Fancy a wedding that looks and feels different? Maybe one that reflects who you are, your style and your musical tastes?
The rise of the alternative wedding in the UK has been growing steadily over the last few years with brides and grooms choosing vintage, boho and even rock ‘n’ roll weddings that don’t cost the earth – helped along by all the amazing professionals who live and breathe unique, alternative weddings.
Kate Beavis, the lady behind the National Vintage Wedding Fair is celebrating vintage and alternative weddings by bringing businesses together to network, have fun and also to understand what is needed to grow their brand. She is gathering industry leaders together to share their thoughts and to answer questions in her first Alternative Wedding Pow Wow, including the Editor of Rock N Roll Bride magazine, Kat Williams.
We caught up with Kate to find out more about the evening as well as to have a look at her recent 1980s vintage styled photo shoot:
“A wedding day is so personal,” she explains. “It’s the day you say your vows to your future wife or husband and that should be styled in any way you choose, from the dress to the cake to every last detail. We are all so different, from different walks of life as well as having differing budgets, so why would we not reflect our individualism on the most important day of our lives?
“Because of this, the wedding industry has changed. Businesses are now offering something unique to the bride and groom and it’s this that we want to celebrate. Many have left their full time jobs to set up these businesses, working from home trying to get noticed by not only the press and bloggers, but by the couples themselves.
“Our Pow Wow will provide a space for these creative, savvy entrepreneurs to come together, to get new contacts as well as bucket loads of inspiration on how to grow their business. We will have two panels of guests answering questions – think ‘Question Time’ with added sparkle! With more guests to announce, this is set to be an essential event!”
Styled shoot
This love of all things different is highlighted in Kate’s recent styled shoot:
“We regularly shoot a vintage era or look to help promote our events, and recently chose to create a wedding with a theme inspired by the 1980s. This covered four key looks from the time with authentic dresses such as neon, Madonna, New Romantic and a whimsical, Kate Bush look.
“These are all set against reclaimed metal signs and cars – think glam versus rust! We have a great team on these shoots including Sally Forder, the photographer and Sarah Dunn, hair and make-up. I think it really sums up the alternative vibe – it’s creative, it’s bright, it’s individual and most importantly, it’s fun.”
Expert tips
Kate asked some of these business owners to share what is so special about an alternative wedding including the team behind the shoot. And here’s what they had to say…
“I think that vintage and alternative weddings are so popular because there is so much inspiration out there. You can pick and choose what you love and make it really personal. It’s fun not to stick to what is expected!” Maria Evangelou from Sugar Rose
“I love working on alternative weddings simply because I have always been attracted to alternative art, music and fashion so my passion has to be reflected in my work.” Lauren from French Made.
“I’m always looking for new ideas and projects and so I love seeing the fun a couple can have with their wedding day! I’ve been lucky enough to work with many incredibly creative brides and making their styling dreams a reality is what I do!” Sarah Dunn, Sarah’s Doo Wop Dos
“What excited me is my clients’ individuality and the creativity they put into their wedding. Photography is my passion and I get incredible motivation and creative sparks from shooting a unique couple who have decided to spend their wedding day as they live their lives: their way.” Barbara K Photography
“Because my boutique was set up from mine and my friend’s difficulties in finding wedding dresses, I tend to have lots in common with my brides and so can understand their wants better.” Melanie Wilson, The Case of the Curious Bride
“Brides buying their vintage gowns from us may not have worn vintage before but they are looking for something unique, romantic, high quality and at sensible price, whether they are marrying in a tipi or a country house mansion.” Erica Arnold, Real Green Dress
“With every alternative wedding brings inspiration and excitement leading to new creativity in my own work. When you are faced with something you have never seen before that your couple puts their heart and soul into, it’s breathtaking.” Sally Forder for Binky Nixon photography
Suppliers:
- Photography: Sally Forder for Binky Nixon
- Model: Dakota Hunt and Elizabeth Parker
- Hair and make-up: Sarah Dunn from Sarah’s Doo Wop Dos
- Styling: Kate Beavis
The Alternative Pow Wow is on the evening of 27th May in London. For more information and tickets, visit vintageweddingfair.co.uk. The evening is open to everyone, whether you are new, experienced, or even wanting to take the jump into the wedding industry.
