Question 1

What is your advice on overcoming the most common planning concerns?

Accepted Answer

Budget dictates everything for the day, so I suggest that when you decide what you want to spend you allocate some extra for wiggle room. The first decision would be the venue and whether you want to go rustic or formal. Does it offer all services you'll need included in the hire and does it suit your vision? If not, then look into blank canvas spaces where you can enlist your own choice of suppliers. Any good caterer will organise the hires required as they're experienced in this field and can save you time and money by using their contacts. The guest list can be determined by the venue and the cost involved in the hire. If a large guest list is more important to you, I'd suggest opting for a village hall setting. There are some fabulous ones around with fully-fitted kitchens; crockery, cutlery and glassware; outside space and plenty of parking. Then, you can get family and friends involved with venue decorating the day prior. For bouquets and buttonholes I suggest looking for a local grower where you can literally choose the flowers from the field – sown not flown. They're great value. All growers I know have trained in floristry but work from their own flower shed. The only big layout then would be the caterer and staff, plus entertainment. Look for a band or DJ early on in the planning process as they book up very quickly. Using someone new to the scene is generally much cheaper, but beware, they're not necessarily better. For a live band, find a local pub that regularly hosts musicians and visit for a few weeks the year before the big day. Have a chat with any acts you like as they'll probably be grateful for the extra work and getting their faces out there. See what they can offer you.

Question 2

What is your advice on planning an intimate wedding?

Accepted Answer

Soirée is a word I adore and just what an intimate wedding of 30 or fewer lends itself to. You'll have more time to give to your guests without rushed hugs and clipped conversations. Wedding costs mount at a furious rate so keeping numbers low means your budget can be utilised to create a day more exacting according to your dream. A bespoke menu is one choice you can spotlight. Discuss your food in detail with your caterer as you may be able to afford to splash out on premium produce with fewer mouths to feed. I personally really enjoy micro weddings as they feel more like a large family dinner party.

Question 3

What is your advice on planning a sustainable wedding?

Accepted Answer

Sussex boasts a range of excellent food and floral arrangement services, so shopping locally not only means we help one another, but also means less travel miles or reliance on shipping. We also have great views and landmarks nearby, making Sussex a popular location for tying the knot and avoiding further air traffic from destination weddings. Make your enquiries sustainable – can your caterer source organic and Fairtrade ingredients? Can your stationer ensure your invitations are made with recycled paper? Disposable plates, cutlery and plastics can be a game changer, but only if they're compostable or recyclable. This also relates to kitchen waste where vegetable, fruits and more can be composted. Traditional rituals such as confetti-throwing and decorating with glitter don't need to be harmful any more as biodegradable options are available too. Another key component is fair conditions. Clothing such as wedding dresses and suits make the day beautiful, and can be sourced from collections that promote fair working conditions, ethics, and use organic silks to make our world greener.

Question 4

What is your advice on taking the first steps in wedding planning?

Accepted Answer

Once you've chosen a date and place, you'll have the foundation to start with the all-important details. This will take many people to deliver to perfection within a seamless, flowing process on the day, so you'll need a timetable and a collective co-operation of your suppliers. But who are they and how do you find them? Enlist the help of local businesses. Weddings are their livelihood, they understand the processes and problems like no one else. They know how to get licences, can arrange safe delivery for such things as flowers and untold other issues. This is their job and they're passionate about the detail and the timing knowing just how important this very special day is. Using a local business means you're getting a local expert. A recent piece of research showed that 95 per cent of couples planning a wedding found it stressful and the majority related experiencing real stress-related symptoms. You have to remember that you're not just planning a wedding, you're also planning for your life together and blending two families. You don't need to spend your engagement in a stressful manner. But with a curated team of local professionals in your corner you'll have time to relax and enjoy the nicer things in the planning process (food tasting, trial days with hair and make-up artists, dress fittings). Enjoy and treasure the good memories of this entire period. There are many suppliers out there to choose from, whether you decide on one firm to handle it all or talk to several providers, it's your choice and you call the shots. The aim is to find people you can trust and work well with, there's no right or wrong approach. Find out what works for you.

Question 5

What are you top 2023 trend predictions?

Accepted Answer

"I can see 2023 couples looking for venues with plenty of characterful features and outdoor space, especially since the change in the law means they can marry anywhere within the grounds of a licensed venue. "Many will look for places offering the added bonus of accommodation, allowing for a full weekend of celebrations. In a similar vein, locations with plenty of on-site interest to keep guests and couples alike entertained during their stay such as a pool, jacuzzi, spa, and/or tennis courts will be the go tos. "Since Covid, many families haven't been able to get together fully for what seems like an age and from my experience of working with couples recently, they're feeling the need for more freedom without too much structure. Consequently, big-day dining styles will be leaning more away from the traditional sit-down meal. So, informal sharing platters placed at the centre of the table offering a real sense of community, are my top tip for 2023 wedding catering. "The rustic vibe will also continue to shine, lending itself very well to the desire for a more chilled atmosphere, so semi-naked wedding cakes decked in homegrown edible flowers, homemade pork pie stacks, and large cheese stacks will be huge."

Question 6

What are your suggestions for a warming winter wedding feast?

Accepted Answer

A warming winter wedding feast should be all about comfort and simplicity but most of all sharing. Think bold flavours, and something that's filling, delicious and moreish. For me, a slow-cooked pulled shoulder of lamb in a rich Moroccan-style sauce with smoked paprika, caramelised onions, chickpeas and wilted spinach, topped off with a minted yoghurt and pomegranate dressing really hits the spot. I love the melt-in-themouth, well-seasoned lamb served alongside a warm chilli spiced cous cous, and chargrilled garlic buttered flatbreads to tear with your guests around the table. Dessert is easy! A white chocolate, caramelised orange and rosemary bread and butter pudding screams winter flavours and scents, served with cream Anglaise and dairy ice cream. Serve everything around the table in large bowls for sharing, take as much or as little as you want surrounded by friends and family. Feast... the clue is in the title!

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