Brave Brides - Shifting Traditional Wedding Paradigms
by Dina Vieira, A&H - APHRODITE & HERA

Not another traditional wedding laden with "pouff". Pouffy dresses. Pouffy hair. Pouffy people. What happens to people when they spend a little more than usual, especially on a wedding? Pouff! Looking back at photos, surely they must ask, "does the pouff justify itself"?

We are living in a time of heightened communication and have access to loads of information. Influenced by psychological intelligence, it seems everyone is analyzing everyone and everything, but have we yet moved beyond judgement or traditional paradigms? Should we rest on historical comfort and opt for conformity? Many young women are saying NO WAY! And, are shifting paradigms when planning and executing their weddings.

To get into the intricacies of what motivates people to marry in the first place, deserves attention, but could get political, religious, or psychologically complex and this is not where this article is going. Let's deal with POUFF.

Statistics reveal that the average age of a woman marrying today is 27 years of age. Why on earth would a hip young thing go for pouff in the first place? It's the entire Mother's or Mother-in-Law's fault isn't it? It's tradition. Again, a complex paradigm in itself that is sometimes hard to crack.

Is it not cool or au courante to be yourself these days? Oprah certainly thinks so. And so many other enlightened beings think so. Women in their 20's and 30's are definitely asserting themselves, so why have wedding traditions not changed in the last decade to reflect these psycho spiritual developments? Actually, there is an ever-increasing pocket of young women shape-shifting, not only in their lives, but forcing companies and society to do so in order to better meet their needs.

Picture this….the quintessential go-get-it girl who is imprinting her mark in the world. Between juggling career obligations and making time for a significant other in her life, she decides to be true to herself and allow her true aura to radiate on her wedding day. Not the standard ideal perpetuated by the illusion of glamour so ever present in the media today.

What does the wedding of the modern girl look like? Something like this…She wakes up at 10 am or so on her wedding day because she attended pre-wedding day festivities the night before. Perhaps, she was at the ceremony site or reception site, ensuring the details were in place, or she hosted her rehearsal dinner. Because she is the focal point of the whole wedding day, she should be rested and should refuse waking up at the ungodly hour of 5 am on the weekend, just to get her hair done for her wedding!

The modern girl has a plethora of professionals show up at her house or the hotel she is staying at where she is primmed and prepped. The crew consists of the hair stylist, make-up artist, personal coach, wedding planner, the bridal party and anybody else she wishes to have around for support. The hair is styled. Impeccable make-up is applied. She then slips into the most beautiful gown she has ever laid eyes on, in the colour of her choice. How radiant! The photographer arrives and its show time! Once she has a few pictures taken of her in her most alluring best, she heads for the ceremony site in the transportation mode of her choice. This could be by foot, by air, in a Hummer, a Ferrari, or in a classic limo. Whatever she fancies, and whatever suits her individuality.

Upon arrival at the ceremony site, her future partner is equally rested, primmed, and groomed to perfection sporting a splendid Designer Suit, or whatever he deems appropriate. The remainder of the day, from the ceremony site to the reception site, clues about the couple's tastes and preferences are infused in the décor and the ambiance. These details range from the decoration, colours, theme, music, food, linens, and flowers to the favours.

The colour theme could well be monochromatic in shades of champagne, or periwinkle or even pink to reflect the glamorous, fashionable bride. Using opposites from the colour wheel spectrum to create balanced shock, to reflect the artistic, creative nature of the bride can have an interesting colour play. Imagine…violet and light green, baby blue and a whisper of yellow, peach and sea foam. For a winning shocker, red and magenta against a white backdrop, with accents of orange certainly increases mood and energy level, which will be necessary when the party starts.

The efficient and practical bride may even decide to integrate the ceremony and reception in one venue, allowing everyone to relax and mingle after the ceremony, perhaps during a cocktail party while the bride, groom and bridal party are taking pictures. Older guests will certainly appreciate the shortened day and travelling distances associated with more traditional fetes.

A word of caution in serving alcohol too early - it may be wiser to allow the food and drink to flow freely once the bridal party is back for dinner at which time a huge party ensues. There is comfort in this type of soiree, perhaps it is an intimate affair consisting of 50 or so most loved and cherished relatives and friends. The party goes on for hours and everyone has the best time of their lives, thanks to the swanky entertainment that is absolutely fabulous. As a matter of fact, it rocks!

Imagine all of this. Imagine that this wedding occurs on May 2-4 weekend even, but no one seems to mind, because paradigms have shifted in many more ways than one could have imagined.

Dina Vieira, A&H - APHRODITE & HERA