HOT TOPIC: wedding worries

Our experts solve your problems

We’re thinking of hiring a celebrant for our upcoming wedding, is there anything we should take into consideration before booking?

The first thing you need to know is that celebrants are currently only able to offer symbolic ceremonies. This means to make your ceremony ‘legal’ you will need to arrange to give notice and a legal signing of documents at your local registry office. Some people prefer to arrange for a registrar to come to their venue in addition to the celebrant, but this is more expensive and reduces the possibilities of what time and place the service can take place.

There are lots of celebrants to choose from, and they all offer different things. A good celebrant will be interested in listening to your ideas and finding out what you’re all about. They will take their lead from you and create a ceremony that is special and unique. Whatever, you choose the price is often reflected in the experience, quality, customer care, creativity and professionalism of the celebrant you choose.

Make sure you know what you’re getting before booking. Ask for a no-obligation video call and speak to a few suppliers. Ask what their working and booking process is, and their contingency for unforeseen circumstances. Check out their Instagram and website, and don’t be

Put A Ring On It

What are the latest wedding ring trends?

We have seen wedding ring trends change a lot over the years. People are putting a lot more thought into what their perfect wedding ring will look like. Gone are the traditional wide matching rings and instead couples are choosing what they love and are excited to wear for the rest of their lives.

Yellow gold has come back in a big way, and we’re seeing more feminine styles with small diamond accents that are encase around the engagement ring, often shaped with fans or floral designs.

For men, we’re seeing dark metals, often black with a hint of gold or silver running through. Metal trends are titanium, palladium and tungsten, with hard wearing and practical being the way forward for men choosing the perfect ring.

Selecting your ring can be overwhelming, so it’s always best to go into a store and try on as many as you can. Your jeweller will advise what looks best and help you find the perfect style that you will cherish for life.

Shari Francis www.francisandgaye.co.uk

afraid to ask for references.

Above all, budget is important but never forget that cheapest isn’t always best. You’re spending a lot of time, effort and money on your wedding day and your ceremony is the most important part, so take your time, do your research and get a marvellous celebrant to help make your day magical.

Louise Goode

www.louisegoodecelebrant.co.uk

Floral Dreams

I love flowers and want to incorporate them in both our venues; how can we save money by re-using them?

Re-purposing your ceremony flowers is a great way to stretch your budget. This is easier if your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, but if not, check with your florist to see what items can be moved. The most common and easiest way is to have a long and low arrangement on the signing table and then place this on the top table after the ceremony.

Another popular design choice is florals that line the aisle, which can easily be moved to the reception space, either in front of the top table or perhaps in front of a sign or backdrop.

You could also untie any pew ends and place them in small vases around your reception venue.

If you’re struggling to find a way to move items, I recommend prioritising your reception flowers. You spend much longer at your reception venue, so save your budget for where your guests will be wowed all day.

Caroline Stokes www.palmandpeonyflowers.co.uk

A Timeless Wedding

How can we add a personal touch to our wedding ceremony?

Personalised ceremonies are gaining in popularity, with couples seeking alternatives to a traditional church or registrar service. The ceremony is the pinnacle of the day, yet can be the least thought about in terms of making it reflect your identities. I suggest you choose a celebrant who you can relate to and will develop something just for you.

A celebrant-led service weaves parts of your love story into the ceremony, which can contain humour as well as romance and bring relevance to the pieces of music you have chosen as the backtrack to the service.

Current trends include the use of rituals such as ring warming or candle ceremonies to honour relatives and friends that cannot be present. Little details like involving family and friends in rituals will make the day memorable for everyone who attends.

If you’re a couple who have a beloved pet that is part of your family, then involve them in the ceremony either as a spectator or as a ring bearer. If your beliefs are leaning more towards the mystic, then vows said within a crystal circle might be perfect for you.

Beryl Leeson www.yourthymecc.co.uk

A Piece Of Cake

My wife-to-be and I would love to incorporate our flowers into our sweet treats; do you have any ideas?

There are plenty of ways to decorate your sweet treats with flowers; here are a few to consider:

The Write Stuff

How can we add a personal touch to our stationery?

Using handwritten calligraphy will add a personal touch for you and those attending your special day. Calligraphy is a traditional art form that offers elegance and individuality that is difficult to replicate via printing.

Begin by researching and looking at your stationer’s previous work, and have conversations with them to discuss what you want for your day, such as your theme or colours and any styles of writing that you like.

The on-the-day stationery can include name cards, table plans, table numbers, menus, thank you cards, a welcome board and much more. All of these can be made personal, from the type of paper used to the background and ink colour, the style of writing and decorative flourishes.

Nathan Morris

Fresh flowers – great if you want a more realistic and fancier look; this option is affordable but can be pricy depending on how many you need. Petals and whole flowers can be edible and vary in flavour, ranging from sweet or sour to spicy. You can also decorate most, if not every sweet treat with edible flowers, from small nibbles to drinks. However, be mindful of the flowers you choose as some are poisonous and not food safe!

Artificial flowers – if you want a keepsake from your cake after your wedding, artificial flowers may be your way to go.

Sugar paste flowers – these are edible, delicate and detailed decorations, however its more for show rather than taste and can be pricey depending on the size, quantity and detail required.

Fondant flowers – fondant icing can be sculpted into flowers, however the detail may be limited.

Buttercream flowers – finally, my personal favourite is buttercream. It tastes good and looks great, and you can apply as much or as little detail as you wish.

Emma from Bloom Bouqcakes www.bloombouqcakes.co.uk