Wedding Planning, Styling & Design: Special Effects

The Use of ‘Ice’ in Event Design

Ice is a very unique and interesting way of creating a fun focal point at an event. Although it suits a winter wedding perfectly, many different aspects of ice could also be used at summer weddings, or in warmer climates (in hot weather, the visual aspect of ice will help your guests feel cooler). For a winter wedding the ‘Ice Luge’ is a fantastic sculpture, which is also multi functional as a cooling mechanism for cocktails and shots, and a fun, exciting visual element for guests to join in with (some ice luges come complete with a spout at the bottom for guests to drink from directly!). Placed upon a darker coloured fabric and/or backdrop in a central or ‘empty space’ – the ice luge will stand out in the venue and attract the attention of guests. The element of ‘ice’ could be extended to ice shot glasses waiting to be filled at the bottom of the luge, as you pour your chosen beverage through! It is important that the ice for an ice luge is crystal clear, to obtain the full visual potential of the ‘luge’ as beverages are poured through – therefore a machine-carved sculpture would be recommended, or potentially a hand-carved sculpture, dependent on the ice used. Shot glasses could simply be made using a moulded form (rubber shot tray mould) which may create a frosted, misty ice to differ from the crystal clear ice luge.

 

 

Photo: Ice Sculpture Luge (itsabrideslife.com)

 Photo: Ice cake Luge (polkadotbride.com)

 

Photo: Frosted Ice Shot Glasses (sugarandcharmblog.com)

 

Using ice in a summer/warmer wedding is a little trickier as you don’t want anything to melt within seconds of it being presented. An ice luge would be less appropriate in this climate, but the feeling of freshness and coolness at a warmer climate wedding is aesthetically pleasing to guests. The use of ice centrepieces is a lovely idea, differing to the usual floral displays. However, flowers are still beautiful to have as a centrepiece and could be incorporated into an ice centrepiece design by freezing fresh flowers inside an ice sculpture. The crystal clear ice (again it will need to be machine-carved or possibly hand-carved) magnifies the vibrant colours of the flowers frozen inside it, creating a ‘frozen in time’ feel and theme. The use of flowers and ice could be further used in ice shot glasses (with small flowers and/or herbs frozen in the ice glass), as well as frozen flower and herb ice cubes (all edible and safe to consume) to use in various drinks at the bar. These are small touches of ice and florals that would add vibrancy and colour to a usually plain or simple element of design.

Photo: Sweet Bliss Weddings (sweetblissweddings.ca)

1. Fairylight Canopy

 

Fairylight canopies are beautiful and add a very surreal and romantic feel to a venue. Although they are ideal for venue buildings with high ceilings (i.e. old barns) as you can still see up to the beautiful, old ceiling whilst creating a close and cosier atmosphere – they are also excellent for outdoor venues without marquees. Adding a fairylight canopy above the venue area, creates a focal point, whilst outlining an ‘invisible’ marquee area. Fairylights create a dramatic effect without detracting from other focal points at the venue, and perfectly suit an outdoor, rustic wedding, or an elegant indoor event.

 

1. Confetti Canon

Confetti photo shots are some of my absolute favourite wedding photographs, as it truly captures the excitement and happiness of the event as the Bride and Groom walk back down the aisle. Confetti canons are becoming more and more popular and boost the confetti photo shots to a different level with the vast amount of confetti, it displays a truly magical moment and captures the Newlyweds in a personal and surreal instant. It is lovely and welcoming for the Bride and Groom to have their closest friends and family throw the confetti after the ceremony as the Bride and Groom walk back down the aisle, but it is an exciting time at the reception venue when the new Mr & Mrs are announced for the first time, and I feel that this is the perfect time for a grand entrance with an abundance of confetti shot out of the canons, as you are able to capture a truly fun and exciting moment for the couple (as it is now beginning to set in that they are husband and wife!), as opposed to the romantic and magical moment they shared immediately after the ceremony.

 

1. Fireworks & Sparklers

Too many fireworks can be a little bit ‘over the top’, however a short display of dramatic fireworks can recapture the guests (as over the course of the evening they may tend to spread out with all of the dancing and enjoyment of the night) at the end of the evening, or even during the Bride and Groom’s first dance (another element of drama added to the evening) – although I feel this should be a moment for everyone to focus solely on the Bride and Groom, rather than fireworks. Fireworks are perfect for an outdoor event, as you don’t have to guide the guests too far away, but would also tie in well with the finale for the evening before all of the guests leave. A short dramatic firework display will enhance the surreal element of the wedding, creating another romantic and magical moment for the couple, as well as the guests.

 

Further utilising the element of fire, a beautiful sparkler send off would be the perfect way for the happy couple to end their evening (and also incorporate into some sparkler photographs). Although fire can often be a very dramatic and sometimes harsh element, it becomes soothing, romantic and enchanting when sparklers are lit under a dark sky at night.

 

 

1. Wedding Scents

Scent is linked directly with memory, and as this will be one of the most important days in your life, it is one day that you will want to remember forever, and it is important that we incorporate scents into your wedding that will spark your senses in the years to come.

