Getting married nowadays isn’t just about getting to the church on time. There are plenty of variations on the traditional ceremony and choosing the right one is vitally important. When it comes down to it there are going to be few more important days in your life, so you’ll be wanting to get this bang on.
The Church Wedding
We’ll start with the traditional. Are you traditional? Brides love the idea of a church wedding; however the popularity of getting hitched under the watchful eye of the lord is becoming trickier. Especially if you’re not particularly religious. It isn’t entirely closed to those without any religious leanings, but it does help to be a regular attendee on a Sunday. Also mothers of brides love a church wedding, and keeping them happy is always a good idea.
The Castle Wedding
If you’ve got money to burn and want the grandeur of a church ceremony without the god stuff, this is a fine option. Spectacular scenery, draughty corridors and probably rules about not spilling red wine on the ancient wood floors, just what every princess deserves.
The Registry Office Wedding
Budget conscious types love a registry office. But it isn’t just about saving the pennies. It means you can spend them elsewhere, namely on DJs, bands, food and beverages! It’s going to be hell of a party and what better way is there than celebrating your love than dancing ’til dawn with a babycham in one hand and a pork pie in the other.
The Beach Wedding
Tying the knot on the beach is wonderful and suits those who love sun, sea, sand and sangria. It can be considered a little naff, dependent on location, but that’s not really fair. If you want to get married in a linen suit and flip-flops go for it! It’s important to try and budget to get the most important members of your family and a few close friends out to share in the ceremony too. Otherwise you’re in line for a few cold shoulders come the family Christmas.
The Shotgun Wedding
Impulsive? Head over heels in love? Then this is for you. Ideal locations are Gretna Green and Las Vegas. Gretna tends to be a bit more about formalities rather than wild abandon, but it is the number one shotgun wedding location in the UK. As for Vegas, it’s Vegas baby. Meet a dancing girl, fall in love, lose your shirt, realise she wasn’t just interested in your cash and get married to her by Elvis for 5 dollars. Awesome!
Wedding bands you might think are fairly standard, but this just isn’t the case. Beside adding uniqueness in terms of design, style and inscriptions the choice of material to have it made out of is vital too. It’s not just about gold or silver, though they do feature, they couldn’t not really… Without further ado, my top 5 wedding ring materials are…
Silver
Some would say that it is more fashionable than gold. It is arguable if this is the case. It can be considered sleeker and more popular among younger folks tying knots. This probably has plenty to do with the fact it is cheaper than gold. However it will scratch and wear, so be warned.
Gold
It’s a classic look. You can’t go wrong, with a hoop of gold when it comes to symbolising your on-going commitment to your partner. Yellow gold is coming back into fashion in a big way so that might be something to consider. And remember too that in our current climate, gold is always going to hold its value.
Wood
Maybe not the choice for everyone, but its popularity is increasing massively. In a world that needs to be green, couples with a commitment to the environment like the added layer of meaning having wooden wedding bands gives. Also it’s likely to be a fraction of the cost of a ring made from precious metal. Durability is obviously somewhat compromised though.
Meteorite
You can have rings made of space rocks! I love this idea which is why, although not overly popular, it is in my top 5 wedding ring materials. It’s perfect for those with ‘out-of-this-world’ dimensions to their relationship. See what I did!?!
Anything
I’m still a fan of using hula hoops upon that third finger to demonstrate your love. Or plastic rings from Christmas crackers, or even those dispensing machines you get at the seaside. Think the opening wedding of the four in Four Weddings and a Funeral. Brilliant.
The wedding jewelry people Brilliance have created a cool infographic, comparing the costs of Kim Kardashian’s wedding last August against the average cost of most peoples’ nuptials. Enjoy…
