Engaged at Christmas? How Exciting Now what?

BY DOROTHY COOPER, RED ROSE CEREMONIES

Isn’t the prospect of getting married

exciting – a warm fizzy feeling to match the bubbles in the prosecco that you toasted your engagement with.

So what do you do next? The answer is simple – before you plan/book anything or pick up a bridal magazine, talk to each other. A wedding should be about what you both want, not what relatives, friends or fashion magazines tell you that you should have. Trends for 2022 – 2023 There is so much pressure in the media to have the latest, trendiest, most fashion forward…the list is endless. Do you really need/want those? Industry sources believe that following the restrictions of 2020-2021, 2022 is set for romance, boho escapism, flamboyance, short dresses, colour and casting away the restrictions that we have all been hemmed in by. Fabulous if you want that, but you should be able to make your own choices no matter what, without being made to feel guilty because you are not pushing the boundaries – or the budget. Small is good During the last two years, many people have re-evaluated if full on is necessary. Why not scale back, and have something small for close family and friends; a more intimate, personal ceremony? Sustainability Rent the wedding dress – eco-friendly, sustainable and less expensive. Buy a vintage ring that’s been cherished by others and carry on their love through yours. Print invitations on bee friendly seed paper that your guests can plant. Pick a venue that has décor included – a canal boat, a Zoo, a botanical garden, anywhere that has a stunning backdrop which you don’t need to enhance with extras. Consider paper flowers made from the same bee friendly paper as your invitations, to plant or to last forever if you want to keep them. Instead of favours, use that money to donate to a charity. Tell your guests that’s what you are doing; they may decide to add to the donation to celebrate your wedding. There are so many options – you just need to think slightly differently and not just accept the package that you are offered at your chosen venue. Question them about their sustainability. Where do they source their food? How do they minimise waste? Engage a celebrant If you are happy to split the legal part from the celebration, then engage a celebrant. We will (and this is not a definitive list) get to know you and your partner, plan, research and create your ceremony, conduct it on the day, co-ordinate and collaborate with your other wedding vendors and suppliers in advance and on the day, plan, create and lead rehearsals for you, offer wedding vow guidance and support and much more to create the ceremony that you want, not what the trends tell you should have.

Freya Raby Photography www.freyaraby.co.uk

Let’s carry on the excitement of your engagement by planning your day - call or email if you would like to know more – always

happy to chat 07970 058 548 or email enquiry@redroseceremonies.co.uk or visit www. redroseceremonies.co.uk