Your East Anglian Wedding - April/May 2020 (Issue 42)

DRESSING THE BRIDAL PARTY  Squad GOALS Dressing the bridal party sorted! MUM’S THE WORD T he mums play a star role in the bridal party and want to shine on the big day too. Many agonise about what to wear, the right colours to choose, hat or fascinator, killer heels or comfy flats? The choice can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to shopping for special occasion wear. Anne Furbank opened the doors to her first fashion shop in the village of Buckden, Cambridgeshire in 1981. Since then the shop has grown from one to 12 showrooms and she has been joined in the business by daughter-in-law Rebecca. She offers a wide range of stylish outfits and accessories for mothers-of- the-bride and -groom as well as guests. She advises, “For most of us, buying a wedding outfit isn’t something we do often, especially as dress codes have become more casual. However, remember it is a wedding and you do want to feel special on the day. It’s also important to feel right as you’ll have your outfit on for a long time and if it’s uncomfortable you won’t look happy in the photos.” 53 TOP TIPS ❤ We like to think that the hat is the finishing touch, however big or small. Look for upturned brims to avoid your face being shaded in the photographs. ❤ When you go shopping, come prepared in the underwear you’re likely to wear on the day as this can make a difference to how an outfit fits. ❤ Don’t bring a crowd with you as too many opinions can be confusing. ANNE’S KEY TREND ALERTS ❤ There are a few distinct trends for 2020 weddings with fairytale/ natural/earthy themes dictating a more fluid look, lots of florals and prints, soft fabrics and longer A-line shapes for dresses. Irish label Aideen Bodkin, Veni Infantino by Ronald Joyce and Olvi’s Lace collection are popular for this style. There’s also couture styling from Spanish brand Fely Campo, known for dramatic colours, carved necklines and detailed fabrics in their designs. ❤ At the other extreme, classic simple styling is ideal for a more pared-down wedding – simple crepe fabrics, single block colours and elegant styling with the accessories being the focus. ❤ Colours are right across the board from bright gold to soft pastel shades; there’s plenty of choice. Visit annefurbank.co.uk, Dresses by Veni Infantino NEED TO KNOW Sue Ross of Cream, long-established specialists in occasion wear for mothers-of-the-bride and -groom shares her top tips for helping mums to look and feel great on the big day. ❤ It’s always a good idea for the mums to liaise with one another to avoid turning up in similar outfits. ❤ Many choose something to complement the rest of the bridal party but at the end of the day, the colour has to suit you. ❤ The ideal outfit is when everything gels and gives you the wow factor. ❤ A stand-alone dress is a good choice with a statement headpiece. A dress and jacket is slightly more formal and the jacket can be taken off for the evening celebration. ❤ Hatinators are very popular at the moment and are available in different sizes on a band, very stylish and they won’t mess up your hairdo.   ❤ Hats work well for a church wedding and fascinators are another option if you want that special finishing touch. ❤ Make sure your shoes not only look good but are comfortable too as you’ll be wearing them all day. Heels do give an outfit a lift and you can always take flats for the party afterwards.