HOT TOPIC: wedding worries Local experts solve your pre-wedding worries PAWS FOR THOUGHT We’re looking to hire a wedding chaperone for our two dogs on our wedding day; having never looked in to this before, how do we know who to book? What should we be checking when looking at potential businesses? When looking to hire a wedding dog chaperone, it’s important to choose someone who understands both the needs of your dogs and the unique environment of a wedding day. As a pet sitter, and wedding dog chaperone I recommend asking a few key questions: 1. Ask about their experience with dogs and the service they offer. Your chosen person should have a calm, confident approach to handling dogs in unfamiliar and busy settings. Request references or reviews from previous clients to ensure they’re reliable. 2. Understanding of your dogs: It’s important they take the time to get to know your dogs. Look for a chaperone who is willing to meet with you and your dogs before the event to discuss any special care they need, such as dietary restrictions, behavioral quirks, or medical needs. 3. Services provided: Clarify what services are included in their package. Will they assist with transportation to the venue, handle the dogs during photos, or provide them with bathroom breaks and ensure they’re comfortable during the event? A good chaperone should also be able to supervise your dogs after the ceremony, ensuring they are well cared for throughout. 4. Liability insurance: It’s crucial that the business is insured in case of accidents or unforeseen events. This will give you peace of mind knowing they take their responsibilities seriously. 5. Emergency plan: Ask about their emergency procedures, should something unexpected happen. A professional chaperone should have a plan in place for any issues that may arise, from health emergencies to behavioral problems. 6. Flexibility and communication: Weddings can change quickly, so ensure the chaperone is flexible and communicative. A great chaperone will be able to adapt to schedule changes and keep you updated throughout the day on how your dogs are doing. By focusing on these aspects, you’ll be able to find someone who will not only ensure your dogs are safe and happy but will also allow you to fully enjoy your big day knowing they are in the best of hands. Finally, for me, it’s not just about the logistics of the day; your chosen chaperone should aim to give your dogs the best experience possible. They need to feel loved, secure, and enjoy every moment with them, allowing you to focus on your wedding with peace of mind. Laila Tavener, Coop’s K9s www.facebook.com/coops.k9s.dog.walking. and.pet.sitting.services MEET AND GREET How do we go about finding the perfect photographer for our wedding? The simplest answer to this question is to go and meet them. Go to wedding fayres, as many as you can, and don’t be afraid to travel, as photographers will travel too. Meet them and talk to them. If you find someone you click with – someone you can have a laugh with or who gets your style – then you know you’ve found the right photographer. You might think ‘But surely there’s more to it than that?’, and yes, there are plenty of other things to consider. We recommend putting together a list of what’s important to you things like: how long the photographer will stay, what their editing style is, whether they are more documentary or editorial, and whether you want an album or just digital images. You may find someone who has all the right answers to these questions, but if you and your partner can’t connect with them on a personal level, they’re never going to be able to capture your day the way you want it. Remember, this person will essentially be your shadow on your wedding day. You need to feel relaxed with them in order for them to get the very best photos. A meeting in person is always best, but if you can’t, a Zoom meeting works. Phone calls, emails, and texts aren’t enough to know if they’re the right person to capture your day. Ask to see full galleries of images, not just the curated Instagram collections. If you think you’ve found the one, but they haven’t worked at your venue, don’t worry! Photographers absolutely relish the chance to work at a new venue – it means new opportunities for creativity! Huw & Dale, Huw & Dale Photography www.huwanddale.co.uk www.huwanddale.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 47
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