HOT TOPIC

Top advice for the perfect wedding

THE DREAM TEAM

We’ve just started planning our wedding, what advice can you share when it comes to finding wedding suppliers? Here at The Society of Professional Wedding Vendors, we get asked this question a lot. I always suggest that your check if the suppliers are a part of our group because SPWV members must abide by a code of conduct to ensure you get the best service with no hidden nasties. We also vet our vendors to make sure they have insurance and a contract in place.

When sourcing companies, always do your research and check their website, google reviews and social media accounts. Then speak to at least three suppliers in each trade before choosing one.

Make sure that the images you see online are photos they can show you in real life. The use of stock imagery is fine as long as it’s evident to potential clients; the last thing you want to do is hire a supplier based on the pictures on their website, only to discover that it’s not a reflection of their work. Lastly, ensure that you have a contract and receipt for your payments and that the businesses are insured. CAPTURE THE MOMENT

What are the pros of having a videographer at our wedding? Having a videographer at your wedding is essential, with many couples commenting that it’s the best money they have spent.

The day can be such a whirlwind of emotions and can whizz by in a dream-like blur. Long after the cake has been eaten, the flowers have wilted and the memories of the day begin to fade; couples can watch their video to relive their most important day.

A video brings the day back to life and to be able to listen back to the vows and speeches is something special. Your video will become a treasured family heirloom to look back on for years to come. Often, seeing moving images of loved ones who are no longer with us is a powerful way to remember them.

Long gone are the days of fuzzy, poor quality videos that end up being stored in the loft gathering dust. With high-definition visuals and sound, these modern films take you right back to the day. There has also never been a better time to share your day online with friends and family on social media.

Neil Priestley | One Fine Day Productions www.onefinedayproductions.co.uk

https://natalielaurenphotography.co.uk

EXCHANGING LOVE

We want a personal wedding, and a friend mentioned hiring a celebrant for the ceremony. What are the benefits of having one on our special day? Independent celebrants will work with clients to create a beautiful, meaningful wedding ceremony that reflects you both. The experience will be truly unique, while depicting your love story in any chosen location; you can exchange vows during a formal service in a stunning stately home, on a remote beach, at a large woodland gathering or during an intimate garden party at your family home.

Your bespoke ceremony can include poetry, prayers, readings, music, religious content from any faith as well as beautiful rituals such as hand-tying, wine, rose or sand ceremonies. The possibilities are endless and very exciting.

Ruby Adds | Love Birds, Weddings & Events www.mylovebirdswedding.com

#TRENDING

We’re planning our special day and want some fashion advice for my dress and my bridesmaids’ attire. What advice can you share with us? With wedding season officially back on, here’s my go-to guide for dressing your best girls, just be careful not to upstage the bride: Carrie Bradshaw eat your heart out! I’m a big Sex and the City fan and the television series returning to our screens this summer has inspired many dress designs. Think frothy tulle skirts and you get the idea – perfect for a chic-city wedding. Simply add a pair of Manolos! Grown-up pastels are the shades of the season with sage-green and soft-mauve dresses being a fashionable choice. Muted metallics are also hot hues to be seen in, from champagne and rose gold to silver-grey. Dress your flowergirls in cute candy shades with contrasting pastel posies to finish. Consider ombre bridesmaids’ dresses if your theme includes lots of colours. They are super-stylish and will help tie everything together. After a year of lockdown, gowns are more glamorous than ever, with full-length styles featuring statement voluminous skirts. Statement sleeves are the fashion buzzword of the season and help to keep everyone feeling snug, especially if you intend on roasting marshmallows around a firepit. Pick a jacket or bolero with fluted or ruched sleeves.

Claire Ridley | Fashion editor at County Wedding Magazine www.county.wedding

www.martincphotography.co.uk

STYLE IT OUT

We’re getting married in a few weeks, but we’ve left most of the planning until the last minute and I’m panicking about how to decorate our venue. Do you have any suggestions? Don’t panic because a talented supplier will be able to select a colour, theme or prop and use this as a base to create your dream aesthetic to complement your venue.

Using chair drapes and table runners are two quick and effective ways to instantly create an atmosphere to the event while brightening up any room. You can also design a luxury tablescape by adding gold or vintage brass candlesticks to each table, which can be used for multiple themes.

Hayley Belcher | The English Wedding Co. www.theenglishweddingcompany.co.uk

www.gettyimages.co.uk