Britain’s upper class are upholding traditions and adjusting their etiquette rules amid the coronavirus lockdown.
The marriage of LT. Col. D.J Willdridge and Miss L.E. Hovey was published in the The Times notices column yesterday – a go to for high society to announce births, engagements, deaths and marriages.
But it differed from the norm because it was the first to virtual ceremony to be listed, with the notice reading: ‘The bride was attended by Margot Willdridge-Ibbetson and both families were present via Zoom.’
Meanwhile society bible Tatler have shared a series of guides to teach the blue-blooded how to host soirees during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Zoom marriage of LT. Col. D.J Willdridge and Miss L.E. Hovey was published in the The Times notices column yesterday – a go to for high society to announce births, engagements, deaths and marriages (stock image)
While many have postponed their weddings until after the lockdown some are carrying on, and tying the knot with their friends and family in attendance virtually.
And it appears many are still keen to uphold other traditions, despite the unusual and unconventional nature of the ceremony.
The notice in The Times read: ‘The marriage took place on 26 April 2020, at their home in Winchester between Daniel, Elder Son of Mr Michael Willdridge of Poundbury, Dorset and Lucy, Elder Daughter of Mr and Mrs Neal Hovey of Plumpton, East Sussex The Revered Mary Copping officiated….’
‘The bride was attended by Margot Willdridge-Ibbetson and both families were present via Zoom.’
It comes as some loved-up couples opt to go ahead with their weddings, conducting the ceremony virtually (pictured, school sweethearts Ben Jackson, 25, and Sophie Austin, 26, from Croydon, got engaged in August 2018, but their dream wedding, planned for March 28, was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. They decided to get married on zoom instead)
300 friends and loved ones tuned in to the ceremony thanks to the video conference app Zoom (pictured: some of the guests)
Earlier this month, school sweethearts Ben Jackson, 25, and Sophie Austin, 26, from Croydon, tied the knot in front of 300 friends and family on Zoom.
Another couple, from Bristol, were surprised by Ellie Goulding who serenaded them with Love Me Like You Do during their virtual nuptials.
Meanwhile society bible Tatler have shared a guide on how to remain social and host events during these unprecedented times.
Revealing how to host a dinner party, the society bible said it is key to keep numbers low, but encouraged hosts to still dress up and give speeches.
Too many virtual attendees could result in ‘a dreadful plummet in sound quality’, with Tatler adding that the the delay in audio could also make people sound ‘dim’.
In picking a spot in the house, the magazine encourages choosing a ‘fun’ background, such as a wood panelled block, and to spruce the foreground up with designer tableware.
They advised: ‘One can really re-energise the joy of entertaining in a relatively normal way, sprucing up the table with your finest and most shapely Zalto wine glasses, Liberty patterned napkins or hand painted Casa Cubista plates.’.
And while many are spending time in pyjamas and tracksutis while they’re staying at home, the society bible also advised to dress up while hosting a soiree.
It continued: ‘On Zoom, there really is a “touch up my appearance option” that allows one to “retouch” video displays with a softer focus, helping “smooth out the skin tone” and present a “more polished looking appearance.
‘Ideal for that aspirational pearly dinner party glow, rather than a ruddy “red wine cheeks”.
While many have postponed their weddings until after the lockdown – some are carrying on, and tying the knot with their friends and family in attendance virtually (stock image)