BELLE OF THE BALL

Belle of

THE BALL

You will love these dress, suit and accessory ideas

What’s new?

As Love & Loved Bridal Boutique opens in Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire, we take a look behind the doors of some of the region’s finest bridal shops.

Vicky Angell is the owner of Love & Loved Bridal Boutique, a modern and relaxed environment where brides can browse the rails of fashionable made-to-order dresses and separates looking for love. The boutique is proud to present a selection of talented designers who celebrate women and put sustainability at the heart of what they do. Alongside Kate Fearnley and Sanyukta Shrestha, the Believe by GAIA collection debuts, with fashionably chic dresses handmade in Wales. Insta-worthy accessories include gold-fleck veils, capes, overskirts and customisable clothing. There are also stylish hairpins and headdresses. ❤ Book it: www.loveandloved.co.uk; www.facebook.com/ loveandlovedbridal; www.instagram.com/loveandlovedbridal

MISS BRIDAL GOWNS OF HUNGERFORD

This Berkshire-based boutique was a recent winner at the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2021. Proprietor Joann Davis stocks some of the best British designers including Caroline Castigliano, SAVIN London and Charlie Brear and International brand Anna Kara is exclusive to the boutique. Joann is seeing more demand for coloured dresses and fuller gowns now that larger weddings are back. She says, "Ethereal-inspired crepe and silk are popular fabrics decorated with floral embroidery and pearls and bows are making a comeback." ❤ Book it: 01488 686 810, www.missbridalgownsofhungerford.com; www.facebook.com/MissBridalGownsOfHungerford; www.instagram.com/missbridalgowns THE BRIDAL DRESS COMPANY This family-run boutique based in Newbury, Berkshire is set across two levels offering a luxurious, spacious and relaxed environment where brides have exclusive use of the boutique during their appointment as well as a personal bridal stylist. An edit of incredible designers is on offer from the awardwinning Pronovias label including Vera Wang Bride to Nicole Milano, Spanish favourite St Patrick La Sposa and the latest brand to join the boutique from this June, Essense of Australia. Fabulous finishing touches include Jessica Jordan hair accessories along with a stunning selection of veils and shoes. Director Charlotte Proctor tells us about the emerging bridal trends, “Brides are asking for fitted silhouettes, pearl and bow details and sleek gowns with clean lines,” she says. ❤ Book it: 07833 126 758, www.thebridaldresscompany.com; www.facebook.com/thebridaldresscompany; www.instagram.com/thebridaldresscompany

MARIE CHANDLER BRIDAL

Handmade in England, this Reading-based designer offers ethical, sustainable and modern bridal wear using high-quality fabrics. Marie’s love for fashion and design is reflected throughout her collection of luxurious gowns. Her latest Insta-worthy design is a short gold dress with statement puff sleeves, pictured, that has proved popular with trend-setting brides and Marie is seeing more brides choosing non-white dresses and relaxed styles. She tells us, “I can see a trend towards edgy and simpler dresses and jumpsuits, with couples who are eloping choosing something more stylish that can be worn again. Those having large celebrations are opting for outfit changes, switching to something more comfortable and fun for the evening.” ❤ Book it: 07525 134 821, www.mariechandlerbridal.com; www.facebook.com/mariechandlerbridal; www.instagram.com/mariechandlerbridal

Step out in style

Grooms and wedding guests looking to do a good deed can hire a bespoke suit package, with proceeds going towards the country’s leading end of life charity. The Marie Curie Blue Slim Fit Package is based on two core principles – a great fit and cutting-edge contemporary fashion. The outfit comprises a blue slim-fit jacket and waistcoat, a pair of blue slim-fit flat-fronted trousers, a shirt, a pair of cufflinks and a lemon-coloured tie and handkerchief – the charity’s corporate colours. It’s available in adult and child sizes and available to buy online and through more than 250 Cameron Ross Formal Hire stockists across the UK including across the three regions.

With prices starting at £110, £5 of each hire will go to Marie Curie, which provides care and support to terminally ill people and their families across the UK. Georgina Bushell, partnerships manager at Marie Curie tells us, “Now that we’re learning to live with Covid, many people are getting married this year, or next, and looking forward to tying the knot. We’re so grateful to be receiving a portion of the suit hire. Not only is it

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 Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wedding are those gents rocking their long beards and tattoos, in a pink waistcoat with a patterned shirt – oh-so-cool, and individual. Check out these top fashion tips... ❤ In the case of a large and luxurious wedding, it is better to opt for a tuxedo or tailcoat. ❤ A wedding in rustic style allows one to put on a country-style outfit – a vest, no tie, moccasins and even a straw hat. ❤ 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, then if there are any shortcomings, it is worth contacting a workshop and adjusting it. ❤ 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, wool, velvet and corduroy in dark colours can look great! a beautiful choice, but for guests who are hiring it, they’re helping Marie Curie to continue being there for terminally ill people and their loved ones throughout the country.”

Michael Fallon, business development manager at ACS Clothing, who owns the Cameron Ross Formal Hire brand, says, “Marie Curie is an incredible charity that supports so many families in their time of need and I am delighted that we can support them in our own way. Offering our customers a way to donate to a worthy cause by wearing one of our most popular suits is the next logical step in our partnership. At ACS, we are seeing an increase in suit hire bookings and are proud to be able to offer a donation from every Marie Curie Blue Slim Fit Package. This partnership allows our customers to support Marie Curie by hiring the package online or through any of our partner stockists throughout the UK.”

❤ Book it: 0141 781 6530, www.cameronrossformalhire.co.uk; www.facebook.com/CameronRossFormal; www.cameronrossformalhire Marie Curie | www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/ fundraise-in-celebration/weddings

❤ Classic oxfords or derby shoes are the go-to choices for footwear – make sure they are comfortable! ❤ Take your pick of accessories from a tie and tie clip, bow tie, scarf, pocket square, cufflinks, ring, bracelet, watch, necklace, pocket watch, hanky, belt and a buttonhole.