A DAY TO REMEMBER

How to plan the perfect wedding

Here at Your Surrey Wedding, we understand how overwhelming organising your nuptials can be, especially with the pandemic. To help, we’ve spoken to local experts and asked what you should be aware of being booking.

BOOKING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

It’s important that you get a great vibe from your photographer, feel comfortable around them and love their work before booking. Any questions you ask should be met with a warm welcome. They should give you a clear indication of the breakdown of fees for the entire day, what’s included within your package and what you’ll pay in terms of the deposit.

Talk to them about their style and the type of shots you want for your wedding. Be mindful of how expensive your supplier is. If you’re aware of their prices in advance, then this will help you avoid any disappointment further down the line. Discuss your budget with them, as they may be able to tailor a package to suit you.

Booking in advance is key. This is normally around nine months to one year before the wedding. Photographers tend to get booked up at peak seasons, such as summer, so to get exactly what you want, it’s always good to book early.

Your chosen company should have public liability insurance. If you’re not sure, then ask.

Ask what they cover in the event of a cancellation or emergency. COVID-19 has been a prime example of that, and they should agree to reschedule at no extra cost. Should you need to cancel or postpone, then speak to them as soon as you can. Providing they have availability for your new date, then your reservation should be updated.

Ask to see examples of their work if you feel you haven’t seen enough. Your photographer should be more than happy to provide you with this.

Get to know them. Ask why they love what they do and ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed around them. After all, they will be capturing one of the most special days of your life.

www.irockvisuals.com

www.irockvisuals.com

www.irockvisuals.com www.irockvisuals.com

www.irockvisuals.com

Eray Kaya irockvisuals www.irockvisuals.com

www.davidcullimore.com

www.snootyfoximages.com and www.michael-auger.com

FINDING A MAKE-UP ARTIST

I love to inspire people, and for me, it’s more than putting make-up on a canvas, it’s how I use my skill to enhance your features and personality. Choosing a supplier is a personal choice. It needs to be something that feels right for you. Recommendations are a good source, but always go with your gut! Every artist is different and will do things slightly differently. From application to education, I always look to inspire people and provide an honest, professional and passionate service.

Every bride is a unique canvas, and your make-up should enhance your natural features while also making you feel like you but at your very best. I want to encourage each client to maintain a positive approach towards the beauty of their natural skin by creating their perfect look.

Put those wipes in the bin, cleanse your face and embrace your natural features. Remember, at any time you find planning a little overwhelming, you can find comfort with a bit of self-care. After all, it’s the one day that’s all about you!

Book in advance! Most businesses raise their prices every year, and by securing your suppliers in advance, most will honour their current prices on future bookings.

Find a venue stylist that is willing to get to know you as a couple. You may know exactly what you want and have had your Pinterest board finalised since you were 13, but by having a conversation and getting to know your supplier, they may be able to suggest some changes to help you personalise the space.

Make sure you research their photos and prices before your consultation. This will give you an idea of the overall cost and help you to stick to your all-important budget.

Don’t be afraid to go cheaper or ask for photos. Lots of companies offer very similar items and some charge more than others, in this case, more expensive isn’t always best. As long as you’ve done your research and have trust in your stylist, your day and vision won’t break the bank.

Think about the size of the room and the number of guests you’re having. If you have a smaller room with lots of friends and family, think about a small centrepieces, for example, a fishbowl or candle vase. This will stop the room from looking busy and cramped. In the same thought, if you have a large area or very high ceilings, opt for tall centrepieces such as a martini glass or flower vase to ensure the room doesn’t appear empty with lots of blank space.

If your venue is required to do a quick change during the day, you will want to make sure your centrepieces are easily moveable or not complicated to reassemble, as most properties will make these changes without your stylist there.

Take your supplier along before the big day so that you are both confident in your wishes!

