Venue styling ideas and inspiration DRESS YOUR DAY YOUR WAY Hannah Bendall offers a wedding planning and venue dressing service and can build a bespoke package for each couple, from flowers to favours and for celebrations large or small. She tells us, “Large colourful flower installations are making a very noted comeback as everyone starts to embrace being in large groups again. The relaxed country wedding vibe is here to stay, with couples favouring barns village halls, old country houses and even woodland areas that lend themselves to stunning backdrops.” She continues, “Modern touches include a concrete pot filled with blooms, a simple glass vase or the on-trend meadow box that provides a structure for wayward flowers that more often than not will be arranged using chicken wire instead of the traditional oasis which isn’t good for the environment. With the cost of living rising dramatically, a good venue dresser or florist will be able to produce something special that can be utilised throughout the day in different areas. For example, jam jars filled with flowers can be moved from the church to the venue or jars placed inside large receptacles giving the illusion of larger displays can be adapted as table centrepieces. Urns can be moved from church doorways and placed next to marquee entrances and jars of flowers can be given as presents at the end of the day. We have British flower farmers at our disposal and we’re branching out into flower farming ourselves, enjoying our second season with Common Wood Flowers (www.facebook.com/Common-Wood-Flowers-100556778954401) providing seasonal blooms that pack a fabulously scented explosion. We also have bespoke event hire and party planning service March Hare Events (www.facebook.com/marchhareevents.) ❤ GET IN TOUCH: 07818 083 690, www.hannahbendalldesigns.co.uk; www.facebook.com/hannahthemadhatter.co.uk www.gettyimages.co.uk FABULOUS FLOWERS Floral towers and columns are becoming increasingly popular with couples looking for a versatile alternative to a floral arch. These designs can be placed at the entrance to the venue or as a backdrop for the ceremony. Unlike a flora-filled archway, these arrangements can be moved to the wedding reception, after the ceremony, to create a focal point or frame the top table. Flower meadows are great design options for the aisle either in a church or ceremony venue. These floor-based designs can be created in a range of styles, from natural wildflower-inspired shapes to more classic and elegant looks. After the ceremony, these blooms look beautiful placed on the floor in front of the top table or around the cake and card tables. Claire Satchell, owner of The Derry Hill Florist based in Calne, Wiltshire reveals that trailing bouquets are becoming increasingly popular. She says, “Brides have long favoured hand-tied bouquets which are usually cheaper to make because they contain fewer flowers than larger bouquets. They have been more in keeping with the dress styles of the late 1990s and 2000s and the look evolved from formal, regimented bouquets to those featuring folded leaves and then to the natural just-picked look. Over the past year, I have seen an increase in brides requesting elaborate teardrop and shower bouquets that cost more (because they involve more work) and are heavier to carry.” Claire also explains how eco florals are now a priority for many couples. “I’m hoping to be able to offer 100% carbon neutral flowers for events where couples could see what could be picked for their nuptials.” She continues, “Using an English cutting garden project is a wonderful idea for those searching for home-grown seasonal blooms, the quality is excellent and you’re safe in the knowledge that your flowers haven’t been on a plane or forced to grow at the wrong time of year. I have my cutting patch which I offer to brides, I don’t attempt to grow everything, my garden isn’t big enough and sometimes things just don’t grow. I also have a trusted wholesaler, which I’ve been using for more than 25 years - they’re superb and I know I will get everything I need.” ❤ GET IN TOUCH: 07968 091 217, https://thederryhillflorist.com; www.facebook.com/thederryhillflorist VENUE STYLING 53
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