SOMETHING SWEET HANNAH ANDREWS, HANNAH’S KITCHEN https://hannahskitchenleeds.co.uk We’re engaged! Now what? Well, what happens next is completely up to you – you could spend two years planning or two months, so set yourself a timeframe you feel comfortable with. If you’ve got very set ideas about what you want for your celebration then you’ll need a bit of time to get everything in order but if you’re the king or queen of winging it and more flexible with your ideas you could pull a celebration together pretty quickly! Either way, have a date in mind before you start speaking to venues and suppliers. What budget do we allocate to the cake? Don’t rely on average costs of what a wedding cake should be as these take into account people who choose not to have one, those who have a family member make it, and others who choose a supermarket version, which all brings the average down. So, when you go to a professional cake maker for a bespoke bake, you’re surprised by the cost. If you’re looking for something bespoke and/or your cake maker is going to have to do a lot of handmade decorations, include personal details, co-ordinate with a florist, or there’s a lot of design elements, be sure to get a few prices from local suppliers, to give you a better idea of what to expect. These may vary depending on the cake makers’ experience, so ask to see their previous work. And, if you love a cake maker but they seem out of budget, ask them what would bring the price down. How can we make our big day totally us? Meet your suppliers. Where possible, this will give you a really great idea of who you’ll vibe with. Photographers are going to be spending the day with you and your loved ones, so it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with. Cake makers and florists will spend quite a bit of time with you ahead of the wedding too, either in person or via email and phone calls, so you want to choose someone who doesn’t grind your gears! Wedding fairs are a great way to make those in-person introductions, while social media will also give you a good idea. What’s your top planning tip when it comes to the wedding cake? Book a consultation. Not only is it a great chance to try delicious cake, and get to know your supplier a little better, but it’s a lovely experience you can enjoy together. I love them, and do my best to make sure my couples feel at ease; we talk about the details but also we talk about you guys. I want to hear all about your wedding plans and engagement! PICK OF THE BUNCH JILL ALEXANDER, THE LITTLE FLOWER HUT www.thelittleflowerhut.co.uk We’re engaged! Now what? Decide on your wedding suppliers and get them booked as soon as possible. When it comes to choosing your wedding florist look at their style, if you love it get in touch and start a conversation. Remember though, if you love their work it’s likely lots of other couples will too, so securing your date is really important. Have an idea of budget but be realistic, flowers are expensive and it’s not just the flowers you pay for, it’s the florist’s expertise and craftsmanship – it takes real skill to ensure every bloom looks as perfect as it can throughout your entire day. Plus, your florist will spend hours researching for your wedding proposal, so there’s a vast amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. What flowers are in season for my wedding day? Being a sustainable florist I work with local growers and the seasons. The flowers available will depend on your wedding date and I always suggest the most beautiful varieties in season with the aim of creating a unique floral vision for you. If you have your heart set on a particular flower that won’t be in bloom I’ll always suggest an alternative that looks very similar without compromising the overall style of the day. How can we make our big day totally us? Think about the role you’d like your flowers to play. No matter your budget a showstopper bouquet is always a must. I specialise is creating bespoke bridal bouquets that reflect a bride’s personality. Beautiful crafted, luxurious and the epitome of romance, every bride should experience a beautiful bouquet that mirrors her and complements her beautiful dress. If you have a healthy budget then a wow statement can be created through scale and the floral elements we create, whether that’s a knockyour-socks-off cloud to stop your guests in their tracks, a statement arch, or beautiful aisle meadow packed with the most gorgeous varieties and fragrance. There are so many ways to make your day totally unique and bring out your personalities. What’s your top planning tip when it comes to wedding flowers? Share your ideas on how you’d like your day to look and trust your florist. Let them have creative license, chat regularly and be prepared to have your mind blown with the most exquisite florals from a mix of colours, tones and textures. https://charlotteevephotography.com https://georginaharrisonphotography.co.uk 52
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