall mood, which will come across in your photos.
Practice
It’s a good idea to practice poses before the event, even better if your photographer offers this session as it will help you prepare and feel more comfortable when it comes to the day. It also gives you the opportunity to discuss what types of photos you want i.e do you want romantic shots gazing into each other’s eyes or do you prefer family portrait style photos or of course a combination of the two. It also gives you the chance to discover your ‘best side’ or features. Have fun experimenting.
Your Best Side
Speaking of your ‘best side’ here’s your chance to shine, besides if you can’t show off on your wedding day, when can you? If you are hiring a professional photographer, let them know which side you prefer to have your photo taken from and if you have a particular feature played down.
Your Smile
You are going to be happy and full of love, which is why your face will light up naturally and your eyes will sparkle with joy on this momentous occasion. Of course you will smile a lot but do not feel as though you have to smile continuously throughout all the photos. Sometimes the best photos are captured when your eyes are ‘smiling’ and you are being admired by your loved one.
Strike a Pose
Taking action is empowering and will help you feel in control of the situation, which for many can be a relief. Having a couple of poses prepared in advance can help you feel like ‘you’ve got this’ in front of the camera.
Here are a couple of poses for you to try:
Chin area - many people are concerned about having double chins in photos, one solution would be to tilt your head up slightly, this will elongate your neck and reduce the impact of a double chin.
Slimming effect – Hold your arms slightly away from your body, this helps you to look slimmer and helps define your waist. An example of this would be to hold your bouquet at hip level with your forearms slightly raised. Angling your body towards the camera instead of a front pose is also more slimming.
Neck area – Lower your shoulder, as you look towards the camera and tilt your head slightly.
Eyes – To make your eyes look bigger, turn your neck towards the camera and raise your eyebrows, while looking upwards slightly.
Model look – Turn and look towards the camera from an angle. Keep one foot behind the other (at right angles if you can), while placing your weight on the back foot and smile.
Full Make-up, Hair, Jewellery & Dress rehearsal
Practice how you want your hair and make-up to look on the day. If you can, practice wearing your dress with your wedding jewellery too in front of your mirror, as this will help you feel more confident on the day which help to create those lovely photos.
Communication
This may sound obvious but it is essential to inform your photographer what you do and don’t want, in order to maximise getting the best photos possible. For instance, if you don’t like your photographer hanging around you throughout the day and prefer photos taken at only certain intervals, let them know so as to avoid unnecessary awkward conversations and bad feeling towards each other. Discuss what scenery you would prefer in the background so you know you are both ‘singing from the same hymn sheet ‘as it were. This will help you to feel at ease with your photographer , which promotes lovely photos
Stay Natural
There’s no need to be false or feel you have to put on a show if you don’t want to, just because it’s your wedding day. Besides the best photos are almost always the ones which have caught you by surprise and you didn’t even realise they had been taken. For instance, when you steal a kiss from your beloved or gaze across the room to them adoringly. Stay true to yourself and enjoy the moment.
Relax
Remember to take time to breath and enjoy these special moments. This will help keep you calm and composed while others are flapping in excitement around you. This will also help keep you looking amazing in those beautiful wedding photos.
You’ve Got this.
Enjoy your wedding day
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
Want more tips like these? Sign up here
Get photo ready with our memorable jewellery & accessories
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]]>1. Hold the crucifix part of the rosary in your hand and make the sign of the cross on your head and chest while speaking:
"In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit"
2. Recite the Apostles Creed:
"I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried, He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen"
3. On the first bead after the crucifix pray the Lord’s Prayer:
"Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen"
4. For the set of three beads, pray the 'Hail Mary', contemplating on the 3 graces of faith, hope and charity or love:
"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen"
5. While holding the thread before the next bead pray the 'Glory be':
"Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen"
6. For the following bead, you state the name of the first of five mysteries for the day that you are praying. Each day has a set of five mysteries.
Joyful Mysteries - Monday, Thursday and Saturday:
1- The Annunciation
2- The Visitation
3- The Nativity
4- The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple
5- The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Sorrowful Mysteries - Tuesday and Friday:
1- The Agony in the Garden
2- The Scourging at the Pillar
3- The Crowning with Thorns
4- The Carrying of the Cross
5- The Crucifixion and Death of our Lord
Glorious Mysteries - Wednesday and Sunday:
1- The Resurrection
2- The Ascension
3- The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4- The Assumption of Mary
5- The Coronation of the Virgin
Then you say the Lord's Prayer while staying on the same bead.
7. You should now be at the first row of 10 beads, for each of these beads pray the 'Hail Mary' whilst meditating on the mystery you have just said.
