Your Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wedding - Dec/Jan 2019 (Issue 80)

1. Be organised. Put together a budget and time-scale and have a chat with your bridesmaids about what is really important to them. With a growing emphasis on fashion eco-awareness, you may want to avoid a one-wear mindset so your bridesmaids can re-use their outfit for other occasions. 2. Style dilemma. Your bridesmaids are unlikely to share the same body type, height and style personality, so how can you make sure your best girls feel fabulous in their outfits? If you have a little bit of budget, one top tip is have a tailor alter the dresses. Think different necklines, sleeves or slightly different lengths, and ensure each bridesmaids dress is well-fitting and they feel gorgeous and comfortable. The colour in the bouquets can also help to bring the look together. 3. Colour. Not all colours suit all skin tones and so you may want to choose a colour but have different tones for different bridesmaids. Teals and blues are good example for how to work this tip: teals for the warmer tones and cornflower or airforce blues for the cooler tones will ensure they all look radiant. 4. Accessorise. Choosing a classic bridesmaids dress can help keep things simple, but always encourage your bridesmaids to express their individual personalities through their accessories, including shoes, hair detailing, bracelets and earrings. 5. Pack a spare pair. These days many brides have two sets of shoes for the wedding: their wow shoes and then some cute flats to dance the night away in. Encourage your bridesmaids to do the same. 6. Shawls. A lovely touch is to provide your bridesmaids with a chic shawl for any wedding evenings where the weather may cool. Shawls are often good value, re-usable and can be found in every colour under the sun. Your bridesmaids will definitely appreciate the thought (and you)! B R I DE SMA I DS 1. Re-think the monochrome colour scheme. A black and white theme is often considered a safe bet when selecting groomsmen attire. However, black only really suits winter palettes and can also be a pretty heavy look for a spring or summer wedding. 2. Stay smart. Sometimes groomsmen are asked to just wear a suit and shirt in a particular colour and are then left to their own devices. Just make sure they know that everything should be in good condition, ironed, spruced up and fit properly. There is a reason they are called groomsmen. 3. The suits should fit the formality. The groomsmen suits should complement the season, venue and overall wedding vibe, whether that be a more casual suit for hot weather or an outdoor wedding, or a more formal suit for a big church or winter wedding. Best men in heavy morning suits in the middle of a hot weekend will spell sweaty, uncomfortable groomsmen who quickly want to disrobe. GROOMSMEN Bridesmaids and groomsmen advice courtesy of Nicola Whybrow, houseofcolour.com sapnaodlinphotography.com sapnaodlinphotography.com sapnaodlinphotography.com alicemorganphotography.com nigelchapmanphotography.co.uk yellowdoorphotography.co.uk LOOKING YOUR BEST 83