Confetti

Confetti Bride of the Year 2010

Irish brides-to-be have lots of questions and little time.

You have the final say on lots but that doesn't mean you have to go it alone.
We went to those in the know to bring you practical advice to help you make your decisions.

Search the Expert Answers From the Categories Below

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Q: Do you have any fashion tips for the men in the bridal party?

A: Men, like women can dress to suit their body type. Italian men have a good reputation because they wear clothes tailored just for them. Men who are tall and lean can wear just about anything. The huskier builds should look for simple, single-breast jackets without too much detail. Waistcoats work wonders to hide wide waists. Shorter, slimmer men might want to consider two or three button numbers. Tailors can also put in some discreet shoulder padding without sending you back to the Eighties. If you're short and broad, go with a jacket with more natural neckline and a waistcoat to draw attention away from the face.

If a groom wants to stand apart from his groomsmen, consider wearing a slightly different jacket. If the groom is wearing a double-breasted jacket, think about putting the groomsmen in single-lapel. If the jackets must match, give your man a boutonniere and his gang single stems of the same flower.

If suits are being rented, make sure that the men go for fittings well in advance to sort out any problems before the big day. Just the way you fit in a little time for yourself, send the men off to get a hot towel shave, a haircut and maybe even a manicure (no varnish, just buffing!) so they're cleaned up for the pictures.

Q: I want to give my fiancé some ideas on what he should wear. Are there any alternatives to the penguin tuxedo for formal weddings?

A: While the classic tux is always in, there are lots of alternatives. For something different, charcoal grey and silver make are new alternatives to black and white. Brown Thomas reports seeing the groom come in with a sample of the bride's dress in order to find a complementing suit. If the groom is not ready to match all the way, he can consider a coordinating cummerbund. Men are warming up to the idea of flowers on the big day so even if it is a formal wedding, you could get him a boutonniere that wows.

For outdoor weddings, linen suits with simple tailoring and one-buttoned jackets are very now. In terms of footwear; pointy toe and traditional patent leather shoes are popular right now. If you're planning a castle wedding, why not wear a kilt and get back to your roots?

Q: Accessories are a must for the bride, but are accessories and jewellery in demand for the groom as well?

A: Why not? It's his big day, too! Blacktie, the mens' formalwear chain, say standard cufflinks and pocket watches are huge. They can be personalised and turned into great mementos of the day for the groomsmen, along with flasks, not to be filled until after the ceremony. Hats and gloves are making a big come back too. Flowers are a great way for a man (yes) to express himself. The boutonniere, or mini-corsage, that he dons on the day is a great way to help him strut his stuff.

Q: What are the trends in menswear?

A: Some traditional formal attire is moving aside for newer styles. The dickie bow is one. Men are swapping in cravats and non-pleated shirts for their tuxes. You can always rely on Ted Baker to make modern the traditional. Menswear is from the same planet as womenswear. Davie at Ted Baker says that blue has been just as popular as in mens' clothes as women's. Men are also taking more pride in their appearance and showing off their time at the gym with slim, razor-sharp cuts. If men need a little help shopping and you're bogged under with other tasks, tell him to log on to tedbaker.com and chat with a sales representative online about possible attire.

Q: I need a suit for my 15 month old son. I had thought Black-Tie would do them for sure but they only do them from 2 yrs upwards. Where could I get one now pretty quickly, the wedding is on the 16th of Aug. I am happy to buy one if necessary.
	A: Highstreet stores will probably be your best bet in your search for a suit. Marks and Spencers and Debenhams both have occasion wear for young boys. Next are always a good choice too. You might like to check out these two links for boys suits: Marks and Spencer and Debenhams