The imminent nuptials of two very famous Kate M’s has thrown direct 
light on the very distinctive sartorial styles this summer to wear to weddings. The officially royal celebration would demand a certain code of dress, and the best way to buy into this is through the minimalist luxe trend that was seen at Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, Stella McCartney, Chloe and Celine. Sharp, almost architectural tailoring hits a futuristic note, but by adding in a touch of vibrant colour blocking you can add a sense of fun to the look. Rock and Roll royalty at the other end of the spectrum for Kate Moss means you can embrace the joyous boho and 70’s trend that is so strong again for the summer. Channel Bianca Jagger for a more polished approach, or Ali McGraw in Love Story for a chic but charming look. Wide leg palazzo pants, silk blouses, Halston-esque dresses and floral layering can all be found at Dolce & Gabbana, DVF, Alexander McQueen, Marni , Roberto Cavalli and Dior. If you want to achieve a formal wedding look on a modest budget, look no further than the example of our future queen who chose Reiss for that all important photo call.
But what to wear for the most important lady of the day herself, the bride? Soft romantic dresses can be found at Alice Temperley, who cleverly designs based on a vintage vibe, allowing the bride to look relaxed on the big day despite the delicate lace, layers and floaty fabrics. If your wedding budget doesn’t stretch to the designer, the beautiful dresses in Monsoon have a very similar feel for a fraction of the cost. Amanda Wakeley opts for more dramatic clean lines, neat tailoring, and a sexier more glamorous look. I love this dress that is so simple, but gives such a dramatic silhouette. If your wedding is abroad, or you want a more current look, look no further than the exquisite dresses in Valentino. Beautifully boned and corseted underneath, they have an innocence that is very cute, without looking saccharine and the draped short dress in Prada would make a very elegant bride.
What’s going on under the dress is probably only a matter of great concern for the groom, but good quality lingerie that provides the relevant support but looks suitably ‘bridal’ is important as it is the foundation for what goes on top. Agent Provocateur have an adorable tongue in cheek gift set, as well as divine corsets, and matching knickers that would be the p
ride and joy of any self respecting burlesque dancer. La Perla have a beautiful set that would tick off your something blue, albeit a subtle powdery colour. L
K Bennett is a no-brainer for the bridesmaids, with their bias cut chiffon dresses that suit almost any shape or size available in a rainbow of colours. I also spotted really cute necklaces in Annoushka which I think would make treasured bridesmaid gifts. Bonpoint provides the most adorable flower girl dress, and Le Creuset offers the cutest wedding present for the bride and groom who have everything, with their heart shaped dish in rose pink.
What to wear this Wedding Season
April 27th, 2011 by Claudia MahoneyMy Best Friend’s Wedding
July 24th, 2009 by Atalanti
Left to right: Temperley dress, Anya Hindmarch clutch, Jimmy Choo heels, Versace Home tea set, Luella dress
It feels like only weeks ago that I heard this ultra sonic sound on the other end of the phone; we’ve been friends for 18 years and even though I don’t speak “squeak” I understood immediately that he’d done the deed and proposed on a moonlit wintery eve in Prague.
Panic: What do I wear!?
So there I was sat at my desk at work, two weeks away from the big day and wondering what I was going to wear, what was I going to buy them and how I was going to help – was I the worst best friend ever?
At that precise moment the bride-to-be floated into my office with a gleaming smile embracing the most exquisite vintage wedding dress from Temperley London whose whimsical design, according to The Guardian, is also favoured by Gwyneth Paltrow & Helena Christensen. She was accompanied by another bag cradling an outstanding pair of ivory satin wedding shoes from Jimmy Choo also favoured by a variety of celebs. Dress and shoes both found in Bicester Village. Yes Bicester Outlet Village, my very own work place, I was saved!
Shamed at my lack of organisation and determined, I set out to look for a dress to wear and it was a matter of minutes before I had my first dilemma, do I get the pretty hippy-ish wedding-in-a-field long floaty dress from Temperley too a la Sienna Miller or the Luella fitted short tailored party number? It was not long before I forgot about them both and took refuge in a childhood fave: Valentino and emerged a good hour later with my star buy – a gorgeous pale pink floaty dress with beading and little details to suit any happy occasion. Perfect!
The never-ending gift list
Triumphantly, I returned back to my desk showing off my new purchase getting approval and reassurance from my colleagues – I soon realised that I didn’t need to go much further than my own doorstep and started writing a list of things that I needed to buy:
- Shoes
- Bag
- Suit for boyfriend
- Proper wedding present
- Pre-wedding present for my bessie-mate!
OK – yes I do have to work, so it took a few lunch hours over a few days, but I couldn’t be happier at the thought of having so much to choose from at my finger tips.
I found stunning shoes from Dolce & Gabbana, a satin and gold clutch from Anya Hindmarch and dinner suit from royal dresser Gieves & Hawkes (a very proud moment – looking at him in that uniform).
For their official wedding present, I bought a beautiful butterfly teapot, cups and saucers set by Versace in Waterford Wedgwood and girly pressie for my dearest friend – a little lacy outfit from La Perla.
With only days ago and much to my secret joy, panic set in with beautiful bride “Arggh I’ve got no shoes for the bridesmaids”.
Gorgeous Dunhill pen
“Not to worry,” I said ever so calmly, like I had been planning this for months, “I saw some ballet pumps in Accessorise.” I knew this after having eyed these lovely little hairclips there only the day before for my outfit.
So here I am ready and waiting for the big day, all prepared, redeemed and totally overwhelmed by the ease of what started out to be a never ending task. With a little cash to spare (as right now everything is reduced by up to 80%), I got my boyfriend a gorgeous Dunhill pen.
For those who get stuck on gift giving ideas there’s always the Bicester Village Gift Card which gives the recipient the choice to shop in any of the wonderful boutiques and restaurants.
For ever and ever
So thanks and congratulations to my dearest friend who inspired me and has pretty much singlehandedly planned and organised her entire wedding on a very tight budget; May you have a very long and happy marriage filled with many joyous and memorable moments.
