Your Kent Wedding - May/Jun 2019 (Issue 84)

5 MINUTES WITH… TOASTMASTER DAVID DICARA Tell us about yourself I ran my first event as chairman of my college Students’ Union at our Annual General Meeting and have been running social, family and corporate events ever since. I had long been encouraged by family and friends to take up the role of a professional toastmaster, and a chance discussion with a business colleague led to talks with a wedding venue. Nearly five years later, here I am. What’s your role on the day? Prior to the day itself, we would have met and discussed the ideas you had for the day, and together with your wedding coordinator we will have created a running order for the day, which I now own – so leave your watches behind! The most important thing for you to remember is that I’m there first and foremost for you, to take away as much of the stress and worry as possible and to look after and communicate with your guests while working with the whole team of suppliers to make your day the most magical it could be. What would you say to someone who says they don’t need a toastmaster? Correct. You don’t need a toastmaster! It’s not about needing one – it’s about looking at the difference they could make. A common objection we hear is: “My relative or friend has said they’ll do it for us.” Great! So they’ll have written the running order for the day, liaised with all of the other suppliers so there are no conflicts in timing or logistics, checked the venue to make sure all is as it should be, have the flexibility of mind to deal with sudden changes and the character and communication skills to bring everyone on board? If not, consider using a toastmaster. Likewise, many venues advise couples that they’ll take care of things. But just make sure you know exactly what is being offered and that the person involved has the gravitas, voice and manner to command the respect and attention of the wedding party. Many couples are now opting for a more casual event and are wary of the formality a toastmaster may bring. Professional wedding and event organisers will tell you that the line between casual and chaos is a very fine one indeed. It takes a lot of work to make an informal event go smoothly, and a toastmaster doesn’t have to be formal – it’s all in the communication style. Read the full interview with David online at yourkent.wedding and check out toastmasterdaviddicara.co.uk RAISE A GLASS Wine Tours of Kent offers guided explorations of some of the county’s award-winning vineyards and wineries. Catering for the curious to the wine buff, it offers the perfect opportunity to grab your girls for a hen day out. The Full Day Winery Tour includes pickup and drop- off, a guided winery and vineyard tour at Chapel Down, tutored tasting of eight wines there, lunch in a charming local country pub, plus wine tasting at Gusbourne and at Woodchurch Wine, all for £89 per person. To find out more email info@winetoursofkent.co.uk or check out @winetoursofkent IT’S COMING HOME! Stephanie Osbourne from Wilmington, Dartford, was recently named Britain’s Best Bridesmaid 2019. Stephanie was nominated by bride Becky Symonds and was bestowed the title after fulfilling her duties on the same day that her father, John, underwent his first session of chemotherapy. Becky said: “Steffi chose to stand by me on one of the most difficult days of her life and was still the strong, happy woman we all know and love. She never complains and always sees the best in everything.” Kent’s champion and her plus one will be sent on a luxury pampering weekend by hen and stag expert Red7. Check out redsevenleisure.co.uk AHEAD OF THE CURVE Birchington Brides has enhanced its off-the- peg range to include sizes from a UK six to 38, helping every bride find her dream gown. The Manston bridal showroom is fast becoming a hotspot for brides looking to accentuate their curves in all the right places. Boutique owner Fran Smith says: “We work closely with all our ladies to accommodate the needs of their figures, shaping the curves they love. Plus, our in-house seamstress works to ensure a personal and exacting fit.” For further information, pop along to birchingtonbrides.co.uk WINNING WAYS Battel Hall at Leeds Castle was recently awarded the title of Best New Venue at this year’s UK Wedding Awards. More than 22,000 people voted across all 28 categories, and Battel Hall was up against 11 other finalists from all over the UK. The venue is a beautifully restored country house that opened its doors for wedding bookings in 2018 for the first time in almost 700 years. Built in the 14 th -century by the master mason to King Edward II, it boasts some magnificent historical features, from arrow slit windows to intricately carved stone corbels. Wedding packages include a three-night stay for up to 14 people, with exclusive use of the manor and private gardens. Check out battelhall.leeds-castle.com/weddings for more information. 10