Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon 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@yourberksbucksoxon.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Hands-on entertainment
Q. We're having a large wedding so how can we keep our guests entertained throughout the wedding breakfast and into the evening?
A. Sarah Head says: If you have been lucky enough to see a silhouette artist perform at a wedding then you'll know that not only is this a rare art form but also that silhouette cutting is a great way of entertaining guests at weddings, keeping them entertained during the photographs. It's a good icebreaker too because I walk around the guests and chat with them whilst cutting paper portraits freehand using nothing but scissors.
Think of vintage cameos like Jane Austin's trademark silhouette or Mrs Whistledown's silhouette in Bridgerton - each one is cut freehand using nothing but a pair of scissors with no drawing first, or other trickery. Each silhouette is a flattering likeness of the person whatever the age so everyone will be wanting one and I can cut approximately 70 silhouettes in three hours, creating fabulous favours.
There are many benefits to booking a silhouette artist and here are just a few:
- They are rare, so not many guests would have seen them before.
- It's a sustainable material and a great keepsake that guests can cherish for a lifetime.
- They are individually personalised to each guest and bear a flattering resemblance.
Sarah Head, Silhouette Sarah
silhouetteartist.co.uk
It's party time
Q. We're looking for some wow-factor wedding entertainment to surprise our guests. Can you help?
A. Claire McCarthy-Morris says: Why not book singing waitresses or waiters to entertain your loved ones when they least expect it? Weddings can be a long day and our talented stars put on a show to lift the energy of the crowd halfway through your special day, creating an amazing atmosphere. We won't just stand and sing at your guests, we have plenty of fun ways to get everyone involved and make sure they have a great time, delivering those magical moments that family members and friends will talk about for years to come. The great thing about us in particular is not only our amazing performers but that we're interactive!
Claire McCarthy-Morris, Sing Out Waitresses & Waiters
www.singoutwaitressesandwaiters.co.uk
Always and forever
Q. We want to book a wedding singer to entertain our guests, who do you suggest?
A. Hayley Otway says: I'm a soprano singer with the ability to sing alto and harmonies and I'm a considerate group performer, blending well with others to provide memorable, heartfelt and honest interpretations of songs. I can perform pop and disco hits, jazz and musical-inspired tracks, ballads and also classical music which is popular for weddings. I'm open to couples adding their own song choices and I guarantee the smooth booking and tailoring of your event.
Hayley Otway, Hayley Emma Otway
www.hayleyotway.com
Music to your ears
Q. Please can you give us some ideas for music at our micro wedding?
A. Ella Timms, Content Writer says: Having an intimate wedding doesn't mean missing out on amazing entertainment! If you're searching for a unique and memorable wedding band, an acoustic duo or soloist are both fantastic options. As they require minimal equipment, they're ideal for a small venue, and their acoustic sound will bring any party to life without overwhelming your guests.
A DJ is also a brilliant choice - a smaller guest list means everyone can get involved, making requests and enjoying the type of music that everyone wants to hear. Why not curate a personalised list of favourite tunes to be played throughout the evening? Their equipment typically only requires three metres by two metres of space, so will fit into any venue with ease.
Ella Timms, Content Writer, Entertainment Nation Ltd
www.entertainment-nation.co.uk
Sounds of summer
Q. We're planning an intimate summer celebration and want to entertain our guests with a live musician, what can you suggest?
A. Lewis Bolland says: A pianist is a fantastic choice for a small wedding. The piano produces a warm, welcoming sound that greets guests, and is a romantic choice as you walk down the aisle. Wedding music should be subtle, elegant and flow on the day. Your song choice, especially for the ceremony, doesn't have to be a traditional or classical piece, it can be a modern pop, dance or rock track, or a favourite song from a soundtrack. I always prepare an arrangement of a couple's chosen piece to be around one-and-a-half minutes long so if requesting a song, ensure that you communicate what your favourite parts of the track are with your performer beforehand.
During the drinks reception and wedding breakfast, I would suggest that the pianist plays well-known pop, rock and traditional tracks for everyone to enjoy. A playlist to cover all tastes is important. If live music isn't required throughout the reception then I'd recommend preparing a playlist of your favourite songs that mean something to you both. Spotify and Apple Music have some great wedding playlists.
In the evening, you might want to book a DJ or a band to get guests dancing, but there's nothing like a live performance at this point in the celebration. Having a pianist play your favourite song for your first dance as everyone looks on is a special way to end your big day!
Lewis Bolland, Lewis Bolland Music
www.facebook.com/lewisbollandmusic
