Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding - May/June 2019 (Issue 45)

TOP TRENDS How can we give our big day an edge, making it a little bit different from the norm? Sarah says: As wedding coordinators we know your wedding day is something you’ll remember for a lifetime, so it’s vital to stay up to date on the latest trends. From using drone photography, to colourful confetti cannons to get the dancing started, or even new ways of arranging flowers, here are a few suggestions to create a wedding day to remember. ❤ Bringing the outdoors in… No longer are flowers arranged to perfection. Kate from Blooming Beautiful, Carden Park’s on-site florist, explains: “Trees and the use of foliage is becoming increasingly popular. We’re seeing more natural, whimsical and romantic designs.” ❤ The reimagined bouquet… Whether it be a brooch bouquet, a collection of feathers or an arrangement of natural foliage, more brides are opting for bouquets without flowers. ❤ The rise of bridesmen and groomsgirls… More couples are employing their nearest and dearest in important W-day roles, regardless of gender. Bridesmen, groomsgirls, flower grandmas and best women; traditional wedding roles are changing. ❤ The performance… We’re seeing a rise in creative reception entrances, with the whole wedding party getting involved. These choreographed performances can really kick off the evening. Sarah Povey | cardenpark.co.uk BARBECUE BONANZA We’re having a relaxed outdoor wedding. What catering options and menus would work best for this as we don’t think a traditional three-course meal is suitable? Darren says: Whimsical outdoor weddings are big news in the wedding industry, so for those wanting to achieve a more relaxed vibe, there are plenty of alternatives to a three-course wedding breakfast. A barbecue can be a fantastic option for both large and small weddings and creates an informal atmosphere that’s especially fitting for a summer’s day. A buffet is also a great option and gives guests the flexibility to pick and choose what they want rather than conform to set menus. It’s important to consider which produce will be in season. Leafy salads with fresh fruits offer a light alternative to traditional starters and main course accompaniments while zesty desserts that include vibrant citrus flavours can really pack a punch. Summer berries also work well in trifles or a traditional Eton mess, which lends itself perfectly to an English picnic-themed wedding. Picnics are a great way to create a talking point at a wedding. Couples can ditch the traditional seating and take a pew on wooden benches or even hay bales to share a delicious selection of traditional hamper items such as salads, pastries, sandwiches and sweet treats like scones paired with clotted cream and jam. When it comes to finger food, our fish and chip cones always goes down a treat! Darren Wynn | carringtons-catering.co.uk BRIGHT BAKES How do I incorporate my vibrant colour scheme into my cake design? Katy says: So, you’re not a pastel kind of couple? No worries, the cake doesn’t have to be something you buy because you think you need one or because of the photo opportunity it presents. Practically anything goes with wedding cakes, they can be a real expression of who you are and your journey as a couple. I had a couple recently that came in for something plain and by the end of the consultation we had a life-sized Hedwig owl sitting atop their cake!  It’s very common to choose colours that run throughout your day from the invitations to bridesmaids’ dresses and table dressings. Don’t forget the cake is something else you can use to highlight your colour palette. Vibrant hues can be hand-painted on to your cake or included in a floral arrangement. It’s possible that you might want to remember a loved one who can’t be there on your big day, but their favourite colour was yellow. In this case a nice bright sunflower is a winner. Sitting down with your cake designer is an absolute must, and don’t forget, we’re creative folk and love a challenge!  Katy Quinn | quinncakes.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 95