HOP INTO SPRING My wife-to-be and I want a customised service for our spring-themed wedding and are thinking of booking a celebrant. Do you have any ideas on how we can incorporate our theme and make the day personal? Having a theme for a wedding can sound crazy to some as the wedding itself is the theme, yet having been in business for over a decade and planned my own wedding, trust me, a theme or baseline makes planning so much easier. Spring is an excellent theme. The magic of a celebrant is that we get to celebrate your love through a bespoke script. We can talk about how the spring theme was a real inspiration, how this is a new chapter of your life, and we can tailor-make your choice of readings and music to reflect that exciting energy. You could even rewind to Henry VII’s days when he had Morris dancers to awaken the spring energy with their bells and sticks – whatever takes your fancy! Incorporating your theme to make the day more personal is precisely what having a celebrant-led ceremony is all about. Helen Noble www.helen-noble.co.uk TREASURED MEMORIES I want to have a first dance with my dad, but he’s shy. How can we build his confidence before the big day? Weddings are a wonderful way for friends and family to come together to celebrate the couple as well as their love. At First Dance Studios, we have helped more than 2,000 couples and wedding parties make their wedding dance something unique and personal. This dance is a celebration of family and a moment to be really proud of. We’ve picked up some tips over the years and know some dads and daughters might be a little shy when stepping out onto the dancefloor. Our top tip is to practice, practice, practice. Your teacher will ensure that you both learn the steps, feel the music, listen out for musical cues, know how you can talk to each other verbally and with your hands, and so much more. All you need to do is spend the time listening and dancing over and over, and yes, practice does make the wedding day perfect. Start learning a choreographed routine about six to eight weeks before the wedding. This helps get the dance into your muscle and mind memory and make those dancing feet, dance! As well as practicing the steps, you also need to work on performance. Your teacher will guide you through the dance together in terms of staging. At First Dance Studios, we work on visualising the venue where the dance will take place, what the lightning will be, where the band or DJ will be. All this so you have a mental reference as you practice so that it isn’t a surprise on the day. Always remember, the crowd will be with you, cheering you on so we encourage you to use that energy and go for it. They are watching with joy and love, so work with that and dance it out in style. The most important thing is to have fun, it’s a party after all, and pick music that you both enjoy. The team at First Dance Studios www.firstdancestudios.co.uk OCEAN WAVES Our wedding is near a beach, and we’d love to visit to get some wonderful photographs, but I’m worried about ruining my dress or it being too windy! Do you have any ideas of how we can achieve this? If you’re getting married on or near a beach, then lucky you! You must take full advantage and get those all-important beach shots. Don’t worry about sand on your dress, it will brush off, and any wind or breeze will only add drama to the image. You don’t have to touch the sand; you can do what you’re comfortable with. You can position yourself on the sidewalk or pier or even balance on some rocks. My only advice would be for the bride not to do this in heels. A nice pair of flats on the beach will make it all the more comfortable and enjoyable. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun in your photos. Eray Kaya www.irockvisuals.com www.irockvisuals.com www.paigemary.co.uk Getty Images 60
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