CONFIDENCE IN YOUR DAY Q I’m feeling completely overwhelmed planning my wedding; how can I feel more in control? Kelly Sexton, of The Bridal Coach, says: First, take a deep breath and remind yourself why you’re doing this: to celebrate your love in a way that feels meaningful to you. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but you’ve got this, and I’m here to help you take back control and feel like the wedding planning pro you’re meant to be. Start by breaking your planning into manageable steps. You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Create a timeline for the months ahead, focusing on what needs to be done first, like securing your venue and setting a budget. Celebrate every little win – each decision brings you closer to your perfect day. Next, get clear on your wedding vision. Think about how you want the day to feel. Is it romantic? Fun? Intimate? Use this as your guide for every decision you make. Remember, it’s about creating a day that reflects you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s leaning on friends, family, or joining a wedding planning community like mine, you don’t have to do this alone. Sharing the journey makes it more joyful and less stressful. Finally, trust in yourself. Planning a wedding is a learning process, and every step you take is proof of your creativity and determination. By this time next year, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come! kelly@creative-brides.com www.instagram.com/diyweddingsbycreative.brides www.creative-brides.com TO GIFT, OR NOT TO GIFT? Q Do we hand out pressies during the speeches? My husbandto-be says no, so I’m not sure what to do for the best! Heidi Ellert-McDermott, of Speechy, says: Ah, the age-old wedding dilemma: speeches or Santa’s grotto? The good news is there’s no hard-and-fast rule. The bad news? You both need to agree (and we know how that goes). Handing out gifts during speeches can be a lovely gesture – a tangible way to say ‘thank you’ to your VIPs. It also gives the audience a visual break from the words. However, it does have its challenges: •It can disrupt the flow of the speech. Imagine a heartfelt moment interrupted by someone unwrapping tissue paper. •The logistics can get messy. Who’s handing out the gifts? Is aunt Sheila stuck at the back clutching her prosecco? The alternative? Mention the gifts in your speech, then hand them out afterwards. Something like: ‘We’d like to thank our parents for their love and support. There’s a little token of our appreciation for you waiting at your seats – we hope you love it!’. This keeps the speeches seamless while still showing your gratitude. If your husband’s worried about turning the speeches into a giftgiving marathon, this could be the perfect compromise. Or you could always save the gifts for a more private moment – let’s be honest, your nan would rather coo over her flowers than juggle them while eating her pudding. So, pressies during speeches? Totally your call – but as with all things wedding, keep it simple, keep it thoughtful, and keep the peace. 07971 225 245 www.instagram.com/speechyspeeches www.speechy.com VENUE Q I’m feeling overwhelmed by the guest list – how can I make sure my chosen venue can accommodate us all? David Leathem, CEO of The Weddings Group and owner of Swynford Manor, says: Venues have different capacity limits for daytime and evening guests, so clarify these numbers early on. Some places also have multiple ceremony spaces, so check how many people each one can hold, to ensure it aligns with your plans. Knowing the available layout options can also help you plan how to create an intimate or grand feel, depending on your wedding vision. And don’t forget about overnight stays! If your venue offers accommodation, find out how many guests can be hosted on-site – especially if it’s in a remote location where finding hotels nearby might be tricky. While there may be an extra cost, having your guests stay onsite can be a major convenience, and a great way to keep the evening party going for longer. Plus, it allows your guests to fully relax and enjoy the event without worrying about travel logistics at the end of the night. 01638 492 036 www.instagram.com/swynfordmanor www.swynfordmanor.com www.facebook.com/milkbottlephotography ASK THE EXPERTS 77
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