Your Sussex Wedding - April/May 2020 (Issue 84)

RAIN OR SHINE We love the idea of a springtime al fresco wedding, but are concerned about the unpredictability of the weather. What would you suggest? We’d recommend you always have a plan B in place with your venue and wedding coordinator. That way, if the weather does take a turn, there’s no stress about where you’ll be saying “I do.” At The Ravenswood, for example, we give you an hour before your wedding to decide if you want to get married outside or indoors, and once you’ve given the go ahead we’ll have the ceremony area set up and ready. Another great idea is to ask your venue if they have any umbrellas you can have on standby, then if it does rain mid-vows, you and your guests won’t get wet – it also makes for a great photo opportunity! Speaking of photos, ask your photographer before the day to make sure they have ideas for wet weather. We’ve found some of the most stunning pictures here have been taken in the rain. Stephanie Bone | theravenswood.co.uk dmphotographyuk.com ECO VOWS How can we make our wedding more sustainable? Just because your event is for one night only, it doesn’t mean what you use should be. It’s perfectly possible to make a few small tweaks to maximize the eco-clout of your event… Cutlery and tableware can be hired, and some companies will even take it away dirty. If you’re using food trucks for the evening, insist on biodegradable plates and cutlery. Wooden or banana leaf plates add to a rustic theme and are much better quality than white plastic. You could even encourage sustainable behaviour such as asking guests to bring their own cup. Using real foliage foraged from the surrounding area and hiring plants to decorate your venue is greener than buying cut flowers. Consider also options like bunting or flower fairylights, or even some well-chosen artificial flowers. Choose a caterer specialising in local produce. Opt for organic food, and minimise waste by catering for precise numbers. Excess leftovers? Why not donate them to a food bank? You may also consider going veggie, as this type of menu will drastically reduce carbon emissions. When looking for a venue, try to find one close to most of your guests. You could set up group transportation by hiring a coach if needed. Finally, source local suppliers, with products that haven’t travelled across the globe to be there. Katherine Hudson | arabiantents.com quintessentiallyweddings.com SPRINGTIME STYLE How can we incorporate the best of spring in our venue styling? Spring for me is all about colour. You might wish to incorporate fresh pastels, such as baby pinks, dusky blues and delicate yellows, or turn up the volume using jewel tones, and zingy pops of red, zesty lemon, magenta, and deep purple. The warmer weather and longer days mean you can bring the outside in, or take yourselves out! Open-air seating areas are still a lovely idea, and I’ve seen some amazing budget-friendly chill-out spaces, which allow you to stay outside for the stunning golden hour. Scent is so important and spring brings it in abundance. Your venue would smell beautifully fresh with the aroma of daffodils, hyacinth, lavender, tulips and peonies in rustic planters, and will inject a burst of colour, which you can extend to other decorative elements. Sally Gallis | events-by-design.co.uk katierogersphotography.com EXPERT ADVICE 85