Q&A: Our reception venue is quite dark, but we are not allowed to use candles. Can you suggest some alternatives for lighting up the room?

Last weekend we used battery operate candles, available from Cox and Cox , they were effective and lasted all afternoon and evening.

You could also use fairy lights to create a romantic atmosphere. They are easy to get hold of and not expensive, try wrapping them around bay trees, archways, banisters, in clear vases or look for blossom style ones like these from Debenhams or Laura Ashley.

Photo Credit: One Love Photo via Rock n’ Roll Bride

Q&A: Do you know if there is a gift list company for outdoor present, we’d love to create our dream garden?

Absolutely, although many of the department stores with wedding lists have garden options they may not be as varied as you may like.

The Bottom Drawer is a more flexible online gift list option, you can choose to have your garden landscaped or pick products from turf and flowers to lights and decking.

Enjoy relaxing in your new garden!

Photo credit: www.gardenvisit.com

Q&A: I was hoping to wear a vintage dress, but can’t find anything suitable- do you have any ideas?

We have lots of beautiful bridal boutiques here in Berkshire, but not those that specialise in vintage dresses so a trip to London would be the best approach.

Make sure you book appointments in advance, a good place to start and reasonably priced is Annies Vintage Clothing in Islington with original Twenties mid-calf lace wedding dresses with silk under slips that sell for around £200 (www.anniesvintageclothing.co.uk).

Other city options to visit are Candy Anthony (www.candyanthony.com), Half Penny London (www.halfpennylondon.com) and The Vintage Wedding Dress Company (www.thevintageweddingdresscompany.com).

Have a fabulous day out and be sure to update us on your search for the perfect dress.

Photo credit: www.halfpennylondon.com

Q&A: How can I make the RSVP process easier?

An online RSVP option is becoming more common as wedding websites grow in popularity, this is a quick way for guests to reply and easy for you to manage whilst being environmentally friendly, although it may require a few calls to Grandparents and those less comfortable with the internet.

Expecting guests to send a postal reply can be a slow process unless you include your own RSVP cards, removing any delay in guests having to find a suitable acceptance card. Including an addressed and stamped envelope makes this even simpler and speeds up the time for you to get your numbers confirmed.

Tip: Number the guest list and the backs of the RSVP cards, in case someone forgets to write in his or her name.

Image credit: www.studiobelle.co.uk

Q&A: When should we send our thank you cards?

Try to send hand written thank you notes no later than a month after your wedding referring to the gift they have given you. To make it easier to manage start writing them as soon as people start buying you gifts rather than having masses to do after your honeymoon.

Q&A: What size wedding cake do I need?

Janet from The Cake Fairy in Reading helped us with today's question by providing this handy chart we ofter refer to.

The table illustrates how many and what size tiers you should choose to have enough cake to serve your guests, varying on the shape of cake you prefer and the slice size.

Fruit cake is generally served in finger size portions and sponge in dessert size portions. However the finger size slices are perfect if you are having different flavour tiers and would like to give guests a selection to taste.

Don't forget to consider extra if you would like to keep your top tier after your wedding.

Enjoy picking a delicious cake!

Q&A: What side should the buttonhole be on?

There are some questions we regularly get asked that I’ll start sharing on the blog, starting with the popular query ‘What side should the buttonhole be on?’
The men’s buttonholes should be on the left side- easy to remember as it is closest to the heart. It helps the flower stay looking it’s best all day as most people lean in to hug people from the right, the handkerchief should also be on this side.
To attach the buttonhole position it 10cm down from your left shoulder and pin from the underside of the lapel down through the stem and back out to keep the pin hidden and the flower secure. Alternatively if you have a wedding co-ordinator ask them to do it for all the groomsmen!
If you have a burning question you want answered let us know at info@sugarblossom.co.uk

Photo credit: SugarBlossom's own