< PreviousLincolnshire Today Wedding Guide ENTERTAINMENT 20 Y ou don’t want your wedding to feel like a prelude to something else, so the entertainment for your reception needs to be top- notch to keep everyone engaged and enjoying themselves. After all, after all the build-up and excitement of the day, you'll likely be ready to unwind and let loose as well. When it comes to entertainment, the classic choices are usually between a DJ and a live band. A band adds a personal touch, and there are plenty of options to match the vibe of your wedding, from lively party bands to more refined options like a string quartet. However, you’ll need to plan when you want them to play— most bands don’t have enough material to fill an entire evening unless you’re okay with the last hour turning into an impromptu jam session. Another thing to consider is ensuring the band is well-fed and watered. While you don’t need to invite them to the wedding breakfast (unless you’re close friends), a few drinks and snacks will definitely be appreciated. Also, don’t forget to set aside space for the band to take breaks without being in the way of guests. If you’re looking to cover all your bases, you might hire a band for the earlier part of the evening and then have a DJ take over later. As with most wedding details, it’s a good idea to hire a professional DJ Ensuring everyone has a good time While your wedding is undoubtedly about celebrating the special couple, it’s important to remember that keeping your guests entertained is key. Ensuring everyone has a good time 01522 214966 The Perfect End to your Perfect Day Our award winning team of fireworks specials will create a bespoke firework display that will light up the sky, or simply choose from one of our predesigned packages. www.lincolnshiretoday.net ENTERTAINMENT 21 © stock.adobe.com/IYearDesign rather than asking a friend to handle the decks. While your friend might be keen, it’s easy for personal taste to overtake the party vibe—unless you’re sure everyone shares your love of thrash metal or industrial hardcore, it’s best to let a pro handle it. A fun idea is to ask guests to send in song requests when they RSVP. It’s your big day, so feel free to ignore a few of the suggestions if they don’t fit your desired vibe, but including crowd-pleasers is a surefire way to get people dancing and having a good time. To add a bit of novelty, consider including extras like a chocolate fountain, an ice sculpture, or any other fun element that will catch people’s attention. Just be sure to arrange proper care during the event—returning a damaged fountain a week later might come with some unexpected fees. If you have children attending, it might be worth planning something to keep them entertained too, so they don’t get restless too soon. If you’re hosting the reception at a venue experienced in such events, they’ll likely have the necessary sound system and licenses in place. If you're organizing it yourself, do some research to ensure you can do everything you’ve planned. Some locations might have restrictions on noise levels or the duration of the party, so make sure you’re aware of any limitations to avoid problems later. Ultimately, it’s your wedding, and you’ll have the final say on all entertainment decisions. But, no matter how much your guests love you, they won’t stick around if things start to drag.Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide BRIDALWEAR 22 F or some brides, the veil is a must- have part of the ceremony, with the groom lifting it for that first kiss. However, there's no rule saying you have to wear one. If you've spent time perfecting your hair and makeup, you might find it counterproductive to hide it all under a veil. Consider a tiara instead, a stunning piece that rests atop your head like a crown and captures attention. If you want the best of both worlds, wear a veil over your back. When it comes to the dress, things get complicated. Should you buy or rent? Do you need a garter? What if your fiancé sees? Wedding planners can help alleviate some of these worries, but others need to be tackled head-on. Wedding dresses come in countless styles, from classic to adventurous. Wearing a family heirloom like your mother’s or grandmother’s dress is a cherished tradition. With permission from your relative, you can alter it to fit you or give it a modern twist. This year’s trends lean toward minimalism. 3D floral details on a simple dress make a bold statement, while big Dress to impress floral embroidery remains popular. Plunging necklines are in the spotlight, but you should never feel pressured to bare more skin. Bespoke dresses offer peace of mind, ensuring you get exactly what you want. If you prefer a minimalist design with floral accents, many talented designers can bring your vision to life. The off-the-shoulder look is a classic. This style highlights your collarbones and lends you an air of elegance and sensuality. A carefully chosen necklace can enhance the effect. For extra flair, consider a corset or bodice, but always consult your maid of honor or wedding planner for a second opinion. For those wanting to break from tradition, consider wearing a suit alongside your groom. Many celebrities have made a statement with a perfectly tailored suit, leaving a lasting impression. As