HOT TOPIC

Our local experts answer your questions

VIP – VERY IMPORTANT PET

What top tips and advice do you have for having our dog involved on our wedding day?

Firstly, is your dog right for the job? Some dogs require more training than others to prepare them for your big day, this could mean months of planned training, so book early and plan well in advance of your big day.

Decide how you would like your dog to be involved in your big day. This could be walking down the aisle to deliver your rings, joining you at the drinks reception, or just simply for the photographs.

It might be that you can’t have your dog at your wedding but you would like to have he/she visit you or be nearby for your evenings or down time days. This could mean booking a licenced ‘Home-from-home’ boarding service with pet taxi provisions. This would mean your best friend would get a great holiday and be at hand to provide your much needed support when you require it.

Other considerations for the welfare of your pet, your guests and your venue:

1. Your pet will be very happy in its normal surroundings at home

Change Of The Times

How has photography changed over the years, what are 2023 couples looking for from their big-day photographer?

Up until around 15 years ago, wedding photography was mostly about recording the day and the traditional shots. The introduction of smartphones in to everyday life has seen a resurgence in everyone’s interest in photography and, more than that, creativity. From a photographer’s point of view, it’s fantastic that couples are so much more invested in their wedding photography and are excited about working with their photographer to create the most stunning images of their perfect day, rather than just record it. Our couples book us because, as full time, qualified Master Photographers, they know they can trust us to realise their dream photographs of their big day.

Paul and Fiona Davies

Eternity

Hall Photography

www.eternityhallphotography.co.uk however, bringing them in to an environment that is unfamiliar could be quite stressful for them. Hiring a professional trainer and behaviourist ensures that all measures are put in place for desensitisation, habituation, and familiarity as well as a positive process for training behaviours that ensure for a happy pet and that all your guests are safe, and your day goes well.

2. It can be quite overwhelming to be on the go in this new environment, where will your pet be taken to rest, sleep, chill, eat, drink and ‘be normal’? Don’t underestimate the importance of a break for your pet.

3. Insurance. Does the venue have provisions that cover your pet attending your wedding? As well as the chaperone professional having sufficient insurance and expertise.

4. DBS checks. It’s vital that your pet professional is criminal disclosure checked to give you, your venue, your pet and your guests confidence in your chosen service provider.

5. Gain references or check reviews on your chosen provider’s services before confirming your chosen professional.

Jay Wood | JAWs, PAWs and CLAWs Pet Care www.jawsandpawspetcare.co.uk

Themed Transport

With TV shows and films influencing wedding themes, think: The Crown, Bridgerton and James Bond. What cars do you suggest would work for different genres?

One of the most popular TV series to become a fashionable wedding theme is Peaky Blinders

Set in the early 1900s the fashion is timeless, lending to the bride dressed in sophistication and the grooms party in tweed suits and flat caps.

Our 1920s-style Landaulette and Beauford Roadster have graced many weddings channelling this theme; not only used for the transportation but also providing a fabulous backdrop for the wedding photography.

Kevin Kitteridge | Silverline Limousines

www.silverlinelimousines.com

Matchmade In Heaven

We’re completely unsure of what cake design to go for, we like so many on Instagram/Pinterest it can feel quite overwhelming. If you were given completely free rein on a cake design, what would you opt for, we’re looking for some inspiration! If I was given free rein for a wedding cake, I would go for a natural more muted colour background, with a range of beautiful handmade flowers to give that pop of colour and focus point. I think its lovely when the flowers on the cake tie in with the bride’s bouquet.

Becky Coverdale | Becky’s Cake Bakes | www.beckyscakebakes.co.uk

Sustainable Choices

With the increased awareness of sustainability and choosing wedding suppliers with good policies. How do we ensure our wedding flowers are as eco-friendly as possible? We can all do our bit to help climate change and protect our environment by choosing to be more mindful of our choices and choosing eco-friendly and sustainable.

I’m starting to get more and more enquiries from people who want to use seasonal and British flowers for their weddings.

It’s extremely important not to use floral foam as it contains micro plastics that get in to the water and don’t break down over time. Florists are starting to use moss and chicken wire in place of the traditional floral foam – the RHS has now banned all use of floral foam in its shows!

To be more eco-friendly is to choose locally grown flowers to cut down on land or air miles. A quick internet search, or by using Flowers From The Farm website – an organisation which promotes British Flowers – can help couples find a local grower. These local growers generally use sustainable and regenerative methods. A couple can rest assured that when they put their face into a bouquet of roses it’s only the perfume they inhale and not a cocktail of chemicals which are all too readily used in imported flowers.

If someone wants a rose in a winter bouquet, it’s a florist’s responsibility to educate their customers to what else is available seasonally that isn’t flown in from Africa or South America. Offering blooms that are just as beautiful but grown in the UK and don’t cost the earth both literally and figuratively.

Lucy Spencer | Hall Lane Flowers | www.instagram.com/hall_lane_flowers

Favourbrook has announced the launch of its new winter 2022 collection. Focusing on texture and tactility, the new must-see fabrics and tones will add a contemporary feel to your evening wardrobe.

The collection focuses on mid-weight wool and recycled cashmere and includes a variety of tartan fabrics. The new waistcoats are made from velvet and are available in a rich autumnal palette which tie in beautifully with the more formal and ornate silk creations that the brand has to offer.

For more information, visit the website www.favourbrook.com

Spinnaker Watches has introduced the new Spinnaker Cahill 300 Automatic Help for Heroes Limited Edition Watch to mark 15 years since the charity, Help for Heroes, was founded.

The timepiece pays tribute to the charity with three markings on the strap, which echo the Help for Heroes’ signature colours. The distinctive red, navy and blue represent each branch of the British Armed Forces and their unity and strength.

The collection is limited to 600 pieces and five per cent of net sales will go towards the amazing work that Help for Heroes do.

Visit www.spinnaker-watches.co.uk for more information.

Next has announced its first menswear edit with TV host and World Cup golden boot winner, Gary Lineker. The 12 looks that Gary has selected for his winter edit are a mixture of casual and formal pieces to suit every style and occasion. Whether that’s supporting the kids on a chilly Sunday morning from the sideline or dinner and drinks with family and friends, there is something for everyone.

“Fashion is something I’m passionate about and I like the variety offered by Next,” says Gary. “There is great tailoring and also smart casual pieces for going out socialising. On the other hand, there is much more casual clothing for my Sundays off and holidays, both of which are very important to me. Next, although known internationally, of course, is also a brand with a strong connection to Leicester!”

To see the full interview with Gary, visit our website. For more information about the collection, head over to www.next.co.uk