Breaking with tradition – alternatives to the white wedding gown

Dita Von Teese in her Vivian Westwood wedding gown

No Shrinking Violet

When burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese and controversial shock-rocker Marilyn Manson announced they were tying the knot, no one was surprised to learn their wedding was less than traditional. 

Instead of wearing white, in true burlesque style, gorgeous dancer/actor/model Von Teese 

chose this  luscious, deep violet Vivian Westwood designed gown for her wedding day.

She would have been a breathtaking sight as she passed through the gothic arches of Castle Gurteen Le Poer in Kilsheelan, an Irish castle owned by a friend of the couple. 

A harp played and they wed at midnight. The wedding was officiated by  Chilean friend, underground film director and comic book writer Alejandro Jodorowsky.

Fate and destiny
One of my favourite and most beautiful non-traditional wedding gowns is this one worn by Caitlyn (below). Her wedding took place in New Zealand’s breathtaking Queenstown against a backdrop of picture perfect snow capped mountains.

As I discovered after asking her what made her choose a red wedding gown, Caitlyn had not actively sought out a non-traditional dress. Rather, she’d happened across a wedding store and, without an appointment, reluctantly decided to go in and take a wander around. “It was found by accident hidden between rows of traditional dresses” she told me. “The staff at Astra Bridal managed to squeeze me in to try it on briefly and I was hooked!!”. It was the first wedding dress Caitlyn had ever tried on so she went on to try two other more traditional ivory dresses for peace of mind, but nothing felt quite the same as her perfect red dress.

I really love Caitlyn’s story. It just goes to show that sometimes fate and destiny can step in to make decisions for you.

Pinks and purples are hugely popular non-traditional colours:

   

 Here are some other colours to consider:

  

Poinciana Red
This next red dress made for an extra special pairing with a Poinciana tree in full bloom on a beach on beautiful Hamilton Island in Australia. I just love the colour energy and synergy with the backdrop. 

Something Blue
Although Michael Buble’s bride wore a traditional white dress at their Vancouver wedding, she wore this cute little blue number for their civil ceremony in her home town of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Bewitching in Black 
Vera Wang sent shockwaves through the bridal fashion world when she sent her very black wedding dress collection down the runway at her recent fall bridal show.

Images from New York Times

Speaking to the Bee-Shyuan Chang for the New York Times, Mark Ingram, owner of the Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier in Manhattan described the collection as "... shocking and outrageous, but it was also fabulous”. See more of the collection at Fashionologie. 

With the trend for non-traditional wedding gowns growing, what colour will you wear on your wedding day?

Destination: Wedding - A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams is available in paperback and digital formats at Amazon (UK), Amazon (USA) and from www.destination-wedding-book.com.

Getting Married In... Munich!

Here's the first of a regular Getting married in: series where I'll be posting about various destination wedding locations around the world. Perhaps you'll find a post about a location not too far from you, or on the other side of the globe. I'll be sure to include as much information as possible about local culture, wedding customs, venues, romantic places to stay, what to eat and more! 

Neuschwanstein Castle

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, one of Germany’s most charming provinces located in the south east corner of the country. One of the biggest draw-cards to the region is the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built in 1869 by then King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle is easily accessible from the city of Munich in a day trip by car, train or bus tour. Although you can’t marry at the castle, it makes a beautiful backdrop for your post-wedding photography, or you can take a guided tour of this magnificent castle for a fascinating pre or post-wedding activity. When visiting the Castle, be sure to grab a serving of fresh cream cheese balls (3 balls for 2 euro) from the stall in front of Zur-Neven-Burg restaurant near the top of the hill - divine!

From the town of Hohenschwangau below, you can take a rustic horse and carriage ride right up to the castle passing through the surrounding forest with glimpses across the valley back to Ludwig’s childhood castle, Hohenschwangau Castle and the spectacular snow-capped mountains and lakes that surround. Close to the Bavarian-Austrian border, the entire region is watched over by the spectacular Alps which can only be described as breathtaking. What  better setting for a destination wedding?


Where to stay
By far the most desirable location to stay while visiting Munich is the Hotel Königshof, one of four hotels owned by the family-run Geisel Hotel group. The group’s luxurious Hotel Königshof provides commanding views of the old city and features its own Michelin Star restaurant. The Hotel Königshof also enjoys a premium location right near the Central train station making it an ideal base for exploring everything the city and surrounding region has to offer.

