wedding theme

Blush Wedding Theme

Tones of blushing pinks are a match made in heaven for wedding day décor. From invites, to the attire, to the ceremony, to the reception, there is nothing that this stunning colour palate will not suit. It instantly evokes an atmosphere of beauty, etherealness and romance.

For some brides and couples it might seem like an obvious choice and indeed, some couples like to shy away from traditional colours, but just because something is considered a classic, doesn’t mean it can’t be contemporary or on trend.

Indeed, this year’s Pantone Colour of The Year is ‘Living Coral,’ a beautiful take on traditional pink or blush.

We take a look at ways to include blush in your wedding day décor.

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.

 

The Dress

If you really want to make a statement then why not consider going for a blush wedding dress? It has become a growing trend in recent years for brides to look beyond the traditional colours of white, creams and ivories for dresses and instead seek out gowns with a hint of blush. If that seems like a step too far, then why not dress your bridesmaids, or flower girls in blush and don’t forget to add some blush accents for the groom and/or groomsmen too.

 

Complimenting Colours

Blush by itself is a beautiful colour, but when you put it alongside some complimenting and contrasting colours, that’s when you hit décor gold! Think of pairing blush with golds, greys, greens and crisp white for a really incredible visual feast for the eyes. Also don’t be afraid to reinterpret the colour blush, with varying degrees of vividness. A pop of hot pink alongside ethereal blush will look stunning.

 

Flowers

A pop of blush in your wedding flowers can be both classic and contemporary. If you want to give it a modern twist then try and pair with lots of greenery for a fantastic contrast. Tall candelabras and elegant blush flowers will work amazingly well for a formal feel, as will rustic style wooden boxes filled with blush blooms and interspersed with candles for a more casual style.

 

Décor

Blush works wonderfully well in so many ways around the wedding venue. From accents of blush ribbons on menus, to paper pom poms, chair sashes or draping, to blush pink floral centrepieces, interspersed with pops of gold and lots of candles of differing sizes. To really add that touch of romance consider using uplighters with degrees of blush and or fairylights to set the ultimate tone for the night.

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. 

Tall Wedding Decor

 

It can be easy to forget about ways to make use of the vertical space around us in general, but when it comes to wedding décor, this space is often an untapped resource that can have a truly stunning overall impact.

If you’re scratching your head on ways to fill this space, or maximise it, then don’t panic, as there are literally dozens of fresh and modern ideas on ways to do this, that don’t have to be overly extravagant or break the bank either.

Using vertical space requires a little bit more thought and attention. Indeed you don’t need to go overboard filling space everywhere you see it, as blank space is a great contrast too. It’s getting a balance between the two that works the best.

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.

                                     

Urns/Bay Trees

Maximising the vertical space doesn’t have to be confined to your wedding reception, you can start at your ceremony too. Features like oversized urns or bay trees at the entrance to your church or ceremony entrance will make a really show stopping statement, as will tall pew ends lining your aisles.

 

Trees and Foliage

The mention of having trees and foliage at your wedding ceremony or reception might seem like an extravagant move, but in reality there are so many affordable options for ways to bring these elements into your wedding style. They are a great way to draw the eye upward and make the most of your vertical space. Be it blossom style trees, green trees, etc on tables, dotted around the room or as pew ends, they really are worth considering.

 

 

Hanging Décor

One of the most on trend ways to use the vertical space in your wedding reception is with hanging décor. It’s a style that is popular at the moment and it’s not hard to see why. Think about hanging elements like Chinese lanterns over your dancefloor, hanging tea lights over your tables or hanging floral or greenery installations over your top table for maximum impact.

 

Draping

Probably one of the most economical, yet show stopping ways to style your wedding’s vertical space is with simple, beautiful draping. It can be arranged and styled from ceilings and over dancefloors, the top table, or over your cake etc, to make a stunning focal point in the room. Add in some fairy lights for that dreamy, romantic feel.

 

 

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.

 

 

Wedding Planning Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

 

Planning your wedding day is one of the most exciting times in your life. However, for many busy couples the reality of trying to bring your wedding dreams to life can be a challenge.

Factors such as the budget, as well as just having enough time in your life to actually get through your list of wedding to-do’s can be a minefield.

It can be easy to get caught up and fall for some very simple mistakes that could end up costing you both financially and emotionally.

As an award winning wedding planner with years of experience at the top of the wedding industry, I know all the ways to avoid making those wedding planning mistakes.

Here’s some of my top tips.  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.

