HOT TOPIC Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas COOKING UP A STORM We want to ensure our guests don’t go hungry, so what can you suggest for the ultimate wedding feast? Your wedding menu should be more than just food; it should be an experience and a reflection of your story as a couple. At Social Pantry, we believe in stylish, sustainable, and seriously delicious catering crafted with a personal touch. Your wedding menu should feel as special as the day itself. In the past, we’ve sourced ingredients from a bride’s granny’s greenhouse, infused dishes with flavours from a couple’s favourite holiday, and even designed entire menus to tell a love story through food. Whether it’s a dish from your first date, a family recipe with a modern twist, or a cocktail inspired by how you met, these small details make all the difference. We’re strong advocates for the fact that fresh, seasonal ingredients taste better, look better and support local suppliers – what’s not to love? Whether autumnal root vegetables, summer berries or fresh seafood from nearby coastlines, a locally sourced menu enhances the flavours and brings a sense of place to your wedding. Think about the flow of your big day, as catering can act as an anchor and an usher. Seated three-course meal or sharing platters? Canapés or street food-style stations? The way food is served shapes the atmosphere of your day. For relaxed country weddings, we love feasting-style menus with plenty of gorgeous dishes to pass around, bringing everyone together warmly and interactively. At Social Pantry, we don’t just cater weddings – we create experiences full of personality, style and incredible flavour. Whether you’re planning a grand country house celebration or an intimate city gathering, we’ll ensure your menu is as memorable as the day itself. Alex Head | Social Pantry | https://socialpantry.co.uk THE RING OF CHANGES We’ve just started planning our wedding bands; what advice can you share? When beginning the process of buying or commissioning your wedding bands, make sure to do your research. Finding a brand whose aesthetic you truly chime with will make designing and creating bespoke wedding bands easier. We recommend trying on several styles of rings initially. We’ve seen many couples fall in love with rings they didn’t initially consider but are so glad they tried them on. If you want unique handmade wedding bands, consider your deadlines early. There will usually be a six-to-eight-week timeframe to produce your wedding bands by hand, so factor this into your planning. Many aspects of your wedding can be organised in the weeks leading to the big day, but your wedding bands shouldn’t be one of them! Tick them off your list early so you can rest assured your rings will be the perfect fit and ready to go in plenty of time for the big day. Make your wedding bands even more sentimental by using gold from family heirlooms. Recycling old or unworn jewellery is something we’re asked about frequently, and we’re always happy to discuss this option with clients. David and Barry McCaul | McCaul Goldsmiths www.mccaul.com www.paulreadphotography.com 64
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