https://lottiepovallphotography.com DRESSED TO IMPRESS We’re getting married at the end of next year; what advice can you share when looking for wedding attire for the cooler months? For weddings in the country or for weddings that are slightly less formal, autumn and winter provide an opportunity to experiment more with fabrics. Opt for autumnal fabrics like tweed, flannel, wool and corduroy for a classic and season-appropriate look. Rich and warm colours are more appropriate for the cooler months. Deep greens, burgundies, navy blues and charcoal greys will complement the autumnal surroundings and look great in your wedding shots. Your wedding venue will be a little cooler than in the summer. The only acceptable way to layer is to wear a three-piece suit. If you get warmer as the day goes on and move to the dancefloor, you can always remove the waistcoat. In short, tuxedos should only be worn for formal weddings or weddings later in the day, as they are traditional evening attire. If you’re wearing a tuxedo and the wedding is formal, just make sure you pass this information on to your guests. Avoid light fabrics, which would look very out of place and might make you cold. Avoid fabrics like linen or seersucker, as they are better suited for warmer seasons. No one wants to see the groom shivering on his wedding day! For something bolder, go for plaid. Grey is the most classic colour and would look very stylish as part of a double-breasted jacket, creating a chic 1940s look in the style of Cary Grant or the Duke of Windsor. Autumn and winter provide an excellent opportunity to wear suits with a little texture. Wool always look sumptuous. Flannel and tweed are also super stylish and will keep you warm. Just stick to the good old ‘no brown in town rule’ for the shoes. Black is your best bet unless you’re in the country. Keep it traditional with brogues, Oxfords or Derbys. Avoid slip-on shoes or anything with a strap or buckle. For your tie, keep the same colour palette as your suit, in a different but complementary shade. I’d avoid prints and go for a block colour if you wear a heavily textured suit like tweed. To avoid any kind of colour clash with the suit or tie, white is always the best option for your shirt. Avoid anything in poly or manmade fabrics. If you’ve spent time and money investing in the right suit, you might as well finish the job and get a decent shirt. Natural fibres will also help your skin to breathe. Ian Fielding-Calcutt | Fielding & Nicholson www.fieldingandnicholson.com THE GIFT OF LOVE Loved ones are asking for ideas for wedding gifts but we have no idea where to start! What’s currently popular ideas? With environmental consciousness on the rise, couples are prioritising gifts that align with their eco-values. We’ve seen increased sales of sustainable products like eco-friendly kitchenware, organic cotton bedding, and bamboo serving trays. These options help ensure that every gift is part of a greener future. Some couples specifically ask for eco-friendly gifts, and those who don’t necessarily look for this add more eco-friendly gifts anyway, which is good to see. Having a gift list is a good way to reduce waste as you decrease the likelihood of unwanted gifts that end up in landfills. Experiences are becoming the go-to for couples who prefer moments over material items. From cooking classes for two to romantic weekend getaways, experiential gifts are topping wish lists. Guests opt for gifts that create lasting memories, whether it’s a spa day package or an adventure-filled hot air balloon ride. With wellness at the forefront of many couples’ lifestyles, gifts promoting health and relaxation are seeing significant demand. Top sellers include luxuriously soft blankets, aromatherapy diffusers, and yoga mats. Long-lasting gifts, both in quality and functionality, are trending as couples prefer durable, timeless items over fleeting trends. High-quality cookware, artisan furniture and heirloom-quality serving dishes are among the top choices. Practical items like stainless steel cookware sets are popular, offering lasting value for couples to enjoy for years. As technology continues to enhance modern living, smart home gifts are among the top-selling items for weddings. This past year, we have seen a delightful increase in group gifting for weddings, showing the warmth of togetherness. When friends and family unite to contribute towards a shared gift, it’s more than just a smart move in tough economic times; it’s a gesture of camaraderie. Couples are embracing the digital age for their wedding gift lists with a world of convenience and engagement at their fingertips. With virtual appointments, selecting the perfect gifts becomes a seamless, personal experience tailor-made for the modern couple. We’ve been experimenting with AI, which makes sense for our couples. Couples can craft wedding lists that are uniquely personalised and tailored to them. This pioneering approach ensures that every list reflects the individual tastes and preferences of the couple, making their special day even more memorable and meaningful. Liza Baucher | The Wedding Shop | www.weddingshop.com https://unsplash.com/@whynotnatali 76
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