READY TO SET SAIL My partner and I are considering booking a cruise for our honeymoon. We’ve never been on one before, so what should we take into consideration before booking? Congratulations on your upcoming honeymoon! Planning a cruise for such a special occasion is a wonderful decision. Here are some key aspects to consider before finalising your cruise booking: Firstly, think about the destination and itinerary. Choose a cruise that aligns with your interests and preferences and ensure the itinerary includes ports and activities that appeal to both of you. Perhaps you have activities or places in mind that you want to include. Some cruises are port-heavy and others have more days at sea. If you dislike days at sea, take into account the weather and calmness of the sea at the destination during your chosen dates. Next, explore different cruise lines and ships. Research their sizes, onboard amenities and overall atmosphere to find one that suits your expectations. When selecting your cabin, consider factors such as location, view, and size. Some cruise lines offer special honeymoon packages with romantic amenities. Establish a budget that covers not only the cruise fare but also additional expenses like excursions, gratuities and specialty dining. When using a travel agent, we can check for any honeymoon-specific packages, perks or discounts. We can help find any onboard activities and entertainment options suited to you, as well as dining arrangements. Finally, embarking on your honeymoon starts with a consultation with your travel expert. We recommend doing this well in advance to secure the best cabin options and prices. Jennifer Lynch www.arrangemyescape.com FOOD FOR THOUGHT What menu would you suggest for a spring wedding? When it comes to selecting the ideal menu for a spring wedding, it is essential to consider the season’s fresh and vibrant flavours. A perfect choice for a spring wedding menu is a combination of canapés and a grazing board. Our canapés offer bite-sized bursts of flavour and can be customised to include seasonal ingredients such as asparagus, radishes and fresh herbs. They provide a delightful variety for guests to enjoy and are perfect for mingling and socialising. Alongside the canapés, grazing boards add an element of sharing and abundance to the dining experience. With an array of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits and crusty bread, the grazing board allows guests to create their own personalised bites and encourages interaction among them. For dessert, a light and refreshing choice would be a lemon-lavender cake or a berry-infused panna cotta. These desserts capture the essence of the season with their bright flavours and delicate textures. Overall, combining canapés, a grazing board, and a delightful spring dessert will ensure that your wedding menu is not only delicious but also creates a memorable dining experience for all your guests. Todd Turner www.bigmouthscatering.co.uk OUR LOVE STORY What questions should we ask a videographer before booking them for our wedding? Finding the right videographer for your wedding is important; after all, the day will never repeat itself. Here are some things you should ask them before you book: First, ask to see their finished videos, not just what they show on social media or their website, as it might be different from what was delivered. See if you can read reviews from other couples who hired them. This can give you an idea of what working with them will be like. It’s also smart to ask how they keep your wedding videos safe from things like computer problems or theft. Another thing to talk about is how they work on a wedding day. Some videographers like to stay in the background and capture things as they happen, while others might want to direct scenes, etc. Knowing how they work will help you decide if they’re a good fit for you. Jagmeet Khalsa www.storycabin.co.uk www.storycabin.co.uk www.bridgerfilms.com EXPERT ADVICE 43
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=