The Hour

Traditional white wedding are still big business, but if the idea of walking up the aisle of a church in a big meringue dress puts you into a cold sweat, then an alternative wedding might be just what you’ve been looking for.

According to Angela Smith from the Scottish Wedding Show, more and more couples are opting to make their big day one that no one will forget, by picking wackier and wackier themes to celebrate their marriage.

She’s heard of people marking their vows in all ways, from weddings taking place everywhere from the top of a mountain to a football stadium and even in a nightclub.

“I think people are looking for something a bit different, it’s about injecting your personality into it.,” Angela explained. When people say alternative weddings you maybe think Star Wars, fancy dress, but it’s not really about that and there are so many different options out there nowadays that you can really put your stamp on your wedding day.”

She added: “The only thing that determines where you get married is what kind of ceremony you have. So religious as long as you (have a) celebrant it’s OK, you can get married anywhere civil, as long as you’ve got a licence, and if the place you choose doesn’t have a licence you can apply for one.

“And we’re really lucky that humanist ceremonies are legal in Scotland, one of only six countries, and they’re really flexible. You can choose your wows, you choose your promises, and you can get married just about anywhere.”

One of the most important elements of a wedding for any woman is picking the perfect dress, and going for a style that’s slightly different is the ideal way to inject some variety into your big day.

But Angela gave a word of warning about picking a really wacky outfit. “You have to be absolutely sure it’s what you want, you’re looking at those pictures in years to come, so be sure you want to go a little bit outrageous,” she explained.

Two of Angela’s favourite alternative wedding gowns are from designer Lindsay Fleming, with one a red medieval style dress which costs £1740, and one a beautiful green dress covered in real peacock feathers, which is £1800. More information about the dresses can be viewed on the website www.lindsayfleming.com.

Of course another big focus on the day is the cake, which will take centre stage at the wedding breakfast. If you’d like to opt for something a bit more unusual, Wilsons Butchers, based in Leeds, sell a three-tiered pork pie cake which is sure to put a smile on the groom’s face, if no one else’s! Check out www.wilsonsbutchers.co.uk and www.wilsonspies.co.uk for more information.

Another way to inject some variety into your wedding is by going for unusual decorations such as the massive groom and bride balloons, featured on The Hour, which are £40 each from Caesars Wedding Favours.

The world really is your oyster when it comes to marking your big day with style, as Angela explained. “As you’ve got the imagination and you want to go for it there’s lots of choices.”

For more ideas and inspiration, check out The Scottish Wedding Show website.