While Saturday may be the most popular day of the week when it comes to weddings, it doesn’t mean you should ignore the other six days when you’re looking at your options! If you do decide to liberate your wedding from the weekend, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Our experts have rounded up the top tips to make your weekday wedding a smashing success.

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1. Give Advanced Notice.

Most people have Saturdays and Sundays off, but they may not be as free or flexible during the week. Send invites early (around the 12-week mark, like you would for a destination wedding) so your guests have ample time to rearrange their schedules and make plans for things like babysitters.

2. Host in the Evening.

Unless your guests are planning on taking the day off, there’s a very slim chance they’ll be able to attend a weekday wedding that begins before 6:30 or 7pm. Instead, consider inviting them for cocktails starting at 6:30, followed by a ceremony at 7:30, and then straight to dinner. Having cocktail hour before the ceremony means anyone who is running a little late doesn’t have to worry about missing the main event.

3. Be Prepared for Questions.

A weeknight wedding is unusual, so there’s a good chance your guests will have some questions. Acknowledge that you’re planning something a little less traditional, but stress how fun it will be to turn “hump day” into a real celebration!

4. Ask for Discounts.

While you may not be able to negotiate a lower rate with every vendor, many will be open to giving you a better price because you’re booking on an off-day. You’re more likely to be able to work with the vendors you really want because you’re not asking for a prime wedding day, and some will be able to work with you on the price because of that.

5. Take Extra Care of Your Guests.

If you’re inviting people in from out-of-town, be sure to acknowledge that they’re taking off extra time in order to celebrate with you. Write a hand-written note to greet them upon arrival, treat them to a tasty welcome bag, and be sure to thank them (and all your guests!) in your toast.

6. Take the Day Off!

It’s your wedding day, so treat it as such and take the day off. Spend the night before at a fantastic hotel, wake up to breakfast in bed, then spend the day getting dolled up and relaxing. Consider a first look and doing portraits before your wedding begins, so you can make the most of the evening with your family and guests.

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Workout wear

Images of sportswear at this time of year always feature toned and lean bodies, but who has such shapes in the post-Christmas period? If it’s January the high street muscles in on crop tops, leggings, gilets and workout gear for those with ambitious resolutions to get fit. Typical is this printed crop top from Dunnes (€10) and leggings (€20), all part of their latest collection for workouts both inside and outside the gym, which includes waterproof jackets, sculpt pants in greys, monochrome prints, blue and pink. River Island’s new 11-piece collection sticks to sober and camouflage colours – black, grey, navy and purple at prices from €30-€60. And at Marks & Spencers the new Rosie for Autograph has sleek lines, sleek panelling in black, blush and aubergine from €32-€90. So straighten up and take your pick. DMcQ

Wear It

This whole outfit from Penney’s has us longing for warmer days (Jacket €23; Top €8; Trousers €16; Shoes €13; Sunglasses €4).DMcM

Appealing clothes in flattering shapes

Cabbages and Roses have nothing to do with gardens, but is a UK brand designed and made in London with appealing clothes in flattering shapes – a lot of sweater purple prom dresses uk for winter, handsome coats and dresses in faded fabrics with A line and square sweaters continual best sellers. It was founded by ex-Vogue Christina Strutt out of a love of vintage and it now has not only fashion, but homeware and fabrics and a shop in Chelsea. Strutt says she has a “difficult figure” and designs styles “based on layers of disguise and distractions” and recently collaborated with Uniqlo on a small collection. This dress is from the a/w 16 collection – called Brigette it is in charcoal check €360.70 with under -top €63.20 and high top plimsolls €52.53 Visit www.cabbagesandroses.com DMcQ

Style secret

Any look can be transformed with a really stunning, well-cut, textured coat. No matter how casual the rest of your outfit, a great coat will take you from day to night. – Brian Conway, Stylist.

