HOT TOPIC: wedding worries Our experts solve your problems FESTIVE ROMANCE How can we incorporate our winter theme into our flowers and décor? To ensure your flowers look their best, it’s important to pick options that are in season. Blooms available in the winter include delicate ranunculus, camellia and anemones. Pair these with berries to create a festive feel. Foliage is also important, use brunia, silver eucalyptus and pine cones, but don’t be afraid to use spruce to create a winter wonderland. Consider colours that would complement the bridesmaids’ dresses for your décor and flowers. A cool, snowy feel would look great in any venue where greys and silvers feature. Alternatively, using deep dramatic reds and berries along with dark foliage can add a warm cosy feel to your winter wedding. Both looks scream winter but remember to try and get creative with your florist to create a truly romantic setting. Kerry Goodyear | Florist and event stylist www.sorelladecor.co.uk WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND My wife-to-be and I would love to incorporate the time of year into our cake. What do you suggest? Winter wonderland weddings can vary depending on if you’re going for a snowy or warm and cosy feel. If you’re going for the latter, you might want to introduce a spray of flowers in deep reds, berries and pine cone or pine leaves (artificial for food safety) with accents of gold leaves, rich coloured bases and textures on the cake. Alternatively, for a snowy look, opt for a snowglobe with personalised figures and create a forest with fairylights for a touch of warmth. This will look amazing with a bark effect wood log as the bottom tier with a flower spray and deer antlers made from chocolate. Samantha Strecker | Cake expert www.cakefantastique.com MUSIC TO MY EARS We’re thinking of booking a harpist for our big day. What should we expect and be aware of before booking? Consider what type of harp you’d like at your wedding as there are many different styles and sizes available. For example, a grand, golden antique option may be used in a large church or stately home, whereas a smaller, more modern version may suit a contemporary setting. Ask your harpist for a consultation either in person or online, so you can discuss their available options. I also advise you hear them perform live before booking. See if they’re flexible with timings. Weddings are notoriously difficult to keep to a strict timetable, so if a harpist is booked for two hours, it could be disruptive if they pack up halfway through the dessert. It’s best to book by event rather than hourly, so ask for quotes and shop around. Check whether the harpist has amplification available for larger numbers. All harps can be fitted with electric pick-ups with wireless transmission, so no trailing wires are necessary. Does your prospective supplier offer any extra services like singing or entertaining children with small harps? Helen Barley | Harpist www.helenbarley.co.uk www.stuartjamesphoto.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 49
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