Everywhere we look, streamers and drapes have been massively trending for the years ahead. These days, it’s all about personalising your big day which means focusing in on all the little details – and luckily for you, there are numerous ways to give your wedding the WOW factor!

From stunning streamers to dreamy drapes, we’ve rounded up all the décor inspo you need to add those finishing touches and create a picture-perfect day…

RELATED TO: 15 Cute & Creative Cocktails To Personalise Your Wedding Day

Ceiling Drapes and Fairy Lights

You are guaranteed to have some picture perfect moments with ceiling drapes and fairy lights. Imagine how beautiful this room would be in the evening time when it gets darker? This dreamy aesthetic will truly make your dream day memorable for the rest of your life. This image is from The Wedding Room NI.

RELATED TO: 14 Celebrity Wedding Ideas To Steal For Your Big Day

Beautiful Backdrops

We love a good backdrop – especially when it has a beautiful simplistic drape! From a ceremony backdrop and welcome signage to bar décor, with decorative flowers or without, it is a sure to make the party pop. Much like this artsy piece from Look Events NI.

RELATED TO: Which Wedding You Should Have Based On Your Star Sign

Ceremony Streamers

We have noticed that bright colour are definitely going to be trending going into 2023! Why not bring some bright energy into your wedding by having some streamers within your ceremony room? Or mix it up by having it in your reception area also. We think this makes your wedding look super vibrant and fun. Valeria Ferrari Wedding Planning and Design created this overall look!

RELATED TO: Most Popular Month in Northern Ireland for Weddings!

Entrance Arches

The candid photos of you and your groom walking out of the ceremony are ones to remember! With this in mind, don’t underestimate the effects of using draping at the ceremony entrance — you’ll want to make sure it’s unforgettable. We’re obsessing over this entrance arch from Bling and Bloom Styling which shows how you can take an already stunning setting and create a breathtaking effect.

RELATED TO: Discover Your Wedding Style!

Window Draping

Not so much in love with the curtains in your wedding venue? Why not cover them with window drapes. That way you can still implement your own colour theme into the room without affecting the overall aesthetic? This gorgeous example is from Charm Wedding Studio. We are obsessed!

RELATED TO: Wedding Welcome Signs That Make a Big Impression

Striking Streamers

Have as little or as many streamers as you like – you are guaranteed to make your wedding ‘pop’! This is a simple yet effective way to ramp up the style on your day and take your wedding to the next level. This stunning décor from Streamadelica is the perfect combination of simplistic and stylish. Why not mix up the colours or add some metallic streamers to make it stand out even more?

RELATED TO: 3 Nature-Inspired Style Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Wedding

In need of some more w-day help and advice tips? Check out more articles HERE or visit our room decor directory HERE!

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The post Drapes & Streamers: Ultimate Décor Details for YOUR Wedding Day! appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Flower crowns, feature walls and earthy textures… these are some wedding flower trends you can expect to see everywhere in 2022 and beyond!

If there’s one thing we’ve noticed over the last year is that weddings have become much more intentional with couples personalising their day and going all out for their flowers and décor!

Today’s brides and grooms are getting more creative and are ditching the typical traditions to add their own unique touch and wow their guests. So what does the floral future look like? Keep on scrolling for some trending floral inspo to have your day looking as Pinterest-worthy as ever…

RELATED TO: 15 Questions You Need To Ask Your Florist Before The Big Day

Texture, Texture, Texture!

Pampas grass was really having a moment in 2021 in the world of weddings. In 2022 we’re not expecting this trend to go anywhere anytime soon – in fact, we’re expecting more couples to get playful with textures in their wedding flowers and bouquets. These florals by Innocent Chaos are a perfect example of a beautiful textured bouquet and décor!

RELATED TO: Why Dried Flowers Are Perfect For Your Wedding Day

Floral Feature Wall

If you really want to wow your guests, a floral feature wall will not disappoint! This is a striking way to create the ultimate photo backdrop with buds that match your bouquets and tie your whole day together. We love this example by Blooming Backdrops NI to take your flower décor to the next level.

Matching Flower Crowns

One wedding flower trend we’ve noticed from our real life brides is flower crowns. And you know what’s even cuter? Matching flower crowns! We love this trend both on the bride, bridesmaids and flower girls which ties in with your bouquets and adds an overall feminine floral touch.

RELATED TO: 11 Showstopping Floral Looks For Your Wedding Hair

Bright & Bold

While pastel and neutral colours will always be in style, we’ve noticed more and more recent couples shifting towards bolder and punchier shades. Don’t be afraid to add a bright colour to your bouquet and ask your florist to help you create something beautiful and unique.

Statement Arches

The best way to frame you and your groom or bride-to-be on the alter is with a dramatic floral arch like this one by Bella Botanica. We’re seeing couples getting creative with a cubed floral arch, hooped floral arches and much more!

RELATED TO: Nine floral arches that will wow your wedding guests

Mismatched Colours

One effective way to add your own touch is going for a unique colour scheme and incorporating this into your florals. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colours that wouldn’t traditionally go together. For example, this beautiful bouquet by Absolutely Fabulous Flowers pair blue and orange together – we love this modern twist!

Delicate Details

Although we are totally here for a statement centerpieces, we love delicate details when it comes to table top floral décor. We’ve noticed couples opting for soft blooms in cute jars and lots of candles which creates a cosy and sophisticated vibe.

RELATED TO: 9 Décor Details To Take Your Wedding To The Next Level

Wedding Flower Keepsakes

More now than ever couples are wanting keepsakes of their day, which includes the flowers! There are so many ways you can preserve your bouquet and flowers from your special day to create some stunning pieces that will last a life time. Sheer Blooms can help you achieve this so you can always have them to look back on.

Searching for a wedding florist? Find your dream wedding florist here!

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The post Wedding Flower Trends We’re Expecting To Take Off In 2022 appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Flowers are a great way of adding a personal touch to your day and can help you reminisce on a happy time. On top of this, blooms can also tell their own story! Keep reading to discover the traditional wedding flowers and uncover their hidden meanings.

9 traditional wedding flowers and their hidden meanings

Roses:

There is no doubt that one of the most popular bridal flowers is the rose. Beautifully traditional, this type of flower has an array of different meanings depending on the colour. A red rose symbolises passionate love, yellow has connotations of joy, white connotes purity whilst pink signifies admiration.

RELATED TO: 15 Questions You Need To Ask Your Florist Before The Big Day

Peony:

These fragrant blooms are said to represent a long and happy marriage so it is no surprise it is a bridal favourite. The fluffy petals and bright colours are sure to make a statement in the bouquet.

Tulips:

A spring wedding calls for a tulip bouquet! Much like the rose, these blooms have different meanings depending on the colour of the petals. Red tulips are a declaration of love, white symbolises worthiness in a marriage while yellow signifies sunshine and joy. Yet, with these differences in meaning, there is one core value that runs throughout all the different hues – everlasting love.

RELATED TO: 8 Fresh Flower Bouquet Trends We’re Loving Right Now

Hydrangeas:

If you love a full-bodied flower with an abundance of petals then the hydrangeas may by the bridal flower for you. Plus, it is marriage-ready and it signifies a compassionate bond and heartfelt emotion. Top tip, you can even use this flower in your bouquet as your something blue.

Ranunculus:

Searching for a bloom that symbolises charm and attractiveness? Look no further than the Ranunculus. Known for its pretty ombre spirals and paper thin petals, these full-bodied and round flowers add an air of delicacy which makes them the perfect bridal bloom.

RELATED TO: Nine floral arches that will wow your wedding guests

Orchid:

There is something so beautiful and timeless about a bouquet of orchids. With a meaning of refinement and love, any bride that carries this bouquet up the aisle is sure to radiate beauty and passion

Baby’s Breath:

Beautifully delicate, these small white buds are tucked in many bridal bouquets that adorn our Pinterest boards. Symbolising innocence and purity of heart, this flower can be the star of any bouquet or used as an accent. They also look beautiful when incorporated into the bride’s hairstyle.

Calla Lily:

When people think of a wedding flower, this bloom often pops to mind. The trumpet style and elegant air complements the bloom’s regal meaning.

RELATED TO: 12 Hot Summer Looks For Your Wedding Bouquet

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a fantastic addition to a bridal bouquet and helps to compliment the surrounding flowers with its light and herbal scent. This greenery is a symbol of protection and strength, two vital aspects to any happy marriage!

Are you searching for your dream bouquet? Make sure you check out our directory to find your perfect flowers!

Tickets to The Wedding Journal Show this March on sale now!

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The post Traditional Wedding Flowers and Their Hidden Meanings appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Beautiful blooms can be what really brings your wedding day to life! Not only are they pretty to look at, but they also add to your wedding colour palette and aesthetic whilst setting the tone for your big day.

*GET YOUR WEDDING JOURNAL SHOW TICKETS HERE*

With so many colours, styles and shapes to choose from, choosing your perfect bouquet can feel a little overwhelming. So if you don’t know where to start or you’re just looking for some flower inspo, keep on scrolling to see some of our fav bouquet trends that are fresh and in right now…

Soft Neutrals

One trend that will never go out of style is neutral shades which we see in so many of our real life weddings! Soft creams with pale pinks and nudes creates a beautiful feminine feel for your wedding bouquet. We’re particulary loving these subtle shades by Dundrum Blooms.

RELATED TO: How To Choose Your Wedding Flowers

Dried Flowers

We’re seeing more and more dried flower bouquets, and we’re not mad at it! Just look at these gorgeous blooms with a variety of colours, scents and textures to really give your bouquet that WOW factor – one major benefit of a dried flower bouquet is they last longer and can even be preserved for years to come!

RELATED TO: Why Dried Flowers Are Perfect For Your Wedding Day

Pretty Pastels

You truly cannot go wrong with pretty shades of pastels. Power blues combined with baby pinks and and light lilac always provide and effortlessly elegant and chic feel to your bouquet. We love these pretty pastel blooms from Bella Botanica which is giving us all the princess vibes!

Colourful Sensations

Colour has become a huge floral trend in the wedding world since the pandemic. Couples are getting more creative and going all out with colourful décor, which includes flowers! Don’t be afraid to mix and match colours for a bold and bright overall look.

Minimalistic Styling

Sometime less is more when it comes to wedding flowers. We’ve seen an increasing demand for stripped back, minimalist bouquets with lots of whites, creams and subtle pops of colour like this stunning example from Pure Flowers Of Distinction.

Wild Flowers

Wild wedding flowers are getting more and more popular amongst newlys and we see why! The many different shades and textures gives a sense of freedom and an overall boho touch to your aesthetic. If you like a more relaxed and laid back feel, wildflowers would make the perfect wedding bouquet!

Asymmetrical Bouquets

Another trend that is becoming increasingly popular amongst brides are asymmetrical bouquets – these are the bouquets that do not match on both sides and have a light disheveled shape, using the flowers shapes and textures to allow for a more natural yet stylish look.

