IN FULL BLOOM What’s new in the world of wedding flowers for summer celebrations this year? Meet the expert: Lin Turner is the owner of Sweet Pea Helston, an award-winning florist based in Cornwall. Lin says: This year and next look like being very busy for weddings and we’re excited for the designs we’re going to create with a focus on British-grown flowers. Every wedding is different but we’re seeing a popular trend for dried flowers mixed with fresh blooms and couples are choosing pampas grass and bunny tails teamed with a variety of foliage to add texture and interest to their bridal bouquets and arrangements. Foliage will still influence relaxed and unstructured designs with long table garlands a firm favourite. Foliage plants used as table décor are becoming popular too - they look great nestled amongst table garlands displayed trestle tables with couples often giving these away as gifts. We’re seeing our busiest year yet with statement pieces such as arches and hanging installations adding the wow factor to any space, especially barns. The colour palette is ranging from more earthy colours like coffee, caramel, and coral to pale blues and greens with sage green a favourite choice for bridesmaids’ dresses. 01326 572 243 | www.sweetpeahelston.com Instagram @sweetpeafloralstudio Facebook @sweetpeafloralstudio MAKING WAVES How can we host a laid-back beach wedding? Meet the expert: Simon Daukes is the owner of Arches Beach Weddings based on Newberry Beach in Combe Martin, Devon. It’s a one-of-a-kind, ceremony-only, DIY beach wedding venue. The Daukes family also own The Ash Barton Estate in Braunton, a wedding venue with a manor house and extensive grounds. Simon says: Even if you’re dreaming of a formal affair with a long white dress and tuxedo, a beach wedding can be flexible enough to allow for some personal touches while remaining elegant. The beach offers many benefits that couples may not have considered and there are numerous locations in Devon and Cornwall (and the UK) that specialize in beach weddings. Couples can choose from large or small venues or even say ‘I do’ on a secluded beach. Getting married at the beach allows you to create a unique, memorable event without having to spend hours setting up elaborate decorations or making other costly preparations. The sun and sand will set the scene for your ceremony - all you need to bring is your marriage license and your guests! Planning your wedding at the beach can be relatively easy and stress-free. ♥ Save money on décor costs The natural beauty of a beach wedding will be your surroundings. The soft white sand and blue sea can provide the perfect backdrop without breaking the bank. If you want to embellish your ceremony further, you can consider adding seashells as centrepieces or incorporating seaweed into the bouquets and buttonholes. ♥ Enjoy a bigger guest list Outdoor weddings can often accommodate more guests because you’re not confined to the size of a ballroom or other indoor space. Since many beaches have miles of shoreline, beach wedding venues can offer private ceremony locations with no traffic or onlookers. ♥ It’s a holiday for your guests A beach wedding provides an opportunity for your loved ones to visit a beautiful place and extend the break. ♥ Comfort is key Couples will have freedom as far as their wedding attire is concerned. There’s no need for heavy dresses and brides can wear something floaty that they feel comfortable in. Grooms can team light-coloured trousers with a dress shirt and no tie. Wedding guests don’t have to worry about dressing up too much either if they don’t want to. 07785 386 622 | www.archesbeachweddings.com 67 EXPERT ADVICE
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