Modern Bride Polly Sayer

We caught up with bride to be @pollyvsayer to talk all things wedding, from tradition’s she’ll be happily breaking to what’s inspired her bridal look.

What does being a modern bride mean to you?  

To me it means being a little less traditional, whether that’s in your outfit choice, venue or décor style. I also think it means not always adhering to a standard wedding format if it doesn’t feel right and planning the day in a way that feels most authentic to you and your partner. 

How did you and your partner meet?  

We met at university, after we were introduced because he was looking for saxophone lessons (fun fact: I studied music at university). We dated for a while but lost touch after we both moved home after graduating. I executed a successful DM slide 9 years later after a few wines and the rest is history! 

What was the best part about the proposal?  

The fact that we kept the engagement to ourselves for a full day before letting our friends & families know. It was such a special little bubble and meant we weren’t distracted by replying to messages and could soak up every moment of happiness. Once we did then tell people, it felt like extending the fun even more. 

Describe your dream wedding day in three words.  

Relaxed, happy and fun. 

What’s been the most exciting part of wedding planning so far?  

Finding our venue was such a fun thing to do together – it’s somewhere we’d both visited socially and are fond of, so the moment we walked in to view it as a wedding venue I think we both knew it was the one. I’m also in the process of designing my dream wedding shoes with designer Florrie London, which is something teenage me would scream at! 

Who or what inspires your bridal style the most?  

I’m always inspired by vintage fashion, particularly from the 80s and 90s, so I also feel quite drawn to bridal wear that looks like it could be from this era. Taffeta, ruffles, big sleeves … if you can’t be a little extra on your wedding day, then when can you?! 

What’s your favourite piece from the collection, why?  

I love the jacket. Such a chic piece to throw over a mini or a slinky slip dress. However, I think the puff sleeve mini is my favourite because of those sleeves. Plus, there are so many ways you could accessorize it that would change the vibe completely, perhaps with gloves or a silk neck scarf – it’s very versatile. 

Are there any wedding “rules” you’re choosing to rewrite? 

There’s a bit of advice about choosing a bridal look that’s classic and won’t date, so you can look back at your photos in 20 years’ time and not regret your outfit choice. Spoiler alert: everything dates to some degree and I really believe you should wear something you feel amazing in at the time, even if it’s got some more trend-led features. I don’t really identify with the classic bridal aesthetic, so I’m ignoring that bit of advice. 

What’s one tradition you’re happily breaking?  

We’re not doing a first dance. Neither of us has good moves and the idea of having all eyes on us slow dancing fills us both with total dread, so we’re planning to go straight into a grimy rave cave amongst all our guests instead. 

What are you going to do to make sure you feel as confident as possible on the big day?  

Wear something I feel amazing in, work with suppliers who understand our vibe, and remember that ultimately it’s about marrying the person who thinks you’re beautiful even when you’re make-up free in pyjamas.