wedding hire

What is A Wedding Theme?

 

Planning your wedding should be a fun and exciting endeavour. However sometimes couples aren’t sure where to start, it is after all a big occasion for most and there is plenty to organise before you walk down the aisle and say ‘I do.’

Often choosing a theme for your wedding is a great place to start.

But what is a theme? Why do you need one and indeed do you have to have one?

The answer is that a wedding theme is absolute not essential to your day, however having one can help to bring all the elements together into a more cohesive vision.

Here we look at some of the pros and cons of a wedding theme as well as some of the most popular and universal themes to consider. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

                                     

Pros

Simply put, choosing a wedding theme is a great way to bring all your ideas together under one umbrella. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate either. In fact your theme may just be a colour scheme such as green and white, pink and grey or a touch of vibrant rainbow!

However, if there is a passion you and your partner share, such as films, books, gardening, travel, etc, then these can be the perfect seeds to sow a wedding theme from. You could bring aspects of any of these into your invitations, your ceremony decor, your table plan, table names, etc. Having some kind of theme gives your wedding day a much more personal feel and scope to add little touches that will mean a huge amount.

 

Cons

Some couples might feel the idea of a wedding theme is a little over the top or that it might limit them in terms of what they can do with their décor. For example if you decide to go with a certain theme you might feel you cannot incorporate items from another one.

In addition certain themes may end up being hard to put together in terms of sourcing items and your budget.

Also some couples might want a more laid back feel for their big day without feeling the constraints of a theme. However, the thing to keep in mind is that when it comes to a wedding theme, is that there are no hard and fast rules. It can really be whatever you want it to be. The best wedding themes are the ones that reflect the couples personality and interests and if that is simply to have a laid back feel, then why not use that as your template and go with it?

 

Vintage

One of the most popular wedding themes for a number of years has got to be vintage. Harking back to bygone eras, it is a theme that gives a lot of room to play with, as there is no defined period of time you have to focus on. More often than not, it’s just more of a flavour rather than a concentrated feel of say the 20’s or 30’s, for example. Instead many couples cherry-pick influences from a whole range of decades with little pops of décor. Think about vintage books, china, typewriters, weighing scales, gramophones, suitcases, birdcages, lanterns, clocks, etc. The list is endless and is only limited by your imagination.

 

Elegant

Again this is a theme with a broad scope of appeal and one that works universally well with most venues. Elegance can sum up so many images in a couples minds that it’s very much open for interpretation. It can mean silver candelabras, tall floral arrangements, golds, crisp white linen and formal dining options. The important thing is to make the theme as personal as possible to your shared likes and personality.

Rustic

Again, this is a theme that can conjure up many images, but generally speaking it is a theme that reflects a more laid back approach to the wedding. It can mean having a more relaxed dining experience, such as food trucks or BBQ. A barn style venue, glamping etc. Again, the key here is to take what you want from the term rustic and make it work for you as a couple and your budget.

Green and White

Another theme that has universal appeal is green and white. Again, this is open ended and doesn’t lock you in to anything, as such. Instead it gives you a something to focus on and bring to your wedding reception and ceremony. Green and white can conjure up elaborate hanging floral installations, floral arches, flower walls, an enchanted forest etc, or it can also mean having a more simple approach to your décor instead of colourful floral arrangements. A good wedding planner will help you refine your theme ideas into something that works for your big day.

Dress Your Wedding Entrances

 

Your wedding is all about entrances…

Making that first special entrance into the church or ceremony venue. The entrance into your venue for the first time on a red carpet, that unforgettable entrance into the meal as a married couple and your entrance onto the dancefloor for the first dance.

Tradition and ritual wrapped up together in the perfect recipe for a wonderful day.

So when it comes to your wedding décor, remember to add some key adornments to those entrances to make them extra special. Think about adding draping on doorways, florals, trees and even simple touches like lanterns or candles can really bring these entrances to life.

Here’s some ideas to get the creative juices going. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

                                     

 

Draping

Draping is probably one of the most underrated pieces of wedding décor there is. Simple though it is, its power to transform and soften the look and feel of any room is remarkable. It works so well on entrances. Be it your church or ceremony entrance, the entrance to your wedding venue or reception room, it is a look well worth investing in. To top it off, make sure to add some fairylights for a really romantic and ethereal look.