RELAYED TO: Nine floral arches that will wow your wedding guests

Dark Blooms

Not just for autumn and winter weddings, dark and dramatic blooms are a beautiful way to add a pop of colour to your day while creating a touch of luxury to your wedding colour palette and aesthetic.

Still looking for your dream day wedding flowers? Check out all our flower suppliers HERE

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The post 8 Fresh Flower Bouquet Trends We’re Loving Right Now appeared first on Wedding Journal.

If you love vivid colour, this is the time of year for your wedding to really shine!

The deep, vivid jewel colours of autumn are everywhere and you will really be able to turn heads with wonderful and imaginative floral arrangements.

After the bright hues of summer, flowers are now mellowing into warm autumnal shades – and don’t forget about all the added texture from berries, fruits, seasonal foliage and architectural seedheads.

RELATED TO: How To Create Your Stunning Burnt Orange Wedding Theme

Wedding staples like roses and lilies are available from your florist all year round, of course, but you can choose deep jewel-like tones such as oranges and crimsons to bring a heady end-of-summer feel, combining with some more autumnal elements. Wreath from Blossoms and Bluebells, left; autumnal arrangement from Dundrum Blooms, centre; floral arch captured by Katie Stoops Photography.

We love the deep orangey tones and fruit and berry elements of these arrangements, which look good enough to eat! Get the look by asking your florist to include flowers in earthy tones.

RELATED TO: Rustic Autumnal Wedding Inspiration

According to Interflora, calla lilies are great for autumn weddings as they add structure to designs, while roses and leucospermum bring textural notes to bouquets and arrangements. Autumn centrepiece with pine cones and seedheads by Pure Flowers of Distinction, centre; squash arrangement by Dundrum Blooms, autumn flower arch by Event Stems Florals, right.

Just because it’s no longer summer doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate a floral crown into your look! Switch it up with colourful autumn foliage, bright berries and warm hues.

And don’t forget about the seasonal flowers – this is the time of year when agapanthus, aster, clematis, sedum and hydrangea really come into their own.

RELATED TO: 11 Showstopping Looks For Your Wedding Hair

There’s no law that says it has to be all orange and red hues – we love these berry-inspired colours and looks that are perfectly seasonal and beautifully rich and romantic. Berry ideas from Interflora, left and centre; rose and hyacinth arrangement from Blossoms & Bluebells, right; atmospheric berry florals from Bella Botanica shoot, bottom.

RELATED TO: How To Pull Off A Cool Jewel-Toned Wedding

And here are a few other gorgeous autumnal looks that break from the traditional orange, including this stunning peacock feature wreath from Blossoms & Bluebells, below left; deconstructed floral arch from Jesus Caballero; red rose, hyacinth and pine cone wreath from Blossoms & Bluebells, right; and green grass, apple and ivy arch from Early Hours London, bottom.

RELATED TO: Nine Floral Arches That Will Wow Your Wedding Guests

But one of our favourite autumnal arches of all is this gorgeously vivid and mossy Enchanted Escapes display, a woodland installation created by Early Hours London for the Ivy Chelsea Garden to mark the autumn staging of the the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – absolutely magical!

RELATED TO: How To Choose Your Wedding Flowers

Click HERE to read our FREE digital winter Wedding Journal issue!

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The post 20 Vivid Flower Ideas For Autumn Weddings appeared first on Wedding Journal.

HOW THEY MET

Melissa and Barry, from Stadbally in Co.Laois, first met back in 2010 on a night out in the town and it wasn’t long before sparks began to fly.

“It was around 11 years ago and his friend and my friend kind of set it up which ended up working out quite well!” Melissa says. “It was definitely a mutual attraction from the start – we hit it off straight away.

“We then started seeing each other more and over the next few months it blossomed quite quickly – we’ve been inseparable ever since!”

This perfect pair have been on quite the journey from working through long distance, moving to London and finally returning home to Portlaois where they’re now enjoying married life and have just welcomed their first baby boy, Ruin, into the world.

Melissa continues: “Barry moved abroad after a couple of years for work and we did long distance for about two years. I spent all my money on Ryanair and was on a plane to Nottingham to see him every other weekend! Then we both moved to London together 7 years ago.

“London was the best. Totally different to our lives here now and we were just living the dream socialising, meeting friends and enjoying city life! We always knew we wanted to move home at some point and when Covid came it just felt like the right time.”

THE PROPOSAL

Fast forward to May 2019 when Melissa and Barry went on a dream holiday to the Philippines – think stunning white sands, crystal clear waters, tropical sunsets…we all know what’s coming next!

“We were over on an island called Boracay and he took me to the beach one night where he proposed and it was really special!” Melissa shares.

“It probably wasn’t a surprise to anyone else, but I was not expecting it at all and was totally blown away – I had no makeup on and wasn’t dressed appropriately but looking back it was all very natural and just us.

“It was our last night there too, so it was a really nice way to end the holiday. We’re quite laidback and chill so Barry just pulled the ring out of his pocket and went down on one knee and of course I said yes straight away!”

PLANNING PROCESS 

Melissa and Barry planned the most beautiful boho wedding, getting married in Curraclone Church (which was the first wedding there in 80 years!) and a simple yet stylish reception in their parent’s garden, but of course the planning process wasn’t all smooth sailing.

“We were living in London and had planned a massive wedding for the 31^st July and then Covid hit around March time and everything was put on hold,” Melissa explains.

“We spent about four months postponing everything and then we actually decided to move home in June, just six weeks before the wedding! When we came back, we still didn’t know if it was going to go ahead so we kind of framed the idea into a smaller, more intimate wedding.”

So after months of contemplation, Melissa and Barry decided to take the plunge and go ahead with their wedding on 31^st July 2020 – with just 19 guests instead of their original plans for 180.

Melissa continues: “I couldn’t face another year of stress and wondering what was going to happen. It can be hard to think the day you’ve imagined your whole life having to be reshaped. But I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and sometimes it can turn out even better than you ever imagined!

“We never thought about having a small wedding, we just knew we wanted something a bit different – I still got absolutely everything I wanted from my day, just in a different way. We’re real home birds and my parents’ house and gardens are fabulous, and my dad has corn fields nearby as well the gorgeous Stradbally woods beside us.

“The Church is actually only used about once a month so there’s no electricity. It’s all wildflowers outside and very rustic and natural. I think they haven’t had a wedding there in over 80 years which made it even more special.

 “Looking back, we got to spend so much time with our families and we felt really engaged in every moment. Even the set-up and preparations we mostly did ourselves and I loved being really hands-on and seeing it all come together!”

DREAM WEDDING SUPPLIERS

Melissa always envisoned a dreamy and different celebration and brought her vision to life, styling the ruined Church and her parents’ backyard with a little help from her dream wedding team. 

“We got the marquee from Donohues Solutions which had clear sides so we could really like we were still outside. The lovely festoon lighting and draping were from Gorilla Design and the hanging floral centrepiece was from Kate Moylan Design.

“We hired the chair and uplighters from Select Hire and the table was from Cater Hire. My sister Rachel was also able to get us some garden props from her work, Verv Marketing.

“We also did the drinks ourselves, but the food was from a local chef, Imelda Tynan, who was absolutely fab! We had lovely breads, salad bowls and fresh foods which was perfect for the setting.”

To add to Melissa’s rustic and bohemian theme, she went for a mix of wild and dried flowers from The Flower Witch in Portlaois – which she now has hanging in her home as keepsakes!

“My mam said there’s this girl Emily Lawlor nearby who’s started a business and she’d be right up your street, so I was thinking ‘what could this be?” Melissa laughs.  

“When I went to check her out, I was blown away! Emily grows a lot of her produce and everything was so beautiful and natural which is exactly what I like. Even that morning, she was out picking things for my bouquet and adding pheasant feathers and bits of corn and barley.

“It was really interesting and intricate. I was also able to keep all the flowers and dry them out so they’re now hanging around my house as decorations. My mam and aunt have lots of flowers in the garden which we got use in the rest of the arrangements as well.”

Melissa also went for a stunning red velvet naked cake covered in flowers by Kelly Lou Cakes in Portlaois.

CAPTURING THE DAY

Niamh from the Photography Hub and Kevin from Little Bear Films were the dream team, capturing Melissa and Barry’s perfect day with an array of beautiful candid moments to cherish forever.

“I really loved the light in Niamh’s images and how natural and relaxed her style is. I didn’t want anything too posed and she captured us candidly in the moment and she was just amazing to deal on the day!” Melissa says.

“With Kevin, I was just so impressed with what they came up with and what I had seen online from the Little Bear Films. Their style was so relaxed and seemed to really capture the emotion and the day itself. He and Niamh had also worked together before and were the perfect team!”

WEDDING WARDROBE

Is someone playing Fleetwood Mac? Well, that’s the soundtrack we think of when it comes to Melissa’s bohemian Rue De Seine ‘Adelia Lune’ gown from Wild Reflections in Norwich.  

“Bohemian is the perfect way to describe it! That’s my style to a T and I’m very relaxed so I didn’t want anything too formal,” Melissa says.

“I wanted something with details like the fringing and embroidery. It was very kind of Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac inspired, and was really comfortable too which was a big plus!

“I was actually looking for something off the shoulder but when I tried it on, I just fell in love with all the detailing especially the back and sleeves! Then I added my accessories to really make it my own.

“I usually choose a lot of accessories so it was hard to narrow it down – I wore a veil to the church and then afterwards I put on my hat from Lack of Colour. I am definitely a hat person!

“My husband also gifted me the Converse which were custom-made with our date and the rose gold eyelets. I changed into them on the evening and during the day I wore a gold pair of heels I jazzed up with some pearls – later on my sister actually saw that Jimmy Choo came out with shoes just like them!”

Barry also looked sharp wearing chinos from M&S, a blazer from River Island and a waistcoat from Eamon Bracken Menswear, Portarlington. His groomsmen wore a mix of M&S and Diffney Menswear. Melissa also went for neutral pink and purple bridesmaid dresses from Asos.

FAVOURITE MOMENTS

Having had such a special and sentimental wedding, Melissa and Barry found it hard to choose just one favourite moment from their day.

“Barry said before that one of his favourite moments was in the woods getting our photos taken, or watching me getting my photos taken, more like!” Melissa laughs. “We were just having so much fun soaking up the day and it was really relaxed.

“My dad’s friend also drove us down in a vintage Model T car and we had such a fun time.  It was only a short journey back to the house, but it was so exciting and nice to have a minute to ourselves.

“Outside the church my aunties and uncles also brought some scones and champagne and we had mini reception outside before we went back to my parents which was really sweet.

“My granny was also in hospital at the time, and she was told she only had three days to live but was adamant we went ahead with our date, so we made sure to stop by and see her. It’s now been over a year and she’s here with us and thriving again!”

BRIDAL ADVICE

For all the brides-to-be out there trying to plan their day in the middle of a global pandemic, Melissa has some positive words of encouragement.

“I would say just go for it – you will regret it if you don’t and it can turn out even more special than you could have ever imagined,” she says.

“You need to remember that a wedding is just one day and it may not look exactly like you thought, but it can still be everything and more. The most important thing for us was having our closest people there and we were so ready to start our new chapter.

