Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - Page number 77 - May/June 2021 (Issue 86)

BRING ON THE BOYS With more than 30 years of tailoring experience, leading men’s formalwear suppliers Charles Gale of Fareham is well established in the world of weddings. Owner John Manuel shares some insight into wedding etiquette when it comes to dressing the guys. ❤ Even if you’re not in the groom’s party, as a guest you’ll want to make an effort to look smart, so find out what the dress code is, if there is one. ❤ If it’s a formal wedding and you need a morning suit, it’s best to go to an independent retailer who will sort that out for you. ❤ Semi-formal, or smart casual and you’ll probably need a lounge suit, with shoes in the same or similar colour to match the rest of the groom’s party, a belt, shirt and tie, with cufflinks and a pocket square to dress it up a bit. ❤ For a casual theme you’re still likely to need a jacket but it doesn’t have to be a suit. Mix it up with a pair of chinos and maybe a crewneck jumper as you won’t necessarily need a tie. It doesn’t mean jeans and t-shirts though and definitely no shorts, unless it’s a beach wedding. ❤ Did you know, traditionally it’s not considered correct to take off your jacket before the groom removes his? Visit www.charlesgalehire.co.uk SOMETHING GREEN Searching for a style to please everyone and stay eco-friendly? Vintage separates could be the answer. Erica Arnold, owner of the Real Green Dress in Hampshire, suggests, “For brides on a budget, mix up original Edwardian items with cotton skirts and blouses from the ’70s for a fresh original look.” With ethical, original and alternative pieces to suit all ages for the whole bridal gang, you’re sure to find something for the whole bridal gang that they’ll want to wear again. Visit www.realgreendress.com Niki Nicolle DON’T FORGET THE LITTLE ONES Dawn Clarke, founder of Dawn Clarke Designs, specialises in creating beautiful, bespoke children’s clothing for special occasions. Hand-sewn with love, her pieces are not only timeless, but ethical too. She incorporates fabrics from treasured family pieces, such as a mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, into beautiful new outfits for bridesmaids, flowergirls and pageboys. The pastel outfits pictured blend intricate lace, silk covered buttons and even the underskirt netting from pre-loved wedding gowns. Dawn says, “I help brides include and honour people and family traditions in the outfits I create, so that on their big day they can feel close and connected to what matters most.” Visit www.dawnclarkedesigns.co.uk www.veroniquechesnel.com DRESSING THE BRIDAL PARTY 77