HOT TOPIC

EXPERT ADVICE HOT TOPIC Wedding worries

Our experts solve your problems

TREND SETTER

What flower trends do you think will be popular in 2023?

Next year, we will see more texture rather than just one type of flower, which will add more interest and depth to bridal bouquets.

We will see brighter colour choices in 2023 with couples mixing pastels with brighter hues, creating pops of colour.

The above will work hand in hand with flower preservation, giving resin blocks and frames more depth and variety to work with.

Emma Cross www.encapsulatedmemories.com AL FRESCO CELEBRATION

My fiancé́ and I have just started looking for our dream outdoor wedding venue. What should we keep in mind before booking?

Before booking an outdoor wedding, we’d recommend keeping in mind different weather conditions, as it can be unpredictable in the UK.

Here at Hensol Castle, your outdoor ceremony will take place under our charming bandstand with up to 140 guests comfortably seated under our huge outdoor parasols; making it a perfect ceremony space whether the sun is shining or not.

You will also need to keep in mind that your guests need to be able to hear your vows, without any noise interruptions. So, see if your venue has a built in PA system and microphone.

Getting married outdoors, brides-to-be worry about getting their dress dirty, so keep in mind how far you will need to walk to the ceremony space and that the path is always kept clean and well maintained to avoid this.

The wedding team at Hensol Castle www.hensolcastle.com

FESTIVE ROMANCE

We’re getting married near Christmas and want to decorate our venue without going overboard. Do you have any suggestions of how we can incorporate our theme into our big day?

Lighting can really transform a venue, so we recommend an abundance of magical fairylights and candles, if you’re venue allows, to create a romantic atmosphere.

Popular winter colours include blush and burgundy, plum and emerald, navy and gold and muted jewel tones which are particularly popular for bridesmaids’ dresses. Lots of greenery, pinecones and gypsophila are also common around the festive period.

See if you’re venue will provide a Christmas tree and then choose some nice decorations to tie in with your colour scheme. You could even give your guests tree decorations or Christmas crackers as favours, these could double up as name cards too.

There is nothing more inviting than the smell of mulled wine and minced pies, so why offer these as a festive alternative to the standard canapés and fizz on arrival?

There are so many venues to choose from. How do we decide which one is right for us?

Whether you’re newly engaged or just starting to plan your wedding – congratulations! It’s not an easy task deciding on a wedding venue, and there’s lots to consider. Here are some tips on how to decide which venue is right for you:

Budget – Make sure the venues you’re looking at cater to your budget. You don’t want to be fall in love with something fantastic and it turns out to be totally out of your price range!

Location – Your big day is about you, but you want your nearest and dearest to celebrate with you too, so keep in mind the location and make sure it’s accessible for those who you love dearly.

Capacity – If you have a big family and lots of friends, make sure the venues you’re searching for can accommodate your wedding party.

Does it suit you both? Organising a wedding that shows off both your personalities will make the best photographs and ensure your guests have a great day.

The whole package – Make sure you know what is included in the price, and what you are getting for your money. Some venues may charge extra for furniture such as tables and chairs or little things that will soon add up, like chair covers and sashes. The wedding team at Venue Wales https://venuewales.co.uk/wedding-2

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

We’re looking for a venue that will be able to help us achieve our Christmas-themed wedding. What should we ask the wedding team before booking?

What a fabulous time for a wedding! Spirits are high, venues are looking extra glamorous, and you may even get a touch of snow – it’s an excellent season to book. If you can, make time to visit some venues the Christmas or two before your ideal date, so you can get a feel for the atmosphere in person. If you have to look out of season, make sure you ask to see photos or videos of how the venue is decorated during the festive season. Once you’ve done this, ask your venue the following questions: What colour theme do they stick to, so you can ensure your own decorations tie in nicely with theirs? Is the menu affected by Christmas? For example, sweet treats are often switched from things like Welsh cakes to mince pies. A practical question that will really impact the quality of your day is how do they heat the venue when the temperature drops? Lastly, ask your planner to share stories from previous couples’

Christmas weddings. They should be brimming with ideas and have lots of creative solutions to help you achieve the day of your dreams.

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