Life is hectic enough without the added stress of planning a wedding. Enter: the internet, the connected bride’s SECRET WEAPON. From your iPad or at your desk, you can use clever apps and time-saving websites to find everything YOU COULD POSSIBLY NEED …
1. THE LOOK
Many modern brides are now turning to the internet in an effort to source something different. Savannah Miller has joined forces with online bridal specialist Stone Fox Bride (www.stonefoxbride.com) to create an effortlessly elegant range of gowns. Just bear in mind, you may need to alter yours to ensure a perfect fit. It’s important to employ someone experienced and reputable to take on the task: try Stitch In Time, Unit 1 Hardy’s Lane, Dun Laoghaire. Co Dublin, 085 142 7782.
2. THE LITTLE EXTRAS
For tableware with a difference, check out Caterhire’s vintage section at www.caterhire.com, as well as www.vintagechinahire.ie and www.prettyplates.ie. Opt for a mix of long tables surrounded by smaller square and round tables for a more intimate vibe.
3. DIGITAL INVITATIONS
Electronic invitations have become socially acceptable. Relatively cheap and surprisingly elegant, best in class are those from www.paperlesspost.com (see Vera Wang’s collection, left) and www.greenvelope.com. Think about ordering a traditional batch too, for elderly relatives and that Luddite cousin who refuses to get broadband. Design your own on www.minted.com.
4. WITH THIS RING
If you plan to buy a wedding band or engagement ring online, these specialists will deliver to your front door, or desk. There’s no excuse!
5. CLICK CHIC
A one-stop-shop for all things wedding (gowns, veils, bridesmaid and flowergirl dresses, lingerie, vow journals, and pretty paper bunting), www.bhldn.com is brought to us by Anthropologie. Offering one-on-one styling services online and by phone, this site is for the bride looking for the unusual, while www.net-a-porter.com’s bridal section ticks all the boxes for the fashionable bride. On a budget? Asos.com is launching an affordable bridal collection in March, comprising 18 pieces – dresses, separates and jumpsuits. From €100.
6. THE FINISHING TOUCHES
What not to do? Design your wedding reception to look like a seven-year-old’s birthday party. Both www.notonthehighstreet.com and www.bhldn.com offer affordable options for quirky but smart décor and favours, as does Irish site www.hippenings.com.
7. TO #HASHTAG OR NOT?
Designating a #hashtag makes it easy to scan photos your guests upload to social media in real time. Eschew surnames and make it representative of the day, like DJ Nialler9 and food writer Aoife McElwain who chose #LoveJam.
Aislinn Coffey
This article appeared in a previous issue, for more features like this, don’t miss our April issue, out Thursday April 7.
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