HOT TOPIC

Local experts on what’s hot for weddings in 2022

FLOWER POWER

We want our wedding flowers to wow our guests and reflect the latest trends. What would you suggest? Candice says: There are two main contrasts when it comes to wedding flowers for the year ahead, either go big or focus on the smaller details. As current demand for intimate weddings looks set to continue, couples are now looking to trade up and go all out with their wedding flowers while making every guest, in person or virtually, feel special.” Read on for her top five predictions for wedding flowers in 2022.

♥ Floral jewellery Floral wrist corsages were hugely popular in the 1940s and ’50s, but their popularity waned towards the end of the 20th century. Well, now they’re back! In 2022 expect to see this look go one step further with both jewellery and stoles made from flowers. These latest trends are not just for the bride either. Expect to see guests and even the mother-of-the-bride getting involved. We particularly love using delicate flowers like orchids, hellebores and ranunculus for floral jewellery.

♥ Oversized backdrops Creating a floral wall or arch to position behind your ceremony space or as a selfie backdrop has been popular for a few years, but for 2022 expect these to be bigger and bolder. Blooms will be mixed with other eye-catching elements such as ribbons, crystals to catch the light, as well as other personal touches relevant to the happy couple, such as photographs of loved ones who can’t be at the wedding. ♥ Abundant entrances Since Princess Beatrice’s wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020, couples have wanted to recreate their gorgeous floral entrance and this is a trend that’s set to continue. As well as looking beautiful and smelling divine, it gives an insight into what to expect from the rest of the day. Roses are the perfect flower for this as they’re not only heavily fragrant, but also hardy enough to stand up to our British weather.

♥ Natural and organic designs Lots of greenery and unstructured florals are another big trend. Newlyweds-to-be are increasingly asking for natural and organic designs either to bring the outdoors in or to complement the surroundings for al fresco weddings. We love creating loose, relaxed arrangements that look as if the flowers and foliage are actually growing where they’re placed.

♥ Floral islands We hope it won’t happen, but if there are restrictions on weddings next year, separate islands for different social bubbles will be an option. Anything goes for this; each island can be themed or personal to individual bubbles or have a more relaxed vibe to suit the intimate wedding itself. We love the idea of hanging garlands of flowers and foliage to create islands, turning the dancefloor into a beautiful maze.

Candice Westgate | Florist | www.sobloomingbeautiful.co.uk

www.andrewwilkinsonphotography.com www.andrewwilkinsonphotography.com

www.anniewalter.photography www.ledbylightphotography.com

HOT PANTS

I will be starting the hunt for my dream dress in the new year. What are the latest styles and designs to look out for? Wedding and special occasion wear designer Tiffany says: Over the last two years Covid has brought changes to the wedding industry with many couples having to ditch large-scale celebrations for more intimate affairs. This has seen bridal fashion take a different direction, which I don’t expect to change in the coming year.

Two-piece bridal outfits have been on the rise and are likely to be a big hit in 2022. This allows brides to create different looks throughout the day and change elements to suit each part. They may want a modest, covered look for the ceremony and then style it up for the evening party. A simple top change or switching a skirt for trousers in the evening is a great way

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to mix things up.

Speaking of trousers, bridal pantsuits have been a huge hit in 2021 and orders are coming in fast for 2022 weddings. Brides are opting for comfort with a sleek modern edge, whether it’s tailored satin trousers or a wide-leg flare, you can’t beat the freedom and movement on your wedding day! You can still have the classic bridal look too, either with a gorgeous cathedral veil or a detachable skirt or train.

For all you boho lovers, don’t worry, this trend is not going anywhere and will definitely still be around in 2022. The perfect fit for smaller weddings, they can also look fab for a more lavish affair; great for beach weddings too.

Tiffany Crosson-Smith | Designer | www.tattysoriginal.co.uk

GOING GREEN

We want our wedding to be on-trend with lots of decorative details and fashionable styling, avoiding single-use, non-recyclable items to protect the enviroment. How can we do this? Sue says: Of course it goes without saying the green credentials of hiring living plants to decorate your day is right up there, way above anything else. They not only look great and green is a colour that never really goes out of fashion. It’s cool and sophisticated and complements a wide range of different shades and variety of floral arrangements.

You don’t always need a huge array of decorations either, often it’s the simple designs that not only work best, but help cut down on waste too. Olive trees with bowls of bright, fresh lemons on the tables always look beautiful. Twisted stemmed bay trees also make an eye-catching feature, great at the entrance to the church or ceremony aisle.