HOT TOPIC

Our experts answer your questions

DARLING BUDS

Meet the expert: Lisa Darban is the founder of Lisa Darban Bespoke Floristry based in Windsor.

We’re planning a micro wedding in the new year, can you give us some ideas for wow-factor floral arrangements?

Lisa says: The trend for micro weddings has taken off and is such a lovely way to celebrate a union. Having a small group of loved ones attending means that you can allocate your budget differently, investing in statement flowers because you’re saving in other areas.

Beautiful floral arches, backdrops, and elaborate tablescapes provide the wow factor, and smaller touches like providing wearable flowers for each guest makes it personal. Classic white and pink blooms are always a good colour combination and take on a modern artistic twist when incorporated into a hanging installation for a ceremony or a canopy of blooms.

Micro weddings can also make it easier to work without floral foam, which is a much more eco-friendly and sustainable practice.

07877 300 283 | www.facebook.com/LisaDarbanFloristry

Meet the expert: Kate Parrott is the head florist at Hanako, a florist creating beautiful arrangements while protecting the planet based in Berkhamsted.

Can you give us some ideas for sustainable flowers for our winter wedding?

Kate says: We use our flowers to create a vision that moves past stereotypes and achieves something truly unique and bespoke that tells the couple’s personal love story. We focus on a colour palette that complements the season without drawing on the typical tones for this time of year. An ideal palette for winter stems from the blue spectrum drawing inspiration from details like the bridesmaids’ dresses.

Using a variety of blooms adds a luxurious feel to arrangements. Deep reds paired with rich pinks and burgundy shades, alongside pops of apricot and cappuccino colours, introduce contemporary touches.

WISH YOU WERE HERE!

Meet the expert: James Bell is the co-founder of The Turquoise Holiday Company based in Beaconsfield.

We’re planning our honeymoon for late 2022 and want to go somewhere far-flung with a tropical climate. We’d like a relaxing holiday with a few activities to choose from so where do you suggest?

James says: Congratulations! You’ve picked a perfect time to go on your honeymoon. The Maldives delivers tropical isolation in abundance with its pillow-soft white beaches but there are also fun activities in the form of snorkelling, diving and plenty of other water sports. Romantic experiences are aplenty too, with everything from sandbank picnics to sunset cruises. If you fancy a little bit more adventure in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is blessed with gorgeous beaches but its jungle-covered interiors mean you can also go hiking or mountain biking.

If you’re looking to travel in December, the Caribbean is a great option and Saint Lucia, in particular, has a good mix of relaxation and adventure with its dreamy stretches of sand and wild emerald interior.

Want to push the boat out with your budget? Then we can’t recommend The Islands of Tahiti highly enough. The sand there is like talcum powder, its mountains are covered in forest and the sky is the colour of forget-me-nots. Bora Bora is a magnet for honeymooners and rightly so – Captain Cook didn’t call it the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ for nothing!

01494 678 400 | www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk www.facebook.com/turquoiseholidays

SAY CHEESE!

Meet the expert: Aga Wojciechowska is the owner of Photostars, a modern photo booth experience based in Maidenhead hiring throughout Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Can you give us some fun ideas for our big-day entertainment?

Aga says: Why not hire a magic mirror? Guests are guaranteed to love them and the background can be tailor-made to fit your theme, from a metallic grey, silver, gold or champagnecoloured sequin drape to an iridescent, teal, turquoise or even a rose-gold and champagne choice. Tension backdrops include those decorated with white hearts, rustic wood or pink with balloons and white with flowers. We offer a variety of packages ranging from a Small Party Package to an Exclusive Package suitable for any celebration, large or small.