HOT TOPIC

www.charlottemailphotography.co.uk HOT TOPIC: wedding worries

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SUMMER ROMANCE

What flowers and colours would you suggest for a summer wedding?

We’re all happier in the summer when the sun is shining and the evenings are lighter, it’s when our gardens bounce to life with colour and interest, so why shouldn’t your wedding be the same? Bright vivid hues are easy to achieve with a beautiful mix of summer flowers. Why not be brave and mix a vibrant purple with a hot pink and yellow?

Flowers such as dahlias are available in lots of shades and can be a good substitute for a rose if you prefer to step away from the more traditional look. Astilbe adds interest and texture, while wax flowers, asters or lavender create a more wild look. Iris or delphinium can work well if you need to create height in your arrangements whilst still injecting interest.

Never forget foliage, green is the colour of nature, so be it delicate grasses for a messy design or kentia for a tropical feel, just the right amount will help your flowers pop.

Kristie McCullough www.sorelladecor.co.uk

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

Several of our guests have dietary requirements, when should I tell our caterer?

My daughter and I started growing fruit and veg during lockdown, which I then used to make jams and chutneys. These became very popular in my local community, so I started offering grazing boxes which included afternoon teas and cheese boards. This then led me to where I am today catering for wonderful events and weddings.

As a small business that caters for large events, it’s extremely important to ask at the point of the order if there are any allergens or dietary requirement as using an item that someone has intolerances or allergies to could cost them their life or cause extremely complicated health implications. Ask your guests at your earliest convenience about any allergies/dietary requirements so you can pass them on to your cater to ensure they can accommodate any special requests.

Alexandra Barlow www.grazewithroots.co.uk

We’d love some live music at our drinks reception, but don’t want anything too intrusive as guests will want to chat and catch up. We’re considering a harpist, but what are the benefits?

Having live background music at a drinks reception can really help set the atmosphere and put people at ease, so that they can feel relaxed while chatting to family and friends.

Something non-intrusive and not too loud would allow for conversations to be enjoyed without having to raise voices. I have played the harp at many drinks receptions and found it to be the perfect instrument for setting the scene, while not drowning out normal exchanges between the guests.

Amplification can be useful in some circumstances, and all of my harps have electric pick-ups, but unless the number of guests is above 100, I have seldom found it necessary.

It’s worth considering the space you’re using and how many musicians can be accommodated. Obviously, a harp takes up less room than a group of instruments and can generally fit in a corner quite well.

Outside drinks receptions can be really spectacular in the right setting, and once again the harp comes into its own. I have a lightweight carbonfibre harp which I can carry in one hand, making it ideal to easily pick up and move into whichever part of the garden you are using. It also has the advantage of being impervious to sun or rain, so there will be no panics to run inside if a shower should appear. It’s sound is easily equal to that of my larger concert harps and carries well in an outdoor space.

Repertoire on the harp and many instruments can be varied and tailored to the genre of music you desire. A wide selection of styles will ensure that every guest will hear music to suit their tastes at some point.

When choosing an instrument, it’s worth considering access, drop off points and parking before booking to assist your proposed entertainer in deciding the logistics.

Helen Barley www.helenbarley.co.uk

MUSIC TO MY EARS

My wife-to-be and I are thinking of booking our entertainment, but we’re a bit worried about hiring someone that we’ve never met. What are the benefits of going through an agency?

Finding your dream wedding entertainment can be a tough job, especially if you’re feeling anxious about booking an act you’ve never heard live. It’s perfectly natural to feel like this, and it’s something that many couples experience. Booking though a reputable agency is one of the best decisions you’ll make throughout the entire wedding planning process. The musicians are top quality, whether you choose to book a rustic acoustic folk band, a modern dance band or a captivating classical musician, you can rest assured they’ll be of the highest calibre. At Entertainment Nation, all our acts have been vetted by industry experts and we only work with bands who have experience and talent in abundance, so you’re guaranteed a fabulous performance and a full dancefloor.

Agencies are there to help you choose your band and help you throughout the entire booking process. There are no silly questions so ask away!

One of the best reasons to book with a respected agency is that your booking is safe. You will receive a secure contract and a backup plan for any unforeseen circumstances, such as a band member being sick. An agency booking protects against these types of mishap, meaning you can relax and focus on enjoying your day. The videos of each act are a true reflection of their performance and will give you a great idea of how the band will look and sound on your wedding day.

If you’re still not convinced, read verified reviews from real couples on sites like Trustpilot, Facebook, and Google for an insight into what to expect.

Steven Robertson www.entertainment-nation.co.uk

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