The Traditional Bride vs. The Alternative Bride: Two Future Brides with Contrasting Styles Showcase Their Wedding Inspiration Boards.

      It’s clear that a wedding should embody your personal style, yet achieving this for what is meant to be the most significant day of your life can be quite challenging. Classic, cool, chic, unique: every couple aims to create a specific ambiance and ensure the day is memorable for both themselves and their guests. However, when faced with endless choices for details (invitations, attire, flowers, cake, music, venue...), even the most decisive individuals can experience decision fatigue. I had a conversation with two brides-to-be who have very distinct styles about their visions for their special day. Both of them are familiar to me, as they are part of the Who What Wear UK team. Poppy Nash, our managing editor and a bride-to-be with traditional preferences, is set to marry in late September this year. Sophisticated, minimal, and polished—much like her style—I expect her wedding plans to be meticulously organized and curated. On the other hand, Sophie Cookson, our in-house insights analyst and the quintessential cool girl, tends to lean towards a more alternative aesthetic. Although she deals with data, her wardrobe is eclectic and chic, reflecting her love for vintage pieces and vibrant colors. While Sophie and her partner Jack have yet to set a date or select a venue, they have a solid idea of what they want and what they want to avoid. Working in an industry like fashion, which is predominantly female, often leads to hearing numerous stories about colleagues' lives, from the mundane to the monumental. Consequently, when one (or two, in this case) is planning a wedding, you gain insight from an insider perspective. I can confirm that while both women share a desire to celebrate love, joy, and family, their wedding visions will be markedly different. From floral designs to locations, attire to decorations, these contrasting elements will be present on their wedding mood boards as they endeavor to realize their dream days.

      THE "TRAD" BRIDE: POPPY NASH

      (Image credit: Who What Wear) “My style is generally classic with elements of 'pretty.' My colleagues humorously say I have an allergy to color at times because my taste in interior design and style is so neutral, so it felt natural for our wedding to reflect this. If I had to define the atmosphere, it would be classic, minimalist, and reminiscent of an English garden, featuring plenty of white linens and simple stationery,” Poppy shares. I ask her if a famous wedding (from a celebrity or from TV or film) inspired her overall mood. “Probably Kate Moss and Jamie Hince’s wedding in 2011—due to the English garden, bohemian, and romantic vibes—with a hint of Father of the Bride,” she replies. As a result, Poppy and her fiancé, Jack, have selected Updown Farmhouse, a beautiful venue in the Kent countryside. “There isn’t a color scheme, just an abundance of white,” Poppy states, except for “perhaps some pale blue bridesmaids' dresses, but that is yet to be confirmed.” For the floral arrangements, Poppy has decided on fluffy roses and hydrangeas, favoring “a multitude of small setups” in, you guessed it, white, to enhance the whimsical and romantic feel. The invitations are printed on thick, simple white card without any elaborate designs, although she confesses she “spent hours selecting the perfect font.” For Poppy and Jack, the must-haves include “a big band, an acoustic musician during cocktail hour, and plenty of speeches. Additionally, while we didn’t request gifts [on the invitation], we did ask each guest to give us a card that we can read later.”

      “Our vibe for the wedding is inspired by Kate Moss and Jamie Hince’s wedding in 2011—characterized by the English garden, bohemian, and romantic ethos—with a hint of Father of the Bride.” Selecting the dress, as is often the case, came with significant pressure for Poppy. “I’ll admit to feeling quite anxious. I adore dresses and have worn many gorgeous ones over the years, but I knew this dress had to be the best. I struggled to find something in boutiques that felt right; I didn’t want anything overly traditional or adorned with beading or lace, as that doesn’t represent me. Although I love those delicate details, I despise anything too fussy. I do, however, have a preference for puff sleeves, so that may be included. After trying on countless options, I realized I wanted my version of a big white dress: something incredibly simple but still impactful.” For her beauty choices, Poppy aims to reflect the wedding's natural, romantic tone: “simple makeup, ample pink blush, and my hair styled in a loose bun.” Reflecting on her choice to embrace something more traditional, Poppy states, “I have always desired that classic marriage moment.” “Not dull, not cookie-cutter, and not entirely traditional