Your South Wales Wedding - September/October 2024 (Issue 99)

CELESTIAL WEDDINGS There’s something so mysterious and awe-inspiring about the vast expanse that is the galaxy, with the breathtaking constellations and starry night skies. As popular culture romanticises the compatibility of people’s star signs and the fascination with astrology, the celestial-core aesthetic allows a couple to bring the dream-like starscape to earth for your majestic union. With the broad range of stationery items available, you could personalise any of these with out-of-this-world shimmer! For a more elaborate and customised look, you could even suggest a seating chart incorporating the name of a constellation for each table, with an illustration underneath each one. With a moody, metallic theme such as this one, it comes as no surprise that blues and gold/silver/bronze accents are popular. Midnight-blue bridesmaid dresses are a go-to choice, however some brides choose to display an array of blue shades to convey the endless otherworldly ideals. The maid-of-honour can be in a special dress, with beaded embellishments to resemble shooting stars to distinguish her from the other bridesmaids. This will also complement the bride’s dress rather nicely, which will no doubt have some glamorous pattern of scattered stars. The smaller details, such as accessories and the ornaments, may be an excellent choice for couples who want to subtly add this overarching design concept. Specifically, the cake can have a galaxy design, or shimmering elements and star details, while a starlit backdrop behind the top table or surrounding the dancefloor will give you both the feeling of dancing under the stars. There are so many beautiful ways to incorporate celestial elements into your wedding day outfits; whether it be a satin pure-white column dress, or some embellishments with star-shaped accents and crystal beads that replicate a galaxy setting. You could opt for a bridal cape with starry images to make an extra chic appearance. The metallic elements will help to reinforce the mystical motif but it will be easy to remove for more classic stunning photo ops. Or choose some silver heels to pair with your elegant dress along with some star-studded earrings to make a shining statement. TRAVEL-INSPIRED WEDDINGS If exploring different places is one of your mutual passions as a couple, or you have created priceless memories in an exotic location in your time together, then maybe throwing a travel-themed wedding might be for you. Simply integrate details and design elements that relate to the act of travelling and you’ll be able to transport your guests to any thrilling destination that is totally Insta-worthy! One out-of-the-box idea for invitations is having a painted illustration of your designated venue to capture its raw beauty in a similar style to the talented painters in France. When it comes to stationery, you could also consider relaying all of your wedding details on a postcard, complete with a photo of the couple on vacation. This will guarantee personalisation and impress your guests, while giving them a glimpse into the event. Once you seal everything in an envelope, you could add postage stamps from various travel locations to further amplify the theme. Themed weddings are very free-form aesthetics when it comes to dress codes as there are plenty of attire options. If you want to go for a full summery vibe, choose a colour palette that has a lot of eye-catching colours such as yellow, blue, fuchsia or even turquoise – think of the colours featured on a beach ball! These vibrant tones will employ the travel-motifs without making a huge statement. The maid-of-honour could have the brightest bridesmaid dress, so the rest of the guests will be able to recognise her as the member of the bridal party with the most responsibility. For something elegant and tropical, maybe go for an Elle Woods (Legally Blonde) iconic pink? The best way to execute a travel-themed wedding is through decorations that hint to your love of travelling. This could include ceremony programs formatted as passport booklets, with all the necessary informations about your nuptials; a globe that your guests will sign instead of a guest book; or a fun travel-inspired quiz for one of your reception activities! For your floral decorations, take inspiration from a holiday – such as the hot pink bougainvillea flowers depicted in the summer musical hit Mamma Mia! The choice of venue depends on the weather as you’d ultimately want an al fresco vibe or more niche venues could be an airport hanger or a transport-inspired space – like a vintage train station. The cake could be decorated with geographical elements like maps, suitcases, or in the colours of the chosen country’s flag. Your wedding dress or partner’s outfit can be heavily influenced by a culture that deeply resonates with you. Accessories are another seamless way to infuse your passion of travelling into your ensemble. For instance, pair your dress with earrings or a bracelet that your significant other bought you from a boutique while on holiday during your relationship timeline. https://paperstarlight.com www.giselagraham.co.uk www.asos.com https://queenmee.com WEDDING THEMES 57

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