Here is a selection of Q&As from Your East Anglian Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@youreastanglian.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Going green
Q. We want our wedding to be on-trend with lots of decorative details and fashionable styling, avoiding single-use, non-recyclable items to protect the enviroment. How can we do this?
A. Sue Huckle says: Of course it goes without saying the green credentials of hiring living plants to decorate your day is right up there, way above anything else. They not only look great and green is a colour that never really goes out of fashion. It's cool and sophisticated and complements a wide range of different shades and variety of floral arrangements.
You don't always need a huge array of decorations either, often it's the simple designs that not only work best, but help cut down on waste too. Olive trees with bowls of bright, fresh lemons on the tables always look beautiful. Twisted stemmed bay trees also make an eye-catching feature, great at the entrance to the church or ceremony aisle.
Sue Huckle, Posh Plants
poshplants.com
Setting the scene
Q. What kind of decorative details would you suggest to give our wedding a sophisticated, autumnal feel?
A. Kerry Langham says: Kerry says: For an elegant and natural approach, we love greenery and foliage. Bring the outside in and keep it simple, style spaces with an abundance of twigs, branches, moss, ivy and leaves, not forgetting oodles of fairy lights. Here are some other ideas to add an extra special touch:
- Forget the wall of prosecco, how about a wall of spicy signature autumn cocktails instead? A great way to welcome your guests and beat the chills, especially if your celebration is outside.
- Have a statement piece of furniture sprayed in mixed metallic tones or a splash of copper and gold, styled and stacked with autumnal treats like toffee apples, cinnamon buns and pumpkin spiced cupcakes.
- Create an opulent lounge area with carved wooden chairs, French sofas and chaise longues in velvet shades of burnt orange, burgundy or mustard with gold-toned scatter cushions.
- Drape luxurious fabrics across tables in shades of burgundy, teal, moss green or burnt orange with candelabra and dark coloured candles.
- Atmosphere is everything and can easily be enhanced with pillar candles and tea lights.
- If pumpkins are your vision, but the standard orange ones aren't to your liking, spray paint them to make them work with your colour scheme.
Kerry Langham, Endless Story
www.endlessstory.co.uk
The way forward
Q. We've postponed our wedding until next year due to Covid and are wondering what trends and influences are likely to be around then.
A. Valerie King says: Valerie says: The pandemic has certainly had a tremendous impact on weddings and influenced couples expectations causing a shift in tradition. We have seen a significant move towards more intimate personalised ceremonies and micro weddings, along with growing love for celebrating outdoors with close family and friends. Although the crisis inflicted significant restrictions on weddings, it also inspired many couples to break free from some traditions to concentrate on what's really important to them and their big day. With an increasing focus on sustainability, more than ever people are mindful of their impact on the environment, reducing waste, keeping costs down and the importance of making responsible decisions. This had led to rising demand for eco-friendly wedding planning and styling which can still be beautiful and glamourous. Here are a few tips on how to incorporate green credentials into your décor and table styling.
- Avoid single-use products and plastic that's harmful to the environment and local wildlife.
- Hire your decorations, table and glassware from a wedding supplier or stylist. It's cheaper than buying your own and encourages a culture of re-use.
- Use vintage, preloved and reclaimed props such as old vases and bottles. Stoneware, copper and brass vessels look wonderful dotted around the venue tables.
- For cosy corners and chill-out areas think cane furniture and low-level pallet tables made from reclaimed wood with rugs, comfy pouffes and cushions, great for relaxed outdoor weddings at tipi, barn and marquee venues.
- Save energy and set the scene with romantic candlelight using lanterns, vintage brass or cut-glass candlesticks, or recycled glass jars with non-toxic natural beeswax or soy candles. Don't forget to check with your venue first though to see if they allow real candles.
- Dress your venue with handmade decorations including macrame and bunting made from cotton or vintage fabric. Ribbons in your wedding colours look great too and can be used again after the wedding.
- For the tables natural hessian, cheesecloth or linen runners and napkins will set off your tableware beautifully and can be hired through event décor and other suppliers.
- For the flowers there are many eco-friendly options such as choosing a local sustainable florist, who uses seasonal flowers, foraged greenery or dried flowers in plastic foam-free arrangements. Succulents and plants are another great option and you can always donate your flowers to a residential care home or hospice afterwards and brighten someone else's day.
We created this intimate, sustainable tablescape with local artisan florists Daphne and Doreen Flower Studio (www.daphneanddoreen.co.uk) who provided the stunning floral urn arrangements and beautiful hanging ribbons with tulips. The soft peachy blush colour of the cheesecloth table runner and muslin gauze napkins was achieved by hand-dying the fabric with leftover avocado pits and skins.
Valerie King, Samphire Vintage Props
www.samphirevintageprops.co.uk
Going green
Q. We're still not sure what time of year we'll be getting married so it's hard to picture the décor and special features. We know we want our day to be as eco-friendly as possible and big on wow factor – any suggestions?
A. Sue Huckle says: Sue says: During these testing times I've been doing a lot of reflection and have been reminded of the importance of eco-credentials and the sustainability of the things we surround ourselves with, both in our everyday lives and all the important milestones in life such as weddings. Our range of posh plants is ideal for decorating all kinds of venues from castles and halls to marquees and barns! With beautiful real bay trees, spirals and olive trees, as well as faux blossom trees available to hire, it's an eco-friendly way of transforming a space without breaking the bank and with only a tiny carbon footprint. The trees adorn the venue and are then brought back to the nursery to live on until the next wedding! The deep green of the bay trees and the blue-grey of the olives provide a timeless elegance whatever the season and transcend fashion and trends by offering the beauty of nature.
Sue Huckle, Posh Plants
www.poshplants.com
