OUR TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE PERFECT CAKE Do some research before setting a budget, as some embellishments and flavours will cost more than others. Once you’ve found a supplier, work with them to create a bespoke design for your big day. Tell them about your likes and dislikes and show them photos of other creations that have caught your attention. Remember, a bespoke option will cost more than a standard design, so factor that into your budget. Flowers are a wonderful way of decorating your bake. Blooms can be carefully painted to look like a watercolour masterpiece, made using sugar or even sculpted out of icing. Chocolate can also be used to decorate your bake. Whether you choose a modern drip effect or a quirky half-and-half creation, your guests are sure to be delighted. If you’ve decided against a traditional white bake, then ruffles are a fun alternative. Not only will it make the cake stand out, but it’s also a great way of incorporating your colour scheme. Cake freezes perfectly, so if you have any leftover and it wasn’t frozen previously (check with your supplier), freeze it and enjoy it for months to come. You could even keep some for your first anniversary. Cake toppers are an opportunity for you and your partner to show off your personalities – have some fun with it, and don’t be afraid to go against tradition! DRESSED TO IMPRESS Zoe from Beautiful in Curves (www.beautifulincurves.co.uk), a bridal boutique in Ashford, shares her advice for choosing your wedding dress and outfit for the mother-of-the-bride/groom. We advise brides to start looking for their dress 10 to 12 months before the wedding. This allows plenty of time for dresses to be ordered and any necessary alteration appointments to be made. Alternatively, there is always the option to purchase from the rail if you wish. For the mother-of-the-bride/groom, we suggest two to three months prior to the wedding. Again, don’t leave it too close to the big day should any alterations need to be made. There really are so many styles to choose from at the moment, from the elegance and glamour of a full satin gown, the ever-popular mermaid styles, to the romance of a traditional lace dress. Everyone has their style and we suggest choosing a dress that is comfortable to wear and suits your chosen venue. Equally, a mother-of-the-bride/groom should choose a dress to complement the colour scheme of the wedding and one she feels comfortable in. It is important to keep the overall budget in check. As we are moving towards smaller, intimate weddings, the needs and values of couples have changed. Make sure you are open and honest about the budget for your dress and don’t feel pressured to spend more than you feel comfortable with. www.unsplash.com/@sjobjio www.unsplash.com/@vitormonthay PLANNING SOS 63
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