HOT TOPIC Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas WITH THIS RING My engagement ring is 18ct gold, and for the wedding band, I was going to opt for a 9K gold wedding band; however, I’ve been told that one may wear down the other over time due to the difference in carat - is this the case? Would getting re-plated help at all? The team at F.Hinds (www.fhinds.co.uk) say: This would be the case if you had two different metals together, for example, white gold next to yellow gold. As white gold is rhodium-plated, the yellow gold would rub against the white gold and cause the plating to wear down quicker than normal. When it is the same metal, assuming they’re both yellow golds, but a different carat i.e. 9ct, 14ct or 18ct, mixing the carats wouldn’t make them wear down quicker. WINTER WONDERLAND I plan to tie the knot next December and want a winter-inspired cake that will wow our guests. Do you have any ideas? Oh, magical winter weddings! Twinkling lights, snow-covered ground, cosy candles and delicious, indulgent, and decadent menus! I love it when couples fully embrace festive colour schemes for this time of year, opting for elegant white cake tiers featuring sparkles or textured elements, silver leaf, and blue tones with colourful and indulgent designs of rich reds, greens and gold. Your wedding cake vision might include an elegant, white-tiered cake featuring an oversized draping bow and delicate romantic pearls. You can dress it up with floral pops of colour or have tiers fully covered in translucent sparkles to catch the light. Consider a beautiful hand-painted cake depicting subtle wintry elements. Alternatively, choose a dark base tier with remaining tiers in a neutral shade or add some drama with a dark fully iced cake, featuring edible gold leaf accents paired with delicate florals. Sugar flowers are a winning combination for cakes at any time of year. The flexibility of handcrafted flowers provides options for any variety and colour, regardless of those featured in your wedding styling. White peonies in December? Yes, please! Consider styling your cake table, perhaps a flower meadow, candles and twinkling lights, or even playful mini disco glitter balls and snowflakes. Rich velvet linen and seasonal greenery paired with a pedestal stand would elevate and create a memorable centrepiece! Don’t forget those indulgent cake flavours too. Often, my winter wedding couples opt for a warming, lightly spiced carrot cake paired with a vanilla bean Swiss meringue buttercream or an indulgent chocolate fudge with raspberry gelee and raspberry buttercream! Once you have booked your wedding cake designer, enjoy the fun of designing the wedding cake you dreamed of. Angela Hodson-Jones | Angela Jane Cake Design www.angelajanecakedesign.co.uk www.merylphotography.com 62
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