“Looking back now, we’re so in love with our day and wouldn’t change a thing. People have suggested maybe having a bigger party next year, but I don’t think we will. It was just perfect as it was.”

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The post Summer of Love: Melissa & Barry’s Beautiful Boho Affair appeared first on Wedding Journal.

These days, it’s all about personalizing your big day which means focusing in on all the little details – and luckily for you, there are numerous ways to give your wedding the WOW factor!

From neon signage to prosecco walls and floral arches, we’ve rounded up all the décor inspo you need to add those finishing touches and create a picture-perfect day…

RELATED TO: 15 Cute & Creative Cocktails To Personalise Your Wedding Day

Neon Signage

We love a good wedding sign – especially when it’s of the neon variety! From a ceremony backdrop and welcome signage to bar décor, displaying your favorite saying or quote in a neon wedding sign is a sure to make the party pop. Much like this artsy piece from Blooming Backdrops NI.

RELATED TO: Which Wedding You Should Have Based On Your Star Sign

Fairy lights

As basic as it seems, let’s face it – fairy lights make everything better! This is a simple yet effective way to ramp up the style on your day and take your wedding to the next level. This stunning décor from Ultimate Touches is the perfect combination of simplistic and stylish.

Mother Nature

If you’re having an indoor wedding but still want a rustic and earthy aesthetic, bring mother nature indoors with botanical inspired décor like this display from Aisle Love You. Not only does this add to a naturally beautiful wedding theme, but it also adds a touch of life to really make your day pop!

RELATED TO: 3 Nature-Inspired Style Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Wedding

Aisle Details

The candid photos of you and your groom exchanging vows are ones you’ll treasure forever. With this in mind, don’t underestimate the effects of aisle and altar décor — you’ll want to make sure it’s unforgettable. We’re obsessing over this display from Wild Feather & Event Styling which shows how you can take an already stunning setting and create a breathtaking effect.

RELATED TO: Discover Your Wedding Style!

Table Settings

Table setting décor may seem like the last of your wedding priorities, but it can be one of those finishing touches that really brings your day to the next level! They can consist of much more than dinnerware and linens, so spruce them up with accents, such as a colourful ribbons, flowers and and greenery like this stunning display by Fairy Tales Wedding & Event Specialists.

Candles

Candles are a simple and mesmerizing way to light up any area of your wedding! Just like this gorgeous setting by Wedding Flowers by Josephine, they can bring a romantic glow and set a stylish tone for your day – especially when combined with a beautiful array of flowers!

RELATED TO: 5 Ways To Style Balloons On Your Wedding Day

Floral Arches

Flowers are a key component of any wedding décor, but why not go one better and create a truly spectacular space with a stunning floral arch. We’re loving this amazing display by Bella Botanica and just imagine the photos!

RELATED TO: Nine floral arches that will wow your wedding guests

Marquees

Marquees are the ultimate blank canvas you need to get extra creative with your wedding décor! All marquees should feature mesmerizing lighting that brings the space to life as the evening draws in. Festoon lighting works particularly well to drape overhead for a magical canopy effect! This marquee set up by North Down Marquees is the perfect example of a fairytale finish with a natural colour scheme and foliage décor.

Prosecco Wall

Add a touch of class to your day with a stylish and sophisticated prosecco wall like this one from Dream Wedding Events. This also becomes the perfect backdrop so you and your guests can sip your bubbly in style and go crazy with those must-have Instagram photos!

In need of some more w-day help and advice tips? Check out more articles HERE

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The post 9 Décor Details To Take Your Wedding To The Next Level appeared first on Wedding Journal.

The pomp and ceremony of the glam wedding isn’t for everyone – and now that weddings are heading into the open air, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t go for a rock festival style wedding that matches your personal style!

Thanks to the pandemic, more and more venues have been investing in their outdoor spaces and will be only too glad to help you with plans for outdoor lighting and styling that will bring a laid-back festival aesthetic. Think wristbands, pallets, tipis and campervans – and of course, that all important live band!

RELATED TO: Unique Unions: 4 Real Life Quirky and Unconventional Weddings

The Venue

We’ve heard of more than a few weddings being held in fields lately! You can dress up a marquee with gorgeous garlands and festival style lighting – we love this magical look from Carnival Marquees.

RELATED TO: How To Plan The Perfect Outdoor Wedding 

Alternatively try a tipi with all the works – Magnakata in Co Down has some great Nordic ones.

RELATED TO: How To Have A Woodland Themed Wedding

However, if the thought of being too far from civilization gives you wedding nerves, lots of venues are really upping their game when it comes to magical gardens and candle-lit terraces  – check out the gorgeous new spaces at the Galgorm Hotel and Spa Resort. 

The Stationery

Why go for the usual invites when you can send out festival-themed tickets to your guests? We love these tickets from Wedfest, not to mention their oh-so-cool wristbands and table planners as well!

RELATED TO: The Hottest Wedding Invite Trends Of 2021

The Transport

Forget the shiny wedding cars – why not rock up in a cute camper van? You can hire Brodie, this stunning 1965 VW split screen camper van in cream and white from Star Car Hire to arrive in style.

RELATED TO: 11 Wedding Expenses Every Bride Forgets To Budget For

Or if you’re feeling very brave and your dress is under control, what’s to stop you screaming to a halt outside your venue on this 1976 Harley Davidson custom chopper from Star Car Hire – straight out of Easy Rider?

You could even transport your guests in Lola, this cute VW camper van/bus from Star Car Hire.

RELATED TO: Why You Shouldn’t Use Instagram To Plan Your Wedding

The Style

There are so many ways you can go when it comes to your dress – there’s no shortage of boho style dresses for that Woodstock sixties vibe, or why not go for a wedding dress teamed with leather for a Donnington look?

We love this boho-esque new gown from Kelsey Rose (974A9828) and this pretty Ottilie gown from True Bride’s Brighton Belle for that 50s rockabilly style!

RELATED TO: 10 Gorgeous Boho Wedding Dresses Worn By Celebrities – Get The Look!

The Hair

It goes without saying that floral dos are bang on trend at the moment and they merge beautifully with the boho festival aesthetic. Try a floral crown like this pretty one from Blossoms and Bluebells or a relaxed floral plait like this look from Wedding Flowers by Josephine.

RELATED TO: 11 Showstopping Floral Looks For Your Wedding Hair

Alternatively, go for this pretty floral crown style with extra dangling garlands, or this understated daisy look styled by Loving Weddings.ie.

We also love the styling in this laid back make-up look by Maid by Sinead styled by @oopard!

The Flowers

When it comes to the styling, flowers are your friend – check out these pretty floral displays from Wedding Flowers by Josephine (left) and Blossoms and Bluebells (right). Bouquets can be anything you like, from an understated bunch of wild flowers to a glorious wealth of mix and match hues.

RELATED TO: Jessica and Jonny’s Joyous Festival Wedding-Palooza

The Decor

We love these styling ideas from Look Events NI with their laid-back forest look – the rugs are such a great idea for setting the scene, and the paper lanterns are so pretty!

RELATED TO: 9 Floral Arches That Will Wow Your Wedding Guests

 And of course jam jars filled with lights or flowers are perfect for that boho festival look –  such as this floral display (left) by Fairy Tales NI or this pretty candle display by VIP Weddings in Co Mayo.

RELATED TO: Why Dried Flowers Are Perfect For Your Wedding Day

The Food

Why not go for something relaxed and outdoors, such as fish and chips in a paper cone? We’re even hearing of brides hiring a food truck to serve up burgers and vegan fast food to their guests, or serving up tasty desserts from a waffle or crepe van!

RELATED TO: 9 Ways To Save On Your Wedding Venue And Catering Costs

The Entertainment

This is the all-important thing – it wouldn’t be a festival without entertainment! Keep your guests entertained throughout the day with a magician or a caricaturist, or hire this VW camper van from The Quirky Camper Booth as a festival style photo booth where your guests can take their own fun pics!

There are so many other things you can do – circus entertainers, acrobats, even hire a few fairground rides such as the ones from Mohan’s Funfair in Armagh. They offer dodgems, carousels and candy carts for wedding hire – and even a few bare knuckle rides!

RELATED TO: 75+ Unconventional Ideas For The Unique Bride

And of course, you have to include live music if it’s really going to be a festival!  There’s no shortage of bands and singers out there that can deliver the kind of sounds you’re looking for, whether it’s rock, folk or country. For a great combination, we love The Real Shindig, who deliver Irish folk music and trad mixed with modern contemporary acoustic covers and a few old classics thrown in – we’d defy any of your guests to stay in their seats all night!

RELATED TO: How To Find Your Dream Wedding Team

RELATED TO: 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Planning A Wedding

 Still organising your perfect day? Check out our gallery of fabulous suppliers HERE.

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The post How To Create Your Own Rocktastic Festival Style Wedding appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Roses or ranunculus? Peonies or poppies? The choices are endless when it comes to choosing your wedding flowers. They can often be the finishing touch that pulls your entire wedding look together, so we say it’s good to be a little picky about what you want.

It’s no wonder that choosing your wedding florist is one of the most important decisions to make when wedding planning – wedding flowers can transform your venue from a blank canvas into your dream wedding vision.

So, to make sure you nail your wedding flowers and achieve your perfect wedding aesthetic, we’ve put together a list of essential questions to ask your florist ahead of the big day – we recommend you bookmark this page and take it along to your florist consultation for a successful first foray into the world of wedding flowers!

RELATED TO: How To Choose Your Wedding Flowers

1. How would you describe your style?

Chances are, you’ve probably had a snoop on a lot of florist supplier pages, but it doesn’t hurt to ask even more questions. Every florist has their own unique style and you want to make sure this aligns with your signature style.

Some specialise in wildflower bouquets, some create more formal and uniformed styles and others are on the more minimalistic side – ask yourself which style speaks to you most and then make sure your florist can make these kind of arrangements for you.

2. How many weddings do you work on per day?

In an ideal world, you’d like your florist to be focused on your wedding and your wedding only on the big day as this ensures the best possible service and prevents any rushing around. Of course, there are florists who can set up your flower arrangements the morning of the wedding before moving on to another wedding – this can also work but always make sure you find out how much time they can give you on your day and any back-up plans they have in the event that times overlap.

3. Do you have a minimum spend?

Many florists set a minimum spend which can rank up to £1,000 for an in-demand florist. We get that this sounds like a lot, but many couples end up spending over the thousand mark on average for their wedding flowers – this often includes a full design package including bridal party flowers, centrepieces and other décor/styling pieces!

RELATED TO: Why Dried Flowers Are Perfect For Your Wedding Day

4. Which flowers work best for my budget?

You might be in for a shock when you ask your florist this question. We know peonies are beautiful and you may have your heart set on them, but when it comes to finding out the price point, they could be way out of your budget.

RELATED TO: 11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Planning A Wedding

To avoid disappointment, it’s best to ask this question from the get-go so you can get a clear idea of which flowers won’t burn a hole in your pocket and go from there. You’d be amazed at how many varieties of gorgeous flowers there are to choose from that can be cute and cheap, and your florist should have a world of knowledge of this.

