Your Kent Wedding - January/February 2021 (Issue 94)

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS www.bizzylizzyflowers.co.uk www.chicweds.co.uk www.katiesfizzshack.com FOOD FOR THOUGHT No doubt, there’s a lot to think about, but believe us when we say the final outcome, when all of your hard work pays off, is worth every second spent drowning in wedmin. We leave you now with a final checklist of points to think about helping to ensure a smooth and stress-free day, with memories that will last a lifetime. ❏ Think carefully about the type of cover you want to reflect the style of your day. There’s more choice than you might expect from marquees to tipis, sailcloth tents to stretch tents. And do you need bell tents for on-site camping? ❏ Work with your structure’s supplier to decide where to pitch it. They’ll be able to advise you on factors such as the wind, the best view and accessibility. ❏ Formulate a plan for the flow of your day from ceremony, to reception, to evening bash. Super-cute rustic handmade signage is a great way of pointing guests in the right direction. ❏ Think about the logistics: where will your ceremony be in relation to the reception? Will guests need transport to get them from one location to the other? We’re in love with the idea of a tractor and trailer! ❏ What do you need to cover every weather eventuality? Might it be wet – do you need a matted walkway to prevent everyone getting stuck in the mud? Will it be hot – do you need to provide water, paper fans and sunscreen, or advise loved ones to bring their own? ❏ When you’re spending the day amongst nature, you need to remember that its inhabitants will want to come out and join you. Stock up on citronella candles and flares to place around seating areas to protect your guests from insect bites. ❏ Think about how you’re going to use each space in order to decide what furniture you’ll need. Consider ceremony seating, wedding breakfast tables and chairs, as well as chill-out areas. Go chic and elegant with chivari chairs or truly rustic with hay bales. ❏ Lighting is key from both a practicality standpoint as well as ambience. Festoon lighting looks fabulous strung in trees or illuminating a walkway, and fairylights create a magical and warm atmosphere in the tent. ❏ Where will your power be coming from? An established al fresco venue will likely have systems in place, but if you’ve gone right off the beaten track, you might need a generator. ❏ What’s your sustainability plan? Take only photographs and leave only footprints. ❏ It’s a good idea to appoint someone to be the point of contact for your suppliers on the day, leaving you to concentrate on getting ready. AL FRESCO WEDDINGS 73