THE SUPPORT ACT

THE supportACT Fashion and accessory ideas for the bridesmaids, mothers and groomsmen

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 setting and theme of the day is paramount. A long flowing gown for bridesmaids will look out of place in a field for a tipi wedding; similarly, the mother-of-the-bride in a tropical print, summer dress may standout against a stately home wedding with a Bridgerton-inspired theme.

Another thing to consider is the weather, us British folk like to moan about it and rightly so, because how many sunny days do we actually have each year? The season and the inclement weather will dictate the colour palette – no one wears pastel yellows in winter – but also your accessory choice. Boleros, jackets and wraps will be your cosy friend for winter “I dos”.

Read on, to find out more about on-trend fashion choices for 2022 weddings.

#SQUADGOALS

As much as we all love our friendship groups dearly, there’s a lot of personalities grouped together. The same goes for fashion styles; we all have bits we love about our bodies and bits we don’t. The best thing a wedding couple can do to make their bridal and groom’s party happy, is to be relaxed and openminded about the outfits you want them to wear – everyone will then be happy and enjoy the day!

Top trends for maids in 2022 to be inspired by are: ♥ The romance for retro. The ‘90s are back, more so the satin slip dress. Although it may not be for every bodyshape, it’s romantic, elegant, comes in a variety of colours, and is ontrend: satin, spaghetti straps, square necklines – check! ♥ 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 silhouetteon the shoulders, waterfall skirts, hems and across the body – its super flattering too! ♥ Technicolour dreamboat. Gone are the days where all the bridesmaids are in one dress colour and style. The mix and match look is here to stay, and this as evolved in to not just colour palettes such as all wearing various shade of blue, but also textures. Your bridal party will look gorgeous in a mix of satin, velvet and sequins – and so will your wedding pictures! ♥ Colour swatch. Undecided on your colour scheme? Be inspired by these trending bridesmaid dress tones: neutral tones, nude skin shades, black, white and earth tones – venue styling matching these will complete a cohesive look across the day. ♥ Standout from the crowd. If you’re bride squad encompasses a bridesman, or sometimes people just don’t like wearing dresses, then why not match the maids in style or colour but opt for a velvet dinner suit jacket, tuxedo or rock a jumpsuit?

Once your nearest and dearest find their perfect dress, the next task is finding dream-worthy accessories. With so many pieces on the market, the search can become overwhelming with the amount of options and styles available. We’ve asked two jewellers to share advice to make the process easier. SARAH COLLEY | BAKER BROTHERS

The best part of putting an outfit together is choosing the right jewellery to go along with it; wedding attire is no different. Some brides prefer to choose their bridesmaid accessories, while others allow free rein. Either way, it’s essential to understand how the jewellery and dress can work perfectly together.

A necklace can finish a bridesmaid outfit perfectly, and it also acts as a memento for your special day. When choosing style, always consider the neckline of the gowns. A strapless or sweetheart neckline can be complemented with a dropstyle pendant; an elegant pearl, a solitaire diamond or gemstone. You could even consider layering delicate chains in mixed metals for a more contemporary look.

The classic spaghetti-strap dress with a square neckline can be paired beautifully with a string of pearls, while an off-theshoulder or Bardot neckline can look stunning with a more statement piece and coordinated earrings.

Think about the colour of your bridesmaids’ dresses. Silver or white metals pair better with lighter pastels, while rose or yellow gold goes better with warmer tones.

Consider hairstyles as an up-do gives more leeway for statement, drop earrings. Or perhaps their hair is being worn down; in that case, it would be better to opt for demure studs or pearl earrings.

Check out: www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

SARAH HEULWEN | LEWIS HEULWEN LEWIS BESPOKE

From when we were little, we all imagined how our big day would be from the white dress, crisp suits, colour schemes, gorgeous flower arrangements and the perfect wedding venue. Whether you’re a big-day dreamer or not, the attention to detail when planning your wedding makes all the difference.

Jewellery can sometimes be the forgotten finishing touch; a classic gemstone and diamond pendant would work well with any dress and any budget. It can complement your colour scheme and even individual personalities. Going bespoke for each pendant allows you to choose the diamond or gemstone that reflects your bridesmaids and the big day. Your best girls will have been there throughout the planning experience, so what better way to say thank you than by giving them a gift that they can cherish not just for the day, but also for a lifetime. Check out the company here: www.heulwenlewisbespoke.com

SUITED AND BOOTED

Grooms and groomsmen, and the fathers of the newlyweds too, are certainly taking more pride in their wedding appearance and enjoying the shopping just as much as the leading ladies. Men’s fashion has come a long way in the last decade, as has the more accepting protocols of wedding traditions. Some of our favourite grooms’ looks here at Your Herts and Beds Wedding, are those gents rocking their long beards and tattoos, in a pink waistcoat with patterned shirt – it’s totally unique and individual.

If you want to keep it classic with a three-piece tail suit and top hat, then that’s your prerogative, but if you loved the model on the latest GQ Magazine, or Daniel Craig’s look at the latest James Bond premier – Daniel brought velvet back!

Grooms and their support act can put their best foot forward in these trending styles. If you’ve never had a professional fitted suit, your wedding day is the occasion to have a bespoke tailored look. The perfect fit is essential for comfort, the wedding photos, and you can have little personalised elements added such as your initials and wedding date stitched in to the lining.

