The team at Harvey Nichols gave us their ultimate wedding checklist, to ensure your day goes off without a hitch.
Say ‘I do’ to the outfit of your dreams in our Wedding Shop. For the guests, receive a good reception in fashion-forward styles for him and her; for the groom, discover premium tailoring destined for the special day; and for the blushing bride, delve deep into our selection of white gowns, blue accessories and head-turning tiaras. Plus, tackle tear-stained makeup with our beauty bestsellers.
A is for ALCOHOL
Whether you’re going teetotal and opting for a booze-less bash or sticking to the traditional bubbles, your drink choices play an all-important factor in the big day. Check out our English Sparkling Brut NV and DOCG awarded Prosecco NV, or how about our Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Chardonnay for those playing taxi.
B IS FOR BOUQUETS
Don’t let the day fall down at the floral hurdle. 2021’s key trend is less colour and more muted, multi-layered petals; think dahlias, garden roses, peonies and ranunculus. If you want to go the extra mile, you can scent your day with matching Candles and Fragrances.
C IS FOR CAKE
Your wedding day is one day where you can have your cake and eat it too. For those looking for an alternative angle, popular anti-cake styles include tiered macaroons or sweet treats (donut tower, anyone?), stacked waffles or even ice cream cake – just don’t ask us how to keep it from melting until it’s time to cut it.
D IS FOR DIET
The dreaded D-word. While we fully support a healthy and nutritionally-balanced diet, now is the perfect time to up-the-ante in prep for your wedding. From cleanses to well-being supplements, they all work together to make sure you’re the best possible you come the big day. And gents, this includes you, too; time to get lifting, start squatting and forego that extra pint with the lads in place of a healthy non-alcoholic Seedlip tipple.
E IS FOR ELOPING
Now, eloping isn’t just about the traditional image of running off into the sunset to marry in Vegas (which we fully think is a great idea, Elvis as the officiator for the win), it can also mean something a lot more straight-forward for those who simply want to take the pomp and circumstance out of the day. Pick your locations, plan the quickest time you can after you’ve got your wedding licence and then choose your witnesses. You can still choose to invite family too, but it’s all about low-key, low stress, and not having to anticipate any Covid restrictions changing! Just make sure you’re in one heck of a stunning dress (or something a little more fashion and striking).
F IS FOR FAVOURS
From sweet treats for your guests, to thank you gifts for the bridal party, groomsmen and MOB (Mother-of-the-Bride), wedding favours are a great way of thanking your loved ones for sharing in your special day. Need some inspiration? Read our cheat sheet of the best gifts to give at any wedding.
G IS FOR GUESTS
So you’re one of the lucky invited few, but being a guest at a wedding isn’t just about toasting the bride and groom and throwing some serious shapes on the dance floor. It’s your job to look the part (remember, you’ll be making it into the photo album!) and showcase how wonderful their friends are to the in-laws. It’s time to represent. So whatever the theme, check out our guides on what to wear to be the best dressed guest.
H IS FOR HORS D’OEUVRES
Weddings are a long affair, so it’s important to keep your guests, and yourself fuelled and hydrated. Olives, charcuterie, pickles and ferments are some of the hottest foods for 2021.
I IS FOR INSTAGRAM
We are in the age of social media. People can’t stay off their phones, so make it work for you and your big day. A wedding hashtag is a great way for your guests to share candid shots and messages of congratulations. It also means that as you wind down in your hotel suite that night, you’ve got reams of shots to look through and giggle at.
J IS FOR JEWELS
Now, bigger is not always better, and you don’t always need a diamond to ensure she says I do. More and more, would be brides (and grooms) are shunning tradition in favour of something a little bit more fabulous and fashion; so check out our world-class edit of fine jewellery.
K IS FOR KIDS
Children at weddings is always an interesting affair. We recommend wedding creches that give the adults chance to let their hair down. And don’t let your kid’s style be an after thought either, shop our Kidswear collections to make sure they win best dressed mini guest.
L IS FOR LISTS
Make lists.
Stick to what’s on your list.
Put who is responsible for what on your lists.
