“Work with your venue’s character and charm. Some fusions work brilliantly, others not so much. If you’re unsure use existing features as a foundation and add your own style bit by bit.” – RoxanneThomas, Little WeddingWarehouse LOOKING AFTER THE PENNIES “There’s a common misconception that getting a professional venue stylist is going to cost more than going the DIY route, but this isn’t always the case and the pros of getting a stylist far outweigh the perceived savings in costs for DIY,” Mercedes tells us. When it comes to setting yourself a realistic budget, she advises, “Look around and get quotes from a few different stylists. My clients tend to spend between £600 and £900 on their décor for a wedding of about 75-100 guests, but this will be different for every venue stylist. Laurie advises that you over rather than under budget. After all, it’s easier to reduce than increase. “Work with your stylist to create a wish list and try to prioritise what’s important to you,” she says, “A centrepiece may seem expensive, but this is what will create the wow factor in your venue. Go for impact with focal pieces that will leave an impression.” One way to make the best use of your funds, making the pounds stretch further, is to choose ceremony décor that can be used in your reception styling later... or vice versa. “For instance, a table centrepiece can be used to dress the aisle in your ceremony by standing it on a pillar, and a top table arrangement can be used on your registrars desk,” Laurie says, “A moon gate, arch or backdrop used to dress the altar can be moved behind your top table or transformed into a selfie station for evening guests.” “Keep it sustainable and cut down on waste. Book your florist to stay after the ceremony and break down a big arrangement into small bouquets for your guests to take home as wedding favours.” – RoxanneThomas, Little WeddingWarehouse THE COMMON PITFALLS 1. THE PINTEREST RABBIT HOLE Roxanne says, “We all do it, trawl through Instagram and Pinterest for hours looking at gorgeous weddings and, as lovely as they are, it can be quite overwhelming. You want your day to reflect you, so take inspiration, create a couple of mood boards, then pick out a few elements that really stand out to you both and work from there. That way, the end result will feel more personal than just aiming for the picture-perfect Pinterest wedding.” 2. THE COVER UP Laurie says, “If there’s something you really don’t like in your venue such as a bar shutter or picture, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that decorating it with fairylights or flower garlands will disguise or enhance it – it’s completely the opposite, as the eye will go straight to it. If you can’t cover it completely with a backdrop or drapes, just leave well alone and give your guests something else to look at like a gorgeous table centre or top table design.” 3. LOST IN SPACE Roxanne says, “A large venue with lots of different rooms or areas may sound appealing, but there are a few reasons why this may not be ideal. Firstly, you don’t want your guests to spread out too much, ideally you want them to all stay in one room if possible. If there are lots of spaces, your nearest and dearest are more likely to wander off when you’d rather they were with you on the dancefloor!” 4YaParty © www.sirobinson.co Little Wedding Warehouse © pierragphotography.com Chic Weddings & Events Chic Weddings & Events 4YaParty © www.tomjeavonsphotography.co Little Wedding Warehouse © pierragphotography.com 58
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