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

YOU’RE INVITED! How do we make sure our wedding invitations tell the story of us as a couple? With stationery it’s great to include elements of you as a couple, so think of things that represent you. This could be a place that’s special to you, such as where you got engaged. Perhaps look at including florals in your invitations and then incorporate these flowers into your bouquet on the day. One of my couples, Greg and Grace, did this brilliantly. They had thistles to represent Greg’s Scottish heritage and English roses for Grace. Both of these elements featured in the bridal bouquet. The stags also represented the Highland location of their wedding. My top tip is to think of the things that make your relationship unique, pinpoint them and pull them into your stationery design. Another simple win would be to hand-finish your invitations. This could be as simple as hand-writing names rather than getting them printed, or choosing a stationery suite that is hand-tied or even has a wax seal on the envelope. Katie Grimes | Katie Frances Art | www.katiefrancesart.co.uk A VERY BIG HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY We’re getting married in a beautiful country house venue. How do we reflect the luxurious setting in our venue styling? When planning your styling, choose opulent centrepieces that complement the setting. For example, glass-cut candelabra brimming with florals would work beautifully. I also love candles for creating a romantic and cosy atmosphere. Imagine walking into a room full of flickering candles giving a warm glow for understated wow factor. This look is very easy to achieve by opting for centrepieces that hold candles and also adding some low ones around the base. Tiered layers is a must to get this look right. Dress your tables with delicate lace overlays or sequin tablecloths for a touch of glam, and make sure they’re large enough to cover the whole table down to the floor. Pay attention to the finishing touches for a flawless outcome. Complete the styling with a beautiful backdrop behind the top table. Sheer draped chiffon with fairylights or just pulled together with foliage will look elegant without overpowering photos of the newlyweds. The best tip is to simply follow the vibe of the venue to create harmony and achieve a timeless look. Tia Demir | Mediterranean Occasions Venue Stylists | www.venuestylists.co.uk  ASK THE EXPERTS 89