RECOVERY DAY
Couples are making the most of special time with their nearest and dearest by continuing their wedding celebrations with a post-wedding picnic the day after the main event, writes Sarah Bieske
Just because the wedding’s over doesn’t mean the party has to end.
After two years of couples being forced to cancel or postpone their nuptials due to a global pandemic, they’re now making the most of the chance to celebrate their love with their closest friends and family by continuing the fun after their special day.
‘Wedstivals’ or ‘festivals of love’ have been around for a little while now, where weddings are celebrated over two or three days.
But the ‘day after brunch’ has fast become one of the most popular wedding trends at the moment and for good reason
It’s the perfect chance to catch up with your guests in a more relaxed setting without any of the wedding day formalities or time constraints.
As much as couples try to spend as much time as possible with their guests on their big day, it can often feel rushed.
So a relaxed brunch or lunch is the perfect way to relive the day before over plenty of laughs – and of course, more food.
Many venues offer ‘the day after’ events – with Rocklea Farm hosting glamping tents and an opportunity for couples and their guests to enjoy a morning catch-up before heading home.
Other couples opt to set up in a local park or beach setting, or for weddings held on a private property, keeping the marquee in place for the following day makes it an ideal spot for a day-after brunch.
For couples looking to minimise extra planning, many also choose to book tables at a local restaurant or pub.
Along with the popularity of the ‘day after’ event, the ‘day after’ dress is also becoming high on a bride’s must-have list.
Just because your big day is over doesn’t mean you can’t sparkle in a whole new outfit. A newlywed still has every need to stand out in the crowd, after all.
Brides are opting for fun, colourful designs
to wear to their ‘day after’ event, something playful and unique after their more formal wedding gown.
Cut-outs that show off some skin are also popular.
To accommodate the latest trend, Geelong business Pearls and Roses Bridal now also houses a lifestyle label, with an expansive range of ‘day after’ dresses on offer for brides and their entourage.
Owner Karen says the lifestyle section of her business has taken off in recent months with brides now also searching for a day-after dress along with their wedding dress.
“My beautiful clients are looking for a
unique, fun outfit for the day-after brunch,” Karen says.
“It must be bright, it must be easy to wear and eye-catching.
“My clients searching for the dress for the day-after brunch are keen for a beautiful print, funky fabric, a pop of colour, a little skin, a little puff sleeve.
“It must be on-trend and seriously unique, so as a designer I choose only unique pieces for this collection.”
Karen says it’s a fairly simple brief from brides as to what they’re looking for when choosing their ‘day after’ dress.
And, as well as fun and colourful, it also
needs to be affordable.
“That’s definitely one of the biggest things — it needs to be on budget after their big wedding spend,” Karen says.
“My collection generally retails from $120$140.”
Karen says the bridal party and mother-ofthe-bride are also on the look out for ‘day after’ brunch outfits.
“The girl tribe when accompanying the bride regularly pick several unique dresses from our lifestyle range,” Karen says.
“They are always so excited about the colours, the cuts, but most importantly the prices.”