SEARCHING FOR THE ONE What questions should we ask a venue before booking? You are now on the very exciting path of finding your perfect wedding venue, and with so much choice available, it is important to make sure that you are prepared before you book a viewing so that you get the most out of your visit. My top 10 questions are: Firstly (and most importantly), how long has the venue been hosting weddings, and how experienced are the staff? After all, the service and standard of food are the two things that you and your guests will remember long after the day has passed. Visiting review sites is key to helping you shortlist your viewings. Are bespoke packages offered as well as set wedding packages, or are set packages flexible to be tailored to your specific needs? Are there minimum numbers or spend on certain days of the week or times of the year? Does the venue hold more than one wedding a day, and is exclusivity of the venue an option (and at what cost)? Is the venue licensed for civil wedding ceremonies, and if so, in what capacity are they able to host? (Also ask about wedding breakfast and evening reception capacity, as these can vary). How extensive are the wedding breakfast and evening food choices? Do guests get a choice of menus, or is it a set menu that is offered to all guests? Are special dietary requirements catered for? Are you able to bring in your own suppliers? Are children welcome, and what food offerings are available for them? Is there on-site accommodation that guests can use, and are there preferential rates offered for their stay? Is breakfast included? Carol Knight – Wedding coordinator www.glen-yr-afon.co.uk FASHION FORWARD I’m looking for my wedding dress; what style, fit, and colour would you suggest for my summer wedding? Firstly, you need to feel comfortable and like the best version of yourself. The last thing you want is to feel hot and bothered in your dress. If it’s a destination wedding or taking place in the height of summer, look at fabrics like chiffon that are cooler to wear. Lots of girls love sleeves; however, as a way of staying cool during the day, we can put sleeves and arm accessories on that are detachable so you can take them off when you wish. Fit-wise, it depends on the bride herself and what silhouette she wants. Try to avoid anything satin or heavy in fabric and instead look for lace, crepe, highleg split dresses, and sparkles that will look beautiful when glistering in the sun. The team at Emily Kate Bridal www.emily-kate.co.uk www.andersonphotography.org.uk Lilia by Calla Blanche DARLING BUDS How do I keep my flowers fresh before sending them to my flower preservation artist, and how long after the wedding should I do this? Firstly, book your preservation artist in advance. This is to ensure you receive the correct care and postage instructions. Not all artists have availability at the last minute, especially during the summer months. When possible, keep your flowers in fresh water and upright. Your venue should be able to provide a vase for you to keep your flowers in during your wedding breakfast and while you dance the night away. Your flowers should then be kept in fresh water until the day you send them. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from any heat sources. Most flowers take in water from their stems, so avoid spraying any water directly onto the petals. When it comes to sending your flowers, every artist should have their own postage and packaging instructions. I recommend nominating a trusted member of the bridal party or a family member to take care of posting your flowers. You’ll be very busy the next few days after your wedding, and posting your flowers may not be a priority. Most artists would like your flowers within three days of your wedding; the sooner, the better, as the condition of your flowers has a huge impact on how they will dry and how well they’ll be preserved. Emma Cross www.encapsulatedmemories.com 66
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