Lists.
M IS FOR MINI-MOON
After months of planning leading up to the big day, it’s important to take time to take stock of the celebrations and enjoy your wedding. That’s why more and more, newlyweds are opting for short mini-moons post-nuptials, saving the longer official honeymoon for later on – and we fully support turning your big day into your big year. Why shouldn’t it be all about you? Cornwall tops the list of places to mini-moon this year, with expansive country side, beautiful landscapes and coastal wonders, it’s the perfect place to wind down and relax and as a newly married couple.
N IS FOR NEUTRALS
The timeless classics: navy, charcoal, grey, browns are big colours for 2021. Opt for achromatic colours for your big day and say to the world your love is statement enough.
O IS FOR OUTDOOR WEDDINGS
Whether you’re opting for a countryside retreat, a secret wooded location or heading to beaches abroad (2022 we’re coming for you), outdoor weddings are as popular as ever, but they come with their own set of rules. From weather worries to what to wear, read our guide to the perfect Boho-style wedding.
P IS FOR PICTURES
Say cheese! Your photo album will be the last memory of the big day, so it’s important to plan your shots ahead. From the traditional family set-ups post-nuptials to the more candid shots throughout the day, don’t forget to add some fun to the mix with less formal backdrops and throw in a couple of wayward poses for good measure.
Q IS FOR QUARTET
Classic or contemporary? From a traditional four-piece to your favourite Spotify playlists, your wedding music sets the tone for not only the ceremony, but the after-party too.
R IS FOR REST AND RELAXATION
Wedding planning is a stressful business for any would-be bride or groom. It’s such a huge job that people make careers out of it, and there’s you running at 100mph around your 9-5! So make sure you take time out with the other half and have some fun.
S IS FOR SHOES
You’ve said yes to the dress, now it’s time to choose the shoes! Four inches or six? Skyscraper heels for the ceremony and flats for the reception? Then there’s the groom… Patent leather? Oxford or Derby? Shop our edit for sophisticated shoes for him and her.
T IS FOR TREATMENTS
From pre-wedding prep to special treatments to help you unwind before the wedding day, a well-executed regime will have you look radiant when you walk down the aisle. And for the boys, a well-groomed mane and facial fuzz is a must, and don’t forget to indulge in a good skincare routine, too.
U IS FOR USHERS
Your usher shouldn’t be a throwaway choice. The usher plays a key role in helping your big day go smoothly. You need to pick someone with impeccable timing and organisation skills, but who’s also friendly with A-class banter.
V IS FOR VEHICLE
When it comes to transport, it’s important to think logistically; if you’re opting for a classic wedding with a big dress, you’re going to need a sizeable car to make getting in as out of it as easy as possible. If you’re planning on styling your wedding a little more fashion-forward, then an old-school horse and cart is going to feel out of place. Whichever you choose, your transport should not only reflect your theme, but also yourself.
W IS FOR WEDDING STATIONARY
To send save the dates or to not? That is the question. Print or digital? That’s another one needing answering. There is a world of options when it comes to wedding invitations and stationary and they are a key way to set the tone for your guests. But above all the key is timing. Get yours out early to allow your potential guest enough time to plan. There’s also follow up Thank You notes to consider; while handwritten notes on the finest stationery is always a classy touch, going digital allows you to share photos for the big day – this is where that Instagram hashtag comes into play.
X IS FOR THE (E)X FACTOR
You think it’s a cute idea. You’ve both moved on. You’re grown-ups. Well stop. Your wedding isn’t the time to mend bridges with frogs you kissed before you found the one.
Y IS FOR YUMMY MUMMYS
The ‘MoB’ (Mother of the Bride) plays a crucial role at any wedding; traditionally the reception hostess, your mum is also the one with the biggest smile, beaming with pride. Be sure to help her keep up appearances in a fancy frock that shows off her sophistication and beauty with our edit of Mother of the Bride looks
Z IS FOR (CATCHING ZZZZs)
Let’s be real, after all of that planning and partying the day away, on your wedding night you’ll be doing nothing but sleeping.
