Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - Page number 87 - May/June 2021 (Issue 86)

Local experts on what’s hot for summer weddings HOT TOPIC ALL IN THE DETAIL We want to make the most of our country venue for our summer wedding including the outdoor areas, weather permitting. What would you suggest? Clare and Matt say: ❤ Lighting is often overlooked but can be one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a venue. You can create a lasting magical impression indoors and out with everything from twinkling fairylights to a starlit LED dancefloor to add to the party atmosphere. Get really creative with decorative and different colour bulbs and with the summer months ahead, take the party outside with festoon lighting and exterior uplighting. ❤ Don’t forget details like the seating to complement the look and feel of your day. Chiavari chairs are a popular option, they provide an elegant alternative to chair covers and can be dressed to match your theme. ❤ Drapery is great for a multitude of tasks; it can enhance a host of different spaces, create a focal point, frame the top table or even disguise any unwanted features. Our bespoke ceiling drapery and starlight backdrops are ideal for extra wow factor while adding elegance and finesse to your big day. ❤ Extra touches like a ceremony arch, white carpet aisle runner, decorative lanterns, blossom and bay trees can make all the difference too. Clare and Matt | Venue stylists | www.luminiqueevents.co.uk TOP TRENDS We’ve had to postpone our big day twice now and haven’t been keeping up with the current trends as we didn’t want to get too excited! Now we have a date for this summer (woo-hoo) so now I need to get back on track with what’s happening in the world of weddings and bridal beauty. Melinda say: Micro and intimate weddings look set to remain popular for a while yet. I can even see first anniversary parties catching on giving brides the opportunity to wear their wedding dress again and show it off to all their friends and family. In general I think the overall feel will be more natural and less lavish, with more sentimental touches and meaningful accessories. Make-up will be more natural and subtle too, as many brides-to-be have come to realise over the past year, that they don’t need to wear loads to look beautiful. As a specialist in natural make-up, I love that many are feeling happier in their own skin. Hair styles are also set to be softer, less fussy and detailed with flower accessories as we’ve all come to appreciate nature much more over the past year. Melinda Hollis | Make-up artist www.makeoversbymelinda.co.uk ASK THE EXPERTS 87