Michelle Clarke is a senior event manager and wedding co-ordinator at one of the Midlands’ most iconic wedding venues, the 13th Century Marriott Breadsall Priory in Derbyshire. With 14 years’ experience in the industry, Michelle and her team have helped hundreds of couples say their ‘I Dos’ in style. Michelle writes exclusively for Vows and Venues and shares her expert hints and tips for the next generation of brides-to-be.
Bringing the inside out A key trend for 2016 is romance. This means delicate bridal make-up, favouring light matt pink lips and gently blushed cheeks to whimsical floral arrangements and simple, elegant pastel colour schemes.
A good way to embrace the theme of romance is to incorporate the great outdoors into your special day. Now, you might think it’s a bit of a gamble to hold your big day outside – we live in the UK after all, right?
Even in the height of summer, the risk of gale force winds and torrential rain is enough to put most of us off al fresco ceremonies and receptions. But - and it’s a big, Kardashion-esk but – with a pinch of bravery and a dollop of contingency planning, the results can be nothing short of spectacular. Leaving both you and your guests reminiscing for years to come – for all the right reasons.
Whether you’ll be saying ‘I do’ at a prestigious venue or in your back garden, there are lots of simple and effective ideas to style your outdoor space to the nines, creating a romantic, luxurious and on-trend feel that doesn’t mean you’ll have to pinch from the honeymoon fund. Fairy lights and lanterns are very effective in creating magical, romance-filled scenes and also help to define specific areas – such as the aisle or alter. Rustic picnic tables and benches, especially when used in wooded areas, can create fairy tale scenes in an instant, this look can be embellished further if paired with delicate ribbon or table runners. To add a modern, quirky twist to your outdoor area, scatter furnishings and decorative objects, traditionally associated with the indoors like lampshades, armchairs, framed paintings and rugs to bring the inside out. All items can be collected cheaply through second hand shops during the wedding planning phase or borrowed from friends and family.
Worrying about the weather? There are so many options to choose from to help keep guests comfortable. Patio
heaters, or open bonfires, furs and blankets, ivory umbrellas, canvas canopies and gazebos are just some ideas to choose from. Adding a few hot toddies to the evening’s celebrations is also a great way to keep hands warm and spirits high!
Ultimately, it’s your wedding so do it your way. But if you’re looking for a romantic Mid-Summer Night’s Dream theme, daring to venture outdoors could make your special day that extra bit special.
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