Your West Midlands Wedding- February / March 2021 (Issue 72)

46 MEET CAKE MAKER, SALLY YARNOLD FROM DON’T GO BAKING MY HEART CAKES 07552 706 712 | www.facebook.com/dontgobakingmyheartcakes Having a small wedding cake can still have as much of an impact as a large, tiered design. Small creations don’t have to be understated unless that’s the style you want and they should taste just as amazing. You still have lots of options and if you’re worried about friends and family missing out, ask your supplier to supply pre-boxed slices as a gesture to let them know you were thinking about them on your special day. When choosing your cake maker, request a consultation and tasting. At the moment many suppliers have adapted their services and are offering consultations via video call and are creating taster boxes to be posted to you. Some couples are finding that being able to plan from the comfort of their own home is a more enjoyable and relaxing experience. This also means you don’t have any pressure when making decisions about your favourite flavours, as you aren’t sitting in front of your supplier. Once you decide on your date and confirm your venue, book your supplier. With all of the 2020 postponements, 2021 and 2022 are being booked quickly. If you find your dream supplier, don’t hesitate to contact them to avoid disappointment. Keep lines of communication open. It’s understandable to be apprehensive but share your concerns with your supplier. If there are changes required with your date or guest numbers, try to let your supplier know as soon as possible to give them the best chance to accommodate these. Make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions regarding cancellation policies, booking fees, payments and rescheduling. Above anything else, enjoy the process! You should be given the same service you would expect to receive if you were booking a large wedding. MEET WEDDING DRESS EXPERT, JULIE REILLY FROM PERFECTIONS BRIDAL STUDIO 01905 610 482 | www.perfectionsbridalstudio.com Planning a wedding is an exciting experience, and we think it means so much more during these uncertain times. Celebrating your love and future union is a great excuse to shop for more than one look if you’re planning to get married this year with a reception later on. It’s important to create a lasting memory of your wedding day, and you deserve to look and feel amazing. January is a great time of year to start your search for your dream wedding dress. This is when our boutique is taking delivery of new designs from our spring and summer collections. Typically a new gown can take between 15 and 20 weeks to order in, and the alterations process can take up to three months. It’s recommended that you start shopping around nine to 12 months before the big day. Our boutique and many others offer the services of an in-house seamstress. If you’re on a tighter timeframe or have a specific budget in mind, now is a great time to buy yourself a luxury bridal dress for a fraction of the recommended retail price. Many shops will be selling samples to make way for new collections, and we also offer the option of paying off the cost in instalments. If you’re planning on having a smaller wedding, you may wish to shop for a more elegant and refined gown with a slimmer, more sophisticated silhouette. Designers such as Sassi Holford and Justin Alexander suit brides who want to look feminine, elegant and exude an understated beauty. Eliza Jane Howell’s style is beautifully hand- beaded for those who love a more vintage look, while Essense of Australia channels a bride who is carefree, relaxed and confident.