THE BRIDE TRIBE

The latest trends for the wedding party

When it comes to a wedding day, whether you’re the bride or a guest, the million-dollar question for everyone is: what am I going to wear? For the bride and groom, as they are the stars of the show, it’s likely that they have at least an idea of what their big-day look will be like. But for the rest of the bridal party, where do you begin? First and foremost, the venue and theme of the day are paramount. A long flowing gown for bridesmaids will look out of place in a field; similarly, the mother-of-the-bride in a bold, tropical print, summer dress may stand out against a stately home wedding venue with a Bridgerton-inspired theme. Secondly, the weather, we British folk like to moan about it and rightly so, because how many sunny days do we have each year? The season and the inclement weather will dictate not only the attire, the colour palette – no one wears pastel yellow in winter – but also your accessory choice. Read on, to find out more about on-trend fashion choices for 2023 weddings...

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HERE COME THE GIRLS

We all have bits we love about our bodies and bits we don’t. The best thing a couple can do to make their wedding party happy is to be relaxed and open-minded about the outfits you want them to wear. To help you make a decision, we've rounded up the top trends for maids in 2023:

The romance for retro: The ‘90s are back, more so the satin slip dress. Although it may not be for every body shape, it’s romantic, and elegant comes in a variety of colours.

Royal approval: With our love of Bridgerton and period dramas still going strong, Victorian-style ruffles and layers can certainly look the part on a modern silhouette.

Technicolour dreamboat: Gone are the days when all the bridesmaids are in one dress colour and style. The mix-and-match look is here to stay, and this has evolved to not just colour palettes, but also textures. Your bridal party will look gorgeous in a mix of satin, velvet and sequin – and so will your wedding pictures.

Standout from the crowd: If your bride squad encompasses a bridesman or people who just don’t like wearing dresses, then why not match in style or colour but opt for a velvet dinner suit jacket, tuxedo, or rock a jumpsuit?

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YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIERS

Chez Louise Bridal, www.chezlouisebridal.co.uk Do You Believe? Bridal Boutique, www.doyoubelieveuk.com The Bridal Lounge, www.thebridallounge.wales

THE PERFECT FIT

Once you’ve found the perfect outfit for your maids, more likely than not, their dresses will require some alterations. Angie Smith from Dare to be Different is a seamstress, designer and tailor with more than 40 years of experience. “I love working with clients of all shapes and sizes,” says Angie. “I love a challenge and provide a seamless service between purchasing a gown and tweaking it to fit perfectly on the day. I offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss what may need to be done to make sure everything is perfect on the day.”

Visit www.facebook.com/daretobedifferent.online for more information.

The mothers-of-the-bride and -groom are going to feel under the spotlight along with the rest of the wedding party. This added pressure can feel overwhelming as they may feel a lot older than the bridesmaids and possibly wouldn’t have worn occasionwear for many years. These factors can certainly put a strain on what should be an enjoyable experience. As the bride, try to make them feel as reassured as possible, offer support and advice; and as with everyone else on the day, they too should feel comfortable and themselves. To help, three local suppliers provide their top tips and trend predicitons to help ensure your mum feels her big-day best.

“At Pleser, we are anticipating 2023 to be a year of clashing, contrasting colours – a real kaleidoscope. We cater for all tastes and encourage ladies to try something outside the box. In order for us to offer this diversity of styles, we stock a select range of designers such as Fely Campo, Teresa Ripoll, Rosa Clará Cocktail, John Charles, Carla Ruiz and more.” – Llinos Davis from Pleser. “This year, All About Eve Bridal Ltd took the most fabulous trip to London and got the chance to marvel at the stunning upcoming collections by Veni Infantino and John Charles. This gave us an insight into the latest trends for the mother-of-the-bride and -groom that are likely to emerge in 2023. There will be a plethora of colours, fabrics, patterns and styles to choose from. To note, we saw a number of pretty jacquard fabrics, as well as some bold and colourful floral designs, particularly from Veni Infantino.” – Brodi Parfitt from All About Eve Bridal Ltd.

