A LOCAL funeral director is challenging perceptions of the world of undertaking by running a competition all about memories of wartime weddings.
The team at Co-op Funeralcare in Bridgwater and Taunton have decked out their windows with displays of ration-era bridal style and are inviting war brides and their children to send in photos of weddings from 1939-45 along with the stories behind the pictures – how the wedding was paid for, what was borrowed and made, what the guests ate and drank and how many coupons were saved and contributed.
Funeral arranger Jacki Penny said: “Part of my job is to break down barriers, show the public that undertakers are approachable and interesting and that we care about our clients’ stories.
“I really believe that modern brides will be stunned at how their grandparents struggled to provide the basics for a wedding.
These days they just take unlimited possibilities via the internet totally for granted, so this is going to surprise so many people.”
Wedding photos are often used on the order of service sheets for funerals, and it is these pictures of joyous occasions managed on the tightest budget with rationing which helped to trigger the idea for the competition.
Jacki said: “At this time of year hundreds of couples are planning their weddings and can feel pressure to spend more and more money to feel like a celebrity and impress their friends. Yet our grandparents managed on the tiniest budgets, restricted by clothing and food being rationed.”
To enter the competition send or take your wedding photos to The Co-operative Funeralcare at St John’s Street, Bridgwater, or at 32 Priorswood Road, Taunton, TA2 7P or 6 The Mount, Taunton, TA1 3NR, with the story behind the picture.
It could include: o how the wedding was paid for o what was borrowed and made o if there was a wedding breakfast, where it was and what was on the menu o and how many coupons were needed.
Regional manager Jack Walsh and area manager Shaun Knott will judge the entries and will be looking for the most heart-warming tale.
All the entries will be included in a special exhibition and the winner will receive a VIP treat, with flowers, bubbly and the use of a new silver 7-seater limousine complete with driver for the day.
A selection of the entries will appear in the Mercury.
Entries must be received at any of the Co-operative Funeralcare branches by February 14.Read more at:vintage prom dresses uk
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