BELOVED PETS My hubby-to-be and I want to incorporate our beloved dog into our wedding. What should we take into consideration? Begin by checking that your wedding venue is dog friendly. Once you’ve done this, try and find a dog-loving photographer and videographer. Whoever you choose, make sure to let them know what your plans are for having your pet at your wedding. Consider your dog’s temperament and what their role might be. There are so many ways you can include your pooch – they could be your ring bearer, VIP guest or flower dog. They could even walk down the aisle with a member of your wedding party, but please ensure that your dog has the right temperament to cope with all the attention. Invest in a chaperone. A chaperone will plan, coordinate, and take on all the stresses on your wedding day. Our chaperone service is very much in demand, with couples booking for 2023, 2024 and beyond, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. We cover the West Midlands region, including Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire plus Wales and London. Nationwide cover is also available upon request. Choose an epic outfit. If you’re considering a flower collar or tuxedo harness, make sure that it’s safe, made-to-fit and is comfortable for your pet. Certain flowers or foliage can be poisonous to dogs, so it’s vital to check or consider artificial flowers. Finally, let your guests know. A simple note on your invitations or just telling your loved ones that you plan to have your dog with you at your wedding, means that they come prepared, especially if they are nervous around dogs or allergic to them. However, if your pooch is a surprise guest or ring bearer, it may be advisable to tell the nervous and anxious guests beforehand. Emma and Adrian Cartlich https://precious-pets.wedding/ AL FRESCO ROMANCE We would love to have a harpist at our outdoor wedding. Is there anything we should consider before booking? Having a harp for an outdoor wedding is an excellent choice, but you need to check with the harpist that they can cope with the problems which may arise in a garden or woodland setting. If they have a harp which is suitable for the terrain at your chosen venue, consider the following: Will the harp be damaged by the rain or sun? Will the venue provide shelter for the harpist? I have often played at venues where there is cover for the wedding party and the guests, but the musicians and photographer are left in the rain. My solution is to have a carbon-fibre harp with gold plated levers, so none of it is damaged by the weather. If your supplier has a full-sized concert harp, is there reasonable access on a level path for pushing a heavy harp on a trolley? Will there be a level and firm base for the harp to stand on? There may not be any power points available, so a good wireless amplifier will be very helpful, especially with a gut-strung soft-toned harp playing for large numbers. A wireless amplifier, with a wireless transmitter, can be hidden discreetly behind bushes and not seen. A carbon-fibre harp is also a great option as it has nylon strings with a very bright sound, which carries really well outdoors. Will they use digital music or paper music? If the latter, the wind can be a real problem. These are the logistical considerations that I have discovered over recent years, with far more outdoor weddings now than there used to be. However, the main consideration must be that you enjoy the music that your harpist plays and have a good rapport with them. I would highly recommend meeting your harpist in person and hearing them play before booking. Helen Barley www.helenbarley.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 61
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