 

An outdoor, beach wedding immediately provides signature scents that are associated with the venue location – the musky scent of palm fronds, the salty sea air, the humidity in the atmosphere. Your venue on the beach will include all of these scents, and a gentle sea breeze will enhance these scents in the surrounding area. We will create a scent ambience before the ceremony with a signature Pina Colada cocktail, including fresh coconut milk, poured directly from coconuts picked earlier that day; freshly cut pineapple and squeeze of fresh lime juice, topped with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lime and pineapple. As the ceremony begins, the sweet smell of the jasmine tree next to the aisle tickles the senses of your guests, and a warm, soft vanilla scent gets caught up in the breeze, floating off of the candle lit aisle. As the evening goes on, the smell of grilled seafood from the nearby barbeque fills the air with fresh scent of lemon and lime being drizzled on top. Toward the end of the night, the burning after-scent of fireworks and sparklers lifts up into the night sky, leaving your guests with memories of a lifetime.

Wedding Planning, Styling & Design: Lighting Effects

Pin-spotting

Pin-spotting, or highlighting a specific area with light, has become increasingly popular at events in recent years. The most popular, being the pin-spotting of floral arrangements on tables – by projecting a single, narrow beam of light into the centre of the flower arrangement on a table at the guest reception, the arrangement is highlighted, whilst also providing low lighting for the table. This type of lighting creates a glow from the flowers, or centrepiece, giving extra emphasis to the décor. The dim lighting reflected from the pin-spot, creates a warm, cosy and romantic ambience in the room.

Gobos

A gobo is a stencil, which light filters through and projects an image. These are usually made of metal, but are more recently being created from glass or glass with coloured oils.

Gobos are popular in intelligent (robotic) lighting, which is often used at wedding and events, using specific coloured lighting and effects to create a certain ambience. They can be used in lighting scanners (lighter and faster movement) and moving heads (heavier with 360 degree coverage), which are both popular robotic lighting systems. The gobos will usually project in black and white – in order to add colour, a coloured gel must be added to the projector, or a gobo with coloured glass can be purchased.

The gobos can also be personalised, with the Bride and Grooms’ names, initials or design often being projected onto the dance floor/ceiling/walls at Wedding receptions.

Basic Rules of Lighting

–          Highlight the important and striking aspects of your event (less striking features are best left in the shadows) with pin-spotting

–          Choose lighting colours that make you look good

• Stay away from purples, blues and greens (they can make you look dead, and surroundings – such as greenery – look artificial)
• Ambers, pinks, peaches, apricots and honey are flattering colours, but are not always dramatic (utilize the correct colours in the correct areas)

–          Dim lighting can be romantic, but if made too dim it can make it hard for guests to eat/talk

–          Backlighting is very romantic

–          Blending pink and blue light can be very dramatic and aesthetically pleasing

–          Remember that too much light, is just as bad as too little light

–          White light is the only colour that should be used on food and flowers

–          Utilise white as an accent colour, surrounded by coloured light

–          Ensure you stand/sit in the area when using certain lighting to make sure it will no shine in the eyes of guests or reflect in the wrong areas

The Use of Intelligent Lighting

Robotic scanners, a type of intelligent lighting, are popular for wedding dance floor lighting as they are smaller and light –therefore, they can move quickly and efficiently. Scanners, such as the American DJ Pocket Spot, or the High End Trackspot are able to project light over a wide area (they aren’t ideal for spot lighting) and use motors that allow them to work hands free. The scanners project through gobos or various colours to create a certain ambience – in this case, the scanner could use colours to create a fun, fast-moving, dance floor. The advantage to this type of robotic lighting is that it is far cheaper than the moving head lighting, however it does tend to be slightly dimmer due to the smaller size of the appliance and the light bulbs used.

 

Moving heads, another type of robotic lighting, are much heavier, and therefore slower moving, projecting light in a 360 degree circle – essentially throughout the entire event space. Moving heads, such as a High End Studiospot, or Martin Mac 250, are ideal for gobo lighting on the dance floor or event wall (i.e. a personalised stencil of the Bride and Groom’s initials, or a warm wish to the happy couple) as it heavy and can focus well in one spot – or slowly moving the gobo across points of the dance floor/wall/space. Another use for the moving head is creating a ceiling wash in the event area – this essentially means creating a pattern or colour highlight on the ceiling or the walls of the event space. Some event spaces lack a certain event feel, or ambience – by projecting a gobo pattern across the ceiling in a soft blue hue, or highlighting the walls in warm colours, the moving head can be used to enhance the overall mood and ambience of the event area. The moving head is ideal for this type of lighting, as it covers a vast space and has the ability to provide far more stable lighting, however it can be very costly.

 

Wedding Planning, Styling & Design: Wedding Linen

Four Types of Wedding Linen Fabric

 1.      Charmeuse

 

 

Charmeuse is a soft, lightweight fabric with a satin weave. This is an opaque fabric that is shiny on the front side, and has a dull finish on the reverse side.

2.      Chiffon

 

 

Chiffon is a lovely, delicate and transparent fabric that gives a very soft and romantic effect.

 

 

3.      Burlap

 

 

 

Burlap, or Hessian, is a woven fabric made from jute or sisal, and looks beautiful when layered with lace. Burlap is very rustic and natural and is extremely popular with Weddings at the moment.