Catwalk looks: yes, few people look like a Gucci model, but if you like the patterned shirt from the SS22 collection then encompass this into the look – you need to feel like you! Earth tones that are key for bridesmaids and venue styling will also be a trend for the men on the day too. Think sand tones, beige and browns. For something a little fresher like a green palette.

Grooms who still adore the traditional tuxedo can go for it, but think about variations maybe velvet (aka Bond-style) or a bright colour, or patterned effect. Make your personality stand out with your accessory choices – here’s where you can really get creative; a dashing waistcoat, funky watch, or artsy pocket square and braces.

TOP TIPS: ♥ In the case of a large and luxurious wedding, it is better to opt for a tuxedo or tailcoat. ♥ A rustic wedding style allows one to put on a country-style outfit – a vest, no tie, moccasins, straw hats, etc. ♥ Whichever style, the groom’s suit is simply obliged to fit perfectly on the figure. If it’s made to order, a good tailor will take care of it anyway. If it is bought in a store, it’s worth contacting a workshop and adjusting it if there are any shortcomings. ♥ For slender figures of short and medium height, fitted jackets with narrowed trousers can be a good option, and for denser and taller men, a straight cut is suitable. ♥ In the summer, opt for a light colour and fabric such as silk, satin, cotton, and linen. For winter thing wool, corduroy, velvet or corduroy in dark shades look great! ♥ Whatever the groomsmen outfit may be, it must be in harmony with the bride’s/groom’s look. ♥ Classic Oxford or Derby shoes are a go-to choice for footwear – make sure they are comfortable! ♥ Take your pick of accessories: tie and tie clip, bow tie, scarf, pocket square, cufflinks, ring, bracelet, watch, necklace, pocket watch, hanky, belt and buttonhole. ♥ Having a bestwoman? All the above trends and tips apply to their attire too. Work with them to see what they want to wear, and choose it together – perhaps keep a cohesive feature like the colour!

WEDDING HAIR SPECIALIST

WITH 28 YEARS EXPERIENCE

berniecarr2002@gmail.com 07729 375512 Instagram & Facebook @berniedickenshair Miranda MG Makeup

PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST

Over 15 years experience working in fashion, editorials, TV & Film & Bridal makeup

07957609213 | mirandammis@gmail.com | mirandamgmakeup

MUM’S THE WORD

The mothers-of-the-bride and groom are going to feel under the spotlight along with the rest of the bridal 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 the strain on what should be an enjoyable experience. As the bride, try to make them feel as reassured as possible and offer support and advice. As with everyone else on the day, they too should feel comfortable and themselves leading to a happy and confident mother! Firstly, sophistication is key, but this doesn’t mean frumpy! If you love your clothes, then go for a bold colour or striking a pattern. Keep it demure by avoiding low cut necklines or short hem so you can look back on the photos for years to come with no regrets.

For many women, no matter their age, we all seem to hate our upper arms. Experimenting with three-quarter-length sleeves, coverups and jackets will keep you feeling confident and can add variety to your look – it’s also perfect for winter weddings! Accessories are your best friend when it comes to wedding outfits, you can really finish off a look with a fancy hat or fascinator, and a simple dress can be jazzed up with jewellery and a bright handbag. Many modern mums are opting to leave traditional hats at home in favour of something a little smaller, such as a fascinator, a statement flower in the hair or stunning hair accessories. The key is to complement the rest of the bridal party and not to compete with it; so be aware of colour palettes, themes and what the rest of the bridal party is wearing.

Lastly, not only should you look a million dollars but you should feel it inside and out, that’s having a confidence in who you are. Also make sure what you’re wearing is comfortable, is the hat the right fit, will it make you itchy and hot, are your shoes the best size and the right material? You’ll be on your feet for a large part of the day. Make sure your dress is comfortable when you’re sat down, is it cutting in your hips at the table and can you breathe properly?

TRADITIONAL GO-TO FAVOURITES AND MODERN TRENDS FOR MUMS. ♥ Tiered skirts can create a textured effect to a silhouette and excite a plainer style. ♥ All over patterns hide a multitude of sins. ♥ Be inspired by style icon Grace Kelly, think tie-front jackets and flattering cowl scoop necklines. ♥ A shift dress with light overlays is feminine and flattering. ♥ Go for green shades in 2022! ♥ If you’re not comfortable in a dress, a trouser suit is the way to go. ♥ Separates are a woman’s best friend, comfortable because you can go for a different sized top and bottom, and you can mix and match colours and patterns.

YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIERS

Accessories | Baker Bros Jewellers, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com Bridesmaids | Ivory & Lace Bridal, https://ivoryandlacebridal.co.uk Mother-of-thebride | Cream of Royston http://creamfashions.com Groomsmen | Fogarty Formal Hire https://fogarty-formalhire.co.uk

At Bomboniere HQ we understand that planning a wedding or event takes up time, when working and juggling family life this can be tricky. With me you can book the full package. A full suite of stationery, including save the dates, invitations, table plan, table numbers and place settings, table favours or bomboniere, displays and Italian style sweet tables all beautifully designed to match your style.

WWW.BOMBONIEREBYMARIA.CO.UK

07946194124 | info@bombonierebymaria.co.uk |