WHAT’S ON THE MENU? Food and drink are a big part of the day and if you’d prefer an independent catering firm instead of the in-house team available at the venue (if external suppliers are allowed) then it’s important to secure the date you need in good time. Your big-day theme and venue will help determine the type of catering that works best, from formal fine dining (which suits a historic venue) to a fun feast of sharing platters and bowl food perfect for a summer celebration. Barbecues, hog roasts and quirky street food vans are other fun alternatives and are ideal for a festival-inspired party. Top tip: Depending on the time of the wedding breakfast, canapés might be needed beforehand. Dessert tables are a nice way to get guests mingling and they help to minimise waste. There’s also the option to serve your wedding cake as dessert for a purse-friendly choice. PETAL POWER The bridal bouquet can be modelled on the shape and style of the wedding dress while the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses can inspire the flower choices. Find a florist whose work you admire (Instagram is great for this) and secure the date you require. Top tip: Seasonal blooms are a more sustainable choice than varieties that are ordered (especially flown) in. SETTING THE TABLE Venue stylists will transform something ordinary into extraordinary. They’ll help with setting up, on-the-day styling and dismantling so you (or your loved ones) don’t have to, and they can advise on themes, colours and much more. If your budget doesn’t stretch to this and you’re planning some DIY touches then ask creative friends and family members to help. Top tip: Consider the lighting, which can transform a venue. A curtain of fairlylights looks oh-so romantic as do statement chandeliers suspended from the ceiling of a marquee. FROCK STAR This is where the fun starts - shopping for the little white dress (and other wedding attire). Brides-to-be should try the full bridal boutique experience. Be open to trying on different dress styles to see what suits you - often it can be the gown that you never thought would suit you that makes you feel like a million dollars. Take your bridal lingerie and shoes with you if you’ve already purchased them. If not, don’t panic, arrange a second dress fitting so you can return to the boutique to try everything on together. When it comes to bridesmaids’ gowns, it’s important to shop for a style that everyone feels comfortable in - this is easier with one or two bridesmaids than it is for a group but if having lots of your best girls is important to you then opt for multi-way dresses that can be styled in various ways to suit most body shapes. The colour (or colour palette) will set the tone for your flowers. Top tip: Grooms-to-be can wear the same suits or attire as their groomsmen, or stand out by sporting something different. Accessories such as ties, pocket handkerchiefs and waistcoats can be chosen in the same (or complementing) shades as the bridesmaids’ dresses to keep things matching. 59 WEDDING PLANNING
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