An Essex Wedding - Page number 99 - September/October 2021 (Issue 100)

HOT TOPIC: Following the last 18 months, how has the wedding industry changed? Our local suppliers, experts in their field, give us the lowdown... CAKES I think the pandemic has changed people’s views on wedding receptions in general; everyone really wants that good party-vibe with plenty of entertainment, food and fun for their guests! It’s been so long for everyone to be able to truly enjoy themselves that now, what better excuse to really go for it, than a wedding?! Couples should consider catering options that offer the food, fun and entertainment factor like we do here at Dessert Club Essex. Our live cooking stations offer crêpes, doughnuts and waffles – your guests are well-fed and entertained at the same time! What better way to please you guests than through their stomachs? And with that in mind, I expect to see more weddings have showstopping cakes, dessert tables and cooking stations with the wow factor, giving guests plenty of indulgent catering options. Stephanie Hawes, dessert and cake maker Dessert Club Essex | www.facebook.com/dessertclubessex HONEYMOONS Normally from about April/May time we would be making many bookings for honeymoons for the following year, but this year it has only just started picking up now. The Greek Islands have been very popular at the moment, when usually it would be more long-haul destinations. Customers are asking for the quieter islands rather than the popular ones, which must mean they are wanting more peaceful secluded holidays. I’ve also noticed the pandemic has heightened environmental awareness as we’ve seen a rise in eco-conscious customers asking how sustainable the hotels are, whereas pre-pandemic very few would ask these questions. Hopefully, it will be back where it was pre- pandemic soon as weddings are now going ahead and people are getting more confident in booking holidays again. We have started to see countries such as the Maldives, St Lucia, Antigua and Thailand pick up once more which is very good news. Stefania Cerro, travel counsellor www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/stefania.cerro LOOKING AHEAD ASK THE EXPERTS 99