While their marriage was not a fairytale, one of the most iconic weddings to date is that of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. From those puffy sleeves to that trailing train, Princess Diana made many memorable fashion moments with her bridal attire, influencing brides for decades to come.
In 1981, Lady Diana Spencer said “I do” to Prince Charles, making her a princess, both officially and in people hearts. The shoes she wore to walk down the aisle had a surpringly sweet hidden meaning.
For her big day, Princess Diana opted to wear flats. Celebrity accessories designer Clive Shilton explains that she did this so that she would not appear taller than her future husband, as they were the exact same height.
‘Her main concern was that she wouldn’t appear taller than Prince Charles, and because she was very tall – 5ft 10in – the shoes would have to have a low heel.’
The shoes were adorned with 500 sequins, over 100 seed pearls, satin and lace. The suede arches featured a sweet, romantic detail painted on them: the letters ‘C’ for Charles and ‘D’ for Diana, with a heart between them.
Other royals must have taken inspiration from Princess Diana since then. Megan Markle had fabric from the dress she wore on her first date with Prince Harry sewn onto her wedding gown, and her veil was embroidered with 53 flour and fauna to represent the Commonwealth countries. Kate Middleton’s wedding dress sleeves featuring floral embroidery representing the national emblems of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Feature image: Pinterest
Weddings, like a whole lot of other industries, have been heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Experts say it’s likely to continue to change as trends adapt to…
Since you’ve been given the honour of speaking at a loved ones wedding, you probably don’t want to dissapoint them. However, as much as a wedding toast is privilage it can also be a daunting challenge.
“There are so many things that could go wrong,” is likely along the lines of what you’re thinking. It seems that wedding toasts commonly take one of two paths. On the one hand they are either extremely memorable and everyone is in tears (of laughter or emotion), or on the other they are disastrous, inappropriate and downright cringe-worthy.
Of course, you’ll be trying your hardest to be the former, rather than the latter. To ensure you’re giving the best toast possible, here are some tips:
– Open with how you know the newly weds
It will give context to your speech for those who are not aware of who you are, and is generally considered to be more a police gesture.
– Address both partners
Just because only one of them have been through thick and thin with you, doesn’t mean you get to completely ignore the other! They are sharing this special day and you have been asked to share it with them. It would be rude to make it about only one of them.
– Be sure to add personal touches
Weddings are very personal occasions. The couple and the audience will love hearing your anecdotes and emotions and they will repond better than if you used a generic speech that could have been taken staight of of the internet.
– Things you shouldn’t include
There are some serious no-go’s when it comes to wedding toasts. These are: crude language, inappropriate or explicit stories, and anything about the exes of those getting married. No matter what. Do not include these in your speech.
– Be aware of time
We all know that nobody really wants to listen to a long, dragged out speech at a wedding. People will get bored. Be sure to stick to a reaonable time frame, maybe 3 to 6 minutes long. Don’t make it too short either though, it will seem as though you were uninterested and didn’t take the job seriously!
– No inside jokes
Most of the audience wouldn’t understand the joke, and the reaction will not be what you want it to be… I can assure you. Don’t add it, it’s not worth it.
Image: Unsplash
Des Codona has always wanted to marry his partner and mother of his kids, Christine Meaney. The timing was just never right. When Codona was diagnosed with terminal…
If you’re a colourful person, why not have your engagement ring to reflect that? Instead of opting for the standard diamond, go for something unique and unexpected. Colourful stones have been trending in the wedding world for a few years now.
While rubies, sapphire and tanzanite are popular alternative choices, how about something less popular but equally beautiful? Aquamarine is slowly growing in popularity as an engagement ring stone. Here’s why.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_tNcJmB_yV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Aquamarine is a light blue stone reminiscent of crystal clear ocean waters, making it a fitting option for your ‘something blue’. This stone falls in the beryl family, calling morganite and emerald sisters. It’s name comes from the latin aqua marinu, meaning “water of the sea”.
Aquamarine scores 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it less durable than a diamond, but is more suited for everyday wear.
The stone is typically a light greenish-blue, but can range in shades and colour saturation. The more vivid the colour, the more expensive the stone. Instead of size, the price of the stone is dependent on clarity, depth of colour, and to a lesser extent the purity of colour.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_0XJx_lCUI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Speaking to Brides.com, jewelry expert Lauren McCawley explains the interesting legend of this dazzling stone.
“Legend has it that the aquamarine gemstone originated in the treasure chests of mermaids,” said McCawley. “Mariners have long carried the stone for protection against the wrath of the sea.”
As such, aquamarine makes for an amazing gift for anyone with a deep love for the ocean. It is also the birthstone for March, so anyone born in that month will appreciate this stone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_hyAhNgSPP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Picture: Pexels
Your guests need to know where to sit at your reception, so you might as well guide them in style. Seating charts have gotten much more elaborate over…
When guests toast to the newlyweds, it should be in style. It’s easy to pour some bubbly in a glass, but where’s the fun in that?
Since signature drinks have grown in popularity over the years, many couples are opting for creative, aesthetically pleasing ways to serve up their beverages. If you’ve got a particular wedding theme, extending it to your drinks is a great way to make your wedding even more cohesive.
Here are some fun and creative ways to serve up your drinks and give your guests liquid courage.
A champagne tower:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_r6P5HlrAe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Cotton candy dreams:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_t-8orDsg_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Wall of wonder:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9z13cQpyZF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Floral fancy:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_q7g7GD2oQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
One tequila, two tequila:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_1IYJSlrtn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Go coco-nutty:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B67Ot5Yqsqd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
DIY:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_pxdXQHCuA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Popping prosecco popsicles:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_o5Q8cqLfK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Tutti-frutti:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_X5tItpDHu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
When life hands you lemons:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_XgAD1FA6G/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Feature image: