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Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas

SCRUMDIDDLYUMPTIOUS

We’re currently planning our big day and we’ve decided against a traditional cake. Do you have any alternative suggestions? Traditional wedding cakes typically mean white or ivory tiered bakes adorned with pastel-coloured blooms, usually roses or peonies. If you mention an alternative cake design to me, my mind goes into overdrive as there’s so much you can do.

Think about using bold colours such as black, blues, reds, yellows and purples. You can play around with textures and have a concrete, bark or wafer paper design. Why not consider having a square or rectangular-shaped tiers to create a showstopping design? You could even have structured or carved cake in the shape of an animal, suitcase, bag, castle and more. Add statement blooms such as flowers, poppies, anthuriums, protea and large roses with plenty of foliage for those flower lovers. Your cake should reflect your personality and interests – the list is endless! Lynda Trembling | Sculpt & Bloom www.sculptandbloom.co.uk

A PASSION FOR FASHION

My mum’s looking for a stylish outfit to wear at my upcoming wedding, and I’d love something that ties in with our rustic theme. Do you have any suggestions? There are no hard and fast rules for weddings at the moment. Some people are going very relaxed while others want something more formal – it’s important to find an outfit that you’re comfortable in. This look from Veni Infantino Invitations range works with rustic colours and is a very stylish dress that matches different colour schemes.

Cream of Royston has an extensive stock on two floors, including dresses suitable for woodland weddings, black tie events, formal dresses and jackets from Condici and Ispirato. Occasions for Less is our sister brand, which offers end of season lines, so there’s something for all budgets. Sue Ross | Cream of Royston | www.creamfashions.com

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

We’re planning to have an outdoor celebration, but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any ideas? Making use of all the beautiful outdoor spaces in the warm summer months is so lovely and what many couples want. Outdoor celebrations are fantastic, but we have to be realistic in the UK and have a plan B as the weather can be so unpredictable.

Once you find a venue, look at the spaces and see if there’s an option to have a stunning glass marquee or a stretch tent so your guest still feel like they’re outside in the elements. As a wedding stylist and planner, I help my couples think about how they can add personality to their celebration with colours, floral designs and décor among many other important details.

My favourite idea is creating interesting areas that bring the indoors out; my couples and their guest also love this as it creates spaces for people to relax – especially as it can be a long day. It also provides interesting areas for your guest to explore and is a great way to bring your personality and style together. Tichea Brade | Carmela Wedding’s & Event’s www.carmelaweddings.co.uk We’ve started planning our wedding; what advice can you share to make the process easier? There are 100s of resources these days to help you find wedding ideas, from magazines and publications to online blogs, social media, wedding directories and more.

Some weddings all look the same and follow similar templates. So, you’ll want to create a wedding that includes personal touches that truly represent your great relationship – remember there are no rules.

It’s difficult when those around you seem to want to dampen your fabulous ideas because everyone suddenly seems to have an opinion on the day and make comments such as ‘I wouldn’t do that if I were you’ or ‘how about XYZ instead’. Respond with a gentle ‘thanks, but that doesn’t fit with our vision’ or perhaps ‘really appreciate you thinking of us, but we have already sorted this out’. If they continue to interfere, put them on an information diet and stop telling them details about the day.

When it comes to creating the perfect wedding, your suppliers also need to fit your vision. That way you’ll know they have your corner and will help boost your confidence.

Consider joining online communities and Facebook groups filled with other couples ditching wedding trends. These communities offer a wealth of inspiration, information and support.

Finally, consider getting a wedding planner who will be more than the administrator, contract checker and coordinator of the day – they’ll also be your confidante. Beckie Melvin | Emerald Orchid Weddings https://emeraldorchidweddings.co.uk

https://stevemulveyphotography.com

PICK OF THE BUNCH

What are the latest flower trends for weddings? Bold shades and colour blocking have made a comeback this year. Pastels and blush shades will always be popular, but couples are getting braver and bolder in their colour choices – fun is the name of the game.

Monochromatic bouquets always look beautiful; imagine a colour scheme focusing on reds with different tints and tones. Alternatively, a bouquet of polychromatic flowers with lots of varieties of blooms and textures with grasses and foliage will create the perfect pieces.

Sustainability is very much high on our agenda. As a florist, I’m trying to educate my couples by suggesting biodegradable floral foam alternatives, such as using moss soaked in water and chicken wire as the base for floral arrangements. You can also repurpose arrangements from the ceremony to the reception to get total value for jaw-dropping designs. I suggest reusing and recycling the plastic dishes, trays, and glass vases as well as using the moss or wire for garden projects or even returning the items to be used at other weddings – every little bit we do helps! Vicki Cowell | Vicki’s Floral Designs | www.vickisfloraldesigns.co.uk

https://charlymaephotography.com