HOT TOPIC

Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas

PLANNING SOS

I’m feeling stressed and overwhelmed by the planning process. What are your top tips for creating a stress-free wedding? Most couples can feel these emotions when planning their wedding; so here are two helpful key points to focus on!

Concentrate on what makes you both happy when planning the wedding, and remember the day is for you both to enjoy. Take time away from everyone else during the wedding to reflect on the special moments together.

Try to be organised by making a list, setting up a joint email or even creating a spreadsheet to stay on track. It never hurts to have another set of eyes check everything, so ask for help from a professional, a friend or a family member. Let them see your list to double-check you’ve covered everything. Mickayla Lawrie | Sal Majik Events | www.salmajikevents.co.uk

THROUGH THE LENS

We’re not the best posers, but we would love a few snaps in the venue’s wintry grounds. What should we do? Finding a photographer you feel comfortable around on your wedding day is essential. If you’re super relaxed in front of the camera or are looking for natural-style photos, then search for photographers with that type of style.

Ask for a consultation with prospective suppliers and ask plenty of questions to help put your mind at ease. You’ll also see how well you connect with each photographer, which is essential as they’ll be with you throughout the day. It’s important to have a fun and light-hearted relationship, which is something I have with my couples. I discuss and establish how intimate clients what this to be during their engagement session, which I include in my wedding packages.

Most of what I do is natural but directed to ensure my couples don’t feel awkward in front of the camera – this allows me to capture authentic, beautiful moments. Nikki Legg | Nikki Legg Photography www.nikkileggphotography.co.uk 78

CAPTURING MEMORIES

We’re considering booking a videographer for our wedding; do you have any tips when searching for a company? A videographer can help capture special memories on the day, so picking the right company is essential. Here are my tips to help you find the perfect videographer for your wedding.  Look for a company that has experience shooting weddings; this will ensure they know how to capture the important moments and tell the story of your special day.  Check out the videographer’s portfolio to see if their editing style aligns with what you’re after.  Read reviews from previous clients to get an idea of the supplier’s quality of work and customer service.  Discuss your vision for the video with the company. Ensure they understand what you’re looking for and that they can deliver on your expectations.  Set a budget for the videographer and discuss pricing upfront. Ensure you understand what’s included in the price and any additional costs that may be added. Matt Fochs | Forever Captured Wedding Films www.forevercaptured.co.uk

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My mum is looking for an outfit for our winter wedding, what’s stylish and will keep her warm? Dressing for a winter wedding can be a more challenging compared to spring/summer weddings, but you can still look stylish and keep warm. We can experience some freezing weather, so opt for thermal undergarments which are available in various shades and styles. Thanks to the different thicknesses available, the pieces can be worn underneath your outfit without becoming too tight and uncomfortable. Once the formal proceeding is finished, you’ll inevitably go to a heated venue – even garden marquees can have heating provided. If you’re www.veni-infantino.com worried that you’ll be too hot for the reception, a quick change at the venue is easily done. Debbie Hill | Charisma of Fawley | https://charismaoffawley.co.uk We’re searching for the perfect pageboy outfit for our winter wedding; what would you suggest? When picking an outfit, always consider if your pageboy will be warm enough during the ceremony and when photographs are taken.

Fabrics that are perfect for the winter season are cotton velvet or even a high-quality wool that would be excellent for regulating the pageboy’s temperature without looking too bulky. Ensure the garments are silk lined to avoid itchy skin irritations.

If you’re looking for something different, why not consider a bespoke military-style jacket teamed up with a pair of long trousers? For a more traditional look, opt for a gorgeous waistcoat with long trousers, a pair of braces and a tie/bow tie that matches the groom or bridesmaids.

Finally, why not finish off the look with a matching suit jacket? Consider a vintage-inspired edge-to-edge jacket, which has less bulk around the neck area but still looks stunning? Dawn Clarke | Dawn Clarke Designs www.dawnclarkedesigns.co.uk

THE PERFECT SETTING

We’re just starting our big day journey; what should we look for when booking a venue?

If you’re considering a venue not close to home, check if the property has accommodation for your guests and even yourself if you need to stay the night before the big day. If not, ask the venue for a list of recommended accommodations nearby and if they offer discounted rates for your guests.

Some venues will have a minimum amount of guests needed, which is difficult if you have limited numbers. A better option would then be to find a flexible property with a minimum spend regardless of numbers.

Ask for a full breakdown of what’s included in the price so there are no unexpected additional fees at a later date! Packages with supplier services included can save you so much time and make your planning process less stressful.

Consider the type of cuisine you’d like to offer and see what venue caterers provide this. Check to see if you can have a menu tasting session to preview what will be offered on the day.

It’s essential to check if you’re held to the venue’s suppliers or if you may enlist your own. Some venues have a list of recommended suppliers that are often familiar with the property – they’ll know what works well and are the most reliable. Ruth Mundy | Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa | www.balmerlawnhotel.com

WEDDING SHOWS SPRING 2023

ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM

unless otherwise stated

At County Wedding Events each show is professionally and meticulously run to ensure a variety of suppliers are on hand to help you plan your big day and are hosted by some of the loveliest premier venues in your area.

All our shows offer you free entry and parking, a goody bag each containing gifts, and useful local information to plan your wedding. You will also have the opportunity to enter prize drawcompetitions and take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on the day.

BERKS, BUCKS & OXON

SUN 12 MAR | RACKLEYS CHILTERN HILLS

Marlow Road, Cadmore End, Bucks, HP14 3PP SUN 2 APR | THE COMPLEAT ANGLER

Bisham Road, Marlow Bridge, Marlow, SL7 1RG

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

WEDDING SHOWS SPRING 2023

EAST ANGLIA

SUN 26 MAR

HAYCOCK MANOR

Wansford, Peterborough, PE8 6JA

KENT

TO BE CONFIRMED PENSHURST PLACE

Penshurst, TN11 8DG

LONDON

SUN 19 FEB

MORDEN HALL

Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD

12PM-4PM

SUSSEX

SUN 16 APR

SELDEN BARNS

Selden Lane, Patching, Worthing, BN13 3UL

ESSEX

SUN 15 JAN

BRAXTED PARK

Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN

SUN 12 MAR

LAYER MARNEY TOWER

Layer Marney, Colchester, CO5 9US

12PM-4PM

SAT 1 APR

HOUCHINS WEDDING VENUE

Houchin’s Lane, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1RT

SUN 14 MAY

BRAXTED PARK

Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN

SURREY

SUN 5 FEB

HAMPTON COURT PALACE GOLF CLUB

Home Park, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 4AD

WORK WITH US

As part of KD Events and Publishing Ltd, County Wedding Events (CWE) is ideally placed to offer you a wealth of experience organising events in the wedding industry. If you would like more information about either holding a wedding show at your venue or exhibiting at any of our shows, please contact us at info@countyweddingevents.com, call 01376 514000 or visit countyweddingevents.com.

Signature WEDDING SHOWS

• Free entry • First 100 couples receive a free wedding journal keepsake • Goody bag for each couple • Up to 200 stands • Bridal fashion shows • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Demonstration areas • Competitions • Entertainment • Refreshments • And more...

ASCOT RACECOURSE

High Street, Berkshire, SL5 7JX SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2023 | 11AM - 3.30PM

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD

Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL SUNDAY 16 APRIL 2023 | 11AM - 3:30PM

Sponsored by

WEMBLEY STADIUM

London, HA9 0WS SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 4PM

THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE

Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, CM15 9NN DATE TO BE RELEASED SOON

Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of