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ASK THE EXPERTS

Those in-the-know solve your wedding dilemmas

ALL THAT JAZZ

I want to surprise my husband with a jazz singer at our wedding, but I’m a bit clueless myself! What should I be looking out for to make sure I’m booking the right person for the job?

With there being so many styles and variations of jazz music, I would probably broaden the search criteria by looking for a singer that does swing as well as jazz. Why? These two styles go hand in hand perfectly, and open up many more options when it comes to choosing a singer. You also need to decide if you want to go with a solo singer with backing tracks – this is the more budget friendly option – or stretch to having an accompanist, such as a piano player, to add extra ambience.

I’d then start with a good old Google search, gathering a shortlist of three or four singers who you like the sound of. Watch their showreels and listen to any recorded music they have. Don’t forget, professional singers will travel, so don’t be afraid to enquire about a singer who lives elsewhere in the UK! Their fee may be a bit more, but if you like the sound of them, it’ll be 100% worth it. Paul Skerritt, Paul Skerritt Music www.paulskerrittmusic.co.uk

BLOOMING BAKING

We love flowers and want to incorporate them into our cake. What should we look for?

There are several options that can be taken into consideration. If you would like your cake to match with the flowers your florist is dressing the venue with, we would ask to speak to them and have them supply some extra flowers on the day. This way, when we set up the cake, we can dress it with the same flowers and colours that you have already chosen, and the cake will fit in with everything else. However, with real flowers we would also have to dip them in a food grade wax, or coat the cut stems, so sap doesn’t affect your wedding bake.

You can also use sugar flowers on your cake. This option can be useful when specific colours, designs and positions are required, that are difficult to obtain with real flowers. This option, however, is more expensive, as these are made by hand. Plus, if there are a lot of flowers required, it can add a lot more cost to the cake.

Finally, why not consider silk flowers? There are some fantastic ones out there with no restrictions when adding them onto your cake. However, it can be difficult at times to match specific types of flowers and colours. Graeme Venus, Sticky Sponge www.stickysponge.co.uk

PEARLS OF WISDOM

I want to surprise mine and my fiancé’s mam with some custommade pearl jewellery as a thank you at our wedding. What’s on-trend right now that’s stylish but also traditional?

One of the best thank you gifts for mams has got to be a pair of pearl earrings. Pearl jewellery and accessories are very trendy at the moment, and this trend will continue in 2023 and beyond. As well as being trendy, pearls are also very classy and traditional and represent wisdom.

If, however, pearls are not to your taste, then a pair of gemstone earrings can be the best alternative. The stone can be their birthstone or stone of the month of your wedding. Gemstone studs are a simple yet elegant option for those who like a little colour in their jewellery choices.

You can also let them make their own pair of earrings at a jewellery making workshop. This way they will treasure the jewellery they made and will treasure the time they spent together with their daughter and daughter-in-law – a double gift! Emine Thompson, Silverkupe Handmade Jewellery https://silverkupe.com

https://ruthandben.co.uk www.thekensingtonphotographer.co.uk/

SNAP OUT OF IT

What are your tips for making sure the photographer we choose is going to take pics we’ll love forever? My maid of honour was devastated when she saw her own – and now I’m scared of knowing who to choose…

Choosing a photographer can be a very daunting task! One of our top tips would be to take your time, look at lots of photographers’ websites and work out why you like the photos that you are drawn to. Try not to be too heavily influenced by popular trends if they’re not really ‘you’, too. Next, reach out to those you’re interested in and ask if they can chat to explain a bit more about how they work. Communication is really important to make sure you’re getting someone you gel with and will be comfortable with on the day. You may also be able to request to see a larger sample of their work, such as a full wedding gallery, which should give you more of an idea of what you will be receiving. Ruth Gibson and Ben Squire, Ruth and Ben https://ruthandben.co.uk NIGHT FEVER

We want a wedding package that doesn’t start until later in the afternoon, as we don’t want our guests leaving early as the day’s gone on too long. What do you suggest?

Our brand new Twilight Wedding Package has just launched due to popular demand, and is perfect for couples who wish to break away from the formalities of a full-day wedding. The package has been created without a few of the usual traditions, providing guests with a fun, party feel experience to celebrate your special day. You can choose to have your (optional) wedding ceremony at the venue any time from 4pm, followed by delicious canapés, reception drinks and time for plenty of photos. From here, we direct guests up to our Queen View Suite which will be ready for your evening reception. Our experienced Master of Ceremonies will then announce you, as well as being on hand for speeches and cake cutting, before directing friends and family to our hot gourmet buffet. Exclusive to 2023 and available to book for any remaining Mondays to Fridays, the package is priced at £2,500 for up to 75 guests, with the option to add additional guests if you would like. Lauren Davidson, Webster’s Ropery www.webstersropery.co.uk