Ask the experts

Here is a selection of Q&As from An Essex Wedding magazine. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@anessex.wedding.

To view more Q&A's on a different topic, please select one from the list below.

Hot topic: Step into spring

Our experts advise on how to host the perfect seasonal big day

Going green

Q. We're looking to have a marquee reception and would love to decorate it in keeping with the season – what do you suggest?

A. Karen Lambert says: Springtime is ideal for creating the most colourful and beautiful day in a marquee! I'd suggest a woodland or Narnia theme as this creates a great atmosphere without being too much.

Fill the space with plenty of lush greenery and fresh flowers with some added sparkle to make it an extra special setting.

Hello, gorgeous

Q. I'm due to tie the knot in early May and I want to have a soft, romantic make-up look. How can I achieve this?

A. Kirsty Whitworth says: Start with a good primer to give yourself a smooth base and perfect your eye make-up first so that any loose powder can be cleaned away without removing foundation.

A smoky eye is perfect for a romantic look but instead of dark hues stick to a neutral palette of gold, light brown and nude colours, which allow your eyes to be the focal point. Even out your lids with a light shade before applying intensity with the warmer tones – finish with charcoal liner and smudge with a cotton bud to keep it soft, then a couple of coats of mascara to lengthen those lashes!

Use a good but natural foundation such as a light mineral liquid, but be sure to conceal blemishes first so that your skin appears even.

Apply a shimmering highlighter along the cheek bone for a soft dewy look and then a light pink blush on the apples of your cheeks. I prefer to pair a smoky eye with a paler pink lip and just a hint of gloss for the perfect finishing touch.

Feeling floral

Q. I'd love to have a botanical or floral-themed wedding day. How can I incorporate this into my stationery?

A. Sarah Barrett says: There are so many ways to incorporate florals into your big-day stationery. Start by looking at the wedding stationers whose designs you like and see if they have any off-the-peg ranges that feature the type of flowers you plan to be using. You can use Pinterest to build a board of inspiration and use this to have a bespoke set of stationery made too. Florals in stationery design can be any style from bold and graphic to a soft watercolour – there are also more subtle ways of incorporating a botanical theme: envelope liners, personalised stickers or belly bands are a great way to keep your main stationery more simple but to give the packaging a twist.

Favours could be mini plants or personalised seed packets. We can also print items such as menus or favour tags on to plantable paper!

Seasonal style

Q. We're having very young children as part of our bridal party this May. From what age can they wear morning suits and what styles do you recommend?

A. Danielle Harvey says: You can hire or buy full traditional suits from age 18 months upwards, including trousers, jackets, waistcoats and cravats. However, I would seriously consider the child's age, temperament and the season. Do you really want to be putting a toddler in a three-piece suit for an spring or summer wedding?

There are some fab alternatives to traditional hire. Attire for May nuptials should be lightweight, cool and comfortable; consider linen trousers with a cotton shirt.

Finally, shoes – if they haven't already got a pair that's suitable, make sure you meet the parents and take the pageboys or flowergirls along for a fitting. There are so many sizes and widths when it comes to children's footwear, you need to get it right. It will mean the difference between tears or laughter when walking down the aisle.

Contact our experts...

Danielle Harvey

Features editor

www.county
weddingmagazines.com

Karen Lambert

Bridal boutique owner

www.event
-net.co.uk/martels
-business
-village

Kirsty Whitworth

Hair stylist and make-up artist

www.kvhair.co.uk

Sarah Barrett

Stationer

www.russetandgray.co.uk

I love this personalised floral typographic print, priced £12.95, from www.notonthehighstreet.com/thatsnicethat – why not get matching ones for you and your partner - they'll look great on a cake table.