Our experts solve your problems HOT TOPIC: WEDDING WORRIES BELOVED PETS How can we incorporate our beloved pooch into our big day? Dogs are part of the family and play a huge part in our lives, so, understandably, in recent years, it has become increasingly popular for couples to have their dogs at their weddings. However, logistically it’s not always as straightforward to organise because everyone who would normally care for the dog would be preoccupied either getting ready for the big day or attending the wedding. Look for a dog chaperone service. Your dog can play as big or as small a part in your special day as you feel appropriate; whether that be meeting and greeting guests as they arrive, featuring in the pre or post-wedding photographs, walking down the aisle with the bridesmaids and pageboys or even being the ring bearer. There are many ideas, but you should find a trustworthy company so you can rest assured that your dog is taken care of so you and your guests can focus on having a fabulous time! Here at The Bow-Wow Co, we cover the Surrey Hills and surrounding areas into parts of West Sussex and Hampshire and have a variety of packages to suit all budgets and requirements. Emma McGrotty | The Bow-Wow Co. www.facebook.com/thebowwowco.surreyhills TREASURED MEMORIES We’re having a celebrant-led wedding and want to do something a bit different that will keep our guests talking. Do you have any suggestions? Each ceremony is as individual as the couple involved, so think about what you both what on the day. Here are a few suggestions: As the guests arrive, have your rings available, and ask them to take a moment to hold the rings and imbue them with their love and wishes for you. Remember to keep the rings in a small pouch and pick somebody reliable to keep an eye on them at all times! During the ceremony, a traditional handfasting is always a talking point. The celebrant talks everybody through the choices of colours, symbolising different qualities such as steadfastness, passion and honesty, and the couple can even say their vows while bound together. You could involve any children at the ceremony by having them bring up the ribbons/bindings/material one by one and presenting them. Another fun thing to do is create a selfie at the end of the service with your guests in the background – this may be something your photographer can help facilitate. Leading up to the ceremony, the celebrant can ask key guests to prepare a few words on what makes the couple special. You could even abandon the traditional seating arrangement and go for a semi-circle to create a more informal feel. Ask your celebrant if they have any ideas, and remember the only limit is your imagination. Janet Shell | Celebrant www.janetshell.co.uk Christopher Goldsack 2021 HELLO PETAL I’m getting married next May and want to incorporate seasonal flowers into our décor. Do you have any ideas? There are a variety of flowers available in May – both seasonal and those on offer from importers. Tulips look lovely and are available in a wide range of colours. Ranunculus and roses, with their many layers of petals, are a standard choice for all weddings. Delicate flowers such as freesias, anemones, hyacinths, Lily of the valley and muscari also look wonderful. There are a host of other flowers which can be used with the above, including gypsophila, alstroemeria, carnations, eustoma, gerbera and solidago. The style, age, lighting and colours of your venue will be very important when discussing the types of table decorations and flowers for your wedding. For example, high ceilings look great with tall centrepieces, older venues may not look good with modern designs, and lower ceilings look nice with shorter displays. Make the most of any features in the venue, such as decorating a staircase with a flower garland or swags of organza and ribbons. For the top table and centrepieces, short vases with a selection of spring flowers and greenery in a natural style will create a seasonal feel. Tulips packed in tightly to form a ‘box’ is effective. Fishbowls can also be used with the flowers standing up out of the bowl in the centre. There are so many choices - talk to your florist to find your ideal style. Annabel Grange | Florist www.butterfliesandbows.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 81
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