An Essex Wedding - September/Ocotber 2020 (Issue 94)

Our experts offer advice on planning your dream day HOT TOPIC FANTASY FLORALS How do we get wow-factor flowers that will leave an impression on our guests? Flowers are one of the central elements for successful wedding design; they can transform any venue. The fabulous array of colours and textures available can be used to enhance any theme and say a lot about your personalities. Florals can be anything from dramatic and romantic to fun, modern, vintage or chic. There are many blooms to choose from and they should reflect your taste and style, so as soon as your guests walk into the venue, they’ll see it’s so you . The biggest wow factor usually comes with an unusual design or statement piece. If your budget doesn’t stretch to grand arrangements everywhere, then investing in one big piece will make a statement without breaking the bank. Florals work with any theme; however crazy it is I can design arrangements and decorations to suit, so don’t be scared to ask. I love a challenge and inventing new and exciting displays to suit my couples. Alison White | Alison White Wedding Flowers | www.alisonwhiteweddingflowers.co.uk www.min iandmephotography.com GETTING PERSONAL We’re planning a smaller and more personal celebration than we originally had in mind. How can we reflect ourselves as a couple in our styling? By choosing a more intimate wedding with your closest loved ones, you can focus on creating a memorable experience for you and your guests. Remember, just because the guest list is small, it doesn’t mean everything else needs to be! Firstly, go back to basics and prioritise what’s most important to you. Fewer guests will allow more budget to spend on these priorities – whether that’s transforming your space with the décor of your dreams or having a fairytale designer dress – do what’s right for you. You’ll want to adapt your wedding space to make it feel more intimate and snug. Add plenty of lanterns and warm candlelight to get that romantic feel. Add a few tall, statement centrepieces to fill the room with height and width. You could opt for a sweetheart top table to be the focal point of the room and add a beautiful backdrop to frame it.  A smaller wedding really gives you the opportunity to focus on all of the little touches for your family and friends. Use personalised place settings that your guests can take home and choose table names with special meanings to you as a couple. Emma Fews | Elf Occasions Venue Styling | www.elfoccasions.co.uk www.gem magiorgio.com 88