As a stylist I’m always aware of latest trends, colour of the year or latest bridal fashions, but to be honest I acknowledge them but don’t really follow them. Trends can be great for inspiration but, a bit like fashion, if it doesn’t suit you then don’t go with it. Do you want a trendy wedding or a wedding that reflects you both, your personalities and tastes? Either way, it is easy to become overwhelmed when planning your wedding and thinking about how you want your day to look.
Pinterest is a fantastic tool to help collect all your thoughts and ideas in one place, and I would say about 90% of brides show me their wedding board when we meet for a consultation.
There have certainly been some popular ideas recently. So, although they might not necessarily be trends as such, these are my favourite finds for styling weddings in 2015.
Light-Up Letters
Lighting has always been important at a wedding, whether it be an up lighter or a candelabra, but having giant letters is certainly popular amongst couples who want to add a personal stamp to their celebration. Whether it’s your initials, new surname or just a little LOVE, they really do light up a reception area or the dance floor, and they’re great for photographs too. There are quite a few companies now with letters in different fonts and sizes, so get creative.
Sequins
Who doesn’t like a little sparkle, but never it seems on the dinner table. We often tend to stick to white tablecloths, napkins and china, either because it’s a safe option or because that’s what our venue provides. Well it would seem we are getting more adventurous in the UK and adding something a little different to our reception tables.
Sequin linen is becoming more popular as couples want to add a little wow factor to their big day. Whether it’s showcasing the wedding cake, ensuring the top table stands out or wanting to make every table sparkle, sequin linen really can add that wow factor.
Signs
I have noticed a lot more of my couples getting creative with signs for their wedding, whether it’s to welcome their guests, let them know what is happening and where, or to write their own personal messages. Signs are a fantastic way to add your personal stamp through your own handwriting or using modern calligraphy and illustration. What’s great about making your own signs is that you can pick up pieces of wood easily, or you could even use old doors. I loved styling with this old door at a tipi wedding in the summer.
Embroidery
This may be a hobby that was associated with your grandmother — but no longer! For a more vintage style wedding, hand or machine embroidery looks beautiful for table names, place names and even buttonholes. One of my brides made the table name shown below — perfect for her autumn wedding.
And how cute is this badge made by Sewn by Rachael, who also makes table names, menus, place names and pictures of the happy couple?
Long Dining Tables
I love long tables at wedding receptions. I love styling them, the way they look in a room, and how they encourage a friendly, intimate and cosy environment. Long table dining is great in village halls, tipis and marquees, and almost goes back to how celebrations used to be, with everyone sitting down in an informal way. The idea is to create a personal atmosphere and fill the centre of tables with colour and texture.
Article by Kirsten Butler, The Little Wedding Helper
Images courtesy of:
Love Letters from LightHaus Events: Martin Dabek Photography
Sequin Tablecloth from Pudding Bridge: Ruth Garner Photography
Door Wedding Sign, Embroidered Table Name: The Little Wedding Helper
Embroidered Badge: Sewn by Rachael
Long Wedding Tables: Babb Photo
