DATES FOR THE DIARY We’re recently engaged and are already feeling overwhelmed by choice! There are so many wonderful wedding suppliers in our area, how on earth do we start to narrow it down to the best fit for us? Kelly Andrews, editor of Your Sussex Wedding, says: My top tip would be to attend at least one local wedding show. You’ll have a couple of options to look out for here. Often, wedding venues will host wedding showcases where their recommended suppliers get together to demonstrate how amazing they can make the space look. Not only is this great for inspiration, but also a safe space, as you know the suppliers you meet are 100 per cent trusted by the venue you’ve chosen and are experienced collaborators. Venue stylists for example will know how to bring out the setting’s best assets and complement its decor, while photographers will know the absolute top spots for capturing those allimportant couple shots. We also highly recommend checking out any grander-scale wedding shows. Often exhibitors will have some great show-exclusive deals for you to benefit from. And while you might be spoilt for choice in terms of sheer volume of suppliers here, what it does offer is an unmissable opportunity to chat to the experts in person and begin to narrow things down. You’ll very quickly get a feel for who might and might not be the one for your vision just from a quick chat or even simply looking at their stand. We always say that when assembling your dream team who’ll help you put together arguably the biggest day of your life, a rapport is crucial as is a fundamental understanding and appreciation of your vision. So, see if you click. What’s more, these bigger shows will have organised plenty of experiences for you throughout the day to inspire. You’ll get to hear entertainers perform and demonstrate just what they can do. You may never have thought of a string quartet until you hear one and fall in love. The catwalk shows are an absolute must! Nothing beats seeing a stream of stunning designs sweep down the runway, giving you an idea of how the top looks move on the body as well as the vibe they exude. By the end, you’ll be ready to head to your boutique appointment excited and ready with a brief for your consultant. Aside from the essential planning tool wedding fairs provide, they also offer a wonderful day out allowing you to fully enjoy the process. Grab your best girls, and/or your spouse-to-be and make a day of it! MELTING! We’re getting married during the height of summer so we’re a bit worried about the effects of scorching temperatures on our cake! Do you have any advice for us? Michelle Ware from A Little Bit Naughty (https://alittlebitnaughty.co.uk) says: Excessive heat is every cake maker’s worst enemy, especially when it comes to buttercream cakes. Buttercream begins to melt in temperatures above 25°C, often within just 30 minutes. So, can you still enjoy a buttercream cake during summer? Absolutely. Most event venues are equipped with air conditioning or good ventilation, and staff are usually aware of the need to keep cakes away from direct sunlight or heat sources. They can also relocate the cake if necessary to a cooler spot to protect it. I once delivered a four-tier semi-naked cake to a marquee venue in a field, and the temperature soared to over 32°C. To manage the heat, I scheduled the delivery for late afternoon, allowing me to avoid the hottest part of the day. The cake was displayed for only about an hour before being cut and served, which worked beautifully. For those planning a cake in high heat, there are additional precautions you can take. If you’re opting for a fondant-covered cake, I highly recommend using a ganache layer underneath. Ganache provides more structure and stability, helping your cake hold up better in warm conditions. Anita Austvika on Unsplash 58
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