 

 

4.      Muslin

Muslin is a fantastic fabric for draping and using as backdrop, as the fabric usually comes in large and wide quantities. It is a loosely woven fabric that is ideal for weddings in warmer climates.

 

 

 

Linen Trends 2014

The trend of linens over the next 12 months is a more progressive take on the trends of 2013 – moving on from last season’s soft, pastel hues of blush and mint, whimsical and watercolour patterns – 2014 will have a lot more earthy, natural isolated floral prints, inverted colour blooms and leaves, baroque and rococo influenced styles, subtle animal and tribal pattern and moving on later in the year to more distinct and rich patterns, smudged and grafitti-like watercolour, and, as we head into 2015, far more vibrant patterns and colours. As 2014 steps it up a notch from last year -pastels will remain very popular, and will continue to influence the catwalk this year, but with the incorporation of exciting, bright fluorescent colours against the pastels.

 

All of these influences can be seen on the Catwalk (Paris Fashion Week 2014) and will be slowly emerging on the high street, as the colours and patterns continue to grow as the year goes on.

Earthy, Natural, Isolated Floral Prints & Inverted Colour Blooms and leaves:

[Designers: Zara, H&M, Dorothy Perkins, Roberto Cavalli, Burberry Prorsum & Tracy Reese}

Baroque and Rococo:

 

[Designers: Zara, H&M, Dries Van Noten, Temperley London]

Animal and Tribal Pattern:

 

[Designers: H&M, Dorothy Perkins, Roberto Cavalli, Temperley London, Valentino, Givenchy, Diance Von Furstenburg, Alexander McQueen, Lug Von Siga]

 

Smudged and Graffiti-Like Watercolour:

[Designers: Zara, H&M, Dorothy Perkins, Roberto Cavalli, Maria Grachvogel]

Pastels and Fluorescents:

[Designers: Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Herve Leger, Chanel]

 

 

 

 

In 2014, Bridal gowns will see an increase in colour, as coral, cayenne and shell pink dresses, by Vera Wang, hit the catwalk for Fall 2014. Floor length, whimsical floral laces, organza, illusion (sheer net fabric), taffeta and embellished neck, empire waist gowns that are soft, simple and elegant are also popular for this years’ Bride’s. Moving away from the voluminous princess gowns, there is an evident pattern of lighter, floating fabrics that highlight the natural feminine figure. We will also be seeing far more knee length and shorter style dresses, that give off a chic, yet quirky, vintage feel.  The floral linen patterns appear to be influencing the Bridal gowns this year, with delicate and subtle floral pattern (lace, beading, etc.) embellishing the gown fabrics.

 

Coloured Bridal Gowns

 

Bridal Gowns 2014

 

Short Bridal Gowns 2014

Research Websites:

 

www.harpersbazaar.com

www.marieclaire.com

www.societybride.com

blog.bbjlinen.com

www.patternbank.com

 

Images – www.pinterest.com

–          www.google.com

 

 

Wedding Planning, Styling & Design: European Floral Design Influences

5 European Influences on Floral Design

There are so many periods in time that influence and inspire the floral design of today’s weddings and events. Focusing, in particular, on the European influences on modern day floral design and their roles in the designing and styling of an event.

1. Renaissance

 

Best known for its artistic developments, the renaissance period brought with it a greater focus on observation and perspective. The ‘rebirth’ began the cultural changes, and flowers and fruits had great symbolic meanings to the European colonies – not only in culture, but in the popularisation of still – life art. The use of grouped fruits, flowers and foliage, or luscious, overflowing, tall vases of tulips, roses and lilacs exude elegance and prosperity. Intricately painted vases and flowers of the renaissance period have inspired the stunning, vibrant floral centrepieces at events today.

2. Baroque

The Baroque period was far more grandeur and exuberant in art, music and dance. The arts were greatly focused on dramatic, religious themes, and expressions of triumph and power – which were largely communicated to their audiences through architecture and paintings. The excessiveness and elaboration of this period influenced bold and ornamental structures of metal, glass and porcelain, with large and abundant flowers in powerful, warm colours.

 

 

 

3. Rococo

With the Rococo movement, brought style, sophistication and elegance. Flowers and floral displays became far more important and popular, and were a distinct change from the previous warm, darker colours – showcasing blush pinks, whites and more pastels, that were pretty and whimsical. There was a greater focus on single flower stems – displays gained height, and were presented in far more detailed and lighter coloured vases.

4. Georgian

 

The Georgian era was an expansion throughout the World, but the arts and florals remained similar to that of the Rococo period. French influences were far greater during this period, through the use of more fashionable tureens, chalices and wedgewood urns. The use of flowers became far more adventurous, with brighter colours and a more varied selection of flowers.

 

 

5. Victorian

Wedding Planning, Styling & Design: Colour Swatches & Inspiration Boards

These are some of my favourite and top colours for 2014 (according to Pantone’s Colour Chart) to help inspire your wedding!

Pantone Colour Swatch A: Emerald Green, Hemlock, Placid Blue, Paloma

This cool-coloured palette utilizes greens, blues and greys – representing calmness, trust, faith, nature, restfulness and balance.

