Your Kent Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 76)

COULD IT BE MAGIC We don’t want to rush our couple shots but are worried about our guests becoming restless at the drinks reception while they wait for us. What can you suggest? For many, the photo reception is a waiting room for the wedding breakfast. They can feel awkward if they don’t know their fellow guests, and they’re eagerly awaiting their dinner. A close-up magician will mix and mingle with your loved ones, engaging them with interactive entertainment and creating a fun atmosphere full of applause and laughter. Guests who had been strangers have then shared a common experience, breaking the ice and stimulating conversation. Magic is incredibly popular, think David Blaine, Dynamo and the fact that there have been more magician finalists on Britain’s Got Talent than in any other category. Having a magician around will not only eradicate boredom but also take away any worry you may feel about your guests while you’re away from them, allowing you simply to focus on capturing the best couple shots with your photographer. What’s more, your guest snaps will also be enhanced in seeing your nearest and dearest reacting to the amazing entertainment you’ve provided for them. Having entertainment where they’re the stars of the show, being amazed and having fun will ensure that they will fondly remember your wedding for years to come. Neil Edwards | elegantmagic.co.uk A STITCH IN TIME After much searching I’ve found a dress, but I’m still not totally sure that it’s everything I’d dreamed of. How can I make it mine, and what’s the alterations process? You bought the dress because you liked it. It’s not until the bodice fits properly and the length is correct that you’ll see the true beauty of it. Remember, you’re the main focus of the day, and your dress is there to complement you – not the other way around. Your shoes are the next most important things to decide on. Wearing these, you’ll be able to look at the dress and see whether it’s proportionately right for you. At that point, you can decide hair up or hair down. If you’re petite and need to gain height because your dress has a full skirt, then go for hair up. The alteration process usually starts with the bodice. If the bodice is too long, then the shoulders need to be lifted first. Once the bust is sitting in the right place, the side seams and the bust area can be taken in where necessary. It’s only then that you can tackle the hem level. The petticoat needs to sit on top of the foot, and then the outer skirt needs to be between one and two centimetres off the ground at the front between the two front-side seams. The number of visits to the studio depends upon how much work there is, but in most cases, it’s around three. Caroline Alexander | carolinealexanderalterations.co.uk AUTUMN GLOW I love the autumn, but I’m worried that the shorter and possibly dull days will have an impact on our photography. How can we make the most of the light?  We love the autumn too, and I would say if you love it, go for it! It’s a wonderful season that offers stunning foliage, colours and that gorgeous golden light that photographers strive for. Every season has its advantages and disadvantages to be aware of, and information is key! The main point with autumn weddings is that we lose the light quicker than we would at a spring or summer wedding. As such, it’s the timing of your wedding day that needs your attention. With our clocks changing towards the end of October, I would advise planning your wedding service earlier in the day, around 1 o’clock. With the light fading around 4 o’clock, that should allow your photographer plenty of time following your ceremony to capture those all-important formal photographs. The big advantage here is the gorgeous golden light falling a little later in the day that your photographer can take advantage of during your portrait session. With the sun getting a little lower in the sky, it rewards us with those stunning dreamy images. You’re then free to enjoy your wedding reception happy in the knowledge that the all-important photographs are in the bag!   Lee Gordon | blushingbridephotography.com blushingbridephotography.com rixweddings.co.uk ; Flowers by Denise Thompson Designer Florist 86