HOT TOPIC: wedding worries Our experts solve your problems CAPTURING MEMORIES How can we ensure our photographer is the right fit for our big day? Choosing the right photographer can be difficult as there are lots of things you need to consider. The first thing you should do is look at websites and social media pages or go to a wedding fair for some inspiration. Find a supplier whose work you like whether that’s documentary, posed or someone who specialises in dramatic portraits. Once you have a shortlist, contact your favourite and see if they are free on your wedding date. After this, meet with them and see how you get along and how you feel in their company. You will be spending one of the most important days of your life with them, so it’s essential that you feel comfortable and happy around them. Don’t book at the first meeting. Take a few hours and chat with your fiancé to see how you both felt. If you both feel positive, then get booking. If not, don’t worry! Contact another from your shortlist and go through the process again. Just make sure you let the photographer know whether you want to book or not, as it means your date can be secured or released for someone else. Christina Davies www.fish2.co.uk DAZZLING DÉCOR Our wedding is fast approaching, and we need to book a venue stylist. What should we take into consideration before making a decision? Booking your venue stylist is an exciting step in the wedding planning process. It’s also an area that many couples feel anxious about, as the decision will set the tone for the rest of your day. Before booking, ask your stylist the below questions to ensure they’re the right fit for you: Do they offer moodboards, sample boards or mock setups as part of their package? Do they provide table linens? Sometimes these are provided by the venue, stylist or caterer. Do they break down the different décor costs, so you can tweak things if your budget changes? What is their deadline for making any changes to your order? Dai Watson www.allurevenuestyling.co.uk www.fish2.co.uk FESTIVE DELIGHTS What flavours would you suggest for a winter-themed wedding cake? Most cake makers will provide you with a sample box which is the perfect opportunity to try some flavour combinations that you may not have previously considered. Winter weddings are the perfect time to indulge in rich, decadent flavours such as chocolate with cappuccino buttercream, sticky toffee drizzled with salted caramel and chocolate cake paired with a mint-infused dark chocolate ganache. Coffee and walnut with layers of expresso buttercream, and chocolate and orange marble cake with orange-infused chocolate ganache are also great options. Offering perfectly paired flavour combinations will ensure your guests have the best of both worlds. Some great options include lemon cake layered with tangy lemon curd and white chocolate ganache, indulgent white chocolate and raspberry with a white chocolate ganache, creamy coconut layered with tangy lime curd and coconut buttercream, and almond and cherry sponge drizzled with almond sugar syrup and a velvety smooth cherry buttercream. My advice would be to choose at least two flavours to give your guests a choice. Many couples now opt for a different flavour for each tier. Remember your cake should reflects you, so go with an unusual flavour combination if that’s what makes you happy. Lindsey Alexandra www.lindseyalexandra.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 45
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