Shopping for your wedding dress is a significant part of your wedding journey. For some brides, this is the time when it all starts to feel real, so make sure your experience is as good as it can possibly get:
Losing a family member is heartbreaking – and when it comes to getting married, their absence is often amplified. Acknowledging these special loved ones can become overwhelming, especially when trying to maintain a celebratory atmosphere throughout your day.
Fortunately, weddings are sentimental occasions, leaving room for a myriad of ways to acknowledge those dearly departed. The trick is to strike a balance – honouring loved ones without turning your big day into a memorial service. Whether the gesture be small and personalised or open and public, there is always a tasteful way to do it.
Here are five simple and subtle ways to remember someone passed at your wedding:
Attach a small photo to your bouquet: This is particularly meaningful for a bride who has lost her father – a highly personal yet subtle gesture that is the perfect little reminder that your dad is walking you down the aisle in spirit.
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Incorporate old fabric into your suit or wedding gown: Keep the spirit of your lost loved ones close by – literally. Use mom’s wedding dress to create your own gown, or transform one of dad’s old ties into a trendy pocket square.
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Reserve a seat at the ceremony: Of course nothing compares to having your loved ones physically by your side but reserving them a seat while you say your “I dos” can be a special reminder of their irreplaceable presence. Mark their seat with a favorite flower or sentimental possession.
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Set up a photo display: This is a great option for couples who want to keep their tribute lighthearted. It avoids creating a heavy atmosphere for guests as family members can step aside to acknowledge deceased family members in private.
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Dedicate a song: Whether it is your first dance or just a casual slot on the playlist, dedicate a song to someone no longer around. Levels of discretion can be altered to your personal taste here; make a grand gesture with an announcement or toast or simply appreciate the special moment to yourself.
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Picture: Unsplash
When it comes to ‘business in the front and party at the back’, wedding dresses with gorgeous back detail have got it down.
Whether you’re looking for something simple, modern or over the top, we’ve got all the (local!) inspiration you need for your dream wedding dress right here:
Elbeth Gillis
Robyn Roberts
Anna Georgina
Lena Lisa
Cindy Bam
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#cindybambride “I felt so amazing in my dress and loved working with you.” Laura
Vagabond
Image: Pritti by Migneon Marais (model wearing Cindy Bam)
American socialite Amanda Hearst and Norwegian film director Joachim Rønning had a four day nuptial celebration. The wedding ceremony took place on August 2, 2019. The romantic love affair was held in California at the Hearst Castle. Amanda is the great-granddaughter of American publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst, and Joachim is known for directing Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019).
Micaela Erlanger was Amanda’s stylist for the big weekend. The rehearsal dinner entailed a Viktor and Rolf Soir dress, which was a beautiful white garment that was paired with a Judith Leiber Crystal Castle clutch and Sergio Rossi shoes.
Amanda wore an Oscar de la Renta gown for the ceremony. The bride requested that her gown be completely sustainable. This meant that nothing was imported or specially requested and all materials were sourced locally or taken from the designer’s own supplies. Even the boning of the dress was reused as it was taken from a previous gown. The silk was bought from the Taroni mill, which the Green Carpet Fashion Awards in 2017 announced as their ‘sustainable producer’ winner.
After the ‘I dos’ Amanda slipped into a Galvan halter dress for the reception. To end off the night, she wore a Giambattista Valli couture dress, and on Saturday Amanda turned heads with yet another Oscar de la Renta dress.
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Maybe blondes do have more fun ??♀️??♀️??♀️ @parishilton #makeupbydianebuzzetta
The Moroccan-themed reception included caviar, champagne and a traditional white wedding cake. Their guest list included Paris and Nicky Hilton, Jay McInerney, Kick Kennedy and Candace Bushnell. They indulged next to the famous Hearst Castle pool.
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Blonde crew ✨ #KathyHilton #ParisHilton @AmandaHearst @AnneHearst #NickyHilton
Amanda and Joachim didn’t have a typical and ordinary rehearsal dinner though. To incorporate a bit of Norwegian flair on the day, guests were encouraged to visit a reindeer that had a special invitation to the party.
The Hearst Castle wasn’t just any venue for the happy couple. The castle was partly designed and conceptualised by Amanda’s great grandfather, William Randolph Hearst. The estate is a national historic landmark and belongs to the state of California.
Picture: Instagram/Amanda Hearst