HOT TOPIC: THE GREAT OUTDOORS This issue, we asked the region’s experts for their advice on planning an outdoor wedding CREATURE COMFORTS Your Sussex Wedding editor, Kelly Andrews, says: When you’re tying the knot al fresco, make sure everyone’s adequately informed in good time. When you send out your invitations be clear on which parts of your day will be celebrated outside, or indeed all of it, so that guests know to make their own arrangements in terms of attire and protection. Keep an open line of communication with your suppliers too, and collaborate with them on wetweather backup plans. For example, at which point will you be prepared to make the decision to take it all inside? Who is going to be responsible for moving the whole shebang? Check on the access to your venue. If you’re tying the knot in a field, are there accessible roads and paths? If not, have a think about how you can overcome these challenges for your guests. Perhaps you need to lay on extra transport. Sound has a tendency to drift away in the open air, so make sure you have all the tech in place to ensure everyone can hear you as you say “I do.” You’ll also need to check with the venue whether there are any restrictions on latenight music, as you don’t want to be disturbing the local wildlife or residents! Also on the tech front, do you have all of the creature comforts in place such as loos and generators? Have a think about what cover you want to provide for you and your guests. This is, of course, crucial for the comfort of all, not only in terms of wet weather protection, but also from the sun – we’ve had some scorchers in recent years. Once you’ve settled on a vibe for your nuptials, this should all become clear. An elegant, lined marquee is ideal for a classic wedding, whereas a tipi is the prefect choice for a boho or rustic vibe. Finally, why not make a weekend of it and invite your guests to camp? Better still if you’ve chosen an al fresco venue with on-site bell tent glamping facilities! CHIN CHIN! William Coren, CEO and founder of House Coren (www.housecoren.co.uk) says: Planning drinks for your outdoor wedding reception is crucial for creating an unforgettable experience. Think about these key considerations... •Guest preferences and dietary restrictions. Offer a diverse range of options, including sparkling wine, non-alcoholic alternatives, and cocktails to accommodate everyone. •Weather conditions. Adapt your drink selection based on the weather. Serve refreshing drinks like spritzers and fruity cocktails on hot summer days, and warm beverages like mulled wine for cooler weather. •Time and duration of the reception. Provide a variety of drinks to keep guests hydrated and refreshed throughout the event. Include non-alcoholic options alongside sparkling wine for responsible consumption. •Signature cocktails and personalisation. Collaborate with your mixologist or wine stockist to create signature cocktails that reflect your style as a couple, offering an exclusive and memorable experience. •Beverage service and presentation. Ensure you have suitable glassware, ice, garnishes and professional staff to manage the bar effectively. Use outdoorfriendly drinkware for safety and consider visually appealing drink stations. •Toasting and celebratory moments. Ensure an ample supply of sparkling wine for toasting moments and provide elegant glassware for a photogenic touch. House Coren is honoured to offer packages for outdoor receptions and would love to be part of your special day, providing exceptional sparkling wine made in England. Cheers to a wonderful wedding reception! SUMMER SCORCHERS CEO and co-founder of The Gilchrist Collection, owners of The Ravenswood (https://theravenswood.co.uk), Samantha Gilchrist says: With the summer wedding season in full swing and the English weather as unpredictable as ever, you may get more than you bargained for when it comes to wishing for a sunny day for your al fresco nuptials. Don’t compromise your photographic backdrop for finding shade. Your wedding venue is the backdrop to your day and it’s important that it’s not lost in your photography when avoiding squinting eyes. Work with your venue and photographer in advance to discuss where you’ll take your couple shots and allow for early evening photographs in the iconic areas of your venue that might be too bright for the day. Ensure you have someone on hand to bring you water and canapés during your photo session and to top you up with suntan lotion, which can often get forgotten. Nobody wants a sunstroke headache on their wedding day! As you’d make the decision to move your ceremony indoors if it rains, don’t feel pressured to stay outside if the sun becomes too hot. Consider your dress or suit and whether you’ll be too hot to enjoy the moment. If you’re intent on staying outside, maybe ditch the suit jackets and instead opt for braces or waistcoats that buttonholes can be pinned to. Think too about your guests. Will some be older and struggle with the temperatures? Work with your venue to understand if the area you’ve chosen is shaded or exposed to the sun. Otherwise, make the most of your venue’s inside space and move things to shelter so you can keep your cool at the altar. If you’re worried about guests struggling with the heat while enjoying your venue’s grounds, incorporating some cooling wedding favours can help them deal with the soaring temperatures. My favourites include paper fans, sun cream, flavoured water dispensers, cooling mist stations, or even offer ice cream or ice lollies. Don’t for get to take time out to refresh. Whether it’s packing a few extra shirts, arming your chief bridesmaid with powder for keeping the shine away or popping some refreshing towels and sprays into the venue’s toilets, all this can encourage that moment to refresh allowing your guests to feel their best. www.costaweddings.co.uk 62
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