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Here is a selection of Q&A's from Your West Midlands Wedding magazine. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourwestmidlandswedding.com.
To view more Q&A's on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
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 Hot topic: Venues |
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| This issue our experts answer your venue queries |
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Recycling blooms
Q. We're getting married in our local church and we're hoping to decorate it with lots of flowers. As we're planning to spend quite a lot on our arrangements, am I right to assume we can bring the displays with us to the reception venue afterwards?
A. Louise Harris says: Yes, most churches are quite accommodating in allowing you to move the arrangements to the reception venue after the ceremony, however, you may want to let them know in advance out of politeness. Also keep in mind some might ask that you leave one or two for the congregation to enjoy during their weekend services.
You are likely to want to re-use the dramatic pedestal arrangements, which sit either side of the altar. These look particularly good in larger churches and you can place them on either side of the top table at the wedding breakfast. Pew end arrangements look great tied to the backs of chairs, while topiary trees used at the entrance of the church could also be used at the entrance of your reception venue.
To reduce stress on the day, your florist should be able to offer a service to help move the arrangements, but this may be charged at extra cost. Otherwise, you could nominate a member of the bridal party to co-ordinate the moving for you which, with the help of family and friends with adequate-sized cars, should make the task rather easy. |
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The ideal stage
Q. We'd love to theme our wedding around Broadway and West End musicals, and plan to have a big band and lots of dancing during the evening. What type of venue might suit our celebration?
A. Julie Dawson says: This sounds like a really exciting theme, and one you can have a lot of fun with. Opt for a venue that has plenty of character, perhaps an art deco building with opulent décor and dark wood furnishings. You might also want to choose somewhere with a long drive, so you can make a stylish entrance in a vintage Bentley.
My choices would be the historic Highbury Hall in Birmingham, or Barceló Walton Hall in Warwickshire. If an art deco setting isn't your thing, you could choose a more contemporary venue such as The Custard Factory in Birmingham. The Old Library is a fantastic space that can instantly be transformed with décor to match your theme.
Wherever you decide, just be sure it has space for a big band, a large dancefloor and doesn't have any sound restrictions. |
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A picture perfect location
Q. My fiancé and I are in the process of choosing our wedding venue. Our priority is to have really great photographs to remember the day by so, from a photographer's point of view, what should we keep in mind when choosing our setting?
A. Simon Thomas says: Always opt for a venue that has space for photographs both indoors and outdoors, so you can get some good snaps whatever the weather. A professional wedding photographer should be able to provide you with amazing images wherever you decide to get married; it doesn't matter if it's a stylish city wedding or a celebration out in the countryside, there are always photo opportunities.
Be sure the venue is a place you feel at home in, as your images will be more natural if you feel comfortable in your surroundings. If you find a venue you love, but are worried about photo opportunities, take your photographer along to see it before the wedding and I'm sure you'll be surprised at the shots that can be taken. |
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A winter marquee
Q. We're planning a winter wedding for next December and would love to hold a marquee reception in my parents' back garden. Is this practical for this time of year?
A. Lisa Redgrave says: A winter marquee reception sounds like a wonderful option, and one that can certainly work at this time of year. Primarily you will want to ensure your guests are kept warm, so check with your marquee hire company that sufficient heating will be provided. Also double check it offers hardwood flooring to keep the heat in and prevent the tent from becoming waterlogged.
You might also want to consider asking for a cover canopy, so guests can get to and from the toilets without having to go outside in the rain or snow. Create a warm and cosy atmosphere with plenty of candles and twinkling fairylights. Serve hot mulled wine to your guests on arrival to keep them toasty. |
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Where do we begin?
Q. There are so many stunning venues close to where we live in Birmingham, my fiancé and I are finding it hard to pick one. We can't decide if we want a wedding in the heart of the city, or something more rural in the surrounding countryside - they all look wonderful! How will we know which one suits us best?
A. Julie Dawson says: If budget isn't an issue for either of you, then the venue you choose is really a question of what suits your personalities. Sit down together and ask yourselves some questions. Are you the type of couple who loves countryside walks, or are you happier dining in a chic city restaurant?
Also think about the style of your wedding. Will you be hosting a traditional day, or will you need to pick a venue that suits your particular theme? Are you looking for something formal, or informal?
Other factors include how hands-on you want to be with your décor, is the room neutral enough for you to add your own personal stamp? Also consider whether or not the venue can accommodate the amount of guests you'd like to invite and whether it has suitable accommodation if needed.
Once you've answered these questions you will naturally start to lean towards either a rural or city venue. |
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Contact our experts... |
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Julie Dawson, Wedding planner
www.theweddinggenie.co.uk |
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Lisa Redgrave, Wedding Planner
www.hitchedinitaly.com |
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Louise Harris, Florist
www.theflowershoponline.co.uk |
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Simon Thomas, Photographer
www.simonthomasphotography.com |
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