HOT TOPIC

Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas

Breathtaking Backdrops

Why should I book a private showroom and not hold off for a venue’s wedding open day?

Open days are exciting, but the venue will be full of suppliers and other interested couples. The busy atmosphere means you won’t get an accurate sense of how the venue will look and feel on your wedding day. With so many stalls and people on-site, it’s easy to miss some areas and features you would have loved. We will always have our key team members at any wedding open day, but they’ll rarely be able to spend more than a few minutes with each person with so many couples there. A private show round appointment allows you to meet the team you’ll be working with, which is an important step when creating your dream wedding. It’s essential to ensure that the team truly grasp your vision and can accommodate it. They’ll be able to share past experiences while

Bring On Spring

What flowers would work best for a spring wedding, and what should we keep in mind?

Spring is the season for softstemmed bulb flowers – think tulips, hellebores, muscari, daffodils and ranunculi. There’s also brief chance to use romantic blossom branches!

Bulb flowers have delicate stems, so avoid tightly binding bouquets to prevent anything from getting crushed.

If you love the eucalyptus look, remember it’s out of season from May to June. So, choose alternative grey or green foliage such as senecio (dusty miller) instead.

helping you understand where everything will go and how it will feel on the day. As the venue is such a central part of your wedding, it’s essential that you feel confident and pleased with the team supporting you on-site.

The staff can discuss how your specific wedding will look with the exact number of guests for your type of ceremony and discuss in detail any catering requirements.

Most couples don’t have plenty of experience planning weddings, so it’s only natural that questions will arise. Unfortunately, bustling wedding open days are not the best environment for this! Your private show round appointment will allow you to work through your questions individually. Walking around the venue and talking through your day may spark some new ones you hadn’t thought of before.

Nazlee Sabahipour | Offley Place | www.offleyplace.com

Sarah Allen

Love at First Sight Floristry www.loveatfirstsightfloristry.com www.dashacaffrey.com

Once Upon A Time

What blooms would you suggest for our fairytale-style wedding in March?

March is a fabulous time to tie the knot! Spring has arrived, so there’s new growth budding everywhere and a promise of sunny days to come.

With a wealth of sweet-scented spring flowers, this has to be my favourite season! The daffodil or narcissus is the perfect bloom with more than 250 varieties to pick from.

A white lily of the valley is another highly scented and delicate flower usually seen in many royal bouquets.

Muscari in blue, white and soft pink shades with many petalled ranunculus all look stunning together. Combine with double, frilled or parrot tulips as well as bold anemones, freesia, cherry blossoms and lush green foliage to create gorgeous bridal bouquet and floral arrangements.

Vicki Cowell | Vicki’s Floral Designs www.vickisfloraldesigns.co.uk

https://stevemulveyphotography.com

Dreamy Weddings

What will be trending in the world of weddings in 2023, and what advice can you share with us?

The problem with wedding trends is that every nuptial looks the same with similar backdrops, colour schemes, florals and more. The day must represent you both, don’t just play it safe and go with the flow. Take inspiration from any themes while ensuring you stay true to who you are as a couple.

Trends give us a great starting point when looking at what our big day could look like. But I fully encourage couples to be as freethinking as they can be with wedding planning. Don’t get drawn into following trends that don’t fully light up your soul; this day is about your passions and love story. We’re seeing more couples being unique and authentic to their beautiful selves to create their dream day no matter what.

Follow what your heart wants, whether that’s a particular theme or a dream feature. Whatever you decide, remember that the day is for you and no one else – don’t make any compromises.

Beckie Melvin | Emerald Orchid Weddings www.emeraldorchidweddings.co.uk

Dressed To Impress

I’m looking for the perfect gown for my wedding, what’s currently popular?

As brides love lace sleeves, I’ve added some 3D silk flowers for extra movement and dimension for many clients. I’m also excited to work on more architectural sleeves for adventurous brides this year.

I’m well into opulent jewel-tone dresses for those with an unconventional style and love adding subtle flirtations with coloured beading or embroidery for those after a simple statement.

Impressive back details are essential, as your guests will gaze upon them while you exchange vows and during the first dance with your beloved.

I love layering textures and subtle colours, which draw the eye in. Thoughtfully placed beadwork and lace really elevate the luxe element of gowns.

Caroline Versallion | Caroline Versallion Bridal Couture https://carolineversallion.com