Your East Anglian Wedding - October/November 2020 (Issue 45)

THE WRITE STUFF The stationery is the first glimpse your guests will get of the look and feel of your day and with fewer numbers you can really go to town with a bespoke design and extra finishing touches for a fully coordinated look. Kimberley Hooley of Norfolk-based KGH Illustrates offers a complete service and works closely with couples to design their perfect wedding stationery from scratch. She says, “Your invitations are a personal reflection of you as a couple and your wedding day.” You can even include an illustrated map to help your loved ones find their way and receive an A4 framed print as a lasting keepsake. Other special finishing touches include: ❤ Card belly bands plain, printed or with added foiling for that extra plush feel. Alternatively a twine string tie for a rustic effect or a hand-dyed silk ribbon with frayed edges for that romantic edge.  ❤ Envelope liners are a great touch, either on a plain coloured paper to match your stationery, or with a printed pattern or illustration so when you guests open it they get a sneak peek into the design before the invitation has even left the envelope.  ❤ For a wow-factor first impression why not add a wax seal? Available pre-made in a range of colours or you can even have your own bespoke ones made with your initials or a motif to match the invite. ❤ Handwritten modern calligraphy addressed envelopes are another way to impress your guests. It not only saves you a job, but also gives you the peace of mind that your invites look perfect inside and out! ❤ To complete the look on-the-day stationery such as matching order of service cards, menus, place names, table plans and signs make an impact too. ❤ Agate slices are also a great way to combine your place names and wedding favours. Visit www.kghillustrates.co.uk SETTING THE SCENE Hosting a smaller wedding can mean more budget to spend on extra details like fabulous décor to transform the setting and create a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. Venue stylist Kerry Langham of Norfolk-based Endless Story shares some of her winning ways: ❤ Opt for a sweetheart table or table of love instead of the traditional top table – the perfect romantic scenario for a smaller space.  ❤ Multiple settings – why stick to one main backdrop, when you can have a whole range? The more the merrier, you could even cover every wall and really go mad! ❤ Create different zones for welcome drinks, cake display, a chill-out area and lounge, all with their own distinct look or include several different areas within one backdrop theme. ❤ Use draping in a fabric to match your colour scheme, great for adding a luxurious touch and the perfect fix for any areas you might want to disguise. ❤ Include plenty of candles, real or LED, to create a stunning atmosphere.  ❤ Don’t be afraid of maximising the space – fill it, pack it, dress the pants out of it! Visit www.endlessstory.co.uk Images: www.gemmagiorgio.com Venue: www.woolverstonehall.co.uk PRIMPED AND PREENED If you’re cutting back on numbers, there may be spare money in the pot for a little extra pampering. Cambridgeshire-based hair and make-up artist Katrina Kelly suggests splashing the cash on some of those luxuries you were originally planning to do without. She says, “Many brides would love to have a second look for the evening and this may now be something you can look into. Go get that big bridal gown and then opt for a simpler outfit with a change of hair and make-up to take you into the evening for a more relaxed intimate feel.” Visit www.katrinakellyweddinghair.com 56