HOT TOPIC

Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas

LET THEM EAT CAKE

Popular suppliers get booked up very quickly and if you know there’s a certain company you’d love to work with, get booked in with a deposit as soon as possible – you can work out the finer details later.

When choosing a baker, make sure you’ve seen their style and know what to expect.

Having lots of inspiration images will help the team produce your dream cake, this can be anything from a colour swatch from your bridesmaids’ dresses to images of your venue’s architecture. I’ve used an image of an old crumbling concrete wall for inspiration!

You’ve spent a long time saving for your wedding and bringing the day to life. So, work with your other suppliers such as the venue stylist and florist to make a showstopping display.

Don’t let friends and family talk you into choosing the cake flavours they like, rather than the ones you want. It’s your wedding and cake, make sure you enjoy every bite.

Sonia Chabane | The Rock ‘N’ Roll Baker www.rocknrollbaker.co.uk

NOW THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

We’re looking for some fun entertainment for our reception. Do you have any ideas?

For your evening entertainment, a DJ is often the least expensive option. They can offer impressive lighting and flexibility in the tracks they play and cover long periods of time. Live bands are another good option; they can provide high-energy, engaging performances of songs well-known by your guests. Most bands offer some form of DJ service to go alongside their live sets, so it’s possible to have the best of both worlds from just one provider.

Smaller acoustic groups can be an excellent way of accompanying your ceremony, drinks reception or sitdown meal. Many bands can also provide this service, although there are plenty of great stand-alone acoustic acts. Other options for your afternoon include the more traditional string quartet or harpist, but you could also consider things such as a brass, jazz or barbershop group for something a bit different and fun. Don’t forget the giant Jenga, magician, mini golf, bouncy castles and more for more afternoon entertainment!

Stephen Harrison House of Harmony - Wedding & Function band www.houseofharmonyband.co.uk

We’re looking for a wedding photographer, but we’re worried about booking someone we’ve never met online. Do you have any suggestions?

There are plenty of ways to make sure you’re picking the right wedding photographer for your big day. If booking someone you’ve never met is niggling at your list of wedding things to worry about, here are my top three tips.

Doing plenty of research will help gauge whether a photographer is right for you. Their style and personality will usually be shouted from the rooftops on their website and social media pages, so get searching and scrolling. A photographer spends a long time developing their style, so depending on whether you love light and airy or dark and moody shots, find a photographer whose work you absolutely love.

Most of my clients don’t meet me in person before their big day, but a Zoom call is an excellent way to break the ice, ask any questions you may have and see if you all get along. Ask many questions as a great photographer will put your mind at ease and reassure you.

Megan Wilson | Captured by Megan Wilson www.meganwilson.net

TIERS OF JOY

What advice can you share with us in the lead up to our special day to ensure we have our dream cake?

With the power of social media and the internet, you could plan a wedding in a few weeks. However, plan as far ahead as possible. Anything can happen in the climate we live in today, so expect the unexpected. If possible, hire an experienced wedding planner, the last thing you need in the days and weeks leading up to your big day is running around after suppliers.

In regard to your wedding cake, desserts and even favours, speak to your baker as early as possible so they can advise on what they can provide and ensure they have everything needed. Know your theme, colour scheme and style of cake you like. If there are ever any changes, always be sure to update the team so they can adjust your order to ensure they fit in with your day perfectly. Make the process about you and your other half, don’t worry about pleasing guests - if you’re happy, they’ll be happy. BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL

We’re trying to decide what time of year to get married but can’t make a decision. What flowers are available each season and are there any ways of saving money?

To save money, don’t feel the pressure to put flowers everywhere. Choose a wow-factor design, such as an arch or moon gate as a talking point between guests and for the perfect photography spot. Your florist may even be able to relocate these designs from the ceremony to the reception area.

Resist the urge to place bud vases everywhere or have elaborate table designs; think outside the box. How about renting herbs or small plants for the tables? I also suggest repurposing bouquets for the table centrepieces or even reducing the number of personal flowers. In season, flowers and foliage can be less expensive and of better quality. My favourite flowers for winter include hypericum berries, sea Holly and hellebores. For spring I love the beautiful ranunculus, peonies and freesias, while I love working with nigella, stocks and scabiosa in summer. Dahlias and chocolate cosmos are my favourite in autumn.

Talk to your florist for advice; it’s our job to source the best blooms for you as a couple, your venue, the designs and your budget.