A Feminist Wedding: Colourful, Eco-Friendly Day at The Oak Grove in Kent
Can you be a feminist and plan your wedding?
Let’s face it, weddings can be hugely steeped in outdated patriarchal ideals that don’t sit well with most of us anymore.
Your wedding day should be a celebration of love and the commitment you feel for each other. But what happens when traditional wedding norms just don’t fit your values? Is it possible to have a feminist wedding?
Lucy and Jon’s wedding at The Oak Grove in Kent is a shining example of how you can plan a day that’s not only a reflection of your love but also of your principles. Embracing feminism and sustainability, they crafted a day that was as meaningful as it was merry.
The theme? Casual, fun, colorful, and incredibly eco-friendly. “Ditch all the crap we don’t want/need/enjoy, bring in bits we will (and everyone else will),” Lucy explained. And from alpacas mingling with guests to a cosy campfire pizza party, their day was anything but conventional.
THE FINER DETAILS
LUCY | JON
Casual, Personal, Outdoor Wedding With A Feminist Slant
The Wedding Day Details
Lucy and Jon’s outdoor wedding was the epitome of casual, fun, and colorful. The setting at The Oak Grove was naturally stunning, adorned with eco-friendly decorations that complemented its beauty without causing harm. Their day was filled with laughter, from the alpacas mingling with guests to everyone gathering under the stars for wood-fired pizzas and heartfelt conversations by the campfire.
Their first dance was under a canopy of an ancient tree, to the soulful tune of “Heartbeats” by Jose Gonzalez, making it a magical moment that was personal and poignant.
FEMINIST WEDDING
Choose to Walk Solo or Together Down the Aisle: Lucy decided against being given away, as the tradition didn’t resonate with her view of equality in marriage. Consider walking down the aisle solo to symbolise your independence or alongside your partner to signify your journey as equals.
Personalise Your Vows: They wrote personal vows that started with a realistic view of life, acknowledging that while the wedding day is special, it isn’t the pinnacle of their life. Create vows that speak true to your relationship and views, emphasising partnership and mutual respect.
Lucy said…
Natural, Candid & Emotional.
We love that the images in the gallery are natural, candid, and don’t at least look forced or posed (even if it is).
Capturing candid moments and emotion was most important for us.
WEAR WHAT YOU WANT
Wear what feels right. If a white dress isn’t your thing, ditch it! We think there are these rules when it comes to weddings but if you are planning and paying for your big day, you get to make the rules. Lucy chose a tea length, vintage inspired dress that meant she could move about and dance without having to worry about it trailing on the ground all day.
FEMINIST ELEMENTS TO CONSIDER
Only Include Elements You Love: Lucy and Jon invited alpacas to their celebration, aligning with their love for animals and nature, and opted for a relaxed setting around a campfire, emphasizing community and warmth.
Equality in Speeches: Break away from the tradition of only men giving speeches. Encourage speeches from both partners’ friends and family, regardless of gender, to reflect a balanced perspective.
Name Change Considerations: If you wish, discuss whether or not to change surnames. Some couples choose to hyphenate, create a new combined surname, or keep their original surnames as a statement of equality. I’ve also photographed weddings where the groom took the bride’s surname and also where both parties changed to a new last name.
Conclusion
Lucy and Jon showed that a wedding could be both a celebration of love and a reflection of personal beliefs. They tossed aside anything that didn’t serve them and embraced the things that did—making the day not just a formal event, but a true celebration of their life together. For couples planning their wedding, remember: it’s your day, your way. Embrace what matters to you, shed the rest, and you’ll create a day that not only celebrates your union but also honors your values. If you are hosting your own femnist wedding, let’s chat…