Florals and Trees

Today there a whole range of options to choose from when it comes to adding some florals or tress at entrances. And there’s a reason why these are such popular choices, because they draw the guests eye in and add instant panache. Think about classic bay trees, floral arches, blossom trees, super tall urns and arrangements which can be artificial or real… these days the artificial versions are so good it’s hard to tell the difference.

 

Lanterns

Another seemingly simply touch, yet when done well, lanterns and candles can really make a show stopping impact on your entrances. Try mixing and matching the size of lanterns, with oversized storm lanterns to mini versions, filled with differing candles and even florals. The contrasting sizes will really maximise the impact.

 

Signage and Mirrors

Finally don’t be afraid to add some signage and or mirrors to your entrances. These will serve to give guests practical information, but they often also form a beautiful part of the wedding décor itself.  From antique style mirrors, to wooden signs, on trend transparent signs, etc, they are an addition well worth considering to the other items mentioned above for a complete look.

Reinventing Classic Green & White

Just because something is considered a ‘classic’ wedding theme or colour combination, doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering. Indeed, the very reason it’s considered a ‘classic’ is because it is such a successful look.

Of course, many couples want to go for trends or colours, or themes that are in vogue at the moment, reflecting what’s popular at the time.

One of the best ways of delivering on both of these requirements is to reinvent a classic theme or colour combination, and there can be nothing more beautiful or breath-taking than classic green and white. And by that I mean lush greenery and crisp white.

Here’s some ideas to get the creative juices going. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

                                     

Secret Garden

A great reinterpretation of this theme is to turn the green and white into a secret garden feel. Literally give the feeling that you and you guests are stepping into a lush, hidden, indoor garden. Think big bold greens accented with lots of crisp white florals, go for green and white floral walls and blossom trees. If budget is an issue then why not focus on having the top table or sweetheart table adorned rather than the entire room?

 

Add Accents

Green and white are bold and engaging enough to work on their own, but if you want to freshen things up, then why not add some on trend accents of contrasting and matching colours such as gold, pink, grey, etc. These can be reflecting in florals, but also think about additions such as stand out table centrepieces, cake stands, mirrors, table cloths, chair decor and more?

Hanging Florals

One of the most popular wedding trends of recent years is for hanging florals and green and white lends itself so well to this particular trend. Think about having greenery and white florals handing from chandeliers or lights and let them drape down over the tables? Think about bespoke hanging green and white floral installations over the top table and remember to accent with hanging tea lights for a stunning look when the sun goes down.

Candles/Fairylights

If you want to make sure you ace that secret garden look then the addition of candles and fairylights is a mus. Think about incorporating them into your décor through draping and backdrops, and be sure to interpose lots of candles of differing sizes with your green and white additions to bring the magic to life once the sun goes down. 

How To Create Ambience at Your Wedding Reception

No matter what venue you choose for your wedding reception, the key factor to making it look and feel special is to set the mood…

But what exactly does that mean?          

In reality, it’s all about creating an ambience by using simple additions and creative touches that can add so much depth of feeling to any space. No matter what size your venue is, lighting is key, so think of uplighters, fairylights and hanging tea lights, each of which will bring a different look and feel to the room without you having to go all out on a specific theme.

Candles are one of the simplest ways and there are plenty of ways to use them creatively.

But don’t forget additions like draping, which can completely transform the look of a room in an instant.

Here’s some ideas to get the creative juices going. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

Up Lighting and Gobo

Up lighters will give you a really stunning effect of for your wedding venue. They can bathe your room in a host of beautiful colours, from purples, to pinks, to lilac, corals, blues and more. Gobo is another really useful and eye catching lighting option, where you can have anything from the couples initials to the wedding date projected onto the wall of the venue.

 

Candles, Tea lights and Lanterns

If you don’t want to go down the route of uplighters and gobo, then one of the simplest ways to achieve a real sense of romantic ambiance is with candles. There are so many ways to use candles; don’t just think of using one size or type. Think tea lights dotted along entrances, a mix of lanterns on the floor or on tables. Elegant candelabras, pillar candles of different sizes. Have fun and don’t feel you have to stick with one over the other. Also hanging tea lights make for the dreamiest affect when the sun goes down and can be hung from a range of locations.

 

Fairylights

When you think of a romantic wedding ambience you think of fairylights. They are the ultimate classic look for wedding receptions and just because something is a classic, that doesn’t mean it’s not still stunning, on trend and relevant. Fairylights can be used in a variety of ways, from backdrops, to over balconies, vertically on windows and much more.