5. Can I see a mock-up of my flower bouquet?

This one may not always be possible, but it’s worth a shot! If you’re florist can’t create a mock-up of your wedding bouquet, then be sure to ask for example images of their designs that are similar to your wants, as well as dimensions of the bouquet so you can get a full and detailed picture of what it will look like.

6. Have you worked at my venue before?

Although it’s not essential that your florist has worked at your wedding venue before, it’s always a good thing to know – if they have, then ask to see some photographs of the work they’ve done here before.

If not, you can always request to book an appointment with your venue for you and your florist to go through everything and generate some ideas. Also, don’t forget to ask your florist if they charge extra for this!

7. Which flowers will be in season during my wedding?

If you’re looking to save a little on flowers and stay within your desired budget, then this is a must-ask question! Finding out which flowers are in season at the time of your wedding can save you a lot of money.

Otherwise, you may have to get your favourite blooms shipped from overseas which could end up costing you a fortune – your florist should be able to tell you everything about costs, flowers and seasons so take advantage of this!

Check out all our trusty wedding flower suppliers who can answer all your questions HERE

8. Which flowers and colour scheme would you recommend for my day?

Even if you’ve already decided on your dream flowers, it’s always good to get the opinion of your florist on what they think would go great with your day! You may find they suggest similar alternatives that are cheaper and more long-lasting or even additional flowers that can complement your style.

If you’re still deciding on your overall wedding style or colour scheme, then your florist can help with this too! The colours of your wedding flowers play a big role in your wedding theme, so make sure to look through previous example images of their work and tell them which ones catch your eye – florists are experts at creating wedding flower arrangements, so they might know which shades look best together and what’s on trend this season.

9. How far in advance should I order my flowers?

This one depends a lot on whether you’re going for flowers that are in season at the time or you’re ordering flowers from abroad. You need to know exactly when you have to put your order in so you can finalise all of your ideas beforehand and leave time for any changes or requests before letting the florist order them in.

RELATED TO: 11 Showstopping Floral Looks For Your Wedding Hair

10. Do you charge extra for longer distances?

If you’ve come across a florist you’re sure you want for your big day but they’re based miles away from your venue, it’s still worth enquiring about. A lot of florists may add extra charges for fuel coverage to deliver flowers. If you’re totally obsessed with their designs then this may be worth it, but it’s something you definitely should discuss so you can factor it into your budget.

11. Can you move ceremony flowers to the reception?

Repurposing your flowers from your ceremony to your reception is a very common thing nowadays and is a great hack to save some coin and make those gorgeous blooms last! One thing you should avoid is carrying them between the locations yourself, so it’s worth asking your florist if they can arrange them to be moved after the ceremony and put in place at your reception venue before everyone arrives.

12. Which types of flowers last the longest?

If you’re a sentimental bride, then you may want to keep your wedding flowers a little longer after the day. No one wants the added worry of wilting, lifeless flowers on their wedding day either, so make sure to ask your florist which wedding flowers are the hardiest. Some examples we’ve heard are chrysanthemums, daisies, carnations and Peruvian lilies.

13. Can you add flowers to my wedding cake?

We love the floral wedding cake trend seen everywhere recently, but did you know that placing fresh flowers on your cake is a lot cheaper than your baker making edible flowers out of sugar? If your heart’s set on a floral cake, then make sure to ask your florist if they’d be willing to work with your cake maker to add some blooms to your bake.

RELATED TO: How To Choose Your Cake And Flowers

14. Do you provide other décor/styling pieces?

These days, you can get a lot more from your florist than just flower arrangements. A lot of them actually offer extra accessories and décor styling pieces that can add that extra wow-factor to your day. We’ve seen wedding signs, candles, tablecloths, chair dressing, bases for centrepieces and much more!

Ask what other options your florist can provide and if they will work with your aesthetic – it’s likely to be cheaper if you hire all your décor from one place as you won’t be paying multiple delivery charges.

15. When will I need to pay the final balance?

It’s not unusual for your wedding florist to request a deposit to secure the booking, but before handing over any money make sure you are clear about what your final balance needs to be to stay within your wedding budget – you don’t need any extra surprise costs creeping up before payday!

If you’re still looking for your dream wedding flowers, check out all our florist suppliers HERE

The post 15 Questions You Need To Ask Your Florist Before The Big Day appeared first on Wedding Journal.

We’re suckers for big beautiful floral installations and there is no shortage of inspirational looks out there – in fact, your floral arch will be a key component of your decor when it comes to pulling together your big overarching theme (sorry!).

You can go for unstructured, loose and boho for a relaxed summery and rustic look, or use a distinctive framework for something that is more pared down and structural. We’ve even found some really cool deconstructed arches that are a lovely unusual twist on the traditional arch.

RELATED TO: 15 Questions You Need To Ask Your Florist Before The Big Day

Branches, dried flowers and wood can be lovely in a autumnal or woodland wedding, while there’s a wealth of colourful florals to choose from in spring and summer. 

What we love about a floral arch is its versatility – it can be used in the church up at the altar, or at the entrance where your guests can pose for photographs. It can used to create a central structure in an outdoor wedding or to add your personal aesthetic to a grand reception.

RELATED TO: 12 Hot Summer Looks For Your Wedding Bouquet

It does take a fairly sizeable budget, so bear this in mind when you’re putting your plans together. However, there are many ways to trim the costs, such as mixing in silk flowers, reducing elements of the arch , or even concentrating on foliage rather than flowers.

Soft, drooping foliage works really well, including eucalyptus, flowering magnolia or cherry blossom branches, or in winter, crab apple branches mingled with Scots pine and lichen covered boughs work beautifully.

RELATED TO: 11 Showstopping Floral Looks For Your Wedding Hair

Think about the surroundings when you’re choosing the design of your floral arch – if you’re marrying at a stately home with high vaulted ceilings, you’re going to need a large dramatic arch to fill the space, but go for a small arch that frames just you and your partner if it’s an small intimate venue.

Roses do work particularly well in floral arches, whether they’re traditional red roses or long stemmed climbing roses that can twine through the supports.

Don’t set the arch up until the day before your wedding and keep the flowers in water and shade before the big day. 

It doesn’t matter what time of year you’re holding your wedding – there’s always a floral arch that will look perfect on the big day. Here are nine floral arches that we love!

Nine of the Best Floral Arches

Why not make use of the architecture rather than building an expensive standalone arch? We love the simplicity and charm of this floral decor framing the arch of the church doorway. From Wedding Flowers by Josephine.

This stunning circular arch at Larchfield Estate leads guests through to a magical garden and the masses of pink roses look like they are growing wild! By Fleuriste.

This stunning perpendicular arch really softens the surroundings and it goes to show just how impactful lots of foliage can be when it’s mixed in with colourful blossoms. From Bella Botanica.

An absolutely stunning way to frame your entrance and wow your guests as they arrive. We love the soft frothy gypsophila mixed in among the larger blooms. By Fleuriste.

Rustic and eye-catching, and perfect for a woodland setting – this simple structure has overtones of Narnia, with hugely impactful asymmetric clusters of rose and hydrangia blooms. From Wedding Flowers by Josephine.

RELATED TO: 15 Alternative Wedding Table Ideas For Your Dream Reception

This is really special – not only a huge departure from the usual colours, with its exotic and vivid hues, and cure button shaped flowers, but the deconstructed looks is a spectacular twist on a traditional theme. By Fleuriste.

This stunning square arch stands testament to the impact that dried flowers and foliage can have, with the soft, rustic twining twigs lifted by the hot bursts of glorious sunflowers and roses. From Wedding Flowers by Josephine.

RELATED TO: Why Dried Flowers Are Perfect For Your Wedding Day

OK, yes we know it’s not an arch, but we couldn’t resist! Make-up artist Caitlyn Lendrum relaxes in this gorgeously rosy love seat, suspended from a moss-covered frame. This decorative idea brings a lot of added value, as your guests will be queuing up for photographs! From Blossoms and Bluebells.

RELATED TO: How To Update Your Wedding For A Different Season

Still looking for your perfect wedding flowers? Check out our gallery of fabulous florists HERE.

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The post Nine floral arches that will wow your wedding guests appeared first on Wedding Journal.

You may have been dreaming of your wedding flowers for a long time, but it’s not always as simple as picking your favourite flower and creating a bouquet around it. 

Many flowers may simply not have the longevity needed to stay fresh and bright throughout the long day ahead – you don’t want everything starting to droop as you walk down the aisle!

RELATED TO: 15 Questions You Need To Ask Your Florist Before The Big Day

However, the important thing is that there are no right or wrong choices when it comes to flowers. It’s vital to know how much you can budget for flowers before getting your hopes up – however, if you choose flowers that are in season, that will definitely help to keep the cost down, and so many flowers are in season at this time of the year!

Colour is the key thing when it comes to your bouquet – your flowers need to complement the wedding dress, theme and the clothing of the rest of the bridal party.

Sultry weather will bring challenges when it comes to keeping your wedding flowers looking their best. Ideally you should have your flowers delivered on the morning of the wedding and keep your bridal and bridesmaid bouquets in a cool, shaded place while you dress. Later, at the reception you can revive your flowers by putting them into vases of water – they could even double up as table decorations!

RELATED TO: 11 Showstopping Floral Looks For Your Wedding Hair

Peonies, stocks, delphiniums, scabious and larkspur come into their own at this time of year, but calla lily, anthuriums, lilies, lissianthus, gypsophila, orchids, protea, roses and spray roses are available all year round.

Why mess with the classics? We love this simple and pure white rose posy with cool eucalyptus leaves – it’s just perfect! From Pure Flowers of Distinction in Boyle.

This is gorgeous – lots of classic bridal tones of pink and white roses and peonies, but there’s plenty going on here, and loads of structure. The touches of white gypsophila bring a lovely frothy lightness. From Fleuriste.

Gorgeous summery wealth of light colours and textures – we love how the deep orangey tones complement the purple hues! From Wedding Flowers By Josephine.

RELATED TO: How To Choose Your Wedding Flowers

All the classic whites and bursting with roses, but the subtle hues of all the cool green foliage brings this bouquet to the next level. From Jill Edwards.

These modern, tightly packed rose posies are still as popular as ever – perfect for bringing a modern twist to a classic bridal look. From La Belle Fleur.

Ultra violet is very on trend at the moment and we adore the range of tones and textures in this arrangement, from deep violety mauve hydrangias to unusual lilac roses and maroon lilies. From Blossoms and Bluebells.

A fantastic fresh take on the classic round rose posy, mixing it up with all sorts of pink hues and lots of different sizes of blossoms, including the odd rosebud dotted in. Very, very different! From Blossoms and Bluebells.

All white seasonal flowers – roses, lilies and hydrangia – yet they somehow combine in this neat posy to look very exotic, tropical and very different. From Dundrum Blooms.

Orange ranunculus and coral roses inject a delicious pop of colour into this bridal bouquet. By Fleuriste.

