HOT TOPIC Ask the experts – your questions answered! ROCOCO IS BACK I’ve heard about the rise in Rococo-style weddings, and I am obsessed! How do I modernise it for my wedding day? Armathwaite Hall has noted a 95% increase in ‘Rococo wedding’ being searched on Pinterest. If you’re yet to see this trend for yourself, think Bridgerton to another level! But how can you make your Rococo wedding look effortlessly luxe without tipping over into dated? 1. Timeless elegance over extravagance Instead of a mass of frills, chiffon and bows for your wedding dress, why not opt for a modern mermaid silhouette and bring in the Rococo references with a corset fastening or pearl-encrusted bodice? 2. Sophistication over showy décor Think single strings of pearls or a delicate high neck on your wedding dress. Opt for subtle silk bows dotted around your reception area, rather than gaudy, oversized versions stuck to the backs of your bridesmaid dresses! Keep the intricate, embroidered fabric that characterised the Rococo era to larger items – such as tablecloth. 3. Pretty pastels over gilded gold Make sure gold is used as a secondary accent colour only, keeping your primary focus on fresh pastels – lavender, blush pink and peach. Swap old-fashioned golden gilt candelabras for contemporary glass pastel versions and opt for a cake iced in eye-catching pastel tones. 4. Bridgerton music! Create that true Baroque era atmosphere by hiring a string quartet or classical band to play at your wedding. But make sure they play Rococoera-inspired versions of well-known modern songs – à la Bridgerton. 5. The venue is everything Look for somewhere featuring traditional, ornamental décor, a breathtaking ballroom and rolling grounds. If you’re lucky, you might snag somewhere with a sweeping staircase to make your grand entrance. 6. Stay sustainable Beeswax candles are more environmentally friendly and burn ‘clean’, meaning they don’t produce any harmful byproducts. Biodegradable confetti and reusable faux flowers allow you to add further pops of pastel colour without harming the planet. 7. Embrace high hair When it comes to hair, think Marie Antoinette but modern! Instead of larger-than-life hair that towers high above your head, opt for a high, messy bun with a relaxed feel. Gentle curls and artfully placed tendrils will complete your contemporary take on the famous Baroque hairstyle. 8. Pearls, pearls, and more pearls Whether you plan to wear them around your neck, on your wrist or sewn onto the fabric of your dress or suit, pearls are the perfect finishing touch to a Rococo outfit. You can even place loose pearls into coupe glasses or vases and add them to your tablescaping arrangements as the ideal Rococo-inspired ornaments. 9. Avoid sepia filters While it might be tempting to get a few black and white or sepia-toned photos, your pastel celebration runs the risk of losing its modern edge when stripped of its colour. 10. Keep things playful When we think of the past, we often think of everyone as buttoned up and stuffy – yet the Rococo period was anything but! www.armathwaite-hall.com | 01768 776 551 HONEYMOON HOT SPOT We really want our wedding to be a tale of two halves, on the one hand we want lots of culture and sight-seeing excursions, while also time to fully switch off and relax on a remote beach – are there any destinations that could cater to both? Travel specialist Dan Hyams of Travel Counsellors says: A honeymoon should be the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation; and yes, you can absolutely have both. In fact, some of the best destinations are the ones that give you a little bit of everything: immersive culture, rich history, jaw-dropping sights and those dreamy, toes-in-the-sand beach days. Think of a ‘tale of two halves’ as the ultimate love story in travel. You might start with bustling city markets, ancient temples, and guided tours through UNESCO sites, and then, just as the pace picks up, you’re whisked away to a quiet island hideaway or barefoot luxury resort where your biggest decision is pool or ocean. Places like Sri Lanka and the Maldives, South Africa and Mauritius, or a mix of Vietnam’s vibrant cities followed by the quiet shores of Phu Quoc or Con Dao all tick both boxes beautifully. Or for something iconic, consider Australia with Sydney’s culture and the Outback’s wonder, to Hamilton Island’s white sands or the increasingly popular, New Zealand, with awe-inspiring landscapes, Maori history and beach bliss in the Bay of Islands or the Coromandel both boast the full honeymoon spectrum. With tailor-made planning, your honeymoon can be more than just a getaway, it becomes a reflection of you both, your shared interests, and your perfect balance – you bring the romance, I’ll bring the expertise! www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/dan.hyams | dan.hyams@travelcounsellors.com 66
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