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 MahoneyGet set for The Season…
April 15th, 2011 by Claudia Mahoney
No one wants to turn up at a formal function wearing the same as someone else, marking you at as a style sheep. Yet creating different looks for all the events of the summer can cause a financial as well as wardrobe crisis.
Since colour-blocking is the biggest trend, try buying separates in clashing colour and mix and match to various events.
However, investing in classic looks does repay you in the end, through the cut, fabric and just the way a designer frock makes you feel, and therefore move. Confidence in the way you look is worth its weight in gold. The cost/cut compromise doesn’t need to be made at 
Bicester Village judging by the beauties I found up there.
My all time favourite is my Joan Holloway moment I had in Prada in the beautifully cut and sumptuous fabric of a raspberry beauty. I fear a diet post baby and some sturdy underwear would be called for, but the shape and length and cap sleeves would serve well for seasonal events that require a more modest dress code.
The zing of colours was seen all over the catwalk this season
and has filtered down to the high street. Balance conservative shapes with outrageous tones, such as this skirt suit I found in Fendi or the rich plums and purples in Hobbs.
Fashion being a contrary mistress, the other big trend to counteract the rainbow colours, is softer florals, and there was a riot of flowers out to bloom on my visit. The floral shift and chic blazer I saw in the window of Dolce and Gabbana would work well on a mature lady, as would the wide skirt coat from Hobbs , whilst the fab monochrome frenzy of chiffon again from Dolce is a really fun look for a girl much taller and slimmer than my good self, but you couldn’t fail to be in a good mood wearing it, and ditto with the super cute multi coloured 
chiffon disc mini dress from DVF.
Layering different floral patterns was done to great effect at D&G, and would quickly create a more zany, individual look. Try layering a floral jacket over a different floral dress.
Don’t be afraid to go long, overseas weddings, garden parties and a day at the races provide you with a chance to show your style stripes, and by opting for something longer, in a delicate fabric you can create a striking silhouette as the fabric billows around your ankles, perfectly demonstrated in this lemon chiffon dress from Alexander MQueen and the tangerine and gold embellished kaftan from Temperley or the Grecian goddess look in red from Amanda Wakeley. Dresses so evocative, you could wish yourself away to a sunny beach by just wearing them.
