As any bride worth her salt knows, a lot of the planning for the Big Day revolves around making other people happy – from complicated dietary requirements (shout out to your partner's cousin who changes from vegan to gluten-free and back on a monthly basis) to managing seating plans for family members who, despite their advancing years, just can't get along.
So make sure, then, that you save a bit of time to plan the things that make the day special for you. Make sure that, in between forking out for the photographer whose sole credentials are that he's a mate of a mate, and buying dinner for 100 people, you're putting aside enough of the budget to buy the bits and pieces the bride* needs.
Click through to see our pick of the bridal essentials you should probably (read: definitely) treat yourself to.
*That's you, remember?
The veil
It's your wedding day so you are entitled to be as extra as you wish when it comes to your veil. This Grace Loves Lace Fleur veil manages to be both delicate and bold at the same time. Handmade from Italian tulle and featuring the rose motifs which run across so many GLL dresses, it'll make for some marvellous pics.
Grace Loves Lace Fleur Veil, £530, available at Grace Loves Lace
The makeup
Because the last thing you need post-speeches, pre-cake, is yet another trip to the bathroom to redo your makeup. Bobbi Brown’s Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation has been tested in extreme heat and humidity and is waterproof (and sweatproof!) enough to last through 16 hours of vows, prosecco, food, chatting to Aunty June and dad dancing.
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation, £31, available at Bobbi Brown
The cover-up
Obviously it's going to be beautiful weather on your wedding day but just in case it gets a little chilly in the evening/inexplicably drops 10 degrees below the seasonal norm, this cardigan makes for an elegant cover-up that will go some way towards protecting you from the elements.
ALAÏA Cropped Knitted Cardigan, £640, available at Net-A-Porter
The evening dress
Cher has no fewer than 11 costume changes during her Las Vegas show. This means that you should be afforded at least one during your wedding. This dress looks grown-up and sophisticated, while the off-the-shoulder strap keeps it contemporary and fun. Plus, there are slits in the side, which means dancing is not only suggested, it's actively encouraged.
Paloma Wool Donna Dress, £113, available at Paloma Wool
The bag
If your maid of honour's approach to the fun but admittedly haphazard hen do left you a little concerned about her forward-planning skills, then bring your own clutch to the wedding. Fill with your phone, necessary makeup touch-up bits, and boring-but-sensible things like safety pins, plasters and eyelash glue.
Staud Grace Velvet Tote, £210, available at My Theresa
The hair accessory
Now that flower crowns have finally been banished to the annals of history, you can opt for a more minimalist approach to bridal headwear with this headband from cool girl French brand Sézane. Wear with loose, wavy hair for a bohemian look.
The shoes
Unless you're a shoe person, there's not much point spending hundreds of pounds on a pair of wedding shoes which you'll wear once and will spend most of the day covered by your floor-length dress. These shoes are pocket-friendly but still stylish and, thanks to the not-outrageously-high heel, should stay comfortable at least until halfway through the speeches.
& Other Stories Knotted Heeled Sandals, £79, available at & Other Stories
The earrings
If you're keeping your headwear minimal, then go maximalist on the earring front with these starburst earrings from Zoe & Morgan. They come in both gold and silver; choose whichever fits best with your colour scheme.
Zoe & Morgan Skyward Earring, £125, available at Zoe & Morgan
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