The ‘big day’ is one of the most important times in not only a bride’s life, but all those who surround her. But, before the wedding day itself, there will be a number of other celebrations and events for the bridal party - from the hen party to the wedding rehearsal dinner - to shopping days and inspections of vendors, to wedding and bridesmaid dress fittings.

Images: Selena Satin Jumpsuit, Guipure Mini Dress, Society Lace Dress, Marchessa Notte Lace Dress

We have put together some of the best versatile outfit options for any pre-wedding engagements, for both the bride and her bridesmaid entourage during the countless festivities and bridal celebrations on the horizon, along with beauty tips to keep your skin, hair, nails and teeth in tip top condition.

Bride-to-be Style

For the bride, we opted for looks that range from non-traditional, sexy to slightly more conservative depending on celebratory formalities. Our first pick is the Selena Satin Jumpsuit by Solace London; a different, yet statement piece suitable for a girly kitchen tea to a night out on the town with the girls that is not only a non traditional option for a bride, yet also feminine and strong. For more of a sexy, elegant and feminine feel appropriate for an engagement party or bridal shower, the guipure Lace, crepe and tulle mini dress by Self Portrait. This mini dress emulates girly touches through the sheer sleeves and flower patterning.

If an elegant, below the knee, traditional lace choice is more workable for your event, such as a formal engagement party or bridal shower dinner, the Society Guipure Lace Dress by Rebecca Valance is the perfect choice for such occasions, and always a staple which can be a versatile option for more formal events. If you are a more mature bride, scratching for options that cater towards a slightly different demographic can be challenging. That’s why we’ve done some research for you and found this little number from Marchesa Notte, the tulle-panelled lace dress. Perfect for all skin tones, baring the shoulders through a light flesh toned illusion neckline, while keeping a feminine and fresh look. 

The Bridal Entourage 

Image: Weddingsonline.com

As part of the Bride’s entourage, it is important to take colour choices into consideration when selecting your outfit to ensure you don’t make the Bride feel outshined, while of course still ensuring you look your best.  Our two options draw on a classic navy colour. For a relaxed fit, that can be dressed down with sneakers or up with a classic black pump, the Satin Open Back Cami Midi Dress is perfect for a casual celebration or a fun hen party. For an option that is versatile for a formal engagement party, kitchen tea or bridal shower - even as a wedding guest - the Star Lace-Panelled Mini Dress by Self Portrait is a sexy and elegant option that is a core piece for any wedding festivities.

Images: Satin Back Cami Dress, Star Lace Panelled Dress

Bridal Party Beauty Tips

Implementing a beauty regimen is one of the top items on every bride’s, maid of honour and bridesmaid’s to do list. Of course, seeing a beautician for a personalised skincare routine is key to catering to individual needs. Our favourite picks include products assisting in nourishing the finer details for the big day. We often forget that not only does our skin needs a bit of TLC, but so does our hair. Using a hair masque, as frequently as desired will provide added hydration and cure split ends, our favourite is the Signature Moisture Masque by Oribe.  As we style our hair most days, and especially for countless bridal and wedding celebrations, it is important to use products that won’t damage our locks; a great product to use while styling is the Heat Styling Shield by Oribe. To ensure not only our manes are taken care of, a manicure is always on the cards as we show off any bling.

A great way to strengthen nails and cuticles in between manicures is a nail oil. The Shea Butter Nail & Cuticle Nourishing Oil by L’Occitane is a great item that can be thrown into your handbag for everyday use, and with its brush applicator, it’s simple and mess free to use. A gentle exfoliator is key to replenishing skin cells for preparation and steps towards a radiant complexion. Our top pick is the Jojoba Peeling Milk by Dr. Spiller. Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive, making it a great start to start a skin care regimen.

