FOOD FOR THOUGHT We’re looking for the perfect caterer, what should we be aware of before committing? To ensure your catering is perfect, start by checking that your supplier can provide what you want. Schedule a call or video chat before booking to get a feel for what it will be like working together. Don’t be afraid to ask for examples or photos of their work. Check that they can cater for dietary requirements, provide serving staff and the timeframe they need to serve your guests as there’s nothing worse than some tables eating dessert while others haven’t received their starters. Make sure they have the relevant food safety certificates and insurance, and always read the terms and conditions before you pay any money. Discuss what would happen if you needed to change the number of guests, any dietary requirements or if you need to postpone/cancel for any reason. Make a note in your calendar of the deadline for changes and when the balance needs to be paid. If anything changes, give your supplier plenty of notice. Libbi Coldicott | Caterer www.cranberryandthyme.com THE NEXT BIG THING I want a long, dramatic veil for my upcoming wedding. What designers/styles should I look for? There are many types of veils available, so start by considering what style will suit your dress. Do you want a dramatic opulent look or something more soft and delicate? A popular option is the single-tier lace-edged veil, which is one piece, with lace along the wide edge and gathered into a hair comb at the top. Similar to the Spanish mantilla veil, a single-tier veil without lace edging will suit most face shapes. Of course, single-tier veils can also be exquisitely decorated with other details, such as satin, pearls, beading, embroidery or a horsehair braid. Another timeless and romantic style is the voluminous two-tier veil. These are made with a comb which has been folded near the top to create a blusher (a veil that covers the bride’s face) which adds an air of mystery. You can keep the front blusher any length, and the second tier can be made as long as you want, which is the perfect choice for a luxurious bridal showstopper. This modern style can be decorated with pearl detailing, delicate embroidery, lace edging or sparkling tulle. Alternatively, a shimmering 3m wide long tulle veil can be a simply stunning yet understated choice for wedding dresses with special-shaped trains. At June Peony Bridal Couture, we have made lots of heavy and opulent detailed couture wedding veils. We’re also offering a free 30mins bespoke veil consultation for Your West Midlands Wedding readers with the Ref: YWMWB. Mandy Lee | Wedding dress expert www.junepeonybridal.co.uk SETTING THE TONE What stationery trends will be popular in 2022? It’s going to be a big year for the wedding industry. Here are some of my trend predictions: Love stories and romantic literary greats will feature strongly in 2022 wedding trends. With the second series of Bridgerton set to air in March, Regency period fascination will find its way subtly into weddings, with literary-inspired touches and splashes of blue. Think of a quintessentially English cottage aesthetic and regal elegance. Perfect for the traditionalists amongst us. Many couples are already choosing earthy, natural colour palettes and moving away from the whites and pastels of old. Whether it’s grasses, pampas, eucalyptus or simple foliage with minimal petals, it will be a strong trend for the year ahead. If you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact, opt for eco-friendly suppliers and reusable items. Environmentally-friendly stationery and reusable decorations and favours will play a big part, as weddings become a statement of how a couple wants to live in harmony with the environment. Backyard weddings have been booming the past couple of years, and we expect no changes in that trend. Lockdown made us appreciate our homes, and it was a place many of us felt comfortable and safe during such a turbulent time. With COVID-19 still around for the foreseeable future, home weddings give the comfort of safety to both the couple and guests. Multisensory elements is a huge trend we’re expecting this year where guests can experience a wedding at another level. Think food and drink that doesn’t just taste and look good, but feels exciting. How about a venue scented with candles to match scented wedding stationery that has been sprayed with your favourite scents and perfumes? Photo booths, immersive bands and surprise singing waiters are all immersive experiences that we think will continue to be popular. Lisa Forde Stationery expert www.treeofhearts.co.uk 58
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