Your East Anglian Wedding - Page number 78 - June/July 2021 (Issue 49)

HOT TOPIC Local experts on what’s next for weddings THE GREAT BLUE YONDER We got engaged during lockdown and haven’t started planning our big day yet. With the horizon now looking brighter we’re keen to get cracking and are hoping to have an outdoor wedding. How do you see the shape of things to come? Vicky says: After the past year of lockdowns appreciation of the great outdoors and enjoying the freedom of natural spaces has grown. This has led to increased demand for al fresco weddings for relaxed togetherness and connection with loved ones surrounded by nature and fresh air. Couples are becoming more mindful and interested in exactly how and where their money is being spent, wanting locally grown seasonal produce and flowers, as well as services and products that support local small businesses. The wedding is an expression of their personal choices and what they stand for and no matter what the budget is, many newlyweds-to-be are definitely a lot more interested in making their wedding more sustainable and ethical. Outdoor weddings are all about creating a relaxed flow rather than having a rigid plan and timetable. This is often reflected in the décor and styling choices too. In general, those who opt for an outdoor wedding want style-savvy simplicity, a natural backdrop and lots of meaningful and mindful details personal to them without rules and formality. Creative ideas for minimum waste, maximum use and impact can include: ♥ Moveable ceremony backdrops and props that can double up for both the ceremony and celebration. ♥ Wooden poles for hanging dreamcatchers, ribbons or flowers that can also be set up later elsewhere. Hang small flower-filled glass bottles from the branches of trees and reuse them to decorate the tables or other areas later on. Personalised items can also be part of the décor and double up as favours for your guests too. ♥ For the catering, food trucks offer a stylish alternative to formal dining and rather than having a set table plan, couples can opt to eat with their guests instead. Think rustic wooden trestle tables, with soft material or cheesecloth runners instead of tablecloths to add to the natural feel. ♥ Outdoor weddings provide extra scope for creativity, space and freedom to add natural touches to the décor and styling. Many choose their wedding date to tie in with their favourite season in order to reflect the natural backdrop such as a daisy meadow and wildflowers in the spring or a meadow with savannah grasses for a late summer celebration; perfect for a boho theme. ♥ We’re definitely noticing more requests for low pallet tables and seats outdoors with rugs spread over the grass so guests can relax and chat. Dried flowers are popular too and are a great keepsake. There’s also increased demand for glamping accommodation to extend the celebration over the whole weekend. Vicky Plum | Venue owner | www.wellingtonwood.co.uk 78