For all bridal and wedding festivities, no girl wants to leave the house undone. With bridal and wedding celebratory looks typically emulating the less-is-more feel, it is important to extenuate one's features and not go too overboard. Follow this tutorial by celebrity makeup artist, Monika Blunder, for a Timeless and Sophisticated Makeup for all Skin Tones which is appropriate for any celebration and even if you are a low maintenance bride, this is the perfect look for a radiant and glowing look. However, if you are in need of a bit more va-va-voom, check out Sazan Hendrix Bridal Wedding makeup by makeup artist Lyndsay Zavitz, which includes a step-by-step tutorial with lots of great hints and tips.

Last but not least, it is important our pearly whites are kept in check. Why not snap up a professional teeth whitening kit for yourself and the rest of the bridal squad in preparation for the big day, or any other celebration - so not only is your highlighter glowing - but so is your smile. No doubt all of these hints and tips will leave all the members of the bridal party beauty looking flawless from head to toe!

There’s so much to consider when preparing for your big day, we’ve put together some hints and tips on the bride to-be’s one year guide to planning a wedding. 

We all have little mental beauty wish lists. You know, just a few things about our appearance that we’d like to update if we ever had the time or money to actually spend on them. A major wish list item for a lot of people is whiter teeth, and we bet that it’s pretty high on your list too. Why put it off? Getting stunning, white teeth is actually a whole lot easier than you probably think. Here are a few ways you can score whiter teeth and check off that wish list item in just a few days.

Schedule a Dental Checkup

This is the best place to start, and also the most responsible. Be honest with yourself, it’s probably been a bit since you saw a dentist anyway. Go in for a checkup and talk to your dentist about your teeth whitening goals. They’ll be able to take a peek and make sure your teeth are healthy enough to whiten. They’ll also be able to tell you what whitening products and tips they recommend for your smile. If you have a certain product in mind, then bring it up with them and see what they think.

Get Your Diet on Track

They say you are what you eat, and this is also true for your teeth. If you are constantly eating foods and drinking beverages that stain your teeth, then it’ll show. Certain foods like berries and pasta sauces can wreak havoc on the colour of your teeth. These dark foods can create stains and discolouration that build up. Over time, your teeth will look dull or stained just because of the foods you eat. Drinks are also a big problem. Dark teas, coffees, and even red wine can make your teeth a totally different shade. If white teeth are truly on the top of your wish list, then you should start using a straw to drink dark drinks and limit the staining foods you eat where possible. Of course, we all like to indulge in some of our favourite foods and drinks, just keep in mind that moderation is key in your longing for whiter teeth.

Get a Whitening Plan Together

If you’ve already talked to your dentist, then you probably have a good starting point. Check their recommended whitening products list to see what might work. If your dentist didn’t have suggestions (or if you haven’t gone in yet) then start doing your research. Here are some great ways to whiten that you should check out:

• A whitening kit – these kits have everything you need to get whiter teeth. They come with a gel you squeeze into two trays. Fit one tray over your top teeth and one over your lower. Some kits will also come with a special light to help activate the ingredients in the gel if the formula requires that method. Leave the trays on for the specified amount of time and in a few uses you should notice whiter teeth!
• Whitening toothpaste – this is a really popular way to whiten teeth. You’re going to brush at least twice a day anyway, why not get even more out of the time you spend? These toothpastes have whitening agents that are included with the other benefits you typically get in a toothpaste. This way, you’re not adding any extra time to your oral care routine. It’s a quick and easy way to get started on your beauty wish list. Bonus – some brands also make whitening rinses. These will usually help you freshen your breath and help to keep your teeth even whiter. Remember not to rinse just after you brush your teeth or you risk washing away all the great work your toothpaste is doing. Instead, wait a few minutes or rinse at a different time of day.
• Whitening strips – You have probably seen these in your local pharmacy. They are usually clear strips with a whitening agent on one side that you place against your teeth. When the time is up, just peel off the strip and throw it away. You typically get a full treatment program in the pack, so you will be able to notice whiter teeth by the time you have used all of the strips. These are a popular option because you can wear them pretty much any time. The only drawback is if you have to talk or smile, certain strips will move a little bit. Brands have come up with a lot more stable options in recent years, making the whitening strips a great option for those of you who want white teeth on the go.

