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www.fcphotography.co.uk HOT TOPIC: wedding worries

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ECO-FRIENDLY FLOWERS

We want our wedding to be as environmentally friendly as possible. How can we extend this to our flowers? WINTER LUXE

What dress styles would you suggest for a winter wedding?

Sustainability and eco-friendly are words that we are all too familiar with now, so how do we extend this to your wedding flowers? It’s not as complicated as it sounds. In terms of your actual flower choice, ensure they are seasonally available from British growers. This will eliminate the need to order from abroad, limit transportation, and not to mention packaging!

Hiring silk arrangements from your venue stylist and florist is the ultimate eco-friendly option. Many of these ranges are made and hired out time-after-time, so are “recycled” from one wedding to the next. Not only do they look great and very realistic, if professionally made, but it can be a cheaper option. If, however you don’t want to compromise on fresh flowers, you can always find a florist that uses fresh moss and twine as an alternative to oasis, tape and plastic trays.

Other things you can do to help the planet are using recycled-glass jars for your fresh flower bouquets as centrepieces or decoration around the room. You can also give your loved ones fresh, biodegradable confetti for those all important photographs.

Your favours can also help save the bees with a wild seed mix. It will ensure bees and other wildlife will benefit from your choice and your guests will have a lasting reminder of your big day. It’s important to remember that you can wear any dress at any time of the year. However, if you want a traditional winter wedding, look for a heavier fabric like satin or mikado in an A-line or princess-cut.

Alternatively, embrace the elegance of a black-tie theme with a sexy dress with one-shoulder or a thigh-split lace and sparkly gown.

To make your look more wintry and wearable in the cold, we recommend items such as faux fur shrugs and rich colours to accessorise with, such as deep purples or the traditional Christmas reds and greens.

Two of our favourite gowns that embody these looks are Kennedy by Sophia Tolli (pictured) and Tiana by Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection.

Kennedy by Sophia Tolli

My hubby-to-be and I want to incorporate our beloved dog into our wedding. What should we take into consideration?

Begin by checking that your wedding venue is dog friendly. Once you’ve done this, try and find a dog-loving photographer and videographer. Whoever you choose, make sure to let them know what your plans are for having your pet at your wedding.

Consider your dog’s temperament and what their role might be. There are so many ways you can include your pooch – they could be your ring bearer, VIP guest or flower dog. They could even walk down the aisle with a member of your wedding party, but please ensure that your dog has the right temperament to cope with all the attention.

Invest in a chaperone. A chaperone will plan, coordinate, and take on all the stresses on your wedding day. Our chaperone service is very much in demand, with couples booking for 2023, 2024 and beyond, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. We cover the West Midlands region, including Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire plus Wales and London. Nationwide cover is also available upon request.

Choose an epic outfit. If you’re considering a flower collar or tuxedo harness, make sure that it’s safe, made-to-fit and is comfortable for your pet. Certain flowers or foliage can be poisonous to dogs, so it’s vital to check or consider artificial flowers. Finally, let your guests know. A simple note on your invitations or just telling your loved ones that you plan to have your dog with you at your wedding, means that they come prepared, especially if they are nervous around dogs or allergic to them. However, if your pooch is a surprise guest or ring bearer, it may be advisable to tell the nervous and anxious guests beforehand.

Emma and Adrian Cartlich https://precious-pets.wedding/

AL FRESCO ROMANCE

We would love to have a harpist at our outdoor wedding. Is there anything we should consider before booking?

Having a harp for an outdoor wedding is an excellent choice, but you need to check with the harpist that they can cope with the problems which may arise in a garden or woodland setting. If they have a harp which is suitable for the terrain at your chosen venue, consider the following:

Will the harp be damaged by the rain or sun? Will the venue provide shelter for the harpist? I have often played at venues where there is cover for the wedding party and the guests, but the musicians and photographer are left in the rain. My solution is to have a carbon-fibre harp with gold plated levers, so none of it is damaged by the weather.

If your supplier has a full-sized concert harp, is there reasonable access on a level path for pushing a heavy harp on a trolley? Will there be a level and firm base for the harp to stand on?

There may not be any power points available, so a good wireless amplifier will be very helpful, especially with a gut-strung soft-toned harp playing for large numbers. A wireless amplifier, with a wireless transmitter, can be hidden discreetly behind bushes and not seen. A carbon-fibre harp is also a great option as it has nylon strings with a very bright sound, which carries really well outdoors.

Will they use digital music or paper music? If the latter, the wind can be a real problem.

These are the logistical considerations that I have discovered over recent years, with far more outdoor weddings now than there used to be. However, the main consideration must be that you enjoy the music that your harpist plays and have a good rapport with them. I would highly recommend meeting your harpist in person and hearing them play before booking.