HOT TOPIC Our local experts solve your wedding dilemmas INTIMATELY YOURS What are the pros of a small winter wedding? Small weddings give you the chance to spend more wedding day budget and more time with your closest family and friends, the people who matter the most. Intimate weddings give you the perfect excuse to exclude extended family, random friends or to reduce the number of children without offending anyone. Cosy winter weddings for up to 30 guests are a popular choice at Pig & Whistle Restaurant. We’re a romantic and intimate venue with a chilled ambiance, warm lighting and magical winter decoration. Justin Mullender | Pig and Whistle Restaurant www.pigandwhistlechelmsford.uk WEDFEST PLANNING We’ve just started planning our festival-themed wedding for next summer but we’re not sure where to start. Do you have any suggestions on how we can make our idea come to life? Considering a festival-themed wedding? It’s a popular choice for its relaxed vibe and emphasis on fun over formality. However, finding the perfect venue is crucial for making your vision a reality without breaking the bank. Ensure the outdoor space is ample and suitable for your needs, and check if the venue holds a wedding license for legal ceremonies so you can do everything in one day. Battleswick Farm has a 200-year-old chestnut tree licensed for legal ceremonies. Catering is another essential aspect. Food trucks are often desired for a true festival feel, so make sure the venue allows external caterers or offers a buy-out option. DIY decorations are a great way to personalise your day, but involving family and friends is essential due to the time involved. It always takes a lot longer than you think to make items yourself so start early. Consider the scale of decorations for the venue to ensure they have the desired impact. If you are decorating large scale spaces such as barns and fields, what looks big on your dining table will appear much smaller in situ. When it comes to flowers, I know many brides like to create their own floral arrangements. These days you can work with a professional florist and make your own creations. Susie at Wivenhoe Flowers comes highly recommended for her expertise and guidance. Grown in her polytunnel, she’ll guide you through the seasonal floral calendar and leave you to cut your own flowers, buying by the bucket. By nailing these key elements, you can create the festival wedding of your dreams while staying within your budget. Mandy Mahil | Battleswick Farm https://battleswickfarm.co.uk Through The Woods We Ran 82
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