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| Here is a selection of Q&As from Your South Wales Wedding magazine. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yoursouthwaleswedding.com.
To view more Q&A's on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
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Hot topic: Come rain or shine |
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| Our experts are on hand to
weather-proof your big day |
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Field of dreams
Q. We're planning a marquee wedding in a nearby field, but at the moment it's waterlogged and we're worried that it won't dry out in time for our big day. Help!
A. Fiona Davies says: Don't worry! Even during 2012, the wettest summer on record, we didn't have any trouble. A good marquee company will check the site before the event for good drainage. If you haven't got a plan 'b', then you can ask your marquee company to create a suspended floor which will raise the floor inside. This isn't the cheapest option but it should provide you with a nice dry tent! Alternatively, you could dig soakaway channels behind the tent and fill them with gravel to create drainage.
To keep your guests dry, most marquee companies will be able to provide you with a covered walkway. This can be either a series of Chinese Hats – which look very pretty – or a Clearspan marquee. Both types can be used like a canopy or a walled tunnel, they can be lit and make for a dramatic entrance. Portaloos can even be placed inside an annex to the main marquee, so guests don't need to venture out if it rains.
As for your suppliers, Trackway is a durable plastic mesh, widely used at festivals, that can be driven on without churning up the field. Your marquee supplier should be able to help you find someone to organise it for you. |
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Always take the weather with you
Q. The venue we've chosen has spectacular grounds, but as we're tying the knot in March, the weather might not be kind to us. How can we make sure we get some great shots, whatever happens?
A. Nick Murray says: Experienced photographers will find a great shot in the most unexpected of places, even if the sun isn't smiling upon you. In fact, wet weather shots, if thought out carefully by your photographer, can produce some spectacular results and make your photography stand out.
Cuddling under a sheltered alcove, huddling under a tree's canopy or even nestled up in the warm while your photographer runs outside to capture your embrace through a window, all make for great images. In this picture we had a 30-second break in the rain on a cold, blustery December afternoon, so I seized the chance and whizzed outside to capture the moment. I 'warmed up' the image later in post-production. |
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Hair today..
Q. My hair is quite fine and flyaway and I'm worried that, if it's windy, I'll end up looking like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards – is there a way to weather-proof my wedding hair?
A. Giovanna McCarthy says: Good preparation is key. Prepare for the big day by using Redken Body Full Shampoo and Conditioner. Don't wash it too often – this will strip the hair of its natural oils making it more likely to fly away!
When drying, use heat protection such as Redken Iron Shape to avoid static and protect the hair. Treat yourself to a course of treatments to improve manageability and strengthen for shiny smooth, wedding-ready locks. On the day, ask your hair stylist to backcomb, then smooth out the hair, before curling and discreetly clipping in place.If needed, add hair pieces for fullness and longer-lasting hold. |
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Forecast and forethought
Q. We're due to get married in April, but the weather has been so erratic of late, anything could happen – how can I plan for every eventuality, be it rain or shine, or even snow?
A. Ruth Hunter says: One of the most helpful tips I give to brides is, in the event of rain or snow, arrange for your ushers to take some old towels to the ceremony venue. Once all of the guests are seated, get them to mop up the entrances and aisle so your dress doesn't!
Also, make sure you have arranged somewhere for guests to hang their coats. Speak to your venue about providing coat stands and hangers. In the event of that rare British heat wave, check whether there is air conditioning at your venue. A lot of historical buildings don't have it, plus their windows may not open very wide, if at all – however, you could hire in portable units or even provide guests with personalised paper fans, that can double up as favours.
We say: Embrace the weather like real bride Nadine, who created this cute wellie station for guests' boots and tied sweet messages to umbrellas for her guests to use. Turn to page 37 of the current issue to read all about her big day. |
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