An Essex Wedding - January/February 2021 (Issue 96)

The great outdoors. Taking weddings outside means plenty of space, fresh air and making the most of our beautiful county. “We love mirrors for bringing some glamour to the great outdoors in the form of table plans, welcome signs and order-of-service signs. Full height mirrors make a big impact and help define areas and entrances to guide your loved ones. Add flowers, candles and lanterns to complete the styling.” – Katie Barnes, The Perfect Wedding Shop “Al fresco weddings provide an amazing blank canvas. Just because it’s outside, it doesn’t mean it’s all about fields and wellington boots (although that’s fun too!), most places don’t look particularly luxurious until you dress them. For instance, with a tipi wedding, you can use gorgeous draping, botanical elements and sumptuous furniture to create a similar vibe to that of a rustic barn. Your guests can enjoy a silver-service meal coordinated from a mobile kitchen and delicious cocktails delivered by waiters. Anything is possible!” – Bryony Chinnery, Hullabaloo Events “As spring turns to summer, I believe couples will opt for open-sided marquees with large statement styling pieces like floral arches, sequin walls and balloon decor to set the atmosphere for a relaxed yet formal wedding. We can look to how they do it in the U.S., with homegrown celebrations coordinated by a wedding planner on the lawn. Think fairylights and outdoor dancefloors for the opportunity to have a COVID-secure day.” – Michelle Broom, Occasions & Celebrations www.face book.com/beautifulthingseventhire https://occa sionsweddingflowers.co.uk “Work natural materials into your day, keeping the overall look effortless; styling should reflect the surroundings and the season. Think luscious greenery, soft fabrics and plenty of florals for an extra magical feel.” – Kelly Holman, Beautiful Things Event Hire “Outdoor weddings are often in beautiful locations, so the trick is to make the setting more luxurious and enhance what’s already there. Try decorating trees with flower jars, hearts or paper lanterns hung from the branches. Line walkways with lanterns and decorate structures such as gazebos with drapes and an opulent chandelier in the centre. For a more rustic feel, lay a grass aisle runner and turn a sweet cart into a gin or champagne bar for an al fresco party twist. Ambient lighting under trees in the evening will give a different feel to the same space.” – Tia Demir & Sadie Norman, Mediterranean Occasions www.thep erfectweddingshop.co.uk www.hull abalooevents.co.uk 62