for bridesmaids, the golden rule is simple: don’t upstage the bride. It’s always good to complement the bride’s vision, and shopping together for the perfect ensemble can be a fun experience. The wedding dress holds a timeless place in our collective imagination, yet each bride’s taste and style are unique. There aren’t strict rules for wedding dresses - more like guidelines - and it's always best to trust your instincts rather than reluctantly following someone else’s advice. After all, it’s your wedding day. BRIDALWEAR © stock.adobe.com/stakhov © stock.adobe.com/deineka © stock.adobe.com/Ulia Koltyrina © stock.adobe.com/yuriy © stock.adobe.com/Farjana CF- 2969560 © stock.adobe.com/arminaLincolnshire Today Wedding Guide BRIDALWEAR 24 Photo courtesy of www.sugarandspicebridal.co.uk / Rachel AllenPhoto courtesy of www.sugarandspicebridal.co.uk / Tania Olsen Photo courtesy of www.sugarandspicebridal.co.ukPhoto courtesy of www.sugarandspicebridal.co.ukThe Studio, Jubilee Farm, Fen Road, Washingborough Lincoln LN4 1AE T: 07521 419 066 E: sales@sugarandspicebridal.co.uk www.sugarandspicebridal.co.uk To make all your dreams come true… Stockists of: Rachel Allen, Tania Olsen, Diane Legrand, Tiffanys, Phoenix and True BrideLincolnshire Today Wedding Guide MENSWEAR 26 Gone are the days when the wedding was solely about the bride's attire. These days, the groom's outfit is receiving just as much attention, ensuring that the best man and guests take notice as well. T he bride’s dress has long been a symbol of a wedding, as iconic as the cake and the kiss. The elegance of the fabric, the frills, and the fit all contribute to its timeless and captivating allure, making it the focal point of many weddings. While the bride’s dress continues to dominate the spotlight - sometimes scrutinized for its designer label or fear of looking like a meringue - the groom's outfit often goes unnoticed amidst all the attention. As men become more fashion- conscious and confident about their appearance, there's been a noticeable change in the groom's wedding attire. No longer confined to a simple dark suit with a coloured tie, the groom is now exploring a more sophisticated and stylish approach. Designer wear might be the Here comes the groom © stock.adobe.com/Mat Haywardwww.lincolnshiretoday.net MENSWEAR 27 go-to choice, with countless top retailers offering stunning options. However, some grooms opt for tailored suits, which allow them to choose the fabric, cut, and colour to match the wedding's colour scheme or achieve a better fit than an off-the-rack suit could provide. While this option might come at a higher price, it guarantees a look that’s perfectly suited to the groom’s personality and style. Many grooms still choose to rent a suit or tuxedo for the big day, but rental options have evolved to include more elaborate and stylish choices. Given the vast selection, it’s wise to try on several options and even get a second or third opinion. While tradition dictates that the groom shouldn’t see the bride in her dress before the wedding, there’s no reason the bride can't catch a glimpse of the groom in his outfit ahead of time. In fact, the groom might want to make a fun 28 Á © stock.adobe.com/kucheruk © stock.adobe.com/ArtsybitDesign © stock.adobe.com/Alena © stock.adobe.com/hanafi 99d © stock.adobe.com/Photographybd60Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide MENSWEAR 28 day out of it by enlisting friends or family members to help with the decision. Accessories, while often associated with the bride and her bridesmaids, can make a huge impact on the groom’s look too. With choices like ties, cufflinks, and pins, the groom can curate his outfit to align with the wedding theme or simply stand out. Opting for a cravat instead of a traditional bow tie or necktie can add a touch of sophistication and make for stunning photos. If the wedding invitation doesn't specify a colour scheme, many male guests may fall back on suit, shirt, and tie combinations that are more appropriate for a parliamentary session - or worse, a funeral. This isn’t the vibe anyone wants for a wedding! It’s a © stock.adobe.com/Sadia© stock.adobe.com/Kitreel © stock.adobe.com/lorabarra © stock.adobe.com/anatolirwww.lincolnshiretoday.net MENSWEAR 29 DISCOVER STYLISH SUITS FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY •Largest range in East Midlands •Award winning customer service •Hire or purchase, with interest free payment plans available •Grooms and boys matching suits good idea to inform male guests about the colour palette or theme in advance so they can dress accordingly. This is especially important for the best man, who should aim to complement the groom's look rather than outshine him. While a wedding might still be considered the bride’s big day, the groom is expected to put effort into his outfit as well. Whether it’s flashy cufflinks, a custom-made suit, or a classic top hat, there are endless options available in Lincolnshire and beyond. In a world where the devil is in the details, it’s the little touches that can make all the difference. 01476 578022 empireformaltailor@outlook.com 28a High Street, Grantham NG31 6PH BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE www.empiremenswear.com Weekend and evening appointments are available Next >