Past with flying colours
◆ Rustic wooden crates can be integral to a vintage look, and well-worn suitcases and hat boxes are both sentimental and functional. Place your favours, disposable cameras or photobooth props inside them, or pile them up and rest your guest book on top.
◆ When styling your reception, consider what will be on the tables once they’re set and your guests are seated. Make sure your loved ones will be comfortable and able to converse easily by opting for low centrepieces interspersed with tall, thin taper candles and vases. As an alternative to a single large floral display, try small posies in stout vessels that will fill the space at a low height.
◆ Lighting that illuminates the walls, windows and ceiling can draw attention away from the centre of the room. Instead, direct your focus to your tables and dance floor. Choose bulbs that deliver warm, inviting lighting and cluster flickering candles in groups dotted with tealights.
◆ Festoon lights hint at the past and will bring a radiant twinkle to the trees outside your venue and the pillars inside.
◆ Schedule your ceremony for the late afternoon and the setting sun will splash your event with pink and gold.
◆ For a dessert bar with the mostest, set it up on an old dresser or wine barrels. Wrap boxes in coloured paper and stack to use as stands, and layer heavy plates on sturdy candlesticks for goodies to sit on.
◆ Pile or scatter seasonal fruit about the place for a homegrown colourful touch. Try lemons for a burst of yellow in spring, and vibrant berries in summer.
◆ Hark back to the once ubiquitous ‘ladies, a plate’ tradition and ask family and friends who love to bake to contribute an old-fashioned dish to your sweets table.