Your North West Wedding- April/May 2021 (Issue 67)

Our experts solve your problems HOT TOPIC: WEDDING WORRIES FLOWER POWER Q – There are so many florists out there. How can we choose the perfect supplier for us? Finding the perfect florist can be as easy as walking into the first shop you see and hitting it off, or it may take a few consultations and appointments to find the right one for you. The first thing you should do is look at their previous work. Is it along the lines of what you’re looking for, or could it be tweaked to suit your taste? During your appointment, make sure you let them know your style and inspiration, so they have something to work from. A good florist won’t just say yes to everything you ask for but instead will give their opinions and ways in which you can get your desired look within your budget. If you’re struggling to make a decision, ask a few suppliers to send you some images of inspiration and see which comes back the closest to your vision. This should hopefully show you who understands your style and requests. Bethany Byrne | Florist www.flowersbyjemmaholmes.co.uk STRINGS OF LOVE Q – My wife-to-be and I want to book our wedding entertainment but due to lockdown, we’ve been struggling to find the perfect supplier. How can we feel confident booking someone online that we’ve never met? Booking someone online can be quite a daunting prospect, especially for your big day. Unfortunately, meeting your musician in person is not an option at the moment. However, most professionals will have a website with recordings and videos that you can play to help you get a feel for if they’re the right person for you. If you’re thinking of booking, try and speak to the supplier in person rather than just through E-mail. There are so many different platforms available for this, including Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp. When a couple does book me for their big day, I send them a list of what I currently play and ask them to send over some of their ideas so that I can tailor the music to suit their tastes. Those of you thinking of booking a harpist, it’s a beautiful, rich sounding and dramatic looking instrument. The effect may be lost in a web link, however on the day, you cannot beat the sound of a live instrument. The main thing is to get in touch and start talking to your supplier. I love speaking to all my couples and seeing how I can be a part of their special day. Sarah Davies | Harpist www.sarahdaviesharpist.com www.chri stopherlewisphotography.com  EXPERT ADVICE 43