Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - April/May 2020 (Issue 76)

HENQUEENS ❤ Ask the bride to make a list of exactly who she wants to attend, and whether there’s anything she really doesn’t want to do. Confirm the group size and number of nights based on this, then you can find a location with a variety of drinking and dining options for all budgets. ❤ Next, find accommodation and activities in your desired location. Try to book as far in advance as you can to give the hens as much time as possible to pay. Bonus tip: ask for payment in instalments to make it easier for people. Hannah Dean | henqueens.co.uk DOT THE I ATELIER ❤ You want your stationery to reflect you as a couple and the overall styling of the day. Choosing a bespoke design can make it really personal. Use images you find as inspiration, but don’t ask your designer to copy them. ❤ Check and check again! Proof read your stationery for spelling mistakes and make sure all the information is included. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the design and forget something important. To keep it sleek, consider adding a separate sheet for details. Sarah McGlynn | dottheiatelier.co.uk MICHAEL J MACMAHON SPEECH COACH ❤ Decide who you want to speak. The tradition is the father-of-the-bride, followed by the groom then the best man – but it’s your decision. I meet many fathers who can’t face it. So what about a brother, mother-of-the-bride or the maid-of-honour? ❤ More and more brides are giving a speech nowadays. My eldest daughter gave one at her wedding, but she didn’t tell anyone. That way, she left herself the option to back out at the last minute, which removed a lot of the stress. ❤ Coordination between speakers is so valuable. For example, it’s a nice touch to say thanks during a speech to those who have contributed to the day. But decide in advance who’ll thank who. Also, if you have more than one best man, make sure they coordinate between themselves; no one wants to hear the same joke twice! Michael J MacMahon | michaelmacmahon.com PRETTY CAKE CREATIONS  ❤ Always ask if a cake supplier offers consultations, this way you can see the standard of work on their display cakes and you can try some samples. It should taste as good as it looks. ❤ If you want a bespoke, luxury cake, be prepared to pay a decent price for it. Most cake makers will spend many hours using the finest ingredients to ensure your bake is perfect. The cutting of the cake is one of the focal points of the day so you want it to be right. Be wary of makers on social media offering five-tier cakes for £100! Leah Coetzee | prettycakecreations.co.uk KENNEDY EVENTS & WEDDINGS ❤ Let your wedding stylist help you save money. Most will offer prop hire, or they’ll source items for you. Then, you can watch your ideas come to life without the legwork! I offer all my clients styling sessions in my studio to try out ideas. ❤ Relax and enjoy yourself! This is so hard for brides to do before the day, but the last thing you want to be doing is dropping off boxes, unpacking and arranging things when you could be relaxing with your bride tribe. Chloe Kennedy kennedyevents.co.uk joabsmithphotography.co.uk danroads.com ROUND THREE PLANNING SOS 51