We asked Nikki Smout from Dress It Yourself event hire and styling to share her top tips on how to transform a blank-canvas venue… get your notebooks at the ready! When styling your venue, think about creating different zones for dining, relaxing and dancing by using furniture to define each space. A blank-canvas venue especially benefits from varying the height of your floral arrangements and centrepieces to add interest and dimension. Keep a consistent colour palette and overall style, but mix up the designs slightly — for example, combining tall centrepieces on twisted or rectangular metal stands with smaller coordinating arrangements on lower stands. You don’t have to stick to just round or long tables either; a combination of both can look stunning and naturally adds variety to the room. Over-table rods dressed with flowers or foliage work beautifully on banquet tables, while foliage runners can soften round tables and tie the look together. It’s also worth creating a dedicated photo or selfie area for guests, using a backdrop styled with flowers, foliage or lighting — you can even theme it to match your day. A soft seating area with sofas, pouffes and coffee tables is another lovely addition, giving guests somewhere comfortable to relax away from the dancefloor. Modern lounge furniture now comes in some gorgeous colours and styles to complement your décor. Poseur tables are another essential, particularly near the bar and dancefloor, as they give guests somewhere to gather and place their drinks. Lighting is just as important as décor when it comes to setting the mood. Fairy lights always create a magical atmosphere, but coloured uplighting can completely transform a daytime venue into an evening party space without needing to add extra décor. For the ceremony itself, create a focal point with an arch, moon gate or even a beautifully styled table and chairs. You can also maximise your budget by reusing ceremony flowers later in the day — aisle arrangements displayed on plinths can then be moved onto reception tables afterwards. When it comes to statement florals, bigger arrangements often have the most impact. Finally, don’t overlook silk flowers. Modern silk blooms are incredibly realistic and can be a much more cost-effective option, allowing couples to achieve larger, more luxurious arrangements for a fraction of the price of fresh flowers. Ask the EXPERT! ENQUIRE NOW! 01992 507 940 dressityourself@gmail.com www.dressityourself.co.uk
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