FAQs and expert advice about venue styling

Here is a selection of Q&As from Your East Midlands Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@youreastmidlands.wedding

 

All in the detail

All in the detail

Q. We've just started wedding planning; what are the latest venue styling trends?

A. Jackie Aimson says: Styling themes centred around the already popular colours of sage, forest and emerald greens, as well as dusky pink are always great options. These colour schemes combined with candles, foliage and neutral flowers complemented by touches of gold are very on-trend and will be around for a while.

We're also experiencing a growing trend for a relaxed and bohemian theme with chic touches. Think natural elements meet elegance with dried grasses, pampas and other dried flowers with earthy peaches and pale pink tones.

Table décor will be set out in a more deconstructed, informal and versatile way to create many interesting features for your guests with various rustic gold candlesticks and glass bud vases with matching sprigs of flowers for that truly vintage feel.

Bright colours and fun elements are starting to appear in venue styling and décor, with pops of orange, bright pinks, reds and yellows.

My favourite trend is the return of glam disco balls, where the light bounces around the room and gets your guests into a party mood. We're expecting this to be a big trend going into 2024.

Jackie Aimson, Dream Decor
www.facebook.com/dreamdecoreventhire

 

Once upon a time

Once upon a time

Q. We're having a fairytale-themed wedding in a marquee and want everything to look magical. Do you have any suggestions on how we can decorate the space?

A. Nicole Crossfield says: Pay attention to all the little details for a fairytale-themed wedding to add a magical atmosphere to your day. You'll need to tie together the decoration, bridal attire, wedding stationery, catering options and the cake to create a statement theme. Think soft lighting, pastel shades, lots of florals, some vintage touches and soft fairylighs to make the room feel magical. A floral archway will set the mood and give your guests a great photo opportunity too.

Long wooden banquet tables create a more secret garden style, while round tables with linen give a more elegant and fairytale vibe. Adding vintage candelabra or lantern centrepieces will create extra impact.

If the budget allows, details such as antique picture frames and hurricane vases with candles on tree stumps will complete the look. Think about glass chandeliers hanging in the marquee if you want to go all out.

Nicole Crossfield, Sincerity Wedding Styling
www.sinceritystyle.com

 

Summer lovin'

Summer lovin'

Q. Our summer wedding is fast approaching, and we'd love to incorporate the time of year into our décor. Do you have any ideas on how to style our venue?

A. Lisa Osborne says: Meet your florist in person at their shop or studio; this ensures they're legitimate and it's easier for them to understand what you want from your flowers. Be open, honest and realistic about your budget.

If you're on a tight budget, ask the supplier to choose the best blooms possible while sticking to your colour scheme and style rather than a particular flower choice. Ask about seasonally availability and consider reusing ceremony flowers for your reception after the "I dos". Don't forget that flowers are a part of the whole day, from the bouquets to dressing the aisle and reception – try to budget accordingly. Be brave with colours and flower choices; let your florist run with your ideas and create something special for you.

Consider a statement arch or an arrangement to make an amazing backdrop to photographs. Remember that less can be more, don't hide your venue's beauty by overdressing it.

Be careful booking a company on price alone because if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is! Check for couple and venue recommendations before parting with your hard-earned cash, as the number of fraudulent wedding companies are on the rise.

Most of all, enjoy the whole process. Remember if something doesn't go to plan, the most important thing is you're marrying the person you love!

Lisa Osborne, Lisa Davidson Weddings & Events
www.lisadavidsonweddingsandevents.co.uk

 

Storybook settings

Storybook settings

Q. We're having a fairytale-themed wedding outside in a marquee, and we want everything to look magical. Do you have any suggestions of how we can decorate the space?

A. Ruby Adds says: Start by choosing your desired colour palette. To give the day a feminine fairytale style, opt for traditional hues of white and gold with touches of blush pink. Using gold cutlery, glass charger plates and gold-rimmed glassware will add a refined and elegant style to the tables, along with tall-gold candelabras filled with trailing foliage and blousy flowers.

Lighting is an essential aspect to consider when creating the décor for a reception in a marquee. Adding an abundance of fairylights to the ceiling and outdoor spaces will create a magical atmosphere throughout the evening.

Follow your theme through every element of your styling to create a cohesive look. Using a fairytale-style font on the wedding stationery with wording such as 'once upon a time' and 'happily ever after' will add to your magical theme.

Ruby Adds, Ruby & Co
www.mylovebirdswedding.com

 

Style it out

Style it out

Q. We're getting married in a few weeks, but we've left most of the planning until the last minute and I'm panicking about how to decorate our venue. Do you have any suggestions?

A. Hayley Belcher says: Don't panic because a talented supplier will be able to select a colour, theme or prop and use this as a base to create your dream aesthetic to complement your venue. 

Using chair drapes and table runners are two quick and effective ways to instantly create an atmosphere to the event while brightening up any room. You can also design a luxury tablescape by adding gold or vintage brass candlesticks to each table, which can be used for multiple themes.

Hayley Belcher, The English Wedding Co.
www.theenglishweddingcompany.co.uk