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We Love a Wedding

June 30, 2023

We Love a Wedding

Here at the Michael Van Clarke Salon we're totally dedicated to our clients, and if there’s a wedding, we’ll be making sure the hair and make-up are catwalk or church-aisle ready.

We have a large team of brilliant stylists who’ve cut their teeth over the years at catwalk bridal shows, magazine covers, editorial spreads, plus of course numerous low key and high profile weddings for clients around the world.

2023 has seen a surge in weddings and our Bridal Team looking after many brides both here and abroad. Last week our Senior Stylist, Summer Langton, headed up the team at the stunning Cotswold country wedding of Lifestyle Influencer Josie Fear and her now husband Charlie Irons.

We've been working with Josie for over 18 months on her wedding hair journey with regular haircuts with Michael and colour with Bernadett.

For the wedding day Josie had a clear idea that the finished look should emulate her everyday style with a ‘Red Carpet’ twist. Josie likes to wear her hair half up so this was Summer’s starting point, and as the dress was top secret, Summer worked closely with Josie to create a look which framed her face with cascading waves down the back. During the hair trial Summer worked with the beautiful David Mellor headpiece that would be incorporated into the style. On the day, the overall look was the perfect English Princess.

To the church, Josie’s veil was worn cathedral style and following the ceremony she had a quick pit stop in her glorious garden to remove the veil and touch up the make up. Due to the extremely sunny weather, in the spur of the moment it was decided that Summer would transform the hair into an up-do to ensure Josie could party into the night. Keeping the headpiece in place and not altering the front look, Summer created a structured loose bun which was the ideal look for the ‘garden party style wedding’ that followed.

Congratulations Josie and Charlie and thank you for letting us be part of your magical day.

Photographer - Poppy Carter Portraits

Top Tips for Brides

What to consider before the big day

1. Many hairdressers aren’t properly trained in bridal hair and fear the ‘up-do’; often making it look too severe and aging. Remember you want to look like the 'Red Carpet' or 'Oscars' version of yourself. Have a minimum of one trial with the hairdresser and make-up artist at least two months before the big day. Take along pictures of looks and styles that you like and dislike, a picture of your dress, and if possible your veil and head dress. You may wish to experiment with hairpieces, extensions or hair ornaments. Ask your hairdresser about real hair temporary extensions which are very versatile and easy to remove after the event. Have digital photos and notes taken at the trial so that all preparations are clear.


Michael Van Clarke 3’’’More Inches

2. Have the hair and make-up chat with bridesmaids before the big day. You’ve chosen the dress and overall look with them, and whilst they needn’t all look the same, they need to complement you. Be clear with them how you see your wedding event, and agree their hair and make-up before the day. Remember most stylists and make-up artists allow around 45mins for bridesmaids hair and the same for make-up.


Michael Van Clarke 3’’’More Inches

3. Book the hairdresser and make -up artist early, as soon as you've chosen your dress; you’ll be amazed how many people are planning to get married on the same day as you. If possible book them for the whole day so that they’re on hand for the photographs and possibly a change of look for the evening.

4. Have regular trims with your bridal hairdresser even if you’re growing your hair, and regularly apply our LifeSaver Pre-wash Treatments. Its unique cashmere protein complex will get your hair in peak condition. Josie is a big fan of the LifeSaver ULTRA Pre-wash Treatment and also No.1 Brush (she kindly gifted her bridesmaids the Deluxe Rose Gold Edition on the day)




5. Book your final hair cut and colour two weeks before your wedding, not during the final few days. It’s unwise to make major colour changes just before the wedding; a simple semi permanent colour in the final week can add tone and depth or keep to your regular colour. Have a manicure and pedicure the day before wedding; it’ll help you relax and slide into wedding mode.


Michael Van Clarke 3’’’More Inches

6. If you haven't arranged for a dresser from your designer to come and fit you into your dress then designate one friend (not always a bridesmaid) to go with you to the fittings and be shown how to do it. Even dresses with simple fastenings need someone dedicated to do this task, and this person can even do the fluffing up of petticoats and the ensure the veil sits correctly before entering the ceremony. They can also get all the tips on how to hold the dress and veil if you have small bridesmaids holding the train. A badly held train can ruin your entrance and even cause wardrobe malfunctions and embarrassment.

7. Be clear on your timings for preparation and when you want to be walking out the door to the ceremony. Allow an extra 15 minutes contingency. We provide our Brides with a detailed timeline planner from start to finish, which integrates with the make-up artist too.

Michael Van Clarke 3’’’More Inches

Rosie the Londoner enjoys the last minutes of singledom with friends


8. If possible have two rooms for the Bridal party to get ready; one for Bride, Mother of the Bride and Maid of Honour, and another for the rest. Set a time where you can all be excited and have a glass of champagne but then be able to close the door for some quiet time to yourself and enjoy the moment with your Mum or best friend.


Michael Van Clarke

If you would like more information about our Bridal Team for your special day then email our Special Events Manager for details louise@vanclarke.com



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