Pantone Colour Swatch B:  Hemlock, Cayenne, Shell Pink, Golden Straw

This warm colour palette utilizes vibrant colours, that exude romance, compassion, love, excitement, energy, freshness, life, and power.

Colour Of The Year: Radiant Orchid ( Pantone 2014)

This beautiful radiant orchid hue is the perfect, romantic colour for 2014! From blueberry, to fuschia, to slate grey – a range of vibrant shades mixed together create the perfect backdrop for a spring/summer wedding.

Take a look at my Pinterest board for more Radiant Orchid inspiration!

 

 

A Radiant Orchid Wedding Case Study:

 

Invitations

 

Utilizing the floral beauty and radiance of ‘radiant orchid’ we shall incorporate soft floral accents into the style and décor. A delicate watercolour floral in shades of blueberry, blush, plum, aubergine, slate, cream, sand, and hints of gold, is subtly angled across the lower corner of the crisp, clean white linen card, and slightly revealed in the opposite upper corner. The snow white pocketfold envelope opens to divulge an elusive, lilac-orchid, handmade, natural, paper lining speckled with gold along the edge of the lining. Before you open the invitation, a  beautiful contrast to the pearlescent white pocketfold is met with a wide, plum, detailed paper-lace band, beneath a thinner lavender lace fabric wrapped around the pocketfold. A few small sprigs of dried lavender create a delicate focal point in the middle of the envelope where the lavender fabric lace ties together, and a calming lavender aroma fills the air.

 

Décor

 

The floral accents, and burst of colour, introduced to your guests in their invitation, will be the inspiration for the décor. Florals partner perfectly with a beach setting and wedding venue, and the bright shades of radiant orchid against the rustic, beige sand and the mesmerizing blue ocean create a calm, romantic, tropical and exciting atmosphere. The basis for the décor will revolve around the natural, rustic feel of the sand, the beach and the lavender flower – which has inspired the colours and emphasizes the natural beauty we want to portray through the venue and reception décor. The ceremony itself takes place on the sandy beach, with the beautiful tall altar as the focal point. Natural drift wood creates the asymmetrical altar, with silk and chiffon plum, orchid and lavender fabric draping down, with a halo of plum, orchid, mauve, lavender, lilac, blush, and blueberry flowers. The elegantly draped silk and chiffon is tied back on each of the four columns, by a flurry of the same flowers. Pedestals, with gold vases of hydrangeas are sequentially spaced, lining the aisle, which is covered in a sea of orchid and lavender petals along the sand.

 

Round and square tables mingle in the reception area, draped in a ruche-textured cream fabric, with asymmetrical layers and levels of wooden tree trunks beneath small glass gold candle jars; clear candle jars; rustic small green bottle vases with single plum roses, single cream roses, and long earthy sprigs of lavender; larger floral table arrangements with the same mixture of blueberry, plum, orchid, mauve and lavender – with bursts of jade and bottle-green. Thin, bright gold wooden chairs hug the table, with soft lilac, chiffon fabric draping down the back of the chair, meeting at the base of the seat. The Bride and Grooms’ chairs have a pillow of beautiful plum, orchid and blueberry flowers draped across the back of each of their chairs. The tables are set with gold rimmed, white plates, gold cutlery, crystal champagne flutes and gold wine goblets, as the guests dine beneath a large tent-like awning of lilac and lavender draped fabric.

 

Lighting and Special Effects

 

The candles on the tables and small twinkling lights across the inside of the tented roof, continue to create a romantic, calming feeling, as you head over to the dance floor placed on the sea front, under it’s own individual tent-like feature, that reminds you of a lively carousel at a children’s carnival, with different shades of purple fabric draping down from the centre of the tent, creating a thin roof above the dance floor, and a beautifully, detailed laser cut design projected onto the sandy floor, reminding you of a watercolour painting, creating the dance floor. Small gold lanterns are spread across the sandy beach area, between you and the waves of the sea, lighting up the beach, under the starry night sky.

 

Entertainment

 

A local beach band will be set up at the edge of the reception area, in sandy, beige coloured informal clothing, with the beach as their stage, surrounded by rustic tree trunks, layered with flowers, vases and candles. They will play calm, and relaxing tunes during the evening dinner, before moving onto something more up beat, getting up and dancing, and getting the guests involved with some cultural, local music and local dancers – and then moving on to some more modern, well – known tunes, once the guests get up and dancing.

 

 

Food & Beverage

 

Before the ceremony, guests are served lilac, blush and blueberry coloured cocktails upon bright gold coloured trays, with sprigs of dried lavender adding some detail. A selection of beetroot goat’s cheese bruschetta, beetroot and feta houmous, and smoked venison bites with redcurrant jelly will be served, to get the guests into the theme and style of the wedding and further exude this beautiful burst of colour into the food and drink.  During the dinner, guests will start with the choice of a roasted fig, crispy parma ham and Roquefort cheese, on a bed of bright green rocket, or a seafood salad of octopus, new potatoes, kale and edamame beans –  preceded by a table selection of onyx-plum olives and beetroot crisps. The entrée will be a choice between squid ink bavette, with mauve clams, aubergine and courgette, or grilled rock lobster with fresh avocado salad on a bed of crisp lettuce. For dessert, the guests will be served a beautiful ‘Trio of Lavender’, consisting of three small scoops of dragonfruit, lavender, and blackberry sorbet, blueberry and lavender cheesecake – topped with a sprig of lavender and a blueberry, and a trio of tiny, delicate lavender, blackcurrant and blueberry macarons with a brush of gold, and a refreshing shot of ‘Frozen Kir-Royale’, made from frozen prosecco and crème de cassis, with blackberry, raspberry and a dash of mint.

