FEELING FESTIVE We’re looking for a venue for our Christmas-themed wedding. What should we ask before booking? First of all, ask how many weddings a venue conducts around Christmas time, as you ideally want to be their main focus and choose one which limits weddings at this time. Ideally, you should ask for any images the venue has of previous Christmas weddings, so you know what to expect. It would also be useful to know the extent of a venue’s grounds for festive photographs and what contingencies there are in place for ‘indoor’ shots. Once you know the extent of the venue’s Christmas style, you need to check if they’ll allow you to add any extras for yourselves, such as the addition of presents under the tree, extra decorations in a style of your own choosing, or whether they mind a visit from Santa himself! Another point would be to determine whether the venue is prepared to cater for a full Christmas wedding breakfast to include all the trimmings, if that’s what you’re looking for. Finally, as the day draws to a close, it would be useful to know if the venue is happy to host a carol concert, play festive tunes, allow party games or host anything in particular you have in mind. Most venues are always happy to do what you want, but it is always best to check. Angela Jackson, The Gamekeeper’s Inn | www.gamekeeperinn.co.uk BARN DANCE? My partner’s sold on a barn wedding, but I’m yet to be convinced. Convince me! There is no place more magical than our rustic barn, which is open and inclusive meaning no interrupting room changes. Our barn is also a blank canvas, which gives you the flexibility to create the wedding of your dreams. There are so many ways you can put your own stamp on a barn wedding, with opportunities to be creative, whether it’s the twinkle of fairy lights or the large white drapes from the high ceiling – you are free to explore and personalise every part of your day, with no limit to your options. Our barn is unique, charming, full of character and history, with a dramatic rural setting and breath-taking views over our beautiful valley and forest. It’s the perfect backdrop for rustic country weddings! Here at Stepney Hill Farm, we pride ourselves on doing all we can to make every couples’ vision come true. Georgie Bestall, Stepney Hill Farm | https://stepneyhillfarm.co.uk WEDDING WORRIES I’m concerned about the thought of finding my dream dress, to the point it’s making me anxious. How can I make the process as stressfree as can be? When you go to any bridal boutique, especially for the first time, you’re bound to feel daunted. You may try on a number of gowns and wonder if you will ever experience the feeling of knowing a dress is ‘the one’. The answer is, not all brides do get that feeling! The majority do, and there may be tears, but you will know when you feel special in a gown and it ticks all the right boxes. Don’t feel pressured, not everybody is the same! Instead, go into the experience with a positive outlook, and don’t be swayed by others. Your dress is your dress and if you feel incredible in it then that is what matters. You should come out of your appointment feeling happy and relaxed and if you haven’t said ‘yes to the dress’, don’t panic! You have a better idea of what it is you want – and you will find it, I promise! Haley Powell, Aisle of White | www.theaisleofwhite.co.uk https://chicwedding-photography.com 74
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