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Our experts answer all your big-day questions ALL THAT GLITTERS

The last thing on our to-do list for our upcoming festive wedding is to purchase the jewellery. What can we expect to see in store?

Meet the expert: Lorna Haddon is head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks stores nationwide with a branch located in The Brunel Shopping Centre in Swindon, Wiltshire.

Lorna says: This Christmas we will be seeing several festive weddings, engagements and celebrations going ahead so we expect there will be significant demand for diamonds, jewellery and watches. Diamonds are always a best-seller for the Christmas period in our experience. We recently launched our new diamond collection called Essence featuring 27 pieces including a stunning variety of pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings. Our vision behind the collection is about capturing the ‘essence’ of life, so we wanted to create a diverse range that encapsulates those magical moments. So many of us hold such deep, sentimental meanings behind the jewellery pieces we purchase – from signifying a new beginning to marking a connection with someone special.

Christmas time sees the party jewellery trend rise in popularity once again as customers wish to add some sparkle to their festive outfits with statement pieces, such as dazzling necklaces or drop earrings. The Essence range is perfectly suited to this trend, as well as bridal jewellery or sentimental gifting.

Also favourable for wedding gifts are designer and Swiss luxury watches. Silver jewellery also does particularly well – we expect coloured stones, birthstones, and initial jewellery to be top of the charts for our customers this year.

Beaverbrooks | 01793 534 893 | www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/stores/swindon

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BIG-DAY BUDGET

We’re concerned about the rising cost of living on our big-day budget and venue choice. Any tips?

Meet the expert: Jonny Rose is the marketing manager at Slater Menswear with a store in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Jonny says: Many newly engaged couples are planning their special day but it can be challenging trying to find that picture-perfect venue. Amid the cost of living crisis, there are some easy ways that newly engaged couples can keep their wedding expenses low while still enjoying an elegant and lavish venue:

 Limit your guest list

While the idea of inviting everyone you know to your wedding seems like tradition, this can end up costing you more.

 Stick to a set amount of people that you want to invite, for example, 40 to begin with, and make sure that all the important people are accounted for. By only keeping it close family and friends, you’ll be saving thousands of pounds in the long run.

 Make your invites e-invitations for as little as 20p per person

Although selecting wedding invites that are adorned with your name and pretty details can be a special keepsake from your big day, it can also be extremely costly. From postage stamps to matching envelopes, the price can quickly add up. Instead of opting for the traditional, evites can be personalised for as little as 20p per invite. Essentially, an e-invitation is an electronic invitation that’s sent to your invitees via email and can be a fun introduction to your wedding. You’re able to pick your design from a range of templates as well as add images and all the details of your big day.  Food and drink

If you’re looking to save money, getting married later in the day means that you’ll only have to serve one meal as opposed to two.

Many venues allow for external catering and buffet-style food to be served at their location. Although the idea of serving a meal is more elegant, a buffet-style feast means that people can come and go as they please. You can set the tables up as one for starters and soups, another for mains and one for desserts. If you’re looking to add a special, personalised touch, you can also opt for themed tables with your favourite food.

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Slater Menswear | 01242 224 494 | www.slaters.co.uk/store-locator/slaters-cheltenham

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