Here is a selection of Q&As from Your South West 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@yoursouthwest.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Autumn Leaves
| Q | What is your advice on planning an autumn wedding? |
| A | Georgia says: Choose the right venue. At this time of year, it's important your venue is versatile. Look for places with both outside space in case of warmer weather, as well as a comfortable indoor space for guests when the temperature drops in the evening. Check the weather. Autumn weather can be unpredictable, with the chance of rain or cooler temperatures. Have a backup plan if you've decided on an outdoor ceremony. Tents and heaters can help keep guests comfortable. Encourage your guests to dress warmly. Dress for the season. Brides may want to choose heavier fabrics for their dresses, such as satin or velvet, consider accessorising with a wrap or shawl for extra warmth. For the groom and bridal party, consider earth-toned suits and fall-coloured accessories. Seek picture-perfect light. As daylight decreases in autumn, plan your ceremony and photos accordingly. An earlier ceremony may be better to ensure you have enough natural light for your photographs. For evening receptions, use warm, romantic lighting to create a cosy glow. |
Georgia, Berwick Lodge
What Do We Need To Bear In Mind When Planning A Summer Wedding?
| Q | What is your advice on overcoming the most common planning conerns? |
| A | Georgia says: 1. Choose the right venue. Selecting the perfect venue sets the tone for your entire wedding day. Consider those that offer indoor and outdoor spaces, providing flexibility in case of unexpected weather changes. Look for venues with beautiful gardens or picturesque landscapes that capture the essence of summer. 2. Consider the weather. While summer weddings often boast sunny skies and warm temperatures, planning for all eventualities is essential. Have a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies in case of rain or extreme heat. Tent, umbrellas, and fans can help keep guests comfortable regardless of the weather. 3. Timing is key. Opt for a ceremony time that avoids the hottest part of the day, typically midday. Early morning or late afternoon ceremonies offer more comfortable temperatures for the both of you and your guests. Additionally, consider the sun's angle when choosing your ceremony location to avoid harsh shadows in photographs. 4. Dress light. Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics for your wedding attire to stay comfortable in heat. Consider opting for a sleeveless or a short-sleeved wedding gown and lightweight suits or linen attire for the groom and groomsmen. 5. Embrace seasonal blooms. Take advantage of the abundance of seasonal flowers available during the summer months. Incorporate vibrant blooms such as sunflowers, peonies, and dahlias into your wedding décor to add a pop of colour and freshness to your celebration. |
Georgia, Berwick Lodge
What If It Rains?
| Q | What is your advice on overcoming the most common planning conerns? |
| A | Heather Vincent says: It's a dream for many couples to get married outside and enjoy the English countryside while they say their vows, but in the UK we don't always have the best weather, even down here in the South West! We're fortunate to have the option here at Orchardleigh to be able to make the decision on the day and if it's going to be raining we can move the event inside with ease. We have a huge range of possibilities when it comes to the ceremony, wedding breakfast and the reception, from the vestibule with its grand staircase for an epic entrance, to saying "I do" surrounded by candlelight in the island church, or making a statement with the Grand Valley room complete with glistening chandeliers overlooking the estate gardens. We also regularly get a slightly more niche enquiry: can our pet be part of our big day? These days dogs are often ring bearers or part of the service, which we absolutely welcome and can incorporate into all plans. We've also had requests for horses, including a white horse, which the groom entered on, and to have llamas on site available for petting. This takes more organisation and planning, but again, thanks to the services we have at Orchardleigh Estate, including our own stables, we're able to accommodate these requests too. Ultimately, our goal is to deliver the dream wedding vision for each of our clients, which we strive to do every day. |
Heather Vincent, Orchardleigh House & Estate