Here Comes the Bride

“The most common trend we are seeing amongst all is personalisation. To illustrate the unique nature of any couple’s union, it’s important to grasp how they got to tie the knot. Touches of creativity and detail in the décor can be very endearing and a fun touch for the guests, such as a bespoke monogram, photos of the couple in frames, personal messages to guests perhaps hidden within a fortune cookie and welcome packs within guest rooms with a gift from the couple.”

“Nowadays, the culinary experience is a major feature of any wedding. Imaginative presentation, intelligent flavour combinations and dashes of invention allow the couple’s personality to shine through. Fun food and drink stations such as candy bars, martini cocktail bars, dessert stations and live cooking of canapés, are a good way to provide interaction for guests.”

“Natural, free form arrangements complete with foliage rather than contemporary and structured arrangements are becoming very popular. There is also a current trend for floral displays to be arranged in clusters of varying shades and tones of the same colour. The effect is instant: seamless and elegant flashes of colour that are easy on the eye and complete the mood without overpowering the venue. Peonies have long been a favourite flower for brides, but their season is short lived and are hard to come by when not in season. Good alternatives to a peony are the David Austin Garden Rose or Ranunculus.”

“When it comes to the areas to splurge versus those to save, we think it’s best to splurge on the items which you and your guests will remember for years to come – the venue, catering and entertainment along with the small personal touches.”

“Think carefully about what the most important factors are for your wedding day as some more remote destinations may simply not be able to cater for these. Using a wedding planner for a destination wedding will really help put your mind at ease throughout the planning process but it’s really important to allow time to visit the location so it’s not a surprise on your wedding day.”

“A recent wedding held in Paris for a Hong Kong-based couple was particularly special; the wedding lasted several days with a welcome cruise down the River Seine, a ceremony at the historical Pavillon de Musique de la Comtesse du Barry and a wedding banquet at the Four Seasons George V, with celebrity florist Jeff Leatham’s unforgettable floral arrangements.”

“Try to make decisions as a couple when appropriate, the groom will appreciate having a say in some areas. If you don’t have a wedding planner, produce a detailed schedule for your wedding day and share this with suppliers in advance to ensure there are no confusions and you can relax and enjoy the big day.”