Wedding planner NOTES
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2 . D R E S S S AV I O U R
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f you spill red wine on your wedding dress, the second worst thing you can do is to pour white wine on it. The very worst is to rub salt into the stain – it's a fixative and is likely to set the stain forever. In fact, the advice from Bentley Garment Care is not to touch stains. The familyowned company has a glowing reputation among bridal designers and the theatre industry for being able to work miracles when it comes to restoring the finest garments. Director Claire Bedworth says: “We know that scheduling dry cleaning for your dress can seem another expense at an expensive time, but it can be save your dress. The quicker we get to a stain, the more likely it is we can remove it.” The team do everything by hand – also undertaking repairs on even the most delicate materials, including beading and lace. And wedding veils and satin shoes can also be restored. Dresses are returned boxed and in acid-free tissue paper and you can even arrange a pick-up for your dress from your venue or home via their wedding concierge service. bentleygarmentcare.com
3 . B LO O M T I M E
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hether you choose cones, pouches or go for broke and buy enough to fill buckets, natural petals are the way to go for a romantic confetti shower. Shropshire Petals grows acres of blooms, including cornflowers, delphiniums and pot marigolds, to create a harmonious blend of natural dried
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petals – you can even create a ‘pick and mix’ to match your wedding colours. If you aren't already sold on the idea of flowers that support bees and wildlife before they shower you, then consider the fact that many venues prefer (or stipulate) petal confetti for the simple reason that it’s eco-friendly, looks lovely when it’s scattered and will naturally biodegrade or waft away in the breeze. At Shropshire Petals, throwing confetti costs from £12.25 a litre, and you’ll have hours of fun choosing your mix. shropshirepetals.com
4. WHIZZ BANG
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hile fireworks are a spectacular way to mark your wedding day, it is important to get the planning and the safety elements right – especially as not every venue welcomes the noise or the potential hazards of traditional fireworks. But even if you have limitations, speak
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to a professional company. Le Maitre Events offers the full outdoor pyrotechnics show, but also spectacular whizz bang effects using gerbs, confetti streamers and cartridges – even smoke effects for your first dance. They also have all the expertise to plan the event and liaise direct with your venue so you get the magic of a proper show. lemaitreevents.com
5 . CA K E C R U S H
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erhaps it’s the nation’s love of all things baking related at the moment, but wedding cakes have never been so creative. From naked to handpainted to dripping with fruit and caramel, there is a cake to suit every palate. Among our favourite trends are the cake table, a creative arrangement where everyone chooses a slice, cupcake or cookie they love (try The Enchanting Cake Company). We also love a tiered cake that’s taken to the limit. Ann’s Designer Cakes (pictured left) has some beauties. And if you can’t see a cake you’d want to eat, our advice is to find someone to design your dream. We don’t know a wedding baker who doesn’t love a creative challenge. For great cake ideas, see page 103.
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