Believe it or not, the recession has seen the marriage rate rise. Experts say the trend could be a result of people seeking greater stability at a time of uncertainty. At the opposite end of the spectrum there are the big, fat gypsy weddings on Channel 4, with not much “stability” on show, but providing colour and entertainment. All are elements of the perfect wedding.
For couples contemplating getting married, wedding fairs can provide inspiration for themes as well as meeting the suppliers in person.
The trend in vintage-themed weddings is popularised by Vintage Wedding Fairs being held all over the country this year. In a recession, there is some comfort to be had in the beautiful lace, crystal bouquets and glamorous silhouettes of yesteryear. If you’re lucky enough to possess your grandmother’s wedding veil, then 2012 is the year it will be truly admired.
Similarly, the Designer Wedding and Luxury Wedding Shows this year, emphasise craftsmanship, individuality and quality. The buzz word is “passion” not for each other, but for bespoke, handmade shoes.
Given the economic climate, couples are being savvy shoppers, in search of the maximum bang for their buck. The internet serves to educate so that when the tribe of bride, maids and mother of- descend on a Wedding Fair, the chances are that they will already have an idea of what they are looking for.
The multitude of wedding bloggers and online magazines provide insights into real weddings and a plethora of ideas to suit every character, such as the Rock ‘n Roll bride blog which aims to “provide a little haven of kick ass weddingness in a cookie cutter, pastel and often puke-worthy wedding world.”
In a move away from the “wedding bazaar” of suppliers at the overwhelmingly enormous shows, there is a trend towards smaller, local and more manageable exhibitions such as the Luxury Wedding Show at One London Wall, open from 4-8pm on Tuesday evening 21 February, perfect for a busy City worker looking for a wedding cake supplier who serves the square mile.
Green’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar at 14 Cornhill, in the City of London, (EC3V 3ND) can offer brides the grandeur of a past era in its impressive double volume space, but more importantly, it is a blank canvas for the creation of a truly unique wedding day. For couples who are foodies and wish to pamper their guests with a delicious wedding feast, the iconic Green’s, Cornhill provides all the answers.
