Your East Anglian Wedding - June/July 2023 (Issue 61)

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 OPEN AIRI‘ dos’ 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. www.flemingphoto.co.uk 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. www.sharoncudworthphotography.com www.sandrareddin.com www.tomhalliday.com 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. 69 OUTDOOR WEDDINGS

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