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| Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding magazine. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourberksbucksoxonwedding.com.
To view more Q&A's on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
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Hot topic: Keeping the guests happy |
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| Make sure everyone enjoys the day as much as
you with our expert advice |
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Subtle scents
Q. One of my bridesmaids is allergic to highly fragranced flowers. Can you suggest some blooms we could use that aren't too over-powering?
A. Karen Sopp says: There are flowers available that have little or no scent and my favourite for colour and versatility is ranunculus, which look like a mini peony and are available all year round. Ranunculus are part of the buttercup family and come in a variety of fabulous shades, from dark red to pink, orange, yellow and ivory. They are ideal for a soft, garden look or a more sophisticated design – mixing well with other non-scented flowers such as anemone.
A good florist will be able to show you flower combinations that work well for you and your bridesmaids, so you all have a happy and sniffle-free day. |
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Perfect pictures
Q. We're having a large wedding with more than 300 guests and as there are so many people to photograph, I'm a little worried that my husband-to-be and I won't have enough time for our photo shoot. How can we manage our schedule?
A. Sharon Ronan says: The best way to use your time efficiently is to combine groups within shots – for example, all friends together instead of individual groups of friends. To achieve this, you and your photographer should discuss and plan a number of formal photos before the big day so the order can be organised in advance.
During the drinks reception and speeches, I tend to use a long lens to take unobtrusive reportage photos of you and your guests, while you're relaxing and having fun. These photos are the perfect way to ensure all your friends and family are included in your wedding album. |
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Culture clash
Q. My husband-to-be is from America and lots of his family and friends are coming over for our big day. So far, we've been planning an English country garden-themed wedding but I'm starting to think we should incorporate some American elements as well. What type of things do you think would work?
A. Georgina Webb says: A wedding is the perfect time to celebrate your different heritages and they can work perfectly together to create a truly personal theme. If you're having an afternoon tea as part of your English country garden theme then why not add mini American treats, such as hot dogs, burgers, cream cheese bagels and glazed doughnuts, to the selection?
American weddings favour 'cocktail hour' rather than drinks receptions so embrace this tradition as part of your wedding with a signature cocktail alongside the Pimm's and add in food carts offering pancakes, waffles or even macaroni and cheese.
Lastly, don't forget the bunting. Add some American and British flags to your gingham and floral prints – a simple and stylish way to make your Stateside guests feel welcome. |
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Family fun
Q. My fiancé and I don't have children but there will be lots at our wedding. We're concerned they'll get bored and may cause a disruption so should we hire children's entertainers? What are our options?
A. Georgina Webb says: Having children at a wedding can be magical but, depending on their ages, they can easily get bored and distracted – let's face it, all the things we love about weddings can be very dull to a five-year-old. But if you keep children entertained during the speeches and long photo sessions then they'll be happy, leaving you, their parents and the other guests free to enjoy themselves.
Depending on your budget there are several options available, from hiring a nanny for the whole day to an entertainer or magician for a few hours. A cost-effective option is to provide party bags – they can be tailored to suit children of all ages with anything from colouring pads and pens to games and sweets.
Why not set a colouring competition for the younger guests and provide a pinboard for them to display their entries? Then later in the day award prizes to the winners. A child-friendly zone packed with games, toys, sofas and a DVD player would also give them the freedom to enjoy themselves. |
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Food, glorious food
Q. We're having a three-course dinner in the afternoon but our wedding is an all-day event and I'm concerned about the guests feeling hungry. What other times of the day should we serve food and what would you recommend?
A. Simon Denton says: The drinks reception, which takes place straight after the ceremony, offers the ideal opportunity for you to treat your guests to a teaser of the food they will be served at the wedding breakfast. Tasty canapés, such as courgette and sun-blushed tomato rolls with mozzarella and rocket or fillet of Welsh lamb served on rosemary skewers, will whet their appetite and ensure nobody goes hungry.
After the wedding breakfast and late into the evening, carb-heavy crowd-pleasers such as a gourmet cheese selection with crusty bread or doorstop sandwiches from a succulent hog roast will make everyone smile. |
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