Diamonds and pearls

This magnificent Edwardian pendant – platinum, aquamarine, diamond and pearl (€5,850) is from Breretons Jewellers who last year celebrated 100 years in business by launching its new website www.brereton.ie on which this piece can be found. The small family business is now run by the fourth generation of the Brereton family, Paul and Derek, who keep ahead of international trends through extensive world travel for ethical raw materials for their jewellery. The company specialises in rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and antique jewellery. There isn’t anything they don’t know, for instance, about diamonds and pearls. There are three stores in Dublin – Capel Street, O Connell Street and their flagship at 33 Grafton Street. Those seeking engagement rings will find an extensive collection on the website including a magnificent oval cut diamond halo style ring for €4,750. DMcQ

Steal vs splurge

Ganni continue to up their game with this Julliard Mohair pullover for €399, or you can have a similar wool blend blue jumper for €49.99 from H&M. DMcM

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Sporty, couture and 1980s-inspired looks dominated the catwalks at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, with a wide selection of designers offering creations for women’s winter wardrobes.

The Tuesday-to-Friday event may not be as high profile as the fashion weeks in Milan, Paris, London and New York but draws plenty of fashionistas for its variety of brands.

On Tuesday night, Marc Cain creative director Karin Veit sent models down the runway in ribbed jumpers, sporty jackets, patterned trouser suits and tutu skirts, at times worn with leg warmers. There were also animal prints on coats and trousers.

Austrian designer Lena Hoschek took inspiration from a T-shirt her mother once wore for her “Dollhouse” collection of pastel-coloured and sparkly tops, yellow prom dresses uk, skirts and trousers and designs adorned with cartoon characters.

“It rarely happens that one piece of clothing gives me the inspiration for a whole collection but this time it was an old T-shirt of my mum’s from the 1980s,” Hoschek said.

“She wore it when she was pregnant with me. That T-shirt is my absolute favorite piece of clothing. It is turquoise, light blue, pinkish, typical candy colors, typical ’80s.”

Dorothee Schumacher presented a pattern-rich line of long-sleeved orange evening dress, tops and trousers, cinched at the waist with belts. Her color palette including a black-and-white mix as well as warmer orange tones, green and mustard.

Every girl wants to have a perfect prom, one filled with wonderful memories. She wants to go to prom in the marieprom dress of her dreams and feel like a princess for the evening. The Viking Closet wants to make this dream a reality for all high school girls. The “Closet” is a student/staff managed (free store), within South Brunswick high school that collects and distributes donated clothing and accessories. We accept donations of gently used prom/semi-formal dresses, shoes, jewelry, purses, and other prom related attire and accessories. Donations can be dropped off between the hours of 7:30am -6:00pm weekdays, not including holidays. Our donation bin is located in the main entrance of the high school near the reception desk.

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Last year we collected over 400 dresses thanks to our generous donors! All dresses and accessories are FREE! Over 100 girls were able to receive the dress of their dreams! The Prom Event will take place after school from 2:30 to 5:00 on Tuesday, 2/21, Wednesday, 2/22, and Thursday, 2/23. During this time students from other schools are welcome to shop however any student from another school must make an appointment through vikingcloset@gmail.com. Students from South Brunswick High School do not need an appointment. SBHS students only, will also be able to shop during school hours on Friday 2/23, Monday, 2/26, and Tuesday, 2/27. Students can also enter a free raffle for prom tickets, manicures, up do’s and free tuxedo rentals. Students will receive goodie bags full of makeup, etc. The Prom event is open to ANY high school student, grades 9-12, who would like to get a free dress.

The Viking Closet, as well as the prom event is run completely on donations from businesses and the community. We also need your help with monetary donations, gift cards to beauty salons and nail salons for our free raffle, gift certificates from restaurants or food stores (pizza, sub sandwiches, etc) to help feed our volunteers for the setting up and the event days, and for the goodie bag items for 100 goodie bags.

