Your Surrey Wedding - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 81)

Our experts solve your problems HOT TOPIC: A BUDDING ROMANCE We’re on a tight budget but still want beautiful flowers on our big day. Do you have any ideas on how we can save money? Use flowers that are in season in the UK, as although we can buy them all over the world, the cost can increase considerably if they’re flown in from outside of Europe. ❤ Use more expensive flowers such as roses, peonies and orchids in your bouquet and top table and replace these with something more economical for the bridesmaids’ posies. You’ll still have the same effect but reduce the cost considerably. ❤ We don’t charge extra for vase hire, but some companies will so shop around before booking. ❤ Specialist roses such as David Austin are beautiful but cost far more than standard versions. If you really want them, use them for a special arrangement or your bouquet. ❤ Flowers that are easily grown tend to be cheaper. Look for chrysanthemums, gerberas, eustomas and carnations. ❤ On-trend shades are usually more expensive. Think about having an ivory/white base with accents of colour or incorporate your favourite hue into your ribbons and decorations. ❤ A few large blooms can work out more cost-effective than having lots of smaller ones. Hydrangea heads look amazing in a tall vase of gladioli. ❤ Silk or artificial flowers can be mixed with fresh versions and/ or greenery to create a beautiful display. This can lower the price of arches, gazebo decorations and garlands dramatically. ❤ Be aware that greenery fluctuates in price depending on the time of year. ❤ Use the same flowers at both your ceremony and reception. ❤ Centrepieces can be used as gifts instead of buying separate thank you presents. Ask your florist if they have any supply vases you can buy instead of hire. Annabel Grange Florist butterfliesandbows.co.uk WEDDING WORRIES DRESSED TO IMPRESS I want to wear a headband or fascinator on my big day, but I’m not sure what to look for. Do you have any suggestions? Fashion is so inclusive and versatile. Brides-to-be have a wide choice of headpieces to choose from and are not limited to combs and small options. Keep things simple, make your dress or the fascinator the focal point to avoid any clashes and try to stick with one style. Needless to say, everything depends on the dress, style and colour you’ve chosen. Mermaid and trumpet gowns go well with both fascinators and headbands as long as they’re matched appropriately. Figure-hugging dresses with open necks and shoulders would look good with a pillbox with floral elements, and tea-length or mini-dresses could even be paired with leathers or feather headbands. I’d be careful when it comes to ballgowns and avoid anything too heavy. It’s always best to have your headpiece custom made using the same fabric and elements as your dress. For a lace gown, opt for a fascinator that incorporates flowers and if you’ve gone for a satin or silk option include feathers but be careful not to overdo it. In terms of face shapes, I’d wear a tall headband with vertical details if you have a round face to give some height to your overall look. Those of you with long faces should go for a fascinator or flat headband with detail on the side to give your face width and if you have a small face find something that looks in proportion. All in all, try to choose items that match and supplement each other and ensure you really like them before buying. Inna Walker Headwear designer facebook.com/innawalkerheadpieces facebook.com/alexandra.glazko.photography EXPERT ADVICE 69