HOT TOPIC Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas LOST IN A DREAM I’m feeling overwhelmed with wedding planning, which is impacting my sleep! What advice can you share to help? Stress and anxiety are the leading factors of poor sleep, and so with the anticipation, excitement and nerves of the big day, it’s very common for sleep to be impacted. With lots on your mind, you may be tossing and turning all night, struggling to switch off. Ensure your sleep hygiene is as good as possible and that you try some relaxation techniques to calm the mind before bed. Ensure you go to bed and wake up simultaneously each day, as maintaining your natural awake/sleep body clock is important. When you have a lot on your plate, and your mind is racing with tasks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This can lead to overthinking, making it difficult to fall asleep. One effective strategy is to write down your tasks before bed. This simple act can help organise your thoughts and reduce overthinking, promoting more restful sleep. Reading a book or listening to relaxing music can also calm your mind before bed. While catching up on messages and emails may be tempting, it’s best to avoid electronic devices for at least an hour before sleep. The blue light emitted by these devices, such as your mobile phone, can suppress the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone, making it harder for you to fall asleep. Instead, consider reading a book or listening to relaxing music to wind down before bed. Look after yourself. Eat healthy, exercise to help release endorphins and stress, and limit alcohol or caffeine before bed. Dan Fabian | Ten PM | https://tenpm.co PLANNED TO PERFECTION We’ve just started wedding planning and are looking for something on trend. What’s popular in the world of weddings? In the wake of last year’s Barbie pink craze, the trend has matured into softer, dusty pinks paired with caramel and toffee tones. These shades harmonise beautifully with nature-inspired earthy hues or deep, rich tones. Red is also making a comeback in a big way! Red is a versatile colour that can be adapted to any style, from deep burgundy for a dramatic touch to vibrant scarlets for a burst of energy. Print patterns are also significant—not confined to stationery but extending throughout the wedding day décor. Expect toile-inspired prints and bold florals on runners, napkins, table linens and wedding day outfits. These patterns are not just for show; they’re a way to add a unique and personalised touch to your wedding. Forget about strict wedding themes! The focus in 2024 and beyond is creating the perfect atmosphere. Think less about recreating a specific aesthetic and more about capturing the essence of your love story and creating a space where everyone feels welcome to celebrate. Fun and interactive elements are key. Think games, audio guest books, photo booths, live music or themed food stations that encourage guests to mingle and have a good time. Open flames are becoming a thing of the past at many venues. But don’t worry, battery-powered LED lamps are a fantastic alternative, offering the warm glow of candlelight without the safety concerns. These versatile lamps add a touch of magic to a dinner party-style reception and provide a sense of reassurance and security. Inspired by interior design trends, rattan is making its way into weddings! Look for charger plates, furniture and lighting pieces made from this natural material. It adds a beautiful textural element, perfect for creating a layered, visually interesting design. Andri Benson | Always Andri | www.alwaysandri.co.uk https://suzyelizabethphotography.co.uk Unsplash collaboration with Getty Images ASK THE EXPERTS 65
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