Your Sussex Wedding - February / March 2021 (Issue 89)

GAME FOR A LAUGH What quirky extras can we add to our venue to bring more personality to our day? One point to consider as you plan is what your guests will be doing while you’re off having your photos taken. Having a selection of over size and fun games will not only give them something to do, but also act as a great ice-breaker getting the conversation flowing along with the drinks. Beat the Buzzer, bowling and a coconut shy are all great, and you can make a real feature out of the space, adding some seating and props to work with your theme. After spending endless nights deliberating over the seating plan there are bound to be some guests who won’t know each other. By having some games on the table or perhaps even a magician, you’ll get them all chatting. Amanda Samain, www.hireyourday.com EAT GREEN! We’re keen for our wedding to be as sustainable as possible. How can we extend this to our catering? This should be straightforward as well as fun. Just consider our top three tips when you’re planning: ❤ Use local: Choosing a caterer local to your venue is an effective way of keeping sustainability at the forefront. Not only will this reduce the mileage of their back and forths, it will also decrease the mileage of their staff, who likely also live locally. ❤ Ask about local produce: Caterers invested in championing local produce are reducing their carbon footprint and helping their local economy to flourish, both important commitments to sustainable working. Ask your caterers to also use seasonal fruits and vegetables for a delicious triple sustainability hit. ❤ Can you reduce your meat intake? Opting to serve your guests a vegetarian or vegan starter, or even making your menu fully vegan, will go a long way towards reducing the carbon footprint of your day. We have an incredible new vegan menu catering for your every need with absolutely no compromise on quality or quantity. Pippa O’Neill, www.tietheknotcatering.co.uk LOST FOR WORDS? We’re looking for a special reading for our ceremony, but can’t find anything that is truly ‘us.’ What would you suggest? Why not try a completely original, bespoke rhyming speech or poem? When my customers come to me, I ask them to answer a simple questionnaire requesting details about their lives – funny stories, nicknames, how they met, where they got engaged, and so on. Then I weave these thoughts into a rhyming poem. They’re available as an email, so they can be read during the ceremony, although many opt for the foiled, framed and gift-wrapped option, which makes a beautiful art piece and lasting memory of the special day. A bespoke poem is a truly original gift and when used in place of a speech, can take a huge amount of pressure off of those who’ve been asked to give an address. Lizzie Mole, www.theoriginalpoet.com www.sara hlondonphotography.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 71