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Stellar wedmin advice from those in the know

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Our big day is fast approaching and we’ve decided to book a videographer, but we’re not sure what to look for. Do you have any tips?

Check out videographers who have a good social media following and a professional website with plenty of reviews and examples of previous work. I’d also recommend contacting them to check availability as soon as possible, and let them know what you’d like filmed on your special day. It’s also important to discuss budget as there are suppliers, like me, who are happy to work around what you want to spend. A reputable videographer will be happy to show you examples of their previous work and will ask you questions to discover your wants and needs.

Rachel Gilbertson, https://rachelgilbertsonfilm.co.uk

A TASTE OF AUTUMN

How can we reflect the best of the autumn through our wedding cake?

For me, the best of autumn is the array of colours and warm food on a cold, rainy night. If you’re having a wedding at this time of year, here are four ways to incorporate the season into your cake: ❤ Flowers. A simple yet stunning way to bring your day together, incorporate your wedding florals onto your cake to add a pop of colour. ❤ Flavours. A heavier, spiced or currant-filled sponge is perfect for an autumnal wedding. We offer flavours such a custard cake with spiced cinnamon apple compote, and sticky toffee with dates and all spice, which are both ideal for bringing in those warm, spicy notes. ❤ Coloured tiers. This is sure to make a statement!

However, if you’ve been thinking about creating a display for your cake, or if you’ve hired a venue stylist, then I’d recommend this option. Your big-day bake will be remembered for all the right reasons. ❤ Ribbon. Simple and stylish. A luxurious ribbon can effortlessly bring in those classic autumnal hues. It’s one of the most underrated details you can have on a cake. Perfect for all those classic couples out there, and easy on the budget too!

It may be your big day, but for many guests, it’s a big bore if you don’t get the details and entertainment just right! A survey conducted by Silver Service Singers, of more than 2,000 wedding goers revealed some surprising truths, which should help you make your big day one to remember.

The ceremony going on too long and the photographs immediately afterwards are critical points for keeping your guests engaged. Nearly 40 per cent of those asked lost interest at the photographs. According to the survey, the speeches on average should all take less than 30 minutes and when it comes to the wedding breakfast Brits believe it should last for a maximum of 90 minutes. One word of caution, don’t sit guests on a table where they don’t know anyone as 31 per cent said this spoiled their day.

This has been the year of the wedding after numerous couples have had to delay and rearrange their big days due to the pandemic. But keeping the pace and entertaining guests is critical as folks’ interest can wane over the course of a long day, especially if the ceremony starts at the most popular time of midday. Ask your venue what they’ve done in the past, or what they’re happy to do for your big day. The more questions you ask, the easier it’ll be to make decisions on things like entertainment and how the day will unfold. Check out our infographic guide to timing your day and you won’t go too far wrong.

Dan Bartell, https://silverservicesingers.com

LEAVE YOUR MARK

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

We have a lot of guests with dietary requirements coming to our wedding, not least my husband-to-be. But we’d still like them to be able to enjoy our cake. Is this possible?

Indeed, it’s essential that dietary requirements are considered when catering for your guests for the safety and accommodation of everyone involved. But, there are plenty of flavour options to meet the needs of most. It just means there could be a few restrictions when it comes to certain designs and styles, since working with free-from ingredients can have its challenges in terms of structure and finish.

Always ask lots of questions about what’s involved and make sure your cake maker adheres to food safety rules set by the government in terms of allergens. I’m looking for a gorgeous piece of jewellery to give my mother as a gift on the morning of my wedding. Are there any pieces you would recommend?

