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

“I know this sounds crazy, but having to stay put didn’t really bother us, especially as we both work from home anyway. We used Zoom almost every day to talk to friends and family and probably spent more time in conversation than we would normally. And we also got to know our young nieces and nephews which would not have happened normally. After much thought, we have now replanned our wedding and are going to combine it with a holiday somewhere exotic. Just the two of us. I hadn’t made a firm decision about my dress when we first got engaged – I had wanted a real classic originally – and my favourite shop did not try to pressurise me, which I am so thankful for. I have now been back to them and picked, with their help, a beautiful boho look made up of trousers, a top, and also a skirt, so I’ll be able to take my pick when we get back home and have a really relaxed party.” Cindy and Max

“I have to say, in retrospect, would our wedding have been better with all those friends and family on the original list? It was perfect being just us, a long way from what we envisaged, and every minute has become a special treasure that will stay with us forever. I’m not sure that would have been the case if we had spent the day entertaining guests. I had always planned a chic, simple slip dress with a shawl that had been my grandma’s, and that’s what I wore. My other half, I have to say, wore jeans and a linen jacket!” Sonja and Fredric

“The best thing that came out of the covid situation and being stuck at home was realising that my intended one was not the best thing for me. We split up a year ago and I felt so free, despite the pandemic restrictions in place. I have now met someone else and we are talking about life together and a wedding is on the cards. Last time round, I went to three or four different bridal boutiques and was so undecided about what I wanted (that makes sense now), but now I have an appointment set up with just one who stayed in contact in the early days of lockdown and was also a great listener when I decided to call off the relationship. I want that consultant with me on my special day.” Kate P