Know a mother of the bride or groom who’s still to find her outfit? Take the sting out of shopping with our head start on 2023’s colourful line-up of statement occasionwear dresses


Right image: Ann (on left) wears: Long bias-cut hand-beaded silk georgette dress and top, £POA, and matching feather fascinator £POA, Joyce Young Design Studios. Silver, winter enamel and 9ct gold leaves earrings, £159, Sheila Fleet. Shoes, model’s own; Julie (on right) wears: Silk organza coat over sheath dress with subtle sparkle, £POA, and matching feather hat, £POA, all Joyce Young Design Studios. Silver, winter enamel and 9ct gold leaves bracelet, £478, Sheila Fleet. Shoes, model’s own.


Right image: Floral lace dress and coat in navy and blush by Invitations by Veni, £659, Catwalk. Silver earrings with crystal enamel and CZ, £113, Sheila Fleet. Pearl hat, £45 to hire, £185 made to order, Stephanie Gallen Millinery.


Right image: Ann (on right) wears: Blush pink dipped-hem dress with pearl neck and cuff detail by Couture-Club, £POA, with matching Snoxells hatinator, £POA, both Mia Bella. Pearl drop earrings, £67.50, Lido Collection. Shoes and bag, model’s own. Julie (on left) wears: Mint and cream shift dress with matching coat featuring oversized bow by Couture-Club, £POA, with cream hatinator, £POA, both Mia Bella. Shoes, model’s own.


Right image: Floral-print off-the-shoulder dress by Invitations by Veni, £569, Bentleys. Ivoire hat, £45 to rent, £195 made to order, Stephanie Gallen Millinery. Pearl and CZ drop earrings, £70, Lido Collection.


Right image: Ann (on right) wears: Silver swing lined stretch-sequin gown, £389, Bombshell London. Pearl drop earrings, £165, Lido Collection. Headband and shoes, model’s own; Julie (on left) wears: Raspberry Spritz dress with ruched bodice by Condici, £POA, and matching hatinator, £POA, both Sheila Conn Ladies Fashions. Large sterling silver petal floral earrings, £175, Lido Collection. Shoes, model’s own.


Right image: Ann (on left) wears: A-line crepe dress with illusion V-neckline and lace detailed back in royal sapphire by Invitations by Veni, £615, matching Snoxells hat, £259, and Peter Kaiser silver shoes, £169, all Patricia Forbes; Julie (on right) wears: Coral off-the-shoulder chiffon print dress with long bishop sleeves and cross-bodice detail by Invitations by Veni, £569, Snoxells crystal-detail fascinator, £139, Capollini soft-pink shoes, £139, and pearl necklace, from a selection, all Patricia Forbes.


Right image: Ann (on right) wears: Navy and gold dress by Veni Infantino, £POA, Snoxells hatinator, £POA, gold Lotus shoes, from a selection, and diamanté and gold double-row necklace, £POA, all Bear Necessities. Silver vegan leather clutch, £895, Sambar; Julie (on left) wears: Hot-pink jacquard mid-length dress with wide Bardot collar and dipped hem by Giorgia Jo by Gabriela Sanchez, £POA, matching Snoxells hatinator, £POA, shoes, from a selection, and double-disc silver necklaces, from a selection, all Bear Necessities.
Meet the team


Styling Nicola Cameron
Photography Hamish Campbell
Hair Kiera McKay at Alter Ego Hair Art
Makeup Susie Campbell Makeup Artist
Models Ann Tocoda at Model Team; Julie Gemmell (freelance)
Location Boclair House, Bearsden, Glasgow
Hair and makeup


Kiera McKay of Alter Ego Hair Art tells us how she worked her magic on our models: “On Ann’s incredible white hair, I used Colour Wow Styling Cream and blow-dried it to tame frizz, followed by the same brand’s Raise The Root spray to create volume. My trusty GHD soft curl tong smoothed and put a bend through the ends, before I twisted her locks into a side bun.
“For Julie, first up was Colour Wow Volumising Mousse to add long-lasting texture, then I went in with Cloud Nine wide irons to put a wave through her hair. Next, I created a symmetrical, low bun with some twisted detail and face-framing strands, finished with a skoosh of Osis Hairspray for hold.”
“My aim for both of our gorgeous models was to create a natural, but classic look to fit with the season’s beautiful occasionwear,” says Susie Campbell Makeup Artist. “With Ann, I wanted to create a neutral tone on the eyes, with a darker tone in the outer corner to give a little dimension. Armani Luminous Foundation made her skin look natural and dewy, and is great for mature skin, as is the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter illuminator that I also used.
“Alongside the same foundation and illuminator on Julie, I was able to feature slightly more bronze tones by way of Hourglass Ambient Bronzing Powder to complement her skintone. I went smokier on the eyes, opening them and adding more dimension.”

The venue
Situated in immaculate gardens in Bearsden, Boclair House is a Tudor Gothic mansion known for its beautiful red sandstone exterior. The venue boasts a luxury interior, including a grand ballroom and opulent suites. Even better, as it is exclusive use, with the entire venue to yourself, you can relax in the knowledge that you have complete privacy for your special day. The Grand Ballroom is flooded with natural light during the day and has huge sparkling chandeliers, mirrored pillars and glints of gold, making it an appealing option for both ceremony and reception.
After the party’s over, guests can retire to one of the 12 uniquely designed, stunning suites – including the spectacular Arran honeymoon suite for the happy couple. All-inclusive wedding packages are available with prices starting from £4,700 for 50 guests.