 

Wedding Planning, Styling & Design: Visualizing Your Wedding

A sneak preview of the aspects involved in the primary planning and design stages of a wedding. This initial wedding design is a based on a Beach Wedding and helps the Bride and Groom visualize their wedding day…

 

 

For the Bride & Groom…

 

Your Wedding day is, and will forever be, one of the most poignant days in your lives, and with all those you love and invite to witness your vows to one another, you will share your heartfelt love and joy on this special day. This pinnacle of happiness and sheer bliss should be at the center of your wedding day.

 

Your beach wedding will be elegant and sophisticated – in keeping with the beach location with natural colours (peaches and mints), whislt utilizing crisp white draped chiffon fabrics; exuding elegance by adding hints of gold. Candle light and lanterns with soft scents will create a romantic ambience as guests enjoy your signature cocktails and canapes whilst listening to the sounds of the waves, before moving on to a three course meal as the music begins to liven up. Dancing barefoot in the sand, before setting off to the shoreline to gaze at the picturesque firework display that completely captures the explosion of your love for one another.

Your Wedding words

 

      Romantic

      Love

      Elegant

      Beach

      Natural

      Exciting

      Sparks

      Pastels

      Emotional

      Magical

      Fireworks

      Sophistication

      Gold

      Peach

      Mint

      White

      Chiffon

      Linen

      Sand

      Candles

      Lanterns

      Petals

      Ocean

      Waves

      Lounge

      Altar

      Driftwood

      Cushions

      Peonies

      Zinnia

      Hydrangea

      Avalanche Rose

      Archway

      Rustic

      Green

      Shells

      Garland

      Parasols

      Fans

      Sandals

      Extraordinary

      Sunset

      Moonlight

      Twilight

      Barefoot

      Comfortable

      Relaxed

      Fun

      Dancing

      Chic

      Fire pit

      Silk

      Sofas

      Ombre

      Summer

      Chandeliers

The Essence of your Wedding

      Romantic

      Elegant

      Beach

      Pastels

      Magical

      Sand

      Candles

      Petals

      Rustic

      Chic

Appealing to your Senses…

 

TOUCH

Silk

Chiffon

Linen

Driftwood

Rustic

Sand

Ocean

Petals

TASTE

Cocktails

Canapes

Seafood

Cultural

Local -Drinks

SMELL

Palm Tree

Ocean

Sea Breeze

Candles

Wood

Fresh -Flowers

SIGHT

Peaches

Mints

Crisp -White

Gold

Draped Fabric

Floral –

displays

Petals

Metallic – accents

SOUND

Instru-

mental music

Waves

Breeze

Romantic soft tones

Dancing Music

 

You and your guests will be able to look back upon your wedding with great emotion and memorable aspects evoked by the five senses. Each of the senses touches upon a different aspect that will allow your guests to feel involved and emotionally attached to your wedding day. Scents and tastes will evoke joyful and happy memories, as the exotic sounds and smells of this destination beach wedding exude excitement and an extraordinary experience. The touch of silks and soft chiffons, with the feeling of sand between your toes and petals under your feet, will leave your guests feeling peaceful and relaxed.

The design of the wedding and the venue relates to the guests, not only through the five senses, but by also creating a flow through the day to allow your guests to enjoy your special day to the fullest, as the events of the day run effortlessly.

The signature cocktail enjoyed by your guests before the ceremony will make them feel special, deserving and will create a more personal feel, and thus connection with them (especially at times when you can’t be there to guide or socialise with them). Whilst you are off having your photographs taken together, you want your guests to feel like they are cared for as they are served a variety of different cocktails and canapés as the instrumental band plays in the background. As the evening goes on, the guests will move on to the three course meal and speeches, with softer background music and lighting, to allow them to socialise amongst themselves. Once the meal has concluded, the music and lights on the dance floor will start to get livelier and your guests will move themselves toward the dance floor area. As the evening comes to a close, the music will soften, and your guests will be guided toward the beach by a candlelit walkway, in preparation for the fireworks display, or for each of your guests to send of a paper lantern into the night sky.