Any businesses or community members that would like to contribute to this event can contact Jennifer Webb at vikingcloset@gmail.com or send your checks or gift cards to South Brunswick High School /Viking Closet 750 Ridge Road Monmouth Junction NJ 08852. Checks can be made out to South Brunswick High School (memo – Viking Closet prom event)

Thanks again to all our returning donors: The SBHS Asian Club, KiKi D’s of Montgomery, Nextage MP3 Realty of Kendall Park, Rasoi Restaurant & Banquet Hall of Monmouth Junction, Our Fairy Godmother, Windsor/Brunswick Driving Academy, Party Fair of Kendall Park, Liberty Nails of North Brunswick, Nonna’s Restaurant of Englishtown, Alfonzo’s Restaurant of Princeton, Mom’s Club of South Brunswick, Potting Shed of South Brunswick, Chartwells, D’Bella’s Salon, Dutchess Florals of North Brunswick, Acupuncture Clinic of NJ in Kendall Park, Master Tax of Kendall Park, The Bling Chateau, Mission Lane, On the Border Cantina in New Brunswick, Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski (Jennifer Dockhorn),SBHS Senior and Junior classes, Dollar Tree of South Brunswick, Stop & Shop of Franklin Park, and the SBHS class of 1996. We welcome any additional businesses that would like to contribute for this year’s event.

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Despite spending a huge chunk of the week at work, finding the inspiration to get evening dresses successfully every morning can be a challenge even for the most sartorially astute.

With the new year just beginning, seize the opportunity for a bit of revamp. Tried-and-trusted staples are a must, but don’t overlook new elements like texture and print to inject personality.

Corporate wear doesn’t need to be mundane – if should be comfortable, confident and fresh. Work isn’t the forum for a fashion parade, but all you need is a collection of solid, stylish items you can wear in numerous variations. This will ease your early-morning routine. Here are the pieces that will turn your everyday work wardrobe into something not quite so ordinary.

With Balenciaga bringing back 1980s power dressing and Hillary Clinton’s revival of the pantsuit, it’s never been a more popular time for tailoring. A single print, like a check or a colour, from pale pink to pinstripe, will instantly add interest to any work suit. No black necessary. Look for a modern-cut suit that will stand alone as separates as well. You can pull the pieces apart and wear the jacket with jeans and runners on the weekend, or the trousers with a smart sweater or blouse for the office.

Wide pants

It is perhaps one of spring’s most prominent trends, so it’s time to embrace the wide-leg trouser for work. Trousers can either be seen as the boring piece you put on everyday out of convince or the sophisticated staple that boosts your style points with each wear. We prefer to see them as the latter. So, seek out design elements such as a high-waist, hardware and a looser cut to stand out at work. Wear with a silk shirt tucked in for a silhouette that means business.

Ruffles and hems

Leave the pencil convention at the door and opt for a skirt that gives you the same coverage in a more interesting silhouette. A below-the-knee skirt may already be on high rotation in your work wardrobe but reconsider the look with a pleated, wrap or pronounced shape. For 2017, the focus is on ruffles and tiered hems. Wear with a tucked-in tailored blouse to make it work for the office.

Tailored jumpsuit

Who doesn’t love a onesie, especially a onesie you can wear to work? For 2017, the jumpsuit is making a singular statement in stylish, office-appropriate renderings. There’s nothing like a jumpsuit to whittle down your morning what-to-wear routine. When choosing a nine-to-five jumpsuit, be conscious of the fit – think tailored not tight – and style it with a blazer in a contrasting shade, structured tote and heels. If you’re feeling brave, layer a smart shirt under a sleeveless jumpsuit for a fashion-girl approved office outfit.

Belt-up

At Alberta Ferretti, dresses were cinched tightly with up to three belts. Transfer this to your own wardrobe and opt for one chic belt that will add definition to the waist, an interesting accent to your classic work combo of black trousers and shirt, and refresh a plain sheath formal dresses. Who knew the minor accessory could work such wonders for your work wardrobe?

Silk tops

To mix up your work wardrobe, take some style cues from your evening wear such as rich silks and pair them with a more obvious work piece. Style with a structured silk top with classic slim, black pants for a beautiful but also business-ready look. Working well for that very modern nine-to-five dilemma, that is an outfit which will see you through from work to evening drinks or dinner.

Crazy prints

With the spring 2017 catwalks awash with prints, certainly don’t leave it just for the weekend. Amp up your work wardrobe with some cool contrasting patterns. Print-on-print can really work if you opt for a more conservative shape and go for an outfit that’s busy in pattern but not in colour. Don’t fear a crazy mix of prints or colours, just be sure to tie them together, unify the patterns by colour and further ground the look with a solid-colour belt or jacket.