Your West Midlands Wedding- December 2020/January 2021 (Issue 71)

Our experts solve your wintry problems HOT TOPIC: WEDDING WORRIES PETS AT WEDDINGS Q – My wife-to-be and I want to incorporate our beloved dog into our Christmas-themed wedding. Do you have any ideas on how we can do this? Firstly, you’re not alone in your wish to include your cherished dog at your wedding. It’s fast becoming a popular trend and consequently, more venues are now pet friendly. As a wedding day dog specialist, I have helped many couples include their beloved pet at their wedding. My daughter actually started my business idea off when she asked me to handle her pooch, Spencer, on her big day. Depending on where you’re getting married, you can arrange for your dog to be your ring bearer. Some churches will allow this but not all. This is where I suggest you hire the services of a chaperone. It will take all the stress out of the day if you have someone dedicated to looking after your furry friend. Alternatively, you could have them there for wedding photographs. With the help of a chaperone, none of your guests will spend the day worrying about looking after them. Many couples love to see their pooch arrive all groomed and wearing a flower collar or a silk bow tie with a matching harness and lead. I would say three hours is probably the maximum amount of time for your dog to be with your wedding party. Once dinner is served, your chaperone can depart with your pup to your chosen carer so you can enjoy the rest of your night knowing they’re taken care of. Jacqueline Smith Wedding day dog specialist www.quintessentialweddingdaydogs.co.uk JUST ONE SLICE Q – We’re having a winter wedding and would love to incorporate the time of year into our cake. How can we do this? I adore winter weddings and love using a range of striking yet warm textures to create a showstopping cake. ❤ Opt for natural textures that you see in winter settings such as pine cones and berries. ❤ Look for bold reds, burgundies and claret. ❤ Dark winter roses, green foliage and a touch of gold will look striking against a bright white or pale ivory sugar paste. ❤ Winter flavours to warm up your wedding cake include spiced carrot with white chocolate, chocolate and ginger and dark chocolate with white chocolate peppermint buttercream. ❤ Complement the cake with unusual themed accessories such as antlers or pheasant feathers. Laura Nolan Cake expert www.nuthousebakery.co.uk  EXPERT ADVICE 53