WE LOVE TO BOOGIE We’ve seen a few companies offer up lighting. What is this and is it needed for our venue? Up lighting has multiple purposes; it can be set to coordinate with your colour scheme, and it can bring low-level atmospheric lighting to a poorly lit room. There are some venues where I would say up lighting is essential. For instance, the bright lighting at some venues is ideal for dining but not so ideal for the disco portion of an evening. There are other venues that may benefit from up lighting in the winter when it gets dark earlier, but in the summer, with natural light coming in through any windows, you would get less time to appreciate it. June Gould (DJ June Cecilia) www.sgdjweddings.com CAMERA READY There are so many photographers out there – how do we choose the right one for us? I believe that there is a lot more to choosing a photographer than just the initial impression the photos make, although you’ve got to love that part straight away! Have a think about how you want to experience your day. For example, would you prefer to not really notice your photographer’s presence and have them more in the background, or are you more looking for a more traditional approach, with more emphasis on the staged moments? Your photographer’s style, whether traditional, documentary, or somewhere in between, is really important. It’s also worth taking your potential photographer’s experience into consideration; if you feel confident in their ability to handle any situation, then this can help calm your nerves on the day. Be thorough in looking at their previous work. It’s not enough to look at their Instagram; make sure to look at previous full galleries of real weddings. You’ll get an idea of how the photographer works throughout the day and see all of the images that don’t make the portfolio too. Get on the phone! This is a great way to see if your vibes align. For example, if you are more of an extroverted personality, then maybe a photographer that comes across that way too is going to be better for you than a more introspective style and vice versa. Having a chat over the phone is one of the best ways to find out if you’re compatible. John Wellings www.wellingsweddings.com PLANNED TO PERFECTION We’ve just got engaged. What should we do first? Before diving into viewing wedding venues, there are some steps we advise you to take first to ensure a smooth planning process: Share the news: Once you’ve said ‘yes’ and the initial excitement has settled, share the news with your close family and friends. You may want to make a few phone calls or send out announcements to let everyone know about your engagement. Social media is also a popular way to share this joyful news. Discuss priorities and budget: Sit down together and have an open and honest discussion about your priorities for the wedding and your overall budget. Determine what aspects are most important to both of you and where you’re willing to compromise on. This will provide a solid foundation for making decisions as you move forward with the planning process. Choose a wedding date or season: Have a general idea of when you’d like to tie the knot. The availability of venues can vary based on the time of year, and popular venues may book up quickly during peak wedding seasons. Define your wedding style: Discuss and decide on the overall style and theme of your wedding. Whether it’s a formal affair, a casual celebration, or a rustic gathering, having a clear vision of your desired style will guide your venue selection. Create a guest list: Before choosing a venue, have a rough idea of your guest list size. Knowing the number of attendees will help you select a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guests. It also plays a crucial role in budgeting, as many venues charge per guest. The team at Hensol Castle www.hensolcastle.com www.wellingsweddings.com www.stephbarry.com 60
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