Barbed bouquets

Every bride wants her wedding to be unique, and now she can make a statement with a non-traditional bouquet. Roses, tulips and peonies are out: cacti are in. But if a jubilant newlywed threw a potted cactus at partygoers, who would want to catch it?

Others are opting for succulents and even vegetables – cabbage plants and sweetcorn are proving popular. Louise Thomas, from Penzance, Cornwall, formed her bridal bouquet out of locally sourced kale, globe artichokes and broccoli – ingredients for a good soup.

Cooking, however, is strictly for after the service. Should a bride turn up to the altar with eggs and two bowls, the vicar is duty bound to say: “What the good Lord has joined together, let no man separate.”