HOT TOPIC: wedding worries Our experts solve your problems HOLD ME CLOSE We’re thinking of hiring a celebrant for our upcoming wedding, is there anything we should take into consideration before booking? The first thing you need to know is that celebrants are currently only able to offer symbolic ceremonies. This means to make your ceremony ‘legal’ you will need to arrange to give notice and a legal signing of documents at your local registry office. Some people prefer to arrange for a registrar to come to their venue in addition to the celebrant, but this is more expensive and reduces the possibilities of what time and place the service can take place. There are lots of celebrants to choose from, and they all offer different things. A good celebrant will be interested in listening to your ideas and finding out what you’re all about. They will take their lead from you and create a ceremony that is special and unique. Whatever, you choose the price is often reflected in the experience, quality, customer care, creativity and professionalism of the celebrant you choose. Make sure you know what you’re getting before booking. Ask for a no-obligation video call and speak to a few suppliers. Ask what their working and booking process is, and their contingency for unforeseen circumstances. Check out their Instagram and website, and don’t be afraid to ask for references. Above all, budget is important but never forget that cheapest isn’t always best. You’re spending a lot of time, effort and money on your wedding day and your ceremony is the most important part, so take your time, do your research and get a marvellous celebrant to help make your day magical. Louise Goode www.louisegoodecelebrant.co.uk FLORAL DREAMS I love flowers and want to incorporate them in both our venues; how can we save money by re-using them? Re-purposing your ceremony flowers is a great way to stretch your budget. This is easier if your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, but if not, check with your florist to see what items can be moved. The most common and easiest way is to have a long and low arrangement on the signing table and then place this on the top table after the ceremony. Another popular design choice is florals that line the aisle, which can easily be moved to the reception space, either in front of the top table or perhaps in front of a sign or backdrop. You could also untie any pew ends and place them in small vases around your reception venue. If you’re struggling to find a way to move items, I recommend prioritising your reception flowers. You spend much longer at your reception venue, so save your budget for where your guests will be wowed all day. Caroline Stokes www.palmandpeonyflowers.co.uk www.andrewab.wedding PUT A RING ON IT What are the latest wedding ring trends? We have seen wedding ring trends change a lot over the years. People are putting a lot more thought into what their perfect wedding ring will look like. Gone are the traditional wide matching rings and instead couples are choosing what they love and are excited to wear for the rest of their lives. Yellow gold has come back in a big way, and we’re seeing more feminine styles with small diamond accents that are encase around the engagement ring, often shaped with fans or floral designs. For men, we’re seeing dark metals, often black with a hint of gold or silver running through. Metal trends are titanium, palladium and tungsten, with hard wearing and practical being the way forward for men choosing the perfect ring. Selecting your ring can be overwhelming, so it’s always best to go into a store and try on as many as you can. Your jeweller will advise what looks best and help you find the perfect style that you will cherish for life. Shari Francis www.francisandgaye.co.uk www.crtweddings.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 49
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