Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding - August/September 2020 (Issue 84)

PROP IT MEET THE EXPERT : Shirley Crehan is the owner of Serenlilly Wedding & Event Hire, specialists in venue decorations, prop hire and blossom trees for weddings and events in Berkshire, London and the surrounding areas . We would like to add some quirky props and venue décor to our barn wedding bringing the outdoors in – what can you suggest? Shirley says: Canopy blossom trees look very effective at weddings. They can be placed together to form a ceremony archway, styled at the entrance to the venue, stood either side of the top table or dotted around individually. They look great draped with hanging glass baubles filled with battery-operated tea lights add a touch of sparkle and glamour. If you’re looking to add a rustic touch to your wedding décor, our illuminated, hand-crafted LOVE letters make a beautiful backdrop for photographs. We also have many other rustic-inspired props including wooden crates that are perfect for holding flip-flops and blankets for guests. For table-top accessories, centrepieces created using log slices surrounded by hessian jars filled with flowers always look very effective. Serenlilly Wedding & Event Hire https://serenlilly.co.uk 07841 168 016 | www.instagram.com/ serenlillyweddingandeventhire Photography of bridesmaids’ bouquets and hessian-wrapped candles courtesy of https://wendyaldissportraitsandweddings.co.uk IN FULL BLOOM MEET THE EXPERT: Heather Reilly is the owner of Sonning Flowers, an award- winning florist based in Reading, Berkshire. Weddings are one of the favourite things that they do, and they also deliver fresh, beautiful flower arrangements locally and throughout the UK as well as offer a Flower School for students of all levels. We have postponed our intimate wedding until late autumn because of the recent restrictions. We love flowers and want them to take centre stage, reflecting the colour palette for the season. What can you suggest? Heather says: For a classic autumnal colour palette, consider bold shades of burnt orange, deep red and vibrant yellow or a more muted colour scheme incorporating rich burgundy and blush tones with accents of rose gold or copper. Many flowers are available throughout the year but consider picking ones synonymous with the season such as show-stopping dahlias, velvety cosmos or dramatic trailing amaranthus. The texture is key - consider adding berries, feathers, pine cones, dried grasses and seed heads such as echinacea or scabiosa paper moon seeds to reflect the season. Feature statement pieces at your wedding, such as a dramatic archway or pedestal arrangements. Line your aisle with candlelit lanterns or hurricane vases. If you’re planning a smaller reception, create a cosy atmosphere with low centrepieces and lots of candles, or perhaps have one large table for all your guests to sit around topped with a dramatic garland of flowers. Add elements such as pine cones, moss, log slices and leaf confetti to bring the outdoors in. Sonning Flowers | 0118 959 0301 | www.sonningflowers.com/contact | www.instagram.com/sonningflowers EXPERT ADVICE 65