BIG-DAY TRANSPORT What questions are important to ask a transport company before we book them for our special day? It’s important to check if you can view the vehicles in person to meet the supplier and see if everything look as good as they appear in photographs. You can then compare what you’re getting for your money if you’re looking at several quotes. You’ll also be able to see how much space is available in the vehicles for the bridal party and whether you can easily get in and out. It’s essential to ensure your suppliers offer a contract and that you’re happy with what’s included before you pay your deposit. If you don’t understand or are unsure about anything, a good supplier will always take the time to explain things clearly. If you’re having different venues for your ceremony and reception, check that the supplier will take you to both and that they’ve quoted clearly for any extra mileage. If you’ve got a large party to transport, it’s worth asking if they can undertake more than one trip if you’re local. Ask the team if they stay for photographs after your ceremony or once you arrive at the reception. They might even be happy to stop off en route at a local beauty spot so that you can really make the most of your hire time. Lastly, check if decorations are included in the price. Transport companies usually provide ribbons, but some suppliers offer other decorations like flower garlands and married signs. Catherine White | Dorset Dubhire | www.dorsetdubhire.com MEMORABLE EVENTS What are the benefits of having a toastmaster at our wedding? Weddings are occasions of great joy, but there’s only one chance to get everything right. A toastmaster can help relieve any pressure while lending an air of professionalism and ensuring everything goes exactly as planned. With a gift for seeing potential problems before they arise, the supplier can prove invaluable at both large or small weddings. On your wedding day, you don’t want to be answering questions about timings or seating arrangements. That’s where a toastmaster comes in to deal with all the questions; they’ll act as a point of contact between you and the venue. The team will also serve as the link when talking to other suppliers to ensure the correct procedure and communication to transform any event into a memorable occasion. There’s nothing more stressful than having to obtain everyones attention or directing people in the right direction. Toastmasters are fully practised at making announcements like calling guests to the wedding breakfast, introducing speeches, cutting the cake and the first dance. Peter York | Peter York Toastmaster www.peteryork-mc.co.uk ACCESSORISE AND SHINE We’re trying to keep our wedding as eco-friendly as possible, but I’m struggling with what to look for in jewellery. What advice can you share with us? Talking to your jeweller will help you understand the team’s ethos and sustainability credentials. Knowing if the pieces are being designed and handmade locally or in Britain is one of the best ways of ensure you’ll receive quality items made using proper skills, training, fair conditions and pay for workers. Check with your supplier where the diamonds are sourced. Established jewellers are more likely to know their dealers personally, have a trusted relationship and sign to the Kimberley Process to ensure all diamonds are conflict-free. Gems such as sapphires, emeralds and rubies can be ethically sourced by companies that offer traceable and Fairtrade precious stones. Think about the environmental impact of gold, silver and platinum as mining can take its toll on the environment. Ask for recycled gold which has been freshly smelted and processed, so it’s equal in quality. Our workshop can now guarantee that all of our silver, gold and platinum are fully recycled, and we recently became licensed to provide Fairtrade gold. The stones and metal from inherited jewellery can be redesigned into your rings, which is one of our specialities. It’s the ultimate enduring love for you and our precious environment. Charlotte Cornelius | Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery https://charlottecornelius.co.uk 82
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