MUM’S THE WORD My mum is looking for an outfit for our winter wedding, what’s stylish and will keep her warm? Dressing for a winter wedding can be a more challenging compared to spring/summer weddings, but you can still look stylish and keep warm. We can experience some freezing weather, so opt for thermal undergarments which are available in various shades and styles. Thanks to the different thicknesses available, the pieces can be worn underneath your outfit without becoming too tight and uncomfortable. Once the formal proceeding is finished, you’ll inevitably go to a heated venue – even garden marquees can have heating provided. If you’re worried that you’ll be too hot for the reception, a quick change at the venue is easily done. Debbie Hill | Charisma of Fawley | https://charismaoffawley.co.uk THE PERFECT SETTING We’re just starting our big day journey; what should we look for when booking a venue? If you’re considering a venue not close to home, check if the property has accommodation for your guests and even yourself if you need to stay the night before the big day. If not, ask the venue for a list of recommended accommodations nearby and if they offer discounted rates for your guests. Some venues will have a minimum amount of guests needed, which is difficult if you have limited numbers. A better option would then be to find a flexible property with a minimum spend regardless of numbers. Ask for a full breakdown of what’s included in the price so there are no unexpected additional fees at a later date! Packages with supplier services included can save you so much time and make your planning process less stressful. Consider the type of cuisine you’d like to offer and see what venue caterers provide this. Check to see if you can have a menu tasting session to preview what will be offered on the day. It’s essential to check if you’re held to the venue’s suppliers or if you may enlist your own. Some venues have a list of recommended suppliers that are often familiar with the property – they’ll know what works well and are the most reliable. Ruth Mundy | Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa | www.balmerlawnhotel.com http://kimberleygarrod.co.uk www.veni-infantino.com DREAM-WORTHY ATTIRE We’re searching for the perfect pageboy outfit for our winter wedding; what would you suggest? When picking an outfit, always consider if your pageboy will be warm enough during the ceremony and when photographs are taken. Fabrics that are perfect for the winter season are cotton velvet or even a high-quality wool that would be excellent for regulating the pageboy’s temperature without looking too bulky. Ensure the garments are silk lined to avoid itchy skin irritations. If you’re looking for something different, why not consider a bespoke military-style jacket teamed up with a pair of long trousers? For a more traditional look, opt for a gorgeous waistcoat with long trousers, a pair of braces and a tie/bow tie that matches the groom or bridesmaids. Finally, why not finish off the look with a matching suit jacket? Consider a vintage-inspired edge-to-edge jacket, which has less bulk around the neck area but still looks stunning? Dawn Clarke | Dawn Clarke Designs www.dawnclarkedesigns.co.uk www.kateizakphotography.com EXPERT ADVICE 79
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