HOT TOPIC: wedding worries Our experts solve your problems RUSTIC ROMANCE How would you suggest styling a barn for our summer wedding? When styling a barn, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by how big the space is, but I always advise my clients to initially focus on the tables. Rustic bud vases are always popular and one of my absolute favourite ways to create impact in a multitude of spaces. Placing them in the middle of a table on a tree slice with taper candles and votives creates a relaxed and informal but beautiful feel, and they can be used elsewhere to bring focus to key spaces like cake tables, to draw the eye to guest books, or to mark aisles coupled with some pillar candles. The space can be filled with quirky rustic touches such as welcome signs, table plans and cake tables using a range of natural props, and if the budget allows, you can use beams to drape fabrics or add greenery to further enhance the natural beauty of the space. You can be bold with colours or bring more muted tones to your styling, but my advice is always to use the highest quality of flowers that are in season where possible. Emma Wall www.emexevents.co.uk www.bowlofcorks.co.uk DREAMY DÉCOR What styling trends will be popular this year? We are expecting people to try to bring more colour into their weddings, particularly bright hues like pink and orange. There is also a trend developing where brides and grooms are asking their guests to wear a certain colour that complements the styling of the venue and what the wedding party is wearing. We had a wedding recently that saw guests and the wedding party dressed in pink to match the décor of the room. There is a stark contrast to this, as the last year has also seen couples starting to experiment with black by incorporating it into styling, dress codes and table decorations, which can perhaps be related to the Olly Murs wedding last summer. The popularity of barn venues will continue to grow, with styling trends including showstopping signage and backstops. Couples are also trying to be more sustainable by renting items to help reduce waste. There is still a focus on creating the wow factor with signage and backdrops. We have noticed a lot of people asking for floral hoops to jazz up their photography. The focus on floral hoops, greenery and natural features is set to ramp up in 2024. We are also seeing couples paying more attention to show-stopping florals for the ceremony that can be used for the wedding breakfast. Chloe Mason www.thestratfordpark.co.uk 44
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