Have a Good Hair Day
Forget the fussy, clunky tiaras of weddings past. For subtle yet eye-catching bridal hair accessories, check out Tigerlilly Design’s whimsical pieces, available at Wed Bridal (3882 Main Street). Tigerlilly’s signature piece is the Fiona ($192 for a 10-strand version), a headband made up of gold or silver strands accented with Swarovski crystals or freshwater pearls that can be converted into a bracelet or a necklace. Looking for a hint of retro glam? Try the delicate Aria comb ($180), which combines Swarovski crystals with feathers for a coquettish look that won’t overpower your gown.

> Jessica Werb

OPI’s pink Suzi & the Lifeguard will show off wedding-finger sparklers.

Delicate Fingers
Nail colours may have been dominated by hard reds and blacks this winter, but OPI is set to release a range of new lacquers that are lighter and softer—and seem custom-made for that bridal manicure. Starting in early February, look to the South Beach Collection for clear pinks and shell hues, from the impossibly pure-pink Suzi & the Lifeguard to the more neutral Sand in My Suit. As of March 6, seek out Fairytale Bride SoftShades, romantic hues designed to complement white dresses—especially ones with a touch of pink. These include the subtle blossom shimmer Otherwise Engaged and the sophisticated nude At First Sight ($10.95 at salons and spas).

> Janet Smith

Photobooth Vancouver snaps the fun (pictured, Sam and Arianne Grill).

Say Cheese!
Thanks to the miracles of modern technology, you can bring the old-school fun of goofing off in a photo booth to your wedding reception. For $300 an hour, Photobooth Vancouver will supply a manned booth that spits out retro-style prints for your guests, and captures every high-resolution shot on a CD for you to keep. For a personal touch, you can have a special logo added to each print and customize the booth’s background to your colour scheme.

>Jessica Werb

Oleana’s sexy, rich-blue taffeta number means you don’t have to dress like a virgin on your special day and your bridesmaids don’t have to wear seafoam either.

Not-So-White Wedding
Speaking of finding something blue, we’re loving the Oleana label’s dress that can be for either the bride or the bridesmaid, and not just in the usual ivories and pastels. Upend tradition in one of the Norwegian-made design’s darker hues, like a shadowy blue that looks impossibly rich in the fine taffeta fabric—or go really bold with a different shade on top and bottom, with a vibrant contrasting belt. The pieces are classic and simple enough to wear long past your wedding day: the long skirt is $550, the top $280, and the belt $75, at Urbanity (207 Abbott Street).

> Janet Smith

Even Design’s compass cufflinks help grooms locate their brides.

Linking up
Who says functional can’t be funny? Even Design’s Judi Patson creates unusual and humorous cufflinks that’ll do more than keep your shirt together. Among her creations are sterling silver cufflinks shaped like LEGO bricks ($180 at www.evendesign.ca/). For those needing a little balance in their lives, Patson incorporates actual working levels into several designs, including her Capsule cufflinks ($128 at Object Design Gallery [103–1551 Johnston Street, Granville Island]). Patson even makes cufflinks that contain functioning compasses ($180), ensuring that your groom won’t get lost on his way to the ceremony.

> Miranda Nelson

Seeking something blue? Here, it’s June Hunter’s ethereal leaf pendant.

Keeping it natural
Old, new, borrowed”¦ But what about blue? Artist June Hunter combines her original botanical photographs with clear resin to create unique jewellery pieces. Her Astrantia earrings ($50) feature images of delicate blue flowers; measuring one centimetre across, these earrings would be a subtle complement to any style of wedding dress. Hunter’s square Blue Leaf pendant ($70) features a macro shot of a leaf that’s been digitally processed to an ethereal shade of blue, while her oval Bamboo earrings ($70) feature a hint of teal behind green bamboo stalks. The pieces can be found at Damask (2178 Western Parkway, UBC), Doctor Vigari Gallery (1312 Commercial Drive), the Vancouver Art Gallery store (750 Hornby Street), or through www.junehunter.ca/ .

>Miranda Nelson