 

Draping

Another really simple touch is soft draping. It can be used in a variety of ways from the ceilings, to balconies, to entrances, on backdrops and even on your reception chairs. Used in conjunction with lighting options such as candles and uplighters, it’s amazing how much draping can completely soften and transform the look of any size of venue.

 

 

How To Do A Vintage Wedding Theme

 

The vintage wedding theme is still one of the most popular choices for couples these days. Its popularity remains strong, thanks to its adaptability, budget friendly ways and because it is still one of the most beautiful wedding themes to bring to life.

There are so many ways to channel a vintage theme. So many decades to focus on, that it can appeal to different personalities and couples. You can have just a few small vintage touches or you can go all out with larger statements of retro.  That’s the beauty of this theme.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to interpreting the vintage theme. Raid attics, raid skips, to go auctions and embrace upcycling in a big way.

Here’s some ideas to get the creative juices going. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

 

Attire

One of the most stunning ways to set a vintage tone for your wedding day is with your attire. Brides are embracing retro and vintage styles of dresses, going for pretty detailing and classic cuts over more modern shapes. Don’t be afraid to bring it through to your bridesmaids too and let’s not forget the men! Retro and vintage suits are another big trend at the moment, so define the era you’re trying to emulate and stick with it. If you really want to make a splash, why not ask your guests to embrace the attire of your chosen era too, for extra fun.

 

Transport

One of the easiest ways to channel the vintage theme is with your wedding transport. Yes we’re talking about vintage cars. And you don’t necessarily have to go for the traditional types of cars either, such as a Rolls Royce. Why not have a little fun with VW Camper vans, mini coopers and even vintage motorbikes with side cars or push bikes?

 

On The Table

You can really go wild in terms of on the table vintage inspiration. Anything from stacks of old books, vintage birdcages filled with flowers, retro weighing scales topped with florals or candles, vintage cameras and old photos, retro style tins, pocket watches, old unusual bottles filled with candles, vintage sewing machines. The list is endless. Remember to dress them up with key florals and items made from burlap and lace are the ideal partners to reinforce that vintage look.

 

Around The Room

When it comes to placing vintage pieces around your wedding venue or ceremony, you can make a big impact for a small investment. Think about having stacks of retro suitcases, why not even use one for your guests to put their wedding cards? Vintage items like typewriters and gramophones make stunning focal points and again can cost next to nothing. You can make an even bigger impact with upcycled chests of drawers which you could use as your dessert or cake area too. And if you really want to go big and have the budget, why not seek out larger vintage pieces like a retro telephone box! It would look stunning in situ and can double as an ideal photobooth for your guests too.

 

 

 

 

Wedding Planner Myths Busted

When it comes to wedding planners, there’s plenty of myths out there, often propagated thanks to images of wedding planners in Hollywood movies or lavish reality TV shows.

Of course, there are wedding planners who work with celebrities and those with larger budgets, but that doesn’t mean couples with more modest budgets planning smaller weddings cannot avail of a wedding planners highly valued services too.

And yet, often couples have preconceived notions of what wedding planners can and can’t do and many times those assumptions are wrong.

So in an effort to set the record straight, we’re going to bust some of the biggest myths out there and show you that every couple, no matter what their budget or wedding size/style can avail of a wedding planners services.

In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

                                                           

 

Wedding Planners Take Over

If there is one of the biggest myths surrounding wedding planners we’d like to put to rest, it’s that we have a tendency to ‘take over,’ but that is absolutely not the case. Forget those images you may have seen in Hollywood movies of pushy wedding planners who disregard their couple’s wishes. In reality a good wedding planner is very much YOUR advocate. In essence, we’re here to bring your wedding vision to life, it’s always your day, not ours. Think of us as your fairy godmother, who will work every way we can to bring your ideal wedding plans to fruition, just as you envisioned it.

 

 

Wedding Planners Can’t Assist With Small Parts of the Wedding

Another falsity.  Most wedding planners will be happy to assist with any part of your wedding day. For example I offer full, partial or even on the day coordination. A good wedding planner is adept at handling big parts of the wedding planning, but they are also able to come in and offer targeted assistance with say one particular aspect of your planning that is proving either difficult to pull together, or it could be something you simply don’t have time to focus on yourself.

