HOT TOPIC Stellar wedmin advice from those in the know DECK THE HALLS We’re really excited about our winter wedding and would love to incorporate the season into our venue styling. What would you suggest? Venue styling during the festive season is all about exciting the senses, so consider colour, ambient candlelight, interesting textures and scents. A festive colour scheme is a great way to channel the season. Whilst rich burgundy and forest green are obvious classics, other bold jewel tones, such as deep purple and navy also work beautifully. If strong colours aren’t your style however, a more subtle, sparkling theme might be the better option. A palette of natural hues or even all white, set against a dazzling mix of metallics can look breathtaking, creating a sparkling, winter-wonderland feel that’s elegant and timeless. Nature also offers up an abundance of styling inspiration at this time of year. Seasonal greenery, such as evergreen pine, fir branches or holly look amazing incorporated into mantelpiece and staircase displays, or as table garlands. However, be sure to steer clear of mistletoe for table décor as it’s poisonous! Pinecones and nuts add beautiful texture when nestled amongst a carefully curated tablescape. As for place settings – cinnamon sticks, star anise or dried fruit slices not only look striking, they add a gorgeous scent too. Don’t forget the candlelight! Embrace the darker evenings with flickering candles (we love to use a mixture of pillar and floating candles) or a roaring open fire to welcome your guests in from the cold. Holly Allman-Lopez, www.ambiencevenuestyling.com FLASH IN THE PAN We’re getting married in the winter and the only thing we’re worried about are the dark nights and generally low light at this time of year spoiling our photography. What would you advise? Check that your photographer has external flashes. I keep them with me for just such a situation, where the light is low at this time of year. Sometimes, using flashes can create wonderful photos, with beautiful light. I love shooting at night, because you have the option of creating something different. Toni Simion, www.tonisimion.co.uk www.tonisimion.co.uk https://janebeadnellphotography.co.uk WHICH IS WHICH? Help! We’re getting confused about the difference between a registrar and a celebrant. Can you shed some light on this? Until recent times, couples could either book a religious ceremony in a church, or a secular one at a register office. The only other option was a licensed venue, which a registrar would attend. That’s not the case any more. Firstly, let’s examine what a registrar is and what they do. A registrar is an official who oversees and keeps records of births, deaths and marriages. They often work in a register office and officiate the paperwork/licence pertaining to your legal marriage. These are set words and procedures and are often rather impersonal. What many don’t realise is that you can go into a register office, sign the legal paperwork and then use a celebrant to write and deliver a ceremony to suit your personalities. So, what exactly is a celebrant? A professionally-trained celebrant will meet with you and discover exactly what your dream wedding would look like. They’ll include as much or as little as you wish of any element whether it be religious, spiritual or secular. If you’ve always dreamed of a woodland wedding, then that’s what they’ll design for you. If you fancy a themed wedding, maybe Star Wars or Disney, then the celebrant will enter into the spirit of your ceremony and make it a reality. Currently, a celebrant can’t do the legal paperwork, so organise a quick visit to the register office to complete this. Once it’s all signed, you can have your ring exchange, vows, readings, meaningful songs and everything your hearts desire – a wedding that you and your guests will remember for the rest of your lives. Julie Bisacre, www.celebrantjuliebisacre.com EXPERT ADVICE 75
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