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https://janebeadnellphotography.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE

Stellar wedmin advice from those in the know

DECK THE HALLS

We’re really excited about our winter wedding and would love to incorporate the season into our venue styling. What would you suggest?

Venue styling during the festive season is all about exciting the senses, so consider colour, ambient candlelight, interesting textures and scents. A festive colour scheme is a great way to channel the season. Whilst rich burgundy and forest green are obvious classics, other bold jewel tones, such as deep purple and navy also work beautifully. If strong colours aren’t your style however, a more subtle, sparkling theme might be the better option. A palette of natural hues or even all white, set against a dazzling mix of metallics can look breathtaking, creating a sparkling, winter-wonderland feel that’s elegant and timeless.

Nature also offers up an abundance of styling inspiration at this time of year. Seasonal greenery, such as evergreen pine, fir branches or holly look amazing incorporated into mantelpiece and staircase displays, or as table garlands. However, be sure to steer clear of mistletoe for table décor as it’s poisonous! Pinecones and nuts add beautiful texture when nestled amongst a carefully curated tablescape. As for place settings – cinnamon sticks, star anise or dried fruit slices not only look striking, they add a gorgeous scent too.

Don’t forget the candlelight! Embrace the darker evenings with flickering candles (we love to use a mixture of pillar and floating candles) or a roaring open fire to welcome your guests in from the cold.

Holly Allman-Lopez, www.ambiencevenuestyling.com

www.tonisimion.co.uk FLASH IN THE PAN

We’re getting married in the winter and the only thing we’re worried about are the dark nights and generally low light at this time of year spoiling our photography. What would you advise?

Check that your photographer has external flashes. I keep them with me for just such a situation, where the light is low at this time of year. Sometimes, using flashes can create wonderful photos, with beautiful light. I love shooting at night, because you have the option of creating something different. WHICH IS WHICH?

Help! We’re getting confused about the difference between a registrar and a celebrant. Can you shed some light on this?

Until recent times, couples could either book a religious ceremony in a church, or a secular one at a register office. The only other option was a licensed venue, which a registrar would attend. That’s not the case any more.

Firstly, let’s examine what a registrar is and what they do. A registrar is an official who oversees and keeps records of births, deaths and marriages. They often work in a register office and officiate the paperwork/licence pertaining to your legal marriage. These are set words and procedures and are often rather impersonal. What many don’t realise is that you can go into a register office, sign the legal paperwork and then use a celebrant to write and deliver a ceremony to suit your personalities.

So, what exactly is a celebrant? A professionally-trained celebrant will meet with you and discover exactly what your dream wedding would look like. They’ll include as much or as little as you wish of any element whether it be religious, spiritual or secular. If you’ve always dreamed of a woodland wedding, then that’s what they’ll design for you. If you fancy a themed wedding, maybe Star Wars or Disney, then the celebrant will enter into the spirit of your ceremony and make it a reality.

Currently, a celebrant can’t do the legal paperwork, so organise a quick visit to the register office to complete this. Once it’s all signed, you can have your ring exchange, vows, readings, meaningful songs and everything your hearts desire – a wedding that you and your guests will remember for the rest of your lives.

CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY

We’re both obsessed with Christmas and would love to include it in our ceremony somehow. What can you recommend?

With a celebrant-led wedding you can make your ceremony as Christmassy as you like! Here are a few suggestions: ♥ Make an entrance and walk into the room to your favourite carol or cheesy festive track. Get your guests to sing along. ♥ Candles always add romance, so including a unity candle ceremony is the perfect way to keep that warm Christmas glow. ♥ Create your own blend of mulled wine as part of a wine ceremony. Add your favourites along with some spices and your guests will really enjoy toasting you both after the “I dos.” ♥ Instead of a sand ceremony, why not have a snow globe ceremony, each taking it in turns to add the elements? ♥ Let your guests leave a special thought or message to you both in a bauble and get them to hang it on the tree. ♥ Use hand-fasting cords in Christmas colours and add special festive charms. If you make the cords long enough, you can use them every year to decorate your tree. ♥ If you’re having your ceremony in your home or your family’s home, why not include a tree planting ceremony and plant a Christmas tree? ♥ Incorporate your favourite Christmas films into your vows. My favourites from

Love Actually include: “To me, you are perfect, and my wasted heart will love you.”

And: “I love you even when you’re sick and look disgusting!” – Now that’s true love and definitely a keeper.

Jen Whitworth, www.jenthecelebrant.co.uk SEASONAL CHEER

We’re looking for some festive fun to add to our winter wedding day. What would you suggest?

A great way to ensure your photo booth is in keeping with the festive theme is to ensure the company you use provides an array of Christmas props for you and your guests. From beards and turkey hats right through to wrapped parcels and mistletoe, these additional props will be sure to add a touch of festivity to your photos.

Also, be sure there’s the option for a festive print template for the print outs on the night. This is the keepsake that everyone will get to take home and it’s your opportunity to make your mark.

Beyond the photo booth, there are a few basics that never disappoint. Crackers – because it’s not a Christmas wedding without paper hats, bottle openers and a new mini screwdriver! Mulled wine – well, because not only is it going to keep everyone warm and a little tipsy, it’ll also fill the room with a festive aroma. And Christmas classics – although a little cheesy, everyone loves to be reminded that it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Craig Cheber, www.booth19.co.uk

AL FRESCO “I DOS”

My fiancé and I have just started looking for our dream wedding venue, and we’d like to get married outside. What should we keep in mind before booking?

If you’re thinking of an outside wedding, the first thing you’ll be worried about is the weather. What if it’s pouring with rain? Fear not, last minute change of plans can easily be accommodated. For example, we use our beautiful ceremony room in the Great Hall, which can seat up to 75. It also works the other way around! Earlier this year, we had a couple who were desperate to marry outside, but the weather didn’t look good. Finally, the sun came out 30 minutes before the ceremony and we decided to go for it. So, do check that your venue can be flexible.

We have a great team of registrars here in Somerset and they’re always accommodating so that ceremonies are happy and informal occasions. If we’re outside, we generally put out a few seats for elderly and special guests, but most people are standing, which gives them a good view. Our brides can make the perfect entrance, through the gathered guests to join their spouse-to-be with the 16th-century manor house and gardens in the background. Welcome drinks can be served on the front lawn and celebrations can continue in our fabulous marquee... so, what’s there to stress about?