Gay London Life | May '24 Edition - Magazine - Page 4
Big Tips For The Big Day
Martin Fox-Roberts and
Maria Hurtz might never
have been seen in the same
room together, but they’ve
helpfully shared some
advice on how to organise an
unforgettable wedding
Maria Hurtz
Martin
Budgeting
boat out. Besties coming down the
remember to say ‘I love you’. Maria:
that everything isn’t going to be
Martin: Agree where you are going
aisle with you - eh, no! What about
Make them fun! Do it as a song or
perfect. Focus on having fun and
to prioritise your big spending.The
topless guys in hot pants?
write about the things about your
making memories.
venue? flowers? The videographer
The Entrance
other half that get on your nerves,
Maria: Okay, let me spell it out for
and photographer? Keep between
Martin: If you haven’t guessed it
too…but quickly add that you still love
you — this is your day, so don’t worry
10-12% of your budget aside for
already, you can throw the rule book
them, of course. Oh, and don’t go on
about what others want or say you
unexpected costs. Think about what
out of the window when you have a
and on to the point where everyone is
should do. People will be there for
you could do to keep costs down,
celebrant wedding. Why not have two
thinking, ‘gurl, get a room’ or ‘get me
you and they are celebrating you!
but consider if you’re compromising
aisles where you both walk in together
to those canapés’!
Take a breather
quality or the overall effect. Don’t
and meet at the front?
Wedding Rings
Martin: There are key points when
forget to consider insurance
Maria: Look, this is your moment to
Martin: Think about which metal you
you should take a breather! The first
especially if you’re spending a lot.
make a statement and get everyone
want, as there’s so much choice out
is in the planning stages, which can
Maria: Through caution to the wind!
talking. I’ve got one couple who are
there. Consider the look, the value
be really stressful and overwhelming.
You only get wed once (although
planning to make an entrance with
over time and density (you may need
So stop, step away from it all and
I’ll give a little discount for repeat
a brass band. Remember, this is the
to have them resized so pick a metal
come back to it all with fresh eyes
customers). Hopefully, you’re
start of the party and not the boring
which is easy to change the size).
and mind. The second is when you
marrying someone who is rich or at
bit before!
Maria: Now I love my bling, but not
make your entrance and walk up the
least has credit cards with air miles —
Rituals
everyone does. There’s nothing
aisle. When you reach the top and
well, you want a great honeymoon too!
Martin: Make your ceremony extra
stopping you from replacing your ring
before the ceremony continues, just
Celebrants
personal by adding a unity ritual, such
with a watch, a necklace or a bracelet
take a breath, look at your partner
Martin: A celebrant will create a
as a handfasting, loving cup, tree-
— hell, couples even get tattoos!
and everyone else — then, continue.
personalised ceremony that will give
planting or burying a time capsule.
If you do go down the ring route,
Maria: Oh yes, once that wedding ball
you exactly what you want for your
Maria: My favourite is a ‘ring-warmin’!
remember a lot of jewellers offer
starts rolling, it won’t stop and before
special day. You’ll need a registrar
Yes my darlings, get your rings out and
complimentary glasses of bubbly, so
you know it, your day is over in a flash!
to make it legal and celebrants can
let them be warmed in a ritual where
just go and get a bit pissed for free!
So in the evening when the party is
perform the Wedding ceremony either
the people who you’ve invited hold
Enjoy yourself
going strong and Pam from work
before or after this happens.
their hands over your rings and send
Martin: Be mindful of the language
thinks it’s a great time to do her party
Maria: None of this boring, impersonal
their love and wishes for you. When
you use when planning your day.
trick, take some time out and find a
dribble from an ‘authorised’ person.
it comes to the ring exchange, your
Using words like ‘the perfect day’ or
quiet spot, even for just 15 minutes,
Get a celebrant (preferably me!), make
rings are charged with everyone’s
‘the big day’ can add to the pressure
during which you can check in with
it personal and have the party start
love. I also want a ‘Whip Me, I Do’ ritual
and cause stress! Learn to accept
each other.
with the ceremony!
at the commitments — I read the
Personalisation
commitments and whip you until you
Martin: Agree on a theme, something
say ‘I Do’. Any willing couples?
special for you and your spouse — it
Vows
could be something like a 1920s theme
Martin: Your vows are the most
or a film such as Rocky Horror. Keep it
intimate part of the wedding. Tell
authentic and don’t try to copy someone
your spouse everything you love
else’s wedding — just do you!
about them and how they make you
Maria: Oh, this is the part where you
feel. Write what you will bring to your
can let your imagination run wild! Be
marriage and what you promise to do
sexy, be daring and really push the
to keep your relationship strong. And
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Find Martin and Maria at
proudfoxceremonies.com