When it comes to giving a gift to commemorate an occasion as special as your wedding day, our advice is to make it personal. Something that lets your mother know just how important she is to you and how much it means that she’s there with you on your special day. I would go as far as to say put something of yourself into that gift, quite literally. Our range of keepsake jewellery can be engraved with your fingerprints to allow you to leave the most personal of marks on that gift. Fingerprints, handprints even your own handwriting or a small drawing can be engraved onto your chosen gift. Available as bracelet charms, pendants, lockets or rings to name just a few options, there’s something to suit everyone, allowing you to make this gift as personal as you like. Coupled with a special message or indeed the date of your big day, these pieces become a lasting memento treasured by your loved ones for years to come. What better way to show your mother how you feel about her on this memorable occasion?

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The Bridgerton effect Editorial assistant Gracie Leader looks at how Netflix’s biggest show has influenced weddings

Everyone’s favourite period drama re-entered our lives with a bang at the end of March when season two of Bridgerton became Netflix’s most viewed English-language TV series, watched for 251.7 million hours in its debut week alone.

And the show is certainly not going anywhere, having been renewed for both seasons three and four back in April of last year, following the huge success of season one.

https://dominikamiechowska.co.uk

VENUES

One aspect that defines the awe-inspiring beauty of the show is the grand country homes and sweeping ballrooms.

As nearly all of the filming for the show took place in the South of England, many of the real locations you see in the show can in fact be hired out for your wedding celebrations.

In the opening episode of the first season, the outdoor Vauxhall Ball set the standard for the grandness we could expect.

The parklands of Stowe House (www.stowe.co.uk) in Bedfordshire was the location for these scenes, the 17th-century Ducal Palace boasts individuality and elegance for a fairytale wedding.

The ballrooms in Leigh Court (www.leighcourt.co.uk) in Bristol are where we see many of the characters dance together at a number of parties held throughout the series. The 19th-century mansion is surrounded by 27 acres of wooded grounds and green lawns, and the grand double staircase in the Great Hall is perfect for making your first entrance as a married couple. Many of us are captivated by the opulence and extravagance of high society shown on our screens and so desperate to feed some historical glamour into our own lives – especially during our big day.

Regency era and Bridgerton-themed celebrations are set to be one of the biggest wedding trends this year. Achieving this lavish style may seem impossible at first but we’ve broken down some of the simplest ways to inject 18th-century luxury into your nuptials.

COLOUR PALETTE

The Regency era was defined by the baby blue colour that can be spotted in almost every episode. Known as Regency blue, it is the perfect hue to weave into your flowers, decorations or dress code.

For a 21st-century update, Pantone have named the colour of 2022 ‘Very Peri’. The shade of violet-infused blue is perfect for a subtle nod to the Bridgerton world.

Soft tones of blush and pink were also extremely popular at the time and are perfect for creating an ultra romantic setting when you tie the knot. Take inspiration from Princess Beatrice of York’s wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in summer of 2020, the pretty pinks and fresh natural palette were a more modern twist on a classic regal wedding.

INVITATIONS

Sending out your invitations to your guests is one of the first ways to set the tone for your wedding. Handwritten notes featuring swooping calligraphy perfectly encapsulate the elegant nature of your celebration.

Incorporate watercolour and impressionist-style florals into your stationery for a whimsical affair. Gold detailing and other refined touches make sure your wedding stationery gives a perfect nod to the Regency era. Sealing your invites with a wax seal will make guests feel as though they’re receiving salacious gossip from Lady Whistledown herself. Any watcher of Bridgerton will know the budget they had for flowers when making the show was pretty impressive. The dreamy purple wisteria that draped over the exterior of the Bridgerton family’s residence caused fans mass hysteria, as many were keen to recreate the swoon-worthy look. Although it can be hard to get your hands on, if you’re having a spring time wedding you may be lucky as many country house wedding venues have wisteria climbing up the outside of their buildings. It’s definitely something worth asking your venue about.

If you want to recreate the lush floral arrangements seen in Daphne’s wedding to the Duke of Hastings in the first season, shown last year, English garden-style arrangements with fresh greenery are best to create that clean and natural setting.

