Here is a selection of Q&As from Your East Midlands 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@youreastmidlands.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
The perfect setting
Q. We're just starting planning our big-day, but neither of us have a clue what we should look for when booking a venue. Can you help?
A. Natalie Bircher and Caroline Holloway says: When initially looking at venues, it's essential to find somewhere you both love – all the smaller details can be worked out at a later date. Pick a property that you'll look back on for years to come and love every time you visit or view the wedding photos.
Think about what's important to you when looking around venues, whether it be a gorgeous room for the ceremony, lovely grounds for pictures or plenty of accommodation for loved ones. Each couple has different priorities, so finding yours will help when searching for the perfect location.
Natalie Bircher and Caroline Holloway, Kilworth House Hotel
www.kilworthhouse.co.uk
Setting the tone
Q. With so many wedding properties out there, we're finding it hard to pick a venue for our wedding. What advice can you share to make the process easier?
A. Carolyn Hutchison says: When the wedding planning begins, decide if you'd like a religious or civil ceremony. For those opting for civil service, start to think about what type of venue you're looking for; this could be a barn, a hotel or a stately home, to name a few.
After finding a few local venues, book some appointments to see them in person. You might fall in love with one, or it could narrow down your search.
You might like a certain barn venue, but realise you'd need to book the caterers, entertainment and a wedding planner to keep everything organised – this might be difficult if you have limited time to plan everything.
Or you might find a property that has bedrooms on-site, a wedding planner as part of the venue's team, a resident DJ and menus all prepared, which would be a less stressful option.
Think about what's important to you both. A venue with character and charm might top something more modern and lends itself better to those all-important photographic moments.
The Dower House Hotel is a hidden gem nestled in the woods in Woodhall Spa. This Edwardian hotel is full of period features with an in-house culinary team, a dedicated wedding planner, 21 spacious bedrooms and a beautiful new dressing room for weddings.
Carolyn Hutchison, The Dower House Hotel
www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk
Location, location, location!
Q. What top tips can you share for finding the perfect wedding venue?
A. Donna Newman says: Start by considering the location! It makes sense for the venue to be accessible to the majority of your guests. You might love a venue, but if it's far from home that can make viewings and menu tastings tricky. We'd recommend researching the type of venue you'd like; we're a barn wedding venue and always check that's what the couples are looking for before they come to look around.
For venues that you like the look of, visit their website and social media to get a good feel for what they offer and whether they're in budget and if they vibe with you – trust your gut on this!
Don't view too many venues; three to four is a good number. Pick a couple that you love the look of then throw in a wildcard, sometimes you don't know what you want until you see it.
Donna Newman, The Granary Hotel
www.granary-weddings.com
