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Here is a selection of Q&A's from Your Herts & Beds Wedding magazine. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourhertsbedswedding.com.
To view more Q&A's on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
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 Hot topic: Getting your timings right |
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| Whatever worries you have regarding the big day, our experts are here to guide you through. |
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Floral arrangements
Q. My fiancé proposed to me last month and I'm in the early stages of planning our big day. I'm clueless about the process of ordering flowers and wondered if you could advise how long it takes a florist to organise wedding blooms, from ordering to delivery?
A. Tracy Goodwin says: Select your florist in good time, up to a year in advance is advisable. At the first meeting discuss the type of flowers you would like and what will work to complement both your colour scheme and dress design. Six months prior to your wedding date another meeting could be scheduled to take care of any changes in style or design that may have occurred. Final details should be confirmed one month before your wedding, with final payment being made too. |
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Finding the one
Q. I have been looking for my dress for a long time but I just can't seem to find the perfect gown. I'm concerned that when I do find the one, I won't have allowed enough time for fittings and alterations. What is the usual procedure for this, and how long should the whole process take?
A. Willow Forte says: For some brides choosing their dress is straightforward, for others it is a difficult decision. Don't be fooled into thinking you must know it's the one as soon as you try it on - it often isn't that easy!
Typically, brides buy their dress eight months before the big day, and delivery can take up to 20 weeks. Fittings and alterations take around six weeks, and you should allow two weeks for your final fitting to ensure any lastminute problems can be resolved.
All in all, that adds up to eight months. Of course, it's normally possible to get your dress perfectly fitted in less time, but it may prove a little more frantic. |
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Planning problems
Q. My big day is two months away, but having arranged all of the details, it has dawned on me I need to organise the timings so everything comes together. Where do I begin?
A. Karen Windley says: Write yourself a to-do list and distribute tasks out to family and friends who can help you pull together the logistics of the day by collecting and delivering items, and making calls on your behalf.
You should contact suppliers and ask them to provide precise arrival and departure times at your venue, so you can create a supplier timeline for them to use.
If your reception venue has an event co-ordinator, don't be afraid to ask them for help with the finer details. Ask someone you trust to oversee the timings or contact a professional wedding planner who can offer you support and advice on co-ordinating all of your wedding-day plans. Good luck! |
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Say cheese
Q. I'm expecting around 100 guests to attend our ceremony and wedding breakfast, and have been really struggling to work out how much time to allow for group shots. What would you suggest?
A. Tori Deslauriers says: It's no secret group shots aren't the most exciting part of your big day so it's key to get them done quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to having fun and chatting with your guests. The best way to do that is to have a clear list of who you'd like in your photos and have a designated person to organise people on behalf of your photographer.
I would always recommend a short list that encompasses parents, siblings and grandparents. Then couple that with a big group shot to make sure you have a record of all of the people you celebrated with and you'll rattle through them in 10 to 15 minutes.
That will leave plenty of time to enjoy your drinks and let your photographer take candid photos of you enjoying your celebration with friends and family - these are often the snaps that encapsulate the spirit of the day best. |
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Contact our experts... |
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Karen Windley, Wedding planner
www.bluepoppyweddings.co.uk |
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Tori Deslauriers, Photographer
www.torideslauriers.com |
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Tracy Goodwin, Florist
www.creationsflowers.co.uk |
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Willow Forte, Dress Designer
www.karenforte.com |
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