All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in England and Wales, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
According to Pinterest's annual wedding trends report, searches for register office wedding outfits have increased by 49%, with the majority of searches being driven by Gen Z, suggesting a shift in mindset around the occasion for the younger generation¹. Pastel suits - This year, lavender is the shade of choice for many. Google searches for lavender suit are 47% higher than they were this time last year. Opting for a suit in a summery colour definitely adds an element of fun to a usually understated look. Wearing a suit also removes the struggle of figuring out what jacket will work with your outfit. The other benefit to a suit is that you can easily rewear the pieces after either together or separately. Paired with a kitten heel or sandal and a clutch, you will look effortlessly cool. Pastel floral dresses - Next has seen a spike in searches for floral midi dress with Google also reporting an increase in searches for pastel floral dress, which is currently 31% higher than it was this time last year. For daytime occasions, dresses in pastels, floral prints, or subtle patterns are an appropriate choice, whilst opting for fabrics like silk, crepe, or satin adds a touch of sophistication without being overly formal. Jumpsuits - Jumpsuits are the perfect no-fuss choice for occasions that have a semi-formal dress code, with Google searches for the item peaking annually in June, and Next seeing an increase in interest for polka dot jumpsuits recently. A jumpsuit is a chic alternative to a dress for smart-casual occasions, either in a solid colour or in an understated print, they are a stylish yet comfortable option.
One thing likely to be influencing this shift is the popularity of register office weddings among celebrities. Couples including former Made in Chelsea stars Jamie Laing and Sophie Haboo, and Brewdog founder James Watt and TV personality Georgia Toffolo have opted for a more casual register office wedding in recent years, inspiring many to follow suit and use the money saved to enjoy a second celebration or a more extravagant honeymoon.
With register office weddings tending to be more relaxed occasions, knowing what to wear can sometimes be confusing, so the fashion team at Next have highlighted some of the biggest wedding guest trends this season.
Flutter-sleeve midi dresses - Google searches for flutter-sleeve midi dress are 60% higher compared to the same time last year and have increased by 204% in the past month. Flutter sleeve dresses are the perfect choice if you want to wear something that is just the right amount of feminine and floaty for the occasion. The draped sleeves make them a great option if you like a little arm coverage without having a full sleeve in the summer months.
Bow back dresses - Bows have increased in popularity massively over the last year, being seen everywhere in both fashion and interiors. The latest bow-related trend to be gaining traction is bow back dresses, which have seen searches increase by 58% in the last year. A great way to make a smart-casual outfit a little more interesting is to pick something that has subtle extra details. Bows are a prime example of this; a simple bow detail on the back of a dress or as a fastening adds a touch of elegance and otherwise simple outfit.
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