Standing beneath a floral arch, just like Daphne and Simon, when saying your vows will ensure your photographer can capture some dreamy and ethereal images from your ceremony.

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FASHION

It’s not just on screen fashion that has been inspired by the extravagance of the Regency era. Those attending this year’s Met Gala were asked to adhere to the dress code ‘Gilded Glamour’, taking inspiration from the high society of Gilded Age New York during the late 1800s.

For a wedding gown fit to make you a diamond of the first water lots of inspiration can be taken from the dresses of this time.

Empire waist gowns were extremely popular during the time period and it’s unsurprising considering how flattering they are. For an ultraromantic style look for a dress with capped sleeves also.

Corsets were, of course, a huge part of fashion in the Regency era and now they are once again having resurgence. Whilst during the time period they were a part of the undergarments worn by the bride, now they can be a featured part of your ensemble.

One easy way to add a touch of gilded glamour to your look is by accessorising with opera gloves. To modernise your wedding gown a sheer pair is the way forward.

Grooms can take inspiration from the dukes of Bridgerton and wear a morning suit complete with a tailcoat for a look that can compete with Jane Austen’s Mr Darcy.

To ensure all your guests are involved with the theme of your celebrations, a black tie or formal wear dress code can encourage everyone to attend in their finery.

One of the most spectacular visuals from Daphne and Simon’s wedding was a massive wedding cake that stood at 4.5-foot tall.

In addition to its impressive height, the centrepiece was extremely detailed, right down to the Bridgerton and Hastings crests iced on.

Detailed, extravagant cakes are certainly making a comeback in 2022. This year the UK’s oldest British caterer is recreating a royal wedding cake made by its founder 126 years ago, to celebrate their 175th anniversary.

Searcy’s catering (https://searcys.co.uk) has taken a trip back through its archives to the cake made for the1896 royal wedding of Princess Maud, then the future Queen of Norway, to Prince Carl of Denmark.

Five-tiers of Dundee fruit cake are covered with delicate marzipan and white and gold lattice work icing before topped with carefully crafted sugar work of flowers, fruits, cherubs and lions – all recreated by the cakemakers. This style of cake is perfect for those going all out regalia-inspired on their wedding day.

Pressed floral cakes are a great option for those still inspired by the 18th century but wanting a more earthy, whimsical feel for their day. Bakeries typically use edible flowers grown, picked and hand-pressed. They can be designed according to your favourite flowers and even match your bouquet. ENTERTAINMENT

One of the most memorable elements of Bridgerton that audiences hold close to their heart is the orchestral renditions of pop songs throughout the show.

Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift played by string ensemble provides the backdrop for Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma’s courtship in season two. If you wish to recreate this soundtrack for your own love story, a string quartet or harpist will produce the perfect atmosphere for walking down the aisle or during your first dance.

If you too want a mixture of classical and chart tunes, ask your guests to suggest some of their favourite tracks to be played by your musicians.

If you plan on getting hitched in the warmer months, traditional lawn games are an amazing era-inspired way to entertain your guests after the ceremony. A game of croquet before the evening celebrations is fun for both young and older guests alike.

DECORATION

Maximalists rejoice as the only way to decorate a Regency era-inspired wedding is to go all out. And we mean ALL OUT.

Look to see if your venue has a chandelier, as this is a perfect way to recreate the grand atmosphere seen in the Bridgerton world.

Oversized centrepieces are a signature of nearly all the weddings and balls held in the series. Work with your florist and wedding planner to create some awe-inspiring table decorations your guest will remember.

For your tableware, fine, floral china is a gorgeous nod to 18th-century Britain and the perfect decorative touch for the detail-orientated bride. Gold cutlery or gold-rimmed glassware flaunt opulence and abundance but can be inexpensive if hired.

Having a champagne tower at your reception is the perfect indulgence enjoyed by high society – and your guests too. It’s a great touch to follow your wedding toast or a grand welcome as your guests enter.