Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas HOT TOPIC THE PERFECT SETTING We’re about to start searching for a wedding venue, what advice can you share with us to help the process? Booking viewings with your shortlisted venues is a great starting point. Each tour will allow you to fully appreciate the spaces and get a good idea of the type of service offered. You can then discuss the options available to personalise your day with the event organiser. The team will want to learn all about you both and the special day. Take this opportunity to share your vision as much as possible, including likes, dislikes, must-haves and more. The experienced team will discuss what can be achieved and may inspire you with further suggestions. Here are some essential questions to ask when visiting venues... ❤ What catering options are available, and can special dietaries be catered for? ❤ What’s the venue’s maximum capacity, and do minimum numbers apply? ❤ Are there any additional services on offer, such as a DJ? Annabel Oman | The Novotel Southampton www.facebook.com/NovotelSouthampton www.alexmastellone.com IT’S PARTY TIME We’re thinking of booking our entertainment, but we’re a bit worried about booking someone online that we’ve never met. Do you have any suggestions? It’s always worth checking if you could meet the supplier or, depending on the entertainment service offered, visit one of their events to see what they’re like in person. If you’re unable to do this, there are other ways to allay any fears of booking entertainment online. Research their services and check out the photos or videos of them performing. Look at reviews across various platforms to see what previous customers have said. Many who take the time to leave reviews will also explain the type of vibe the entertainer has, so you can check if they would work for your day. It’s understandable if they’re just starting out, but be careful if they’ve been around awhile without reviews. You want to ensure everything goes smoothly when booking suppliers and vendors without getting caught out. You’ll need to be able to contact any company in multiple ways. Although communicating on social media is straightforward, it also makes it easy for any scammers to disappear – make sure to get a proper phone number and email address. In addition, ensure you get full T&C’s or a contract that details exactly what is offered and any relevant company numbers. Lastly, make sure to get wedding insurance. Laura Fazackarley | Funbooth Ltd | www.funbooth.uk.com WHAT’S COOKING? We’re having a relaxed and informal wedding and we would love to wow our guests with a tasty barbecue. What advice can you share with us? I believe choice, variety and quality are the key points to consider when creating a tasty menu. Include an additional barbecue if you’re having a hog roast with stuffing, pork crackling, chipolatas, chicken, bacon, veggie platters and halloumi sticks. It’s worth paying a bit extra to upgrade to Angus steak burgers, butcher quality sausages and filo king prawns. Give vegetarians a good variety and incorporate an adjoining accompanying buffet serving a variety of salads, cheese boards, breads, and carrot sticks to give your guests options. All sauces, condiments and disposables should offer a variety and be easily accessible. Sayed Soliman Mobile BBQ & Catering www.mobilebbq.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 81
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