HOT TOPIC: WEDDING WORRIES FALL IN LOVE We’re having an outdoor Halloween-themed wedding. How can we incorporate our theme into our ceremony? Having an outdoor wedding on Halloween is not for the faint-hearted. I recommend that you wrap up warm, use lots of different-sized candles and consider holding your wedding ceremony in close proximity to the warmth of a huge bonfire. This will not only create an enchanting atmosphere but will also keep you and your guests from getting cold for the duration of your wedding. Ask your guests to bring a carved pumpkin with them. These could be placed with candles lit to enhance your aisle as well as around your ceremony area. Walking up the decorated aisle to a hauntingly beautiful classical piece of music will add an atmospheric and dark twist too. There are also plenty of creative ways to include Halloween within your ceremony script, including the use of themed readings, poems or quotes from your favourite Gothic literature and films written within your vows. If you’re choosing a hand-tying or sand ceremony, you could use orange, black and other dark colours. Finally, why not have your guests celebrate the end of your ceremony with sparklers and a Halloween-inspired cocktail rather than the traditional glass of fizz? A Black Widow Martini combines black vodka, cranberry juice and a shot of orange liqueur and for a final Halloween flair, garnish it with a black liquorice stick. Karina O’Donnell www.celebrant-uk.co.uk Paul Batt Our experts solve your problems www.nphotography.co.uk HOLD ME CLOSE Lots of photographers offer an engagement shoot, but we’re camera shy and don’t know if it’s for us. What are the benefits? Let’s face it, most of us stay clear of the camera, myself included, and I completely understand why you would feel unsure or nervous. But I can honestly tell you that having a pre-wedding shoot will have a positive impact on your wedding photos. So much so that I quite frequently provide a preshoot when booking free of charge. A pre-shoot will help you get to know your photographer and how they work. Most importantly, they will get to know you. What you feel comfortable with, how you interact with one another and the story of your life so far. It also provides a great opportunity to gain confidence in front of the camera and embrace some fun, romantic moments. The bonus is that you get a set of gorgeous images to keep. Nicky Tulip www.nphotography.co.uk UNDER COVER We’re thinking of hiring a marquee for our upcoming wedding. What do we need to be aware of before booking? First, assess the location and size of your venue. Your chosen spot must have enough flat, grassy space to accommodate a marquee and all the necessary amenities. Next, consider the style and design that you like; for example, our marquees are based on traditional pegs, poles and ropes. Ensure there’s sufficient access for lorries, equipment (such as luxury toilets), kitchen equipment, and obviously access for your guests. Budget planning is essential too. Beyond the marquee hire cost, account for extras like flooring, lighting, furniture and power supply. Remember, unless you employ a wedding planner or decorator, a marquee wedding is very much a DIY affair, so ensure you are keen on a personal approach to setting up and decorating. It helps to have an army of friends or family to help in that aspect too. Finally, consult with a reputable marquee hire company. We have over 30 years of experience in the industry, meaning our expertise can guide you through the process, from initial setup to dismantling, ensuring a stress-free experience. The team at Maypole Marquee Ltd. www.maypolemarquee.co.uk www.helenenglandphotography.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 59
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