STEP INTO SPRING We’re having a spring wedding and would like to incorporate trees and flowers into our décor. Do you have any suggestions? Giant bay trees with twisted stems look great and create a real statement at any venue. The dark green of the foliage creates the perfect backdrop for flowers, as you can see in this picture with the cream and white arrangement. Imagine the scene without the bay tree, and the flowers wouldn’t stand out so well against the stone pillar, yet the contrast with the green is lovely. Everyone is so conscious of the health of our planet, and here at Posh Plants, we can enable you to decorate your wedding in the most eco-friendly way possible. Our trees have been a living part of the large Posh Plants collection for almost 20 years, and some of them, like these giant bays, were 20 years old when they came to us. So, these established, mature trees have been absorbing CO2 and giving us back oxygen while they work hard to make your special day the wedding of your dreams. Sue Huckle www.poshplants.com THE BEAUTY OF NATURE What are your top tips for planning an outdoor wedding? Probably the biggest challenge you’ll face when planning an al fresco wedding is – all together now – the weather! But if you plan, plan, and plan some more, you’ll find ways around it while still having the best open-air celebration you could wish for. Make sure everyone’s adequately informed. When you send out your invitations, make sure you’re clear on which parts of your day will be celebrated outside so that guests know to make their own arrangements in terms of attire and protection. Keep an open line of communication with your suppliers too, and collaborate with them on wet-weather backup plans. For example, at what point will you be prepared to make the decision to take it all inside? Who is going to be responsible for moving the whole shebang? Check on the access to your venue. If you’re tying the knot in a field, is there parking nearby? Are there accessible roads and paths to get to you? If not, think about how you can overcome these challenges. Perhaps you need to lay on extra transport from a local car park, for example. Also, think about accessibility from the point of view of any less able-bodied guests you may have coming. Sound tends to drift away in the open air, so make sure you have all the tech in place to ensure everyone can hear you as you say, ‘I do.’ You’ll also need to check with the venue whether there are any restrictions on late-night music, as you don’t want to disturb the local wildlife or residents! Also on the tech front, do you have all of the creature comforts in place, such as loos and generators? Have a think about what cover you want to provide for you and your guests. This is, of course, crucial for the comfort of all, not only in terms of wet weather protection but also from the sun – we’ve had some scorchers in recent years. Once you’ve settled on a vibe for your nuptials, this should all become clear. An elegant, lined marquee is ideal for a classic wedding, whereas a tipi is the perfect choice for a boho or rustic vibe. When it comes to styling, really take a look at your setting and plan ways in which you can complement it with your theme. Nature can do an incredible amount of heavy lifting on this front if you strive to work with it rather than against it. Melissa Cullen – Editor of Your East Anglian Wedding www.youreastanglian.wedding www.unsplash.com/@laurenraderphoto PRETTY FLORALS We’re getting married outside. What do you suggest for our flowers? Embracing the beauty of seasonal, locally grown flowers is a wonderful way to reflect the charm of nature, seamlessly complementing the atmosphere of your special day. Opting for blooms that are in season not only ensures freshness but also harmonises perfectly with the environment around you. To achieve a natural and unstructured look, consider designs that mimic the organic beauty of a garden, hedgerow, or wildflower meadow. Think loosely gathered bouquets, rambling arrangements, and centrepieces with a just-picked feel. Embrace asymmetry and varying textures to add depth and character to your floral displays. Partnering with a florist who resonates with your love for natural and informal styles is key. Seek out someone who not only comprehends your vision but can also breathe life into it with their expertise and boundless creativity. A florist should not only elevate the visual allure of your wedding but also guarantee that each arrangement is a true reflection of your individual style and personality. By incorporating seasonal flowers, opting for airy and unstructured designs, and collaborating with a florist who shares your vision for natural beauty, you can create a wedding atmosphere that celebrates the splendour of nature in all its simplicity and charm. Katy Rayner www.brackenandtwine.co.uk www.bethanysmithphotography.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 51
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