HOT TOPIC

Our experts answer your big-day questions

DARLING BUDS

We want some ideas for a wow-factor floral installation at our spring wedding, what do you suggest?

Meet the expert: Bryony Denton-Ross is the head of weddings at Lavender Green Flowers, a creative florist based in Berkshire providing luxury flowers for weddings and events.

Bryony says: We love giant mirrored urns bursting with early spring narcissi and pussy willow for added height and drama. When placed on mirrored plinths, they create a magical aisle or ceremony backdrop and their versatility means that they can be re-purposed anywhere in the reception. For added warmth and to create a romantic atmosphere, team them with cut birch trees adorned with hanging tea lights.

Bold and unexpected colour palettes can also make a real statement. This stunning ceremony set-up in the wildflower meadow at wedding venue Coworth Park pairs vibrant red garden roses with peonies and uplifting British springtime foliage for a luxurious yet naturally beautiful finish.

Lavender Green Flowers | 020 7127 5303 www.lavendergreen.co.uk

ALL ABOARD!

I want to book something a bit different for my hen gathering that’s more of a daytime event which will suit a variety of age groups - what do you suggest?

Meet the expert: Richard Prunier is the owner of Vintage Days Out which specialises in putting together quintessentially English experiences for small groups suitable for all ages – ideal for a memorable event with a difference.

Richard says: How about enjoying the return to a bygone era aboard a private river cruise on a historic 1930s boat, with food options prepared by an in-house chef? The crew at Vintage Days Out have many years of boating experience and extensive knowledge of the River Thames and are more than happy to serve drinks or leave you to relax and enjoy your time together.

You can choose to make it a dressy affair – how about wearing vintage dresses - or a relaxed affair. It can be combined with a visit to a vineyard, hosted by the owner, for wine tasting and nibbles, or you can choose to stop off at a luxury riverside location such as Cliveden House for a private tour and afternoon tea.

Meet the expert: Cécile Mazuet is the founder and managing director of NameSwitch, a service that offers a uniquely designed and secure system that completes the forms and letters you need, ready for you to instantly download, sign and pop in the post.

Cécile says: Traditionally, the bride changes her name to take on her new husband’s surname but is that the correct choice for you? It’s a big decision and can make some women feel like they’ve lost their identity, especially if you’ve built a strong reputation at work using your maiden name, or are an only child and want to continue the family name. However, you might be concerned that you’ll offend your hubby-to-be if you decide not to embrace it.

For same-sex couples, there’s no convention, which can make the decision even harder. Whatever your situation, there are plenty of options out there so communicate openly with your partner and work out what suits you best.

You could take your partner’s name or you could keep your maiden name but change your title. You don’t require a deed poll to do this and your title isn’t included on UK passports. You could also consider taking your partner’s name but use your maiden one professionally, take your partner’s surname but keep your maiden name as a middle one. There’s even the option to double-barrel your maiden name and your partner’s name or form a new surname from both your names.

www.gettyimages.co.uk

Name Switch | 01628 522 223 | www.nameswitch.co.uk

HOT WHEELS

Please can you give us some unusual hen and stag ideas?

Meet the expert: DrivingExperience.com offers a diverse range of cars and vehicles available to book for driving experiences at racetracks and other venues across the UK including Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud and Chippenham in Wiltshire. Models available to drive range from supercars and other high-performance vehicles to off-road ones, rally cars, classic cars, motorcycles, tanks and trucks. Junior driving experiences, for youngsters between the ages of 10 and 17, are also available. with bookings having increased by 75% and the two most popular being the Double Supercar Blast for Two. The package offers lovers the chance to get behind the wheel of speedy and stylish vehicles such as a Ferrari or a Lamborghini.

Alex MacGregor at DrivingExperience.com, commented, “Such a sharp increase in bookings show us that lovers have vowed to leave lockdown behind as they zoom into marriage with a high-octane, adrenaline-fuelled driving experience.”

Alex added, “The popularity of our Supercar Blast for Two suggests that, perhaps surprisingly, couples are opting to spend their final moments not apart from but together.”

Cotswolds based, The Scenic Supper’s bespoke parties and weddings service offers event management and its sublime, seasonally changing menus showcasing the very best local produce in keeping with its Paddock to Plate ethos along with sensational cocktails.

Already well-established as the go to place for its unique fine dining experience within bespoke glasshouses at Todenham Manor Farm near Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire, (re-opening 1st April) The Scenic Supper’s parties and weddings service will include all the elements that create the fun, informal style of The Scenic Supper experience. The Scenic Supper has also partnered with a hand-picked selection of wonderfully scenic settings, including ancient Cotswold stone barns, beautiful fields, historic English country gardens and hidden away houses, with availability for 2022. The Scenic Supper events team will be supported by exceptional, locally based wedding providers with solid reputations for delivering incredible bespoke events.

For more inforrmation and enquiries visit www.thescenicsupper.co.uk/events

Wedding Ceremonies with a touch of sparkle

Colette Ashby is a leading wedding celebrant in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the South East.

Don’t settle for the same ceremony as everyone else - let me tell your love story.

Whether your style is lavish and glamorous or classic and elegant, I can create a ceremony that reflects your personalities and your wishes. For a bespoke wedding ceremony with a touch of sparkle get in touch with Colette. 07774780072 CEREMONY@COLETTEASHBY.COM WWW.COLETTEASHBY.COM

Helping you say it from the heart

When you want to show the world just how much you love someone, you want a ceremony that tells a truly personal story. Wherever you are getting married or if you’re planning a wedding celebration, Springwood Ceremonies will help you create a memorable and unique ceremony.

For further information please call or visit: www.springwoodceremonies.co.uk hello@springwoodceremonies.co.uk | 07766 750 446 |

We are based in Oxfordshire and coordinate weddings in Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire & London.

Full wedding planning and styling. Coordinator 1 month before the day. ON THE DAY wedding day management only. We rely on our exceptional service, flair, great organisation skills and savvy to create a personalised, bespoke service. We believe that all weddings, both large and small, deserve the utmost attention and care, ensuring your day is special from conception to completion and reflects your vision, creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. We look forward to getting to know you and working with you to support your vision on the day. www.victorialouiseontheday.com | weddings@victorialouiseontheday.com