Perfect for a boldly themed wedding in the heat of late summer – loving how these hot orange and deep maroon peonies glow. From Wedding Flowers By Josephine.

Lovely fresh colours in this summery bouquet with its red roses and blue hydrangia and the cool green foliage brings it all together. From Eden Flowers By Gemma.

Even if you can’t afford tropical flowers at your wedding, you can add the look by choosing hot tropical tones in familiar flowers – this combination of orange, pink and green is simply sizzling!

RELATED TO: How To Update Your Wedding For A Different Season

Still looking for your perfect bouquet? Check out our gallery of fabulous florists HERE.

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The post 12 Hot Summer Looks For Your Wedding Bouquet appeared first on Wedding Journal.

By now, it’s pretty clear that many 2021 weddings haven’t gone as planned (thanks Covid), but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something even more spectacular around the corner waiting to be your dream day!

Our Wedding of the Week couple, Shannon and Dillon from Portadown, were first set on a Tullylagan Country House Hotel in Cookstown. But when their plans fell through, they had to come up with a creative venue change to keep their special date on the 4th June.

RELATED TO: Wedding of the Week: Rebecca and Chris’s Beautiful Barn Celebration

After seven months of searching, they finally pulled off their dream day at Dunluce Castle with a breathtaking cliffside ceremony on the North Coast before their cosy reception at Dunadry Hotel and Gardens.

These two are the definition of high school sweethearts. Shannon first caught Dillon’s eye back in High School when he cheekily asked for her number – fast forward to now and they’ve just celebrated their 10-year anniversary saying ‘I do’ on a cliffside overlooking the sea!

“We met in High School and Dillon asked one of my friends for my number and said he fancied me,” Shannon giggles.

“From there, we just started texting back and forth for a while. The 4th June was actually the day Dillon asked me out and 10 years later, we got married on that same date! Our wedding was on our 10-year anniversary which was pretty special to us.

RELATED TO: Wedding of the Week: Majella & Timothy’s Classy & Traditional Ceremony

“We had actually done three years of long distance while going out as I went to study nursing at university in Nottingham. At the start it was very challenging because we weren’t used to being apart, but we were determined to make it work – I would come home and he would come over to visit and we would take turns. It’s definitely made our relationship even stronger.”

It was back in November 2020 when Dillon popped the question after a little nudging from Shannon to put a ring on it, although the proposal wasn’t exactly what she expected.

“We had been together for quite a while and things were going pretty good, so I would jokingly say ‘you better do it ‘cos I’m getting a bit fed up now’,” she laughs.

“Then it was coming up to my birthday in November and he was going to bring me away to a big castle in Enniskillen, but that all got cancelled due to Covid.

RELATED TO: Coastal Venues With A View

“Instead, I suggested going for a nice walk on the beach because we love the seaside. We were just out casually walking the dog, sweatpants on and no makeup and Dillon just stopped – I turned around to see him down on one knee with the ring box open!

“I was in complete shock – even though I had been waiting on it for so long, it still surprised me because I didn’t expect it be there and then. My nails weren’t even done or anything, but looking back now, we were just being our natural selves and the moment just felt right, so of course I said yes straight away!”

Shannon and Dillon planned their perfect day in just seven months, but the planning process wasn’t all smooth sailing during a global pandemic.

“We had originally booked the Tullylagan Country House Hotel in Cookstown, but everything fell though during the pandemic and six weeks before the wedding we then had to start looking for another venue,” Shannon says.

“Trying to find venues was quite difficult because our date was a Friday in June and June is always a popular time for weddings. A lot of 2020 weddings had also been pushed back to 2021 so even more venues were booked out, so we were really struggling.”

RELATED TO: Wedding of the Week: Nikki & Stephen’s Romantic and Relaxed Galgorm Ceremony

“Even if things were still going to be restricted, we were both so eager to get married and wanted to keep our date because it was our 10-year anniversary and that date and actually getting married itself was more important to us than having a big grand event.”

But then, something amazing happened – after scooping the internet for venues that suited their dream of a North Coast wedding and budget, Shannon came across a unique wedding location that ticked all their boxes.

“I always wanted to get married at the North Coast – it’s such a beautiful spot with great ocean views,” Shannon shares.

“Originally, we thought we wanted Mussenden Temple in Derry which looked amazing, but it just wasn’t within our budget, so we started looking at blogs on eloping in Northern Ireland.

RELATED TO: First Ever Mourne Mountains Wedding

“That’s when we came across some photographs of another couple who got married at Dunluce Castle and we just thought it looked perfect – it was on the clifftop near the water, and it was such beautiful scenes.

“So, you can’t actually get married in Dunluce Castle, but I got in touch with the farmer, Sean, who owns the land around the castle and he was so lovely and helpful! We were able to get married on the cliffs surrounding the castle – it was everything we’ve ever dreamed of and more.”

Shannon and Dillon had a little help from Sacha Donnelly at White Nights Teepee Hire who transformed the field into a dreamy wedding fantasy, adding those all-important finishing touches.

“Sacha decorated the field beautifully with the aisle, chairs and all the finishing touches to make it really come to life,” Shannon explains. 

“We also had a big teepee in case it rained but ended up just using the smaller teepee as we got lucky with the weather and it was so lovely and personal.”

RELATED TO: WJ’s Top Alternative Wedding Venues In Ireland

“We then went for our reception at Dunadry Hotel and Gardens – the garden grounds were amazing and the wedding planner Kirsty was so fabulous. With me being so stressed about the venue change six weeks before the day, I was so glad they were available and it was a perfect location.”

Shannon had artificial flowers from Innocent Chaos in Belfast which tied in perfectly with her rustic style and autumnal colour scheme – find out more about Innocent Chaos HERE.

“They were all artificial flowers and they looked so real!” she says. “I loved how they turned out – it was very rustic with pampas grass and burnt orange and peach tones, and they really matched my bridesmaid’s dress.

“Dillon’s sister, Emma, also gifted us the wedding cake as she makes some desserts for their family restaurant Joe Mac’s and is an amazing baker.”

Shannon looked stunning in an ivory lace fitted dress by Essence of Australia from Creative Ideas in Armagh.

“My height is all in my legs so I knew I couldn’t have anything that puffed out, or I was going to look like a toilet roll holder!” Shannon laughs.  

“I already had a dress picked out a while back from Perfect Day in Lurgan which I was so close to getting, but something was just telling me to keep looking so I went ahead to my third appointment at Creative Ideas – the first dress I tried on, I just completely fell in love with it and thought this is it!”

RELATED TO: ‘We Planned A Pandemic Wedding in 1 Week’

Shannon also had one bridesmaid who wore a burnt orange fitted dress from online store Chi Chi London.

Dillon also looked dapper in a grey and purple checked suit and waistcoat from Freddie Hatchet in Belfast with his best man rocking a matching number – find out more about Freddie Hatchet HERE.

Capturing their dream day was Sasha Treanor Photography and RPM Video who pictured their cliffside ceremony perfectly – find out more about Sasha Treanor Photography HERE.

“Sasha is local from where I live and had seen her work a while ago because she did a lot of photographs for people I know, and luckily she was available within a seven month notice!” Shannon says.

“I loved the look and style of her photographs and we’re so happy with how everything turned out. RPM was our videographer and was totally last-minute – we nearly didn’t go for a videographer, but after speaking to other couples we decided we wanted our own video just a few weeks before the day. Luckily, they were available and we’re so excited to see the full video!”

For all the brides-to-be out there planning their day in the midst of a pandemic, Shannon has some positive words of advice.

“it’ll all come together and work out on the day, so try not to stress too much about the finer details,” she says.

“I had a little mini breakdown a few days before the wedding, thinking I had forgotten things and worrying. Now looking back, it was so silly and I was stressing over minor details which really didn’t matter.

“The only really important thing is that you’ve made it and you’re actually getting married. Everyone says that your wedding day goes by so quick and they’re not lying! There’s nothing you can do to slow it down, so just try and enjoy every minute of it on the day.”

Shannon and Dillon are enjoying life together as Mr and Mrs and are now planning a getaway honeymoon travelling the Southern States of America for when restrictions allow.

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The post Wedding of the Week: Shannon & Dillon’s Castle Cliffside Ceremony appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Everywhere you look, there are rules about weddings – who you have to invite, what you have to buy, gifts you have to give. If I had a penny for everyone who said some version of ‘You absolutely mustn’t forget to do this’, I could probably have paid for the wedding all in one go!

But when the honeymoon’s over and you’re looking back on your big day from a position of newlywed bliss (we hope!), it can all look very different, and things that loomed large in the run-up to the wedding may now seem quite trivial!

RELATED TO: 9 Ways To Save On Your Venue And Catering Costs

So we asked our friends and families what they wish they’d known before they organised their weddings – who knows, this might help you to relax and go with the flow a little when you realise how unimportant some things end up being!

1. Shoes are not that important 

I had the loveliest shoes – in a delicate Mary Jane style with double straps – but before anyone even saw them, the photographer had taken us out onto the damp grass for pictures and the heels sank deep into the mud, leaving a mucky watermark that was never to be removed. Another bride I spoke to says no-one ever sees your shoes and they can end up lasting about five minutes: “My gorgeous shoes got stuck in decking after 10 steps and it was bare feet from that moment onwards!”

RELATED TO: 15 Affordable (And Gorgeous) Flat Wedding Shoes

2. You’ll look amazing

We all spent months fretting about our weight and our skincare in the run-up to the big day and do you know what? We all looked brilliant. I planned out a punishing gym schedule in a bid to fit into a size 12 dress, but luckily the very experienced dress shop owner advised me to go for a 14, and she was absolutely right – I soon pulled my hamstring in a spin class and the gym schedule had to go out the window. But thanks to my gorgeous dress and perfect make-up and hair, I felt wonderful. So don’t sweat it if you’re struggling with less than perfect skin or weight before the wedding – you will feel magnificent when you walk down the aisle.

RELATED TO: How To Choose The Perfect Bridal Make-Up Artist

3. You need to double check the DJ has the right song for your first dance

One bride revealed her DJ was calling her during the wedding ceremony itself to ask what the back-ups were because he didn’t have their first song : “Download from iTunes, buddy!” And we erroneously thought our wedding band would be playing our first song and had sent a couple of versions of the Led Zeppelin song ‘Thank You’ to be helpful – it ended up with the DJ playing the rather ropey Tori Amos cover instead of a gorgeously jazzy Lizz Wright version. There were raised eyebrows in every direction, but we ended up laughing about it!

RELATED TO: How To Create The Ultimate Wedding Reception Playlist

4. Deal with the big issues first

Prioritise your venue, caterer, dress, photographer and flowers – these are major big-ticket items that may have to be booked a long way in advance. Get these crossed off your list early on and then look again at your budget to see what you can afford for the smaller things.

RELATED TO: How To Find Your Dream Wedding Dress In Our Dress Finder

5. Half the favours will end up lying around the tables at the end of the night

They may seem like little inexpensive items, but multiply them up by 120 or 250 and the cost soon stacks up. So make sure your favours are something your guests will really love and appreciate. Ours were heart-shaped chocolates in filmy net with tiny paper flowers – which you’d expect to be popular – and they were still left. So think hard about favours before you spend all that money.

