Your Kent Wedding - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 85)

CHEERS! What drinks can you recommend for a fresh summer wedding? As a light, refreshing alternative to champagne, the perfect fizz for a wedding this summer would be the Ca’ di Alte, Prosecco Frizzante. Made from the Glera grape like all traditional prosecco, it’s a delicate and bright green colour and tastes fresh and fruity, with hints of pear. There’s also a subtle sweetness from the fruit flavours. Alternatively, if you’re after something with lower alcohol – after all, a summer wedding can mean a long afternoon of drinking in the sun – then you can’t beat the Moscato d’Asti di Strevi. It’s a sparkling wine with only 5.5% ABV. There’s a sweetness to this wine that makes it very drinkable, and the fruit from the Moscato grape balances with its fresh, lively acidity. Finally, if you want traditional brut flavours, it’s worth exploring the English alternatives to champagne. We particularly like the Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve. This award-winning wine is vibrant and refreshing sure to be a hit with your guests. Su Askew, hollingtonwine.co.uk SUMMER CHIC We have a gorgeous summer wedding planned, and my mum, bless her, is having a real dilemma about what she should wear. What’s on-trend at the moment in terms of colour and style? The trends we see when we‘re buying for the season ahead are neutral colours and pastels. Navy is still a very strong colour, as well as taupe. Dresses are in vogue, as well as jackets to wear with them.  Go to a specialist boutique with an open mind. Summer collections are now coming in, and your mum will have a wide choice so she can pick what’s right for her. It’s about the fit, as well as what’s on- trend. Try on as many different styles and colours as possible, and the boutique owner will guide you with accessories. Style will win the day! Alexandra Horne, jessica-kennedy.co.uk UNDER CANVAS We’d like to hold our reception in a marquee, but we really don’t know where to start. Can you advise on our first steps?  Once you’ve found a venue with a super view, you’ll need to select your marquee company and give them a call. The first things to discuss will be the number of guests and style of wedding you’re dreaming of. Your consultant will then be able to put together a rough quote for an all-singing, all-dancing marquee and organise a site visit. You’ll then meet them at your chosen venue, field or garden, and at this point, your quote can be tailored specifically to you, and the company will set about careful planning so that you can relax. Lucy Aston, bestintentsmarquees.co.uk richardgreenlyphoto.co.uk 94