Modern Weddings: How Can You Make Your Big Day One You’ll Never Forget?
Weddings are an occasion like no other. For most of us, it is the best day of our lives, the start of the rest of our lives with the person we love, committing ourselves to them til death do us part. Henry VIII loved them so much he got married six times! And it is not hard to see what sparked his enthusiasm; beyond the formal ceremony itself weddings have become an event in and of themselves. It is no longer uncommon for them to last multiple days, with friends and relatives jetting across the world for what have become festivals of modern matrimony.
Marriage has always been an institution in our society but, in the modern era, it has become an entire industry worth £14 billion to the UK economy. Wedding planners, dressmakers, cake bakers and flower decorators have all sprung up to cater for these often massive events, typically at eye-watering prices for the parents of the happy couple. Another knock on effect of this trend is the comparison culture which surrounds weddings, perpetuated, of course, by social media. This tends to unwittingly pit brides and grooms against one another in a fierce bout of competitive extravagance, each trying to make sure their special day is grander and more spectacular than those of their peers.
But do not be persuaded by this societal pressure – your wedding day should be special for its intrinsic value, the experience of committing yourself to your partner for life, surrounded by cherished friends and family. After all, it is your day and no one else’s. So, unless it is what your heart truly desires, you can probably ditch the ice sculptures, harpists and white doves and focus on the things which make you truly happy. Nor should you let anyone else persuade you to opt for things you don’t truly want. Although, if your parents are bankrolling the wedding, you might have to let Mum invite Margaret from down the road!
Here are some modern wedding ideas which could make your big day one of unparalleled joy –but always remember entertaining guests should be a secondary priority as this is your day as a couple and yours alone.
Rings
No wedding would be complete without the rings. These small pieces of rock and metal are a symbol of the bond you are establishing between one another, and they are often worth more than the finger you put them on so it is not a decision to be taken lightly. Some people pass down family heirlooms to younger generations while others prefer to start fresh and go for a more modern look. If you are going for the latter approach, it is vital that you choose wisely (or, for engagement rings, nudge your clueless other half wisely!). While a wedding ring is ultimately an accessory, it is one you will be expected to wear for the rest of your life so making the right choice is important. In recent years, tungsten has emerged as a material to rival gold and silver as a choice for modern spouses. Tungsten rings are more durable and can be embossed with a range of modern designs. So if you are after something different, this might be the right choice for you.
Weddings abroad
On to the wedding itself. As our society shrugs off long-held traditions and embraces a more globalised world, weddings have shifted from a local to an often international affair. It is becoming increasingly common for people to hold their winter weddings in hot destinations ranging from Antigua to Thessaloniki. The thought of getting married on the beach is certainly a tantalising prospect, allowing you to transform your wedding celebrations into a week-long extravaganza. However, it will also place some restrictions on what you can do and, more importantly, who can attend. Organising a wedding abroad will require most of the preparations to be done remotely, so, unless you go through a fancy wedding planning agency, it might cause you something of an administrative headache. And let’s face it, no one wants that on their wedding day. Nor can you expect everyone of your friends and family to take the time off work or sort out child care to come along. As such, weddings abroad are probably better-suited to smaller, tight-knit groups.
Getting the reception right
A wedding reception tends to be a massive party for everyone involved, a chance for the bride and groom to invite those who could not all squash into the church. But, like any party, many things can still go wrong if they are not planned effectively. Seating plans, alcohol provision, specific food requirements, all can present a minefield. Make sure you plan well in advance to avoid any complications.
With all the stress that planning such a big event can create, it is easy to lose sight of why you are getting married in the first place but this is your big day so make sure it goes how you want it to.