Your Sussex Wedding - June/July 2020 (Issue 85)

Style it out The best news when it comes to styling an outdoor wedding is, the fact that “you have a blank canvas to work with, so the sky’s the limit with your theme,” Kim explains. She continues, “Pinterest and Instagram can be great for gathering ideas, but try not to get swept up in attempting to recreate someone else’s day. This is your moment and a great time to show your own style.” Alison Hood of venue stylists To Have and To Hire Events says, “When styling an outdoor wedding, you need to harmoniously blend in the natural environment, or create standout styling against the noise of the great outdoors with its multitude of colours.” “Statement flowers and lighting can truly enhance your theme without it becoming lost in the background. White is a strong hue that takes centre stage as its contrast pops amongst deep green surroundings. Strong contrasts can also be created by combining pops of bright and bold colours with props such as flower arches, candles, lanterns, tableware, table throws, neon signs, glitter walls and signage. “Following the tragic Covid-19 pandemic, emphasis for future weddings will be on creating opportunities for celebrating relationships with people in general, and doubly so for loved ones attending. Creating intimate seating areas for socialising is our top styling tip for the season ahead.” Light it up Our experts all agree that lighting is the key to creating a truly magical setting. Not to mention it being vital to the practicality of proceedings. Kim says, “Consider using solar-powered festoon lights to illuminate pathways after dark. Alternatively, mason jars with tea lights are gorgeous, but bear in mind someone will have to light them all!” Alison has some ultra-romantic suggestions: “Lighting with candles or festoons creates an inviting ambience, and nothing quite says ‘outdoor wedding’ like fairylights. “We love to create enchanted garden spaces. There’s so much to play with in terms of lighting, such as hanging globes from the trees, combined with smaller props like scattered lanterns. This works well with this season’s maximalism trend CONTACT OUR EXPERTS Great Betley Farmhouse, www.greatbetleyfarmhouse.co.uk Great British Bell Tents, www.greatbritishbelltents.co.uk To Have and To Hire Events, www.tohaveandtohireweddings.com 69 @saccophotography for To Have and To Hire www.fionamillsart.com for To Have and To Hire www.photographybybond.co.uk for Great Betley Farmhouse www.velvetstorm.co.uk AL FRESCO WEDDINGS