Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - Page number 47 - June/July 2021 (Issue 83)

Venue styling for the new normal Style and substance W e’ve been on a rollercoaster of restrictions, distancing and guidelines over the last year, with couples and the wedding industry constantly adapting to new regulations. We wanted to explore how weddings have changed in this time and how you can style three different new normal celebrations, whether you’re going small, taking it outside or throwing the ultimate party to celebrate being reunited with loved ones. Thanks to our talented local experts for their advice and tips… “Micro-weddings need special decor to create the right atmosphere – pieces that focus attention on the tables rather than the whole environment. We’ve developed stands that allow single chandeliers to hang over the dining table without the need for overhead fixings. These can be used inside or outside and provide magical intimacy for small tables; the twinkling crystals shine down like starlight.” – Simon Gerrard, Crescent Moon Events www.rus ticrentals.co.uk | https://gem h icksphotography.com www.rusticrentals.co.uk | https://mariamadison.co.uk www.rust icrentals.co.uk | https://mar i amadison.co.uk So many couples have made the most of the situation and planned a smaller celebration. Will these intimate weddings stick around? And if so, how can you style them? “An intimate wedding should feel unique to you and contain personal touches. How about personalised napkins, which incorporate your wedding hashtag or your favourite quote? Sit together with the people who mean the most to you at a family-style wedding breakfast. Later, get cosy on sofas with blankets and your favourite tipple.” – Alison Hieron, Creative Collections “Micro-weddings can be magical events, with smaller guest numbers creating an intimate atmosphere. We’re finding that couples are keen to use their full budget to incorporate personal touches and luxury styling options. While you may not have been able to opt for glass charger plates and bespoke stationery for 100 people, it might well be achievable for 30. Consider personal elements, such as photographs or sayings that have significance to you both. Choose flowers or themes that represent your story as a couple. A sweetheart table can be a wonderful touch, set just for the newlyweds, it allows a moment of quiet intimacy with your partner, something which is often lost in the hubbub of a large reception.” – Holly Allman-Lopez, Ambience Venue Styling Bath “This style of wedding gives you the ability to define what the day means to you and focus only on the things that represent your love. There are so many ways to do this: catering from your favourite restaurant, a luxury picnic, a ceremony in the woods or even on top of a mountain. Why not take inspiration from your favourite places you’ve been together? For example, you could have a Moroccan-themed celebration with low tables, rattan, peacock chairs, tagines to serve food and belly dancers for entertainment.” – Lynne Panes, Rustic Rentals www.rust icrentals.co.uk | h ttps://redmaplephotography.com www.rust icrentals.co.uk | http://whe n charliemethannah.com www.ambiencevenuestyling.com | https://janebeadnellphotography.co.uk Micro-weddings. 47 VENUE STYLING