 

A Wedding Planner Will Blow My Budget

Another often perpetuated myth is that wedding planners are expensive. Again we may have films and TV to blame for this one, however often a good wedding planner will often times help you cut down on your costs as we have access to vendors and venues at much better rates. We pass these savings on to you, plus we are always cognisant of your budget and will be better able to stick within those limits. Often couples can see their budgets spiral out of control when planning by themselves.

 

 

My Venue Has A Wedding Coordinator Why Do Would I Need To Hire Someone Else?

While most venues these days do indeed have wedding co-ordinators, their main job is to oversee the wedding in terms of the venue. They generally don’t liaise with your vendors, or assist in terms of sourcing décor or hire items, beyond what might be offered by the venue. A wedding planner is your advocate and will be able to bring all aspects of your wedding day together from the ceremony to the reception, as well as all the lead up, logistics, décor and much, much more.

 

 

Living Coral The Pantone Colour of The Year

 

The Pantone colour of the year for 2019 is ‘Living Coral,’ and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

According to the colour giant it’s; ‘an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.’

Coral is a colour that has been consistently popular for weddings over the last number of years, but this year we’re going to see more than just pops of coral, this year we’re going to see a whole new vibrant and lush interpretation, thanks to the ‘Living’ element.

So think vibrancy and vividness, yet with mellow undertones alongside different shades of the main Pantone colour.  

Here’s some ideas to get your thinking. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

Flowers

All shades of coral work really well in wedding flowers. From subtle hints of pinks and oranges to full on vivid blooms, there’s something for all tastes here. Pairs really well with crisp whites and vibrant greens. And don’t forget to extend some of the colour beyond your bouquets and into your ceremony and reception too.

 

Bridesmaids Dresses

One of the best ways to bring coral into your wedding is with your bridesmaids dresses. Whether you want to keep it traditional with matching long gowns or you want to give things a modern twist with shorter lengths or indeed let each bridesmaid have her own personality shine through with mismatching dresses, coral is a colour that is going to work on lots of skin tones. It’s also a great colour to contrast to the white or ivory or the brides dress itself and you can play around with what shade of ‘Living Coral’ is going to suit best.

 

Around the room

Why not go for mood up-lighters in coral shades to set the tone for your venue? Coral draping or go for simple touches like coral inspired table cloths, napkins or table runners? Use lanterns filled with coral blooms for your centrepieces, living coral coloured pom poms hanging from the ceiling or coral candelabras as your table centrepieces? There’s no limit on the ways you can incorporate the colour into your décor.

 

Wedding Cake

While coral lends itself well to all things décor, it’s also a superb match for sweet things! So whether you’re going for a wedding cake, or cake pops, cupcakes, macaroons or other sweet treats, interpretations of ‘Living Coral’ are the perfect match. Naked cakes are still a big trend going forward and adding pops of coral is the ideal way to channel the trend with ease.

Wedding Decor – The New Neutrals

When you think of neutrals your mind generally goes immediately to a series of creams and whites. But today, the new neutrals have a much more subtle variety to them, all of which lend themselves extremely well to wedding décor.

The thing about neutrals is, they are a universal. They go with most themes, venues and seasons. You’ll also likely find an array of items more easily in neutral colours, than say if you were tracking down a more specific shade. But just because something is a classic, doesn’t mean it cannot be reinvented.

So for the new neutrals think a little wider with subtle hints of greys, taupe’s, dusty rose and accents of metallics. It’s still very much based around the tennets of creams and whites, but now there’s more inflection and depth in those creams.

With all of that in mind, here’s some visual inspiration for you to get the ideas flowing. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

Ceremony

Flowers will play a big role in the overall look of your ceremony be it in a church or another venue. But there are others ways to make a big impact with neutrals. Why not have white or cream blossom trees lining the aisle? Have a neutral aisle runner and don’t be afraid to use some draping in key places.

 

Table

Your wedding table centrepieces and overall décor will really set the tone of your reception and when it comes to making impact with the new neutrals, it’s all about subtle pops of colour. Think accents of pinks, greys, burlap and taupe with flashes of metallics. Be creative with it and use a range of pillar style candles in differing sizes on metallic stands, small lanterns, wooden slices, pink paper pom poms, gold cutlery or wine goblets. White table clothes with grey or taupe runners and sprinkling of glitter.

 

Room

Draping is one of your best allies when it comes to room décor. Draping interspersed with fairy lights in key locations, such as backdrops or on doorways will add a major wow factor. But think about placing other elements in the key colours, be it lanterns, vintage luggage or antique finds. Uplighters can work really well to set the tone as can hanging tea lights and Chinese lanterns or pom poms again in the key colour palettes.

