MILITARY MEMORIES My husband-to-be works in the military. He’ll be wearing his military uniform on the day. I want to surprise him with a few army-related gestures. Do you have any ideas? It’s the little touches that can make a big difference when honouring and appreciating his service. If you’re wanting to unleash your creativity, one of the greatest ideas would be to focus on the Regimental, Corps colours along with the ever so iconic British Armed Forces ‘green’. Known as ‘Olive Drab’! However, be assured that the essence to your vision would be utterly vibrant on your special day and far from drab! A trending colour for bridesmaid’s dresses is indeed olive green. Adding this colour to your nails also, would enrich the Military theme. Balloons, table runners, lanterns, candles, foliage and choice of flowers could assemble a Banquet Hall into a beautiful display with a military camouflage flair. Having a military tiered traditional cake tailored to the Service with toppers, infuses originality to the ‘First Cut’ experience, using the groom’s ceremonial sword. It’s a great idea to tie ribbons to the handle in the Regiment, Corps colours. Military themed, shaped biscuits are another addition as wedding favours. The most iconic ‘Guard of Honour’, also known as the ‘Arch of Sabres’ is an old English Army tradition. Consisting typically of six to eight people who stand opposite each other forming an arch with swords, where the bride and groom pass through the arch. However, the last two, drop their swords (Sabres) to block the newlyweds passing with a cross. This indicates for the groom to kiss the bride. The crossed swords are then lifted for the couple to pass on by. My last ‘wedding wisdom’ to add here, is for the bride. As you walk confidently down the aisle, in your wedding dress, bespoke to your personality and style, why not add a playful touch beneath! A handmade, silk military garter symbolising both your love and respect for your husband being in service. This unexpected accessory would be a welcomed tradition. A secret to all, yet a delightful surprise to your groom as he finds it! Made in his Regiment, Corps colours and with his insignia or cap badge. Charlotte Walker | Banns & Plans www.bannsandplans.co.uk SERENE GREENS I’m in the early stages of planning my wedding, for spring 2026. What colours do you think will be popular in 2025/6 and beyond? Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding. As we head into 2025 green is proving oh-so popular. We’ve seen a lot of sage green, now brides are exploring olive and forest green tones. Buttercup yellow has also been requested for some of our 2026 weddings, so watch this space. Furthermore, nude tones are going nowhere - you can’t go wrong. You’re welcome to book an appointment with us where we can show you a full array of dresses, styles and colours. We can also show you all the possible colour options that are available to you. Upon placing an order, we can provide you fabric swatches so matching things throughout your wedding will be much easier for you. Debbie Meads | Peaches Wedding Shop www.peachesweddings.co.uk WINTER WARMERS I’m having a winter wedding. I want it to be super cosy. Are venues allowed to light firepits or is this not allowed. Any cosy ideas welcome! We love the idea of a winter wedding and Houchins couldn’t be more cosy! We have a number of firepits you can hire from our extensive props list and we will keep them lit all night on the terrace for you and your guests. There’s also a beautiful open fireplace inside the venue adding warmth and atmosphere to your winter wedding. To really experience the warmth of a Houchins winter wedding we’d recommend our ‘Fireside Wedding Offer’ which includes accommodation in the listed farmhouse for up to 14 guests the night before your wedding day! Do ask your venue about all the cosy options available so you have all the information to hand before you book. Fiona Pardoe | Houchins www.houchins.co.uk Jocelyn Allen via Unsplash Micky Gore Omar Lopez via Unsplash 90
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