Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Nov/Dec 2019 (Issue 77)

Siân says... Q. How can we cater for everyone and will we need separate options for our non-vegan friends? A. One of the best things about a plant-based diet is that anyone can eat it. A lot of vegan caterers will avoid ready-made soya products as they prefer to work from scratch. You need to be aware of nuts, in case of allergies, as they’re often included because they’re so rich in minerals. Q. Will we be compromising on style, taste and variety? A. Definitely not, this type of cuisine highlights and combines all the flavours that can so easily be masked by dairy and meat products. Expect everyone’s taste buds to be well and truly excited. Q. Will we still be able to use locally produced, seasonal ingredients? A. Any caterer worth their salt will use local and seasonal produce. Not only great for flavour, it helps with the vegan ethos of protecting the planet. The less your food has travelled the more we are doing to help reduce pollution. Check out amethystwedd ings.co.uk Finding the right photographer to suit you is a priority, as established professionals get booked up well in advance, especially during the peak summer wedding season. Online galleries and recommendations are great for helping you choose, but nothing quite beats a face-to-face meeting to seal the deal. Your photographer will be sharing your special day with you, so it’s important to make sure you get on. If you’re camera-shy an engagement shoot will help, the pictures are a great keepsake and it’s a great way to build confidence so you can feel relaxed and comfortable on the big day. The photos Putting on a great spread is one of the memories that often lingers longest in people’s memories. Nowadays, there’s a wealth of alternatives to the traditional sit-down meal, everything from food trucks and barbecues for outdoor celebrations to afternoon tea receptions and sharing platters; great for helping guests mix and mingle. Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly popular too. “If you’re a vegan or just enjoy a plant-based diet it’s never been easier to plan your wedding,” says local expert Siân Bowron. Since launching Amethyst Weddings in 2012, she’s helped many Hampshire couples plan their dream day and is now specialising in vegan weddings. “Well thought out plant-based food is something that everyone can enjoy,” she explains. The food The details It’s easy to get carried away with all the decorative details and personal touches, but sticking to your budget is always a good idea if you want to sleep easy and enjoy the wedding planning. Make a list of priorities and concentrate on all the important stuff first. If the money runs out before you’ve ticked everything off, don’t worry; no one will notice! Keep on top of the paperwork too, invest in a wedding box file or use a phone app to keep booking confirmations, receipts and important documents handy. Images courtesy of satorifood.co.uk 58