select however, it is essential it is professionally and dependably provided. If not there is a risk, even though a small one, that either the vehicle won’t run or the driver will just not turn up.


Transport, photography


and flowers It doesn’t matter how lavish or how modest a wedding might be and regardless of where the ceremony is held, there are three things they all have in common; transport, photography and flowers.


Getting the bride and groom to the venues of ceremony and reception is of prime importance. If they don’t arrive after all, there can be no wedding.


A wedding however, is a ‘one off’ affair and marking it with special transport is one way of stressing its unique nature.


There are sound practical reasons for not using public transport too. For a start, how would the bride manoeuvre her voluminous gown onto a bus?


And how could you guarantee the bus or train would run to time - if at all?


What type of vehicle the bride chooses for her special journey is very much a matter of her original taste, though fashion also comes into it.


The choice is very wide ranging from the most luxurious of limousines, to an antique, horse-drawn carriage complete with Dalmatian side-runners.


Whatever transport they 4


There is a temptation for relatives or friends to use their own vehicles for this special purpose. Usually great enthusiasm is shown when the idea is first put forward. It all seems so possible. All too often however, when the time eventually comes, the vehicle is out of commission for whatever reason. The friendship may have ceased or the relative concerned is unable to attend. This can leave the bride trying to sort out last minute vehicle bookings and having to make do with ‘second best’.


Where photography is concerned, friends and relatives may again have to be restrained.


Most families have at least one member who is photography mad. The trouble is, few amateurs can produce the absolute quality demanded by any bride and groom. After all the event is a ‘one off’ affair and unless it is recorded accurately at the time, the opportunity will be lost for ever.


The necessity of choosing a professional photographer is obvious. Deciding which to choose is another matter.


The best way is to visit a number of studios and examine samples of the work the photographers produce. Questions such as how long it will take to produce colour proofs should be asked - having them ready at the reception is convenient for all concerned. Digital technology has most certainly, helped the


The Wedding - autumn 2012


wedding photographer provide a very efficient service.


The albums the photographer can supply will also need examining. These are expensive items so time should be taken in the choice. This is also the time to find out about enlargements, fancy mounts for display, etc. Even if the immediate family won’t want such things, other family members and friends may.


The chosen photographer may also be able to provide a video recording of the whole wedding day, if not, it will be necessary to look for a specialist.


Many couples now want what is known as a reportage wedding video. This is a documentary style recording, including sound, of the wedding day, which can be capture all the drama, emotions and amusing incidents. It allows all participants and guests to take part in the event.


Flowers and weddings seem to go together naturally and it’s hard to imagine a wedding taking place without the embellishment of flowers. It’s surprising however, just how many flowers are required.


The bride’s bouquet is very special and will usually echo her gown or the colour scheme of her bridesmaids. She may also wear flowers in her hair instead of, or in addition to, the formal veil.


If her female attendants are also to carry flowers, their bouquets should be smaller versions of the bride’s, as of course, should be the flowers they wear in their hair.


Flowers are usually very much in evidence in the church or other venue for the ceremony.


Picture courtesy of www.alchemy-stitchcraft.co.uk


In Register Office they are usually provided automatically. Some churches and chapels too may already have flowers in place.


The bride may want to have more however, decorating the pews for example, or around the door or any interior arches.


Providing permission has been obtained from the clergy in charge, most florists will be delighted to undertake such decoration, or to provide the flowers for family and friends to provide the decoration.


The reception is another area where flowers are usually much in evidence. Sometimes table flowers are provided by the caterers as part of their service, sometimes not. If this is the case, again the florist will be happy to decorate the tables on the day or deliver flowers for others to perform the task.


Which flowers are chosen depends to a great extent on the time of year in which the wedding takes place, although these days, with air travel being what it is, out of season blooms may be had quite easily - at a price.


A popular alternative is to have silk flowers for the bridal bouquets. These exquisitely beautiful creations are made either to mimic living blooms or in fanciful designs and colours to look quite original in themselves.


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