OUTDOOR WEDDINGS 47 Hosting your nuptials outside? Here’s some top advice to help you plan the day Let’s go outside STRINGS UNDER SKY I’m planning on having an outdoor wedding, but I still want to have a string quartet. What steps can I take to ensure the comfort of the players, and to make the day run smoothly? Performing outside is something that is asked of us quite a lot during the spring and summer months, and we have a little checklist for all couples to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day: Shade: We require shade at all times during the day as this will protect our instruments. We move with the sun to ensure protection at all times. Surface: We ask that the surface we perform on is concrete not grass, unless the weather has been dry for three or more days. Photos: Sending us photos of where you intend the ceremony and drinks reception to be, help us plan for where we need to sit. We arrive in plenty of time to set up on the day so having a ‘heads up’ can really help us be efficient as possible. Drinks: Staying hydrated during the summer months is very important to us so we always ask for some jugs of waters and cordials to be provided throughout the day. Weather: Sunny or overcast, and a temperature of 17 degrees or more, are our three requirements for performing outside. Having a wedding outdoors brings such an elegant and relaxed feeling to your special day and, when live music is involved, it really adds to the ambience. At HSQ, Charli will happily talk through any questions or concerns you may have to ensure that you achieve the wedding day of your dreams. 07837 870 354 www.instagram.com/theharmonystringquartet www.harmonystringquartet.co.uk ANIMALS AL FRESCO! I’m planning on having an outdoor wedding and I, of course, would love some alpacas there. What can I do to create a comfortable environment for them and how can I incorporate them into my day? An outdoor wedding is an ideal opportunity to include alpacas as part of your celebrations, especially as a venue that hosts these types of weddings will always have plenty of outdoor space. Remember to always check with your venue first that they will allow alpacas on their grounds, and always ask the alpaca owners what their package includes so you know how to incorporate the alpacas and make the most of having them as part of your day. We bring an enclosure pen so our alpacas can have their own space, this is decorated with organza drapes and canopy vines which can be matched to your colour scheme if you like, and as our pen has a canopy we are able to attend most weddings whatever the weather. Our alpacas usually attend the drinks reception after your ceremony for your guests to meet and feed, and also the newlyweds are able to take them for a walk around and also have them be part of the wedding photos – they are very involved in your big day! They can even be ring bearers, walking down the aisle with the rings around their necks on ribbon. If you have any ideas of your own, don’t be to afraid ask! 07866 918 550 www.instagram.com/wreaysykealpacas www.wreaysykealpacas.co.uk Our lovely weather in England can be a bit hit and miss, especially in the North, but hey, we’re used to it! With such gorgeous scenery from Manchester to Carlisle, the North West is the perfect backdrop for hosting weddings outside. From music and entertainment options to questions to ask your venue, here’s some advice to help plan the day of your outdoor wedding dreams – let’s hope for some sunshine! @gemmasandellevents
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