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Adding Sparkle to your Winter Wedding By Chris An increasing number of brides are choosing to avoid summer weather worries and are opting instead for a winter wedding, when a little snow, fog or even rain can only add to the romance and atmosphere of the day. Winter weddings are perfect for indulging your magpie-like tendencies and choosing to really sparkle. You could accentuate the magic of the season by incorporating snowflakes in your theme. These beautiful symbols of winter can add a touch of magic to your day in many ways. Or choose to dazzle with ice queen accessories which will melt his heart. Hair Accessories You can add seasonal sparkle to your hair by wearing a snowflake tiara, either with a little height (1) to complement an upswept style, or in an alice-band style (2) to add instant glamour to loose hair.

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Matching hairpins (3) could be used for bridesmaids to complement the bride’s tiara. These are perfect for adding interest at random intervals in the back or side of a glamorous up-do. They could also be made on a hairgrip for younger flower-girls. Or use a crystal-covered comb to add a dash of winter frosting as required. (4)

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Winter weddings are also the perfect excuse to transform yourself into a real ice queen. Flutter your eyelashes coquettishly from beneath a sparkling crystal-covered crown and make his heart beat a little faster. These statement pieces are perfect for the season and will ensure a dramatic entrance. (5) & (6)

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Jewellery Choose to add a wintry embrace to your décolletage by wearing a delicate snowflake pendant (7) or dazzle like a snow-princess with crystal icicles falling from a sparkling choker (8). You can choose from crystals in a myriad of colours to match your theme. All of these pieces can look just as stunning in fiery red, icy blue or sultry purple as they do in clear crystal, so don’t be afraid to try something different.

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Another more subtle alternative is to wear icy-looking earrings or a bracelet. Swarovski crystals are beautifully cut to maximise sparkle, and are a perfect way to accessorise in the winter season. (9)& (10).

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Don’t be down-hearted if the weather forecast shouts rain, simply echo the conditions with a crystal droplet necklace and earrings (11) & (12), and make the rain your matching accessory

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Bouquets Beautiful ivory-white roses look simply stunning, and the rich blush of deep red roses or even poinsettia also look beautiful in the winter season. Crystal stems can be added to your flowers to provide some sparkle. The romantic in you will love Swarovski heart crystal stems which come in a variety of colours (13). If you want to carry the snowflake theme through to your bouquet, choose snowflake crystal stems (14) to add a touch of magic to your flowers.

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Crystal bouquets are also a beautiful alternative. These contemporary pieces can be kept for a lifetime as a stunning reminder of your special day, and there are various shapes available. Icy crystal tendrils can evoke frost-covered branches. (15). A sparkling crystal snowflake-shaped bouquet is a unique way to continue the snowflake theme. (16)

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Cake accessories A contemporary way to add sparkle to your cake is with a crystal cake topper. Popular designs feature crystal sprays which catch the light beautifully. Carry a snowflake theme through to your cake with a topper which incorporates these crystal shapes on wired stems (17). Or celebrate with a bang, with an explosion of crystal stars (18). Matching crystal garlands can be worn around the tiers of your cake for extra sparkle.

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Table Accessories and Favours Popular favours for winter weddings are miniature crackers, gingerbread cookies or glass baubles. Decorate the baubles with glitter frosting for added impact. You could also give your guests a beautiful sparkly reminder of the day with crystal snowflake wine glass charms as favours (19). These can also be used to add sparkle to tables. Other ways to make your tables shimmer is to use table diamonds which are becoming increasingly popular. Crystal napkin rings (20) add a finishing touch and can be made in a variety of colours to match your theme and look beautiful around crisp wintry white napkins.

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There are many other ways to make your winter wedding memorable. If your budget can stretch that far, an ice sculpture can make a beautiful centrepiece. Personalised baubles can take the place of place cards. Candles or fairy lights can add a twinkle to your eye, and the effect of these can be maximised with the strategic placement of mirrors around the venue. Winter is truly a wonderful time for a wedding. Let the magic of the season bring a little sparkle your way. article was brought to you by Chris from www.eastbeachdesigns.co.uk