Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - August/September 2024 (Issue 102)

HOW DO WE MAKE A BIG IMPACT WITH OUR FLORAL DECOR ON A LIMITED BUDGET? Jenny Hopkin from Clifton Flowers (https://cliftonflowers.co.uk) says: Planning a wedding on an tight budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice making a big impact. Here are some tips to help you maximise your floral arrangements without breaking the bank. First, focus on the essentials: the bridal bouquet and the groom’s buttonhole. Ensuring these are covered will give you peace of mind. For bridesmaid bouquets or arrangements, consider using a mix of different foliages or a mass of one type of flower, such as gypsophila. This approach creates a striking effect and works beautifully against colourful bridesmaid dresses or plain walls and tablecloths. Another tip is to ask your florist to create one or two stunning larger arrangements. These can be used for your ceremony and then moved to the breakfast room. While they may seem like a significant investment, they add height and interest to the room, allowing you to opt for lower or smaller arrangements for individual tables, thereby reducing costs. Trusting your florist to choose seasonal blooms can also stretch your budget. Being flexible with the types of flowers allows your florist to pick varieties that are in abundance and better value, as flower costs can vary due to weather conditions and growing seasons. WHAT DO WE NEED TO BEAR IN MIND WHEN PLANNING A SUMMER WEDDING? Berwick Lodge’s (www.berwicklodge.co.uk) wedding coordinator, Georgia, says: 1. Choose the right venue. Selecting the perfect venue sets the tone for your entire wedding day. Consider those that offer indoor and outdoor spaces, providing flexibility in case of unexpected weather changes. Look for venues with beautiful gardens or picturesque landscapes that capture the essence of summer. 2. Consider the weather. While summer weddings often boast sunny skies and warm temperatures, planning for all eventualities is essential. Have a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies in case of rain or extreme heat. Tent, umbrellas, and fans can help keep guests comfortable regardless of the weather. 3. Timing is key. Opt for a ceremony time that avoids the hottest part of the day, typically midday. Early morning or late afternoon ceremonies offer more comfortable temperatures for the both of you and your guests. Additionally, consider the sun’s angle when choosing your ceremony location to avoid harsh shadows in photographs. 4. Dress light. Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics for your wedding attire to stay comfortable in heat. Consider opting for a sleeveless or a short-sleeved wedding gown and lightweight suits or linen attire for the groom and groomsmen. 5. Embrace seasonal blooms. Take advantage of the abundance of seasonal flowers available during the summer months. Incorporate vibrant blooms such as sunflowers, peonies, and dahlias into your wedding décor to add a pop of colour and freshness to your celebration. https://redmaplephotography.com WE DON’T KNOW WHO’LL BE DELIVERING OUR CEREMONY! Jackie Aldrich and Deb Stodgell from Just Ceremonies (https://justceremonies.co.uk) say: Not having a clue who’ll be at the front delivering the ceremony on the big day is a common concern among couples who won’t even have spoken to this person until 30 minutes beforehand. So, picture this: you’re standing there, the love of your life at your side, and in front of you, the person who’ll deliver the words creating your ceremony, including your vows to each other. Here’s the twist, do you want that person to be two registrar strangers you haven’t met, armed with a set of legal jargon ready to roll? People who won’t tolerate any fashionable lateness unless you want to risk them leaving to go to their next ceremony and coming back to you later? Or, would you prefer a friendly face? Someone who knows your story, has taken the time to get to know you both, and is ready to deliver a script so personal and memorable it will leave everyone in awe? Someone who’ll only have your ceremony that day, and there will be no rush? Someone who has your back all the way? As that’s just what you get with a celebrant-led ceremony. It’s more than just words; it’s an experience. It’s personal. It’s memorable, and it’s all about you. 53

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