This issue George Bond turns his eye to wonderful wedding décor...

 

The annual flurry of festive proposals sees the arrival of many a newly-engaged couple on the wedding planning scene, and so starts the dreams of many new brides-to-be about their dream day.

 

There are so many ways to personalise your wedding, from flowers, to outfits and even transport. And, the list needn't stop there. Putting your own stamp on your wedding venue can really add the finishing touches to your big day, making it unique and special. It is a once in a lifetime occasion, after all.

 

Don't be afraid to use a little creativity to make your wedding different and, most important of all, your own. Any forward-thinking hotelier or venue owner will relish any ideas you have about transforming the interior - temporarily of course! Not only does it make your day more special, it also shows off the versatility of the venue to potential customers. Remember to ask lots of questions from the outset when you visit, especially how 'personalised' you can make your own day.

 

Inspired by Kate Middleton's lace accented wedding dress, weddings in 2012 will see a distinguished vintage influence, in both design and colour. If a vintage dress isn't your style, you can certainly incorporate wistful nostalgia into your décor. Chairs wrapped in ruched fabric of dusty vintage colours such as light aqua, gold and taupe contrast beautifully with crisp linen table cloths and pair beautifully with vintage style decorative accents in shades of grey, chestnut and grey.

 

Ribbon details are tipped to make an appearance in 2012 wedding trends. Draped off the back of chairs or even hanging in a line to form a colourful trim around the cake table, they are a fantastic, affordable way to personalise your wedding space. For table centrepieces, seasonal flowers should be the order of the day. If your big day is in spring, think about hints of natural green and sunshine yellow, colours which are symbolic of new beginnings and the start of a new life together.

 

For summer weddings, nothing compares to the nostalgia created from a delightful bouquet of peony roses. Add some subtle adornments of pearls for extra romance.

 

If flowers aren't your thing, how about a stunning arrangement of feathers instead of a floral centrepiece. Peacock feathers for instance, are a great way to introduce colour, in a subtle and natural way.

 

If your venue benefits from an outside space, be sure to extend your decor into the area. It needn't be grand and break the bank, but simple touches like candles and light-decorated trees make the space feel like your own, albeit for a day. Recently, I heard of a wedding where instead of throwing confetti or rice over the newlyweds, guests stood in a line holding sparklers when the happy couple left the venue - the images were amazing!

 

Of course, if you are planning a winter wedding, your guests are unlikely to spill outdoors, so what better excuse to transform your wedding venue into a winter wonderland; splashes of deep red contrast beautifully with ivory, as does blue damask against snow white linen.

 

If there is going to be lots of young children at the wedding, be sure to organise a nice area for them Something that's bright and looks marvellous, a place to keep them entertained so that the adults can relax knowing that the children are having fun. Big pots of coloured chunky pencils and pens take the place of the floral centre pieces elsewhere.

 

Even if you lack that large budget to book up a perceived grand venue for your wedding day, it doesn't mean that you have to settle for an ordinary or, dare I say it, average place for your big day. Actually, what might appear ordinary at first glance might be the perfect blank canvas to create a unique and romantic atmosphere your perfect wedding.

 

George Bond is the National Director for the Society of British Interior Designer (SBID) as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. George, who has his own interior design company based in Newcastle, is involved in a number of national and international domestic and commercial commissions.

 

 

For further information www.georgebond.tv t: 0191 281 7799