RELATED TO: Personalised Wedding Favour Ideas

6. You’ve got to eat first thing in the morning 

Do NOT skip breakfast, even if you have to get up earlier. Bring snacks with you that are non-messy and can be tucked away in a small bag – even better, get your bridesmaids to bring something. What people forget about weddings is how long the hours are during which everybody sits around not eating before you actually get to sit down to dinner. And your guests will probably have time to order a sneaky plate of sandwiches at some point, but you won’t. The last thing you need is a blood sugar crash or a migraine.

RELATED TO: How To Calm Those Pre-Wedding Nerves

7. You’ll spend a lot of time with your wedding suppliers

You’re going to be talking a lot to your hairdresser, your make-up artist, your photographer and your videographer, so make sure you trust and like them. You want to be spending time with people you get on with on your big day, not someone who sets your teeth on edge. Former bride Julie says: “Choose only positive people and make sure you’ll want to be around them on the day – mine slightly ruined the vibe at times.”

RELATED TO: Talk to our tried and tested suppliers

8. You’ll need a Plan B for every aspect of the day

Make sure you have put together some kind of contingency plan and make sure your bridal party is well aware of it. One groom had to come up with a quick plan change when the photography venue fell through: “We wanted photos in Botanic Gardens in Belfast and it was a five-minute walk from the venue. However, it wasn’t available and we had to hurriedly book transport to an alternative location, Lady Dixon Park.”

RELATED TO: Bridal Checklist – Your Ultimate Planner

9. Honestly? No-one will remember the decor

Guests may admire your flowers or chairs or table settings, but they won’t remember them. So make sure you do what makes you happy if you’re spending so much money. Pick what you love, rather than what you think fits in with a particular style, or you think others will like.

RELATED TO: 15 Alternative Wedding Table Ideas For Your Dream Reception

10. You’ll never get your time back

Wedding planning is extremely time-consuming, but this is your life and your time is valuable. You wouldn’t spend money frivolously so don’t spend your time frivolously either – you’re not trying to win any awards. If you find yourself getting too bogged down in tiny details, then rein it in. There are loads of free online resources online that can help you with the wedding planning, including our free wedding planner, so don’t reinvent the wheel!

RELATED TO: 8 Easy Wedding Planning Tips For The Disorganised Bride To Be

11. Expect the unexpected

It doesn’t matter how perfectly you organise everything – there will always be something that doesn’t go perfectly to plan, be it the wrong colour of ribbons on the cake, the song for the first dance or the weather on the day. So don’t sweat the small stuff! My bridal shop forgot to put on the fastener on my dress that should have kept my train up off the ground and I had to improvise with nappy safety pins. Then we arrived to find the venue had put up a welcome board that named another couple instead of us! But those are the things that you leave to your wedding party members to deal with – you’ll be up to your eyes being photographed and talking to guests. You might not even notice some of the things that go wrong. It’s the little hitches that you’ll laugh and reminisce about in years to come, especially when the people you love are no longer around. Wouldn’t life be boring if everything was perfect?

RELATED TO: How To Find Your Dream Wedding Team

Still looking for your perfect honeymoon? Check out our experts HERE.

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The post 11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Planning A Wedding appeared first on Wedding Journal.

You don’t have to be a festival fan to adore the notion of flowers in your hair on your big day.

Flower crowns are everywhere at the moment and are a lovely refreshing change from the sparkly tiara or the misty veil.

You might want to go for an informal hippyish boho style with lots of loose blooms or something high-end and chic such as a tightly wrapped crown of roses.

RELATED TO: Timeless Bridal Hairstyles We All Know And Love

Your florist plays a vital role in making your wedding into the gorgeous welcoming event that you want it to be, so why not see what they can do with your own bridal style as well?

And you may not even necessarily go for a floral crown at all – why not tuck a delicate spray of baby’s breath into your updo or a small posy of vividly coloured peony and Gerbera into your coiffure? Or a single red rose into your chignon?

We love this simple but romantic style by Bella Botanica, for example!

Or why not go for high drama with a style like this showstopping thistle coiffure from Wedding Flowers by Josephine?

For a summer wedding, the best and most seasonal (therefore cheaper!) blooms include beautiful great peonies, delicious stocks, deep blue delphiniums, heartbreak coloured scabious and indigo larkspur.

In autumn, it’s best to go vivid blue agapanthus, also known as African lily, brightly coloured daisy-like asters, jewel like hydrangea and clematis and tightly clustered sedums, whereas euphorbia, iris, amaryllis, snowdrops and tulip are perfect for a winter wedding.

Read Our Latest Magazine Issue – Summer 2021 Out Now!

For this time of year, we absolutely love this gorgeous floral crown from Blossoms and Bluebells, with its summery blooms of pink roses and daisies.

Heather Cruise, who put together these romantic crowns, advises couples planning to wear floral crowns and buttonholes to treat them gently in the run-up to the wedding.

RELATED TO: How To Choose Your Wedding Flowers

“The later they are prepared by your florist the better, and they should be stored in a cool place until you need them,” she says.

She also advises leaving it until the last minute before you put your flowergirls’ crowns on their heads as they will tend to fiddle with them.

“For crowns and buttonholes, the less they are handled the better they look and if your buttonholes have exposed stems, you can pop them in a tiny drop of water – but be careful not to get the cord or ribbon wet,” she says. 

“If you have more than a few hours before the ceremony on receipt of your floral crowns , you can give them a gentle spray of cool water.”

This beautifully simple idea is from House of Flowers in Cork – simply tucking a spray of tiny white flowers into your coiff is as bridal as it gets and you’ll have no worries about leaves falling off in the wedding car!

This style, chosen by bride Rachel, and put together by Belfast-based Fleuriste, is really different – a head garland combining vivid ochres, purples and magentas to match a colourful bouquet, pom pom earrings and red shoes.

For this wedding at Martinstown House in The Curragh in Co Kildare, the bride asked for flowers in her hair to complement her bouquet, as well as flowers on a comb for the bridesmaids’ hair and a floral crown for her flower girl, according to florist, Josephine Higginbotham of Wedding Flowers by Josephine.

She wanted bright, bold colours, so Josephine used coral peony rose with Viking chrysanthemum to tie in with the sunflowers in her bouquet, as well as Craspedia Billy Balls in the flower girls’ crowns to tie in with the yellow.

Josephine suggests that for a classic look, brides could try pinning a few single flowers into a chignon or high bun.

“Brides looking to wear their hair down on their big day can pin a few strands of hair back and secure them with a bright, lush bloom on a comb for an utterly romantic vibe. And, of course, bohemian brides-to-be should try a flower crown on for size,” Josephine says.

“Even your bridal party can get in on the floral fun, or you can crown a flower girl with a halo of baby’s breath for an adorably angelic look. 

“Floral wreaths might just be the ultimate wedding hairstyle accessory and we can create one for every wedding theme,” Josephine says.

Still deciding on your look? Check out all our bridal suppliers HERE

And for more ideas about your wedding flowers, check out our favourite florists!

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The post 11 Showstopping Floral Looks For Your Wedding Hair appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Princess Beatrice got married during the pandemic where she wore a stunning vintage gown borrowed from The Queen herself…

With new details finally being released to the public, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about their intimate ceremony including dress and flower inspo.

Wedding Wardrobe

Princess Beatrice wore a vintage dress by Norman Hartnell gifted to her by none other than her grandmother, The Queen herself. The dress was modified with organza puff sleeves and is made from Peau De Soie taffeta in an ivory shade with an embellished bodice.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)

Her diamond fringe tiara also holds sentimental value as it was originally designed for The Queen who wore it back in 1947 for her own wedding to Prince Phillip.

The famous dress is now on display at Windsor Castle – Beatrice took to twitter saying, ‘It was an honour to wear my grandmother’s beautiful dress on my wedding day, I hope many of you are able to visit the exhibition which is still open at Winsor Castle.’

The Flowers

Princess Beatrice walked the aisle with a stunning bouquet of trailing jasmine, pastel pink and cream sweat peas, pink o’hara garden roses, royal porcelain ivory spray roses, pink wax flower and baby pink astilbe.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The British Royal Family (@the_mountbatten_windsors)

She also stuck to royal traditions by including springs of myrtle in the bouquet and arrangements. The bouquet was crafted by Patrice Van Helden and RVH Floral Design and matched the beautiful flower archway at the chapel.

Beatrice did veer from royal traditions in one way by adding a pop of colour in her bouquet with a pastel pink theme. Many royal brides tend to stick to a more traditional and neutral colour scheme with cream and whites colour for flower arrangements, but we’re loving the baby pink vibe which is perfect for a summer wedding!

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Meghan Markle | Sussex Fam (@hrhofsussex)

The Ceremony

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi held an intimate wedding on 17^th July last year, inviting only close family to the celebration.

After postponing their first wedding date back in May, the two decided to keep the day small with parents and siblings and kept within the government guidelines for a Covid-safe ceremony.

Their original venue at Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace was changed to The Royal Chapel of All Saints in Royal Lodge, Windsor, where they exchanged vows with The Queen in attendance showing her approval of the marriage.

The News

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)

Princess Beatrice’s wedding certificate has just made history with it being the first to ever include mother’s details – before the 3^rd May this year, the mothers’ details were not included in marriage records, but now up to four parents can be added to the certificate, including step-parents.

This new rule will apply to all brides and grooms in England and Wales, who for the first time can have both parents added to the wedding register. The Home Office announced the changes to the Marriage Act on 4^th May, saying it will ‘correct a historic anomaly’.

GET THE LOOK: Dress inspo

If you’re loving Princess Beatrice’s puffy sleeve moment, here’s some of our favourite sleeved dresses so you can feel like a royal on your big day…

 

GET THE LOOK: Flowers inspo

If you’d like flowers with Princess Beatrice’s pastel pink theme, here’s where you can get similar flower arrangements perfect for a summer wedding…

The post Did Princess Beatrice wear The Queen’s dress at her Royal Wedding? appeared first on Wedding Journal.

We recently wrote about how to plan a cosy intimate wedding, but what better place to say ‘I do’ than the comfort of your own home? If you’re not convinced, we’re here to tell you exactly why you should consider an at home wedding and all the things you can do to make it just as magical as you always wanted.

Why go for an at home wedding?

Well for obvious reasons we’re still in a pandemic, but there’s something special about creating a beautiful ceremony at your forever home. After all, that is the place you both hope to spend the rest of your lives so starting with your wedding will make it even more memorable. It can also be a great way to save money on a venue and gives you total freedom to customise and design exactly as you like.

What do you need to consider?

There are some things you will need to consider when it comes to planning an at home wedding. The first thing is the guest lists and how many people you can safely fit in your home. If you’re aiming for an indoor wedding, we recommend dedicating separate areas for different parts of the day – this will allow you to have everything set up in advance and each room will have a different vibe. For example, you could choose the prettiest room to exchange your vows, then head outside for some food, drink and a dance!

