EXPERT ADVICE

FAQs and expert advice about venue styling

Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Bristol and Somerset 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@yourbristolsomerset.wedding

In the zone

In the zone

Q Our wedding reception will be in our venue's marquee. It's such a vast space to fill and we're worried about it feeling a bit sparse. How can we overcome this?
A Lynne Panes says: I love decorating marquees as you really can make them your own and get creative. With any venue of this type you can bring it to life with hired props or call in the professionals to help decorate and set up for you. I recommend zoning your marquee, here are a few ideas:

* Entrance décor. Set the tone and line the entrance with milk churns, shepherds crooks and floral jars. Add a welcome sign and order-of-the-day too.

* Gift display. Create an area where guests can leave their cards and gifts. Think lanterns, suitcases, wooden crates and a personalised guest book.

* Ceiling décor. We suggest hanging hoops, foliage or floral ladders, fairylight installations, paper lanterns or folded material draping.

* Seating area. Loved ones will appreciate this! Think vintage rattan chairs and add rugs, cushions, lanterns, and some blankets displayed on a ladder or in apple crates.

* Cake display. Add décor and styling to the items you have already – your big-day bake offers the perfect opportunity. Why not add some shutters, arch or draping behind?

Lynne Panes, Rustic Rentals

Snuggle up

Snuggle up

Q How can I give my wedding venue a warm, winter-wonderland atmosphere to suit my January nuptials?
A Holly Allman-Lopez says: When thinking of winter weddings, people often jump to icy blues, silver and white, but in my opinion these can look cold and uninviting. If you'd like your venue to exude feelings of cosiness, opulence and luxury, think about layering up different textures, such as shaggy sheepskin rugs against warm-toned natural woods. Think also about layering your lighting with atmospheric fairylights (always choose a warm LED for a cosy effect) and flickering candlelight at varying heights. Also, don't be shy with colour. Winter wonderland doesn't have to mean light, cool colours; sometimes deep and moody tones, set against lighter elements, sparkling glassware, and twinkling lighting create even more impact and can draw your guests in.

Holly Allman-Lopez, Ambience Venue Styling

Local flair

Local flair

Q We adore Somerset and would like to have our wedding showcase the best of the region. How can we reflect this in our styling?
A Holly Allman-Lopez says: With stunning countryside, characterful venues and a relaxed, welcoming feel, Somerset is an ideal place to get married. A great way to celebrate this in your wedding styling is to incorporate some of the produce and rich history offered by the region. For example, how about thinking local when it comes to your flowers? Somerset is becoming a major hub for British flower growers, with many small farms dotted throughout the region. These local growers offer a wide range of gorgeous seasonal blooms and foliage that are freshly cut and sustainable. One of the most famous products of Somerset is cider. As a nod to this, why not consider including apples as part of a fruity, rustic tablescape or as part of a bespoke cocktail starring local Somerset cider brandy? Or perhaps consider barrels instead of cocktail tables, or as a statement cake table. Aside from its obvious rural charms, Somerset is also home to some of the most impressive Regency architecture in Britain, so why not channel your inner Duke and Duchess and feature some Bridgerton vibes. Consider opulently draped fabrics, vibrant Regency colours, trailing floral displays and dramatic tapered candles for a contemporary twist on this period look.

Holly Allman-Lopez, Ambience Venue Styling

Deck the halls

Deck the halls

Q We're really excited about our winter wedding and would love to incorporate the season into our venue styling. What would you suggest?
A Holly Allman-Lopez says: Venue styling during the festive season is all about exciting the senses, so consider colour, ambient candlelight, interesting textures and scents. A festive colour scheme is a great way to channel the season. Whilst rich burgundy and forest green are obvious classics, other bold jewel tones, such as deep purple and navy also work beautifully. If strong colours aren't your style however, a more subtle, sparkling theme might be the better option. A palette of natural hues or even all white, set against a dazzling mix of metallics can look breathtaking, creating a sparkling, winter-wonderland feel that's elegant and timeless.

Nature also offers up an abundance of styling inspiration at this time of year. Seasonal greenery, such as evergreen pine, fir branches or holly look amazing incorporated into mantelpiece and staircase displays, or as table garlands. However, be sure to steer clear of mistletoe for table décor as it's poisonous! Pinecones and nuts add beautiful texture when nestled amongst a carefully curated tablescape. As for place settings – cinnamon sticks, star anise or dried fruit slices not only look striking, they add a gorgeous scent too.

Don't forget the candlelight! Embrace the darker evenings with flickering candles (we love to use a mixture of pillar and floating candles) or a roaring open fire to welcome your guests in from the cold.

Holly Allman-Lopez, Ambience Venue Styling

Seasonal style

Seasonal style

Q We're tying the knot in October and want to celebrate the season in our venue styling. What advice can you offer us?
A Holly Allman-Lopez says: One option is to incorporate autumnal tones into your colour palette. Burnt orange, terracotta and rust tones are on trend at the moment and are perfect for an October celebration. Consider pops of these rich, warm hues (perhaps in a table runner, stationery or in the flowers) set against a neutral base. Deep burgundy and dusky pink can also add depth and drama, giving a beautifully rich seasonal feel. If you're not into bold colours, why not consider a gentler scheme of warm neutrals with accents of peach and wheat tones. Touches of gold also work well for an edge of luxury and sparkle.

Textures are also a great way of evoking the season. Dried flowers and grasses continue to be extremely popular and there's a wide range of colours and shapes available from fluffy bunny tails to dramatic pampas stems. Why not incorporate some into your table design in bud vases, or add them to place settings or chair décor. Pinecones, dried fruit slices or even ornamental gourds and pumpkins are also fab elements to bring to a tablescape.

Finally of course, candlelight! Make the most of those darker evenings with plenty of flickering candles to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Holly Allman-Lopez, Ambience Venue Styling Bath

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