8. For the separate bead you pray the 'Glory be', the 'O my Jesus', say the next mystery and then say the Lord's Prayer:
"O my Jesus, have mercy on us. Forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Take all souls into heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy. Amen"
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for each mystery until you reach the joiner and have finished the 5 mysteries.
10. At the joiner, pray the ‘Glory be', the 'O my Jesus', the Lord's Prayer and the 'Hail Holy Queen', finishing by making the sign of the cross like you did at the beginning of the rosary:
"Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!"
If you are looking for Religious Gifts please click here
]]>Continue reading to find out more…
This tradition was derived from an Old English poem from the 1800’s,
“Something Olde,
Something New,
Something Borrowed,
Something Blue,
A Sixpence in your shoe.”
The 4 objects and the sixpence are thought to be lucky trinkets and are given as small gifts that symbolise love. They are usually given by female relatives, including your mother or sister, although you can always give yourself a gift. These trinkets were often given just before the wedding, often while the bride is getting ready and preparing for her special day.
Something Old
Something that is passed down from her past, often this is handed down from her family to symbolise a continuing tradition to carry through to her present and future.
Something New
A gift to represent things to come that brings joy and hope for the future as she looks ahead to becoming a wife.
Something Borrowed
A token of happiness which has been borrowed, often given from another happy bride.
Something Blue
Represents fidelity, purity and love. Christian brides believe these symbolise the Virgin Mary.
A Sixpence in your shoe
A sixpence is a British tradition which symbolises being prosperous, successful and blessed with good fortune.
The sixpence was a silver coin which was in circulation in the UK from 1551 to 1967. It was the equivalent of 6 pennies
Don’t Panic
Don’t worry if you don’t have any of these. Do what makes you feel good.
After all,
It is your special day…
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]]>Not everyone actually likes to be the centre of attention, especially for long periods of time. Some people can’t imagine anything worse. The sheer thought of being surrounded by people who have all their eyes on you and asking you so many questions in admiration can have your panic levels raised sky high in a matter of seconds – If you let it
If this sounds like you, take a deep breath…
All is at hand, with these tips to help you plan and prepare. You may find that it’s not so bad after all and who knows? You may actually enjoy your special day
Here goes…
Make sure you have plenty of time to relax before and after your wedding
Play to your strengths. Introverts are often gifted at organising and planning ahead, especially visualising how they would like it in their head, so make the most of this. Start by writing all your ideas down and then make a plan
Plan a small wedding. Size doesn’t matter when it comes to weddings, they don’t all have to be large. If you keep it low-key it will be easier to manage and there will be less people there, which usually means less to think about for introverts
Instead of having a main table, try having a table with just those closest to you seated with you. This takes the pressure off a big event and helps make it feel like more of a dinner party with close friends & family
This is a big no-no for most introverts, they dislike just the thought of it. To help you in these moments of dread, try and prepare a few standard responses ahead of time. These matched with your fabulous smile will go a long way and help remove the tension from the moment
Try and take regular breaks during the day, if only to catch your breath
The internet is a Godsend for introverts. Gone are the days when you have to do everything in person or on the telephone. Use it to plan and prepare as much as possible
Your friends and family are there to support you. However, it is worth remembering that there is no need for you to constantly perform for them. Believe it or not but they are there to enjoy themselves too and most guests will be quite happy catching up with each other, as well as dancing and generally having a good time, so don’t worry about constantly being the centre of attention
A first dance can be very romantic, but if you find yourself really getting nervous about it, don’t have one. Grab your friends instead and ask them to join in and dance. This will make it more of a group dance and remove the pressure of you both
It’s not necessary to have a big party after your ceremony. You may prefer a small reception in a pub or even decide to have a party another day
If this is proving a bit of a nightmare, simply thank all your guests for coming as an alternative
Most importantly, take regular time out to take in the moment and recharge
Enjoy!
by Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
Looking for some jewellery & accessories to enhance your ‘inner sparkle’? Click here
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]]>Here are some tips to help you choose beautiful hair accessories to complement your look and enhance your ‘WOW’ factor.
To begin with, consider the overall theme of your wedding and establish what you are trying to achieve. Think of the colours you would like throughout your wedding, especially your dress and of course your bridesmaids’ dresses.
Decide whether you would like your bridesmaids to wear similar accessories to you, or would you prefer them to wear something more delicate and subtle or vice versa. You may prefer your bridesmaid to wear smaller versions of your hair accessory, such as a small hair comb.
Start by selecting your dress, as this will be the foundation to base your accessories around. The colour of your dress will affect the colours and style of your accessories. For instance silver accessories will look even more sparkly with a white dress. While pearl or gold accessories would look fabulous with a cream or gold coloured dress.