Here’s some tips to think about when planning an at home wedding…

Have a rain plan

We all wish for sunny weather on our wedding day, but we know how temperamental Irish weather can be – that’s why it’s so important to have a backup plan just in case! If you are hoping for a backyard or garden wedding, consider booking a marquee – you don’t have to use it for your entire wedding but it can come in handy if the rain wants to make an appearance, plus it can make for a nice evening reception area too.

Enhance the entrance

One of the best things about planning an at home wedding is having the freedom to transform the space into exactly what you like, so get creative with it! If you’re having your wedding in the garden go for a statement entrance to really bring the wedding to life. Flower arches are a big thing right now and you can also add dramatic drapes to really distinguish the altar – it will also look extra beautiful with any outdoor greenery and scenic views.

Bring the bar outside

This one speaks for itself, I mean what could be better than sipping cocktails in the sun at your own outside bar? And it doesn’t have to be anything fancy, in fact a home-made wooden bar can bring a rustic vibe that goes perfectly with an at home garden wedding! If you want to kick things up a notch you could also bring in a bespoke wagon to showcase cocktails and other beverages – adding a little vintage flair.

Embrace the outdoors

If you are fortunate to have attractive scenery, views or trees in your garden space make sure to take advantage of that – picture saying ‘I do’ under fairy lit trees or  being framed by a stunning scenic backdrop of natural views, sounds like something from a fairy tale right? If you don’t have this kind of thing in your garden, don’t worry. You can always add some extra greenery here and there to tie in the outdoor aesthetic, such as adding some ivory through white drapes for an effortless and elegant look.

Detailed décor

It’s all about the little things when it comes to creating your wedding at home. Whether you’re hosting indoors or outdoors, the right décor is what will really bring your wedding to life! Fairy lights and candles are a given and will always add magic to any setting. You can also add earthy centre pieces or mini planted trees alongside bespoke furniture to add a relaxed an authentic feel to your day.

Include your pets

If you have much-loved fur babies at home how could you not include them in your big day? They will already be comfortable with the setting and think of all the fond memories you’ll have looking back through photographs of how they got involved.  Depending on how well trained your pet is you could have them bring the rings down the aisle to you, even throw in a little dress or tuxedo to make it extra cute!

Enjoy local delicacies

This is the time to look at you and your loves favourite near-by food places and what better time to help out local businesses than right now! Make sure to check out if food catering options are available and pick all the best dishes that you already know you and your guests will love.

The post Why You Should Consider An ‘At Home’ Wedding appeared first on Wedding Journal.

From beautifully crafted arches to the finer details in your bouquet and buttonholes, dried flowers can work for both vintage and modern weddings with unique blooms, seed pods and pampas grass which is sure to give your ceremony that extra wow factor!

What are the benefits of dried flowers?

They last longer

Aesthetics aside, the main benefit of dried flowers is how long they last – not only are they sure to withstand the hustle and bustle of the big day, but they can even last for years, meaning you can also take a keepsake home to look back on. This makes them extra helpful if you’re planning to get married abroad as they are sure to stand strong even in the soaring heat and sun!

Better for your budget 

If you could make your wedding flowers stylish whilst saving, who wouldn’t go for it? Most of the time people think fresh flowers are the way forward for their wedding day. Well think again as dried flowers have become an increasingly popular alternative which tends to be less pricy, which I’m sure every bride and groom will be happy to hear! 

They work for every style

Whether you’re dreaming of a boho wedding, chic city ceremony or even a cosy at home garden celebration, dried flowers can suit almost every style. They’re super versatile with so many options to choose from, so whatever your vision, your florist should be able to arrange it to your taste. Also, the fact that they are a little bit different to fresh flower arrangements will make them stand out even more!

How to use dried flowers in your wedding?

Bouquets & Buttonholes

Although the most popular types of dried flowers are soft earthy tones, don’t feel limited to only neutral colours. There are a range of dried flowers in almost every colour including reds, purples, blues and yellow to name a few. You can even make smaller versions of your bouquet to match your bridesmaids’ posies, buttonholes and corsages!

Table arrangements & Decor

Depending on your theme and time of year, you can keep it simple or go all out with your flower arrangements. Welcome your guests to an earthly abundance with floral runners, centrepieces, scattered vases with pampas grass and even hanging wreaths and dried blooms confetti – the options are endless!

Hair Accessories & Flower Crown

Looking for the perfect elegant hairstyle to pull the whole look together? Dried flower crowns are the new trend, with so many types of colours and styles to choose from and totally weightless this is the perfect way to spice up any hairdo. Just make sure you have some trusty bridesmaids on watch for any falling petals when you’re dancing the night away!

Arches & Backdrops

Create your own heaven on earth with an array of fluffy pampas grass framing you and your love as you say ‘I do’ on the alter (and just think of the pictures!) You can also arrange gorgeous dried flower backdrops that won’t wilt or whither all day, so you can relax and get those all-important Instagram moments!

What are the most popular types?

Flowers

From lavender, camomile, and carnations to star flowers, billy buttons and straw flowers, you really are spoiled for choice! They also come in a variety of shapes and shades. Depending on your taste and style you can mix and match and be assured they will stand the test of time. 

Grasses & Seedpods

Pampas grass is really having its moment and we see why – there is something magical about their fluffy texture and neutral tones which gives a chic yet rustic vibe to any setting. You can also choose bunny tails, foxtails, ferns or wheat and add some seedpods to give your arrangements that little something extra.

Leaves

Not only have palm leaves and eucalyptus become a big hit in home décor, but they’re also making an appearance in many wedding ceremonies. Although they set a beautiful aesthetic, they also give off more of a fragrance than other dried flowers especially when adding some spiced herbs. Chrysanthemum leaves are another option to add some greenery and earthy tones and work well paired with pussy willow branches and poppy seeds!

The post Why Dried Flowers Are Perfect For Your Wedding Day appeared first on Wedding Journal.

It’s been a tough year for vendors and all of us in the wedding industry! Suppliers are always in need of content and getting their names out there for couples to see.

What better way, than with a fabulous styled photoshoot. ‘They’re also a really amazing way to get creative; which as frustrated creatives, we all really need right now,’ shares Lauren (LIT Photography).

‘Our goal was to inspire and excite couples about their weddings at a time when it’s undoubtedly hard to get as excited. We also wanted to show that no matter how big or small your wedding is, it can look spectacular!’

If you give vendors a bit of creative freedom, they can really go all out and that really showed with this. ‘Drenagh is also such a stunning wedding venue, we have a lot fun capturing its quirky little spots.’

‘Obviously, we wanted an Autumnal theme with those beautiful rust tones, and Victoria (Tortraits Floral Design) created magic with the flowers.’

‘One statement piece like the floral pillar can be so versatile. We were able to move it around for photos and really maximise it. It’s a perfect example of how you can invest in one piece and really put it to use.’

‘We wanted to show a range of ways you can style wedding dresses and hair to change up a look throughout your wedding day. The key really is versatility and Aimee (Pippa Bridal) is amazing at creating styles that suit a bride’s personality so she can make her gown her own.’

‘Finally, we wanted to do something a little quirkier for the guys; their style can often get overlooked, but the guys at Burns Outfitters put together a range of looks that men can and should put their stamp on their wedding style!’

Suppliers Involved

Concept, styling and photography – @litphotographyni (litphotographyni.com) assisted by @emmajanemooney

Flowers – Tortraits Floral Design @tortraits_floral_design

Venue – Drenagh Estate @drenaghweddings 

Dresses – Pippa Bridal @pippabridal 

Hair – Vicki Mitchell @hairbyvickimitchell

Makeup –  Rebecca Duff @rebeccaduff_makeup

Cake – Sweetness and Light Cakery @sweetnessandlight_cakery

Men’s outfits – Burns Outfitters @burnsoutfitters

Stationery – Perch and Plume @perchandplumedesigns

Gold plates – The Wedding Room NI @theweddingroomni

Headpieces/accessories – Megan Therese @megantheresecouture 

Models – @aaronkeenanperformance and @aoibhymc_

The post Rustic Autumnal Wedding Inspiration appeared first on Wedding Journal.

These days your tables can be a real talking point. From elaborate, show-sopping centre pieces, to witty table names and quirky place settings. There’s even lots of choice when it comes to chairs. When it comes to reception tables, the rules are there are no rules, so let’s dive into some of the key trends, shall we?

Table types

Long table

A long table can be a great choice if you’re having a smaller, more intimate wedding as you’ll be able to seat all of your guests at the one table. This can make the bride and groom feel like they are right in the middle of everything and experiencing the day with their guests. It can look incredible in photos too.

Gold, gold and more gold. You can’t go wrong with this luxurious hue especially when you combine it with blush. Gold chairs are especially in right now.

Long tables really give show-stopping centrepieces their time to shine. Bigger is better – don’t be afraid to go OTT.

You can’t go wrong with white. It’s clean, crisp and elegant and really brightens up a space. Especially when teamed with feminine pastels. White wicker chairs are very on trend right now too.

Sweetheart tables

On the flipside, a sweetheart table can be the perfect way to keep the intimacy between you and your new spouse and truly celebrate the occasion together. Sweetheart tables are for the bride and groom alone, with guests and bridal party seated at tables nearby.

A beautiful option for outdoors or in, this gorgeous sweetheart table combines elegance with a touch of glamour. Combine white with gold sequins for a similar vibe on your big day.

Be the centre of attention by taking centre stage. An elevated table makes you and your beau the focal point of the room, if that’s your thing.

The perfect choice for the eclectic couple, this set up might not be for everyone but it’s certainly memorable, and a solid pick for a laidback day. Nothing says shabby chic quite like wooden pallets.

Centrepieces

Centrepieces can turn even the most bland of reception spaces into show-stoppers. In recent years, the trend has been for giant, thin stemmed vases topped with elaborate rounded bouquets, but you can par yours back if you want to. Really, anything can work as a centrepiece, from vintage birdcages (very on-trend) to old family photos. Chic candleholders are another firm fave.

It doesn’t get much bigger than this! Don’t be afraid to make a real impact. A big bunch of blooms can really brighten up a room. If you’re not sure where to start, hiring a wedding stylist might be a good idea. They’ll work with you to hone your vision.

Centrepieces… but make it seasonal. If you really want to tie your wedding to a season, fruits and veggies are a great way to do it. Pineapples work great for a tropical theme, while pumpkins are an obvious choice for autumn. Just remember, if you’re choosing perishables for your wedding, you’ll need to make sure they are at peak freshness on your big day.

What could be more romantic than combining flowers and candlelight? This is soft, romantic elegance at its best, and with a few smart purchases and a little crafting know-how you might be able to make it yourself. Show this pic to a stylist if you can’t be bothered with the faff.

Place settings

Place settings can be a real talking point and can really add to the look and feel of your big day. They don’t have to be overly elaborate or fussy. In fact, less is usually more and hand-written place names can be an especially sweet touch.

