Wedding Q&A

Wedding Expert

You’ve got the problem, Sanjay Anand has the remedy

By fashion_admin | Posted Thu 05 January 2012

Other than the obvious matter of cost, is there a difference between hiring a big wedding service provider compared to a small one?

Both have their benefits and disadvantages. A big company will have a reputation to uphold but could well make you feel taken for granted because they have many other clients to tend to, while a small one has a point to prove so is likely to try harder but may well find they’ve taken on more than they can chew.
And while both are equally capable of taking your money, giving you a shoddy service and running, it’s worth bearing in mind that in the current economic climate, it’s easier for the latter to file for bankruptcy. I suggest you go to big companies for the things that require efficient organisation and management – things such as catering, transportation and entertainment – while looking at smaller ones for individual items like cakes, centrepieces and bouquets. But big or small, the golden rule for hiring any service provider lies in their ability to convince you that they are willing and able to give your needs their undivided attention. And make sure you get everything signed and checked by your solicitor to ensure they’re held accountable if god forbid anything does go wrong.

Do me a favour!

At a recent wedding, I was surprised that many guests thought sugared almonds in a chiffon bag were tacky  – I thought they were okay! Now I’m lost for ideas!
While sugared almonds have always been a wedding staple, a great alternative, considering the current inclination towards all things environmental could be to offer a more eco-friendly (and less fattening) option. Aweddinglessordinary.co.uk offer tiny plantable cards or seed favours, which blossom into wildflowers and cost around £2 each, cheaper if you buy in bulk. Other companies also allow you to make a donation to a charity in the guest’s name, which you can print on a card and place at the guest’s table, wrapped in a ribbon. If you are not constrained by budget, the best favours are ones, which can be used again rather than existing as a one-night wonder. Think tiny salt and pepper shakers, miniature candles in tea-cups or even manicure kits! For the bride who really wants to be praised for her attention to detail, I’d recommend theming your favours according to the season every time. But if you like the almonds idea, stick to it. You’ll love the butterfly candybox from www.etoiledemer.com – guaranteed to please the harshest of critics!

I’ve heard it’s cheaper to get invites made in India, but I’m worried they’ll look tacky…

While some couples prefer to have their wedding invitations made abroad, we advise against it because better quality of design is now available in the UK at much more affordable prices. This means you can have full control over the design process allowing you to liaise with your company directly. Xpression cards (www.cardwala.com) in London offer a fully bespoke service, or you can explore their existing range, which includes exquisite designs for Hindu, Sikh and Muslim weddings.

Who’s Wedding

Is it norm to provide all our vendors with food and drink? We’ve booked so many entertainers we’re worried they’ll drink the free bar dry!

Providing food for your vendors isn’t mandatory, although it is a nice gesture. But I certainly draw the line at them helping themselves to the bar – they shouldn’t be drinking on the job! In fact, put it in the contract that the consumption of alcohol before any performance will negate their payment! Nor should you have to worry about slotting them into your seating arrangement or allocate them food prepared for your guests – offer them snacks and soft drinks, and serve it backstage or in the changing room. Remember, you are paying them to entertain you, not the other way round!