PLANNING SOS

Plan the PERFECT WEDDING

Local suppliers share tips and tricks to help couples create their dream day

www.pmphotography.uk Planning a wedding might seem like a daunting experience at first with so many different aspects to consider – it’s hard knowing where to start. That’s why we’ve gathered top suppliers from around the region to share their wedding planning advice.

SETTING THE SCENE

When the wedding planning begins, decide if you’d like a religious or civil ceremony. For those opting for civil service, start to think about what type of venue you’re looking for; this could be a barn, a hotel or a stately home to name a few.

After finding a few local properties, book some appointments to see them in person. You might fall in love with one, or it could narrow down your search. You might like a certain barn venue, but realise you’d need to book the caterers, entertainment and a wedding planner to keep everything organised – this might be difficult if you have limited time to plan everything. Or you might find a property that has bedrooms on-site, a wedding planner as part of the venue’s team, a resident DJ and menus all prepared, which would be a less stressful option. Think about what’s important to you both. A venue with character and charm might top something more modern and lends itself better to those all-important photographic moments.

The Dower House Hotel is a Edwardian hotel full of period features with an in-house culinary team, a dedicated wedding planner, 21 spacious bedrooms and a beautiful new dressing room for weddings. Carolyn Hutchison | The Dower House Hotel www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk

THROUGH THE LENS

Months of preparation go into weddings, and every moment is precious and fleeting. After the flowers have faded and the champagne has been drunk, your photographs are a permanent link to the magical day and are an investment – not a cost. Booking a company that’s a member of professional organisations such as the British Institute of Professional Photography, The Guild of Photographers, or the Master Photographers Association is a great idea.

Businesses can offer different photography styles, and try to pick a team who can mix styles to capture various shots. You might not want formal photos, but they’ll look amazing around your home. You’ll want to find someone who can capture these images as well as the fun and emotional parts of the day.

Check if your photographer can control a large group, as dealing with more than 100 people is a real skill. The company should cope with different lighting situations, from dark churches to bright sunny days and manage all types of weather conditions. Look at the team’s past work to view examples of this.

Photographs should be displayed and not just stored on phones, so ask the team to see some prints and albums. Check if they’re included in the overall price, and ask how long until you can see the images – I aim for a week to get them back to clients or a month at peak times. Russell Croucher | RFC Photography www.facebook.com/rfcroucherphotography

When searching for hairstyles for your big day, remember a few things when looking for inspiration. Firstly, think about the neckline of your dress or outfit. If you’re opting for a high neckline, you’ll want to wear your hair up to show off the gown.

Think about what styles you'd usually pick. Do you feel more comfortable with your hair down or more special with it up? Your wedding isn’t the day to be trying anything new because you might not feel comfortable. You'll want to feel confident as you’ll look back on the pictures for years to come. If you’re planning to have your hair down or half-up, consider if your hair holds a curl well – this may not be the best option if it doesn’t.

When viewing an image, consider the colour of the person’s hair in the picture as styles can show up differently. Look at how long the model's hair is in the photos and their hair type. You won’t be able to achieve the same look if you have fine-medium hair and they have thick-long hair without adding extensions for thickness or volume.

Make sure you save lots of inspirational pictures along the way, and then you can narrow down looks or chat through ideas with your stylist to find what will work best for you. Robyn Wood Perfect Silhouette Hairdressing www.perfectsilhouettehairdressing.com

IT’S PARTY TIME

Most brides want to invite lots of different people to their hen party, which often means that finding a venue to suit everyone can be challenging. Taking into account how you want to celebrate while keeping in mind what loved ones want to do is a bit of a nightmare. Bistro Live has you covered with a freshly prepared three-course meal ordered on the night and excellent entertainment until 1am. Boogie the night away and even dance on our tables.

Once you’ve got a venue, it’s time to get organised. Collecting money from loved ones can be difficult, especially if you’re managing the party yourself. Before the event, look into different payment options and discuss these with loved ones. Hen parties can be pricey, so it’s good to keep everything under one roof.

When organising the event, you don’t want to worry about sorting all those little extras like sashes, balloons, and games. Many companies like ourselves have different packages to suit each group’s needs to save any hassle. Kelly Eggleton | Bistro Live www.bistrolive.com

www.jessyjonesphotography.co.uk Using a professional make-up artist on your special day will ensure your look photographs beautifully while making you feel confident. The expert will know how to enhance your features, use products that lasts well into the evening and cover up a pesky pimple or fix you up in case emotions run high – happy tears only of course!

Before booking a company, look at their website and social media accounts to see if their style suits what you’re after. Read reviews from clients, which will give you an accurate idea of how reliable a person is and how they'll perform on the special day. I have a contract in place like most businesses, which shows professionalism and states everything you should expect to receive from my service – then there are no hidden surprises.

Meet your chosen supplier to ensure you get on and have the same approach to the day. A make-up trial is a great way to get together to discuss your theme and what look you’re after. Rachel Bray Kiss & Makeup by Rachel Bray www.kissandmakeupbyrachelbray.co.uk

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FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

When planning a wedding, think about the basics and what personifies you as a couple, including music you both enjoy, favourite colours and food you love. Create a base theme around these factors to create a personal day.

Don’t worry about whether someone may or may not like your choices; all that matters is that you're both happy. Find bands or DJs who will play the music you like, a venue that matches your vibe and find caterers that satisfy your appetite.

Here at Doughnotts, we recognise that your wedding is one of your biggest days, and making the event extra special is our main priority. Whether there’s a specific colour, flavour, design or theme you like, we’ll work alongside you. With various packages to choose from, there’s no wedding too big or too small. Ashley Hine | Doughnotts | www.doughnottsofficial.com

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