Your Kent Wedding - Page number 71 - November/December 2021 (Issue 99)

HOT TOPIC Stellar wedmin advice from those in the know PLANNED TO PERFECTION What will be the key wedding trends in 2022 and how are couples planning their big days differently? The last 18 months have probably been the hardest the industry has ever seen. The restrictions we’ve had to face have not only meant that the way people are booking weddings have changed, but also what they’re booking. Regardless of restrictions lifting, we’ve seen that many are still keeping their weddings relatively small and people are choosing to spend the budget that would otherwise have gone towards more guests, on added luxuries like entertainment. We’ve seen an increase in people booking immersive experiences and musicians that provide a more intimate experience allowing guests to feel involved. We’ve seen a lot of bookings for free standing aerialists, meaning people can be in and amongst the action. Couples are also looking for versatile acts who can perform even with restrictions in place, since we’ve still felt a lot of uncertainty around big events. Needless to say, people have a lot of catching up to do and thankfully, we’ve seen bookings being made into the next couple of years, even into 2025! What most people need now is trust and flexibility. They need to be able to trust their suppliers and know that whatever the future may hold, Covid-19 restrictions or not, their suppliers and event organisers will stand by them and they’ll do the same. Lisa Sansom, https://rubylemon.com WINTER WONDERLAND I’ve always dreamed of a winter wedding and the venue is booked for December. How can I style it tastefully to reflect the season with a touch of class? Oh, we do love a winter wedding! For December nuptials most venues will have a Christmas tree set up, so it would be great to incorporate that into your staging by sitting your big-day bake next to it. Taking inspiration from the tree and the season, let’s go for whites to reflect the crisp weather at this time of year. Utilise lots of foliage in the flower arrangements and various shades of grey will bring the outside in. Plus, silver embellishments will add a sparkle or two – after all, you can never have too much bling! If there’s an open fireplace at your venue, why not make the most of it and heat up the space with crackling cedar logs and cinnamon sticks to activate the sense of smell, creating a nostalgic ambience. Drape a large garland over the mantelpiece with matching florals as the centrepieces on each table and large cathedral arrangements on pedestals along the aisle and in various focal points. Place overlay lace linen on top of white tablecloths on all of your tables, and have silver charger plates underneath your dinner plates with silver-rimmed glassware. Go for tall silver centrepieces like candelabras to hold your green and white floral displays. Finally, silver chivari chairs are perfect to complete the look. Whatever you do, make it about you and enjoy the process. Blessing Enakimio, www.blessingbyble.com EXPERT ADVICE 71