Finishing touches that make all the difference

It's such a simple thing, but the humble table will feature heavily in your wedding day. Like the venue itself they can be elevated from plain to spectacular with a few elegant touches. Charlotte Bolwell of CLB Weddings & Events (www.clbweddingsandevents.co.uk) says, "Overlays are a great way of creating a memorable look for your tables. Whether it be for the wedding breakfast or the cake, by adding this simple touch your theme can quickly come together. If you've opted for a boho vibe, why not try a crochet or macramé overlay?"

Similarly table runners inject a pop of colour to proceedings. Charlotte continues, "Using different textures can really set the tone. Velvet creates a gorgeous, rich, luxurious, romantic feel, and linen lends a fresh, crisp, clean look. Alternatively, a cheesecloth of muslin runner brings a much softer, vintage look."

You may also consider carrying your palette into the tableware too for a super-chic look. Chloe Alderson of Co-Ordination Event Hire (www.co-ordination.net) says, "For that extra special touch on the table, swap plain water glasses to coloured glass versions." While Natalie Morson of The Elysian Styling Company (www.theelysianstylingcompany.co.uk) extols the virtues of a well-placed charger plate commenting, "They just give the table that extra something, making them stand out."

If you're going to elevate the styling of your tables, don't forget to upgrade the comfort levels for your guests. Chloe continues, "Hiring luxury chairs can really enhance to overall look of your reception room."

Entertainment is an all-important consideration when it comes to the overall success of your big day, ensuring it's talked about for years to come. But, did you know when it comes to wedding music; it doesn't only have to be about the big day itself. Diamond Experience Music (www.diamondexperiencemusic.com) can bring all manner of bespoke experiences to your whole wedding season. Whether it be jazz breakfasts for your relatives, blues for a lazy afternoon rehearsal buffet with the bridal party, an intimate acoustic romantic dinner, or even filling the sten-do dancefloor, the team have the right music to make those moments special. Or for a true air of romance why not have your wedding musicians deliver a love-song to your other half?

We can't overstate the power of music when it comes to creating the correct ambience, and a harpist provides the ultimate relaxing and romantic touch. West Sussex-based Margaret Watson (www.harpmusic.co.uk) plays a huge range of pieces on her beautiful golden harp, suiting all tastes from classical to golden oldies and chart hits. She says, "Hearing your special tune played on the harp adds that extra personal finishing touch to your wedding day."

Personalisation is a key trend as we embark on this new decade, and your wedding stationery provides a versatile platform to really go to town. A wonderful bespoke element to add to your stationery set is a hand-painted design. Bernice Henry of Hashtag Hearts (www.hashtaghearts.co.uk) explains, "A couple came to me with a border design painted by a relative. I had to make some adjustments to make it work, but the result was a fantastic invite motif, which we extended to the RSVPs, and orders of service. It was a finishing touch that sold the entire theme.

"Styling pieces doubling up as favours are popular from a sustainability standpoint. Bernice says, "I recently designed acrylic monograms featuring the wedding details, and paper flowers work well as buttonholes, decorations and keepsakes."Natalie of The Elysian Styling Company (www.theelysianstylingcompany.co.uk), is also a great advocate of personalisation: "Last year I worked with a couple, where the groom was a tree surgeon. I asked him what his favourite tress were and came up with the idea of using them as table names. It was a gorgeous personal touch for their wedding that was talked about by all their guests."

When it comes to your ceremony, flowers bring an added air of romance. There are some wonderful ways to add floral abundance to your "I dos," Annabel Grange of Butterflies and Bows (www.butterfliesandbows.co.uk) tells us more: "Even a small bunch of flowers, or some gypsophila tied with a ribbon tied to the pew ends can be used afterwards to decorate the gift, cake or drinks tables at the reception. Plus a sprinkling of petals down each side of the aisle can instantly soften the look of a modern room, and if you use fresh rose petals, the aroma will be incredible. If you're exchanging vows in a gazebo, adding greenery, flower decorations or drapes can personalise it into your own ceremony space. Alternatively, a garland around the church door adds a special welcome for your guests, and can make it the perfect spot for photos.

"Add diamantes, pearls and gems to your bouquet for a personalised touch. Some brides ask for a locket with a special picture inside to be tied to the ribbons."

When making your guest list you mentally check off your nearest and dearest, careful not to miss anyone out, but wait, what about your furry best friend? You'll need a wedding pet chaperone, and Pawstlc (www.facebook.com/PawstLc) provides just such a service ensuring your dog or horse can be by your side on this all-important day. The company's Ali Gill says, "You may want your fur baby included in your photographs, or perhaps you'd like them to be a ring bearer. Maybe, you'd just like them to be at the venue where they're looked after while you enjoy the celebrations." Whatever part you'd like him or her to play, a pet chaperone will be there to help, meaning the only thing you need to worry about is having a fabulous, stress-free wedding day.

From fur to feathers, Lambert's White Dove Release (www.lambertsdoves.co.uk) supply two doves in a beautiful flower decked presentation cage to be released after the ceremony. Such special occasions can often turn our minds towards those who can't be with us, and this lovely supplier also brings up to three extra doves to represent those who are watching over you, there in spirit.

Owner Viv Lambert says, "Doves add a poignant moment to a wedding. Captured in photos or a stunning slow-motion video, the release will forever represent a time when all of your hard work came together, and now joined, are ready to fly up and away together."

Guests need somewhere to sit. "Well dur!" we hear you cry. Sounds obvious, but when we say "sit," what we actually mean is luxuriate. Alison Hood of To Have and To Hire Events says (www.tohaveandtohireweddings.com), "Latest trends include incorporating a decadent lounge or chill-out seating area into your reception." Natalie from The Elysian Styling Company (www.theelysianstylingcompany.co.uk) agrees: "Couples are focusing on creating an event that's inviting and comfortable. It might not be something they'd normally think of, but will definitely consider once they see all the beautiful ways they can create a chill-out zone at their wedding."

"If you're looking to add a little sparkle and spice to a wedding, props are most certainly the way to go," Alison of To Have and To Hire Events (www.tohaveandtohireweddings.com) tells us. She continues, "A great way to express individuality through your styling is to incorporate props that either express your interests, personalities, favourite colours, or even your hobbies. Having at least one showstopper creates an all-important focal point. Think cake swings, moon gates, vintage furniture and sequin or other backdrops." When it comes to props, we love the ultra-modern neon signs making their way to the forefront of venue-styling fashion. Alison says, "They're a great way of conveying your vibe and creating a cool, fun, laid-back, or trendy atmosphere."

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