OPEN AIR ‘I dos’

We discuss how to plan an outdoor wedding with help from East Anglia’s local professionals

Love for the great outdoors is blooming. After being shut up indoors during the pandemic, there’s a growing appreciation of open spaces, fresh air and all that nature has to offer. Demand for chilled al fresco weddings continues to rise and shows no sign of stopping any time soon. Luckily, we’re blessed in East Anglia with everything from beautiful coast and countryside, to magical woods, forests and more, so the world’s your oyster. Read on for top tips on how to pull off a dream outdoor wedding in style…

Tents And Tipis

Events Under Canvas (www.eventsundercanvas.co.uk) was launched in September 2013 with a mission to create magnificent outdoor events under beautiful giant tipis, with impeccable service and attention to detail. The company caters for events of all sizes from small garden parties to festival spaces, corporate events and grand weddings. MD Jenna Ackerley says: “First things first, picture your dream day. Think about the vibe you’re going for, are you after a boho-chic festival feel or more of a rustic or romantic affair? Once you’ve got a vision in mind, it’ll make all the decision-making a piece of cake.”

Jenna’s top tips

Location is everything. You want a spot that has enough room for your guests, tents and a backdrop that’ll make your Instagram followers drool. Make sure it’s easy to get to, and if you need any permits, get them sorted pronto. You’ll also need to consider parking, accommodation and transport too.

To make your celebration pop, get some experienced suppliers on board. You want people who know their way around outdoor weddings and can deliver top-notch service and products. Remember, you’re outdoors, so why not embrace nature? Add flowers, foliage, and wooden accents to your décor. And to really get your guests into the spirit, why not throw in some lawn games or a good old-fashioned bonfire? Glamping as guest accommodation is brilliant too. Finally, don’t forget to have a plan B in case Mother Nature decides to play havoc. Rain happens, so be prepared and have a contingency plan in place.

Now, the tents themselves are the pièce de résistance. Think about how many guests you’re inviting and what kind of set up will work best for you. Do you need lighting, furniture, firepits, heating, toilets and generators? The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild. Your tent company should support you through all this.

In a nutshell, planning and organising an outdoor celebration in a tipi or tent takes some thought and effort, but it’s worth it to create a day you’ll always remember.

https://alicecunliffephotography.pixieset.com

Marquee Magic

Morton’s Event Hire Ltd (www.mortonevents.co.uk) provides luxury marquees for all occasions. Offering sailcloth tents, traditional marquees, and unique hexagonal modular pods, the company create personalised events for couples from the ground up. Rob Morton, tells us: “When planning an outdoor wedding with a site in mind, just think about the logistics of getting everything in place, you may have large vehicles that need to get on site for the marquee build, caterering vans, fridge trailers, luxury toilet trailers and generators. It's also preferential to have these all tucked away out of site. Discuss with your caterers, bar company, DJ and band what their power requirements are, as often only a generator is needed to power the whole wedding.”

Al Fresco Vows

Oaktree Ceremonies (www.oaktreeceremonies.co.uk) are a global celebrant service provider creating beautiful alternatives to traditional nuptials. Whether you’re planning a wedding in the UK, renewing vows, celebrating the arrival of a new family member or saying goodbye to a loved one, Oaktree Ceremonies will deliver a personal and special occasion for you with their team of independent celebrants. Celebrant Rob Head explains: “Outdoor weddings are a wonderful option for natureloving couples wanting to hold their wedding celebrations in the great outdoors. Getting married outside is a growing trend, which we believe will be even more popular in the future.”

Delectable Delights

First opening its doors in 2010, Buns of Fun (www.bunsoffun.co.uk) is owned by self-taught Emma, who works from her garage conversion kitchen. She prepares every cake from scratch using the best ingredients, mostly with a Norfolk provenance. Emma tells us: “If you’re having a wedding cake in a marquee, place it in front of a blank background, situated near a source of natural light so that it photographs well. If you’re in a barn or other covered gathering space, pay attention to the wall or area behind the cake. Your cake maker will have spent hours making your delights, and you want it to look in peak condition when you get your photographs back.”

Rob’s top tips

www.eloiseandmitch.com

Most couples would choose a spring or summer wedding, when the weather is warmer. Spring brings blooming gardens and summer has fantastic blue skies – both of which create a beautiful backdrop for exchanging your vows. But that doesn’t mean we should dismiss a late autumn or winter wedding. Although you’re gambling with the elements a little more, autumn weddings offer earthy colours and winter weddings have a magical air to them, and you might even get a dusting of snow!

There are a huge number of benefits to hosting an outdoor wedding, such as more space. Your guests will have the option to mix and mingle without being confined in one room. And you won’t have to worry about narrowing your guest list down or as many decorations. Choose a location that gives you a backdrop that matches your ideal themed wedding. Natural lighting will flow throughout the day, creating a wide range of options for your photos. Take advantage of the warm colours from the sun during the day and find the right photographer for amazing night shots.

Getty Images

Styled To Perfection

When it comes to decorating your wedding venue, the options are endless. Whether you want to incorporate your favourite colour, a particular theme or showcase your personality, there’s a lot you need to take into consideration. To help, the team here at Your East Anglian Wedding have put together some ideas to help you style your al fresco nuptials.

Getty Images

Colourful archways will help create a focal point for your ceremony or reception. These look stunning in photographs and can be a fun way of incorporating your theme.

Getty Images

If you want to be eco-conscious, do your research. Plan a vegetarian or vegan menu, purchase bio-degradable confetti, use public transport where possible and consider sustainable favours. It’s also worth asking your venue what their green policy is and finding out if they recycle or grow their own produce.

Getty Images

Al fresco weddings lend themselves beautifully to neutral flowers. Everyone is loving pampas at the moment, and the tones and textures will add depth to any design.

Getty Images

Add a touch of gold to your tables, flowers and stationery to create a luxurious look. It’s also worth using lots of different flowers in your centrepieces and bouquet but in the same colours. Mixing lower-cost options with more expensive versions like orchids can help reduce the overall price.

Getty Images

Wooden palettes and signs are perfect for directing your guests. They also look great as table plans or order-of-the-days.

Getty Images

Outdoor props such as sofas, benches and carpets can be rented to add an outside feel to your venue. Barrels will also fit beautifully with the al fresco theme and provide a place to pop your drink down.

Help the bees by giving your guests packets of seeds as wedding favours or a plant to take home to add to their garden.

Something New

The Bobby Pin has launched its 2023 collection of fashionable wedding accessories influenced by some of the year’s hottest trends. These dreamy finishing touches include intricately detailed hair vines, pins and combs in silver or gold metal finishes, plus a range of beautiful bridal earrings. Many designs are adorned with contemporary white clay and pretty porcelain blooms alongside delicate leaf and botanical motifs, while others feature luxurious pearl sprays or glistening crystal stones. To shop, visit https://thebobbypin.co.uk

EDITOR’S FAVOURITE

This special occasion smock is from the new collection by Smock London. The dresses, which are perfect for flowergirls, are made from the finest fabrics. Hidden within the exquisite designs are secret messages and symbols including a row of hearts, a different flower in each dress plus two eternity symbol motifs symbolizing longevity and good luck. To shop, visit www.smocklondon.com

River Island’s first wedding occasion collection has launched offering a selection of mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses and flowergirl styles. There’s a range of silhouettes in a dreamy colour palette and fashionable fabrics include soft satin and tulle. There’s also stylish suiting for men and boys. To shop, visit www.riverisland.com