Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Devon and Cornwall 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@yourdevoncornwall.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Eco-chic celebrations
Q. Can you suggest some ways for us to plan a sustainable winter wedding?
A. Gemma Halliwell says: As wedding planners located and operating throughout the South West, it's really important to us to help couples plan a more sustainable event. Our top tip is to think reusable - whatever season you're planning for, hiring items such as glassware can cut down on waste. It's also a great idea to arrange to collect and recycle wine and champagne bottles which is a service we have been offering to our clients as part of our post-wedding clear-up.
Winter is a great season to display plenty of candles on the tables to create a romantic atmosphere. Vintage candlesticks and cylinder vases can easily be hired and they cut down on having lots of cut flowers on the tables that can go to waste.
As well as making sure you can reuse everything from your wedding, you need to consider purchasing a sustainable dress. We work with some amazing pre-loved suppliers that not only offer beautiful gowns and the full boutique experience, they'll also save you money.
Gemma Halliwell, West Country Wedding Planner
www.westcountryweddingplanner.co.uk
Small yet perfectly formed
Q. We love the idea of having a micro wedding but are worried about upsetting guests. Can you give us any advice?
A. Hazel Parsons and Rebecca Edwards says: We have seen an increase in interest in smaller weddings recently and our advice is don't feel guilty about keeping numbers low and only inviting your nearest and dearest, your friends and family should understand that it's your special day. With smaller numbers it allows you to spend money on other things that you might not normally have considered. Why not make a weekend of it and spend more time with your closest friends and family before and after your wedding?
There are plenty of ways that you can share your day with absent friends and family and help them to feel part of your celebrations. For example, you could live-stream your ceremony. There are also options to use technology in your choice of entertainment to bring in-person and virtual guests together. CherryTop Weddings has a great entertainment product that does this (www.cherrytopweddings.com).
Although the pandemic meant that some couples had to postpone their weddings, it has offered ways in which to be creative. Some of the most beautiful weddings that we've helped to plan have been small weddings.
Hazel Parsons and Rebecca Edwards, Out of the Ordinary Weddings
www.outoftheordinaryweddings.com
Paws for thought
Q. We want our much-loved dog to play a significant role at our wedding. What do you suggest?
A. Sabine Smith says: Wedding ceremonies are a family affair and more and more couples are wanting to make their fur babies a part of their celebrations. There are certainly plenty of ways for four-legged friends to join in! Booking a ceremony with an independent celebrant means that couples can pick where they want it to take place, as well as what they wish to say. More are considering pet-friendly venues where their furry companion is made welcome. Having a celebrant-led ceremony in a pet-friendly venue allows cats, dogs and even a horse to be present and play an important part!
When planning the pawfect ceremony, dogs and cats can be the ring bearers or even an honourable flower girl. Your dog can take on the important task of escorting you down the aisle, wearing a special outfit like a bespoke collar or lead which can be designed to match your theme.
Couples can book pet chaperone companies who'll make sure that the animal is well looked after during the day. They can ensure that your pet arrives on time, washed and groomed and looking its best in its wedding outfit. A dog chaperone will present the dog, as agreed, for the ring-bearing ceremony or to walk down the aisle. They can also take it home once the family portraits have been taken to ensure that the couple can party without worrying. Your furry friend can even be a part of the commitment signature!
Why not consider arriving at your ceremony on horseback? Or in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage? As an animal-loving celebrant, I'll embrace any option, incorporating them into the day.
Sabine Smith, Perfect Day Ceremonies
www.perfectdayceremonies
