An Essex Wedding - Page number 81 - November/December 2021 (Issue 101)

HOT TOPIC: how have couples changed their approach to wedding planning for 2022 and beyond? ENTERTAINMENT The last 18 months have probably been the hardest the industry has ever seen. The restrictions we’ve had to face have meant that not only the way people are booking weddings have changed, but also what people are booking. Regardless of restrictions lifting, we’ve seen that a lot of people are still keeping their weddings relatively small and people are choosing to spend their budget which would have gone on more guests, on added luxuries like entertainment. We’ve seen an increase in people booking more immersive experiences and musicians, which provides a more intimate experience allowing guests to feel more involved. We’ve had a lot of free standing aerialists which have been booked, meaning people can be in and amongst the action. Couples are also looking for more versatile acts which will allow them to still perform with any restrictions in place, as we have still felt a lot of uncertainty around big events. Needless to say, people have got a lot of catching up to do and thankfully, we’ve seen bookings being made into the next couple of years, even into 2025! What most people do need now, is trust and flexibility. They need to be able to trust their suppliers and know that whatever the future may hold, Covid-19 restrictions or not, that their suppliers and event organisers will stand by them and they’ll do the same. Lisa Sansom | Cofounder | RubyLemon https://rubylemon.com | www.instagram.com/rubylemon_ FLOWERS Naturally, we are working with a lot of brides that have had wedding dates changed or delayed over the last couple of years. For many brides, this has made them more relaxed; rather than worrying about every single detail, brides are just so delighted to finally be getting married. It has also allowed some couples to save up a bit more ahead of their big day and so they are investing in bigger floral installations and statement pieces that really provide the wow factor. Ceiling fixtures with flowing foliage have grown in popularity, particularly for wedding breakfasts in big barns or grand function suites. More and more, weddings are focused on the celebration of getting together as friends and family in a way that reflects the personalities of the happy couple, so parties with a casual, festival vibe continue to be really popular. Couples are changing up the flowers they feature in their displays now too. There is an emphasis on choosing seasonal bouquets that are native to the UK, which I think is a combination of people thinking about the environmental impact of the choices they make and also fears over supply chains from overseas. Roses, sweet peas, dahlias and tulips regularly appear in bouquets as people find inspiration from things they have seen in their own garden, in the countryside around them or what they see on their social media. Kelleyann Phythian | Florist | Honeysuckle Flowers 07590 220 301 | https://honeysuckleflowers.co.uk CELEBRANT The post-Covid period is a challenge for many in the wedding industry, but more especially for couples in love, waiting to make their commitment ‒ many of us have shared the journey and the frustrations. Listening to stories, are couples doing things differently as we head into 2022? Cost is often one of the first questions couples ask, but I also encourage couples to think about finding the celebrant who is the right fit for them, who will help and advise them while listening to their dreams for their big day. Couples are beginning to understand the alternative way to plan their wedding that exists beyond the registrar at a venue, registry office or church. Celebrants bring experience, flexibility, value and much more to weddings. Established wedding venues are beginning to realise that a celebrant adds some exciting options for couples, creating totally individualised ceremonies incorporating different religious beliefs and secular ideas and traditions. Over the latter part of this year, many weddings are being arranged at relatively short notice, and that’s a trend that seems to be continuing. I’ve found there is much excitement about all of the options available including: a sand ceremony, hand-fasting or jumping the broom, using candles and writing their own vows, coloured smoke bombs, unrestricted musical choices rather than having to stick to the more traditional options. Couples can opt for that unusual venue they love, on a beach, in some woodland, or in their garden, the list is never- ending and doesn’t bring the usual restrictions. Clive Burgess | Celebrant | Special Moments Celebrants 07838 921 491 | https://specialmomentscelebrants.com www.stev ehobartphotography.co.uk www.hilli erjames.com 81 ASK THE EXPERTS