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Those in-the-know solve your wedding dilemmas

Music To My Ears

How do we know what kind of live act to book for our big day? Should it be something we love – or think of our family and friends’ wants and needs?

Whichever kind of live act you’re both thinking of booking, be it a solo musician or band, it should absolutely be something that’s special to you both. Chances are that if you both love it, your family and friends will too anyway! I get booked for anything from the ceremony on its own, which adds to the romance as well as making it unique and special to you both; to the full day’s entertainment, which is great for continuity. I get to build a rapport with everyone, and the day flows so much easier. Plus I can also adapt to any setting, meaning my couples get to relive their day over and over again.

Remember: your big day will go so quickly and it’s so easy to get caught up in the details while you’re trying to make everyone else happy. Of course, make it enjoyable for them, too, but try to remember that it’s your wedding day, and they’re just invited!

Leon Marshall, Leon Marshall Music | www.leonmarshall.co.uk

Up For Renewal

My husband and I want to renew our vows. How can a celebrant help – and what should we expect?

What a wonderful celebration and affirmation of your love! Your chosen celebrant will bring engagement, humour and sensitivity, created after a chat about your history, your family and your hopes for the content of your vow renewal. I can include readings; a symbolic element such as lighting a unity candle; your most important vows, exchanging of rings and your choice of music. Long, short, lavish or intimate, your ceremony will be all about who you are as individuals and a couple. With my service you will be the most important people of the day, as I will only book one service per day. I’ll also make sure I arrive an hour before your renewal starts, ensuring all guests are greeted, so they feel relaxed and at home by the time you arrive. All in all, a good celebrant will elevate and infuse your day with sparkle to create treasured memories for you and your guests, just as it should be.

Helen Lesak, The Elegant Celebrant | www.elegantcelebrant.co.uk

Feeling Festive

We’re looking for a venue for our Christmas-themed wedding. What should we ask before booking?

First of all, ask how many weddings a venue conducts around Christmas time, as you ideally want to be their main focus and choose one which limits weddings at this time. Ideally, you should ask for any images the venue has of previous Christmas weddings, so you know what to expect. It would also be useful to know the extent of a venue’s grounds for festive photographs and what contingencies there are in place for ‘indoor’ shots. Once you know the extent of the venue’s Christmas style, you need to check if they’ll allow you to add any extras for yourselves, such as the addition of presents under the tree, extra decorations in a style of your own choosing, or whether they mind a visit from Santa himself! Another point would be to determine whether the venue is prepared to cater for a full Christmas wedding breakfast to include all the trimmings, if that’s what you’re looking for. Finally, as the day draws to a close, it would be useful to know if the venue is happy to host a carol concert, play festive tunes, allow party games or host anything in particular you have in mind. Most venues are always happy to do what you want, but it is always best to check.

Angela Jackson, The Gamekeeper’s Inn | www.gamekeeperinn.co.uk

Wedding Worries

I’m concerned about the thought of finding my dream dress, to the point it’s making me anxious. How can I make the process as stressfree as can be?

When you go to any bridal boutique, especially for the first time, you’re bound to feel daunted. You may try on a number of gowns and wonder if you will ever experience the feeling of knowing a dress is ‘the one’. The answer is, not all brides do get that feeling! The majority do, and there may be tears, but you will know when you feel special in a gown and it ticks all the right boxes. Don’t feel pressured, not everybody is the same! Instead, go into the experience with a positive outlook, and don’t be swayed by others. Your dress is your dress and if you feel incredible in it then that is what matters. You should come out of your appointment feeling happy and relaxed and if you haven’t said ‘yes to the dress’, don’t panic! You have a better idea of what it is you want – and you will find it, I promise!

Haley Powell, Aisle of White | www.theaisleofwhite.co.uk

BARN DANCE?

My partner’s sold on a barn wedding, but I’m yet to be convinced. Convince me!

There is no place more magical than our rustic barn, which is open and inclusive meaning no interrupting room changes. Our barn is also a blank canvas, which gives you the flexibility to create the wedding of your dreams. There are so many ways you can put your own stamp on a barn wedding, with opportunities to be creative, whether it’s the twinkle of fairy lights or the large white drapes from the high ceiling –you are free to explore and personalise every part of your day, with no limit to your options. Our barn is unique, charming, full of character and history, with a dramatic rural setting and breath-taking views over our beautiful valley and forest. It’s the perfect backdrop for rustic country weddings! Here at Stepney Hill Farm, we pride ourselves on doing all we can to make every couples’ vision come true.

Georgie Bestall, Stepney Hill Farm | https://stepneyhillfarm.co.uk

Take a deep breath, we are here to help!

Situated on the edge of Scarborough, Stepney Hill Farm is fully licensed for both indoor and outdoor weddings.

There is no place more magical than our rustic barn. It is open and inclusive which means no interrupting room changes, as it has been carefully arranged to create fluidity to your day & evening. Our Barn is a blank canvas which gives you the flexibility to create the wedding of your dreams.

When working with our wedding planner, you can personalise your package to include every detail you have dreamt about. Do not hesitate if you have something in mind, we will do everything possible to grant your wishes.

Timex has released a new addition to its popular Timex Expedition Range. The Expedition North Titanium Automatic features a 21-jewel automatic movement and a quick-release leather strap. It’s made using durable materials, including titanium and scratch-resistant, anti-reflective sapphire crystal and is ideal for everyday wear and adventurous grooms-to-be.

Visit www.timex.co.uk for more information.

On the back of what was Favourbrook’s best year in the brand’s history, the formalwear specialist has announced the launch of its new Spring/Summer 23 Menswear Collection. The collection celebrates the timelessness of tailoring, from the sophisticated elegance of morning dress and glamorous eveningwear, to the refined motifs of relaxed summer options.

New for this season is unstructured linen suits comprising of Favourbrook’s iconic Newport jacket silhouette. Constructed from a beautiful Irish linen, these suits have a relaxed, natural drape and are available in a plethora of soft pastel tones, perfect for casual summer weddings and smart social events.

VRAI, known for creating sleek jewellery with unisex appeal, has revealed the new Brushed Bevel Band, a modern take on the wedding ring that is both substantial and subdued – perfect for grooms-to-be.

Available in platinum or solid gold, the brushed effect gives the band a soft exterior while the modern bevelled edges create a look of durability. The band is 6mm wide and 1.8mm deep and can be engraved to add a personal touch.

Visit https://uk.vrai.com for more info.