Bridal Shrug
A winter or spring-time wedding means going bare up top might be out of the question. While no bride wants to slip on her everyday coat over an elegant gown, a delicate shrug or capelet by Caroline Calvert Couture will keep brides feeling stylish and warm. The Vancouver designer makes all of her shrugs, veils, jewellery, and accessories by hand and to order, and the shrugs and capelets take two to three weeks to create. Brides aiming for a modern, feminine look will want to check out the Violet Silk Shrug ($245), which features structured cap sleeves and a clean, ruffled edge. Meanwhile, the Dahlia Lace Shrug ($260) looks every bit like a vintage find with its delicate swirly off-white lace detail. Bohemian brides will feel right at home in the draped, blended wool Kimberly Capelet ($180). > Michelle da Silva

Fascinating fashion
Add a dash of whimsy to your bridal look with one of Vanouver-based Alice Hart Couture Millinery’s feather fascinators. Splashy and festive, a piece like this elegant custom-made creation built of ivory peau de soie with satin loops, long silver quills, ivory feathers and silver veiling (right) would compliment any wedding dress. You can order from a selection of comb, pin, and even veil designs online at www.alicehart.com and at her Etsy shop—or book an appointment for your own custom-made piece ($65 to $210 and up). > Jessica Werb

Vintage Glamour
Vancouver jewellery designer Elsa Corsi is showing versatile statement pieces in her classic-meets-contemporary collection of elegant wedding bling. The celebrated artist, who works in vintage-influenced, old-world Swarovski crystals, pearls, and darker-toned antique plating, has curved, sparkling jewelled hair pieces that look great with retro chignons, as well as jewelled brooches that work on the hair, dress, or sash. Everything in the collection has a Grace Kelly feel, with multiple-strand bracelets and glittering drop earrings that play off the ’30s and ’50s feel of this season’s gowns. Prices run from $150 to $1,200. > Janet Smith

Say Your Dress “I Do’s”
As anyone who watched Bridesmaids knows, shopping for a wedding dress can be a scary process. But Randy Fenoli, star of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, is coming to the rescue of nerve-wracked soon-to-be-betrothed. The TV host, who is fashion director at the chi-chi salon called Kleinfeld Bridal on the show and dishes candidly on brides’ (and their entourage’s) style choices, is setting up appointments at Isabelle’s Bridal (220 West Esplanade Avenue in North Vancouver) for a visit this Monday (January 23). The boutique will also be holding trunk shows that day for its hottest lines—including Paloma Blanca, Jim Hjelm, Mikaella, and more. Appointments can be made by calling the store at 604-986-5200, and a deposit is required. > JS

Indie Wedding
Not all couples are suited to the conventional wedding accoutrements on display at large-scale wedding shows. Those looking to get hitched without the big parade may want to check out the Indie I Do wedding show, happening at the Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street) on January 28. The low-key event caters to all couples looking to add a DIY-feel to their special day. Indie I Do features a fashion show, live entertainment, and more than 30 local vendors, including BuenoStyle’s reworked vintage jewellery, ShiBang Designs’ handmade bags, creampuff by gg’s cheeky lingerie, and Frocks’ modern bridesmaid dresses. Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased online, or $20 at the door. > MDS

Cuff him
Sure, all eyes will be on the bride, but that doesn’t mean the groom and his groomsmen can’t make a fashion statement of their own. Instead of going traditional, boys can be boys with a pair of Transformers cufflinks, (US$19.80, at www.etsy.com/shop/southernliving26) or a set featuring Lego or miniature playing cards ($15 to $35, at www.etsy.com/shop/Nostalgiclinks). They’ll add some personality to the tuxes—without drawing too much attention away from the woman of the hour. > JW

Personalized Perfumes
Remember not only the sights and sounds of your wedding day, but the scents as well. Local artisan perfumer Ayala Moriel offers bespoke fragrances for men and women, which are especially popular for weddings. Those with inexperienced noses need not worry; Moriel guides clients through a myriad of scents to determine which ones they’re suited to—and which ones they’re not. Around two months later, clients are provided with samples of different perfumes, and the chosen scent is tweaked until it’s just right. Bespoke perfumes start at $800, which includes a 15-millilitre eau de parfum spray bottle and a five-millilitre roll-on stick (ideal for packing on the honeymoon). Bridal fragrances are $650 for a single scent, which comes in either a nine-millilitre crystal glass flacon or a 15-millilitre eau de parfum bottle, or $950 for two separate scents (one for the bride, another for the groom). > MDS

Mineral glow
When it comes to ensuring a flawless complexion, mineral makeup may be all the buzz these days, but unless it’s pure, you could trigger an unwanted flare-up. Burnaby-based Affera Cosmetics boasts mineral foundations, concealers, eye makeup, and lip colours that are locally made and free of fillers and preservatives. They also go on light and have anti-inflammatory properties, so you can be a blushing bride for all the right reasons. Affera offers a $125 bridal wedding package ($65 per additional person), which can be booked directly through www.afferacosmetics.biz. Products are also available in Vancouver at On the Fringe Hair Design (4166 Main Street) and in West Vancouver at Refine Express Spa (1570 Marine Drive). > JW

Karmic rings
If you’re looking for a pair of rings that say more than “we’re hitched”, local jewellery designer Sonja Picard’s rings offer beauty and spirituality in equal measures. Picard, who was recently bestowed the Professional BC Wedding Award for best wedding-jewellery design, inscribes her organic pieces with words of love and devotion, symbols, or sacred Sanskrit mantras. She uses only conflict-free, Canadian diamonds in her creations, which she says are inspired by Yogic philosophy. Find them at the Sonja Picard Collection Art Gallery and Jewelry Boutique (4360 Main Street) or online at www.sonjapicard.com. > JW

Royal Undies
Squats and lunges aren’t the only way to a Pippa Middleton-perfect bottom. If you want your behind to look lustworthy in your wedding dress (or bridesmaid dress—dare we say, at the risk of upstaging the bride), shimmy into a pair of Silueta underwear by Janira [$88 at Diane’s Lingerie [2950 Granville Street]). The shaping undergarment, which is made by a Spanish lingerie company that’s been around for more than 60 years, is designed to provide lift, firmness, and control around the bum. However, don’t expect to be spending your wedding day in discomfort; Silueta is made of a seamless stretch tulle fabric that gently hugs the body. So while your wedding might not be as plush as the royal wedding, your bum will be. > MDS