HOT TOPIC

Our experts answer your big-day questions

UP, UP AND AWAY

We want a colourful balloon installation at our wedding – can you help?

Meet the expert: Gemma Birch is the owner of Atticus + Hope, a party catering and luxury balloon styling company based in the iconic Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire offering a bespoke event styling service throughout Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey and London.

A Class Act

What exactly is wedding production and how important is it?

Meet the expert: Michelle Thompson is the events coordinator of Class Act, a Buckinghamshire-based lighting, sound and technical production company.

Michelle says: Wedding production has a vital role to play throughout the day, however, this sensory service can be overlooked, misunderstood and forgotten in the grand scheme of things. With the initial rush of booking the venue, photographer and all of the beautiful details, production is often looked upon as a PA system for speeches and a disco with flashing lights combined with a generic playlist when it’s much more than that. A good production company will invite you to provide information on many areas where enhancement and improvement can be made, for example:

 Is your wedding a black-tie affair? If so, you may like to greet guests with the red carpet treatment which will also serve well in the evening for photo opportunities.

 Is your ceremony inside or outdoors? If it’s taking place outside, carpet aisle runners will ensure that your dress is kept pristine for the ceremony.

 Is your ceremony during the winter? You may want subtle up-lighting to enhance the beauty of the venue if the day is overcast. A church will look stunning in the glow of candles.

 Would you prefer a PA system for your ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast? The background music of your choice is equal to live music and can be played from your device which gives you full control and is a budget-friendly option.

 Do you want live music but the venue has poor acoustics? A discreet PA system will enhance the sound and may be able to be repurposed during the day.

 Are you both party people? Your DJ and band will elevate their performance on a low stage, creating excitement and buzz.

 Which lighting colours do you choose for the evening? The wow factor is gained from using colours predominantly from the blue palette such as combinations containing blue, purple or fuchsia – don’t pick green or yellow which aren’t flattering.

 Make your cake a real statement piece. Spotlighting the cake uplifts it - why not cut it on the dancefloor and use the spotlights for your

Gemma says: We offer many services from balloon installation and prop hire to gift wrapping and catering platters. With our balloon installations, let your imagination run wild – we love to make your ideas come to life! We can create installations in any colour and our bubble balloons can even be personalised!

07887 921 206, www.atticusandhope.com; www.instagram.com/atticusandhope first dance?

 Do you want a bespoke playlist? Every disco is different and so is the music. Your first dance, special family dances along with different styles and eras can be accommodated.

 We can also provide large illuminated LOVE letters, band-effect and architectural lighting plus canopy and festoon up-lighters which can be placed anywhere.

Our event planning team can guide you through the entire process painlessly. The trick to providing great production is to listen to those who have the vision. Just by telling us a few details, we can put together a suitable package to complement your timings, budget and style. Our team focuses on the details where production will make a difference. If your budget is tight then a village hall can be transformed - the cost of an up-lighter in your chosen colours will work wonders.

01296 658 222, www.classact.co; www.facebook.com/classactslp; www.instagram.com/classactproduction

Doggie Daycare

We want our much-loved dog to be a big part of our wedding but are concerned that we won’t have the time to walk and feed him on the big day - can you help?

Meet the expert: Ellis Brickley runs Ellis’ Pet Daycare & Dog Walking Service, a Buckinghamshire-based canine wedding concierge service for dogs and their owners, tailored to meet their bespoke needs.

Ellis says: Why not book The Unlimited Love package, £450, for your four-legged friend that consists of the following:

 An initial consultation either face-to-face or via zoom, and a 30-minute dog walk where I get to know them (where possible).

 I will collect your dog and safely transport them to the venue.

 A walk before the wedding commencing.

 A choice of bespoke custom-made accessories for the big day for example a bandanna, bow tie or flower crown.

 I will chaperone your pet at all times and carry out all duties as discussed.

 I will coordinate with your photographer and videographer and assist them in capturing the best pictures.

 I will supervise and attend to your dog’s comfort requirements before meeting the bridal party and guests.

 I will take them on a wind-down walk after the wedding.

 I will safely transport your dog back to your home or chosen accommodation.

 Pet sitting on the wedding night, or the night before the wedding, in the owner’s own home or chosen accommodation. The pet sitting includes feeding them at the times they require and any medication administered so that the dog’s normal daily routine is undisrupted.

07861 411 966, www.facebook.com/ellispetdaycare; www.instagram.com/ellispetdaycare

The Icing On The Cake

We want a wow-factor wedding cake, what do you suggest?

Meet the expert: Amanda Hill is the talent behind In the Green Sugarcraft Flowers based in Buckinghamshire.

Amanda says: Why not decorate your cake with hand-crafted sugar flowers which always look beautiful? Wild country flower designs, sprays or individual flowers can transform a simple cake into a stunning centrepiece. Each flower is made from the finest sugar paste and I can replicate any blooms, whether it’s a single stem or a cascade of flowers. The finished piece is hand-painted with edible colours.

www.inthegreen.uk

Bespoke Chesham based florist. We offer a creative and highly personalised service. Designing for events of all sizes. We assure you the result will be gorgeous and memorable.

Spark joy and create something that is uniquely you for your wedding and event. Add an extra special touch to your elegant a air with handwritten calligraphy pieces that makes your guests feel special and included.

Create a buzz worthy wedding and event with personalised gi s that last forever as a token of love and memory; Take your gi -giving to a whole new level with an impressive hand engraved gi tailored specially for your partner, parents and for your guests as souvenirs by getting their gi s engraved right on the spot

WEDDING CALLIGRAPHY SERVICES INCLUDE:

· Envelope Addressing · Place Cards/Escort Cards · Vow books

· Engraved gi s, perfumes, wine etc · Vows/Letters/Love Poems

· Spot Calligraphy for Invitation suite etc