Your East Anglian Wedding - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 41)

LEADING LADIES I’ve been living with my boyfriend for a while now and as 2020 is a leap year, I’m thinking of proposing on February 29 th as I’ve been told it’s the traditional day for women to take the plunge. Is that right? Grace says: There’s a traditional mindset that proposing is mainly the responsibility of the man but, according to research by social dating app True View, the truth of the matter is a whopping 69 per cent of men rather like the idea of their girlfriend getting down on one knee. So, when is a good time to do it? That’s tricky, after all in the spirit of female empowerment I’d say anytime is a good time to take control, but if you’ve got your heart set on tradition, February 29 th is historically the day for women to take the plunge. There are various theories about where this concept originated from. Some suggest that it dates back to Scotland, in 1288, when Queen Margaret supposedly enacted a law allowing women to propose on leap year day as long as they were wearing a red petticoat to signal their intention. Any bachelors who turned down hopeful women on this day had to offer up a consolation prize, like a kiss, a silk dress or gloves. If you’re considering popping the question, you certainly won’t be the first to do so. In fact, you’ll be following in the footsteps of many celebrities, pop stars, singers and famous people. Queen Victoria asked Prince Albert to marry her in 1839 and actress Zsa Zsa Gabor proposed to all nine of her husbands, although they weren’t leap-year proposals. The truth is, if you’re the kind of person who’s happy to take over the reins, you’re unlikely to be the type to be bound by convention, so really the whole year’s your oyster. What is important however, is making sure the time is right to take the next step. Grace Flynn | Events manager | uffordpark.co.uk FASHION FORWARD I’m excited about shopping for my wedding dress but have no idea what the current trends are. Can you give me some pointers? Kim says: Sleeves are a big theme, not just traditional, there are detachable ones and even ’80s-style puffball sleeves are making a return, but this time worn off the shoulder. Softer tulle, chiffon and silk fabrics are popular and with the emphasis on less structured silhouettes we’re seeing more soft A-line styles with beautiful embroidered details, more bold patterns and less traditional lace. With our fitted silhouette dresses we find the low-back gowns with amazing detail on the trains are really causing a stir. Colour is still key with everything from soft grey to pink and even black, for those that dare! We stock some gorgeous dresses in nude, blush, and champagne shades which suit most complexions unlike white and ivory which can be draining for anyone with pale skin. Accessories are key to complete your big-day look. Full-length veils still tend to be the main choice and some of our designers offer matching ones to complement the dress perfectly. There’s also continued demand for hair vines to either weave through plaits or frame the hair whether it’s worn up or down. Kim Burr | Bridal boutique owner | burrbridal.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 107