JEWEL IN THE CROWN

The jewel in the crown

Finishing touches to complete your day

No doubt your planning checklist will already feature most of the all-important elements that immediately spring to mind the moment anyone says “wedding.” You’ve got your venue, flowers, cake, photographer, attire, catering, and so on. But it’s those extra special finishing touches that’ll make your personalities shine through and make this celebration of your love one that everyone present will remember forever. The even better news? These added touches don’t need to break to bank! We reached out to the county’s talented suppliers for their most creative ideas, sure to inspire you.

FOCAL POINTS

www.emmahallphotography.com

“Balloons are often an afterthought for venue décor, but we believe they have the potential to be the star! Their ability to transform a cold dark corner, to a bright, vibrant, visual feast is unrivalled, adding cohesion and a finishing touch to any big day.” – Jamie Ashby, http://boutiqueballoonstudio.com

www.shootinghip.com FUN TIMES!

“Make sure your DJ knows how to finish off an evening party with some high energy music that your guests will love to sing along to. Imagine them all in a big circle dancing around you and singing at the top of their tipsy voices.” – Brian Mole, www.dancemix.co.uk

“It's a joy to see the bride and bridesmaids enjoying getting ready. Often they're wearing something that lets us all know they're a gang and that today is W-day! Once everyone's hair and make-up is done it's time for the dresses – surely that group will never all look so beautiful and happy in one place at one time again? The morning is a time to relax with a glass of bubbly before enjoying the rest of the day.” – Gail Kittle, www.sullingtonmanorfarm.co.uk

https://schryverphoto.com

“Work with your DJ in advance to ensure they know exactly which music you and your guests love to dance to. A few well curated lists help here. Don't forget the songs you love to dance to are often different from your favourite songs.” – Brian, www.dancemix.co.uk “With so many people opting for outdoor ceremonies in the sunshine, support your guests by supplying some cheap sunglasses for them to use.” – Sara, www.tohaveandtohireweddings.com

SWEET TREATS

“Have a stack of gorgeous cupcakes for your guests to take freely and nibble on instead of a main cake.” – Carrie Raymond, www.carriespartycakes.co.uk

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“The cake-cutting ceremony is a tradition that's stuck around. It's also one of the few opportunities your guests will have to take photos of you before the party starts.” – Carrie, www.carriespartycakes.co.uk

https://realsimplephotography.net

“Theme it up! Why not make a statement with your drinks station using props to make it more interesting?” – Sara, www.tohaveandtohireweddings.com

“Adding handmade sugar flowers to your cake will create a unique look. What's more, they can be kept for many years as a keepsake to remember your cake long after it's been eaten.” – Annie Bennett, https://leadingladycakes.co.uk

“Continue the theme of your day through your cake or decorate it with the same styling as the venue. Include bespoke models of the two of you, your wedding colours, flowers, or even take inspiration from your wedding finery.” – Carrie, www.carriespartycakes.co.uk

https://jessicabevanphotography.com

“Wow your guests with stunning hand-lettered calligraphy and add a special touch with a custom wax seal bearing your initials.” – The Amyverse, www.theamyverse.com

ON PAPER

“Reserve seats in style for your wedding party with hand-lettered calligraphy signs for the end of each row or individual seats. The perfect way to ensure everyone is where they need to be for the ceremony.” – The Amyverse, www.theamyverse.com

https://jessicabevanphotography.com “If you're writing your own vows, consider a bespoke vow book containing the most important words you'll ever say.” – The Amyverse, www.theamyverse.com

“I always provide vases for all bouquets so these arrangements can add to the venue décor.” – Sam, www.thecrazydaisycompany.co.uk

“Reuse your ceremony floral designs in the reception. I always like couples to make the most of their flowers.” – Sam, www.thecrazydaisycompany.co.uk

“Go bold and avoid traditional long and low table arrangements. Here, we used snippets of colourful flowers in fun and quirky vases to create a stand-out top table.” – Petra Beaton, www.sussexflorals.co.uk

www.teddypigphotography.com https://brookrosephotography.co.uk

“Have fresh flowers everywhere! Sullington Tithe Barn is surrounded by roses and lavender so when you add floral centrepieces, buttonholes and bouquets it brings a sense of togetherness. Flowers are personal, but we think that either something big and bold or masses of greenery and floral clouds make beautiful barn architecture sing.” – Gail, www.sullingtonmanorfarm.co.uk

https://charlotterazzellphotography.com

www.nickikomorowskiphotography.com

“Add an extra special element to your bouquet such as the peacock feathers in this 1920s-themed version. They help to create a unique cascade so different from the traditional teardrop shape we're used to.” – Petra, www.sussexflorals.co.uk

“We love a wow-factor flower crown. Not the usual dainty circlet, but one that might even outshine your bouquet!” – Petra, www.sussexflorals.co.uk

www.jasmineandrews.co.uk