Everyone wants their wedding day to be special. But if you want it to be a statement about your personality too, here are some great ideas to add a unique twist.
Find a unique venue
Norwich Castle is now licenced for marriages and you can say your vows in the iconic medieval keep swathed in centuries of history or in the Colman Art gallery surrounded by famous art work. Another historic venue for weddings is Strangers’ Hall in Norwich. A Tudor building brimming with character, you can dine in the Georgian dining room before taking to the Great Hall for drinks.
If you have fond memories of a first date at the movies, why not tie the knot at Cinema City in Norwich? Say your vows in front of one of the screens or even have your own special film screening. For those who love all things vintage, why not arrive by steam train for your wedding at Whitwell and Reepham Railway Station? Afterwards, guests can enjoy a barbecue, take a trip on the railway and then, if you fell a little adventurous, camp out for the night.
Fabulous photographs
Wedding photography doesn’t just start and finish on the big day. Some photographers now offer engagement shoots of the happy couple or even a boudoir shoot featuring the bride looking at her most glamorous. If you adored your wedding dress and would love the chance to wear it again, why not book in for a Rock the Dress shoot after your wedding. The fashion shoot-style images show the bride in her wedding dress in alternative and unexpected locations - from paddling in the sea to taking a stroll along a muddy woodland path in wellies.
Photographer Julia Holland launched her Bride’s Dress Revisited service nine years ago. The original American Trash-the-dress trend from which it came, tended to see brides’ doing just that - covered in paint or mud, submerged in water or even ripping parts of. But, says Julia, now it is more about using sharply contrasting backdrops to bring out the beauty of the bride and the dress.
Delicious treats
For those who like things more rustic, a hog roast, barbecue or fish and chip van are fun, filling and informal. Or perhaps if you’d like something a little more refined – how about an afternoon tea? With sandwiches, scones and cakes served on pretty vintage crockery? Another growing trend is providing guests with beautiful picnic hampers packed full of delicious foodie treats – for something really special, perhaps choose only Norfolk-made produce?
Why not create a real spectacle with your food, having it cooked in front of guests and encouraging them to join in. Mark Bridges, who runs MB Catering and co-owns the King’s Head at Brooke, says dishes like paella and curries cooked in huge pans on outdoor burners become part of the theatre of the event and are a delicious alternative to traditional food.
