Bride for All Seasons
By Marsha Tang
Everybody loves a white wedding; the delicate ivory dress, the thick, creamy paper of the invitations, the crisp, snowy napkins on the reception tables. But elegant though it may be, is it always appropriate? How comfortable would you be in elbow-length gloves and a floor-length gown in sweltering 40 degree heat? Nor would you want to be served a cold seafood buffet when there’s just as much ice outside as there is propping up the prawns and oysters. Tailoring your wedding to the seasons means that the choices you make will suit that particular time of year with the bonus of having a theme to work with to inject a little individuality into your special day.
SUMMER
What does everyone do when summer comes? Hit the beach of course, so why not do the same for your wedding. Imagine the feel of the soft sand as you stroll barefoot along the beach towards the man of your dreams. Share your first kiss as man and wife to the sounds of the waves lapping gently on the shore.
AUTUMN
Of all the seasons, autumn provides brides with the most naturally, beautiful backdrop for their weddings. Orchards are stunning settings for ceremonies. The ruby reds and brilliant browns of the falling leaves coupled with the heavenly scent of the fruit trees and the rich earth will enhance the romance of the wedding. Also, with summer gone and winter lurking just around the corner, autumn is a time of nostalgia and sentiment so light a bonfire during the reception (well away from the trees of course) for guests to gather around to share stories about the newlyweds and their own happy marriages.
WINTER
Unless you’re as lucky as Mary and somehow find yourself a Danish crown prince, your wedding day will probably be the only time you get to be a princess. Why not make the most of it and transform yourself into an ice queen or a snow princess. One of the advantages of a winter wedding is that reception venue prices are generally lower and the staff will be more agreeable to helping you custom-tailor the room. Create your own magical kingdom with an ice sculpture centerpiece and glittering crystals scattered over the tables. You can even co-ordinate your guests with the décor by specifying a ‘white tie’ dress code on the invitations.
SPRING
In springtime, the trend is to hold garden weddings at home. It’s a great idea as it often cuts down on costs and allows you the freedom to perform special rituals without having to apply for permits or ask permission. Spring is a time of birth and new beginnings and so too is your wedding so why not plant a fruit tree together during your ceremony. As you nurture your sapling over the years, watch it grow and eventually bear fruit, it will be a living reminder of the tenderness and care that will also need to go into your marriage to make it fruitful one.
Whether you’re a sucker for summer or wild about winter, embrace the seasons and make your wedding the event of the year.
