Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - May/June 2019 (Issue 74)

THE GREAT OUTDOORS How can we style our wedding day and make the most of the outside space to create a summer festival vibe? Sally says: Don’t forget, if you’re having a marquee, tipi or stretch tent, you’ll need to accommodate posh toilets. We’d also suggest: ❤ Embrace the Great British weather with bling-styled wellie boots and umbrellas or sun cream and hats. ❤ Trackway matting linking the venue, accommodation and parking is a good idea for accessibility if the weather’s bad. ❤ Make the most of local produce and continue the relaxed informal feel by having a barbecue or hog roast so your guests can mix and mingle outside. ❤ Picnic hampers are great for al fresco dining, packed with local foods, English sparkling wine, jams, chutneys and chocolates. Embroidered napkins and glasses personalised with your initials add an extra special touch. ❤ VW Campervans are fab for making your entrance and provide great photo opportunities too. ❤ If there’s room on site, set up a glamping area for guests wanting to stay over – a back-to-nature retreat but with added luxury. ❤ Bring the outside in and make the most of flowers and foliage from the surrounding area for your decorations. Use hay bales for seating with cloth or hessian covers and bare-wood tables with wild flowers, twigs, berries and log slices for the centrepieces. ❤ Table plans can be ticket-themed and give your guests all-access lanyards. ❤ Create a chill-out zone with soft cushions for seating. ❤ Set the tone for the evening with a live band. ❤ Have blankets and a fire pit for toasting marshmallows. ❤ Choose a range of lighting for the evening to create different moods, including festoon, lanterns, fairylights and candles; great for fabulous photos. Charlotte and Julie | Wedding planners bluebelleforestevents.co.uk STYLE ME PRETTY What kind of bridal look, colours and styles are on trend for an outdoor summer wedding? Andrew says: The latest colours are blush, latte and soft ivory. Floaty skirts are also very popular and they look and feel cool throughout the day – check out Justin Alexander (style 88003). For a beautiful summer-styled wedding, our top pick is the 3D floral off-the-shoulder Justin Alexander gown (pictured). Soft bohemian curls are on trend for bridal hair and look great dotted with miniature roses and gypsophila or adorned with a jewelled trailing hair vine such as Ember Dream by Ivory & Co. Andrew Pearce | Hair stylist and bridal boutique co-owner creatiques.co.uk | thehairdressir.co.uk justinalexander.com (style 88048) 114