Getting whiter teeth can help you be more confident in your smile. You’ll be able to beam with confidence knowing that your teeth look their best. Talk to your dentist, reevaluate your diet, and grab a whitening product.

No matter which option you choose, consider how much does teeth whitening cost? That’s all you need to get your smile looking great so you can cross it off of your list! Now, on to the next item…

Your mother has always been there for you. She’s the person you turn to when you have incredible news, when you need a pick-me up or when you just need to have a good rant. Mothers are an invaluable part of our lives and they have dedicated themselves every day to keeping us healthy and happy. So when Mother’s Day rolls around, it is important to really show your mother how much she means to you.

Here are a few suggestions for ways you can treat your mum this Mother’s Day.

A Spa Day 

Image: spafinder

Getting pampered is one of the best ways to spend time whether or not it’s a holiday. However, remember that Mother’s Day is about focusing on your mum and spending quality time with her, so a spa day together shows you want to spoil her while enjoying her company.

Book her for a few treatments of her own, and meet up for lunch at the spa café. End the trip with side-by-side manicures so you can rave about the treatments you just had and catch up on your days. You’ll both be so relaxed that you won’t be able to do much but enjoy the time together!

A Mother’s Day Photo Shoot

We’re not talking some cheesy shopping centre portraits here (although they can be fun)! Instead, pick a spot that is meaningful to you and your mother. Did she always take you to a certain park growing up? Do you have a favorite hiking spot? Pick a location that is super meaningful to both of you, one that really defines your relationship. Hire a local photographer to do a natural and candid shoot of the two of you enjoying the day. Laugh, smile, be silly and just spend time together. You’ll end up with portraits that show your true connection, and moments you will both treasure forever.

Bonus points if you both do some beauty-prep before the big day. Pamper your mum by getting her a spa night basket to help beautify yourselves the night before. Pack it full of face masks, nail polish, and great smelling candles. You might even want to throw in a bottle of wine to make your home spa night a bit more fun! You can even give her the basket a week or so in advance and include the Best Friends Pack of professional teeth whitening. Use the tooth whiteners together leading up to the Mother’s Day shoot so you both have stunningly white smiles that you will be proud to show off!

Pro Tip: Look out for the Pearly Whites Mother’s Day Special Offers coming soon!

A Dining Excursion

Image: paperblossomcreations.com

A fancy high tea could be an extra special treat, or why not try a new restaurant? Many restaurants have a special hidden feature called the chef’s table that treats diners to a unique and bespoke experience. Rather than ordering off the standard menu, the chef’s table typically lives to serve you.

This is an especially great gift if your mum sometimes feels like a short-order cook constantly whipping up meals on-demand. Now she can turn the tables and get everything she wants made her way, or get the best of the best of what the chef recommends. If your mother has a favorite dinner spot, call and check to see if they have any personalization options to treat your mother to a meal she’ll never forget.

A Box of Love

Sometimes one day just isn’t enough time to celebrate your mother. That’s why subscription boxes are such a great idea. There are tons of boxes for every interest. Whether your mum loves solving mysteries, trying the latest beauty products, or getting new clothes delivered straight to her door, a box subscription could be the perfect solution.

She’ll look forward to getting the mail every month knowing that her box is on its way. These subscriptions usually vary in duration from a one-time trial to a full year of surprises. Some subscription services even allow you to personalize your boxes by filling out a preference survey. Giving your mum a year of gifts will show her how much you love her, and add joy to her life every time she gets a new gift! This is an especially good idea if you live far from your mother and never want her to forget how special she is to you.

