BRIDESPEAK
We asked newlyweds and those about to say “I do” how they coped with the lifestyle changes that came with the pandemic. And we got some fascinating answers “Well, we waited two years or so. Bit nails, tugged hair, took up baking, made contact through social media with people we hadn’t seen for years. Fretted about our dresses. We learned to play poker (not well), and watched a huge amount of rubbishy television. So, when it was suddenly okay to realise our dream, we put those months behind us and focused on celebrating. The staff at the boutique where we bought our gowns were amazing and sorted alterations (needed after all that cake-consuming) really fast as we were worried the freedom to go ahead would be halted again. The only thing that sadden us both was that certain friends and family members couldn’t share our long-awaited day.” Sam and Lizzie
“After all those ons and offs and repeated disappointments because of restrictions, we decided that rather than play it down and be discreet, we’d wait and do it big time. Big celebration, big numbers, the biggest cake imaginable, music and dancing and a dream of a dress that my chosen bridal boutique just knew would work for me. It is big, too, with detachable sleeves and a big floaty overskirt so I’ll be able to change my look several times. Are we being extravagant? Yes, and we deserve it.” Ruthie and Charlie
“Of course it wasn’t what we’d planned, and what I’d looked forward to since I was a kid, but the smallness and intimacy of what I now refer to as our Little Day was so very special. I did wear the dress I had picked at the start, a big frothy number, and I love the photographs of just the two of us, looking for all intents and purposes, like we had stepped away from the crowd. Will we be having a follow-up wedding? Nope. Our Little Day was a dream come true, just realised in a different way.” Lara and Pete
“We did the best thing possible. Hung up our wedding kit for another day and made a baby instead. He’s a year old now, and a dream come true. We will get round to replanning a big day soon, but I want our little Jack to be there.” Lainey and Julian 66 ♦ W E D D I N G T R A D E R ♦ J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2
