bride

Revamp The Bridal Party

Today, gender roles in weddings have become much more relaxed. Gone are the days of having to have either gender in any specific roles.

If you want a woman as your ‘best man,’ then there’s no rule to say you cannot go for it. Similarly when it comes to the bridesmaids there’s been a move toward including grandmothers in the bridal party too. Or if the couple getting married has children, why not ask them to step in to some of the key roles, such as the ‘best man?’

This goes for the walk up the aisle too. While it’s traditional to have the father walk the bride up the aisle, this might not be something that is right for every family for a number of reasons, so don’t be afraid to change it up.

The main thing to keep in mind is that, you need to do what suits your family best and with same sex marriage now finally legalised in Ireland for the last couple of years, there’s a very real sense that now more than ever that traditional roles no longer apply.

So remember, there’s no need to stick to any set or traditional lines of convention and while in the past that might have been harder to pull off, thankfully today there is more openness and inclusivity than ever before.

Here’s some ideas to get you thinking. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

The Best Person

Some grooms may have a close friend who is female, or an aunt or a sister who they’d be more comfortable with filling the role of the ‘best man.’  And there’s no reason why that cannot be the case. Just be sure that your partner-to-be is also happy with the choice.

 

Kids Filling Roles

These days many couples already have children before they decide to tie the knot. So why not have them get involved in the key roles of the day. It will make them feel included and special and it’s something they will always remember too.  From the best man to a maid of honour or even escorting mum down the aisle, there’s lots of ways to get your children involved.

 

Get Grandparents Involved

Not all couples are lucky enough to have their grandparents around when they get married. So many of those how do, can often be very close to them and realise how special it is to have them be a part of their wedding day. So why not get them involved in the bridal party? Be it your granny as a bridesmaid or your granddad as your best man, it’s a lovely tribute and something you will both always remember.

 

The Walk Up the Aisle

Recently the world watched as Meghan Markle tied the knot with Britain’s Prince Harry. She walked up the first half of the aisle by herself and was then joined by her husband-to-be’s father Prince Charles who escorted her up the second half of the walk. Gone are the days when the father has to do the walk up the aisle. These days it’s all about what suits the couple and the family best. Sometimes a father and step father might share the role, sometimes a mother will do the walk, sometimes both parents will walk on either side, or sometimes a bride will want to walk alone. Chose what is right for you and your family situation.

 

Images via Pinterest 

Morning of The Wedding Surprises

The morning of your wedding day is really special. In many ways it’s the calm before the very exciting storm that is to come. It’s one of the only times on the day when you’ll have a moment to yourself. You’ll likely spend the rest of the morning with your close family and friends as you all prepare for the ceremony.

It’s also the last time you’ll be away from your partner as a ‘single’ person.

Those few hours are generally spent full of emotion, from laughs to tears to excitement and a little nerves. So it’s nice to surprise your other half with a little heartfelt gift or message to put a smile on their face.

There’s so many ways to do this and the only limit is your imagination. And don’t forget to enlist the help of the bridesmaids or best man too if needs be.

Here’s some visual inspiration for you. In the meantime don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

Letter

There’s nothing wrong with a classic and these days how many of us have actually sat down and written our other half a love letter? Your wedding is the perfect time to do it and why not have a member of the bridal party deliver it, or hide in his or her luggage.

 

Send a Sneak Peek Text

Most couples don’t see each other for most of the day and night before the wedding and while some swap the odd text, you still won’t be seeing each other for a full 24 hours. So why not send a sneak peek text? Get your bridesmaids together with signs saying something like ‘Wait until you see her’, or get the groomsmen together with signs saying ‘He can’t wait to see you.’ So  while you’re not really giving anything away as such, it’s still guaranteed to bring a smile to their face

 

 

Boudoir Shoot

For something a little more unusual, why not arrange for a boudoir style photoshoot before the wedding and surprise your other half with a picture on the morning of the wedding. And this goes for the guys too not just the women!

 

Jewellery

Another classic, the presentation of a small piece of engraved or personalised jewellery like cufflinks or a necklace, is a very thoughtful surprise for the morning of the wedding.

 

Embroidered Hankie

This is a very sweet idea and you can go for a few lines that mean something very personal and special to your not as a coupe. If you’re stuck for words then a lot of craft website like Etsy or Notonthehighstreet will give you plenty of beautiful inspiration.

 

Customise Their Clothes

This is a great surprise if you can pull it off, but you’ll need someone on the inside to help! AKA a bridesmaid or groomsman. A secret note sewed into the grooms tie, or into the underside of the brides dress or something on the sole of a shoe will definitely elicit a smile.

 

Images via pinterest