Your Cheshire and Merseyside Wedding - Page number 60 - July/August 2021 (Issue 58)

Stellar wedmin advice from those in the know HOT TOPIC A FAMILY AFFAIR How can we include close friends and family members in our ceremony? There are several ways, so here are seven of my top tips to get you started: ❤ Have the youngest guests escort you down the aisle, perhaps scattering flower petals or handing out confetti packets to those on the end of rows. ❤ Buck tradition and get both your parents and/or siblings to walk down the aisle with you as you enter the ceremony space. ❤ Ask a confident friend or relative to read a poem or an extract from a favourite book or film. ❤ If you know someone who has a way with words, ask them to write something special for your day. ❤ If you’ve opted for a handfasting ceremony, have different friends or family members present each ribbon or piece of fabric. ❤ If you have a musically talented loved one, ask them to play or sing some meaningful music as you walk down the aisle or sign the register. ❤ Dancers add a dramatic element to any ceremony, and to be led on entry or exit by those who can weave magic with their bodies would definitely add that extra special touch to proceedings. Above all, have fun and make it your own. Sarah Nelson | Moments To www.momentsto.co.uk DON’T FORGET! Would you recommend sending out save-the-dates and why? We can’t decide if they’re necessary. In all honesty, I don’t always recommend save-the-date cards. But, don’t get me wrong, they are a fun way to set the scene and get the buzz going around your big day. I always advise sending them out at least a year in advance, and they’re especially important when you’re planning to get married around a significant date such as Christmas, New Year, or in the middle of a busy holiday period. Many people book their vacations a year in advance and you don’t want your nearest and dearest to miss your celebration. I also think they’re super-useful if you have a lot of guests travelling significant distances, as they’ll probably appreciate the heads up so they can book accommodation – hotels often offer better rates for early bookings. So, there are times when save-the-dates are a good idea, but you will need to consider your date and circumstances as they’re not always essential. My top tip? Make them work for you. Why not include a list of local accommodation to make planning their stay easier for your guests? Make them easy to display too, after all, they’re there to ensure people remember. Fridge magnets and stickers are fantastic ideas. Ling Warlow | Dragonfly Couture Stationery www.dragonflycouturestationery.com 60