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Here is a selection of Q&As from An Essex Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@anessex.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Winter Warmers
| Q | I'm having a winter wedding. I want it to be super cosy. Are venues allowed to light firepits or is this not allowed. Any cosy ideas welcome! |
| A | Fiona Pardoe says: We love the idea of a winter wedding and Houchins couldn't be more cosy! We have a number of firepits you can hire from our extensive props list and we will keep them lit all night on the terrace for you and your guests. There's also a beautiful open fireplace inside the venue adding warmth and atmosphere to your winter wedding. To really experience the warmth of a Houchins winter wedding we'd recommend our 'Fireside Wedding Offer' which includes accommodation in the listed farmhouse for up to 14 guests the night before your wedding day! Do ask your venue about all the cosy options available so you have all the information to hand before you book. |
Fiona Pardoe, Houchins Barn
Wedfest Planning
| Q | We've just started planning our festival-themed wedding for next summer but we're not sure where to start. Do you have any suggestions on how we can make our idea come to life? |
| A | Mandy Mahil says: Considering a festival-themed wedding? It's a popular choice for its relaxed vibe and emphasis on fun over formality. However, finding the perfect venue is crucial for making your vision a reality without breaking the bank. Ensure the outdoor space is ample and suitable for your needs, and check if the venue holds a wedding license for legal ceremonies so you can do everything in one day. Battleswick Farm has a 200-year-old chestnut tree licensed for legal ceremonies. Catering is another essential aspect. Food trucks are often desired for a true festival feel, so make sure the venue allows external caterers or offers a buy-out option. DIY decorations are a great way to personalise your day, but involving family and friends is essential due to the time involved. It always takes a lot longer than you think to make items yourself so start early. Consider the scale of decorations for the venue to ensure they have the desired impact. If you are decorating large scale spaces such as barns and fields, what looks big on your dining table will appear much smaller in situ. When it comes to flowers, I know many brides like to create their own floral arrangements. These days you can work with a professional florist and make your own creations. Susie at Wivenhoe Flowers comes highly recommended for her expertise and guidance. Grown in her polytunnel, she'll guide you through the seasonal floral calendar and leave you to cut your own flowers, buying by the bucket. By nailing these key elements, you can create the festival wedding of your dreams while staying within your budget. |
Mandy Mahil, Battleswick Farm
Intimately Yours
| Q | What are the pros of a small winter wedding? |
| A | Justin Mullender says: Small weddings give you the chance to spend more wedding day budget and more time with your closest family and friends, the people who matter the most. Intimate weddings give you the perfect excuse to exclude extended family, random friends or to reduce the number of children without offending anyone. Cosy winter weddings for up to 30 guests are a popular choice at Pig & Whistle Restaurant. We're a romantic and intimate venue with a chilled ambiance, warm lighting and magical winter decoration. |
Justin Mullender, Pig and Whistle
Our Day, Our Way
| Q | A few of my friends have got married recently, and I'm worried my wedding isn't going to stand out. How can I add something special to my big day? |
| A | Fiona Pardoe says: Each and every wedding at Houchins is original and we love our couples to add their own personal touches to make their day stand out and have a special meaning for them. Laura and Ollie had friends and family make individual origami butterflies which were then hung from the grids in the Grainstore which decorated the dining barn beautifully, subtly incorporating their guests in the day. Another bride had her and her partner's initials embroidered into her veil and also onto banners which hung in the Grainstore - personalising the whole look of the day. You could even have individual cakes made with your initials to serve as dessert for each guest. Or why not entertain your guests in style? One of our couples asked us to install card tables up on the mezzanine to give a casino vibe! Just talk your ideas through with your venue and see what they can accommodate! |
Fiona Pardoe, Houchins Barn
