COOKING UP A STORM What should we keep in mind when booking our wedding caterers? Find a supplier who offers a choice menu at no additional cost to the couple. This allows guests with dietary requirements to choose a suitable option for each course. We offer a barbecue option that includes three meats per guest. If vegans or vegetarians are attending, we substitute these items with meat-free alternatives. Our menu includes a dietary code next to each dish, indicating which options can be made gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, or vegetarian. For guests with specific dietary requirements or allergies, find a team like ours that can cater to their individual needs and prepare meals separately to avoid cross-contamination. It’s always helpful for couples to gather dietary information from their guests when sending out invitations, so they can provide their caterer with as much detail as possible. Gerald Littlehales | Ridgway Caterers www.ridgwaycaterers.co.uk LET LOVE BLOOM What should we consider when choosing wedding confetti? Biodegradable petal confetti is the way to go! Not only is it environmentally friendly – creating a haven for wildlife while growing – but it’s also naturally beautiful. Imagine being surrounded by loved ones as they shower you with delicate flower petals to celebrate your wedding day. Petal confetti uses fewer resources than paper confetti and requires no clean-up, as it naturally breaks down, leaving no trace behind. It’s even what most venues recommend. A win for your dream wedding, and a win for the planet. Choosing your confetti colour? There’s no right or wrong option! Most couples choose petals that match their colour scheme, but contrasting colours can create a bold, wow-factor moment. Choose what you love or create your own bespoke mix! How much do you need? We get this question all the time. One litre of petals provides 10 to 12 handfuls. Keep in mind that not everyone needs to throw. We recommend enough for at least half of your guests. So, for 100 guests, five litres would cover half, and 10 litres would cover everyone. There’s no such thing as too much confetti as the more you have, the more photo opportunities your photographer will have to capture those unforgettable moments. Try our free Shropshire Petals online confetti calculator to find out how much you’ll need. Petal confetti lasts because it’s dried! Delphinium and wildflower petals can keep their shape and colour for up to 12 months, while rose and hydrangea petals last around five months. So, whether you want white hydrangeas in winter or yellow calendula in spring, we’ve got you covered! Ashley Evers-Swindell | Shropshire Petals www.shropshirepetals.co.uk SIGNED, SEALED, ILLUSTRATED What goes into the process of creating custom illustrated calligraphy for weddings? Creating bespoke artwork for weddings is a unique and meaningful process. For many couples, it may be their first time commissioning custom illustrations or calligraphy, so it’s important that the experience feels approachable, collaborative, and personal. The journey usually begins with a conversation. Initial discussions are key to exploring ideas, thoughts, and themes. It’s also a chance to offer suggestions based on the couple’s vision and help shape how calligraphy and illustration can beautifully tie together the aesthetic of the day. At initial discussions I listen carefully to ideas, thoughts and themes, making suggestions as necessary. When writing place cards, I write out a variety of scripts and send a scan to each client for perusal. Equally, couples are also welcome to visit me to discuss face-to-face. When a script has been chosen, I will write a sample in various colours. Any shade can be mixed and matched for your wedding theme, including metallic inks. When the commission is for more involved artwork, such as a Bible verse, wedding vows, a wedding day keepsake, or a bespoke monogram using a couple’s initials, the process takes longer but follows the same principle. I draft pencil designs and email a scan for discussion. It is such a pleasure to develop these ideas until my clients are happy. The final draft would then be drawn up and completed as finished artwork before being collected or posted. At the moment, I’m writing names on mini wooden surfboards for a themed wedding taking place in France. The table plan will be on a full-size surfboard! Whether you’re looking for a timeless design or something completely unique, it’s always worth having a conversation with your supplier to explore what’s possible – no pressure, just creativity. Peter Lloyd | The Pigsty Studio | www.thepigstystudio.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 67
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