Think about how you would like to wear your hair. Get creative and experiment with different hairstyles to find out what suits you best and what will make you happy. It may be worth having a chat with your hairstylist for ideas.
The hairstyle you choose will affect which hair accessories you wear. For instance if you wear your hair up in a chignon or braids, a hair comb, hair jewels or a side tiara comb would give a graceful, sophisticated look, whereas if you wear your hair half up or down and have longer hair a tiara headband would present a regal feel and the focus will be at the front of your hair and your face. When choosing a tiara headband remember to pick one that is the opposite shape to your face. For example if your face is round, pick an elongated style tiara, if you have a longer face, choose a rounder shaped tiara. This will balance, frame and enhance your features.
Shoulder length hairstyles can look great with most hair accessories. Hair vines are very popular at the moment as they combine the romantic look of hair combs and the majestic look of a tiara. They are usually flexible and can be gently guided into shape to suit your style, they can also be held secure with hair pins towards the back of your hair or at the sides if required.
For shorter hairstyles you may want to accentuate your assets with a handful of hair jewels scattered around your hair. They will look like hidden gems that add instant glamour to your look.
When you select your hair accessories, pay attention to the size and weight of them. This small detail will make all the difference to your comfort, especially if you are wearing tem for a long time. If you do get the chance, try them out first.
When you have your wedding can also be an important factor when choosing accessories. Floral accessories or garlands look lovely and romantic in Spring and Summer. For Autumn and Winter weddings pearl and sparkly crystal accessories add that magical feel.
By Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
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]]>With this in mind, the season you choose to have your wedding in can have a great impact in the overall ambience and theme of your wedding.
Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when choosing your jewellery and accessories that add those finishing touches to your look.
Planning a Winter wedding
A winter wedding can be so picturesque, full of fairytale qualities. This magical time of year can be reflected throughout your entire theme with hints of glistening snow, frosty woodland decorations or sparkle-filled icicles. These can be taken through to your jewellery and accessories, with white pearls like snow and crystals like ice droplets. Pearl and crystal hair combs accentuate these qualities magnificently as well as sparkly hair jewels that twinkle throughout your hair.
If you are lucky enough to be a Christmas bride you can choose to be as luxurious as you like by wearing rich reds and opulent gems that add a little warmth and leave the cold outside.
Planning an Autumn wedding
This wonderful time of year, enhanced by nature displaying all the richness it has to offer, with reds, oranges, gold, earthy tones like brown, beige conjure a firework of display that can be carried right into the warmth and depth of you special day. The beautiful array of colours can also be echoed into accents of colour throughout your hair, dress, necklace and accessories. If you are wearing a gold or cream coloured dress, pearls or gold jewellery accessories can be the perfect accompaniment to this beautiful palette.
Planning a Spring wedding
This time of year is when nature is in full bloom and the spring blossom is a popular theme amongst many. Florals and romance grace the air and delicate floral jewellery and accessories are a subtle and pretty accompaniment to a spring bride, no matter what colour dress you choose to wear. Pastels are popular this time of year and flowers can be continued throughout the theme. Romantic and feminine hairstyles look lovely when embraced with a boho floral garland or a floral hair comb can be endearing by adding that touch of elegance to your hair.
Planning a Summer wedding
In the summer months you can be much bolder with larger flowers and more elaborate headpieces. If you choose to have a beach wedding, then delicate jewellery would be a lovely alternative together with floral headbands, for that dreamy look. A variety of different coloured dresses would suit this season and statement wrist corsages or layered bracelets and necklaces can add that subtle twist of excitement and intrigue. If you are going barefoot, anklets also make a great focal point. Keep it light and flowy
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]]>Bible: 1 Corinthians 13:7.
Planning a wedding can be both fun and extremely stressful, particularly when you’re trying to meet a budget. Buying jewellery, however, should be one of the most enjoyable parts of organising your big day.
Our wedding jewellery is both high end and affordable, explore our catalogue at SommerSparkle.
We have a wide range of wedding jewellery, including beautiful tiaras, pearl jewellery, bracelets, jewellery sets and hair decorations. From sparkling clutch bags to classic pearl necklaces, you’ll find it all at the award winning SommerSparkle.
Precious pearls for your wedding.
For truly exquisite jewellery, consider this Freshwater Pearl Jewellery Set, comprising a set of earrings, a necklace and a bracelet. Timelessly beautiful, it’s the perfect addition to any white or ivory wedding dress. Iridescent with a beautiful sheen, these are pearls that reflect the romance and glamour of the occasion.
If you want to add some dazzling effects to your ears, how about our Freshwater Pearl Cubic Zirconia Earrings? Redolent of regal glamour, these earrings have a stunning snowflake design.
To explore our jewellery for weddings, click here.
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