STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

Style and substance Venue styling for the new normal

We’ve been on a rollercoaster of restrictions, distancing and guidelines over the last year, with couples and the wedding industry constantly adapting to new regulations. We wanted to explore how weddings have changed in this time and how you can style three different new normal celebrations, whether you’re going small, taking it outside or throwing the ultimate party to celebrate being reunited with loved ones. Thanks to our talented local experts for their advice and tips…

“Micro-weddings need special decor to create the right atmosphere – pieces that focus attention on the tables rather than the whole environment. We’ve developed stands that allow single chandeliers to hang over the dining table without the need for overhead fixings. These can be used inside or outside and provide magical intimacy for small tables; the twinkling crystals shine down like starlight.” – Simon Gerrard, Crescent Moon Events

Micro-weddings. So many couples have made the most of the situation and planned a smaller celebration. Will these intimate weddings stick around? And if so, how can you style them? “An intimate wedding should feel unique to you and contain personal touches. How about personalised napkins, which incorporate your wedding hashtag or your favourite quote? Sit together with the people who mean the most to you at a family-style wedding breakfast. Later, get cosy on sofas with blankets and your favourite tipple.” – Alison Hieron, Creative Collections www.rusticrentals.co.uk | https://mariamadison.co.uk “Micro-weddings can be magical events, with smaller guest numbers creating an intimate atmosphere. We’re finding that couples are keen to use their full budget to incorporate personal touches and luxury styling options. While you may not have been able to opt for glass charger plates and bespoke stationery for 100 people, it might well be achievable for 30. Consider personal elements, such as photographs or sayings that have significance to you both. Choose flowers or themes that represent your story as a couple. A sweetheart table can be a wonderful touch, set just for the newlyweds, it allows a moment of quiet intimacy with your partner, something which is often lost in the hubbub of a large reception.” – Holly Allman-Lopez, Ambience Venue Styling Bath “This style of wedding gives you the ability to define what the day means to you and focus only on the things that represent your love. There are so many ways to do this: catering from your favourite restaurant, a luxury picnic, a ceremony in the woods or even on top of a mountain. Why not take inspiration from your favourite places you’ve been together? For example, you could have a Moroccan-themed celebration with low tables, rattan, peacock chairs, tagines to serve food and belly dancers for entertainment.” – Lynne Panes, Rustic Rentals

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“Everyone loves the opulence of a crystal chandelier. We have developed outdoor versions to take the wonder of the ballroom out into the garden, woods or grounds of any venue. We can hang dozens of smaller chandeliers in the branches of a tree, or create a fairytale walkway into the woods. A pre-pandemic trend was to recreate the atmosphere of hanging gardens inside a venue. Now, our outdoor chandeliers are bringing the dancefloor outside.” – Simon Gerrard, Crescent Moon Events

www.rusticrentals.co.uk | www.jenniferjanephotography.co.uk www.rusticrentals.co.uk | https://mariamadison.co.uk

“For me, this is all about keeping it simple with natural materials and colours. Luxury tables start with coloured tablecloths rather than white, teamed with metallic cutlery in gold or copper and coloured or sparkling cut glassware to elevate the look. Table decor is all about layering runners, foliage, florals and candlelight (or LED lights if necessary). In the ceremony area, I would add florals, greenery and candlelight to any natural structures such as a tree or pergola, or create a backdrop with an arch or moon gate. We have even created a fireplace in the woods!” – Lynne Panes, Rustic Rentals “With al fresco weddings you normally have more space to take your wedding up to the next level. You can bring in greenery and blooms to complement the setting; use large displays to dress tired spaces and use tea light baubles or lanterns in darker areas. Why not create an outdoor lounge area with fur throws, velour couches and rugs to make the space pop? Have parasols ready if it gets sunny, and rolled blankets to keep the chill off at night – these can also be given as keepsakes. When it comes to the ceremony, opt for a romantic altar with densely decorated floral arches and drapes; not only will it look amazing but it will smell heavenly.” – Alison Hieron, Creative Collections

“Start by considering three main elements: texture, stationery and lighting. Incorporating soft, elegant textures instantly gives a luxurious vibe. Think flowing chair drapes, pooled table runners, metallic accents and sparkling glass. Your on-the-day stationery plays a big part in setting the tone. Layering place settings with personalised menu cards and place names gives a fine-dining feel. Finally, consider lighting; large clusters of candlelight are effortlessly romantic. Statement pieces such as outdoor chandeliers, fairylights or festoon lights bring drama. Combine all three elements and your day will radiate rustic-luxe.” – Holly Allman-Lopez, Ambience Venue Styling Bath

www.ambiencevenuestyling.com | https://janebeadnellphotography.co.uk

www.rusticrentals.co.uk | https://mariamadison.co.uk https://crescent-moon.co.uk

“A big celebration is all about interaction, and experiences could include a super-cool cocktail service, casino tables, live musicians or a comedian. One of the top styling trends for next season is mood lighting. When the sun sets, the lights come on to set the scene for the evening. We also love neon signs hung from frames with florals, balloons and disco balls. Although it’s great to take inspiration from trends, make sure you do things how you want in your own style.” – Alison Hieron, Creative Collections “We’re seeing a trend for big celebrations in late 2021 and 2022 – and we can understand why! After a year of lockdowns and restrictions, couples are keen to get everyone together and guest lists are growing. Couples are opting for stylish outdoor events with informal catering options such as barbecues and street-food trucks. When it comes to decor, backdrops are going to be big news. From floral moon gates to draped arches and witty neon signs, having a showstopping backdrop for your I dos is very on trend. Why not reuse it in your reception space as a fun photo backdrop or to frame your cake table?” – Holly AllmanLopez, Ambience Venue Styling Bath

www.creativecollections.uk | www.bradwakefield.com “For an opulent celebration, try matching your food to your colour scheme to create a flow throughout the party. For example, if your palette is rose gold, serve pink champagne to coordinate. The sky is the limit when it comes to your styling. You could even keep one area of your venue closed off and reveal it as a secret after-party space when the time is right. Silent discos are a great option for having a big party in a venue where there are sound restrictions after a certain time.” – Lynne Panes, Rustic Rentals

www.rusticrentals.co.uk | https://mariamadison.co.uk

“We’re seeing more emphasis from our couples on having fun with their guests, rather than the formalities of the day. We’ve been asked to design Studio 54-themed days, festival weddings and marquees with their own nightclubs. All the friends and parties that we’ve missed are inspiring the fun that we will have when we’re finally back together.” – Simon Gerrard, Crescent Moon Events

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS Holly Allman-Lopez | Ambience Venue Styling Bath | www.ambiencevenuestyling.com/wedding-stylists/bath Alison Hieron | Creative Collections | www.creativecollections.uk Simon Gerrard | Crescent Moon Events | https://crescent-moon.co.uk Lynne Panes | Rustic Rentals | www.rusticrentals.co.uk