Your Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wedding - Dec/Jan 2019 (Issue 80)

RAISE YOUR GLASSES We really feel that we need someone else to help manage the day so we can relax and enjoy the time with our guests – we wondered about getting a toastmaster, but what are the benefits? Timothy says: Your wedding day is one of the most important and special days of your life, so instead of letting things happen by chance, have a professional on hand who will take away all the stresses and ensure all your suppliers work together to produce a seamless and memorable occasion. From helping the photographer with getting the long list of photos you want, to all those special moments such a speeches, cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet and your first dance, your wedding toastmaster can be on hand to ensure they happen seamlessly. The traditional red coat will bring some formality and structure to your day, but it doesn’t have to be regimented or stuffy. Make sure you get to know your toastmaster before the day. I always offers a face-to-face planning meeting to ensure that the chemistry is right so that you have the confidence to allow him to run the day. Don’t forget to check their experience and background, for instance, whether they have trained with the UK School of Professional Toastmasters, as I did. What’s most important to remember that the day should be how you want it and so planning is essential to ensure that this happens. Timothy Lee | timothyleetoastmaster.co.uk PICK ‘N’ MIX We want the kind of menu that will bring our guests together – any suggestions? George says: Food is a great way to bring people together on your special day, especially if you have mixed tables where some guests might not necessarily know everyone. I have found that sharing boards such as charcuterie or picky bits for starters really sparks conversation. It encourages people to reach out into the table rather than just look down at their plates. Equally, for mains, you can try a more lavish buffet where guests will be moving around and mingling with guests on other tables. This is actually what we are doing for our head chef’s own wedding as we find it works so well. It’s less formal but equally delicious, and should bring everyone together. George Rouse | georgeskitchen.co.uk stonephotos.co.uk EXPRESS YOURSELF We don’t have a formal dress code for our big day – what advice can we offer any guests unsure about what to wear? Nicola says: The English weather doesn’t exactly make it easy to decide what to wear to a wedding. Add to that the pressure of looking chic, yet comfortable with potentially many hours on your feet, and wedding guests have a major dilemma. Here are some tips on how to look effortlessly stylish at a wedding: Tried and tested. Unless you are the bride, never wear a new outfit for the first time to an important event such as a wedding. You don’t know whether it will be comfortable or whether it might let you down. Stand out. Many wedding guests will still wear a traditional shift dress with a matching fascinator but if it suits your personality style, why not try wearing a gorgeous jumpsuit with heels instead? Be true to yourself to look and feel your best. Not the time for business. Gentlemen, choose a statement tie in a beautiful silk or add an interesting colour in a detail of your outfit to avoid looking like you’re at a business meeting. Stay warm. If you worried about staying warm and stylish in the evening try a faux fur stole, a beautiful cashmere cardigan or a statement shawl. Flats are in. There is nothing worse than watching someone struggle through a wedding in a pair of killer high heels. Have some spare flats in your bag for dancing in but make sure they still work with your outfit. Nicola Whybrow | houseofcolour.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 113