Your Sussex Wedding - Page number 67 - June/July 2021 (Issue 91)

HOT TOPIC ur experts offer some stellar wedmin advice TOGETHER AGAIN Given the restrictions of the last year, our friends and family will be keen to catch up at our wedding. How can we create a chill out area to give them space away from the dancefloor to chat? It’s always nice to have a place for your guests to chill away from the dancefloor. If your venue has a separate ceremony room why not utilise this space again by adding a sofa and props to create a quiet area? This is also great as you’re reusing items that you’ve used during the day. Equally by adding something as simple as a neon sign it creates a welcoming and dedicated space to chill. Sara Ellis | To Have and To Hire Events www.tohaveandtohireweddings.com LOVE AND UNITY How can we include close friends and family members in our ceremony? There are many ways to include your friends and family such as having them enter with the bridal party, deliver a reading or poem, or even asking the talented amongst them to provide a musical element. For me, having them join in as part of a unity ceremony is the perfect way to bring families together and welcome each part of the couple into the fold of the other. You also have the option to include symbolic actions such as pouring different coloured sand representing the family members from individual bottles into one jar bringing everyone together as one. This is a great visual element and a simple way to include your nearest and dearest. Having friends light a unity candle and pass around the flame or take it in turns to light smaller individual candles also includes them in the service. It’s a lovely way to show the close connection between everyone present and part of your special day. Stefan Field | Ceremonies by Stefan www.ceremoniesbystefan.com  www.imo genevephotography.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 67