Key Trends reflected in your Wedding

The Wedding trends of the year are very important in the design of your wedding concept, and it is essential that your knowledge of the fashion industry (as an editor of a fashion magazine) and personality shines through and is reflected in your wedding. Another colour option to include in the theme is the colour of the year – Radiant Orchid (Pantone). This is an exceptionally beautiful hue of purple that would intertwine well with the peaches, and dusky pinks, as well as all of the floral displays. There is also a Grecian theme becoming more popular in spring collections, by some of the top designers, at Fashion Week. A destination beach wedding fits perfectly with the Grecian idea of crisp white, against golds or metallics; rustic accents, and simplicity paired with crystal or beaded detail on your wedding gown, or displayed in the décor of the venue. The essence of chic and glamour (that remains a top styling trend)displayed in the white draped fabric, and the glimpse of gold fabric paired with white linen on the tables – to the crystal chandeliers spaced sparsely through the venue; the silver cutlery against rustic driftwood and floral centrepieces. The importance of mixing textures creates a unique atmosphere for your guests, and sparks your senses of sight and touch. By mixing soft, white, transparent fabrics with sand, wood, chandeliers, and gold elements, a visually pleasing atmosphere is created. Finally, the beach wedding itself is an ever sought after wedding location. The rise of rustic, outdoor weddings has inspired indoor weddings to ‘bring the outside, inside’. An outdoor, moonlit beach wedding is the perfect location to escape ordinary life, and step into a relaxed, calm and special place for your wedding.

Inspiring Research Websites

Architectural Digest – www.architecturaldigest.com

Vogue – www.vogue.co.uk

Dwell – dwell.co.uk

Style Me Pretty – www.stylemepretty.com

Harper’s Bazaar – www.harpersbazaar.co.uk

An ‘Alfresco Chic Enchantment’ Concept

I discovered a beautiful wedding concept on Wedding Concepts website (www.weddingconcepts.co.za) for an ‘Alfresco Chic Enchantment’ wedding. This wedding is set in the wine valley region of Cape Town (Franschhoek) making the most of the natural surroundings of the vineyards and the Cape bush landscape. Set during the summer, a simplistic design shines through the décor of the venue, focusing on the combination of different textures, including silver birch branches, crystal table ware, lanterns, candles and pastel hues tie in with the green and rustic, outdoor surroundings. This concept has an essence of shabby chic, mixed with simplistic clean whites, and leaves the excitement and fun of the design, up to the lively personalities of the guests.

This is a very similar concept, with many similar aspects that can help inspire the beach destination wedding concept. The mixture of textures, moving away from the shabby chic décor and focusing on  natural features, colours and textures, along with pastels and fresh white – for a more simplistic and elegant design. It’s lovely that they left the ‘spirit’ of the wedding up to the personalities of their guests, I think that this is a great idea to be used more in wedding design – however, it is difficult to always guarantee that your guests will bring the life to the party. Therefore, it is useful to create some more interactive ideas to help move your guests in the right direction and keep the day and night running smoothly, as previously mentioned.

Your Story…

The sun begins to set and the subtly scented floral candles lightly flicker in the sea breeze as you begin the most memorable walk of your life, towards the love of your life, your best friend – the man of your dreams. You can feel the sand between your toes and the soft touch of petals under your feet, which scatter the candle-lit aisle. There is a calm, comfortable breeze that sways the palm trees, as you hear the quiet rustling of palm fronds beneath the romantic tunes and instrumental sounds of the band behind you. Soft, floating white chiffon drapes the altar, with an explosion of colourful peonies, zinnias and roses in pastel hues of peach, white and dusky pink, with flecks of mint green foliage. The breath taking sun begins its descent into the ocean backdrop as you prepare to say your vows.

Congratulations Newlyweds! As you set off for your photographs along the beach, your guests make their way up the candle lit pathway to the lounge cocktail area set up on the white sandy beach. Vast white sofas, coffee tables, and taller cocktail tables are spread across the low-lit beach as your guests enjoy vibrantly coloured cocktails and a selection of delectable canapés, served by exquisitely manicured waiters/waitresses. Fairy lights are strung above the guests, as they chatter amongst their selves, and listen to the band in the background.

As you prepare yourselves for your big entrance as ‘Mr and Mrs’, your guests follow the candle lit, petal scattered path away from the beach and up onto the grassed area of the reception venue. You notice the romantic, hanging white paper lanterns and subtle chandeliers in the trees as you make your way up the sandy path, to the reception venue. An explosion of applaud and cheers greets you, as you swiftly waltz over to the Top Table, passing pedestals of beautifully draped flowers, and looking up at the white draped fabric and tiny fairy lights floating down from the ceiling, creating a tent-like, magical feeling. The fresh white linen feels bright and crisp, against the gold dinnerware and sequin-flecked serviettes and the natural burst of colour from the driftwood and floral centrepieces lining the table.

The subtle smell of the salty, ocean breeze greets you as you descend upon the part sand, part wooden decking dance floor as you share your first dance under the twinkling stars, as husband and wife. Slowly the beat from the band gets louder and faster as your guests get up, kick off their shoes, and dance the night away.

As the moon moves across the night sky, and your dancing feet get tired, the music slows and softens, as you head down the sandy, candle- lit lantern pathway toward the shoreline – and maybe even dip in a toe to test the tropical warm water. Over the moonlit water you suddenly see an explosion of colours, reflected across the ocean as the fireworks dance through the sky. You watch in awe, as a perfect ending to your evening, before you and your guests let off floating lanterns into the skies, and watch as the lights slowly dimmer, as they slowly float away.

 

Wedding Planning, Styling & Design: The Aspects and Elements of Design

When you begin your event design, it is essential that you start by brainstorming and exercising your creativity before focusing on the aspects and elements of design – this will allow you to expand your thinking and broaden your creative mind.

