Thursday, March 03, 2011

Couples want Big Day with a difference

HOMEGROWN foods, show-bands, seasonal Irish flowers and vintage dresses are topping the popularity stakes for couples who are looking for a more personal way to celebrate their big day.

According to the founders of alternative wedding website, One of a Kind Weddings, Linda McAllorum and Andrea Carroll, the traditional wedding package of a big dress, church and hotel are making way for more personal and memorable touches.

"Not all couples want to have a typical Christmas dinner-type menu for their summer wedding, or dance to Rock the Boat," said Ms Carroll.

"When I was planning my own wedding I found it difficult to find information on how to add unique touches that I wanted, such as potted plants as opposed to cut flowers because most wedding packages expect that couples are happy to jump aboard the wedding conveyor belt and carry on down the traditional route. We wanted to show people that bringing unique touches — such as having an eco-friendly wedding— does not necessarily mean more expensive."

Personally designed one-of-a-kind dresses made from sustainable fabrics such as organic silks or cotton can cost the same as a typical wedding dress, according to Ms Carroll.

"When it comes to dresses, anything elaborate is out of favour. A lot of brides want something shorter that they can move around in. Vintage is a huge trend at the moment— vintage dresses, headpieces and even serving food on vintage china is all very popular."

Ms Carroll says flower bills can be halved by using seasonal Irish flowers, and hundreds of euro can be saved on the reception wine bill by using an organic supplier.

"Florists have been telling us that flowers like daffodils, snowdrops and tulips are taking the place of traditionally popular flowers such as orchids and lilies," she says.

"People are also opting for old-style music bands and show bands, and themed weddings are popular too — I even know of one couple who had an Alice in Wonderland style Mad Hatter’s tea party. Whether you want a white wedding or a low-key civil event, we can help couples ensure it really is one of a kind."

www.oneofakindweddings.net