THE ICING ON THE CAKE Clare Deary at Cake On The Lake (www.cakeonthelake.com) says: There are so many ways to bring an elegant winter vibe to your wedding cake. Here are some ideas to get you started... •Dark and metallic colours are popular options for winter wedding cakes, since they embrace the festive, cosy vibe of the season. Navy blue, purple, silver, copper and gold are all gorgeous options especially if you’re having a formal or glamour-themed wedding. Adding metallic accents such as silver or gold leaf can give your cake an elegant touch. You can also use metallic cake toppers or ribbon to add some sparkle alongside sultry dark colours to complement. •A white wedding cake offers a stylish, flawless look and is a classic option that’s perfect all year long. An all-white design is the ideal representation of class, just like crisp white snow. It could even be accompanied by a romantic red and green floral design for a further seasonal twist. •Incorporating winter florals such as ivy, holly, pine cones and berries can add a touch of elegance to your big-day bake. You can also use dried flowers or white blooms such as roses or lilies to create a snowy effect with pearls, just like drops of snow. •Deep, dark green is an amazing winter wedding colour choice. It can look naturally rustic alone, or accompanied by golden accents its simply divine! •Figs are often seen in Christmas and winter recipes, so they’re a natural choice for winter bakes. Teamed with thistles and blackberries on a naked cake they bring the décor a wintry vibe. •A simple ivy-covered rustic wedding cake will work well with any décor, especially if you’re planning a whimsical wedding. Place on a log slice for added effect. YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding editor Kelly Andrews says: Winter is an incredible time of year to host a wedding, but just like the summer brings with it its very own set of challenges and considerations. Here are just a few things to bear in mind... •Dress for the weather. If you’re planning to pop outside for a photo or to make sure you’re prepared. Invest in a super-cute bridal bolero or cape to cover your shoulders, and take a pair of cosy boots to slip into – you don’t want to ruin those Jimmy Choo heels in the mud! •Don’t forget the beauty prep. Both the central heating and chill in the air will play havoc with your skin. Be sure to pack a hydrating mist for a spritz during the day and a lip balm to keep that pout kissably soft. •Photography. Work with your photographer ahead of time to discuss potential backdrops for your couple shots and devise a plan A and B in case the weather doesn’t allow you get outside. They’ll have the correct lighting and techniques required for fab interior shots, so fear not. But armed with your date, ask potentials for examples of their nighttime and indoor work. Remember, even if it’s dry timing is everything. •Start early. It’s a good idea to plan your ceremony for slightly earlier in the day in order to maximise daylight. Particularly on dull days, a 3pm ceremony could seem like twilight “I dos” even if that’s not what you had in mind. •Opt for an all-in-one venue. To save you and your guests braving the rain, or indeed snow, choose a venue that can host your entire day from ceremony to celebrations. Everyone can stay cosy all day and there’s no need to worry about hairdos going astray or dresses becoming bedraggled. •Christmas decs. It’s a good idea to ask your venue whether they’re likely to have their own Christmas decorations up at the time of your wedding. If so, see if you can get an idea of what they’ve got planned as they may or may not coordinate with your own styling vision. WINTER WARMER Alicia Cox from Talhenbont Hall (https://talhenbonthall.co.uk) says: It all starts with the perfect venue. During the winter, the days are short and the nights are long, so it’s always worth choosing somewhere that’s truly magical during the day and night. Selecting a venue with oodles of charm, characterful spaces and enchanting grounds will provide the perfect start to planning that elegant winter wonderland. To create an elegant winter vibe, choosing your colour scheme will be the next big step. You may want that modern look and may opt for cleaner colours, white with a hint of emerald green to delight your guests. Alternatively, why not take the season literally and bring that festive cheer with emerald greens, ruby reds and purples? These are always firm favourites bringing a touch of warmth to any special day. A true winter wonderland wouldn’t be complete without plenty of sparkle and lights. Choosing the right lighting is just as important as your choice of flowers for example, particularly with those shorter days the proper illumination helps to tie your day together. Don’t forget those candles! Candlelight will give you that sought after romantic, warm, cosy feel. Simply gorgeous white trees, crystal garlands, wreaths, Christmas trees, and frosted decorations are but a few styling options to choose from to bring your winter wedding to life. Why not delight your guests with a few cosy touches too, such as making soft, fluffy blankets available in your colour scheme? And when choosing your venue, don’t forget to look out for those real open fires. www.andrewcockerill.com ASK THE EXPERTS 53
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=