Your West Midlands Wedding - Jun/Jul 2019 (Issue 62)

DAYTIME ENTERTAINMENT Weather permitting, we’d love to have our wedding reception al fresco but we’re worried about the entertainment. Would performing outside effect our choices of which act we could hire? Steven says: First of all, there’s no need to worry about your entertainment. If your venue has an outdoor performance space that has an adequate power supply and protects your entertainers and their equipment from the elements, your choice of entertainment will be almost unaffected. If your act will be outdoors with you, then choices won’t be as extensive, but there are still a wealth of options for you to consider. Fortunately for you, two of the most popular trends in wedding entertainment right now are George Ezra-style singer-guitarists and Mumford & Sons-style acoustic folk bands, both of which match perfectly with a wedding under the sun and stars. Performing on acoustic instruments, these bands are both practical and a stunning showpiece at your celebrations. Whether you’d like laid-back live lounge covers to conjure a dreamy atmosphere or upbeat acoustic twists on party hits to get everyone dancing, an acoustic act is a versatile choice that can deliver both. And if the rain comes, they can quickly pack up their instruments to move the celebrations indoors! Steven Robertson | Entertainment Nation LTD entertainment-nation.co.uk CAKE EXPECTATIONS Which style of cake finishing would withstand the heat at our summer wedding?  Caroline says: So a great question especially if this summer is as hot as last year’s! Fondant icing (also referred to as sugar paste) is by far the best covering to consider during the summer months and even though it’s soft when the cake is first decorated, the fondant icing creates a firm covering before the other decorations are added.  I always ensure that the cake is not displayed in full sunlight as this could potentially affect even fondant-covered cakes and sugar paste decorations. I’d always advise couples to talk to their cake creator about set up times, if they’re getting married mid-afternoon it may be possible to arrange a later cake set up which would work better. If you’re unsure always ask your supplier to liaise with your wedding venue regarding the set up arrangements, room layout and where the cake will be displayed; getting answers to these few questions will reduce any cake worries in hotter weather. Caroline Bailey | Hunkington House Kitchen | hunkingtonhousekitchen.co.uk DRESSED TO IMPRESS My groom-to-be is very fashionable and would want an on-trend big-day look – what would you suggest? Danielle says: Firstly, the cut is important for a contemporary silhouette, opt for slim-fit for both the trouser and jacket. When it comes to colours, variations of blue are still proving popular from navy to cobalt blue. This hue is easy to accessorise as it complements any colour scheme. Although the ‘rustic’ trend is evolving into a more country-chic-vibe, tweed is still a great, versatile look fitting to rural venues – to make this style on-trend, have your groomsmen in mismatched tweeds. For the fashion-conscious, a truly classic look that will never date is the black tuxedo – suave, sophisticated, you can’t go wrong, a modern touch would be to include a personalised monogram in the lining of the jacket with the wedding date and initials. Danielle Harvey | Grooms Editor county.wedding twigsbranchphotography.com EXPERT ADVICE 101