Your Kent Wedding - July/August 2022 (Issue 103)

Join us for a stroll through the wonderful world of wedding venue styling. It’s all too easy to get carried away, but when a simple idea is executed to perfection... well, that’s when you have a theme come true! CHOOSING A THEME Settling on a theme can be a tricky business, so the best way forward might be to consider your personalities and common ground. Laurie Edwards at Chic Weddings & Events says, “Whether it’s travel, cocktails, or Disney this is the time to bring your interests into your wedding. Little accents like naming your tables after your favourite football teams or holiday destinations works wonders, and if you love being out in the country, bring the outside in by incorporating trees, wood, bark and moss into your styling.” Mercedes Gale at 4YaParty Weddings & Events agrees: “Is your partner a big gamer or into Marvel? Try to incorporate each other’s loves into your theme and your day will truly be all about the two of you.” PICK A PALETTE There’s an easy-to-remember trick when it comes to choosing the perfect palette and that’s the rule of three. Mercedes explains, “When choosing your wedding colours, try not to exceed three, and let one of them be an accent metallic shade such as gold, silver or rose gold.” However, there’s an exception to every rule! Mercedes continues, “If you’re going for a more muted or a loud and bright theme then you can ignore the threecolour rule and have as many or as few as you want.” Another key to picking your palette is the time of year. Laurie tells us, “Shades or tones of the same colour work beautifully together, as well as those that complement each other. For example, burgundy and blush for a summer wedding, or burgundy and burnt orange for an autumnal feel.” Neutrals and classic white are wedding stalwarts for a reason, they’re totally timeless. Laurie says, “I hear couples describe themselves as boring and almost apologise for choosing a white and ivory palette – but don’t! Some of the most gorgeous weddings I’ve created are neutral and you’ll be able to look back at your wedding photos 10 years later, when your elegant theme will still look classic and gorgeous.” THE VENUE SPEAKS VOLUMES It doesn’t pay to ignore the setting you’ll be styling, not only when deciding on a theme and palette, but practicality too is crucial. There are some important points to bear in mind. Laurie suggests some questions you’ll need to ask your venue together with your stylist in order to ensure the space looks its very best and nothing trips you up along the way: ❤ Are there any low points in the ceiling that will mean we need a smaller centrepiece? ❤ Do you use the same chairs for the ceremony and wedding breakfast or do we need to dress two sets? ❤ Is there a candle policy in place? ❤ Will the venue team move décor from the ceremony to the reception, or does my stylist need to do it? ❤ Are there any time constraints on setting up and collection? Roxanne Thomas at The Little Wedding Warehouse also has some more suggestions when quizzing your venue: ❤ Do you have a list of recommended suppliers and if so, are you allowed to hire suppliers outside of this list? ❤ Are we allowed to attach décor to the ceiling, beams and/or walls? ❤ How long do you get to set up in the space – the day before or just the morning of the wedding? In fact, the venue has such an impact on the theme and palette that stylists will often suggest they carry out your consultation on site – Mercedes certainly does. She explains, “The venue is such a huge factor in choosing the look of your big day. If you’ve booked somewhere with grand high ceilings, ornate tapestries and huge chandeliers, a rustic theme may not be the best option! Work with what you have already and this will keep your décor costs low too.” Chic Weddings & Events © jeffoliverphotography.com The ultimate guide to styling your venue come true A THEME Chic Weddings & Events © jeffoliverphotography.com VENUE STYLING 57

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