Demi Merchant DM Event Decor www.facebook.com/dmeventdecor

www.shellsperling.co.uk

CHOOSING THE PERFECT FAVOURS

Wedding favours are generally a small token at the dining table to thank your guests for sharing your special day. It can be an added expensive, but it’s a really meaningful touch and a lovely way to thank your guests. Favours don’t have to be just at the table. There are lots of different ways of making your big day personal without breaking the bank. I recommend sticking with your theme and colour scheme throughout the planning process, have fun and make it personal to you. At the ceremony, you could have tissues with labels that read ‘for your happy tears’ or bubbles and confetti ready for walking down the aisle. During the drinks reception, try creating a scavenger hunt, then in the evening, offer your loved ones a basket of individual sweet bags and a hangover kit to take home. ❤ Decide if you want to offer something edible or not. ❤ Contact your suppliers approximately six months before the wedding. ❤ Let them know if you have a budget. ❤ Consider any additional costs such as delivery.

Here at Little Fairy Party Favours, we offer bespoke and personalised designs to suit your requirements and budget. Matched to your theme or colour scheme, we can provide several options for you to choose from.

07803078317 | lisa@weddingcakesbylisa.co.uk weddingsbylisabroughton.co.uk weddingcakesbylisa | weddingcakesbylisabroughton

DJ & Photographer 07854 372 410 Email: djkobbie@gmail.com Fb.com/djkobbiephotography Instagram.com/djkobbiephotography

Co-ordinating special events and weddings for the past 12 years Wedding Favours | Sweet Favours | Party Favours Personalised pre-filled party bags @littlefairypartyfavours

Personalised Wedding Gifts

Memorable presents for bride and groom

A good supplier will usually have a decent website as well as a Facebook page. They should have reviews and recommendations from previous clients and photos of their work. Make sure you look through them carefully but be aware you will always get one customer that will give an average or not so good review, such is human nature! Ask your friends and neighbours who they used.

Make sure the company is local and doesn’t have to travel hours. Be wary of those that don’t show their location.

If you see a florist you like the look of, ask your venue if they know them. Some properties have a list of preferred suppliers but don’t be put off if they’re not listed, as sometimes you have to pay to be featured. Give them a call. There’s nothing like talking to see if you’re going to like working with someone.

Find a knowledgeable and understanding florist/decorator. Someone who will listen to what you would like and put your ideas into reality. They should also be able to tell you if your ideas will work and provide alternative suggestions if not.

Meet up or video call to give a detailed list of your requirements. Provide them with any pictures you’ve seen and liked, colour samples and a moodboard if you have one. It’s also worth showing them pictures of your dress if you’ve chosen it, as this can affect the shape and style of your bouquet. If you have an embellished gown, then you may not want a shower bouquet that will cover it, but if you’ve opted for a plain design, then a shower or teardrop arrangement may be perfect.

I have a very large portfolio to show couples which includes thousands of photos and ideas. A portfolio will help you to see what you like and what fits into your theme.

Ask what flowers are in season to keep the cost down. I add embellishments like bows and diamantés for unusual colours such as navy blue. Mixing silk flowers that are not in season with those that are can also make it cheaper.

Annabel Grange Butterflies and Bows www.butterfliesandbows.co.uk

HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT SMILE

Plan ahead as some dental treatments take longer than others so take this into account before booking. There are a range of services available that will ensure you have a gorgeous smile on your big day.

A hygiene scale and polish can be done within one week of the wedding, teeth whitening in two weeks, composite bonding is four to six weeks, and teeth straightening should be done six to 18 months before the wedding.

Choose a dentist that will have available to suit you. If you’re having various procedures done, select a company that is multi-disciplinary. At Alan Wilson Dentistry, we offer many services under one roof, which saves you time and multiple trips!

Stay within your budget. Ask the practice about finance and practice plans which can help cover the cost of treatments.

Remember to continue to look after your oral health at home with good brushing and flossing!

Scelina Wilson Alan Wilson Dentistry www.alanwilsondentistry.co.uk