The aspects of design, include: space, perspective, balance, harmony, unity, movement, and variety. It is important that you keep Feng Shui in mind whilst designing and creating your event space, in order to coordinate the elements of Feng Shui with the aspects of design.

For example, you can create a focal point at your event through perspective, by arranging various props (i.e. floral décor, fabric backdrops, candles, lanterns etc.) in either a formal (symmetrical) or informal (asymmetrical) manner (whilst maintaining perfect balance), in order to draw the audience in. The various ‘props’ and décor used in the design should achieve a harmonious environment, by creating a relationship between these props, through rhythm, repetition and pattern. This not only combines all of the props together, whilst creating an organic flow through the event, but it also builds unity between the elements of décor, making the event feel well tied together and a sense of  being whole. Whilst it is important to keep harmony, balance and unity, you can also incorporate variety into the design of an event, creating a contrast and still maintaining a strong relationship between these elements.

Below is a photographic example of a wedding ceremony that utilizes the aspects of design – creating perspective, and a focal point through the use of a romantic floral and fabric altar, surrounded by a green forest backdrop, with the use of floral décor, and petals lining the aisle leading up to the altar. This ceremony has a formal balance, tied together with simple elements of fresh white, and bright décor, combined with the rustic and green environment, creating a unity through the design of the ceremony.

               

The elements of design, include: point, direct attention, composition, and value. These elements of design are more detailed and focus on the various objects, colours, lighting, texture and the emotions and ambience that these may evoke. The elements are essentially the details of the aspects, and go hand in hand when designing an event. The point, or focal point, highlights a certain element (creating perspective), and this can be achieved by using various points that work together to create the focal point. The direct attention uses lines to create certain feelings, and to enforce specific messages. By using a vertical line in the design, this will make the area feel elegant and more dominant, whereas a horizontal line creates a more peaceful and calming effect. Diagonal lines can create tension, as well as concave curves – however, convex curves can also be calming. When designing the event, it is important to keep in mind how these lines can direct attention to the focal points, or areas of attention, whilst maintaining a flow through the event.

The composition pairs with the balance aspect of design, as it focuses on the symmetrical and asymmetrical forms, arranging elements in order to create a balance, whilst remembering what lines should be focused on to point to the focal area. There is also open, and closed composition, whereby open composition is ‘out of the box’ and flows past the boundaries of an event, and closed composition is more direct and solid (keeping in a certain form). Colours are also very important in the composition, especially when mixing various colours. Complementary colours on the colour wheel shouldn’t be paired together, as they can create a harsh visual contrast that is not aesthetically pleasing, whereas colours that do not greatly contrast with each other are far more harmonious and create a beautiful visual. Different hues of the same colour, or colours very close together on the colour wheel are far more pleasing and create a harmonious atmosphere.

Finally, the value focuses on the degree of light or darkness that an element or aspect of design gives off. Darker areas will create a far more gloomy feeling, with a sense of mystery and drama, however, lighter areas are much more happy and fun, creating a feeling of closeness, warmth and texture. Texture is an essential aspect of the overall design, because it can create certain feelings when guests touch and interact with the various textures. The draping effects of certain fabrics can also create a feeling of elegance, or calmness depending on what lightness of darkness they exude (i.e. velvets that are darker and rich in colour will create a sense of elegance, and a warm ambience, whereas a light chiffon fabric draped over the altar may create a feeling of happiness and calmness). It is necessary, as a designer, to interact with different fabrics when playing with the textures for an event, as they should go with entire flow and theme of the event.

Below are a few photographic examples of ceremony venues that play with lines and direct attention; a wedding that uses light and happy textures, and a wedding that uses darker and richer textures (whilst incorporating composition and colour).

  

Wedding Planning, Styling & Design: The 5 Senses, Design & How to ‘Feng Shui’ Your Venue

The 5 Senses

The five senses are extremely important in the design of an event, especially first impressions for the guests. The guests can be captured through every aspect of the day, as long as they are fully drawn in with all five senses.

The colour palette is essential in creating ambience and evoking emotion, whilst creating the basis of your wedding theme. For example; in the design of a spring wedding, utilizing and playing with a select few pastel colours (eg: peach, lilac, mint) can create a soft, romantic environment that feels fresh, bright and happy without being overpowering. The use of light, menu, and type of décor can then stem from this colour palette.

 

 

 

 

 

The lighting and visual aspect of the wedding can also help with the flow of the event, by using varying intensities of lighting around the venue. For example, soft and romantic lighting in the area where your guests will be seated for dinner, contrasted by brighter, more colourful and intense lighting o the dance floor. An excellent way to set the mood with lighting is through hiring a professional, who can work in sequence with a DJ, band or musician, varying the colours, pattern, speed an intensities of the lighting in rhythm with the music being played. The event flow can also be controlled by starting up the more intense dance floor lighting when you would like guests to dance, or creating softer mood lighting for the Bride and Groom’s first dance. The use of candles can also create a calm and romantic atmosphere.

