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Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding magazine. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourhampshiredorsetwedding.com.

 

To view more Q&A's on a different topic, please select one from the list below.

 

Hot topic: Wedding gowns

 
Our experts solve your wedding dilemmas – this issue we answer your dress questions
 

 
Can I have a big gown?

Can I have a big gown?

 

Q. I am having my wedding reception in a pretty pub in the New Forest. I haven't started wedding dress shopping yet, but my best friend told me that, since my reception will be quite casual, I can't have a big gown. What sort of dress should I be looking for?

 

A. Suzanne Prout says: First and foremost, choose a dress that flatters your body shape. You want to look and feel like a million dollars on your big day so if a fuller silhouette is one of the styles which suits you best, don't rule it out.

Once you have narrowed down your selection, think about the practicalities of your location, as well as the time of year.

As you are getting married in a country pub, you may wish to opt for a column or empire line dress with some detail. Vintage-inspired gowns work particularly well in a more rustic setting.

 

Bridesmaids in white

Bridesmaids in white

 

Q. I want to dress my bridesmaids in white, but my mother-in-law thinks that will take the attention away from me. What's the etiquette for dressing adult bridesmaids in white?

 

A. Lucy Burch says: Dressing your bridesmaids in white can work really well with some colourful but elegant accessories, such as hair pieces from Charlotte Balbier or Amanda Wyatt.

Also, rather than going for a floorlength bridesmaid dress you could choose a short dress, which will make sure that you are the one who stands out.

 

The fabulous ’50s

The fabulous ’50s

 

Q. I am lucky to have inherited my grandmother's beautiful wedding dress, which was made in the 1950s. It's so lovely that I'd like to base my whole wedding theme around it. What kind of reception should I have?

 

A. Anna Coombes says: Weddings with a retro theme are hugely popular at the moment, and it's a theme that particularly appeals to couples who want their big day to reflect their individual personalities. To have a 1950s-style reception, choose a candy colour scheme and take inspiration from the fashion of the era, such as lace and polka dots. Decorate the venue with scented candles and floral arrangements that complement your colour scheme and will make the room smell as good as it looks.

Set the mood with your choice of music – hire a jukebox to play classic hits or, if you prefer, live music. Book a vocalist to serenade your guests with 1950s swing tunes.

Rather than a traditional wedding breakfast, create a classic afternoon tea using vintage china, linens and accessories. Pile tiered cake stands with sweet treats and sandwiches, while serving tea in bone china cups.

As an original finishing touch, why not hire a vintage ice cream van or cart to serve your guests delicious ice creams and sorbets? It's sure to be a hit with everyone – especially children who are attending – and would complete your retro-inspired reception look.

 

A cake to match

A cake to match

 

Q. My wedding dress has lots of pearl and lace detailing. Is it possible to have a tasty cake designed that will match it?

 

A. Jenny Budzynski says: Using the pearl and lace features from your wedding dress on your cake will give it a delicate and feminine feel. The lace from your dress can be copied with piping work or embossing techniques. Strings of pearls can be made from sugar and either piped down like a row of buttons or draped to look like a falling necklace.

Match the icing to the colour of your dress and choose cake flavours you really love and that complement your menu. You could even have a top fruit tier to keep. Your cake will be a slice of your day you will remember forever.

 

Contact our experts...

 

Anna Coombes, Vintage events coordinator

 

Anna Coombes

Vintage events coordinator

www.miss-dollys.co.uk

Jenny Budzynski, Cake designer

 

Jenny Budzynski

Cake designer

www.miss-ingredient.co.uk

Lucy Burch, Bridalwear sales manager

 

Lucy Burch

Bridalwear sales manager

www.girlsofelegance.co.uk

Suzanne Prout, Wedding planning

 

Suzanne Prout

Wedding planning

www.rsvpwedding.co.uk

This week, the editor loves...

New honeycomb paper bunting balls from Petra Boase are a fun way to add a burst of bright colour to summer nuptials.
Available individually or as a bunting ball kit, there are more than 17 colours and three sizes to choose from, offering a host of different styling options.
www.petraboase.com

Sarah Reeve
Sarah Reeve, Editor of Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding magazine



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Different flavoured tiers – There's something for everyone

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