Our experts solve your problems HOT TOPIC: WEDDING WORRIES GETTING ORGANISED What are the benefits of hiring a toastmaster? A toastmaster will liaise with you and your events team throughout the planning process and can advise on etiquette and timings, guiding you through all of the options available to make your event as formal or as relaxed as you want it to be. On the day, they will liaise with the banqueting team, the photographers and any entertainers to knit your event together and ensure it runs on time. Your toastmaster will be on hand to provide a warm welcome and resolve any minor issues as they arise, freeing you completely to enjoy your occasion with your family, friends and guests. They should be trained to work across a whole spectrum of events, understand the associated cultural or religious differences, and provide a professional service for your day. John Griffiths 07368 945 630 NATURAL POSES I’m getting married soon, and am worried that I won’t be able to look natural in the photographs. Do you have any advice? Having your photo taken can be uncomfortable at the best of times, let alone when you want your pictures to be perfect. Building a relationship with your photographer is one of the best ways to overcome those nerves. Tell them what you like and don’t like and, most importantly, the kind of pictures you want them to achieve. If you have a pose or idea in mind, then discuss this with them. This all leads to more achievable results. Natural style photography is best captured when you’re being exactly that! Forget your photographer is there. They should encourage you to carry on as you are, walk and talk with your partner and let them capture that moment. Look at their portfolio. Their style will be able to reassure you that you’ve picked the right person. Eray Kaya www.irockvisuals.com www.irockvisuals.com TREND SETTER We’re trying to think of a song for our first dance but feel overwhelmed. What songs will be popular in 2022? After providing dance lessons to more than 2,000 couples across 20 years, we get asked this question a lot. Our advice is simple, pick a tune that means something to you and be mindful that you will be hearing it a lot as you prepare for your big day. So what should you pick? Think about the words and how they make you feel. Do you want romantic, upbeat, slow, fast, happy, quirky, a tear-jerker or fun? Is there a song from your courting days that means something to you both? Is there a melody that you both love to dance to whenever you hear it? The genre is huge for wedding dances, and we encourage you to choose a track you actually like. This year we have seen a combination of traditional songs, including Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud, but also some lovely French options. Your venue, outfits, catering and style are special to you, so your first dance should reflect that. Emma Brewer www.firstdancestudios.co.uk www.andy-matheson.com EXPERT ADVICE 55
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