Here is a selection of Q&As from Your South Wales 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@yoursouthwales.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Help is at hand
Q. I'm feeling overwhelmed by the planning process. What are your top tips for creating a stress-free wedding?
A. The wedding team says: It's not an easy task planning a wedding, and can be overwhelming at times, but the main thing to remember is to always put you both first. Don't let other people dictate your day, as it's your wedding and should be what you want and dreamed of. We recommend the following to have a stress-free planning experience:
Budget – set your budget as soon as you start planning as this will help you keep on track when considering venues and suppliers. It will also help you from overspending and getting stressed about money. Guest list – we know you want your nearest and dearest to celebrate with you, so set your guest list to who you want and don't be influenced by other people.
Your wedding package – make sure you know what is included in your venue package and if there are any hidden costs. Some charge extra for things such as chair covers, sashes and music systems.
Your wedding team – make sure you utilise your wedding team at your venue. Ask for advice or help for any little or big thing. For example, here at Craig Y Nos Castle, we offer planning tips and also recommended suppliers.
Your venue – do not be afraid to visit your venue as many times as you need to plan decorations, show your bridesmaids or your photographer. Sometimes visiting the venue can help you envision your day and help with the planning.
The wedding team, Craig Y Nos Castle
www.craigynoscastleweddings.com
A special touch
Q. How can we personalise our wedding?
A. The team at The Angel Hotel says: It's tradition to marry the person you love; to walk down the aisle in a long, white dress; to celebrate the 'formal' beginning of a new family with friends and relatives. However, it's important to recognise that weddings should reflect your style, your story, and your sentiments. After all, it's you and your partner's big day! While you may want to keep some of the classic rituals, you should not be afraid to give the ceremony your own spin. Here, we explore some quirky and innovative ideas that will allow you to personalise your wedding and make it a celebration to remember.
Modernise the wedding march: As mentioned, walking down the aisle is one of the most pivotal and emblematic moments of a wedding. The bride walks towards the altar and their groom as guests watch in awe and dab a few tears. Whether through a church organ or a string quartet by the sea, it is likely that Wagner or Mendelssohn's renowned wedding marches will accompany the emotional entrance. If you feel that the German composers' music does not represent your personality, don't be shy to pick a different tune.
Reinvent the exit: If you're changing venue after the ceremony, you'll have to find a way to make your way to your reception. Rather than sticking to the nearest taxi service, why not find an alternative means of transport to reach your destination? Depending on how far the place is, you can select the perfect solution out of a variety of options. Is the reception venue not too far? Hop on a tandem bike with your spouse and get pedalling towards your new location. Or would you rather have a classy ride to the banquet and wedding cake? Jump in a fancy, vintage car and temporarily wave off your guests in style.
No phones allowed: Another way to personalise your wedding day is to 'ban' phones. It's easy for guests to get distracted by their devices and fiddle on them all afternoon, rather than leave them in their pockets and properly enjoy the big day. You may want to put up a sign in the entranceway that encourages attendees to go unplugged – especially during the ceremony. With no trilling phones around, you will be able to create a more intimate atmosphere. What is more, they'll not be in the way to ruin your photographer's professional pictures.
Personalised card boxes: A creative, innovative touch you can add to your wedding is to put a personalised card box on the gift table.
Signature cocktails: Do you and your spouse like to sip cocktails from time to time? Do you enjoy experimenting with drinks and flavours? You may want to consider treating your guests with some of your signature beverages, whether on arrival at the reception venue or at the end of the meal.
The team at The Angel Hotel, The Angel Hotel
www.angelhotelcardiffcity.co.uk
