Question 1

I'm struggling to sleep at night during the run-up to our wedding. What advice can you share to help?

Accepted Answer

A good night's sleep starts first thing in the morning. Get out of bed as often as possible, which will help keep your circadian rhythms in sync and your body running efficiently. Physical activity plays a crucial role in promoting good sleep. Exposing yourself to bright light in the morning helps to banish lagging melatonin and feel energised. Engaging in daily physical activity, in a form that suits you, helps to build up sleep pressure and has been found to improve sleep quality. From yoga to more vigorous cardio exercise, find what works best for you. Take time to process thoughts and emotions before you get ready for bed. Many of us are kept awake by a mind racing with thoughts we haven't had time to process during the day—experiment with writing a daily journal to download your thoughts to paper. Research has shown that simply writing a to-do list for the following day can help you fall asleep faster. Gratitude practices can also help to defuse anxious thoughts. Take time in your busy day to pause. Many of us dash through the day at 100mph, relying on stress hormones to fuel the constant demands on our attention. Regarding bedtime, we're stuck in the 'on position'. Practising breathwork, mindfulness or relaxation techniques during the day will make it easier to relax at night. We need to train the brain and body in the skill of relaxation. Hotpod Yoga's new Sleep Sessions class encourages deep relaxation in a safe environment. It provides an opportunity to hit that pause button during the afternoon or to support your evening wind-down routine. You learn to practice the art of relaxation so that your mind and body become familiar with the state you need for restorative sleep. Many struggle to switch off at night! Chronic stress and poor sleep can push us into a chronic state of hyperarousal; we get stuck in 'fight or flight' mode. Yoga combines physical movement, breathwork and meditation techniques, which develop deep relaxation skills. Research shows that yoga helps people gain awareness and a sense of control over their minds and bodies, and there is evidence that regular yoga practice can help improve strength, the flexibility immune function, mental health, sleep quality and overall wellbeing.

Question 2

How can we incorporate our three dogs into our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Hire a professional wedding dog chaperone specialist to assist and coordinate your furry friends' roles in the ceremony. The chaperones will liaise with the registrars and venue coordinators accordingly to ensure a stress-free service. The most popular role for your dog is a ring bearer. They will run down the aisle with your wedding rings attached in a secure holder. Alternatively, flowergirl or dog-of-honour is a cute role for multiple dogs. They could walk down the aisle one by one with your bridesmaids or maid-of-honour, then be passed to the chaperones. Another option would be for your pooches to sit with the rest of your guests, accompanied by a chaperone while the ceremony takes place.

Question 3

What trends will be popular in 2023?

Accepted Answer

Love stories and romantic literary greats will feature strongly in 2023 wedding trends. With the hotly-anticipated third series of Bridgerton in production, Regency period fascination will find its way subtly into weddings, with literary-inspired touches and splashes of Regency blue. Think of a quintessentially English cottage aesthetic, tradition, and regal elegance. Perfect for the traditionalists amongst us. The cost of weddings rises year upon year, and more and more couples are finding savvy ways to save money. Whether it's arranging their table décor, growing their own flowers or making their wedding cake, couples are looking for ways to utilise the talents within their wedding party to keep costs down as much as possible. Sustainability is already a huge priority amongst many Brits, but in 2023, this is set to grow even further. Many couples will look to reduce the environmental impact of their wedding through eco-friendly suppliers and re-usable items. Stationery from environmentally-friendly suppliers and re-usable decorations and favours will play a big part, as weddings become a statement of how a couple wants to live in harmony with the environment. On the other side of the scale, another trend we're seeing is the more subtle, old English-style weddings. Think satin and plain outfits as well as black and white imagery.

Question 4

We want to personalise our big day. How can we do this?

Accepted Answer

Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet daunting experience, but as long as it's physically possible, there's nothing too off-limits. The first thing you should think about is the tone of the day. Do you want it to be relaxed and informal, or would you prefer it to be formal and fun? Once you have the atmosphere in your mind, you can then choose things that are relevant and make it perfect for you. Songs are a great way to add a personal touch. This year we have had a couple walk down the aisle to the instrumental theme from Jurassic Park, as well as a new Mr and Mrs Jones walk out to Me and Mrs Jones. Couples love Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours when they are signing the register and another favourite is At Last by Etta James. One of the things we've noticed, is that fruitcake has come back into fashion. There was a point where it disappeared altogether, and nobody did them at all, but it's making a return. These can be decorated to fit your theme or colour scheme. Alternatively, if you choose not to have a cake at all, a cake made of cheese is a popular alternative.

Question 5

My hubby-to-be and I want to incorporate our beloved dog into our wedding. What should we take into consideration?

Accepted Answer

Begin by checking that your wedding venue is dog friendly. Once you've done this, try and find a dog-loving photographer and videographer. Whoever you choose, make sure to let them know what your plans are for having your pet at your wedding. Consider your dog's temperament and what their role might be. There are so many ways you can include your pooch – they could be your ring bearer, VIP guest or flower dog. They could even walk down the aisle with a member of your wedding party, but please ensure that your dog has the right temperament to cope with all the attention. Invest in a chaperone. A chaperone will plan, coordinate, and take on all the stresses on your wedding day. Our chaperone service is very much in demand, with couples booking for 2023, 2024 and beyond, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. We cover the West Midlands region, including Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire plus Wales and London. Nationwide cover is also available upon request. Choose an epic outfit. If you're considering a flower collar or tuxedo harness, make sure that it's safe, made-to-fit and is comfortable for your pet. Certain flowers or foliage can be poisonous to dogs, so it's vital to check or consider artificial flowers. Finally, let your guests know. A simple note on your invitations or just telling your loved ones that you plan to have your dog with you at your wedding, means that they come prepared, especially if they are nervous around dogs or allergic to them. However, if your pooch is a surprise guest or ring bearer, it may be advisable to tell the nervous and anxious guests beforehand.

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