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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: Guest issues |
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| Whatever worries you have regarding your big day, our experts are here to guide you through. |
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Love at first site
Q. I would like to create a website for our guests that includes information about our wedding day and that also lets them RSVP online, but I've no idea how expensive this is to do or even if it is something I could do myself. Where do I start?
A. Nadia Hagger says: Wedding websites are useful for keeping guests informed and can also provide a lovely keepsake. I would suggest you have a look online where you will find various options that allow you to create an easily customised themed website yourself. Some are even free up until your first wedding anniversary when you have the option of purchasing a website DVD or paying a fee to keep your site running. This gives you and your guests plenty of time to upload and share photos of your special day.
The most popular websites can be password protected and include features such as online RSVP, accommodation and road maps, a wedding blog, photo album and links to online gift lists. Simply send out the web address and password with your wedding invitations once your site is up and running. |
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Evening all
Q. We are working to a tight budget for our wedding so have decided to invite a small number of daytime guests but have a bigger evening reception, inviting guests for 'drinks, dancing and dessert'. The evening is going to be a very special and fun part of our day so we would like our reception invitations to reflect this. What would you suggest?
A. Sharon Everett says: Some wedding stationery companies offer bespoke services so if there is a theme you are following for your wedding, it can be incorporated in your invitations. As you are asking your guests to drinks, dancing and dessert, why not make your evening invitations novelty ones, such as a champagne or cocktail glass shaped design, or you could have a photo of both of you scanned onto the front or drawn as a caricature. Working to a tight budget is always hard, so you might want to look for a stationery designer who offers package pricing so you can choose one that best suits your budget. Or, with a bespoke service, the package can be tailor-made for you. |
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Maternity test
Q. One of my bridesmaids has just told me she is pregnant. It's wonderful news and I'm really happy for her but I am worried about her dress. I have two other bridesmaids and ideally I would like them to be coordinated. What styles would work for all of them and can her dress be altered?
A. Debbie Meads says: Try not to get too worked up about it. If you visit a reputable bridal store they should have a skilled dressmaker who will be able to make alterations to accommodate your bridesmaid.
However, if the style you were thinking of was something light, slinky or fitted you may need to have a rethink, as some styles are more practical than others. There are a few options you could consider.
Some companies actually do maternity versions of dresses, so all your bridesmaids would be able to wear the same. Floaty, chiffon styles which are only fitted on the bust are a good option, however, you would need to order a larger size to accommodate the baby and have a good dressmaker to hand who can adjust the bust to fit. You could also have your pregnant bridesmaid in a more accommodating style than your other two, but in the same fabric and colour. |
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Adults only
Q. My fiancé and I have a lot of friends who have young children, and as much as we like them we have decided that we want our wedding to be an adult-only day. How can we explain that their children are not invited without offending them?
A. Nadia Hagger says: While many guests will welcome an adult-only day, this is a delicate situation possibly resulting in those with very young children being unable to attend due to childcare restrictions. It is polite to give a short explanation either verbally or in with your invitations.
I would suggest using wording such as: 'Due to the venue capacity we are regrettably unable to extend invitations to children. We sincerely hope no offence is taken and look forward to you sharing our big day with us. Thank you for your understanding'.
If necessary you could also mention an age cut-off point, for example those under 18. A good compromise would be to source some local hotels that provide a babysitting service and include a list of them in with your invitations. It is then up to the parents to decide whether they would rather arrange alternative cover or use the hotel option. |
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Do me a favour
Q. We are looking to add some quirky and colourful touches to our wedding day and thought favours could be a great way to do this. I'd like them to be edible, but sugared almonds just don't do it for me. Is there something unique we can give our guests?
A. Sam Elkins says: Beautifully iced cookies are a great alternative to sugared almonds for your wedding guests. Five miniature cookies would be a great option and can still represent those traditional sentiments of the almond bomboniere.
Or how about an attractive display of cake pops on each table for your guests to share, or cute mini cupcakes in individual boxes?
All of these can be decorated to co-ordinate with your colour and theme, and wrapped goodies can also double as place names, either with a tag or personally iced for each guest.
Mini cupcakes could be co-ordinated with the main wedding cake. Another option for each guest would be a gorgeous little bag of retro sweets. |
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