HOT TOPIC

HOT TOPICInsider advice

Those in-the-know solve your wedding dilemmas

FIRST DATES

Our first wedding date got cancelled due to COVID-19, and we’re now apprehensive about booking another venue. What do you suggest we ask in case of future complications?

The industry was hugely affected by the pandemic and venues had to reschedule many celebrations, so it’s no surprise that most wedding venues will now have a policy in place should anything like this ever happen again. When looking for your dream venue, one of the questions I would recommend asking is what the venue’s COVID policy is – for example, will you be able to move your date, should it be affected by government restrictions? Will there be any charges to move the date? Will you be offered a selection of new dates – or will the venue decide on a new date for you? Also be sure to check with your wedding insurance and other suppliers to find out what their policies are, too.

Charley Pickett | Fennes | www.fennes.co.uk

CASINO ROYALE

My fiancée and I met at a casino, and I want to surprise her with evening entertainment to reflect that. Are all mobile casinos the same – or is there anything else I should be aware of that will wow her and all our friends and family?

I would personally say most casino tables are the same, however, what I say to my brides and grooms is that with our business you deal with me from the beginning right through to the very end – I will be at your wedding, so you know who will be behind the tables. With 20 years of experience in London casinos I know what I’m doing, and I only work with casino-trained dealers. I also only host one event per day, so although the dealing time is up to three hours I’m available all day for your wedding.

I don’t want to take a case crammed with clothes I won’t end up wearing on my honeymoon. We’re staying in the Caribbean during its hot and dry season – are there any dos and don’ts I should consider?

As the weather is going to be hot and dry try to focus on breathable, cool, cotton or linen clothing. Maxi dresses are a great choice for day or night as it’s a ‘one stop shop’ outfit without having to worry about matching separate items. Try to stay away from dark colours or articles of clothing that are too fitted or tight – comfort is key, plus if you feel good you’ll look good! Various camisoles in a neutral palette will be your wardrobe hero, which you can mix and match by dressing up with brightly coloured maxi skirts or dressing down with shorts. Whatever you choose, these still denote a glamorous edge for day or night.

Keeping it simple, comfortable, elegant and stylish is the way to go on your honeymoon, and by using these suggestions you won’t waste suitcase space and will still look a million dollars!

Katie Porter | Styled by Katie | www.styledbykatie.co.uk

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

We’re thinking of booking a videographer, but we’re not sure what to look for. Do you have any tips?

Whatever you do, don’t book a videographer as an after-thought! The most common regret I hear from married couples is that they didn’t have a wedding film. Instead, start by following social media pages, research websites, and identify the styles you enjoy watching. Look for consistency, emotion, and personality you like before reaching out, researching packages and costs before setting your budget. Most videographers cater for different budgets, and I often discuss bespoke packages to get the film couples want.

You should also say what you want and be clear. If I know what you want and expect, I can tailor films accordingly – it’s your film and should reflect who you are after all!

Finally, be sure to organise a videographer early – we’re in demand and get booked up quickly! It’s definitely the case of the earlier the better, with your wedding film up there with booking venues and photographers.

https://jeffturnbull.co.uk

LET’S CELEBRATE!

We’ve just started wedding planning and I’m slightly confused about what a celebrant actually does! Can you help?

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding that’s totally about you and your partner, then a celebrant-led wedding may be for you. For a start, you can get married where you like – in a venue, in the garden or woods, on a boat, at home; let your imagination flow. Although not legally binding in the UK at present, this is currently with the Law Commission, and going to government for consideration this year. In the meantime, the legal part of the marriage still needs to be signed and witnessed by a registrar or authorised religious dignitary, which can be done before or after your wedding.

That being said, celebrant-led ceremonies are becoming more popular in modern couples wanting to do-away with stuffy traditions that don’t mean much to them. I only perform one ceremony a day, so I can concentrate fully on you as a couple. I can help choose poems and readings that best represent you and that are suited to the vibe of your wedding. I can even get your fur-baby involved in your ceremony if you wish – why not have them as your ring bearer? Anything is possible if you choose to use a celebrant.

Carol Cranfield | Carol Cranfield Celebrant www.carolcranfieldcelebrant.co.uk