HOT TOPIC

Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas

DREAM BACKDROPS

We’re just starting our wedding journey, but neither of us has a clue what we should look for when booking a venue. What advice can you share with us? There’s a lot to consider when looking at a wedding venue, and it’s important to make sure that the property meets all of your requirements. For example, is the size of the wedding spaces appropriate for your number of guests and is it within budget? You’ll need to find out if the venue has a ceremony license, what decorations are offered and the timings on the day.

Don’t forget the most important end goal of this whole experience, which is to have fun, get married, and make everlasting memories! Aside from the venue playing a significant part in your day, it’s equally important that you feel relaxed and trust your wedding coordinator, who will help organise your special day and be your point of contact throughout the planning process. Helen Bush | Grand Hotel, Tynemouth www.grandhoteltynemouth.co.uk

AL FRESCO WEDDINGS

We’re planning to have an outdoor celebration, but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any ideas? If you’re looking for a chilled and laid-back wedding infused with fabulous food, live music and a fire cracking atmosphere, then an outdoor wedding could be for you! Some people assume that hosting an outdoor event will not be within their budget, but this wedding style couldn’t be more fun and gives you the ultimate freedom to embrace everything, including the weather.

After identifying the style you want to create, decide what structure you’re after. There are many options from teepees, circus tents, classic marquees, and modern glass domes that scream elegance. Don’t worry if you need power, as a generator and luxury bathrooms can be added. Once you have found the perfect setting, consider how the spaces can function on the day.

The next thing to consider is the catering options, including the menu and the dining experience you want guests to have – this could be relaxed street food, a roaring barbecue or formal dining. Remember that entertainment is vital in creating the perfect day; imagine a live band, ceilidh, or a DJ banging out tunes into the early hours of the morning.

If the idea of planning and pulling everything together stresses you out, think about securing a wedding planner that specialises in outdoor events to oversee the suppliers and coordinate the day. Donna Hartley-Redfearn | North East Wedding Planner www.northeastweddingplanner.co.uk

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

I’ve bought a dress with no embellishments, and now I’m worried it’s too plain. How can I add the wow factor to it? The simplest and non-permanent solution to add the wow factor to a dress would be the addition of a lace bolero and a crystal or beaded belt. Both are very on-trend and create an elegant look without much trouble and expense. These items can be added or removed to give a different look for the evening reception.

A more permanent solution would involve sewing. The dress fabric and structure will need to support any additional weight, and a local bridal seamstress will explain what’s achievable. She may source some bridal appliqués and co-ordinating lace to decorate the gown. The difficulty of ordering materials online yourself is ensuring it’s of good quality and matches your dress’s fabric.

Another option would be to sew tiny pearls or crystals onto selected parts of the bodice on a brocade or lace fabric to highlight the design and differentiate it from the skirt. You can combine this with a pearl or diamanté trim around the seam of the waist. Norma Arthur | Amble Pin Cushion www.amblepincushion.co.uk

YOUR TYPE ON PAPER

What styles and designs are set to be popular in 2022? Sustainability is a major trend throughout wedding planning in 2022, and this includes stationery. Most save-the-date pieces and invitations are made using card, but couples are opting for recycled materials or plantable seed paper as an alternative.

Other trends will be the use of vellum paper, which adds a soft and modern touch to stationery and its versatility allows it to be used alone or teamed up with a wax seal or other embellishments.

There are more requests for simple-style stationery with modern calligraphy, fuss-free detailing, extra white space and the use of a single bold colour to make the stationery pop. Sarah Cox | Sarah Alexis Stationery www.sarahalexisstationery.co.uk

www.agnesblack.com We’re looking at booking a wedding entertainer, but we’re worried about booking someone online that we’ve never met. Do you have any suggestions? Some businesses on Facebook allow clients to leave reviews and have testimonials on their website from past couples, which are both important to read.

Most entertainers have videos or recordings of their performances prepared as examples of their work. I have a YouTube channel I link prospective clients to, which I’ve found very helpful to them. Some companies also do in-person meetings, which is worth checking if you’re worried about booking someone online.

Many entertainers also do shows and have residentials in venues; check to see if they have any shows around your local area as this is an excellent opportunity to get see them live.

Another thing to put your mind at ease is if another business has recommended the company, which often means they’re worth booking. Nicola Sim | Nicola Sim Pianist www.facebook.com/nicolasimpianist

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

We’re thinking of booking a videographer, but we’re not sure what to look for. Do you have any tips? Don’t rely on booking the cheapest companies as we often hear many stories that couples are desperately searching for a videographer close to their wedding as they’ve been let down by the company they originally booked. These stories usually involve someone offering a ‘really good deal’.

Do your homework and check out the company’s work online and compare it to others. You shouldn’t have shaky footage nowadays with stabilisers in cameras and editing programs that reduce shudder – you don’t have to compromise on quality.

Check if the trailers the company has made are original and are not staged in the same format. When watching the videos, does it make you emotional? This is usually a good sign as there’s a great chance that the videographer knows how to construct a film that you’ll love to have.

Before booking a company, check what’s included in the packages and that you’re getting value for money. Allan Sizer | Strike a Pose Wedding Movies https://strikeaposeweddingmovies.co.uk

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