Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Herts and Beds Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourhertsbeds.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Walking in the winter wonderland
Q. What advice can you share when it comes to planning a winter wedding?
A. Vikki Richman says: Compared to other times of the year, you need to have plans in place that account for the weather when it comes to winter weddings.
We hate thinking of things that could go wrong, but not preparing and knowing your options could leave you scratching your head and panicking about what to do. Take some time to think about how the weather might affect your day and have a conversation with the wedding team at your venue about what plans they have in place, such as alternate locations for photos or extra heating.
Have someone with a coat to wrap you up between shots if you're having outside photos as adrenaline will keep you warm for a certain amount of time, but it's hard to smile when you're shivering!
Vikki Richman, Your Wedding Friend
www.yourweddingfriend.co.uk
The great outdoors
Q. We're planning to have an outdoor celebration, but I'm not sure where to start. Do you have any ideas?
A. Tichea Brade says: Making use of all the beautiful outdoor spaces in the warm summer months is so lovely and what many couples want. Outdoor celebrations are fantastic, but we have to be realistic in the UK and have a plan B as the weather can be so unpredictable.
Once you find a venue, look at the spaces and see if there's an option to have a stunning glass marquee or a stretch tent so your guest still feel like they're outside in the elements. As a wedding stylist and planner, I help my couples think about how they can add personality to their celebration with colours, floral designs and décor among many other important details.
My favourite idea is creating interesting areas that bring the indoors out; my couples and their guest also love this as it creates spaces for people to relax – especially as it can be a long day. It also provides interesting areas for your guest to explore and is a great way to bring your personality and style together.
Tichea Brade, Carmela Wedding’s & Event’s
www.carmelaweddings.co.uk
Planning SOS
Q. We've started planning our wedding; what advice can you share to make the process easier?
A. Beckie Melvin says: There are 100s of resources these days to help you find wedding ideas, from magazines and publications to online blogs, social media, wedding directories and more.
Some weddings all look the same and follow similar templates. So, you'll want to create a wedding that includes personal touches that truly represent your great relationship – remember there are no rules.
It's difficult when those around you seem to want to dampen your fabulous ideas because everyone suddenly seems to have an opinion on the day and make comments such as 'I wouldn't do that if I were you' or 'how about XYZ instead'. Respond with a gentle 'thanks, but that doesn't fit with our vision' or perhaps 'really appreciate you thinking of us, but we have already sorted this out'. If they continue to interfere, put them on an information diet and stop telling them details about the day.
When it comes to creating the perfect wedding, your suppliers also need to fit your vision. That way you'll know they have your corner and will help boost your confidence.
Consider joining online communities and Facebook groups filled with other couples ditching wedding trends. These communities offer a wealth of inspiration, information and support.
Finally, consider getting a wedding planner who will be more than the administrator, contract checker and coordinator of the day – they'll also be your confidante.
Beckie Melvin, Emerald Orchid Weddings
emeraldorchidweddings.co.uk
Planning SOS
Q. We're currently planning our spring wedding; what advice can you share with us?
A. Lauren Cooper says: When planning a wedding for this time of year, focus on the colourful details and floral designs. I think of lots of pastel colours paired with white touches and glass features when it comes to spring.
Style your tables with cylinder floating candles and small vases full of fresh flowers to bring light, texture and elegance to your day. You could even grow and pick your own blooming flowers to save on the budget and be more sustainable; this is perfect if you want to achieve an English-garden style.
Ensure to invest in napkins to bring your season to life. Most venues include standard white ones, but bringing a splash of colour onto your tables can transform the wedding styling and tablescape. Go for a linen sage green napkin tied loosely and placed on top of your charger plates. Add a beautiful abundance of fresh flowers to lift the room and bring the season to life.
Lauren Cooper, LBC Weddings and Events
www.lbcweddingsandevents.co.uk
Spring fever
Q. What should we keep in mind when planning an outdoor wedding in spring?
A. Vikki Richman says: It's perfectly possible to have a beautiful outdoor wedding in spring if you plan correctly. Don't forget the practical issues of getting your guests and suppliers to where they need to be. Wheelchairs and a boggy ground aren't a great mix, so think about pathways and access.
Gardens are beautiful this time of year and are full of stunning colours. To make the most of these spaces for photographs, consider having brollies on standby or even a pair of wedding wellies just in case.
A cloak room or area for coats and umbrellas will help avoid bulky items appearing in your indoor wedding photos, which you'll especially want to avoid in the ceremony and wedding breakfast shots. Be prepared and you'll be ready for anything.
Vikki Richman, Your Wedding Friend
www.yourweddingfriend.co.uk
A day to remember
Q. We've just started planning our festival-themed wedding for next summer, but we're not sure where to start. How we can make our vision come to life?
A. Tichea Brade says: First things first, think about what you want the wedding to look and feel like on the day. Take the time to write down ideas and create a moodboard with different venues, props, outfits, entertainment, décor and catering options to bring the theme to life. This will help you understand what's most important to you both and help you stick to a budget.
The next stage is to find the perfect venue and get that booked. Finding the right location is a major factor when creating your dream-wedding look, so make sure to visit lots of properties with the moodboard to show venues what you have in mind.
It's then time to find other vendors, booking a stylist like myself for the day is a big must and it's important to find a company that's created events that you love the look of. Book the supplier right at the beginning of your planning journey because the team will work hard to not only save you time, but sometimes save you money.
Tichea Brade, Carmela Wedding & Events
www.carmelaweddings.co.uk