Make a statement with gold cutlery. It looks particularly slick when combined with black or white, and some lush green stems can really set it off. Remember to consider your table top. The dark wood really ties together the entire look.

Can we take a second for those gold-rimmed glasses? And those super classy menus? This set up is simple and timeless. Bagging that calligraphy as our something blue.

Pink and peonies go together like you and your new spouse. If you consider yourself a girl’s girl and have shades of blush in your colour scheme you can’t go wrong with this. Brass cutlery ties the look together and gives it a modern twist.

Seating plans

How do you display your names? Before your reception you’re going to have all eyes fixed on this board while your guests search for their names and try to find their seats, so you may as well do something interesting and fun!

You can’t go wrong with gold and a little foliage. Black writing on a white plan gives this seating plan a touch of elegance.

It doesn’t get much more quirky than this. It’s perfect for a vintage-themed wedding too and you could DIY it if you’re particularly crafty. Hoke out some old photo frames, or head to a bargain basement to stock up. Stick them on, add some fake flowers and foilage, and hey presto, you have yourself a seating plan.

The italics and floral display give this seating plan a soft, romantic edge, while the dark wood stand gives it a touch of sophistication. Worth an Instagram or two for sure.

Need help with your décor or the expertise of someone in the know? Head to our directory here where you’ll find a helpful list of suppliers.

The post 15 Alternative Wedding Table Ideas For Your Dream Reception appeared first on Wedding Journal.

After all, there’s lots to think about, from the bridal bouquet and blooms for the bridal party, to reception centrepieces, aisle markers and archways. Not to mention colour palettes.

While choosing your wedding flowers may seem daunting, it’s important to get it right. After all, flowers play a mighty big part in setting the overall look and feel of your big day. Fortunately, we know how to get it right.

Set your budget

Not always the most exciting part of planning, but a crucial element nonetheless. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on wedding flowers. As a guide, most couples dedicate around 3 per cent of their budget to the flowers. One way to cut the cost is to do the flowers yourself. But this isn’t a task you should undertake lightly. There’s a lot of work involved and it may cause a lot of stress. Unless you’re a dab hand, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Where possible, you can cut costs by having your wedding flowers do double time. Consider transporting ceremony arrangements to your reception venue to save yourself some cash and give them a second lease of life.

Get inspired

Ah – the fun part! Getting inspired is crucial so you can suss out what kinds of wedding flowers you like and what you don’t. A good place to start is to scroll through the Wedding Flowers hashtag on Instagram and to create a Pinterest board featuring your favourite blooms. It’s good to familiarise yourself with flowers and get to know their names too. This will make it easier for you when you consult with a florist.

Find a florist

When it comes to finding a florist, you’ll want to start your research a year before the wedding and it’s best to book an appointment after you’ve found your wedding dress and booked your venue. After all, your wedding flowers will need to complement these two things, and will also give you a clearer idea on the kinds of arrangements you’re after. It’s okay to meet with a couple of different florists to see what they can offer you and how they fit with what you’re able to afford.

Be realistic

You want grand floral centrepieces for the table, an ornate floral archway for the ceremony and flower crowns for all of the bridesmaids but you’re only dedicating a tiny fraction of your budget to the wedding flowers? Focus on the wedding flowers you absolutely need to have, for example the bridal bouquet, flowers for your bridesmaids and buttonholes for the bridal party. Once you have those factored in, feel free to put any extra money toward the ‘nice to haves’.

Work with your theme

Certain wedding flowers just aren’t going to work with certain themes. For example, wild flowers and lots of foliage are better suited to a rustic style wedding, while something more elegant, like roses, are more suited to a black tie bash. Consider your theme carefully and do your best to ensure your wedding flowers tie in with the overall vibe you’re going for. Confused? Talk it through with your florist and give them a really good idea of the style of wedding you plan on having. They’ll know what flowers will work.

Consider the season

Your wedding date will largely determine what types of flowers will be available to you on your big day so do bear this in mind. Some flowers will be more difficult and expensive to source at certain times of the year so make sure you chat to your florist about what’s available to you. The good news is, as well as being cheaper, flowers that are in season will generally look better and are of better quality too.

Consider your colour palette

Your colour palette will largely inform the colours of your wedding flowers, but you don’t have to match it completely. Feel free to play around with similar hues and mix and match shades that suit each other. Again, if you don’t have an eye for this sort of thing, have a chat with your florist. They’ll be able to guide you on what colours will work well together. Feel free to bring along swatches and pictures to give them an accurate feel for your day.

Personalise it

Most flowers have a special meaning behind them. Roses for example mean love and passion, Lily of the Valley signifies purity and happiness, daffodils represent new beginnings, and gardenia means joy. When choosing your wedding flowers you might like to consider what they signify. You may also like to include blooms that are special to you and your partner or represent where you are from.

Start with the bridal bouquet

You could argue that it’s the most important floral arrangement of the lot. All eyes and camera lenses will be on it (and you!) for a significant portion of the day, so tackle this first, and centre your other arrangements around it. Once you have a clear idea of how you want your bridal bouquet to look, you’ll have a much better idea of the look and feel of your other arrangements. When choosing a bridal bouquet it’s important to ensure it’s not too heavy (no bride wants to have achy wrists while walking down the aisle), it’s not so elaborate that it detracts from the beauty of the dress and it’s not hiding any important details on your dress, like an embellished sash for example.

Don’t forget…

Allergies! You don’t want your bridal party to spend the day sneezing or rocking swollen eyes for the photographs so do a double-check and make sure you’re aware of any allergies before choosing your flowers. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Psst! Need help finding a florist? Head to our directory of suppliers here.

The post How To Choose Your Wedding Flowers appeared first on Wedding Journal.

That’s why we’ve found 20 romantic quotes that are perfect for your big day.

“Love is like a friendship caught on fire.” Jeremy Taylor

“You know you’re in love when you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss

“I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you, not only for what you have made of yourself but for what you are making of me.” Roy Croft

“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s going to be really hard; we’re gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me … every day.” Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

“For the two of us, home isn’t a place. It is a person. And we are finally home.” Stephanie Perkins, Anna And The French Kiss

“Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze.” Elinor Glyn

 

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“But love, I’ve come to understand, is more than three words mumbled before bedtime. Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in the things we do for each other every day.” Nicholas Sparks, The Wedding

“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” David Viscott

“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.” Sophocles

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you … I could walk through my garden forever.” Alfred, Lord Tennyson

“Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” Franklin P. Jones

“A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” Dave Meurer

 

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“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” Audrey Hepburn

“If I know what love is, it is because of you.” Hermann Hesse

“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” Aristotle

“In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” Maya Angelou

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Lao Tzu

“I swear I couldn’t love you more than I do right now, and yet I know I will tomorrow.” Anon

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

The post 20 Of The Most Romantic Quotes For Your Wedding Day appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Floral crowns have been popular for brides for a number of years now, then last year saw the rise of guests wearing floral head pieces to weddings. Philippa Craddock, the florist who decorated Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding day, has caught on with this trend. She has released exquisite faux flower headbands that will turn a few heads without taking away from the bride.

Not only are there headbands, buyers can also get their hands on faux flower brooches, perfect for when the hair is up! We wouldn’t be surprised if we see the trendy Duchess of Sussex sporting the new pieces during her royal engagements!

The prices range from £150 to £1,700 and they’re close to selling out on Matchesfashion.com, the website that stocks this range. On Philippa’s own website, she took ‘inspiration from British country gardens, with flower beds full to bursting with hydrangeas, dahlias, roses and delicate blossoms from the orchard trees.’ It also states that it all started by looking back to ‘centuries-old botanical illustrations housed in museum archives.’

Take a look at the collection below!

Headbands

From subtle to dramatic, these headbands will certainly add a lot to an outfit, especially a plain one. Brides will love the romantic white flower headband too.

Top left – £1,700, Bottom left – £440, Top right – £464, Bottom right – £800

Hair Clips

If headbands aren’t a go to, or the hair is styled up, a statement hair clip is the way to go, catching the eye of every guest!

Left – £235, Top right – £228, Bottom right – £295

Brooches

For those who don’t like hair accessories, they can still dress up an outfit with a statement floral brooch!

Top left – £295, Bottom left – £515, Right – £235

Set Featured Image: matchesfashion.com

The post Royal Florist Launches Exclusive New Accessory Line appeared first on Wedding Journal.

While it is noted that peonies are one of Meghan Markle’s favourite flowers, orchids are often seen as a luxurious and classic bloom to use in weddings, but the flower can also fit in well with more modern-styled nuptials thanks to it’s versatility. 

Did You Know? Orchids symbolise perfection, love, beauty & luxury

Image courtesy of Fleuriste

As Emma McCullough from Fleuriste comments, ‘Orchids are a personal favourite of the Fleuriste team. are available all year round with more varieties available September to May, plus they are extremely versatile, available in all sizes, shapes and colours and are sure to add the ‘wow’ factor to any wedding. 

‘The colour loving bride will be spoilt for choice, while the bride wanting timeless elegance will incorporate cascading stems of white Phalaenopsis orchids to the bouquets, arrangements and finishing touches.’

Image courtesy of Fleuriste

‘Orchids have many properties which make them ideal wedding flowers, they are lightweight, therefore perfect for hanging installations as well as making them comfortable to carry as a bridal bouquet or as hair flowers. They also like warmer temperatures which gives your wedding flowers longevity to last the whole day,’ adds Emma.

So, if you think orchids are the flower for you, take the time to do the necessary research and see if your preferred orchid is in season during the time of your wedding. In the event your chosen orchid isn’t in season, keep an open mind and work together with your florist to find a different orchid that catches your eye and helps you stay within your style and budget! 

For further ideas on wedding flowers visit the Wedding Journal Directory here

Featured Image Credit: Fleuriste

The post Why Orchids Are The Perfect Wedding Flowers appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Bring a rustic, Irish wedding reception to life with bold, colourful floral displays that add warmth and a contemporary twist. This look is perfect for brides wanting to make a dramatic statement and offer guests something different.

A building full of history and heritage is the perfect location to bring a specific ambience to your wedding day, but you can give this type of location a modern-day twist as this wedding day style proves. This theme takes old and new and beautifully combines them for a uniquely bespoke wedding day theme perfect for modern-day brides.

Golden hues and vintage vibes perfectly complement this whole scheme. The use of the golden cutlery adds warmth and richness to the colourful blooms decorating the table in bold shoes of blue, red, orange and green.

To see how some of one of our real-life Irish brides decided to style her wedding day click here

WITH THANKS TO: Photography: Katyakoliban.com; Styling: Blaithin O’Reilly Murphy at TheWeddingExpert.ie; Location: Aghavannagh Barracks; Dress: Que Va by Caoimhe Keane; Hair: bridalhairandmakeup.ie; Make-up: efcreativestudios.com; Stationery: asyouwish.ie; Jewellery: veronicaroden.ie; Accessories: Jenny Vanders; Flowers: weddingflowersbyjosephine.ie; Cake: henryscakes.com

The post Wedding Day Style: Choose A Pop Of Colour appeared first on Wedding Journal.