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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.
And... Relax!
| Q | I'm a control freak and am really unsure whether I should hire a wedding coordinator or not. What's your expert advice? |
| A | Nikki Mundell-Poole says: It's totally understandable to feel nervous, especially when you've worked hard to create your perfect day and even more so, if you like being in control of the details. But hiring a wedding coordinator or planner can actually help you feel more in control on your wedding day, rather than less. Here are some examples. We don't take away your control - we work with you to execute your vision. You make the key decisions, and we handle the logistics so you can relax on the day itself. On the day, you don't want to be managing suppliers, checking schedules, or solving last-minute issues. We take over those tasks so you can enjoy the day without worrying about what's happening behind the scenes. Even with the best planning, things can go wrong on the day. We're experienced at handling last-minute hiccups, so you won't have to deal with anything unexpected - giving you peace of mind. If you're not comfortable handing over everything, we can offer 'on-the-day' coordination services. This means you handle all the planning, and we just manage the actual event, so everything runs smoothly for you. In short, a wedding coordinator can relieve you of the day-to-day stresses while ensuring everything happens exactly as you've planned. You'll still have control over your vision, but we make sure it happens perfectly! |
Nikki Mundell-Poole, Venetia Weddings & Events
Military Memories
| Q | My husband-to-be works in the military. He'll be wearing his military uniform on the day. I want to surprise him with a few army-related gestures. Do you have any ideas? |
| A | Charlotte Walker says: It's the little touches that can make a big difference when honouring and appreciating his service. If you're wanting to unleash your creativity, one of the greatest ideas would be to focus on the Regimental, Corps colours along with the ever so iconic British Armed Forces 'green'. Known as 'Olive Drab'! However, be assured that the essence to your vision would be utterly vibrant on your special day and far from drab! A trending colour for bridesmaid's dresses is indeed olive green. Adding this colour to your nails also, would enrich the Military theme. Balloons, table runners, lanterns, candles, foliage and choice of flowers could assemble a Banquet Hall into a beautiful display with a military camouflage flair. Having a military tiered traditional cake tailored to the Service with toppers, infuses originality to the 'First Cut' experience, using the groom's ceremonial sword. It's a great idea to tie ribbons to the handle in the Regiment, Corps colours. Military themed, shaped biscuits are another addition as wedding favours. The most iconic 'Guard of Honour', also known as the 'Arch of Sabres' is an old English Army tradition. Consisting typically of six to eight people who stand opposite each other forming an arch with swords, where the bride and groom pass through the arch. However, the last two, drop their swords (Sabres) to block the newlyweds passing with a cross. This indicates for the groom to kiss the bride. The crossed swords are then lifted for the couple to pass on by. My last 'wedding wisdom' to add here, is for the bride. As you walk confidently down the aisle, in your wedding dress, bespoke to your personality and style, why not add a playful touch beneath! A handmade, silk military garter symbolising both your love and respect for your husband being in service. This unexpected accessory would be a welcomed tradition. A secret to all, yet a delightful surprise to your groom as he finds it! Made in his Regiment, Corps colours and with his insignia or cap badge. |
Charlotte Walker, Banns & Plans
Planned To Perfection
| Q | We're having a large wedding with a variety of different ages from toddlers to adults. How do we make sure the day goes off without a hitch with so many people to try and please? |
| A | Joanne Alexander says: Planning a large wedding that pleases a diverse group of guests requires careful consideration and thoughtful organisation. Think about... 1. Entertainment: Ensure there's something for everyone. Set up a kids area with activities such as colouring books, toys, and perhaps a hired babysitter or entertainer. For adults, consider a mix of live music, a DJ, and a quiet lounge area for conversations. 2. Food options: Offer a variety of food to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. A buffet with diverse options can be ideal. Consider having a kids menu with simpler dishes. 3. Comfort: Make sure the venue is accessible and comfortable for all ages. Provide seating options that cater to both elderly guests and parents with young children. Ensure there's shade or heating, depending on the weather. 4. Schedule: Plan the day with a well-thought-out schedule that includes breaks. Keep speeches and formalities concise to maintain engagement. Ensure there's downtime for socialising and relaxation. 5. Communication: Clearly communicate the schedule, venue layout, and any special arrangements in advance. This helps guests know what to expect and plan accordingly. 6. Personal touches: Small personal touches, like welcome bags with essentials and goodies for different age groups, can make guests feel appreciated and catered to. 7. Don't stress: Consider hiring a professional on-the-day coordinator to do all the scheduling of the day to ensure the day runs smoothly and checks everything and everyone is catered for, and nothing is missed. By considering the needs and preferences of all age groups, you can create a wedding day that everyone enjoys and remembers fondly. |
Joanne Alexander, Moments Like This Weddings
Let It Flow
| Q | I absolutely love the look of a champagne tower. How can I coordinate this on the day without it being a total disaster? |
| A | Lorna Perrin says: My top tips to the question about how to coordinate a champagne pour on a wedding day are: Selecting correct glassware: Use coupe glasses, they're wide and shallow; ideal for creating a stable and visually appealing tower. Ensure glasses are clean and free of any chips. Use chilled glasses: Chill the glasses in advance so the champagne stays cold once poured. Practice: Have a practice run before the big day to determine the number of glasses needed. This will help avoid any mishaps during the actual event. The base: The stability of the tower is essential to prevent any accidents. If you're having a tipi/marquee wedding where flooring is provided by a hire company, ensure it's entirely flat before building. If unsteady, have a wedding coordinator build the tower elsewhere or right before the pour. Technique: All the best champagne towers are square in style; if you do this correctly, four glasses touching will create a diamond shape in the middle - key to creating a sturdy foundation. The pour: Slowly pour from the top; tilting the bottle to prevent excessive foam and spillage. Team effort: Consider having multiple people pour simultaneously to speed up the process; maintaining the stability. Capture the moment: Have a photographer or videographer ready to capture the magical moment |
Lorna Perrin, Lorna Marie Events
