One of Ireland’s best-known designers showcased a selection of occasionwear for the wedding party …

The Wedding Salon at The Merrion is an annual highlight in THE GLOSS events calendar. At this year’s event, in association with Hyundai, host and wedding planner extraordinaire Tara Fay provided guidance for the big day based on close to thirty years’ experience. As part of the special afternoon, Tara was joined by fashion designer Sharon Hoey whose Merrion Street bridal boutique is the exclusive stockist of beautiful wedding dresses from Suzanne Neville and Temperley London, as well as her own stunning creations. 

After the bridal showcase, Sarah Morissey, Vanessa O’Connell and Yomiko Chen modelled beautiful mother of the bride or second day options from the AndTate range, available in Sharon’s boutique, as well as in Arnotts and Brown Thomas Cork. AndTate is known for its versatile separates, the red Delaney top with red Dahlia skirt was a firm favourite, as was the navy Eden top and Erin skirt, worn with a navy pillbox hat by Catherine Cooke and a satin clutch by August Night. Many in the audience admired the elegant champagne AndTate dress with detachable shawl Sharon wore, which she revealed she had designed for her own son’s wedding the previous week.

Top 10 Tips For The Wedding Party

1. Think about your look a few months in advance.

2. Create a Pinterest board or moodboard.

3. Fit is all-important for comfort: know your body type and dress for it.

4. White and ivory are still a no-no, unless the bride is wearing a colour.

5. Avoid coordinating with the bridal party.

6. Dress appropriately, but not too formal as it can look frumpy.

7. Choose soft fabrics and well cut shapes; stiff fabrics won’t sit well when seated.

8. Patterned dresses can look too busy, while block colours feel contemorary.

9. Opt for a seasonless style, so you can wear the outfit again.

10. Headpieces tend to be more modern than hats and milliners like Catherine Cooke can create them from the same fabric to coordinate.

ANDTATE SPRING-SUMMER COLLECTION

Navy Eden top, €595, with navy Erin skirt, €695, styled with navy pillbox hat by Catherine Cooke and a satin navy clutch by August Night.

Kiwi Giselle dress, €1,050, with a feather headband by Catherine Cooke

Pomegranate?Desdemona?dress with?neck scarf, €975, black headband by Catherine Cooke and a black satin clutch by August Night

Champagne?Godiva dress, €1,050,? with hat by Catherine Cooke.

Apple green Gillian top, €595, with Coco skirt, €695 

Red Delaney top, €595, with red?Dahila skirt, €695, styled?with Fabienne wrap, €395, and black satin bag by August Night

Available to vew by appointment at: Sharon Hoey, 6 Merrion Street Lower, Dublin 2, 01 611 070; @andtateshirts

SEE MORE: Every Glossy Detail From The Wedding Salon At The Merrion

Photographer: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography, @pictureitpix