Your Yorkshire Wedding - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 41)

PARTY ON Q My other half just wants to have a playlist for our wedding – how do I convince him that live is best? Playlists can be great, but live music brings so much more to your day. No one forgets a wedding where a great band performs. Whether it’s your gran dancing to a song she recognises from her own special day, the happy couple swaying to their first dance or the whole party singing their hearts out to a song they all know, it’s a live band that brings the magic together. We play soul music; it has a timeless quality that works brilliantly for weddings, and the only way to get the emotion from it is to play live. The brass section has the wow factor while the tight drums and rhythm section create a natural sound that surpasses any laptop and speaker. Our singer, Lisanse, creates a rapport with the audience that a playlist can’t get anywhere near. Floor-fillers like Soul Man get everyone on their feet, while Let’s Stay Together will have everyone arm-in-arm. A live band creates a life event that no one will forget. Rick Davis | Soul Patrol | soulpatrol.org.uk FLORAL FANCIES Q How can we keep costs down for our flowers? Great quality flowers can really make your day. Here are my top five ways to get the best value from them… ❤ Use your flowers at your ceremony and wedding breakfast. Try moving your ceremony table arrangement to the top table, or use jam jars for pew ends that can then be doubled up as centrepieces. ❤ Choose flowers that are in season. Due to the global flower trade it’s possible to get many flowers at any time of year, but this is costly for you and the environment. Choosing seasonal British-grown blooms are the best quality and won’t cost the earth. ❤ Use bouquets for centrepieces. I often supply vases to go on the tables so the bride and bridesmaids can just pop their bouquets in to help decorate the room. It also means the flowers get a much-needed drink after being out of water for a few hours. ❤ Have your bouquet turned into art. Use a preservation service and have your bouquet preserved and reconstructed in a frame so you can enjoy it for years to come. ❤ Gift your flowers. If you have a statement archway or backdrop, ask your florist to use the blooms for posies as gifts for your friends and family. Gillian Neild | Where Bees Meet | wherebeesmeet.co.uk Jo Greenfield Photography UNDER CANVAS Q There are so many different types of tent to get married in – we’re totally confused! Can you give us a rundown of what’s available? When looking for a structure to host your wedding in, you’re spoiled for choice. Although the style varies, they have one common feature: they allow you to let your creativity run wild! ❤ Marquees . Clear span, framed, sailcloth… the list goes on! If you’re after a quintessentially elegant backdrop, take a look at our traditional pole options. The Petal Pole and Celeste are perfect choices for a touch of grandeur. ❤ Tipis . These have become a very popular option. Based on the classic Scandinavian structures, they suit a laid-back festival vibe. They’re cone shaped and can be joined together to create the space you need. ❤ Stretch tent . This is a modern style where stretchy fabric is supported by poles underneath. You can choose to have the sides pegged down or raised up. With the flexibility of moving poles around under the fabric, you can create a striking shape. ❤ Yurts . We may be biased towards this option, but we’re sure you can see why. With a circular shape, domed roof and charming wooden lattice walls, yurts provide a cosy atmosphere and a great party space. Add a wood-burning stove for ambience or go for clear sides to bring the outside in. Lotty Stapleton | Yorkshire Yurts yorkshireyurts.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 87