Your East Midlands Wedding - February / March 2021 (Issue 42)

87 BRIDAL BOUTIQUES JENA LOUISE Owner/alteration specialist at Blush by Jena Louise www.blushbyjenalouise.com The year 2021 promises to give me the highest call for my seamstress skills in 15 years. After a year indoors, brides are reappearing out of lockdown with amazing ideas for their wedding gowns. The marry now party later concept has made couples focus on celebrating with their close family and social bubbles. As weddings are being scaled back to focus on the intimate ceremony, more emphasis is being centred on a personal soft wedding outfit. Despite simple classic shapes such as fit-and-flare skirts or simple soft tulle shapes remaining popular, customers want to customise their gowns to create bespoke details on their wedding dress. Tulle is becoming a staple in my studio as soft fabrics are taking centre focus. I’m being asked to add fluffy capped sleeves into shouldered gowns to create a relaxed touch, and help the bride feel comfortable with problem areas such as the backs of their arms. Handmade single-layered veils are becoming even more popular to add rich texture to the simple soft laces in gowns. Pairing this tulle bohemian look with traditionally structured bodices helps the post-lockdown bride feel excited about finally saying ‘I do’. SAM FRANCIS Owner/designer of Ryley & Flynn Vintage www.ryleyandflynn.co.uk Wedding dress trends this year will be influenced by the lockdown of 2020, with many weddings being postponed or cancelled brides will be eager to make their long-awaited day their own. Micro weddings will continue well into 2021 with a whole new outlook on weddings, brides are looking for a more sustainable day by using eco-friendly fabrics and outfits that can be re- purposed and worn again. Buying British will also be high on the agenda. Bridal separates will be popular, enabling a varied look to the day. A bridal overskirt can be worn for the ceremony and then removed for the evening to reveal a slinky dress underneath. Lace layers are ideal for creating a second look over a stunning slip dress. Statement sleeves will be huge and structured sleeves work best with modern and sleek dresses, while floaty or retro sleeves give a boho feel. Brides will add a touch of fun with pastel shades to express their personality; pastel blues, pinks and blushes will be on the adventurous bride’s list. ww w.melodyfernstudio s.com www.jmdphoto .co.uk