surrey weddings
Here Comes The Bride
Bridal couples can really be anything they want to in the 21st century, there are so many choices, whether it be a traditional church service or tying the knot whilst bungy jumping, for today’s brides and grooms the sky’s the limit. But whatever their preference it is as well to make sure the basics – which are the same for any style of wedding – have been covered. There are so many options for the wedding ceremony, the possibilities are endless. Couples can pretty much do as they like as long as they choose a ceremony in a church, a civil ceremony in a licensed building, a civil wedding in a registry office or a ceremony abroad. If the couple are of different faiths they could consider having an inter-faith ceremony, or having the ceremony in one faith and a blessing in the other.
Traditionally the bride is accompanied down the aisle by her father but there is nothing stopping our modern bride choosing her mother, brother or best friend to do this duty if she wants to. If opting for a civil ceremony there are currently over 3,000 premises in the UK which are licensed for weddings. This option gives greater flexibility and allows for more personalisation such as the couple writing their own vows or choosing their own music, but the ceremony must not include any hymns or readings with religious content. Plans are being
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WEDDINGS
formulated in England to change the law so that a religious ceremony can be performed in any licensed premises, but will not be finalised for another few years. If getting married overseas whets the bridal couple’s whistle then they are not alone as over 30,000 UK couples have done just that. It has become a popular choice with those wanting to get away from family politics, do something a bit more adventurous and is a surprisingly low cost option, with most overseas weddings costing around £5,000. These days many holiday resorts have dedicated wedding services and their wedding planners can help co-ordinate the day from afar. Many hotels and resorts even offer special free wedding packages. Best of all is that the couple can already be at their honeymoon destination as soon as the wedding is over.
The Main Man
Weddings tend to be thought of as girl’s territory, but never let it be forgotten that the Groom has a major part to play! You know that your Bride will look wonderful on your wedding day – but what about you, the Bridegroom?
Ideally the principal adult male members of the wedding party should dress alike although the groom may choose to be slightly different. Hiring or buying from a creditable men’s outfitter is a must. The staff are qualified to advise you on your
Photograph courtesy of
www.peterposh.co.uk Local stockist Lequest, Weybridge Surrey
choice of style and colour and will help you avoid mistakes that you may later regret. To create the perfect co-ordinated look, do visit the outfitters with your best man, the ushers and if possible your father and the bride’s father. Make sure that your choice also co-ordinates with the colour scheme for the bridesmaids.
Remember though that morning dress is not a uniform. Although it looks great, you may prefer to take the opportunity to have a suit made. Allow plenty of time – three or four months is sensible – so that you are not rushed for fittings. Tell the tailor that the suit is for a wedding and choose something that is a little different from a suit you would normally wear to work – perhaps a three piece. If you don’t have money to spare for a bespoke suit, you’ll find that many shops offer personal tailoring with a wide range of cloths and styling options. The suit will not be handmade but you will have the chance to add individual touches, such as lapels on waistcoats. Colour themes can be elegant but don’t get carried away by them. Shirt, tie, braces, pocket square and matching suit lining all in chartreuse can be a bit overwhelming.
If it is an evening wedding, consider wearing white tie and tails. This is the evening equivalent of morning dress, profoundly elegant and genuinely timeless. Black patent shoes with black ribbon laces and black silk socks complete the outfit.
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