HOT TOPIC: wedding worries Our experts solve your problems A PAW-FECT WEDDING I’m looking for a company to look after our three dogs during our wedding. What should we ask before booking? The main things you need to consider before booking are: Availability – Can the business accommodate your wedding? If they can’t do the whole day, is there another way they can help? Location – Is the company close to the venue? If not, are they happy to provide collection and drop off if needed? Prices – A series of quotes should be provided for a range of services. Ask about deposits to secure dates and final payments. Insurance – Find out more about the business, including insurance and licences, to ensure you’re booking with a genuine company. Remember, you can never ask too many questions when it comes to the care provided for your canine companion. Catherine Smith www.theaslakelandwalks.co.uk THE WRITE STUFF We’re having an autumn wedding and want to incorporate our theme into our stationery. Do you have any ideas of how we can achieve this? Think about what is going to convey the theme on your big day and make a moodboard to help you. Is it a particular flower in your bouquet, the colour of your bridesmaids’ dresses, or maybe it’s a pumpkin centrepiece? You can use these as inspiration for your stationery designs. A colour palette of rich oranges and deep reds is a brilliant starting point for autumnal invitations, but don’t forget you can also add texture for a more luxurious finish. Use a lightly textured card or finish with rustic twine and recycled envelopes. Consider looking for a stationery designer who offers a bespoke service so you can create something truly special. Laura Luhrs www.foreverbegins.co.uk WHATEVER THE WEATHER Our big day is in September, and I’m worried the weather is going to be awful. How can we capture stunning pictures even if it rains? Weather can be tricky, especially if you’re getting married in the UK. As a photographer, I always encourage my couples to embrace the elements. Rain can add so much drama, romance and beauty to an image. I love the saying ‘life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain’ as it explains the importance of finding beauty in every situation. You can use umbrellas and create some really fun, playful shots. However, if you don’t feel comfortable braving the elements, then this is where your venue’s interior becomes important. When looking for the perfect wedding venue, make sure you choose somewhere with lots of natural light and an interior that matches your style. If the inside of your venue has dark walls and small windows, you’re going to get darker, grainier photos. Whereas if the interior is light and airy with lots of large windows to let in natural light, then you’ll be able to capture much clearer, crisper shots. Abi Cooper www.orangeivyphotography.com www.orangeivyphotography.com EXPERT ADVICE 71
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