“As the mother of the bride/groom, you will be in an abundance of photographs, therefore, it’s essential that you look fabulous, feel confident and that your outfit is timeless. This year’s looks show classic colour combinations of navy and ivory, printed brocade fabrics and classic shapes such as A-line and pencil skirts. If you are opting for something a little edgier, Gill Harvey has beaded, feather-hemmed dresses perfect for a party. Irresistible offers bright shades of coral and lime in their signature bandage stretch dress and bold floral dip-hem dresses for those wanting a fuller skirt.” – Coryn Emma from Baroque Boutique.

Design by Fely Campo Available at www.pleser.co.uk 20179 by Fely Campo Available at www.pleser.co.uk 66319 by John Charles Available at www.baroqueboutique.co.uk

7017 by Gill Harvey Available at www.baroqueboutique.co.uk 26873 by John Charles Available at www.allaboutevebridalwear.com

“This year’s collections have lots to offer, including feathers, frills and bright shades – the styles are vast and versatile. When beginning your search for the perfect outfit for your son or daughter’s special day it’s important to remember, whatever you wear must suit and flatter you first and foremost, then consider how it will complement the bridal party so that you fit in and don't clash.” – Coryn from Baroque Boutique.

29008 by John Charles Available at www.allaboutevebridalwear.com 3044 by Gill Harvey Available at – www.baroqueboutique.co.uk 5G1C5 by Rosa Clará Available at www.pleser.co.uk

29030 by John Charles Available at www.pleser.co.uk

“There are lots of designers to consider, with Fely Campo you will be spoiled for choice. Their signature style encompasses a variety of fabrics. Alternatively, Teresa Ripoll suits many of our customers as her designs are distinctive and also understated. John Charles is a heritage British design house that offers both tailored and fluid fabrics in their collections, while Carla Ruiz offer a harmony of colours, shapes, textures and fabrics with the desire of dressing a woman who values originality.” – Llinos from Pleser.

“The boldness in colour will be transcended across designers this year, with John Charles offering vibrant watermelon and pink tones. There will be a mixture of styles on show, from fitted to A-line, accommodating every type of mother. Other features of note include feathers, square necklines, and caped sleeves. Remember, there truly is something for everyone.” – Brodi from All About Eve Bridal Ltd.

992037 by Veni Infantino Available at www.allaboutevebridalwear.com IR4053 by Irresistible Available at www.baroqueboutique.co.uk

CONTACT THE EXPERTS

Baroque Boutique, www.baroqueboutique.co.uk All About Eve Bridal Ltd, www.allaboutevebridalwear.com Pleser, www.pleser.co.uk

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-4pm Sunday: Closed Out of hour appointments available.

www.bridalboutiquenarberth.co.uk

01834 862 780 deniseclewes@gmail.com 60 St James Street, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 7DA

Joe Clark Photography

Sacha Miller Photography The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is set in the grounds of Cardiff Castle and bordering one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the UK, Bute Park.

Our two unique venues form one of Cardiff’s most sought-after locations for your very special day. Our first is the stunning former Cardiff Castle stables with its historic courtyard and beautiful tree-lined entrance with the castle in view.

The second is our magnificent contemporary glass atrium with floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air terrace overlooking the park – a fabulous back-drop for your photographs and champagne reception – it is also a stunning location for your wedding breakfast and evening celebrations. This leads to an outstanding concert hall and theatre – perfect for a ceremony with a dramatic difference!

As a creative venue, we offer lots of flexibility so that your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening celebrations suit your style and personalities – from traditional to theatrical, elegant to quirky. We can assist you in arranging a theatrical ceremony on a stage, a summer’s day wedding walk with your guests through the park, a reception with choirs, harpists, jazz trios and string quartets and special lighting and scenery for your evening party.

Whether your dream venue is historic or contemporary, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is a unique venue at the heart of Cardiff that is bespoke to you.

For enquiries, please contact our weddings officer via the email below or visit our Instagram: weddings@rwcmd.ac.uk - @RWCMDweddings