HOT TOPIC

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

Q – How can we incorporate our Christmas theme into our wedding?

There are companies out there that create snow confetti, which is made from natural ingredients, so it washes away with the rain and is not harmful to the environment.

In addition to this, using lots of frosted greenery and wine red flowers is a great way to incorporate a festive theme. For your centrepieces use circular slates of wood with frosted holly on top with a candle in frosted glass. Moreover, you could frame the altar with fern trees covered in warm lights.

Make the meal the centre of attention with a wreath around each plate.

Use accents like ornaments, ribbon and greenery or frost on your invitations.

In terms of catering, go for a chocolate log or Christmas pudding and include turkey in your food.

Hot chocolate and throws are great gifts that can double up as favours. You could also gift people Christmas decorations if a throw is out of budget - it’s something they can use, and it will represent your big day too.

Deanna Melia | Wedding planner www.yourforeverafter.co.uk

HOT TOPIC: wedding worries

Our experts solve your problems

UNDER THE MISTLETOE

Q – We’re having a festivethemed wedding and would l ove to incorporate the time of year into our entertainment without it www.simedlicott.co.uk being over the top. Do you have any ideas? Discuss your ideas with your supplier and choose which Christmas songs they perform. Most entertainers will be happy to sprinkle a couple of festive classics into their performance, and you can work together to pick the least cheesy ones that you’d like to hear. Dropping a classic like Last Christmas into your evening reception will get everyone in the celebratory mood.

Becky Chamberlain | Musician www.beckyandjoshduo.com

IT’S PARTY TIME

Q – I’m overwhelmed by the number of DJs available. What questions should we ask a supplier to help narrow down our search?

Before booking, ask yourself are they reliable? Have they ever failed to turn up or cancelled on anyone?

Will they personalise your show to suit your requirements? It’s your wedding, and your supplier should be there to support you. They will advise you, and nothing should be too much trouble for them.

What equipment do they provide for a full set up and are they insured? Their equipment should regularly be added to and updated. Ours includes a full sound system, laser lights, LEDs, uplighting and a smoke machine. It needs to be PAT tested yearly by qualified electricians who can provide a copy of the certificate if needed.

What music do they provide? We have 1000s of digital tracks from as far back as the 1950s until the present day. Your DJ should cover a wide range of genres and provide a playlist that can be downloaded in advance.

Will they be dressed appropriately? They should dress smartly after all your guests make an effort, so why shouldn’t they?

Q – My wife-to-be and I would love someone to live paint our wedding. What should we expect?

As a live painter, I enter the breakfast room two hours before your guests go in and paint the room. Then after you and your guests settle, I have as long as the meal takes to capture the scene. Three courses are ideal. It’s a great talking point as guests can come over, ask me questions and spot each other in the painting. As I finish, I often ask well-behaved children or guests to draw a glass or cutlery, which is a great photo opportunity. If there is someone who sadly can’t be there, I can even represent them with a symbol. When I’m done, I sign and leave it on display for everyone to admire.

Stuart Barkley | Live painter www.stuartbarkley.co.uk

SNOW IS FALLING

Q – How can we incorporate our winter wonderland theme into our wedding flowers?

There are lots of ways to incorporate your theme into your wedding flowers. Go for seasonal options and choose blooms and foliage that are in keeping with the time of year.

Opt for a green and white colour palette with a touch of blue. Use twigs like curly willow, pine cones and berries for texture. Eucalyptus is in abundance, so you can use lots of different types along with beautiful anemones, ranunculus and hellebores. Incorporate thistles and viburnum berries to bring through those gorgeous blue tones. I also suggest using velvet for your bridal ribbons as it gives an added element of luxury.

Christmas trees work brilliantly at an entrance and help fill a space.

Thinking about wreaths? Have them hanging from the ceiling and add in candlelight and fairlylights to create a magical setting.

Jemma Khan | Florist www.foragefloristry.co.uk MAGICAL MOMENTS

Q – We’re having a December wedding and are worried the weather might ruin our photographs. How can we capture stunning pictures, whatever the weather?

Wet weather doesn’t have to ruin your day. There are usually breaks in the rain, so you can go outside to take some photographs. The lighting can make for some spectacular imagery since everything is glistening and saturated with colour. Grey skies and a break in the clouds can create dynamic natural backdrops, and where there’s rain, there are often rainbows too!

Sheltered areas such as doorways, arches, and trees are good places if you want to remain drier and avoid harsh winds.

If you’re feeling brave, it’s worth grabbing an umbrella and some wellies and embracing the elements!

Wear a warm winter cape and other seasonal accessories.

Large group photos might need a backup plan if the weather is particularly harsh, these can be taken in a marquee, a different building or in an indoor area. Be creative with the available space. Whatever the weather, it will be a wonderful part of your wedding story, so keep smiling and enjoy your special day!

Stacey Jackson | Photographer www.darklemoner.co.uk

www.jessicareeve-photography.com www.darklemoner.co.uk

The Belsfield Hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of the Lake District and is surrounded by 6-acres of beautifully manicured lawns. Only a stone throw from The Belsfield Hotel, Lake Windermere is the ideal romantic setting for your special day all year round. As soon as you walk into our glazed reception lobby, you will be greeted cordially by our friendly team, who will immediately make you and your guests feel at home.

Enjoy bubbly champagne and delicious canapés, whilst you soak up the stunning Lake Windermere backdrop. Take to the floor for your first dance in our elegant Windermere Suite. Our talented local decorators flawlessly dress our venue to provide you with an experience you will never forget. We strive to make your special day perfect, even down to the finest detail.

Please join us on Sunday, January the 23rd 2022, from 12-4pm for our Inspiration Day, where you can further discuss your picture-perfect day with our expert team.