In theme with the lighting, the music will also create a very specific type of atmosphere. The energy of the music will depict the energy of the guests. When the Bride walks down the aisle to a very slow, soft and romantic tune, the guests reflect upon this with their emotions. If the Bride chooses a more modern tune, that may be upbeat and lively, the guests will also feel more upbeat and have fun with it. This also goes for the music throughout the event, and it is important to keep a nice flow of music; creating movement and emotions through the different styles of music, whilst encouraging your guests to interact and engage with the event (other elements such as: photo booths, games and performances encourage interaction as well).

Moving on to touch, taste and smell – these senses also help the guests to feel welcomed, comfortable and interactive during the event. The décor that you use to design the event will encourage the sense of touch. For example, a very chic and glamorous wedding may use silks and velvets to create that effect, and may have les seating, and more cocktail tables to encourage socialising between guests. Whereas a rustic beach wedding may encourage guests to attend barefoot, feeling the sand between their toes, with lounge seating in the reception area to create a more relaxed and laid back environment.

Finally, the taste and smell. The taste can be portrayed through the food and drink served at the wedding. Serving a signature cocktail before the ceremony, or canapes and champagne immediately after, to the menu choice for the reception dinner – every aspect that your guests will taste should be well balanced on their palate (a nice mixture of different flavours through the day, from salty and sweet, to bitter and sour) and this is also another opportunity to convey the theme of the wedding. A beach wedding may have a low key barbeque on the sand, whereas a more cultural wedding may have dishes from the region (ie. A Moroccan wedding may have a variety of Moroccan dishes, which can be exciting and adventurous for guests who haven’t experienced this before, allowing them to also get a sense of the culture).

Smell is very important, as it is a sense that is closely linked to emotion and memory, and it is nice to have something else that can remind guests of your wedding day, in the years to come. However, smell can also be very overpowering, so it is important that it is subtle and doesn’t interfere with taste. Something simple, such as the faint smell of candles as the Bride walks down the aisle, or the incense burning during the cocktail reception. As mentioned before, the smell of a suckling pig roasting on the beach, or the sweet scent of incense during a Hindu wedding ceremony – these are all smells that can be nostalgic and further develop the atmosphere for the guests.

FENG SHUI

Feng Shui goes hand in hand with the five senses. It is important that the flow of energy in a reception or ceremony venue is well thought out, allowing the guests to feel comfortable and at ease. Various elements of the interior and exterior of an area can be influenced by aspects of design (colour, lighting, arrangement etc.), and these need to be carefully balanced to have the perfect environment. The elements of Feng Shui that are utilised in wedding design include: Fire (representing passion, it can exude a glow of happiness portrayed through lighting and colour), Metal (it is elegant and allows a feeling of sophistication – i.e. diamonds, glitter, shiny materials), Water ( creative and sensual – it creates a flow that is relaxing and calming), Earth ( it is traditional, natural and conservative, allowing you to feel secure), and finally, Wood (active and youthful, this element is not traditional but creates a balance in the room and a vibrant energy amongst guests – introducing plants or wooden features can enhance this element).

In order to create the perfect balance of a venue, each of these elements of Feng Shui must interact which each other at an equal amount. At a wedding event it is important that a speaker is the centre of attention (the speeches are a large part of the reception, and should be fully focused upon), and that they are able to see all entrances and exits of the venue and never be in direct line of a doorway. The space within a room also encourages the flow; by having a main feature or attraction, a focal point can enhance the flow of traffic through the room, and the introduction of plants and furniture can help a large space feel smaller and more personal.

It is necessary when designing an event that the Feng Shui is focused upon in order to allow the guests to feel comfortable, and allow the event to flow smoothly and the energy to be balanced. All of the five senses (as well as design aspects) need to be aligned equally in order to achieve this balance.

Wedding Planning, Styling & Design : Design Your Home Office for £200 or less

My Dream Home Office Mood Board

 

I envision my dream home office as a calm and relaxing environment that is well-organised, allowing me to throw all of my ideas onto an inspiration board. My favourite place in the World, that makes me feel relaxed and tranquil, is the beach – this is my inspiration for my colour scheme in my office, using pastel mint greens, blues, and an occasional splash of fresh, floral pinks, so as not to overpower the room. I also think that it is important to be near to a window, so that you don’t feel too cooped up sitting in an office, or to introduce plants and a few vases or pots of flowers into the room, making it feel more fresh and green. The style is relaxed, and laid back with open spaces and a mirror  on the wall to make the room feel bigger (which is important at home when you don’t have a lot of space) with white, minimalist furniture and a large wedding inspired photo canvas on the wall, combining the vibrant greens and blues, tying the room together.

 

 

My Colour Palette

My Shopping List

White Vintage Mirror – £29.99 [EBAY]

Mint Green Fabric – £8.50 (to re-upholster my current office chair) [EBAY]

Magazine Wall Rack – £15 [IKEA]

Cork Board – £7.99 (my inspiration pin board) [ARGOS]

Letter Tray – £20

Plant Pot – £2 [IKEA]

Pink Orchid – £4.50 [IKEA]

Potted Ficus Plant – £7 [IKEA]

Photo Frame – £12 (to frame my wedding inspired photograph) [IKEA]

Office Desk – £90 [IKEA]

 

Total: £196.98