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Here is a selection of Q&A's from Your Surrey Wedding magazine. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yoursurreywedding.com.
To view more Q&A's on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
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 Hot topic: Traditional weddings |
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Planned to perfection
Q. We would like to keep our seating plan formal so who should we include on the top table, does the toastmaster need a table, and is there any preference as to where the rest of the bridal party should sit?
A. Lesley Cole says: Traditionally the top table would be as follows (from left to right), chief bridesmaid, groom's father, bride's mother, groom, bride, bride's father, grooms mother, best man.
A meal would usually be supplied for the toastmaster and they would be seated on their own small table near to the top table, subject to space being available so he/she can oversee the wedding breakfast. If space is an issue work with your venue and your toastmaster to come up with a solution as they will be used to this type of situation arising.
Typically table `1' will be for the bride's family and table `2' will be for the groom's family which leaves table `3' for the rest of the bridal party, such as the other bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Ultimately I would always advise that you look at your guest list and go for the option most suitable for you, as every family and every bridal party is different. You want everyone to sit where they will have the best time. |
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Cake expectations
Q. We are having a very traditional church ceremony and country house reception with a white colour theme and would like a cake to reflect this. However, we are worried it might appear old-fashioned when we look back at our photos in years to come. Can you suggest ways to avoid this without choosing a modern colourful cake which won't look right in our venue?
A. Elizabeth Finch says: An all-white cake with white sugar flowers to reflect your bouquet can look stunning if you add texture to the design. A stacked cake can give a more modern feel than one separated by dated cake pillars.
Ask your cake designer to incorporate details from your wedding dress such as lace or bows which will make the design more interesting and personal to you.
Consider displaying the cake on a plain silver cake stand rather than an ornately decorated one. This gives a nod to tradition but still has a modern edge that won't detract from the cake itself. Highlight details with edible lustre dusts to catch the light as this will create a chic, sophisticated look that is classic and timeless. |
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In need of motivation
Q. Traditionally the groom should organise the honeymoon, but my fiancé doesn't seem very enthusiastic and I don't want to be disappointed. How can I motivate him and make him realise how important it is to me?
A. Dominic Keohane says: What is important about the honeymoon to you? Is it where you go, or who you are with and the time you spend together? If, as I suspect, it is the latter, then you should let go of any concerns, safe in the knowledge that you are going to spend some precious time with someone you truly love. If it is the former, then book it yourself and call it a holiday rather than a honeymoon.
The honeymoon was traditionally a chance for two people to get to know each other away from familiar surroundings, a time to start out on their journey together without input from close friends or families. For that, it's nice to be in a dream location. It's a time, unlike any other, that is precious and will become a point of reflection and result in stories you'll share with your friends and families.
If you and your fiancé share this view, you'll have no need to be concerned over him becoming motivated to book it. By starting your marriage this way, communicating with flexibility and openness you only enhance your life together. |
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Written formality
Q. We would like to send out formal wedding invitations in keeping with our traditional wedding day. Could you advise on the correct wording as there are so many variations?
A. Sandra Egan says: There are many variations of formal wedding information wording these days, mainly due to the wider variety of wedding ceremonies that are available along with changes in who pays for the event.
Traditionally, it was the bride's parents who paid for the wedding but today it is often the bride and groom who take on the financial responsibility. |
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Contact our experts... |
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Dominic Keohane, Relationship coach
www.dominickeohane.com |
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Elizabeth Finch, Wedding cakes
www.cakesbyelizabethfinch.co.uk |
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Lesley Cole, Wedding planner
www.toast.co.uk |
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Sandra Egan, Stationery
www.artycrafty.com |
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