Have you thought about your wedding styling yet? Or are you questioning what wedding styling even is!? Put simply, your wedding styling is how everything looks, from the broad details like the overall decor to the tiny elements like fonts on a menu (if you choose to go that deep!).
I’m pretty sure within 0.5 seconds of being engaged, most couples fall headfirst into a Pinterest hole of overwhelm. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
I’m Rebecca, wedding planner at By Rebecca Brennan-Brown. I’m so excited to be guest posting here at Unconventional Wedding and talking to you about how to make your wedding styling epic. I studied art & design at UCA and have been a wedding planner for 10+ years, meaning the things I’ve said below are based on foundational knowledge and experience. HOWEVER (!), I firmly believe your wedding should be uniquely you, so as you’re reading this, please take the things that work for you and leave the rest. There’s no pressure here, good vibes only.
LET’S GO!
Feature photo by Vicki Clayson Photography
How to ROCK your wedding styling
Start Broad
create a foundation
colour & design
inspo hunting
making it you
Wedding Styling 101 - Start Broad
Your wedding might be something you’ve been dreaming about for years, or it might be something you have never considered before. Whatever side of the fence you’re on, that’s cool with me. It’s a good idea to start by thinking about what you like and don’t like in a general sense. You might hate pink, you might be a rockstar in hiding, or is intricate detail more your thing?
Inspiration at home
Try not to get too bogged down with picturing a wedding in your mind. Think more broadly about your styles both as individual people and as a couple. Your home is a great place to start as that’s likely to be a reliable representation of you both. Are there clearly defined areas that resemble one of you more than the other? Or have you managed to find a compromised middle ground across your home? If you’re stuck, take a look in your wardrobe, think about what seasons you’re more drawn to, and consider what you’ve liked or disliked at other people’s weddings (real or fictional!).
Creating A Foundation
Most of the time, we think of wedding styling after the venue is booked, so you have something to build on. If you haven’t booked a venue yet, I would say it’s best to get that nailed down before finalising any styling. (You might love: The Best Alternative Wedding Venues)
It’s important to consider things like lighting. Is there a lot of natural light? Or is it quite dark? Are there any colours heavily featured in the decor? Is it modern, rustic, or traditional? Perhaps there’s something super funky and cool that you want to focus on. For example, I recently worked in an incredible old theatre in Catford (pictured below). The Broadway Theatre has a classic massive stage with a vintage red curtain, so we focussed everything to highlight that gorgeous velvet feature!
Take note of any quirky elements and the main spaces if you can. It’s great to have something to refer back to!
Wedding Styling Tips: Colours & Designs
When choosing wedding colours, there are a few things to think about: the venue, the season, and your taste.
As we all know, brighter colours tend to be used more in summer, and darker in winter. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t choose to brighten up a miserable November day with some neon!
It is worth keeping in mind the season for some more practical elements. If you’re getting married in the winter, crisp, cool colours like whites and blues can sometimes make a space feel cold and harsh. If you’re looking to have any fresh flowers, it’s also worth considering what actually grows at that time of year. For example, if you love pink peonies, they’re near impossible to get in September!
Colour Theory:
I like to work with five colours but remember, they’re not all used in equal amounts. Start by choosing your lightest colour (often white or cream), then your darkest, and fill in the gaps. Have a quick google search of ‘colour theory’ if you’d like to learn a bit more about what colour pairings are easier on the eye. However, as I’ve said before, this has to work for you, so break the rules! Go with all darks, or all bright colours if that’s what you love. If you love it, then it can’t be wrong.
Finding Wedding Styling Inspiration
In 2021, we’re lucky to have so many incredible resources right at our fingertips, just like this one! Across the whole Unconventional Wedding site, you’ll find a whole host of inspiration from real weddings, on blog posts, and from some of the UK’s most talented alternative wedding suppliers.
As a wedding supplier, I can say firsthand that I love creating and sharing images to my Instagram for couples to take inspiration from. Many other suppliers and couples do the same, so searching hashtags on Instagram can unearth some absolute gems of inspiration.
And then there’s Pinterest. Anything you could ever want to see for your wedding is on Pinterest; you just have to find it. Be specific with your search terms. Instead of searching ‘wedding’, search for ‘unique rocker wedding Brighton’, for example. You’ll get much more relevant results. It works just like Google!
Making it YOU
And finally, you have to make your wedding styling yours. Your wedding day should be a representation of who you are as two different people, as well as the life you are about to start together. If your partner loves cars, sunflowers, or The Greatest Showman, find a way of incorporating that into your day, even if it’s a small touch! Be flexible and respectful of each other’s tastes, and know that there’s no right or wrong answer. If you love it, that’s more than enough.
If you’d like to learn more about me or chat about all things weddings, you can check out my website here and my Unconventional Wedding listing here. Happy Planning!
Over on the blog - more unique wedding ideas
Rach & Jake’s DIY Festival Wedding
We have an incredible real wedding for you today! Rach & Jake’s DIY festival wedding was a colourful, sustainable, Glastonbury-inspired celebration. Check it out for budget and family friendly wedding ideas! You’re gonna love these joyful photos by Emily Collett Photography. how to rock a diy festival wedding do it
Ethereal Woodland Wedding at Langley Castle, Northumberland
Who said a fairytale wedding has to be pastels and sparkles? This ethereal woodland wedding embraces a darker colour palette and we think it’s magical. Check it out for enchanting woodland ceremonies, epic black wedding dresses and a load of alternative wedding ideas. Photos by Wild Hearts Photography how to
Colourful Outdoor Wedding Ideas
If in doubt… add more colour! This colourful outdoor wedding will bring you alllll the summer wedding inspo. It’s a gorgeous example of bold, joyful wedding styling and unique wedding wear. This shoot was photographed and organised by Kim Monroe Photography, and sent to us by Bloom And Living. We
Disco Festival Wedding Inspiration at Yurtshire
What happens when you combine a bohemian festival with bright colours and a bit of sparkle? You’re about to find out! This disco festival wedding inspiration is a colourful outdoor wedding and yurt reception, all planned with an eco-friendly ethos and a bohemian soul. These gorgeous photos were sent to
Fun Fairground Wedding Inspiration
Nothing says ‘fun and carefree’ quite like a funfair! This fairground wedding shoot was sent into us by Wedding Cakes by the Sea and we are loving these joyful photos. Check out this shoot for free-spirited and colourful wedding ideas. Enjoy! Photos by Tony Pullen Photography how to recreate this
Doctor Who Wedding – Sophi & Kieran’s Celestial Celebration
We have a wonderful Doctor Who wedding for you today! Sophi and Kieran combined their love of the ‘celestial’ and the ‘geeky’ into this eclectic, personality-filled celebration at The Mill Barns. Check it out for a life-sized tardis, secret agents and lightsabers! Photos by Andrew Miller Photography Sophi’s Best Wedding
How To Recreate This Colourful Bohemian Wedding
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Get clued up on all things 70’s. Talk to friends and family members who may have some original 70’s clothing that might come in handy - The more authentic the better! This shoot features a pair of original 1970’s flares, borrowed from a friend's dad - epic!
CAMPERVAN!
What better way to celebrate the 70s than with a VW Campervan? This one doubles as a photobooth for extra fun!
BE RESOURCEFUL
Like a true bohemian, use what you have and make it magical. Charity/vintage shops are your new best friend.