Your Surrey Wedding- April/May 2021 (Issue 88)

FLORAL WONDER Q – What questions should we ask our florist before booking? Here are the most important questions you should ask: ❤ What experience do they have, and how long has the company been going? ❤ Do they arrange the flowers themselves or subcontract them? ❤ Do they have a portfolio, reviews and letters of recommendation you can see? ❤ What flowers would they recommend for the time of year you’re getting married, and are there any that aren’t in season? ❤ Do they charge extra for vases and candelabra hire, or is the loan included? Do they collect any loaned items, or do you need to return them? ❤ Have they worked at your venue before, and do they deliver everything there? ❤ Do they have public liability insurance? ❤ Can you collect the bouquets the day before? Annabel Grange Florist www.butterfliesandbows.co.uk YOU’RE THE ONE Q – My wife-to-be and I are thinking of hiring a celebrant, but there are so many to choose from. How do we find the right supplier for us? It’s a fantastic choice to have a celebrant as it means you’re able to create and bring your style to the heart of the day. The ceremony is the reason everyone is there, so it’s important to choose the right supplier. There will be a celebrant out there to suit everyone, so work out your style, energy or vibe. What feeling do you get from them? What’s their energy? Do you like their style? Will they come to your chosen venue? What is your biggest worry about the ceremony, and do you feel that they could resolve that issue for you? Do your other suppliers know them? Even though the wedding industry is huge, the networking is incredible, and if a celebrant is being supported by other suppliers, that’s always a good sign. There are directories out there you could look at, and venues may have their own recommended list. Above all, the best way to find a celebrant is to pick up the phone and call them and see how they are there and then. It’s all about live interaction. Of course, have a little noisy on their website and social media, but the most important thing is who they are as a person because that is what you’re hiring. Try video calling, a phone call or meeting in person, and you will know within moments if they’re the one for you. Helen Noble Celebrant www.helen-noble.co.uk DECORATED WITH LOVE Q – How we can incorporate flowers into our wedding décor? There are so many ways that you can incorporate flowers beyond the traditional bridal party bouquets and buttonholes. Blooms can bring the whole theme together and provide beautiful accents to your wedding. Many couples choose to have a statement piece at the entrance to their venue, such as a floral arch or milk churns filled with flowers. You could also think about decorating any signage you’re using with garlands to tie in with your colour scheme. During the ceremony, a statement piece like a moongate or floral columns positioned behind where you say your vows look spectacular in photos, as do flowers down the aisle. Even on a small budget, you can use pew or chair ends to add a decorative element. Remember to also consider the registry table, as you will want this to look nice in the photographs. At your reception, table flowers instantly bring the room together and provide some interest for guests. You could also use blooms to tie in with other elements of your decor, such as on the cake table or bar. Depending on your venue, a fabulous hanging arrangement over the top table can add that wow factor to your big day. Your florist will be able to help you with all these things and give suggestions on what will work best in the space. If there’s something you love, don’t be scared to ask for it as we want you to have your dream day. Caroline Bates Florist www.hayloftfloral.co.uk www.shon anolanphotoandvideo.co.uk 70