Your East Midlands Wedding - Feb/Mar 2019 (Issue 30)

What style of background music would you suggest for our ceremony to create a lovely romantic vibe? Bethany says: The most important thing is that you choose something that reflects you as a couple. The key to creating the atmosphere you want is in the arrangements your supplier uses. I have some fantastic, pared back arrangements for the cello and piano of tracks by Calvin Harris, Arcade Fire and Rhianna that you wouldn’t think of picking but that actually create a really relaxed, romantic ambience. If your supplier doesn’t have recordings on their website then ask if they could put a sample selection together for you, or better still if there’s a chance of seeing them play live try and see them. This way you’ll get a feel of their performance style and will be able to see if it fits with what you want. Meet the expert: Bethany’s a solo cellist using quality piano backing tracks to accompany her. She loves to provide high quality music for intimate venues and celebrations. Bethany Morris | Solo cellist bethanymorrismusic.com Creating the ambience I’m struggling to come up with ideas for our cake design. What do you suggest for the ultimate show-stopper? Sophie says: The most important thing is to find a designer whose portfolio you adore and who’ll listen to your inspiration and create your show-stopping bake! Gather ideas before meeting for a consultation and look out for textures that you like and colours that suit your theme. When meeting with your pro, describe how you imagine your day to look and feel. The more you paint a picture for them the easier it’ll be to create your vision.  Dress the cake table with a gorgeous stand, decorative runner, candles and display a bouquet on there too. The ultimate show-stopper will be one that blends seamlessly with the rest of your day, but doesn’t just sit in the corner of the room – it should scream “look at me and eat me!” Meet the expert: Sophie created The Confetti Cakery three years ago and recently won 2018 Best Wedding Cake Designer in the East Midlands at The Wedding Industry Awards. Sophie Taylor | Cake expert theconfetticakery.co.uk A SLICE OF PERFECTION Setting the scene Our marquee venue’s a blank canvas so we can create our style. What can we do with our décor to create a gorgeous romance-filled theme? Lisa says: A Valentine’s Day wedding would be so romantic! We’re still feeling that bite in the air at this time of the year so I’d suggest that you fill the marquee with lots of deep warm colours and soft lighting. A curtained wooden draped frame awash with winter foliage and deep red flower heads would welcome the guests as they enter. For your entrance, line the walkway with cylinder vases containing church candles and scatter the floor with petals. I’d dress each table with candle-filled glassware on a bed of petals and use Champagne-coloured chair hoods to soften the look of the room. Giant ‘Love’ letters add lighting and a focal point to the room. Use soft fabric drapes on your top table along with lots of blooms, candles and glassware running the full length of the table to tie in with the centrepieces. To add the finishing touch, place floral pillars throughout the marquee to bring the outside in. Meet the expert: Lisa’s been working in the wedding and event industry for over 11 years and specialises in bespoke big-day styling. Lisa Kitts | Décor expert huckstersfirepot.co.uk theconfetticakery.co.uk theconfetticakery.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 61