Your London Wedding - January/February 2021 (Issue 75)

SNAP HAPPY Q There are so many photographers out there – how do we choose who’s right for us? The best photographers should pass three tests: ❤ Is their portfolio consistently good? If the gallery shows a documentary style for one wedding, lots of flash in another and an attempt at a hipster vibe in a third, then your photos may come as an unwelcome surprise! You want to see examples of great photography in a consistent style that looks good all year round. ❤ Do you like your photographer? You’ll be in close proximity to them all day, so make sure you get along. It’s important to meet a selection of photographers in the early stages and get a feel for their personality. ❤ There are no second chances, and experience is key to good photography. A wedding can be an emotional time and you need to know your photographer is prepared for each stage of the day so you’ll have a set of images you’ll love for years to come. Douglas Fry | Douglas Fry Wedding Photography | www.douglasfry.com TO DINE FOR Q After a lot of sleepless nights, we’ve decided to plan a micro-wedding in early 2021. What food can we offer our guests to make it extra special? ❤ Bring the taste of everything you’ve missed. We’ve had some really unique requests for smaller weddings, including tasting menus inspired by the clients’ favourite restaurants they’d missed during lockdown. I’d suggest making a list of your favourite flavours and cuisines, then consider how this can translate into dishes. Perhaps you’ve had to postpone your Spanish or Italian honeymoon – so why not honour this in your catering? ❤ Canapés are a win-win. They’re a great excuse to incorporate all your favourite flavours into your day. We’ve been designing canapé menus that are served in a socially distanced way without compromising on quality or presentation. Think single canapés served under mini glass cloches or individual bento boxes filled with a serving of canapés for each guest. You can pack in more flavours and options for your smaller guest list, as the normal headache of pleasing a large group is removed. ❤ Focus on delivering an extra-special experience. The budget that would’ve normally gone into catering for larger numbers can now be focused on quality dishes and a more bespoke, enjoyable offering. It also presents an opportunity to use local ingredients. We source from areas that are rich in quality produce, and you’ll be supporting a local business too. Alex Head | Social Pantry | https://socialpantry.co.uk ARRIVE IN STYLE Q I’d like to book a wedding car as a surprise for my partner. What do I need to think about before parting with my money? When choosing a wedding vehicle amid the coronavirus pandemic, you have to consider the prospect of your wedding being altered at short notice because of last-minute government policies. If that happens because of a lockdown, we will ensure the deposit used to book your car can be used to rebook the vehicle. Next, think about the style of car your partner would like and what will suit your day – this could be retro, modern, elegant or sophisticated. We have a range of different vehicles from limousines and vintage cars to Rolls Royces and Bentleys, and we can guide you in what will work best for your day. Finally, you need to decide how many passengers you want in the car, then choose the vehicle that can accommodate them. Some couples go for bigger cars, as they want the whole bridal party together, whereas others want to have some time alone after the excitement of the ceremony. Nicole Fox | Fox Limousines | www.foxlimousines.co.uk www.douglasfry.com 86