DRESSED TO IMPRESS I’ve bought a dress with no embellishments, and now I’m worried it’s too plain. How can I add the wow factor to it? The simplest and non-permanent solution to add the wow factor to a dress would be the addition of a lace bolero and a crystal or beaded belt. Both are very on-trend and create an elegant look without much trouble and expense. These items can be added or removed to give a different look for the evening reception. A more permanent solution would involve sewing. The dress fabric and structure will need to support any additional weight, and a local bridal seamstress will explain what’s achievable. She may source some bridal appliqués and co-ordinating lace to decorate the gown. The difficulty of ordering materials online yourself is ensuring it’s of good quality and matches your dress’s fabric. Another option would be to sew tiny pearls or crystals onto selected parts of the bodice on a brocade or lace fabric to highlight the design and differentiate it from the skirt. You can combine this with a pearl or diamanté trim around the seam of the waist. Norma Arthur | Amble Pin Cushion www.amblepincushion.co.uk CAUGHT ON CAMERA We’re thinking of booking a videographer, but we’re not sure what to look for. Do you have any tips? Don’t rely on booking the cheapest companies as we often hear many stories that couples are desperately searching for a videographer close to their wedding as they’ve been let down by the company they originally booked. These stories usually involve someone offering a ‘really good deal’. Do your homework and check out the company’s work online and compare it to others. You shouldn’t have shaky footage nowadays with stabilisers in cameras and editing programs that reduce shudder – you don’t have to compromise on quality. Check if the trailers the company has made are original and are not staged in the same format. When watching the videos, does it make you emotional? This is usually a good sign as there’s a great chance that the videographer knows how to construct a film that you’ll love to have. Before booking a company, check what’s included in the packages and that you’re getting value for money. Allan Sizer | Strike a Pose Wedding Movies https://strikeaposeweddingmovies.co.uk NOW THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT We’re looking at booking a wedding entertainer, but we’re worried about booking someone online that we’ve never met. Do you have any suggestions? Some businesses on Facebook allow clients to leave reviews and have testimonials on their website from past couples, which are both important to read. Most entertainers have videos or recordings of their performances prepared as examples of their work. I have a YouTube channel I link prospective clients to, which I’ve found very helpful to them. Some companies also do in-person meetings, which is worth checking if you’re worried about booking someone online. Many entertainers also do shows and have residentials in venues; check to see if they have any shows around your local area as this is an excellent opportunity to get see them live. Another thing to put your mind at ease is if another business has recommended the company, which often means they’re worth booking. Nicola Sim | Nicola Sim Pianist www.facebook.com/nicolasimpianist YOUR TYPE ON PAPER What styles and designs are set to be popular in 2022? Sustainability is a major trend throughout wedding planning in 2022, and this includes stationery. Most save-the-date pieces and invitations are made using card, but couples are opting for recycled materials or plantable seed paper as an alternative. Other trends will be the use of vellum paper, which adds a soft and modern touch to stationery and its versatility allows it to be used alone or teamed up with a wax seal or other embellishments. There are more requests for simple-style stationery with modern calligraphy, fuss-free detailing, extra white space and the use of a single bold colour to make the stationery pop. Sarah Cox | Sarah Alexis Stationery www.sarahalexisstationery.co.uk www.agnesblack.com https://abbiesizerphotography.co.uk www.kaneyoungphotography.com 70
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