Top tips for a wedding with a difference

If you’ve always been someone who pushes society’s norms, then read on! Not every bride wants a white dress and floral wedding reception so, Sarah Paine from The Old Ship Hotel in Brighton has come up with some alternative suggestions that challenge the ordinary…

Defy the dress
It’s always best to be you on your wedding day. If you never wear a dress, now is perhaps not the time to start. We’re seeing a real rise in alternative outfits including this year’s biggest trend, the wedding jumpsuit.

Ditch the flowers
A fun alternative to flowers is to replace your bouquets with balloons or line the aisle with brightly coloured pom poms. Let’s be honest, they make a grand statement and a fabulous photo opportunity.

Be a colourful queen
Don’t wear white. Who said you had to? Take things overboard with bright playful colours or muted metallics. Most importantly, rock the colour that suits you best or go for a full rainbow. The day is all about you, after all!

Spice-up your veil
If you can’t bear to let go of your white dress but still want to wear colour on your big day, why not add it to your veil? Get ready to get those creative juices flowing.

Get creative with your location
Sometimes the generic dining room can get a bit boring. Why not make things more intimate and cosy by taking things underground? The Old Ship in Brighton allows guests to dine in the wine cellar, once used by smugglers to hide their booty in the 1500s. If you’re looking for something unique, Brighton is certainly the place for you. The city is full of edgy street art and stunning locations, which can serve as a quirky backdrop for photos with guests, take a look at VisitBrighton’s Instagram for some further inspiration.

Match your man
The feminist in us sometimes wonders why it’s always the woman who wears white. Change things up and get your man rocking a white suit. Trust us. He’ll look like a rock-star.

Bring your best friend
Weddings are about having everyone there to celebrate your big day. So, whether your best friend has two legs or four, we think they deserve an invite. Who doesn't love a furry bridesmaid?!

Arrive in unconventional style
Mix up your ride by choosing something less predictable than your standard wedding car. Why not opt for a bright yellow New York Taxi, golf buggy, boat or an authentic pick-up truck?

Take it to the streets!
Nothing screams “just married” more than a wedding procession. Add a marching band along with your guests and taa-daaa! This is something we can ensure will bring a smile to everyone’s faces.

If you need a venue that can bring to life your unconventional wedding, why not get in touch with The Old Ship Hotel in the colourful town of Brighton. Dating back to the 1500s, the building itself is anything but ordinary. It offers historic charm and contemporary elegance to create a haven of romance and quirkiness. The iconic seafront location offers stunning panoramic sea views, alongside accessibility to local attractions to create the perfect unconventional photo shoot! The Old Ship Hotel is one of 11 hotels nationally to make up The Cairn Collection, a portfolio of hand-picked hotels across the UK.

Check out www.thecairncollection.co.uk/OldShip