Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - May/June 2024 (Issue 104)

DRESSING THE BRIDAL PARTY 75 JOHN MANUEL AT CHARLES GALE HIRE When looking for the perfect suit for groomsmen, the options to consider are bespoke, ready-to-wear or a hired outfit. While hiring will probably be the most cost-effective choice, increasingly grooms and groomsmen are choosing to buy their own suits with ready-to-wear suits prices starting at a little more than the cost of hiring. The bespoke option will provide an amazing look, but it will cost more and can take longer. We recommend allowing a minimum of four months for any of these options. The most traditional and most formal choice is the morning coat, usually a black wool herringbone cloth worn with a grey or buff waistcoat and striped trousers. The waistcoat can be changed for a more personalised look. Morning coats also have grey or blue versions, which are usually worn with matching trousers. Again, the choice of waistcoat gives one the opportunity to personalise the look of the outfit. When choosing a lounge suit, it’s tempting to pick a fashionable look, although, the classic cut suit won’t date as quickly in the wedding photo album. Charles Gale Clothing can provide all of the options and have a highly experienced workforce who will be pleased to offer advice. Discover: https://charlesgalehire.co.uk TRACY CARROLL AT WEDDING TIME BRIDAL SALON AND MEN’S FORMALWEAR When searching for attire for the wedding party, ensure you choose what you want and try not to please everyone else too much. Allow plenty of time when dress shopping, and don’t bring too many guests to your first appointment. Get an idea of the styles you like on our website. Dresses take five months to order, and we generally like two months before the wedding for alterations. We do all our alterations in-store, and it must be timed carefully. Dresses can also be bought off-the-peg for those pushed for time. Remember to allow extra in your budget for alterations. For menswear don’t leave it too close to the wedding to arrange your suits! Have an idea of the style and colour you’re after. Current trends include tuxedos or light-coloured suits. You can even bring a fabric swatch of the bridesmaids’ colour to match the ties. With hiring, we keep all our suits in stock to fit groomsmen out in a suit when they come in for an appointment. Alterations must be done a good four to five months in advance. We can alter the Marc Darcy suits sooner or within a few days if required. Discover: www.wedding-time.com https://melissameganphotography.co.uk www.hannahlucyphotography.co.uk Jim Johnson

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