Fashion Friday: Grooms Love British Heritage

Wondering what fashion trends will be big for grooms this year? Then look no further than today’s Fashion Friday entry! Young’sHire, one of UK’s leading formalwear hire companies, have put together a trend report for 2015 looking into popular styles, colours and trends.

Gentlemen prefer kilts

The traditional highland wear is set to take centre stage over the coming year. Donning a kilt and sporran has always been seen as a statement of true Scottish identity. However new data from Young’s Hire has revealed that, incredibly, there are more proud Scots in England than in Scotland when it comes to selecting traditional Scottish dress. Depending on where you’re getting married, English cities such as London (21%), Leicester (12%), Manchester (10%) and Sheffield (10%) are all topping Dundee (9%). Surprisingly Aberdeen accounted for just two percent of the UK's highland wear hires - ranking well below Liverpool (6%), Bristol (6%), Newcastle (4%), and Cardiff (3%).

One of the key tartan trends, Grey Granite continues its tradition as a long standing favourite, followed closely by the Pride of Scotland check – a pattern that shows real national pride.

"It's always fascinating to take a more holistic look at the formalwear trends around the UK, and it's great to see that although people are really broadening their horizons when it comes to suiting-up for a special occasion, the traditional items like a top hat and tailcoat are still proving very popular. It’s great that traditional Scottish highland wear is still going strong and is growing in popularity across England,” comments Chris Burns, at Young's Hire.

Art deco chic

The traditional ‘top hat and tails’ look continues to be a favourite – classic elegance and opulence. There is however a North/South divide, with London topping the charts when going all out to impress their brides, while northern cities chose a more casual smart approach.

Adding character

To finish off the look, well chosen accessories enable grooms to express their personality and style. Cravats remain the top neck-piece for formal looks, with colours that tie in with the bride’s look – ivory, light pink and silver. Bold coloured dicki bow ties are the ‘laid back’ alternative for a more relaxed celebration.

About Young's Hire

Young'sHire has more than 195 locations across the UK, with concessions in the likes of Debenhams, Suit Direct and Jeff Banks. For more information, visit: http://www.youngs-hire.co.uk

Take inspiration from our dashing groom in the Behind the scenes photos from Bristol-based supplier Anne Harding.

We’d love to know what trends our South West grooms and brides prefer, so visit  our Twitter and  Facebook pages and share!

Miscellaneous Monday: Bridal Lingerie for a Flawless Figure

Bet you there isn’t a single bride out there who doesn’t splash out on the prettiest lingerie for their wedding day. Therefore we’ve decided to bring you some expert advice on getting the best out of your bridal underwear this Miscellaneous Monday! Whatever your dress shape and style, it’s important to get the right support and structure so that you can look and feel fabulous as you say ‘I Do’. 

We talked to Shirley Kelly, owner of Aria Lingerie, who share her top tips for picking wedding lingerie. Navigate your way through the variety of designs and shapewear available – it’s easier than ever to feeling sexy and sophisticated!

• Probably my most valuable tip is to have a proper fitting. Most women unknowingly are wearing the wrong size bras and, as a result, are not getting the most out of their underwear. The nerves throughout the planning process will affect your weight. Arrange to have a professional fitting, it doesn’t take long and it’s a worthwhile investment before choosing your underwear. 

• Don't scrimp when it comes to buying wedding lingerie. Your wedding dress is probably one of the most expensive things you will buy for your special day so ensure to spend time looking for the perfect style and fit to complement your body and dress.

• Contrary to what you may think Ivory lingerie is not always a great choice and bright whites are often best avoided under certain fabrics as they will show through. Think about the colour of your skin tone, perhaps a pretty nude (dark or light), or blush might work best with your dress and be more invisible than ivory or white.

• Comfort is absolutely the key. Keep in mind the fact you will be on your feet and on show all day, so your lingerie should support and stay in place for the duration without needing adjustments or feeling like you are wearing it.

               

                      

• When wearing fine fabrics consider seamless or control underwear for the perfect finish, as some materials such as lace may show through and also feel uncomfortable if you are not used to wearing them.
• Why not slip into something sexier in the evening when you take your wedding dress off? The reality for most of us is that we have to wear something a little more practical than we were expecting on our big day. But you can indulge in something spectacular for your evening reveal!

              

• Make sure you choose your bridal lingerie before the final fitting as this allows you enough time to find the perfect fit for you and your dress.

AriaLingerie is an independent boutique that has been trading for two years, based in the beautiful city of Bath. They stock a range of top designers including Simone Perele, Mimi Holiday, Chantelle-Palazzo, and Fantasie in sizes varying from A – H cups. Relaxed and friendly, this small boutique offers a truly personalised experience and has private evening events available upon request, so you and your bridal party can enjoy private fittings, champagne and a range of luxurious lingerie in a unique and private setting. 

Aria Lingerie

3 George Street, Bath

T: 01225 447700

W:www.arialingerie.co.uk

Now pop over to our Twitter and Facebook pages and let us know which of the above tips you found the most useful.