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Here is a selection of Q&As from Your London 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@yourlondon.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Dream-Worthy Settings
| Q | We're just starting our big-day journey, and neither knows what to look for when booking a venue. What advice can you share? |
| A | Becky Stevenson says: Choosing the venue for your big day is a big decision. View as many different properties as possible to decide your must-haves and any compromises you're happy to make. Some couples don't want to worry about the British weather, so look for somewhere with plenty of inside spaces. Some lovebirds never want their special day to end, so ask about a late licence too! The Bedford in Balham is perfect if you want a venue where everything can happen in one place, from getting ready, the ceremony, wedding breakfast, evening reception and accommodation. |
Becky Stevenson, The Bedford
Al fresco settings
| Q | We're just starting our venue search and would love somewhere with outdoor options. What tips can you share for finding the perfect setting? |
| A | Kate Lester says: Firstly, no matter what month you tie the knot in, the weather might not be on your side, so you need to be prepared. Always look for a venue where you love the indoor and outdoor spaces equally. The Rosendale in leafy West Dulwich offers both options, including large and small private rooms and three picturesque gardens. Ask if you can decorate the outdoor area. We're very happy for you to decorate our Side Garden at The Rosendale so it's in-keeping with the rest of your theme. Would you like food cooked outside too? Our hog roasts are always a big hit with guests. Does your outdoor setting have the option of shade? We have large umbrellas as well as plenty of space for sun worshippers. Remember, photos look great with natural light, so look out for lots of great backdrops. Our couples always choose outside our entrance for their pics, which is particularly beautiful. Check whether the outdoor space has any additional entertainment, such as a children's play area. We benefit from having that along with table tennis and boules to keep guests young and old entertained. |
Kate Lester, The Rosendale
Setting the scene
| Q | We're just starting our venue search and can't decide what we're looking for. What are your top tips to help us find the perfect setting? |
| A | Chris Hall says: It's no secret that many of the most popular venues tend to get booked years in advance, so viewing your favourites as soon as possible is vital. Even if you're looking to get married sooner rather than later, it's still worth calling your favourite venue about their availability. Sudden cancellations do happen, and you might be in luck. And if you're considering a mid-week or even winter wedding, there's every chance you can bag a date much sooner than you would for a peakseason wedding. When you visit your shortlisted venues, be sure to check out the range of wedding spaces on offer as well as the grounds, guest rooms and restaurant areas. This all comes together to create the whole experience and that's vital in making sure that you and your guests have the best day possible. West Lodge Park is a grand North London wedding venue with magnificent grounds, reception rooms and exquisite guest suites. Our expert staff and talented chefs work tirelessly to ensure that your celebration is one to remember. We have a range of room options, within our hotel or grounds, which can host up to 80 for your ceremony and up to 200 for your reception. And in spring/summer our beautiful Garden Pavilion is the perfect place for your ceremony. Its oak structure and adjacent lawns will provide a beautiful backdrop for you and your guests. Contact our friendly wedding planning team to arrange a private viewing or attend our wedding open day to see how we can give you the day of your dreams. |
Chris Hall, West Lodge Park
The perfect setting
| Q | We've been saving for a few years and have a decent budget for our wedding. When looking for a wedding venue what do you suggest we look for to maximise our budget and to make our day more than just the wedding itself? |
| A | Ed White says: It all depends on what setting you're looking for, but I'd always suggest that you opt for one with beautiful surroundings as a starting point. We're very fortunate that St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is steeped in British heritage but also provides a selection of diverse and dynamic spaces – providing options for weddings big and small. From Victorian grandeur and the world-renowned grand staircase where you can officially tie the knot to intricately carved arches, and grand French doors leading to an exclusive private terrace. There are backdrops here for all types of weddings, which is important to look for when looking at potential venues. Some couples choose to spread their celebration over a few days and why not? At our venue, guests are invited to relax and unwind before the big day and enjoy a luxury Chambers Suite, pampering session in the spa and pre-wedding dinner in the Booking Office 1869. |
Ed White, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
