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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.
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Hot topic: A touch of nostalgia |
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| Our experts solve your wedding dilemmas - this issue we look at vintage-inspired celebrations |
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Blending themes
Q. I was inclined to go for a '60s-inspired celebration, but after having been to a friend's 1920s vintage-themed wedding, I've been inspired by the look and can't make up my mind which style to go with. How can we decide?
A. Suzanne Prout says: Sit down and work out exactly what you like about each theme. Cut out pictures from magazines and create a design board - this will help you see whether your ideas work together. Then, looking at your budget and the time you have available to plan your wedding, make a list of `must-have' items. Before you start sourcing individual items, make sure you have the big things, such as your reception venue and wedding dress, as they will influence the overall look of the day. Consider hiring a village hall for your reception venue - this would fit your theme perfectly and leave you with plenty of scope to style it as you wish. Once you have found your dress, you can then begin to source the rest of the items on your list. |
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Tea party
Q. I'm having two hen parties - the first will be a day spent at a luxury spa with my friends, while the other will involve mums and aunts. Although clubbing is not on the agenda for the second hen do, I'd like it to be just as fun and memorable. Can you suggest ways to achieve this?
A. Anna Coombes says: Increasingly, brides-to-be are looking for glamorous and sophisticated ways to celebrate their forthcoming nuptials, and vintage tea parties are the perfect choice. Set the mood with eclectic accessories, fairy lights, printed tablecloths and flowers. Serve afternoon tea and champagne on vintage china and tiered cake stands. Make the dress code 'vintage glamour', so your guests are encouraged to embrace the theme and dress accordingly.
During the party, hens could be invited to create a 'make a wish' box for the bride-to-be, with each guest posting her message as a keepsake. As something extra, I would organise a creative workshop, such as cupcake decorating, fascinator making lessons or a vintage pamper parlour - a fun and fabulous way to spend an afternoon with friends and family in the lead up to your wedding. |
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Vintage cake
Q. My fiancé and I love the 1920's era and would like to theme our big day around this. In particular, we'd like our cake to include some details that reflect this period. How can we do this without it breaking the bank?
A. Jenny Budzynski says: There are simple ways to achieve a vintage theme while keeping a careful eye on the budget. For your cake, instead of white icing, think about using pale colours such as caramel browns and pastel shades to create impact. Combine this with fresh flowers between the tiers or cascading from the top tier. Alternatively, keep the decoration low-key by wrapping each tier with lace and ribbon trims that match your colour scheme. Add accessories such as corsages, brooches and keepsakes you can give away as gifts. A single heirloom brooch works beautifully and adds a touch of elegance too.
Bear in mind that the size of the cake and the level of design detail will affect the price. The cake can either be served with tea or coffee after the meal or as a dessert - both options will ultimately alter the size of the cake you need to serve your guests.
For coffee, the cake needs to be made in finger portions of about one-inch in size. This also means you can have a smaller, less expensive cake. Alternatively, consider serving it as a dessert with an evening buffet - ask the venue to serve fresh fruit and cream or a fruit coulis alongside it. |
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Let's rock 'n' roll
Q. We're planning on having a rock 'n' roll-themed wedding next summer and I've already spotted a lovely white mid-calf length haltered dress with layers of tulle underneath the skirt. Can you advise on what styles to choose for my bridesmaids?
A. Lucy Burch says: Short fifties-inspired frocks would be perfect for your bridesmaids, and there's a wide range of styles and colours to choose from. I would recommend a dress with a full-circle skirt, cap sleeves, boned bodice and a detachable bow, and these are available with or without a petticoat. They are versatile and can also be worn on other occasions. |
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