STYLE FILE

Style FILE Want to wow your wedding crowd with a venue styled to perfection? These Essex businesses are here to help

www.threeflowersphotography.co.uk

https://pengelly-photography.co.uk https://pengelly-photography.co.uk

GET STYLISH WITH DECORATIONS

“Boho is still a big wedding trend, evolving recently towards geometric party props and retro shapes,” says Laura Celiz from Braintree’s Rock The Day. “Pampas grass and dried florals are key to this look, with the gorgeous fusion of bespoke elements and natural materials proving very popular. Carefully selected theme and party props can make or break this trend, with boho-style dome shaped backdrops in warm earthy colours, as well as wicker and bamboo lampshades, dyed muslin drapes and runners. The flowy and free-spirited boho decorations, used with an emphasis on organic elements and nature, make it a favourite for many.” DO “Stick to your theme and colour palette.” DON’T “Do too much. Remember: sometime less is more.” CONTACT www.rocktheday.co.uk

www.elizabethjayneweddings.com

GET STYLISH WITH FLOWERS

“We’re seeing many couples opt for loose, more natural blooms,” says Kelleyann Phythian from Wethersfield’s Honeysuckle Flowers. “Roses, hydrangeas and peonies remain popular; however, couples now want seasonal and locally-sourced, too. For a wow factor you can’t beat a large flower arch above the ceremony doors. Aisle meadows, flowers placed on either side of the aisle, draw guests’ eyes along a sea of blooms leading to the altar or ceremony table. If having round tables at your reception, use tall table displays with tumbling flowers and foliage for drama. If using long tables, one continuous centre arrangement with repeating blooms adds an opulent feel.” DO “Be honest about your budget, so your florist can design your flower package accordingly. There are ways to save money, such as faux flowers and reusing displays.” DON’T “Waste money decorating areas that won’t be seen much. Nobody needs a flower on their napkin.” CONTACT https://honeysuckleflowers.co.uk

GET STYLISH WITH TABLES & CHAIRS

“We’re seeing a comeback in chair bows,” says Oznur Ozdemir from Harlow’s Mediterranean Occasions. “Vertical draping with flowers to the back of chairs are also popular. As well as classic ivory and sage green, we’re beginning to see a pattern of sought after colours for centrepieces on tables, with bright and bold hues. Couples are becoming more conscious about sustainability, so are looking into silk florals and biodegradable petals. Whatever you choose, it’s very much a case of ‘go big or go home’, as opposed to anything minimalistic. Couples tell us they want their wedding day photos to be Insta-worthy, for others to use as inspiration.” DO “Get ideas and inspiration from social media and take these with you to your styling appointment.” DON’T “Leave styling to the last minute, as rushing decisions can end up with you regretting the choices you’ve made.” CONTACT www.mediterraneanoccasions.co.uk

GET STYLISH WITH DRINKS

“Hiring a mobile bar, such as our horsebox, is a great way to style up your venue, in addition to ensuring guests don’t go thirsty,” says Jodi Linger from Billericay’s Full of Fizz. “Cocktails are now more popular than prosecco, with many couples asking for a dedicated cocktail hour during their day. We’re also asked to personalise drinks to represent the newlyweds, and like to use a few quirky signs to dress the bars, as they’re always fun. We recently attended a wedding where the bridesmaids’ dresses were red, so made sure that two of the cocktails were also red. It’s these little touches that go a long way – and look great in your photos!” DO “Let your wedding planner know that they can put some of their own wedding flowers or decor on our bars. We’re always open to ideas and want our bars to look amazing for you.” DON’T “Think too big when it comes to signs for drinks. Smaller is actually better, as you don’t want anything that takes up too much room.” CONTACT https://fulloffizz.com

GET STYLISH WITH FOOD

“The individual charcuterie cup is popular for wedding receptions,” says Samantha Zive from Ingatestone’s Fig & Feast. “These cups or cones have a few pieces of cheese, a little cured meat, olives and crackers; just enough to keep your guests going before the wedding breakfast. Food, of course, plays a huge part in any wedding, and visually a grazing table will always turn heads at your celebration. From the colour of the food, to the scent of the foliage used to dress your spread, friends and family can pick on cured meats, artisan cheeses, locally-sourced fresh bread, honeycomb, figs, fresh fruit and other delicious treats.” DO “Pick a spread to match the time of your wedding. Why not offer a brunch table, laden with pastries, bagels, fruit, yoghurt and granola, if saying ‘I do’ earlier in the day?” DON’T “Opt for a bog-standard evening buffet – it’s most definitely a thing of the past!” CONTACT www.figandfeast.co.uk

GET STYLISH WITH SIGNS

“Mirrors and metallics are trending for wedding signage, as well as more personal touches,” says Emma Fews from Witham’s Elf Occasions. “Couples also like ideas personal to themselves, such as theming their guest tables, rather than having table numbers. Whether it’s locations of places they’ve been to on holiday together, or names to match the theme of the couple’s wedding, personalisation always adds a lovely touch. Just be sure to choose the right signs for your venue and the style of wedding you want, being consistent throughout. If you’re having a rustic wedding, choose wooden signs and table plans to match. If it’s an elegant theme, opt for mirrored and metallic table plans and signs.” DO “Get your photographer to capture a snap of you both in the reflection of any mirror sign – it makes a lovely picture!” DON’T “Forget to tell your venue if naming rather than numbering tables. That way they can incorporate this into your floorplan to ensure all the tables are set correctly.” CONTACT www.elfoccasions.co.uk “We’re seeing an increased number of weddings in marquees, so fairy lights and festoon lighting outside is becoming popular,” says Michelle Broom from Kirby Cross-based Occasions and Celebrations. “Our favourite form of lighting for any wedding has to be our Sparkle Package, which includes a light up LED dance floor, light up letters and starlight backdrop, to give you that perfect combination of sparkling lights that ‘wow’ your guests. The starlight backdrop creates the perfect staging for your ceremony and top table; the dance floor gives your guests a place to head to; and the light up letters create the perfect spot for those social media snapshot moments!” DO “Choose lighting that directs guests to your dancing area. If not, you have the danger of people sitting or standing in separate areas, resulting in you losing that party atmosphere.” DON’T “Mix colours of lights, for example warm with ice, as it looks messy and unfinished.” CONTACT www.occasionsweddingflowers.co.uk

GET STYLISH WITH FINISHING TOUCHES

“Consider little extras that guests may not have thought about when it comes to your big day,” says Hayley Bunting from Brentwood’s Hayley Jayne Weddings & Events. “Display milk churns full of umbrellas if it’s looking like rain, or paper fans if the weather will be warm. Wicker baskets with packets of tissues are great for family members who may shed a tear, as are bathroom hampers packed with useful items for throughout the day. Have mini organza bags of confetti readily at hand, consider a camera for Polaroid shots, and don’t forget about that box of flip flops for tired feet, when ladies want to hit the dance floor but can’t cope with their heels any longer!” DO “Consider candlelight if allowed. Pillar candles style your aisle, while tealight holders positioned on your cake table and bar also look beautiful.” DON’T “Over-style. Instead, choose a small number of additional styling elements and do them well.” CONTACT https://hayleyjayneweddingsandevents.co.uk

www.danielle-smith-photography.com

www.danielle-smith-photography.com