Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - November/December 2020 (Issue 83)

LESS IS MORE We’re downsizing our wedding, but does that have to mean compromising on the look and feel of our day? Natasha says: A small intimate wedding can be even more memorable in many ways. If you previously had a big guest list and are now only having 15 people, that’s a big compromise, but think just how meaningful your day could be. When you’ve invited a crowd, it can be quite overwhelming and you could miss out on some of the little details and special moments with your loved ones. By having a small intimate celebration you have so much more time to enjoy everyone’s company and with the savings you’ve made you could splash out on some of those extras you might have originally cut back on. Maybe have some statement floral arrangements or go all out on the styling for your wedding breakfast table. You could even book something special like a classic car to drive away in or owls, as pictured, from FAB Falconry ( www.fabfalconry.co.uk); br illiant for standout wedding photos. Small doesn’t always mean less it can be the opposite – grand and bespoke to you! Natasha Gilchrist | On-the-day wedding coordinator | www.tasha-mae.co.uk JUST A CLICK AWAY We want to get married no matter what but will really miss not having all our loved ones there to see us tie the knot. What can we do to make sure it’s the happiest day possible? Helen says: One of the biggest challenges is reducing the guest list and an idea that’s been proving particularly popular is using video services such as Zoom to enable friends and family to virtually be part of your day. The beauty of this is that it can be as prominent or subtle as you like. To keep things simple, a screen and webcam can be set up for the key moments of the day such as the ceremony and the speeches. To take it up a notch, couples can create fancy virtual invites, ask their remote guests to dress up for the occasion, even timing their meal at home with the wedding breakfast so they can enjoy the speeches and toasts with you. Your remote guests can be involved as much or as little as you want in order to help make your day truly special. TOP TIPS ❤ Check with your venue what equipment they’ll provide and what things you need to bring. Typically for this kind of setup the venue will provide the screen, but you should check if they provide an HDMI cable, webcam, any converters (especially if you’re using a MacBook) and the laptop. ❤ Discuss with your venue in advance where you want the screen to be and if it needs to be moved throughout the day. With fewer guests, the best man may feel a little redundant, so this is a great job to delegate to him. ❤ Prolong your wedding celebrations and host your evening reception on your first-year anniversary. You might not be able to hold that big party now with music and dancing into the night but that doesn’t mean it can’t be part of your wedding once restrictions have lifted. What better way to celebrate your first year as newlyweds than by returning to your wedding venue to relive the magic of the day with your extended family and friends. ❤ If you had a videographer on the day, the post-wedding party is also the perfect time to get it on the screens for everyone to see. Louise Moth | Wedding executive | www.oldthorns.com Old Thorns Chapel, décor by www.thelittledetailscompany.co.uk Images courtesy of www.jackaldridgephotography.com EXPERT ADVICE 89