Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - Feb/Mar 2019 (Issue 69)

A quick update… man has been found, venue has been booked, dress has been ordered and chief bridesmaid/planner has been appointed (that’s me). We’ve got to that stage when at social gatherings people keep asking Charlie the same questions: what’s the theme for the day? What’s your colour scheme? What look are you going for? She looks at me with a panicked look in her eyes as if to say, “Well Hannah, what is my theme?” It’s a very hard decision to make. It’s essentially saying: how would I like to represent my partner and I on the biggest day of our lives? The bride and I have been considering the following factors: ❤ Location, location, location. It may seem pretty obvious to reflect your venue in your theme. But it’s also a good idea to pick certain aspects of the place, say a gorgeous marble staircase, to help inspire décor in other areas. ❤ Take a look around. When it comes to interior design, Charlie knows exactly what she likes. Her house is brimming with gorgeous items and rich colours, so why not apply these principles to the big day? ❤ Snip and pin. Clearly I’m biased, but I love nothing more than ripping out pages or cutting out ideas from a glossy mag and making a moodboard. You’ll soon get a clearer picture of what you’re drawn too. The same goes for Pinterest – although I can get sucked down the rabbit hole and not come up for hours! ❤ Edit the trends. Seeing the latest trends is all well and good, but it’s important to put your own stamp on them to make it personal. Love the botanical look? Team it with cute vases that you’ve collected yourself. ❤ Keep it timeless. Loving the idea of rainbow/unicorn/cactus-themed nuptials right now? How about in 20 years’ time when you’re showing the kids your wedding album? I’m a lover of all things quirky and loud, but I also think it’s important to have things that truly mean something to you so you’ll always love it. With the first point in mind, we headed to an open day at the fabulous north Essex venue that Charlie has chosen (thecompassesatpattiswick.co.uk ). If you have an opportunity to return to your chosen setting then I’d highly recommend it. It really helped to visualise the day and to see if the ideas we had were going to work. Those huge floral hoops Charlie was convinced she was having? There’s not actually anywhere to put them. The long trestle- table idea we had? The venue manager explained that you could fit more guests in on round tables. Moral of the story is – ask the experts! We’re slowly coming out the other side of our foggy haze of ideas; now when people ask what the feel for the day is, Charlie can reply, “Bohemian-luxe with a hint of teal and gold!” Editor Hannah Faulder charts the highs and lows of being chief bridesmaid for her best friend, Charlie The Bridesmaid Diaries 107 THE BRIDESMAID DIARIES