Your East Anglian Wedding - Dec/Jan 2019 (Issue 40)

Local experts share their top tips for newly engaged couples HOT TOPIC WINTER WARMERS We’ve just got engaged and want to get married in December 2020 as Christmas is our favourite time of year. What special touches can we add to our wedding to give the day a festive feel? Katie and Bethany suggest: ❤ As alternatives to traditional reception drinks, give your guests that warming feeling with a glass of Sloe Royale, mulled local cider and wine or an Amaretto Fizz. And for a non-alcoholic option how about a cucumber and ginger mocktail or mulled apple juice? ❤ Opt for a Christmas-themed menu with turkey, lamb or beef for a seasonal carve-your-own roast to get your family and friends involved. ❤ Liaise with your venue about decorations. Some, like Bruisyard Country Estate, provide a Christmas tree and can work with you to create a magical festive feel with festoon or fairylights. ❤ Make your wedding cake the ultimate seasonal centrepiece with gingerbread houses or a traditional Christmas cake. ❤ An outdoor firepit is a great way to keep your guests toasty if you’re venturing outside for photos or fireworks, you can even bring your own cosy blankets to hand out. ❤ If you’re planning to stay over for a wedding weekend, a working open fireplace is great for gathering around for a cosy atmosphere, as well as plenty of grounds for bracing walks and space to kick off your wellies. Katie and Bethany | Events managers | bruisyardhall.com LIGHT UP THE SKY My fiancé proposed on bonfire night so we really want a fireworks display for our wedding but we’re not sure how to go about it to ensure maximum wow factor. Vanessa says: Fireworks are a way of making your day stand out and the best way to achieve this is to use professionals. Look for experts that specialise in design artistry using the latest ranges of pastel shades and unusual colours, complemented by new effects like swirling flowers alongside old favourites to delight your guests. Choreography is key, filling the sky with patterns and layers, like a colourful rainbow arch or a loud whistle and crackle to make everyone jump. You can even take it to the next level and personalise your display with your initials lit up in a display. First and foremost, check that your chosen venue allows fireworks. Some will only permit low-noise displays, which can be just as stunning. The cost doesn’t have to be scary either. An evening display needs last no longer than five minutes to give you a spectacular finale. Shows can be designed to suit you and your budget and it doesn’t have to be complicated to arrange. After getting in touch, setting a budget and sharing your ideas, we do the rest, from site visits, risk assessment, liaising with the venue, design firing and clearing up afterwards. Ideally book a year in advance, especially if you’re getting married in the peak summer season in order to allow time to visit the site, discuss your design ideas and how best to bring them to life. That said, we’ve turned around a display in a matter of weeks for a last-minute request. Vanessa White | Partner | fireworksdisplayteam.co.uk jamesdavidson.co.uk Ian Ward Photography EXPERT ADVICE 91