Your Glos and Wilts Wedding - October/November 2019 (Issue 17)

Statement flowers are a great way to dress both the interior and exterior of a marquee, tipi or yurt. Caroline White of Abbey Meadow Flowers, located in Stroud, Gloucestershire, suggests using floral hoops or those made from foliage. She explains how hoops hung vertically down the walls of the marquee are an effective decoration and are also cost-effective: “Trailing flowers and foliage add a whimsical, fairytale feel, while willow bases allow for a more rustic look. Seasonal foliage or eucalyptus will also add scent. Suspending these from the centre of the structure will add that wow factor, and fairylights can be added to the hoops to add a twinkling of light during the evening. Try a triple hoop installation made with flowers to form an impressive centrepiece.”  Caroline also suggests creating a flower curtain across the wall of a large marquee for a real statement without taking up floor space, which is often at a premium. “Seasonal flowers, foliage and ribbons provide colour, movement and effective decor for large marquee installations,” she says. Caroline describes how to create a uniform yet rustic look on trestle tables by using table garlands. “Incorporating herbs in the displays provides texture and scent,” she suggests. “If foliage garlands aren’t your thing, run a selection of small vases along tables to give a similar effect while allowing beautiful seasonal flowers to delight your guests.” 07815 486 227, abbeymeadowflowers.co.uk @AbbeyMeadowFlowers How to style them Vintage props and party hire pieces are a great way to theme a wedding. Tricia Prince of Cotswold Vintage Party Hire, located in Stroud, likes to establish the likes and dislikes of each couple planning their marquee wedding, encouraging them to use magazines, Instagram and Pinterest. “This includes knowing the colours of the bridesmaids’ dresses and bouquets,” she says. Tricia explains how décor essentials for marquees, tipis and yurts are entrance features, chair drapes, props for photographs – giving the photographer a backdrop to work with – and a cake table. “A marquee is perfect for providing a blank canvas, but it’s worth remembering that absolutely everything has to be supplied,” she says. “This can be done by finding the right suppliers, being flexible and communicating. It’s all about setting the stage for the day.” She also explained how marquees are great for hanging décor and tall table features and how fake flowers used in garlands are ideal for dressing trees. Fresh garden flowers can surround candlesticks, and an upcycled cocktail bar will take centre stage. Cotswold Vintage Party Hire, 07977 449 433, @tricia4vintage Photography of Abbey Meadow Flowers courtesy of christyblanch.com 54