King Charles III's coronation is a new date in the diary that brides and grooms may not have factored in when choosing their wedding date.
While much of the country is looking forward to the extra bank holiday weekend to celebrate the new monarch, it may have caused havoc if you are one of the 1,900 couples who have planned your big day on the weekend of 6-8 May – which marks the start of wedding season.
If you're wondering how your guests can enjoy both memorable occasions, then take a look at wedding expert and Editor of Hitched.co.uk Zoe Burke's five top tips for coronation weddings.
1. Check with your venue
Zoe recommended you check in with your venue and suppliers as soon as possible, to understand what their plan is for the national event, not only in terms of their opening hours but also whether they plan to celebrate.
For example, they may be running with limited staff or have something in place to allow staff and visitors to watch the coverage.
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"This won’t necessarily impact the perfect day you have had planned and are expecting, but might just mean slight changes to how it will run," said Zoe.
2. Toast in his honour
Why not honour the King’s coronation in your wedding speeches? This will show your guests that even though it’s your big day, you’ve not overlooked the national holiday.
Zoe even suggested turning it into a fun drinking game! "Couples might even want to turn the coverage into a game for all their guests (drink anytime someone says 'King', anyone?)," she added.
3. Food fit for a King
© iStock"The three dishes Brits have been advised to serve at their street parties are Coronation Roast Rack of Lamb, Coronation Aubergine, and Strawberry and Ginger Trifle", said Zoe, which is perfect for those looking for a more unusual wedding menu.
Alternatively, she suggested stocking your bar with coronation-inspired cocktails or tipples loved by King Charles, such as whisky and martinis.
4. A regal screening area
If guests are worried about missing out on the historic event, which starts at 11am, it's worth considering a viewing area where they can watch live coverage. This may be set up where the guests mingle before the ceremony, or it could be perfectly timed for when the bride and groom are having professional photos taken.
Zoe said: "You may also choose to include memorabilia or tributes to His Majesty the King and the royal family around the screening area as well, or style some thrones and crowns and Union Jack bunting for yourselves for a fun nod to the occasion!
"Consider giving everyone flags to wave as you exit your ceremony, instead of confetti or bubbles."
5. A right royal party
The coronation theme could continue into your evening entertainment, such as playing the national anthem as you enter the reception or as the final song of the evening.
If you have mixed feelings about your wedding being outshined by the King, then look on the bright side – your guests will at least have the bonus bank holiday to recover from your wedding party!
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