Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Sussex 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@your-sussex.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Where to begin?
Q. We're just starting out on our big-day journey and neither of us have a clue what we should look for when booking a venue. Can you help?
A. Laura Pauley says: There's so much choice when it comes to choosing a wedding venue, but there are several questions you can answer to assist in narrowing down your choices. Firstly, what's your budget? Secondly, what's your vision of your special day? Is it traditional, such as a heritage hotel or modern and unique like the British Airways i360 viewing pod? Perhaps it's a natural setting, such as a barn or garden.
Next, think about how many guests you'll invite. This will help you to decide what size the space needs to be. Wedding venues will be able to advise you how many people they can accommodate and offer ideas for the best layout and realistically how easy it is to transform it to suit your vision.
Finally, what time of year do you wish to marry? Indoor venues will suit you best for a winter wedding, but for spring or summer nuptials somewhere that has a large outdoor area with indoor rooms would be worth a look. For example, BA i360 has large beachfront terraces combined with indoor rooms boasting sea views giving the best of both.
Laura Pauley, British Airways i360
britishairwaysi360.com
In the country
Q. We're pretty open minded when it comes to the type of venue we choose for our big day. What are the benefits of barn venues in particular?
A. Helen Trigg says: Barns instantly have the wow factor even before you step into them. They offer a welcoming feel particularly when they're older original structures, which ooze a sense of history, character and beauty. Brick and flint, exposed beams, period features... what more could you wish for? Barns offer a real natural and raw beauty that you can't find in other types of venues, exuding a wonderful character and a sense of space and calm. Being among nature surrounded by trees naturally makes everyone feel instantly relaxed. Flexible and large open spaces are always a big hit too.
Cissbury Barns for example gives you the whole package – a stunning estate and countryside setting hidden in the South Downs that's exclusive to you.
Helen Trigg, Cissbury House and Barns
cissbury.com
The search is on
Q. We're about to start looking for venues. What questions do we need to ask before we book?
A. Matilda Reid says: Planning a wedding is fun and exciting, but there are many things to consider in the run up to the big day. We'd suggest you ask as many questions as possible to make sure you find the perfect venue for you. If you include the following in your checklist you won't go far wrong!
- Is the venue exclusive use?
- What are the access times?
- Where are you licensed for the ceremony? (You may want to get married outside for example. We've seen an upsurge in interest in our beautiful Walled Garden set against the backdrop of Cowdray Ruins).
- How many people can you accommodate?
- Are there any décor restrictions? (Think confetti, candles etc)
- Where are the best photo spots?
- Can you accommodate a live band or DJ?
- Is there any accommodation nearby? Finally, even with restrictions lifted it's still important to ask about the details of the venue's cancellation policy as well as finding out what the team is doing to make weddings Covid-safe.
Matilda Reid, Cowdray Estate
www.cowdray.co.uk
