From bridal NAPPIES to bridesmaids for hire: Eight of this summer’s weirdest wedding trends
Eight bizarre new wedding trends that are sweeping the nation
WEDDING nappies, robot servants and blood exchanges... have we gone wedding crazy?
It's no longer simply a case of tying the knot, eating the wedding breakfast, downing booze and then dancing badly into the night.
Here’s a rundown of the eight weirdest wedding trends doing the rounds today...
Wedding nappies
For years, maids of honour have spent hours cramped in cubicles helping their friends struggle out of their wedding dresses. Could new Wedding Diapers, a concept that’s spreading across the US and Britain, be the solution to this problem?
As bizarre as it sounds, numerous bridal dress retailers are now encouraging women to ditch the ritual 20-minute toilet struggle in favour of adult nappies.
Unsurprisingly, online forums discussing the growing trend receive mixed responses from women.
Bridesmaids to hire
A company launched to offer paid maid of honour services by Jen Glantz has been inundated with clients.
Whether the brides-to-be don’t have friends reliable enough for the demanding job or simply want to allow those nearest to them to enjoy the day instead of being responsible for preparations, women across the world are starting to hire professional bridesmaids.
While this service isn’t cheap, many women argue that when they're already spending thousands of pounds on a wedding, the extra cost is irrelevant when compared to the service given by these professionals.
‘Beta’ and ‘Presidential’ weddings
Attitudes towards relationships are changing. But could 2016 see the end of marriages as we know them?
In a recent survey, Time Magazine asked readers whether they would consider a ‘Beta’ wedding (in which couples only commit to a two-year union) or a ‘Presidential’ wedding (which involves a review of the marriage after four years, with the possible extension to eight years).
A staggering 43 per cent of the 18-34 millennials surveyed would consider a Beta marriage, with 21 per cent agreeing with the concept of a Presidential wedding.
Is ‘til death do us part’ a thing of the past?
Underwater weddings
Every couple strives to have the most memorable day and for many a land-based wedding is no longer enough to impress your friends, family and Instagram followers.
Companies in the Bahamas and Bora Bora now offer wedding ceremonies 13 feet under the sea. The soggy ceremonies last up to 25 minutes, with colour themes and the exchanging of coral rings available.
Despite being original, these weddings aren’t yet legally recognised.
If they do become popular, there wouldn't be a dry eye in the house.
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Robot wedding officiants
Modern technology is taking over every aspect of our lives. Couples in South Korea, Japan and the US have all used robots as their wedding officiants.
The first couple was in 2007, with the help of a robot called Tiro.
In 2010, a Japanese couple had an I-fairy at their ceremony, costing £47,000. At that price, it could be a while before robots become a regular wedding feature.
Retail weddings
Strapped for cash? Love fast food? Why not join the couples that are ditching the traditional churches in favour of a wedding in a fast food retailer or shop?
Previous venues have included Taco Bell, KFC, Walmart and the Apple Store.
One Bristol couple even hired out a section of their local McDonald's, inviting 33 guests to indulge in a Big Mac while they tied the knot.
Exotic Animals
One of the weirdest trends in wedding ceremonies includes llamas, elephants and even lions.
Newlyweds are going above and beyond to have the best wedding photos.
Many are even travelling to lion habitat ranches in Las Vegas to get these risky snaps.
The trend has grown to such an extent that, since 2002, the practice of using exotic animals in wedding ceremonies has been banned on Huntington Beach, California.
However, these exotic animals don’t come cheap - having an elephant ride on your big day will set you back £7,600.
Blood exchanges
While unheard of in Britain until recently, blood exchanges have long been a part of Romany Gypsy culture.
The trend has now spread across the world.
Actors Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton, who divorced in 2003, joined the craze, wearing lockets of each other’s blood. Many are now taking to sipping their partner’s blood as a symbol of their unity.
The practice is not without risk, however. Barrack Obama introduced new legislation to regulate the trend and avoid the spread of diseases.