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TOPIC: wedding worries

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SUMMER LOVING

Q – We’re getting married next July and are hoping to book our fl orist. What fl owers and colours are popular at that time of year? July is when British grown fl owers really hit their stride, so if you’re looking for seasonal blooms, there is a lovely variety to choose from. Most colour schemes are easy to accommodate, whether it’s a classic cream and blush or a festival wedding in bright jewel tones. One hue that can be a bit tricky is blue. Many fl owers tend to be on the lilac spectrum rather than a true blue, but in July, you may be able to get blue Nigella (Love in a Mist) and agapanthus.

In recent years, I’ve seen a resurgence of colourful weddings, but restrained pastels haven’t gone away either, so like every other aspect of your wedding, you’re free to do it your way.

Sadly peony season will be over by July, but there are so many other options. British grown fl owers naturally available include roses, snapdragons, sunfl owers, cosmos daisies, dahlias in every shape and colour (except blue!), lavender, sweet peas, and this is just a fraction of the loveliness available. Any good fl orist can advise you on what will suit your style and colours. Don’t worry about being an expert on fl owers - that’s what they’re there to help you with!

Carole Patilla | Florist | www.tuckshopfl owers.com

COUNTING THE PENNIES

Q – We want lovely photographs but are limited by our budget. Do you have any suggestions on how to save money? Start by fi nding a photographer within your budget. Average wedding photography for a full day can be around £1,200 in the UK, so plan your budget accordingly to ensure you get the best. Book early. Photographers usually have an early booking discount if you contact them a couple of years in advance. If you fi nd a suitable photographer, but they’re out of budget, ask them to reduce the coverage. For example, instead of covering from preparation to the end, you can ask them to cover from the ceremony up to the cutting of the cake. Less time means there will be fewer photos overall and should therefore be cheaper.

Another way to reduce the cost is to ask for an online gallery rather than a printed version. It can save up to £500, depending on the album prices.

Most photographers offer a discount to couples who have been referred by previous clients. PLANNING SOS

Q – Our wedding has been postponed due to COVID-19, and we need to book a new photographer. What do you suggest we ask before booking? We’ve all had to adapt and be more fl exible after so many postponements. If you have no choice but to move your wedding date, most photographers should be happy to reschedule, providing they’re available. Here are a few key questions to ask: ♥ What is your policy if we’re required to postpone our wedding due to the pandemic? ♥ Will there be any changes in price if we are postponing to the following year? ♥ What is your policy regarding deposits in the event that you’re not available on the date we would like to postpone to? ♥ It’s also important to check what the photographer’s backup plan is if they were to fall ill on your wedding day. Like myself, most suppliers will have a network of fellow photographers that they can contact if they’re unable to shoot your wedding. ♥ When you’re ready to book, your photographer should send you a contract to complete. Always read the content carefully before signing, and don’t worry about asking any questions if you are uncertain about what the terms mean.

Charlotte Mail | Photographer www.charlottemailphotography.co.uk

MAGICAL MOMENTS

Q – We’re thinking of booking a magician for our big day. What questions should we ask before booking? Magic is a great icebreaker and will ensure your guests feel included on their special day, even if they have come on their own and know nobody.

When is the best time to use a magician’s services? That depends on the style of your wedding and the ambience you wish to create. A magician can mingle amongst the guests while the couples are having their photos taken and perform close up magic at the tables during the wedding breakfast and before the speeches.

What should we expect to pay? It’s always important to have a rough budget. Put together as much detail as possible about the number of guests, the venue, age ranges attending etc. Your supplier can then come up with a bespoke option that will work for you. Sometimes less is more! Lots of magicians offer packages that can be costly and cover the whole afternoon and into the evening proceedings. However, I always aim to be as flexible as possible and meet the clients’ needs and can perform for shorter periods if required.

Do we have to pay travel costs? Always ask this question as you may think you’re getting a certain rate, but there may be costs to pay on top if your magician has to travel.

We would like music and magic at different stages of the proceedings. Can you do a combined package? It’s worth asking as some magicians and musicians can collaborate to cover the day. When the musician needs a break, the magician can take over, and vice versa. This all depends on your budget and the order of proceedings.

Why should we hire a magician? Magic is always a winner – whether your wedding is an intimate affair or a large scale extravaganza! Just remember to brief your magician, so that you can leave them to it on the day – you may even have VIP guests to who you would like to have extra special attention. Anything is possible! THE LOOK OF LOVE

Q – My wife-to-be wants to book a pre-wedding shoot. Is it worth the money, and what should we expect? We love a pre-wedding shoot! It’s a great opportunity for you to work with your photographer before the big day, especially if you’re feeling a little apprehensive about having your picture taken.

You can choose the perfect location; it could be where you first met, a favourite place or a relaxed walk around your local park. It’s a great chance to chat about your wedding plans as they snap away.

Throughout the shoot and your wedding day, we love to capture natural shots that show who you are as a couple. A pre-wedding shoot is a lovely way to prepare, as we get the chance to see how you are in front of the camera, and we can even guide you on how to pose if need be.

The photographs taken can be made into a signing board or guest book for your wedding guests to leave well wishes.

Eve and Jason Reeves | Photographers | www.shepherdphotography.co.uk

www.weddingphotographyinshropshire.co.uk

THE ONE FOR ME

Q – We’re a bit camera shy and are feeling anxious about having our picture taken on our wedding day. Do you have any tips to help us look relaxed in the pictures? Firstly, everyone is a bit nervous in front of the camera, it’s totally normal to feel a bit anxious. The biggest thing you can do to help with this is to choose a photographer who puts you at ease and makes you feel comfortable. Have a chat before the wedding to go over any worries, and they will be able to help you.

It might be worth having a pre-wedding shoot too, this is a short photo session before the wedding, which will help you get used to having your photo taken.

The main thing is to relax and trust your photographer. They will put you in the best light, guide you through any poses and help you look relaxed.