74 THE GROOMSMEN Finding the proper attire for the guys can be difficult, especially as more men are taking pride in their wedding appearance. Shopping should be a fun experience where the groomsmen and father-ofthe-groom come together to find the perfect attire. Wherever you go shopping, keep in mind expert advice because the team will have plenty of experience dressing groomsmen. They’ll be aware of the latest trends, what styles suit different wedding themes and how to add the wow factor through different accessories. For those that have never had a professionally fitted suit, the wedding day is the occasion to have a bespoke-tailored look. The perfect fit is essential for comfort, and you can add little personalised elements such as your initials and wedding date stitched into the lining. A current trend we’re seeing is using earth tones such as sand, beige, brown and green tones. Grooms who still adore the traditional tuxedo can go for it but think about variations like a velvet material, a bright colour or a patterned effect. Have fun and try different colour combinations until you find the perfect look. Make your personality stand out with your accessory choices – here’s where you can get creative with a dashing waistcoat, a funky watch, an artsy pocket square or braces. MOTHER OF THE BRIDES The mums play a star role in the bridal party and will want to shine on the big day too. Many agonise about what to wear, choosing the right colours and accessories. With so many fabulous looks available, the choices can be overwhelming – especially if you’re not used to shopping for occasion wear. These factors can undoubtedly strain what should be an enjoyable experience. As the bride, try to make them feel as reassured as possible with plenty of support and advice. As with everyone else on the day, they should feel comfortable and themselves – leading to a happy and confident mother! Sophistication is key, but this doesn’t mean frumpy! If you love your clothes, then go for a bold colour or striking pattern. Keep it demure by avoiding low-cut necklines or short hems so you can look back on the photos for years with no regrets. The first place to begin when considering different looks is the venue and wedding theme as a bold tropical print will look out-of-place at a stately house wedding, as will traditional looks at tipi nuptials. Keep in mind the time of year too! You’ll want to ensure you’re warm enough for winter or cool enough for summer. Boleros, jackets and wraps will be your cosy friend for winter. Our top advice would be not to leave shopping till the last minute as occasion wear differs significantly from the high street. With limited deliveries yearly, many shops cannot reorder an outfit once it has gone. So once you start shopping, ensure you’re ready to commit to a look. The key is to complement the bridal party and not compete with it, so be aware of colour palettes, themes and what the rest of the bridal party is wearing.
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