Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - May/June 2020 (Issue 80)

YOUR BEST GIRLS When it comes to your bridesmaids, finding something to please everyone can be a challenge. The larger your posse, the trickier the task. Bridal designer and dressmaker Holly Winter knows first-hand how difficult it can be from planning her own big day. With three bridesmaids, not only all different shapes and sizes, but spread across the UK, including one in Montreal and her flowergirl and pageboy in America, dressing her bridal party was always going to be a logistical minefield. Holly says, “Even without transatlantic hurdles, decking out your bridesmaids can mean running a gauntlet of thorny issues and debatable grey areas for a lot of brides. One thing is clear however, it’s imperative to choose outfits to flatter all figures.” HOLLY’S TOP TIPS ❤ Bridal boutiques have tapped into the need for a one-dress-suits-all option and many now offer multi-way dresses with long sashes that can be styled differently for each bridesmaid and fastened to fit. However, boutique dresses often have to be ordered in so there could be a wait and when they do arrive, they may still need alterations, so factor the time and cost into your planning and budget. ❤ Go bespoke! I chose green and let each bridesmaid pick either pastel or forest (they all went for forest). I sent them five metres each of the same satin and simply asked them to have it made into something they’d want to wear again. For the two children, I made a cravat for the pageboy and tied a matching ribbon to my flowergirl’s wand. Although the initial cost is typically more expensive than the high street or even some boutiques, they didn’t have to pay for alterations on top or compromise on dress style. Visit www.hollywintercouture.com DON’T FORGET THE LITTLE ONES For ahh factor, nothing quite beats a pageboy or flowergirl in their big-day best, great for cute photos. WE LOVE... These pretty floral hairbands for the littlest members of the bridal party both from www.ellajames.co.uk YELLOW HAIRBAND, £6 BLUSH PINK FLORAL HAIRBAND, £8.50 62 DRESSING THE BRIDAL PARTY www.and ycatterall.com