Your North West Wedding - April/May 2025 (Issue 91)

HOT TOPIC Your questions answered! JEWELLERY Q What is the best way to care for my wedding ring? A We use alternative materials such as slate and wood in our rings, which are either coated in resin or oiled; no matter the design, regular cleaning is key. Daily handwashing usually suffices, but every so often, take your ring off and use a soft cloth with washing-up liquid to clean hard-to-reach spots. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive products, especially nail varnish remover, as these can damage the metal or resin coating. We supply polishing cloths with all our rings; which are perfect for removing light scuffs from metal and restoring shine after cleaning. If your ring has an exposed wood element remember to oil it after every clean. Protect your ring from scratches or dents by removing it during activities like gardening, heavy lifting, or using household cleaners. Rings with resin coatings should be kept away from extreme heat or prolonged sunlight, which cause discoloration or weakening. If your ring features gemstones, ensure the settings are checked regularly by your ring maker or another jeweller. Contact: Rob and Hayley, Lakeland Rings 07442 099 004 @lakelandrings www.lakelandrings.co.uk MUSIC Q I want a string quartet at my wedding, but I love contemporary music – can string quartets incorporate my favourite music? A Since Bridgerton graced our screens in 2020, we’ve been inundated with requests for contemporary music at weddings. Harmony String Quartet prides themselves on having the most up to date hits within their repertoire, and if there’s a song that you want but we don’t have, Andy (our cellist) is on hand to arrange your request. Our ‘jukebox’ function enables you and your guests to choose any music you want at a press of a button – accessible and entertaining. Contact: Charli and Andy, Harmony String Quartet 07837 870 354 @theharmonystringquartet www.harmonystringquartet.co.uk https://daisybellphotography.co.uk ENTERTAINMENT Q I want to include alpacas in my wedding day but not sure how to do this, what do you recommend? A If you would like alpacas for a wow-factor wedding day, the best starting point is to choose a venue that allows alpacas on the grounds. Our website has a list of wedding venues we have visited with the alpacas; if a venue isn’t listed, it may mean they haven’t been asked before – some venues have been waiting for someone to ask and are really excited about the prospect! Once you have chosen your venue, then you need to find an alpaca herd that offer this special service. Wedding fayres are a good place to start, we certainly attend a couple of different ones, as they are a great place to explore different wedding packages. Contact: Jane, Wreay Syke Alpacas 07866 918 550 @wreaysykealpacas www.wreaysykealpacas.co.uk 66

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