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| Here is a selection of Q&As from An Essex Wedding magazine. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@anessexwedding.com.
To view more Q&A's on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
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Hot topic: Family matters |
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| Whatever worries you have regarding your big day, our experts are here to guide you through |
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Entertainment for all
Q. We're looking for the perfect entertainment for our wedding. We've invited a large number of guests of all ages and don't know where to start to find something special that will cater to all tastes. What would you recommend for us?
A. Nadia Hagger says: To wow your guests I would suggest having some live background music during your welcome drinks and photographs, then fabulous singing waiters during your wedding breakfast. Giant garden games or a treasure hunt would provide additional fun for the children.
For your evening entertainment, ensure that your band or DJ has a wide repertoire and ask people for song requests to keep the dancefloor busy. Your senior guests will also appreciate a quieter area away from the speakers to sit and chat. Caricaturists, magicians and casinos are also popular choices. Budget depending, fireworks will make a memorable finale, but consider having fire jugglers as an alternative. Sky lanterns won't break your budget and are incredibly romantic if the weather conditions are right. |
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Rose-tinted traditions
Q. My fiancé and I are not traditionalists but my grandmother is adamant we have a classic red rose bouquet. We both agree it's not for us and won't fit in with our colour scheme. Is it possible to have a traditional bouquet that's made of more modern blooms?
A. Claire May Sankey says: There are many ways to please both traditionalists and the modern bride. I would suggest still using roses but selecting varieties that complement your choice of colour scheme - this should ensure you grandmother approves. Incorporating other flowers into the bouquet, such as hydrangea and different foliage, to soften the overall appearance will create a timeless look.
If you wish to personalise your blooms further, consider using material around the stems and finish with a brooch - perhaps your grandmother has one you could borrow?
Alternatively, if you feel that this is too much of a departure from a traditional red rose bouquet, consider opting for white roses instead, as they will complement any colour scheme. |
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Location, Location
Q. My fiancé and I are struggling to agree on where to have our ceremony. He is insisting on his local church as that's where his relatives live, however my parents feel strongly about theirs too and would be upset if we didn't choose to have our big day there. Do you have any ideas for a solution?
A. Nadia Hagger says: This dilemma can be solved with a little compromise from both parties. It is traditional for a wedding to be held in the bride's home town - especially if her parents are contributing towards the cost. I would suggest that you follow tradition by holding your ceremony at your local church.
To compromise you could then transport your guests to a reception location which is nearer to your fiancé's local area. Another option would be to have a blessing and party in your fiancé's home town after the honeymoon. |
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Snap happy
Q. My father is upset because my fiancé and I don't want his girlfriend to be in the formal family photographs. How can I explain to him that it's just for direct family members without upsetting him?
A. Scott Johnson says: This is always a tough question to approach and I'm often asked this by couples in the lead up to their weddings. As tricky as the subject is, your dad must accept your wishes - after all, it's your day. However, I would suggest to him that once the formal shots are completed, you'll be more than happy to pose for a snap with him and his girlfriend in a more informal manner. Your photographer would then take photos of the four of you away from any unwanted attention. |
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Let them eat cake
Q. My dream wedding cake would be made of creamy Belgian chocolate, but my mother-in-law is lactose intolerant. Can you recommend a suitable option that is similar in texture but is safe for her to enjoy?
A. Sarah Gummer says: Wedding cakes should not only look amazing but also taste delicious. Rich, creamy flavours are usually very popular.
An option that I would suggest is to have different flavours for each tier. That way you can have some creamy, chocolate layers as well as a tier which is less rich, such as vanilla sponge or a dairy-free option. This may also appeal to guests who are not so keen on the richness of chocolate.
Many suppliers can offer cakes for special dietary requirements and this way everyone gets to have a slice and you can be worry free without compromising your personal taste. |
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Perfect presents
Q. My bridesmaids have been an amazing help planning the wedding and I'd love to get them all some pretty jewellery in return. I can't afford anything too lavish, is there anything you can recommend that is still a suitable gift?
A. Monica Pennino says: The secret to this dilemma lies in choosing something that your bridesmaids can wear on the day to complement their attire, but will also wish to wear time and time again. Pearls are the perfect accompaniment to any wedding outfit and nowadays there is a wide selection available, in many different shades. You can choose colours to complement their dresses and also provide your hard working best friends with a modern yet classic piece.
The choice is endless but I would suggest this pretty pearl bracelet from our Special Moments Collection. More suited to younger bridesmaids and flowergirls it will act as a beautiful thank you gift for them to treasure. We also have stunning Keishi pearls in varies shades for the older attendants. |
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