Justin, Jessica and their three day wedding
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel certainly don't do things by halves. Their Italian wedding turned into a three-day extravaganza at the beautiful Borgo Egnazia resort.
"We have noticed a rise certainly in extended wedding celebrations, what we term ‘wedkends’," said Sophie Day, author of The Secret Quintessentially Weddings Guide (out next month).
"It is something quite a few of the venues in the guide are increasingly offering so that couples and their guests have the chance to really revel in their wedding and enjoy spending rare time with their loved ones rather than just focusing on one fleeting day when it’s often difficult to get around everybody and catch-up, make guests feel special or appreciated for coming."
While no expense was spared at the Timberlake/Biel nuptials - helped with an investment from People Magazine, who bought the exclusive rights to the wedding photos - a wedkend isn't beyond the budget of the average bride, either. Many resorts offer special three-day packages for overseas nuptials – simply ask the on-site wedding planner or your travel agent for details.
"I think the wedkends trends nods to music festivals and weddings increasingly being in destination venues, whether here in the UK or abroad – couples do not necessarily marry where they live, but often host their wedding in the idyllic English countryside, for instance," Sophie said. "This means couples want to make the most of escaping the daily grind."
Who better to revolutionise the first dance than Justin Timberlake? His wedding to Jessica Biel in Italy this weekend reportedly included a choreographed first dance. Yes, even the light-footed former boybander decided to take some private tuition to polish up a routine to his 'N Sync hit It's gonna be me.
A source told The Sun newspaper last week: "Justin has been working on this for months - Jessica used to love the track growing up and he wants it to be a special treat."
So will 2013 grooms be following Timberlake to the dance studio? There are probably many brides-to-be who hope this will be the case.
Sophie Day, author of The Secret Quintessentially Weddings Guide (out next month), says Timberlake could revolutionise the stereotype of a quick shuffle around the floor for first dances for UK couples.
"While even the likes of President Obama and even Mick Jagger have been described as 'dad dancers', a little coaching can get your groom up to Timberlake standard in no time," she said. "It's all about confidence and the best way to grow confidence is with lessons."
Karen Hardy, Strictly Come Dancing champion and one of the nicest ladies in showbiz, offers wedding packages at her Chelsea dance studios. She has put together the following top tips for grooms looking to avoid 'dad dancing' and err on the side of smooth.
Move naturally and with confidence to start with - don't risk your more unbridled moves until the cheers say you should.
A drink or partner in one hand is often useful as then you only have to think about the one other flailing one.
If you're going for natty older rocker, think Bruce/The Boss rather than Jagger for tight shoulder shrugs, standing with your legs slightly apart in an upturned V shape, and tap alternate legs. Perhaps lace it with the odd hip wiggle and nod of the head.
Footwork should be sophisticated and light, but not fey. When you get to the point where you want to add a flourish, go with a subtle spin with your right foot tucked in front of your left, and propel with the balls of your feet. You want Astaire rather than Fagin here.
Keep your core strong, and your knees relaxed to stop you looking too rigid. And if in doubt at any time, just think "what would Tom Ford/George Clooney/Bryan Ferry do?".
You can download a FREE sample of The Secret Quintessentially Weddings Guide now! See http://www.quintessentiallyweddings.com/pre-order/.
See more Italian wedding venues here.
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