Your London Wedding - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 66)

DON’T RAIN ON MY PARADE We’ve booked a venue with a great garden and we’d love to make the most of it. However, we’re aware that we may have to change our plans at the last minute in case of wet weather and would need a contingency plan in place. What should we be considering? Zohrah says: One of the first things to consider when planning an outdoor wedding is your venue. Normally, the venue does have a wet weather option in place. However, this may come at an extra cost and, if this is the case, you or your wedding planner will need to negotiate with the venue to bring the price in line with your budget or as close to it as possible. If your budget doesn’t allow the extra cost to hire the additional space to accommodate your guests, there are very good alternatives. After all, you may be lucky and not need the space. It certainly is worth considering the following: ❤ A patio large enough to accommodate your guests that has plenty of cover. ❤ Use of an area such as the public bar in the event of bad weather. ❤ Option of marquee. ❤ Having plenty of umbrellas available. ❤ An exclusive venue that has a wet weather option included in the cost. As for your other suppliers, while they will be well prepared in the event of bad weather for outdoor weddings and have a backup plan in place, it’s always worthwhile discussing your concerns with them. Meet the experts: UK Alliance of Wedding Planners-trained Zohrah Day’s mission is to help couples achieve their big day dreams. She offers a range of flexible packages to suit all budgets. Zohrah Day Wedding Planner | zohrahday.com | 07940 956 012 THAT PERFECT DRESS I’ve been searching high and low for my dream dress but nothing’s hitting the mark, so I’m considering a bespoke design. How does the process work? Nailya says: Finding that dream dress is so important and yet can come with its challenges. There are many considerations ahead of the big day: fabrics, colour, comfort and, of course, choosing a style and design that embodies your vison and fits perfectly. That first idea can often change and as the journey of trying on different dresses and outfits continues, it’s often the case that we’re drawn to specific parts of each gown. Working with experts in the industry to fully design an outfit is often the answer and enables your vision to become a reality. Designers have the experience, knowledge and expertise to help you create the one . Nowadays, there are reputable online companies that will help to create a bespoke outfit that is handcrafted, made-to-measure and delivered to your door. The process is simple with choices provided across designs parts, including: bodice, sleeves, lower dress, collar and accessories. Finally, you choose a luxury fabric and colour, and your one-of-a-kind outfit will be created and finished to a high standard. Advice is offered throughout the process via a phone call or personal video appointment. Personal consultations are also very popular. This process begins with a design consultation, during which designers will take the time to understand your thoughts and inspiration about style, colour schemes and fabrics and themes. A second meeting gives designers the opportunity to present suggestions together with advice about fabrics and details. With a final design agreed upon, the process moves to a toile fitting and finally the dress is created and final fitting dates are agreed. Meet the experts: Nailya Belkacemi heads up the team at That Perfect Dress. With more than 300 years combined experience in luxury fashion tailoring, the team offers two individual packages to clients. Personal consultations can be arranged by telephone or simply visit the website to create your dream dress. That Perfect Dress | thatperfectdress.com | @tpdlondon 116