HOT TOPIC

Our local pros answer your winter wedding woes

DECADENT BAKE

Q – We want the perfect winter cake. What flavours would you suggest, and do you have any design tips? Seasonal wedding cakes are a perfect way to incorporate winter style and flavours. While Christmas-themed weddings may seem an obvious choice, winter weddings are an opportunity to feature bold jewel tones such as emerald, plum, deep reds and navy blue and adorned with berries, seasonal flowers or painted in gold, warmer rose gold or cool silver.

For brides who love a bit of bling, cake designs with beading or crystals also make a statement, with crystal cake stands bringing a decadent and impactful look.

When it comes to flavours, an all-time favourite like chocolate, can be paired with one of the following buttercream and/or jam seasonal fillings: peppermint, praline, blood orange, or pomegranate. You could also incorporate warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg or cardamom into your cake batter or fillings to surprise and delight your guests. Red velvet is another winter flavour favourite both for its colour and the hint of cocoa powder. The ultimate winter flavour must be fruit cake but not how your grandma used to make it. The modern take incorporates healthy and immune-boosting acai berries, dried cranberries, goji berries and golden berries in addition to the traditional fruit commonly used. Elizabeth Solaru | Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium www.elizabethscakeemporium.com MAGICAL BACKDROP

Q – We’re looking for a venue that we can make our own. How can we turn a blank canvas into a cosy winter backdrop? Lighting is everything! We have lovely strip lights running around the main event space that look great on their own, but even better when accompanied with big festoons for that winter fairytale vibe. Lit lanterns dotted on tables really finish the look and add twinkles all around the space.

With the dark nights coming earlier, having uplighters is a sure way to transform a space from daytime Narnia to party in no time. Overhead lights off, uplighters on! It’s also a great way to bring in your personality with your favourite colours echoing around the room. Take it a step further and opt for projectors, mimicking a mystical night sky on the ceiling – simply magical! Jordan Crowley | Core Clapton | www.coreclapton.org

SEASONAL SHOOT

Q – With darker evenings and colder climes I’m worried that we’ll have fewer options for our photos. What do you advise? A winter wedding spells magic and mystery, but there are some key things that you need to consider. You’ll have less hours of light to work with so if you’re a fan of naturally lit images, be sure to schedule your ceremony earlier to make the most of those daylight hours. If you love sunset shots, there are some spectacular skies at this time of year. Just make sure you check all timings with your photographer and schedule your day accordingly.

It’ll be chillier, but what a great excuse to wear a fabulous white faux-fur coat or dazzling coloured pashmina. If we’re blessed with snow this can be a stunning look. Couple with some beautiful seasonal flowers and against a white backdrop, you’ll truly pop in your images.

If you don’t get snow arrange a post-wedding shoot when we have some of the stuff around. Yes, it means getting suited and booted again but, in my opinion, totally worth it! You’ll have your dream winter wedding images with that magical white background to treasure forever.

Finally, always hire a professional. We’re trained to deal with low-light conditions. Christine Constantine | Christine Constantine Photography www.christineconstantine.co.uk

www.christineconstantine.co.uk

MUM’S THE WORD

Q – My mum doesn’t want to cover her gorgeous outfit with a woolly overcoat. What seasonal looks would you suggest? If you’re attending a winter wedding, it’s a good idea to plan a complete outfit rather than throwing on a coat over your gorgeous dress. We have lots of outfits that incorporate the coat. Wool coats with velvet or fur trims are very luxurious so you’ll look stunning at the ceremony and elegant when the coat comes off at the reception. Jewel colours are rich and warm for the colder months, but winter white can look spectacular. We love this swing coat with faux fur collar and cuffs over a sparkly beaded dress.

Having an outfit designed and made to fit perfectly gives so much confidence. We have samples in our shops of all the designs on our website and these can be customised to suit each individual client. We’ve dressed thousands of mothers over the past 28 years, so our staff are highly experienced to recommend the best style to flatter every shape. Joyce Young | Joyce Young Collections www.joyceyoungcollections.co.uk

BRIDAL ELEGANCE

Q – I want a gorgeous strapless dress but really feel the cold! How can I be warm without sacrificing on style? Whilst most of our brides stay warm simply with adrenaline and excitement of the big day, occasionally the cold does sneak up on us. So, to reignite the warmth within, our Henrietta gown is the perfect solution. A phenomenally beautiful mermaid silhouette beaded from top to toe with a pattern you won’t find elsewhere. This gown is super versatile giving our brides the option of having a strapless deep-v sweetheart neckline or having the addition of off-the-shoulder cap sleeves and if that isn’t enough it even comes with detachable off-shoulder sleeves.

As this gown follows no rules with traditional lace or appliques, it’s a dream to accessorise. Use a faux fur shrug for the evening adding a little warmth, giving a touch of class and elegance whilst not compromising on the style of the dress. Pair the gown with subtle pear drop earrings, a delicate tennis bracelet and voila, you’re ready! Rim Abi Lmona | Tala Daniel Bridal Couture | www.taladaniel.co.uk