Hotel Königshof, Munich - Images courtesy of Geisel Privathotels

The Hotel Königshof is experienced in hosting weddings from the most intimate elopement for two, through to the most extravagant celebration for up to 180 guests. Staff from the hotel can help you create a wedding to remember from start to finish or if you prefer, can arrange certain elements as requested. With five banquet and function rooms to choose from, the hotel’s experienced, dedicated staff are able to design an event that will inspire fond memories for years to come. 

Justizpalast (Palace of Justice), Munich

Some of The Hotel Königshof’s rooms overlook the beautiful neo-Baroque Justizpalast (Palace of Justice) which is just across the street, another great backdrop for pre or post wedding photos. One of the Hotel Königshof's special features is its Michelin star restaurant and impressive wine cellar perfect for hosting your special event breakfasts, lunches, dinners or drinks. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of Marienplatz and the impressive gothic architecture of Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) famous for its Glockenspiel clock tower which puts on a captivating show daily at 11 a.m. (as well as 12 noon and 5 p.m. during the summer months).


In addition to the Hotel Königshof, the Geisel Group also owns/runs the Bavarian Hotel Excelsior, and the funky designer anna hotel both of which are located just down the street making them equally accessible to the old town.

anna hotel, Munich - Images courtesy of Geisel Privathotels

The anna hotel's tower suite provides sumptuous accommodation for wedding couples with it's unparalleled views of the old city skyline and spacious, ultra modern facilities including a full size flat screen TV at the bathtub.

Hotel Excelsior, Munich - Images courtesy of Geisel Privathotels

At the Hotel Excelsior, you'll find a fantastic rustic vinothek and restaurant along with a demonstration kitchen big enough to host a pre or post wedding cooking demonstration/class. The demonstration kitchen can host up to 40 people for a fun and memorable experience where you can learn to prepare Mediterranean cuisine from a top chef and enjoy the fruits of your culinary labour afterwards - Guten Appetit!


Wedding venues

The most popular wedding ceremony venues in and around Munich are the many beautiful churches including the landmark, twin-towered Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady), eclectic Peterskirche (St Peter’s Church), baroque Theatinerkirche (Church of the Theatines) and the spectacular Roccoco styled Asamkirche (The Asam Church). Munich also boasts some gorgeous palaces which make for wonderfully romantic wedding locations including Dachau Palace, Blutenburg Palace, and Nymphenburg Palace to name just a few.

Images courtesy of Seh-Stern Fine Art Photography

Local customs and traditions The Bavarian tradition of Hochzeitslader sees an official “Inviter” dressed in fancy clothes adorned with ribbons and flowers going from door to door to perform a rhyming invitation to the invited guests. Guests show their acceptance by pinning one of the ribbons to the Hochzeitslader hat and by offering the Inviter a drink.


In keeping with tradition, some Bavarians still choose to wear the southern German ethnic costumes known as the Dirndl and Lederhosen. The woman’s Dirndl consists of a closefitting bodice, apron and hat. The men’s Lederhosen consists of knee-length trousers made from leather worn with rustic shoes and wool socks. The addition of leather breeches, jacket and hat completes the traditional men’s Bavarian wedding outfit. 


Of course, the wearing of the Dirndl and Lederhosen is a personal preference and many modern couples choose to wear typical western style wedding gowns and suits on their wedding day. Hochzeitssuppe (Wedding Soup) made from vegetables, dumplings and meats is typically served at a traditional Bavarian wedding. After the ceremony, an old Bavarian custom is for the couple to cut a large log in half to symbolise that they can get through tough problems by working together.

Legalities
Getting married in Munich is much like anywhere else in that you will need to provide sufficient identity documents and proof of non-impediment to the marriage to the local Standesamt (Registry Office). It’s a good idea to make contact with the Standesbeamter (Registrant) as soon as possible once you have decided to marry.


You will generally be required to have all your documents translated into German which can take some time and expense. As an alternative to marrying in the registry’s own office, for an extra fee, the Standesbeamter can also perform the wedding ceremony in a number of selected locations including a nearby wedding hall, the City Hall’s own meeting rooms, or at Nymphenburg Palace. A religious ceremony can take place after the official marriage but has no legal standing.


I hope you've found this post helpful in providing information about getting married in Munich. Stay tuned for our next instalment. You never know where I'll turn the spotlight next! 

Destination: Wedding - A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams is available in paperback and digital formats at Amazon (UK), Amazon (USA) and from www.destination-wedding-book.com.