HOT TOPIC

Stellar wedmin advice from those in the know

PUTTING A RING ON IT

What are your top tips for picking out our wedding rings?

If you have an engagement ring, think about how it will look alongside a wedding ring. The more features the two share, the more they’ll complement one another. Matching the materials, as well as the profiles is a good place to start. If your engagement ring doesn’t have straight sides, a fitted wedding band will allow the two to sit comfortably together, minimising wear caused by them rubbing against one another. Dimensions too are key to achieving a unified look. A tenth of a millimetre, more or less, in width or depth, can make all the difference.

On the practical side, before you make your final purchase, consider whether it’s suitable for the treatment it’ll get. Someone with a manual job or with an active lifestyle needs a ring that is robust and hardwearing. Go for a tough material and perhaps also choose a surface like a hammered finish that will help to disguise any knocks and dents you put into it.

Remember though, it’s quite possible that your ideal ring doesn’t exist, so if you opt for a bespoke ring, you’ll be able to get involved in the design process and your ring can be made just how you want it.

Andrew Leggett, www.aurumjewellers.com

THE RIGHT SUPPORT

The bras in my underwear draw are all different sizes, I never feel like I get it right, so I’d like to be fitted for my bridal underwear. I’m nervous about the process though, can you tell me what it involves?

I hear this all the time! And you simply must invest in new bras that will support you, and most importantly, fit you correctly. Everyone who’s come to my personal bra fitting studio and been in the wrong size has said they feel different when they leave – more positive, confident and comfortable. Some had even been in pain due to wearing the wrong size before.

You want to look and feel the very best you can for your wedding and honeymoon too. It all starts with wearing the right underwear and this is what I’m passionate about. The process is very simple, you come and visit us, bring a photo of your dress, we measure you and find the right underwear that flatters you and helps you feel amazing under that dress. We will listen to what you’re trying to achieve whether you want a corset or just pretty lingerie. We can even order bespoke items for you if you need something we don’t have.

Coming to Liberty & Love is like meeting up with your expert friend who cares about you. There’s no pressure from me. The most important thing is that you will know your correct size and this is the start of you feeling stunning on your big day. A three-course seated wedding breakfast isn’t really us. Can you suggest any alternatives?

We do offer the traditional wedding breakfasts, but out of choice I prefer big bold sharing platters that take centre stage on the tables. For these, I love to use home-grown herbs and edible flowers from my own cottage garden as well as locally-grown produce and meat direct from the farmer. As you can imagine, as a farmer’s daughter I have many contacts in the field!

A less formal wedding breakfast featuring sharing platters is a much more naturally relaxed style of dining. They allow your guests to be interactive, sociable and offer plenty of choice to suit all tastes. Stunning rustic platters offer the wow factor and are sure to be a conversation starter too when they arrive at the tables, something that a three-course meal being served one plate at a time doesn’t have the ability to do. By the very act of sharing family-style you’re bringing people together across the table, unifying loved ones from both sides. After all, sharing is caring!

Jacquie Keeley, https://fabfoodforyou.co.uk

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

I’d love a harpist to play me down the aisle, but I don’t know much about classical music. What music would you recommend I pick?

Any professional musician will suggest pieces that are suitable for your ceremony. For example, you need something sedate for the entrance, nothing that’s going to make you or your bridal party walk in too fast. Canon in D, Clair de Lune, or Trumpet Voluntary all work well. The signing of the register needs at least two pieces. Flower Duet and Le Onde are lovely and are certainly long enough.

Then, the exit piece. It’s imperative that this is upbeat, as people will be clapping and there will be lots of noise, so a fast tempo is a must. Consider Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Trumpet Tune or First Arabesque by Debussy for this. Personally, I always suggest an online meeting before the big day to go through options, then we can take it from there, as there are always plenty more suggestions waiting to be heard! Remember, many film scores use classical music too, so this is a fantastic genre crossover to pick from.

Fiona Hosford, www.harpist.uk.com