59 PLANNING SOS What’s the top tip you’d give to a bride or groom planning their day? The top tip we’d give all brides or grooms planning their day would be to do their research either online or by going to local wedding fayres and view a variety of venues so they can set a realistic budget for their big day. There are so many factors that affect suppliers and venues prices, so having a full understanding of the costs involved is invaluable to achieve the best choices. Jane Mac Donell, Exquisite Wedding & Event Services www.exquisiteweddingandeventservices.co.uk What do I need to think about when choosing the floral arrangements for the wedding day? Think about budget and let your florist know. Then they can work to your means and offer you everything to accommodate your costings. Also, think about which arrangements you could use for both ceremony and wedding breakfast, so you’re getting maximum use from your florals. Do I need to buy flowers for the mother of the groom or mother of the bride? It’s completely up to you and your budget. Many mothers are just honoured to be part of your amazing day. However, a nice flower hatbox arrangement is always a hit. How will I know what will be on trend next year? If you stick with classic, timeless styles they’ll always be on trend. However, we meet with our brides two months before to discuss any changes. So there’s still time to change your mind. What’s more expensive, faux or real flowers? Fresh flowers. Artificial hire is the most cost effective! This year, 99 per cent of my weddings are having fresh bridal flowers and artificial for the décor. My top tip... Come up with a realistic budget you’re happy with. This will save you so much time and your consultations will be more effective. Also, don’t over think it! Abigail Webb, Prestige Petals Essex www.prestigepetalsessex.com What’s your top tip for planning a great wedding reception! We have some great ideas! This year, we’ve introduced the Audio Guest Book and Social Media Pods to our already extensive range of décor items that we hire out. The audio guest book phone comes complete with a full setup including stand, floral display and neon sign that draws in your guests and screams leave us a message with the words: “I just called to say…” we all know the song so the next line should be an easy one. There are many companies out there who provide audio guest books, but we didn’t want to just drop a phone and sign on a table and hope for the best, we wanted to make a statement, create some fun and give you an alternative guest book and décor item all in one. As for the social media pods, they’re the latest in technology, with decorative backdrops, QR codes for your guests to download their images direct to their phones, neon lighting and in lots of cases we’ve added blossom trees and flower arches to the setup. Whatever our couples want to make the perfect backdrop for the photos. These social media pods really do bring the party. In the coming months we’ll be adding even more decorative setups that will only excite our 2024 soonlyweds! Michelle Broom, Occasions & Celebrations https://occasionsweddingflowers.co.uk Joshua Harvey
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