 

Cake

Go for ‘naked cakes’ with a cascade of blush, cream and tope roses down the side. Or go for buttercream finished in an ombre effect with the same colour palette. Use little touches like blush or metallic macaroons or cakepops scattered with glitter for that extras bit of sparkle.

Trees As Wedding Centrepieces

There’s something magical about having trees as part of your wedding décor. They bring with them an undeniable romance of an enchanted forest and a lovely feel of bringing the outdoors in.

Tree style centrepieces are a hot trend at the moment and immediately add height to your wedding venue. They give an instant wow fact and look simply stunning when dressed with hanging tea lights or fairylights for when the sun goes down.

There is huge scope for all budgets too. You could go for actual tree style centrepieces, or you could also achieve a similar effect with large branches in very tall vases.

With all of that in mind, here’s some visual inspiration for you, to get the ideas flowing. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

Blossom Trees

Blossom trees are the typical, dreamy partner to wedding décor. Full of blooms that are typically pink or shades of white, these trees look absolutely stunning as centrepieces. Often they need very little dressing up, as they give such a wow factor impression on their own.

 

 

Branches

If you want to channel that autumnal forest feel or indeed go for a minimalistic look, then barer branches are ideal and quite economical too. You can indeed source very tall branches and place them in even taller vases to get that tree feel. Branches tend to need a little dressing up and you can also find stunning white winter style trees that have plenty of adornments already included. Also consider adding hanging tea lights and fairylights for when the sun goes down.

 

Tropical

Palm tree branches and leaves, sitting in large tall vases interspersed with exotic style crisp white orchids look amazing. Mix in some tropical fruit at the base or get creative and make the trunks out of pineapples for that truly exotic feel!

 

Greenery/Fruit

If the idea of blossom tree is a little too fluffy for you, then consider going for all greenery. The classic combination of greenery and the crisp white wedding table cloths is a universally good look. Again you can find full, bushy tree styles, but you can also channel the same sort of look with branches of greenery and very tall vases. Why not have some fun with fruit trees too?

 

Images via Pinterest

 

Wedding Floral Wall

Ever since Kim Kardashian tied the knot with Kanye West some years ago in Italy behind an enormous floral wall, it’s become one of the most sought after wedding trends. And it’s not hard to see why.  A regular feature of the Instagram-able wedding, a floral wall is a truly stunning addition to your wedding day décor and is surprisingly versatile.

While Kim and Kanye no doubt went for fresh flowers, most couples don’t have the same budget to spare, so looking into a faux floral wall is the route most couples choose. And the effect is still absolutely breath-taking.

And what’s most surprising about them is that they are incredibly versatile and you’ll find you can use a floral wall in so many ways.

Here’s some visual inspiration for you, to get the ideas flowing. We offer hire of the beautiful floral wall pictured below. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

Ceremony Backdrop

So many wedding ceremonies are now taking place outside of traditional churches and that gives rise to the chance to be a little more creative with your décor.  So whether you’re saying ‘I do’ in a chic loft space, to a manor home or a hip pub, a floral wall can easily be placed as the backdrop behind the ceremony to give it the wow factor. It will look stunning for you guests on arrival and of course in the pictures too

 

Top Table

If you’re not in a position to have a floral wall as a backdrop in your ceremony, then why not consider having it in placed behind your top table?  Place it with draping and fairylights for that truly stunning enchanted garden or Midsummer Night’s Dream feel. Plus if you’ve already used the wall in your ceremony, then don’t think you can’t move it and place it in your venue too. That’s the beauty of it – it’s the ultimate multi-tasker.

 

Photo Booth

If the idea of a traditional photo booth does not appeal to you or you cannot make it happen with the budget, then use the floral wall instead. Again, remember how versatile it is. It can be positioned in the venue, you can leave some fun props, such as hats and signs, feather boas, blow up instruments, etc. and let the guests go nuts. You can leave a retro instant camera or digital camera and enjoy looking at all the snaps the next day!

 

Around the Room

You can move your floral wall to almost any area of your venue to suit your needs. If there’s perhaps a corner you’re not happy with or a section you need to cordon off, you can even use the wall as a beautiful visual distraction. It would also look fantastic behind your cake or dessert stations, or you can have it as a sort of red carpet arrival area for your guests complete with fake paparazzi. The possibilities are endless.