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GET OUT AND FABULOUS

We Queenslanders have always loved an outdoor wedding, but COVID restrictions have made OPEN-AIR CEREMONIES AND RECEPTIONS even more appealing. The good news is you don’t have to compromise on the theme or sacrifice the elaborate decorations you so want when tying the knot outside. There are loads of Sunshine Coast venues that off er elegant outdoor spaces you can personalise, or you can DIY your backyard or garden space. The trend into 2022 is all about relaxed elegance – think fabrics draped over a pergola, rugs strategically placed to create zones, fairy lights on everything, and an abundance of elegant lighting.

A PRETTY PARTING GIFT

Unfortunately, most wedding flowers – apart from the bouquet – generally end up in the bin by the end of the wedding day. There are ways you can preserve your flowers by pressing them or drying them out (there are even professional services that will help you with this). But we think 2022 is all about sharing the love and that means sending your WEDDING FLOWERS home with your guests. You’ll need to be prepared before the big day by organising to have paper to wrap up small bouquets, some twine and scissors. We suggest giving the job to a creative friend who, towards the end of the evening, can pick those flowers from the arch, table settings or decorations, then wrap them up into little posies before handing them out to guests as they are leaving.

CENTRE OF ATTENTION

We love a CENTREPIECE that does double duty. As weddings became more and more intimate over the COVID years we’ve seen more attention to detail in wedding decor (it’s all about quality over quantity) and that means spending time getting the table settings just right. We are loving those centrepieces that are also delicious platters or are filled with edible goodies such as fruit. Add plenty of flowers to create height and even more colour and you have a winning edible setting.

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Here are our picks of fashionable locations, must-have products, and the latest trends in weddings.

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"I do" with a view

SURPRISE, SURPRISE

Thanks to COVID, elopements proved popular in 2021, and we think they will still be on trend in 2022. We also expect to see a rise in SURPRISE WEDDINGS. If there’s one thing we’ve all learned over the past two years, it’s that plans can change, and some couples are seizing the moment by getting married with a surprise event. Let’s set the scene: you’ve been invited to a 30th birthday party, an engagement or other aff air and suddenly a celebrant pops up and your friends welcome you to their wedding. It takes the pressure off if there is a last-minute cancellation or change (thanks lockdowns!) and keeps things casual. We love it!

CHEERS TO THAT

There’s been a lot of rethinking of the ways weddings are done and that includes the FOOD AND DRINK served. Alcohol has always been part of a wedding (in fact, it’s considered rude not to charge your glasses for the toasts), but more couples are putting nonalcoholic beverages behind the bar, or even embracing a completely alcohol-free event. With so many yummy mock-alcohol products now available, it’s never been easier to go alcohol free. Healthconscious couples are also accommodating dietary requirements for their vegan or allergy-aff ected guests. We’re a foodie bowl here on the Sunshine Coast so it’s easy to find suppliers and caterers who’ll create delicious fare whatever the dietary needs of your guests.

GOING GREEN

Trend forecasters and wedding planners are predicting in 2022 and beyond, colour will be big in weddings. Look out for vibrant purples and rich earthy tones, or tropical hues such as coral, yellow and aqua. When it comes to interior style, indoor plants have been back on trend for a while now, and this love aff air with greenery is not going anywhere – so we think in 2022 florists will get requests not just for pretty flowers but also air-purifying greenery and pot plants as part of the wedding decorations. We’re talking peace lilies, ferns and even orchids. WEDDING ARCHES will also be adorned with foliage and/or flowers. It’s all about greenery!

SOMETHING BORROWED

Can’t aff ord your dream dress? Why not rent it! According to Brandessence Market Research, the global online clothing rental market has been growing steadily since 2018 and by 2023 will be worth about $2.65 billion. That’s a lot of people HIRING CLOTHES for special occasions, which includes for their own wedding. So expect more hire services to pop up, and that includes those that rent wedding dresses. Men have been hiring suits for decades, so why not hire your gown – you get the dress of your dreams without the price. Sounds like a plan!

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