Your Kent Wedding - Jan/Feb 2020 (Issue 88)

Our experts tackle your wedding worries  HOT TOPIC WITH THANKS I have five bridesmaids and want to thank them all for helping with our big day. However, I don’t have a huge budget, what can you suggest? It’s lovely that you want to show your appreciation and you don’t have to spend a fortune with gifts starting from as little as £7. For younger bridesmaids we recommend a Fairtrade bridesmaid fairy. These are handmade so that each is a one- of-a-kind gift and helps to support communities in need. Another option is a personalised teddy bear. For your adult bride squad we suggest a personalised piece of jewellery, such as necklace or a bracelet, which they can wear on your special day. Another option is a personalised glass that you could pair with a bottle of wine. Denise & Emlyn, denemgifts.co.uk LESS IS MORE Pinterest has given us a whole heap of styling ideas, how can we enlist the help of a professional to help us pull it off, and what do we need to consider? One of the most important considerations when planning your wedding overall is how much your wish list is going to cost, and your venue styling is no different. We recommend that you book in an initial consultation with your chosen stylist as soon as you’ve booked your venue and have a good idea of the direction you want your wedding’s look to take. It’s a good idea to work with a stylist who really knows your venue so that they have a sound knowledge of what does and doesn’t work in that specific space. Asking for the venue’s recommended supplier list or researching prospective stylists online are good starting points. Remember, styling is all about enhancing and working with your venue. It’s not always about cramming in as many features and products as you can. A simple chair dressing, a change of tablecloth or napkin, the addition of a charger or twinkly backdrop may be all your venue needs. It’s an old cliché, but so true – less is definitely more. Laurie Edwards, chicweds.co.uk jeffoliver.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 91