What’s most important is to remind your mother how much she means to you on Mother’s Day. Taking the time and effort to show you really care is much more important than how much you spend on your gift. Your mum knows you care, but it is always great to get a reminder that the hard work she does in your life has not gone unnoticed. Find a meaningful way to show she’s important and you’re sure to make your mum smile this Mother’s Day.  

Think you know everything about getting white teeth? Think again! Having white teeth goes well beyond picking up a pack of whitening toothpaste or getting a whitening treatment done at your dentist.

There are so many factors that can impact the color of your teeth, and how your teeth look can have a big impact on what people think about you. In fact, having whiter teeth has been proven to make you more attractive as a prospective partner as well as more employable, not to mention making you appear younger. So what are the secrets to dazzling white teeth? Let’s explore some factors that impact the colour of your teeth.

Watch Your Diet

What you eat and drink can have a pretty big influence on the color of your teeth. While those morning cups of coffee might seem like they do not have any effect, over time they will stain your teeth pretty badly. Even if you use a whitening toothpaste, foods that stain your teeth can counteract the positive effects. You should try to avoid having too much of the following foods and drink:

• Coffee
• Dark Tea
• Red Wine
• Colored Soda
• Fruit Juices
• Colored Candy and Popsicles
• Berries
• Beets
• Curry
• Tomato Sauce
• Dressings

While that might seem like a long list, it’s just a guideline of the biggest teeth-staining offenders. Everything is better in moderation, and often avoiding some of these super-staining foods will lead you to find alternatives you might enjoy even more. Thinking before you eat or drink something can help you to avoid piling on unsightly surface stains.

[Check out: Snacker’s Guide to Cleaner Teeth]

Watch Your Medications

Did you know that certain medicines can stain your teeth? It’s a pretty frustrating side effect, but your doctor might be able to help. LiveScience calls out some of the biggest culprits, “During adulthood, chlorhexidine, an antiseptic used in prescription-strength mouthwash to treat gingivitis, can cause discolorations. Likewise, the acne-fighting drug minocycline, a derivative of tetracycline, stains teeth. Chemotherapy directed at the head and neck and chemotherapy drugs can also result in intrinsic stains. Even relatively common drugs, such as antihistamines, Albuterol and blood pressure medications, can sometimes yellow teeth.”

If you notice a big change in the color of your teeth after starting a new course of medicine, then it might be the culprit. Ask your doctor if they can check and make sure your dosage is correct if the discoloration becomes a big problem.

Watch Your Brushing Routine

Image: smileconcepts

The biggest secret to keeping your teeth white is something that you should be doing regularly anyway. Brushing your teeth won’t just keep them healthy, it will also keep them whiter. The Australian Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth two times each day for about two minutes in order to achieve the maximum benefits.

You also need to make sure you are consistently using a clean toothbrush. This means remembering to swap out your toothbrush to keep cleaning effectively. It is recommended that you change your toothbrush every three to four months, and sometimes even more frequently. Your toothbrush is the tool that you use to keep your teeth clean, so make sure it is always in great condition.

Brushing your teeth consistently will help keep them healthier and whiter in the long-term.

Cut Out Tobacco

If you use tobacco products, this recommendation is probably easier said than done. But consider the huge impact it will have on your health and appearance. If you want to motivate yourself more, take a fraction of the money that you would typically spend on cigarettes and pick up a teeth whitening solution like strips or professional whitening gel kits. Once you see how big of a difference having whiter teeth can make (not to mention the huge array of other health benefits experienced by anyone who gives up smoking), you will probably have a harder time justifying going back to smoking.

Keep It Up!

Maintaining white teeth is a daily process. You need to take exceptional care of your teeth to ensure they are not just sparkling white but also healthy and strong throughout your life.

[Check out: So You Want to Hold onto Your Teeth?]

Keeping an eye on these four major problem areas can help you do just that, so start paying attention to your diet, medications, oral hygiene, and cut out tobacco. You’ll be surprised by how quickly you see positive results!