SWEET LOVE Natasha Johnson from Flourish & Flotts Wedding Cakes (https://flourishandflotts.co.uk) says: One simple, yet impactful, way to personalise your cake is with custom toppers featuring your names, initials, or even a meaningful symbol. This small touch makes the cake distinctly yours. Whether it’s a monogram, a fun representation of a shared hobby, or your wedding date, these toppers add elegance and uniqueness. A metallic topper can add glamour, while a rustic wooden optic might fit a more laid-back or nature-inspired theme. For those of you who want something fun and less traditional, quirky toppers are the perfect choice. They can reflect a shared interest or a theme, such as a skeleton couple for a Day of The Dead or gothic celebration. These toppers can be playful and personal, giving your guests a glimpse of your shared sense of humour or style. Sentimentality can pay a huge role in your wedding cake by incorporating family heirlooms or keepsakes. For example, a felt mouse bride and groom topper could be passed down through generations, or perhaps a beloved item from a parent’s wedding could be placed on your cake. These aren’t just decorations but symbols of love, history and tradition. Your big-day bake can also be a way to tell your love story. If you and your partner share a passion, you can use elements that reflect that in the cake’s design. If you love travel, why not incorporate a world map symbolising the journeys you’ve taken together? Whether it’s your shared hobbies, places you’ve visited or special memories you want to celebrate, your cake can become a canvas for your story, creating a conversation piece. If you want to break away from the traditional cake, why not opt for a dessert table that features your favourite flavours and treats? You could even include desserts that hold sentimental value such as brownies from your first date or Bakewell tarts that remind you of a favourite Christmas market. Not only does a dessert table give guests a wider selection, it also tells your story through flavours and memories. If you’re a pet lover, let them join in the celebration! Adding miniature replicas of your beloved animals can be a fun and endearing way to personalise your cake. These little figures can be nestled into the cake’s design, perhaps even playfully sneaking a bit of the cake itself or making a mess! This addition is sure to delight loved ones and bring a smile to your face. LIFESTYLE FOCUS My husband-to-be works with his hands all day, and we’re worried about damage to his wedding ring, but he doesn’t really want to keep taking it off in case he loses it. Is there any advice we should following when shopping for his wedding band? Santa Salmina from Lister Horsfall (https://listerhorsfall.co.uk) says: When picking a wedding band for someone who works with their hands daily, durability should definitely be a key focus. We specialise in crafting bespoke wedding rings that are both stylish and practical. Materials like platinum, titanium, or tungsten are excellent choices. These metals are far more resistant to scratches, dents, and bending compared to softer options like gold. Titanium and tungsten, especially, are known for their strength, making them ideal for anyone in a hands-on profession. It’s also worth considering a simple, low-profile design. Intricate patterns or raised details can catch on surfaces or tools, which might lead to damage over time. A comfort-fit band, with its slightly rounded interior, can also make the ring more comfortable for everyday wear, particularly for those with active jobs. The finish of the ring is another factor to think about. Matte or brushed finishes tend to hide scratches better than a high-polish finish, so they can look great for longer, even with frequent use. If taking the ring off is a concern, consider a second, simpler band for work. This way, he can wear something durable during the day and save the primary band for special occasions. It’s a practical solution that ensures he always has a meaningful ring on without risking damage to the main one. lindsleyweddings.com ASK THE EXPERTS 45
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=