Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - Page number 86 - November/December 2021 (Issue 89)

Local experts deliver a Santa’s sackful of winter wedding inspiration HOT TOPIC EMBRACE THE HYGGE As we’ll likely to be spending most of our wedding day indoors we’d like to include some extra special touches to create a magical atmosphere for our guests to enjoy – any ideas? Laura says: When it comes to winter weddings this year, we’re thinking all about the hygge – bringing a sense of warmth and cosiness to the day with thoughtful touches like fleece blankets, scatter pillows and faux-fur throws for guests to snuggle up in. Treats like hot-chocolate stations, sweet carts and freshly made popcorn that your loved ones can help themselves to, along with flickering candles and festoon lighting, all help create a feeling of happy contentment. After the past 18 months, this year should be all about creating a wonderful atmosphere for family and friends to catch up and spend quality time together while celebrating your wedding. Ensuring there’s plenty for them to do is also important; create memories by having a photo booth, or hire instant cameras for a DIY option. A dedicated kids’ area with a tepee filled with toys, books and crafts to keep the little ones amused is also a great idea. Allowing everyone at your wedding to feel included, relaxed and fully immersed in the moment is a key principal of the Danish ethos of hygge and a wonderful theme to have for your special day. It can apply to everything from the biggest aspects of your day to the smallest. Think natural light and green centrepieces, with festive-scented candles burning in the evening, so your guests catch the scent as they mix and mingle. A stack of traditional games is also great for bringing guests of all ages together and can create wonderful memories. Laura Fazackarley | Co-owner Funbooth www.funbooth.uk.com ’TIS THE SEASON What colours and decorative details would you recommend to create a seasonal look for a winter wedding reception that’s cosy and not too over the top? Lois says: As the seasons change and we move into late autumn, early winter I always recommend minimal colour with lots of candlelight. I love white and neutral tones, especially at the vineyard because I think the colours from the vines speak for themselves. In early November, the leaves are a beautiful burnt orange and provide not only a stunning backdrop for photos, but inspiration for the big-day colour palette too. You can’t go wrong with floating candles, log slices and lanterns for the venue styling. We provide fairylights in the Old Winery and under the Byre to add extra twinkle to your day. As the daylight hours get shorter and the sun sets, candles create a romantic yet snug atmosphere. For the Christmas period, subtle metallics work well with a rich burgundy or forest green colour scheme, providing a natural festive feel without over doing it. If you’re a big fan of the season, why not have baubles as favours, mini-Christmas trees as centrepieces and hot chocolate and marshmallows as a winter warmer after the meal? One of my favourite things about this time of year is the moody twilight hours, so make sure you check what time the sun is setting, grab your photographer and head out for some stunning photos! Lois Baw | Weddings and events team | Three Choirs Vineyards Hampshire | www.vineyard-weddings.co.uk www.wed dingsbytom.co.uk 86