EXPERT ADVICE

FAQs and expert advice about venue styling

Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Midlands 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@yourmidlands.wedding

Trend Setter

Trend Setter

Q What tablescape trends will be popular this year?
A The Team says: We've seen a number of popular wedding trends take centre stage over the past few years, from the soaring popularity of micro weddings to cosy and intimate sweetheart tables for the happy couple. As we step into 2024, the world of weddings is evolving even further, with couples embracing new and exciting trends and reimagining the art of tablescaping. Here are our wedding and tablescaping trend predictions for 2024 to give you the inspiration you need ahead of your exciting big day:

Vintage vibes: Nostalgia takes centre stage in 2024 as couples embrace the charm of vintage and retro styles for their weddings. The 1970s in particular are likely to be a popular vintage era that couples getting married will take inspiration from. In terms of how this will impact wedding tablescapes, we will likely see 70's-inspired colour palettes take centre stage, with a heavy emphasis on green shades as well as orange and brown hues. The early 1970s were also characterised by a bohemian look, with hippie-style fashion and interiors still prevalent from the 1960s. For wedding tables, this could mean less formal and more eclectic tablescapes, such as having different wildflower gardens on each table or opting for natural table runners made with real greenery.

Romanticism: Gentle hues, delicate florals and dreamy atmospheres define this trend, creating weddings that feel like a fairytale come to life. The trend also lends itself perfectly to wedding tablescapes. Pink tableware and table linen can add a touch of romantic beauty to the table, while floral displays in romantic hues of lilac, peach, pink, red and white can complete the look. Ethereal fabrics used as table linen and flickering candles can make the table feel like it's straight out of a fairytale.

Sustainable ceremonies: In an era of environmental consciousness, sustainable ceremonies are gaining momentum in 2024. This may lead to an increase in the use of natural garlands made with forage greenery rather than artificial alternatives. We might also see reusable décor and environmentally-friendly wedding favours, such as seeds for guests to grow or natural soy wax candles. For smaller weddings with just their closest friends and family, the happy couple may be able to go even further by making their wedding favours, displaying bouquets in their own vases or jugs, or using their own tableware. Couples who want to use their own tableware but don't have enough for the wedding meal could even ask a loved one for some as an early wedding present, making use of it on the big day and beyond.

Maximalism: This was a significant trend in a number of areas in 2023, from fashion to interiors, and we're likely to see this trend become even more prominent in weddings this year. Couples can embrace this more-is-more philosophy in a variety of ways when it comes to setting up a tablescape. This could be in the form of lavish and extravagant floral displays with rich textures and vibrant colours. Maximalist weddings can be a fusion of styles, allowing couples to mix trends they love, such as bohemian and traditional or rustic and eclectic.

The Team, Burleigh Pottery

Dreamy Decor

Dreamy Decor

Q What styling trends will be popular this year?
A Chloe Mason says: We are expecting people to try to bring more colour into their weddings, particularly bright hues like pink and orange. There is also a trend developing where brides and grooms are asking their guests to wear a certain colour that complements the styling of the venue and what the wedding party is wearing. We had a wedding recently that saw guests and the wedding party dressed in pink to match the décor of the room. There is a stark contrast to this, as the last year has also seen couples starting to experiment with black by incorporating it into styling, dress codes and table decorations, which can perhaps be related to the Olly Murs wedding last summer.

The popularity of barn venues will continue to grow, with styling trends including showstopping signage and backstops. Couples are also trying to be more sustainable by renting items to help reduce waste.

There is still a focus on creating the wow factor with signage and backdrops. We have noticed a lot of people asking for floral hoops to jazz up their photography. The focus on floral hoops, greenery and natural features is set to ramp up in 2024. We are also seeing couples paying more attention to show-stopping florals for the ceremony that can be used for the wedding breakfast.

Chloe Mason, The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club

Rustic Romance

Rustic Romance

Q How would you suggest styling a barn for our summer wedding?
A Emma Wall says: When styling a barn, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by how big the space is, but I always advise my clients to initially focus on the tables. Rustic bud vases are always popular and one of my absolute favourite ways to create impact in a multitude of spaces. Placing them in the middle of a table on a tree slice with taper candles and votives creates a relaxed and informal but beautiful feel, and they can be used elsewhere to bring focus to key spaces like cake tables, to draw the eye to guest books, or to mark aisles coupled with some pillar candles.

The space can be filled with quirky rustic touches such as welcome signs, table plans and cake tables using a range of natural props, and if the budget allows, you can use beams to drape fabrics or add greenery to further enhance the natural beauty of the space. You can be bold with colours or bring more muted tones to your styling, but my advice is always to use the highest quality of flowers that are in season where possible.

Emma Wall, Emex Events

Follow Your Midlands Wedding Magazine on Facebook

VISIT SITE

Orchid Event Management

VISIT SITE

Rushton Hall Wedding Show

VISIT SITE

Cheylesmore Manor

VISIT SITE