A SPECIAL TOUCH How can we personalise our wedding? It’s tradition to marry the person you love; to walk down the aisle in a long, white dress; to celebrate the ‘formal’ beginning of a new family with friends and relatives. However, it’s important to recognise that weddings should reflect your style, your story, and your sentiments. After all, it’s you and your partner’s big day! While you may want to keep some of the classic rituals, you should not be afraid to give the ceremony your own spin. Here, we explore some quirky and innovative ideas that will allow you to personalise your wedding and make it a celebration to remember. Modernise the wedding march: As mentioned, walking down the aisle is one of the most pivotal and emblematic moments of a wedding. The bride walks towards the altar and their groom as guests watch in awe and dab a few tears. Whether through a church organ or a string quartet by the sea, it is likely that Wagner or Mendelssohn’s renowned wedding marches will accompany the emotional entrance. If you feel that the German composers’ music does not represent your personality, don’t be shy to pick a different tune. Reinvent the exit: If you’re changing venue after the ceremony, you’ll have to find a way to make your way to your reception. Rather than sticking to the nearest taxi service, why not find an alternative means of transport to reach your destination? Depending on how far the place is, you can select the perfect solution out of a variety of options. Is the reception venue not too far? Hop on a tandem bike with your spouse and get pedalling towards your new location. Or would you rather have a classy ride to the banquet and wedding cake? Jump in a fancy, vintage car and temporarily wave off your guests in style. No phones allowed: Another way to personalise your wedding day is to ‘ban’ phones. It’s easy for guests to get distracted by their devices and fiddle on them all afternoon, rather than leave them in their pockets and properly enjoy the big day. You may want to put up a sign in the entranceway that encourages attendees to go unplugged – especially during the ceremony. With no trilling phones around, you will be able to create a more intimate atmosphere. What is more, they’ll not be in the way to ruin your photographer’s professional pictures. Personalised card boxes: A creative, innovative touch you can add to your wedding is to put a personalised card box on the gift table. Signature cocktails: Do you and your spouse like to sip cocktails from time to time? Do you enjoy experimenting with drinks and flavours? You may want to consider treating your guests with some of your signature beverages, whether on arrival at the reception venue or at the end of the meal. The team at The Angel Hotel www.angelhotelcardiffcity.co.uk SHOWSTOPPING FASHION What dress styles/designers would you suggest for a summer-themed wedding? We love Madi Lane and Abella’s new collections which are absolutely perfect for a summer wedding. The new Bloom Collection from Madi Lane features signature lace detailing and fabrics. Duet has the most beautiful lasercut lace that sculpts the waist and adds stunning detail throughout the A-line skirt and train. Demi is a feminine, fitted dress that has the same lace detailing as Duet, with gorgeous off-the-shoulder straps. Renata from Abella Bridal features the new, on-trend neckline, which we absolutely adore, a delicate mandarin collar with demure and elegant lace sleeves, and a dramatic full ball gown skirt that has secret sparkle and adds subtle drama. Gita-Marie is a dream, showcasing delicate glitter, dotted tulle, sculpted exposed cups in the corseted bodice create a stunning modern silhouette, which is completed with soft off-the-shoulder straps. Every one of our designers offers beautiful gowns to walk down the aisle, so always keep an open mind and let your bridal stylist assist you with dresses that you may not have initially chosen. You would be surprised how many times our stylists pull a wild card and the bride says yes to the dress. With over 250 sample gowns in our store, you will be spoilt for choice. Vicki Anthony www.allaboutevebridalwear.com Demi by Madi Lane HERE COME THE GIRLS My mum and step-mum are going to be walking me down the aisle and want to wear dresses that will fit our theme without being too similar. Do you have any suggestions? We advise them to go shopping together but try on dressses one at a time. It’s essential that each mum is focused on themselves when looking for such a special outfit. Focus on colours that work together. Soft shades of pink work well with subtle silver/ greys, and jewel tones also work well with one another. Take into account your wedding dress; the shape and fabric. Plain gowns will work well with lace or busier prints, textures and vice versa. It would look much cleaner if, regardless of the shape, they wore a similar length. Don’t forget that they both need to feel comfortable and stay true to themselves. Naturally, this usually means they will be drawn to different things that highlight their individuality, this is where colour and detail are important to ensure you all look in harmony on your special day. Coryn Emma www.baroqueboutique.co.uk 27028 by John Charles 56
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