48 FASHION-FORWARD There are so many elements to planning a wedding. Deciding what the groom and his attendants will wear is as important as choosing the perfect dresses, but this sometimes gets lost in the fog. There are five key styles to pick from, including tails, tuxedos, lounge suits, highland wear and Prince Edward-length jackets. Hired suits are not made-to-measure, so you'll have the luxury of time. You can leave the booking until you’re far enough along in the planning process to settle on the colour choices for the dresses and flowers. Our cut-off point to book at Sanders Hirewear is six to eight weeks before the collection date, but other suppliers may have different schedules. Book a consultation with you and your partner. Don’t bring a posse; this is a chance to focus on what you want and not to be asked about the stag do because that will happen! Bring your shoes, a bridesmaid dress, lookbook, invitations and flower samples to the consultation if you have them to help tie down the neckwear colours to a perfect or complementary match. Helen Kirk | Sanders Hirewear | https://sandershirewear.co.uk LOVE AT FIRST BITE Food is just as important as the dress for me, as your guests will be talking about how good or not-so-good the food was for years to come! The key to a great meal is hiring a company with experience. So, check social media platforms and read reviews to get a feel for different businesses. Service is just as important as the quality of the dishes, so being able to work differently to suit the surroundings and requirements is essential. Consider what the company might need to ensure the perfect service, such as power, lighting, the space required and accessibility. Check if plates, napkins and cutlery are included. Regarding the menu choices, consider different dietary requirements to cater for vegetarians and vegans – don’t forget gluten-free options if needed. Speak to the team over the phone or via video call to review all the details, such as arrival and departure timings. Have contact numbers for the company and allocate someone from your party if you haven’t got a wedding coordinator to discuss details with the team on the day. Ask if they have a plan B in adverse weather conditions. Jason Biddulph | Biddulph's Pizzeria www.biddulphspizzeria.co.uk
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