Your North East Wedding - Jan/Feb 2020 (Issue 36)

56 CEREMONY & RECEPTION FLOWERS “Even though this budget gives you more dosh to play with (around £1,500-£3,000 for flowers), we still always advise getting the most out of your arrangements,” continues Rebecca. “Whether that be using bridesmaid flowers to decorate the guest book table, or table centrepieces being used to line the aisle of the ceremony room before the reception; we personally want you to feel that you have enjoyed your flowers to the maximum. With this increased budget, it opens up the opportunity to have table centrepieces as well as bridal flowers. You could have beautiful, full vases of flowers on your tables, wreaths YOU’VE GOT… A £15K BUDGET FOR YOUR WEDDING full to bursting with blooms, surrounding vases of candles, or even a mixture of tall and short arrangements for extra impact. Within this type of budget, you may also be able to splurge on a focal archway for your ceremony, and reuse it for photos later on. Or, if your venue has fireplaces or staircases, you may opt to have one of these decorated too.” DECORATIONS & LIGHTING “When you have a slightly larger budget available you have a few more options open to you,” continues Jane. “With this in mind it’s important to prioritise the areas within your venue/s which are most important to you with regards to styling, such as the aisle, the table setting and the lighting. “The aisle is one of our favourites to style in many cases, as it’s the first place our couples see each other on their big day. Consider the size of the aisle in comparison to the wedding dress and avoid candles if you’ve a large train or full skirt. The style of the chairs or pews will also dictate the style of dressing possible and in some instance the amount of styling/decoration required. “Table settings are often one of the areas which couples spend the longest time on – they are a really important part of your styling as they fill the room in which your friends and family will spend most of the day. We always consider three main things when planning tables; the style of the venue and its furniture, the time of year and most importantly the personalities of the couples. The materials and colours used can really add to the space, whether it’s a natural look you are going for with moss, hessian and natural candles; a more minimal look with greenery and vintage candlesticks; or the decadence of velvet runners, metallic lanterns and deep colours. Tied in closely with your tables is the names and table plan for your guests. There are many inventive ways to create your plan, and we love hanging frames, planted ladders and etched signs. “Finally look at your lighting, as this enhances your wedding theme and the overall ambience. The correct light installation can help set the right mood and can also be used to add focus to areas of your venue. Lighting can also enable outdoor areas to be utilised in the evening for socialising – and help guide your guests’ home.” ENTERTAINMENT “On a larger budget you’re likely to be able to have a dedicated wedding venue in your ideal manor house/castle or can even hire a field and have a tipi wedding,” continues Amie. “DIY can still be an option for all budgets, but to take the stress out of it I would definitely be looking to suppliers who offer decorations to suit your theme and who will do all the hard work for you. I think one of the main goals of a wedding is to keep your guests entertained and busy. A mobile bar is an impressive way for guests to be welcomed to a wedding and a definite talking point. Converted horse trailers are popular, but converted caravans are equally as unique and give a little more of a retro feel. Some form of entertainment, such as a magician or caricaturist, is a good way to keep the guests busy while you’re off having your photos done. I also love the trend of animals at weddings! Alpacas, llamas and horses can don a cute floral wreath or bow tie round their neck, which not only makes for amazing wedding photos but also creates a great atmosphere for guests!” thecountrysideflorist.net/emmamariephotography.co.uk facebook.com/diyAwedding/ neverendingstories.co.uk thecountrysideflorist.net/ emmamariephotography.co.uk facebook.com/diyAwedding birdcagesanddragonflies.com/ barryforshawphotography.com