HOT TOPIC Local experts offer stellar advice on overcoming the most common planning concerns HOW ON EARTH WILL WE FIND TIME FOR OUR SETUP? Sinead McNicholas from Luna and the Lane (www.lunaandthelane.co.uk) says: This worry is more apparent with couples who’ve booked a dry-hire venue. They’re often given a blank canvas, which can be a double-edged sword. Here, you’d have the freedom to set up the venue however you wish, yet this can be overwhelming on the morning of, due to the scale of what you want to achieve in a short space of time. Many couples have told us after the big day that having us there for the morning was a great investment and relief for them. It meant they didn’t need to be running around laying out name cards or making sure every table had the right number of bud vases, or that Auntie Susan wasn’t sitting under the air-con! To us, it’s all about the smaller details; the personal touches that makes each wedding day unique. Many are design-led and have fantastic ideas, but simply don’t have the time or energy on wedding morn to execute these plans. We work alongside couples from start to finish when creating a cohesive design for the whole occasion, so when it does come to the day itself, we know exactly what the final result needs to be. WEDDING WORRIES WHAT IF IT RAINS? Jackie Levers from Cottesmore Hotel Golf & County Club (www.cottesmoregolf.co.uk) says: This is the most common concern for couples hoping to have a dream outdoor wedding ceremony, particularly if the forecast is looking unsettled. I always say you can do everything but control the weather. There’s nothing that’s going to change the fact that you’ll still be getting married come rain or shine. So, why not embrace it? There’ll be so many beautiful and fun photos your photographer can capture in the rain or wind. In fact, most prefer not to have full sun due to the squinting and can capture more atmospheric shots in inclement weather. The most important thing is to celebrate that you’ve just got married and enjoy the company of all your friends and family who’re there to help you celebrate your special day. Kelly Andrews, editor of Your Sussex Wedding says: Consider the old saying: a pessimist is never disappointed. Prepare for rain and it can’t spoil your day. Devise a back-up plan that’s equally as incredible as plan A and this will stand you in good stead both mentally and practically. When you start visiting venues, talk to the team about their wet-weather alternative and make sure you get to see this space as well. You want to feel as good about this indoor option as you do about your dream al fresco setting and keep it in mind when you’re putting together your venue styling vision. Make sure your florist knows that you plan to say “I do” outside, and that your arrangements need to be easily transported inside in a flash should the heavens open. Also, come up with a plan of who will be doing said transporting. Your venue team, or indeed florist, may well have this in hand but if this isn’t offered, brief some handy members of your wedding party well in advance. Keep it cute. If you’re tying the knot at a time of year that it’s more than likely going to rain, stock up on some wedding white umbrellas to keep on hand at the ceremony in case your guests need to grab one while they wait or mid-dash. Umbrellas also make a fun feature for your photographer later on during your couple’s shoot. Try not to stress. What will be will be, embrace it. If you’re prepared all will be well. We’re British, we’ve got this! Gabriel Crismariu on Unsplash www.elizabethrubyphotography.com ASK THE EXPERTS 69
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