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

BAKE MELTDOWN I’m concerned that if this summer is as hot as last year’s, my cake is going to melt in the heat of the marquee. What do you recommend? A fondant-iced wedding cake should be fine in a marquee in all weathers. However, the following will help to ensure the cake looks as good at the end of the day as it did at the start. ❤ Don’t position the cake in direct sunlight, too close to the marquee window or doors. ❤ If there is an air-conditioning unit, position the cake away from that too, as that will cause the cake to sweat, forming moisture on the surface making it sticky and damage any decoration. ❤ Avoid any hand-painted decorations involving cocoa butter, as this can melt if temperatures rise. ❤ Ask for the cake to be delivered as late as possible – either just before the ceremony or while it’s taking place. If you do have your heart set on a buttercream cake, ask your caterer to keep an eye out in case it needs to be moved to the fridge temporarily. However, placing the cake in a shady area close to, but not directly in front of, an air-conditioning system will help. Karen Ker | icedimagescakes.co.uk A HIRE LOVE We’re getting married in a church but can’t decide whether to host our reception in a marquee or at a purpose-built venue. What are the advantages of choosing a marquee? Michael says: There are a number of advantages to marquee hire for your big day, chief among them being date availability and guest capacity. If you’d like easy access and views of the countryside with privacy, fresh air, plenty of natural light, additional outside space for games and props, easy parking and guest camping, then a marquee reception could be for you. You can personalise the space and be in complete control of your own timescales. Flexibility is a key attribute of marquee hire. A good hirer will work with you, listen to your wishes and ideas, as well as offering advice and making recommendations, ensuring a pretty straightforward process. Many will also assist in managing your catering facilities, furniture, power and toilet requirements, so an early meeting with potential suppliers is essential. They should hold valid insurance and supply you with a copy of their terms and conditions, which informs you of their deposit and final payment methods and timescales. Michael Broome | highammarquees.co.uk COME RAIN OR SHINE We’d really love to get married outside, but what if it rains?  ❤ Think about your ceremony and reception locations: Rain doesn’t need to dampen your day. When choosing your venue, it’s always wise to consider the options available to you in all weathers. What facilities are available for you and your guests, such as covered seats? ❤ Planning: Consider your ceremony décor. Can this be used for both your exterior and interior ceremony? Is it weather proof in the event of a short shower prior to the ceremony? Is your venue happy to set up both the internal and exterior ceremony if the weather still looks uncertain? Also, are they happy to move any additional décor at the last moment if a decision is made to go indoors? ❤ On the day: Check the weather apps. The weather will often change and heavy rain in the morning usually clears away all the clouds for a lovely bright afternoon so don’t panic if the rain seems to have set in. It’s worth having a collection of large umbrellas just in case and maybe invest in your own wedding umbrella in the event of rainy photos – you may need to bring some extra shoes that you are happy to get wet. Finally, be brave and embrace the weather, many magical moments have come from rainy days and your guests will be having a great day rain or shine. Claire Weedon | theoldkentbarn.co.uk http://olegssamsonovsphotography.com 88