                                                           

 

Don’t be Tempted to Go over Budget

Your budget is the key foundation of your wedding. While it can be tempting to say, book a lavish venue first, when you know it will eat up the majority of your budget, you’ve got to be realistic with yourself. There will always be last minute costs involved in your wedding planning and it’s key to factor these in. The best thing to do is get a full handle on the costs you’re looking at before going ahead and booking venues, vendors or even sending out invites. There’s plenty of ways to be savvy of course and still have the wedding of your dreams well within your budget and in fact working with a wedding planner like myself is a simple way to do this.

 

Invite The People You Want At Your Wedding, Not The People You Think Should Invite

Sometimes, this can be easier said than done. Family politics can play a huge role in your invite list and indeed if the couple’s parents are assisting with the costs, then they may feel they are entitled to some say in who attends. However, your wedding day is YOUR wedding day and as much as possible that means you want people there who you love and enjoy spending time with. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t invite someone who lives abroad or you haven’t seen in a while. Fundamentally it’s about gathering your loved ones together to celebrate this special day with you and not feeling obliged to invite people based on anything else.

 

Don’t Get Stressed

Planning a wedding should be a wonderful and exciting experience. However, it also has the potential to be a stressful endeavour. Spiralling budgets, a lack of time and a feeling of plans going out of control can all add to couples feeling stressed. This is completely the opposite of how you should feel in the run up to your wedding day, it’ supposed to be fun. If you do find yourself getting stressed, it’s important to pause, take a breath and revaluate things.

One of the best things you can do is to seek help from a professional wedding planner, such as myself. I can help with as much or as little of your plans as you need. So if for example, there is one area of your planning making your stressed, then I can take that off your shoulders and allow you to concentrate on other aspects of the planning, or indeed I can also provide assistance on multiple parts of your wedding day too.

 

 

Remember It Is YOUR Day  

In all the hectic planning and family politics of wedding planning it can be easy to forget that your wedding is YOUR day. It is a most special day where you get to celebrate your love for your partner with your family and friends. It should be the day you’ve dreamt of and it should look and feel the way YOU want it to feel. If you find yourself changing plans to suit other people, then you need to take a step back and remember why you’re doing it.

You’ll hopefully only have one wedding day, so it should be a happy, special day that unfolds how you want it to. The last thing you want is to look back and regret changing aspects of the day or compromising on elements you didn’t feel you had to.

Spring Fling – Wedding Colours

Spring is all about the return of colour. In nature, the buds return to the trees, we start to get daffodils and tulips peeing through, cherry blossoms, the grass gets that touch greener and it’s all about a sense of freshness.

It’s a beautiful time of the year to tie the knot. And if you’re planning a spring wedding and you want to tie in with the seasonal colours and themes, then think colour and fresh greenery.

Often, spring evokes those ice cream dream pastel colours of blush pink, baby blue, canary yellow and mint green. All of which will look absolutely stunning and are easy to work with.

However, don’t discount going bolder with colour, either all round through your decor and flowers, or just with a few pops to offset the pastels. And of course a refreshing touch of crisp white and vivid greenery is always a classic look too.

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.

                                                           

Ceremony

Whether you’re saying ‘I do’ indoors or outdoors, flowers are key to channelling spring. Don’t be afraid to add some bright colours to your bridal bouquets, but equally don’t fear going for the more traditional blush pinks or soft peaches either. If you want to make a really stunning statement of spring, why not have a floral wall as your ceremony backdrop? Add colourful confetti for your church departure and why not consider having blossom trees line your aisle in the ultimate tribute to the spring?

 

On the Table

A heady mix of burlap, wooden slices, vases and pops of spring colour will look stunning for your table décor. If your budget is tight, why not go for a mix of paper pom poms in a range of colours, against some beautiful baby’s breath? Add in lanterns and candles for the perfect mix to bring your table to life

 

 

Around the Room

While flowers play a key role, lighting will also be a big factor in how your room looks and feels. Intersperse fairy lights with up-lighters and candles for the right mix of spring garden. Chinese style lanterns hung from the ceiling or over the dancefloor in a variety of pastels will look amazing during the day and even more romantic as the sun goes down. Don’t forget to dress focal points like staircases, fireplaces and consider having a flower wall for guests to take selfies at during the evening.

 

The Cake

When it comes to the cake, you can really have a lot of fun with a spring colour palette. But if you want to try something more unique, why not go for a naked style cake but with a different colour for each tier, for an almost pastel rainbow effect? Add flowers to your tiers and play around with buttercream and fondant finishes for that really stunning effect. And why not have fun adding additions like cake pops, donuts or mini cakes too in a variety of spring colours.