Need some inspiration for your venue styling? In part one of a two-part series, Nicole Conner talks to four Scottish wedding decor specialists about their services
Get Knotted, Scottish Borders
Tell us about your services and packages We can help dress up a blank-canvas venue as well as simply adding the finishing touches to historic houses. We do not offer packages – one size does not fit all, and every wedding is unique. Working with couples often over many months (or years!), we decorate their wedding just for them. Of course, some prefer to hire our props and do the styling themselves – we’ll help you choose the best selection. Using images of our past work, we prepare a proposal that can be used as a menu to pick and choose from, making it easier for you to stick to your budget.
What’s your favourite type of venue to style? We love a barn wedding. So many of our props suit a rural setting. The booze barrows are very popular outside, with barrels as tables and a rustic bar section to serve cocktails from.
Aside from availability, what’s the most crucial thing to consider when booking? Find out if the decor company knows your venue and has dressed it before. If it has, you can relax and let the team get on with everything in the background. They can deal directly with access for installation and set-up, and you can focus on enjoying the approach to the big day. Think local too: suppliers who work together often do so seamlessly.
Which items from your collection do you think offer most ‘bang for your buck’? Lighting – it’s a cost-effective yet impactful way to transform a space.
Sparkle Magic Events, Angus
How would you describe your decor style and service? Our decor style is bespoke to every single wedding. All our couples see us create centrepieces in front of them, changing bits as needed until we have exactly what they’re looking for. Every client walks away from their choices consultation knowing what their chairs, centrepieces and aisle decor will look like. What we offer is unique within our area and, consequently, we are at the higher end of the price range, but all our clients get excellent value. Our attention to detail is exemplary and we absorb all the stress.
What items from your collection are most impactful? Our chair covers and sashes/chair drapes are the simplest way to completely transform any venue. We have a wide range of colours and materials to choose from. Our major statement piece is our blossom-heart arch. We are the only company locally to have this stunning item that creates a wonderful photo backdrop.
What’s your top tip for someone who is hiring a wedding decor specialist? Listen to your stylist’s advice as they can guide you through the whole process. An excellent stylist will be able to offer a range of options and show these to you, all fitting within your vision for your wedding.
Winton Weddings, Ayrshire
What got you into the business of styling wedding venues? I come from a family of hoteliers, and for the past 40 years I have also been an outside caterer. Ten years ago one of my brides asked me to provide chair covers and that’s how I started – I just bought 100 chair covers and sashes and went from there.
Which items from your collection do you think offer most ‘bang your for buck’? My ceremony arches and moon gates are all one price and provide a stunning backdrop for the moment you tie the knot. They may only be used for the ceremony, but a good photographer will capture the moment forever.
Which decor trends might be popular for 2023 weddings? I think a classic modern setting with candles and flowers is a style that will never date. Colours change – at the moment it’s all about the greenery and a rustic look; perhaps we will move back to an all-white theme for next year.
Why should a couple pick your company to decorate their wedding? My ethos from the word go when styling weddings is: “Would my daughter be happy with this?” All my brides are like my daughters for the day and I never leave a wedding set-up unless I feel it is perfect. I will personally be at every single wedding I decorate.
What’s your top tip when it comes to wedding decor? I would always advise couples to reuse hire items throughout the day whenever possible.
The Ivy Carts, Glasgow
What got you into the industry? We started out three years ago, after our mum fought cancer twice, and we realised that it’s worth celebrating every occasion, no matter how big or small. The Ivy Carts allows us as a family to look after your family, creating memories to enjoy and cherish forever.
Tell us a bit about your approach to decorating weddings Our focus is bespoke self-service carts, styled to perfection with shimmer walls, balloons, personalised easels/sail boards and floral decor.
Our style is more than just what you see though, it’s about how it makes you feel. We put together bespoke packages for our couples, making it easy to customise and build what you would like to suit your theme and budget.
What’s been most popular of late? We have the only authentic Tequila Rose cart in the UK; it’s just wow and has gone down a storm! Our package comes with a shimmer wall, neon, florals and cart. It’s guaranteed to get the party started.
Do you have any favourite anecdotes from weddings you’ve decorated? Along with our amazing drinks carts, we also have candy carts. So when challenged with supplying cocktail sweets, we decided to create our very own: champagne and cocktail-flavoured meringues! Now we offer meringue poppers and kisses to make your day taste sweet too.