Question 1

What is your advice on how to personalise your big day to the max?

Accepted Answer

To truly personalise your wedding venue and make it a reflection of your story, start by gathering inspiration from platforms like Pinterest, which offer a treasure trove of creative ideas. Once you've got your vision, carefully curate a theme that resonates with both you and your partner. At Swanley Meadows, the breathtaking natural surroundings offer a beautiful blank canvas, but we encourage couples to go beyond the ordinary and infuse their personalities into every corner, both outdoors and within the tipis. One way to make your day stand out is to think outside the box. Our versatile and expansive space allows for creative touches that aren't typically seen at weddings. Consider hiring a caterer to craft a wedding breakfast that reimagines your favourite dishes, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. Decorate the venue with photos, meaningful artifacts, or surprises that reflect your journey as a couple, creating delightful moments for your guests as they move through the space. The key is to make every element, from décor to food, a reflection of your shared history and individuality, ensuring your wedding is not just beautiful, but deeply meaningful and unique to you.

Question 2

What is your advice on creating an elegant winter wedding?

Accepted Answer

Winter is an incredible time of year to host a wedding, but just like the summer brings with it its very own set of challenges and considerations. Here are just a few things to bear in mind... •Dress for the weather. If you're planning to pop outside for a photo or to make sure you're prepared. Invest in a super-cute bridal bolero or cape to cover your shoulders, and take a pair of cosy boots to slip into – you don't want to ruin those Jimmy Choo heels in the mud! •Don't forget the beauty prep. Both the central heating and chill in the air will play havoc with your skin. Be sure to pack a hydrating mist for a spritz during the day and a lip balm to keep that pout kissably soft. •Photography. Work with your photographer ahead of time to discuss potential backdrops for your couple shots and devise a plan A and B in case the weather doesn't allow you get outside. They'll have the correct lighting and techniques required for fab interior shots, so fear not. But armed with your date, ask potentials for examples of their nighttime and indoor work. Remember, even if it's dry timing is everything. •Start early. It's a good idea to plan your ceremony for slightly earlier in the day in order to maximise daylight. Particularly on dull days, a 3pm ceremony could seem like twilight "I dos" even if that's not what you had in mind. •Opt for an all-in-one venue. To save you and your guests braving the rain, or indeed snow, choose a venue that can host your entire day from ceremony to celebrations. Everyone can stay cosy all day and there's no need to worry about hairdos going astray or dresses becoming bedraggled. •Christmas decs. It's a good idea to ask your venue whether they're likely to have their own Christmas decorations up at the time of your wedding. If so, see if you can get an idea of what they've got planned as they may or may not coordinate with your own styling vision.

FAQs and expert advice about wedding planning