An Essex Wedding - January/February 2021 (Issue 96)

Our experts help you plan your dream day HOT TOPIC www.lotti ephotography.com SUIT UP Q: What are the latest menswear trends to get my husband-to-be looking his best? A classic lounge suit with a tweed waistcoat is proving very popular with our grooms. This look brings a modern twist to a classic style, while keeping it formal enough for the day. We also suggest bringing the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses into the neckwear to ensure the colour palette runs throughout the wedding party, creating a cohesive look. On the day, we want our grooms to look in the mirror and know they look and feel the best they ever have, giving them confidence for the day ahead. Alex and John | dapper chaps | www.dapperchapsformalwear.co.uk YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY Q: We’ve found out we can’t legally get married outside. What are our options? Currently, celebrant-led ceremonies are not legal. However, they offer the most freedom of choice in terms of ceremony content and location. Anything goes, whether you want to get married on a farm at sunrise, in your back garden or under a woodland canopy at night. If you book a registrar to conduct your ceremony at a licensed venue, it’s basically the same as what you get in a registry office, just in a venue; all the same legalities and restrictions apply. Even if you want to tie the knot outside, you’ll have to do so under an approved structure such as a gazebo or pavilion. Instead, many couples will have their standard legal ceremony at a registry office on a weekday when it’s least expensive. Then, they’ll splash out on their personalised celebrant ceremony for themselves and their guests at a venue or location of their choice. They will then have total freedom in all aspects to have the bespoke ceremony of their dreams. Amanda Wheal | Amanda’s Beautiful Ceremonies www.amandasceremonies.com https://da-p hoto.co.uk ASK THE EXPERTS 97