Your big day is a celebration of everything that’s #soyou. It’s time to embrace your uniqueness and creativity as a couple. We discover how to weave together your styles, your story, your fave things and add some wow-factor to create a wedding that’s individual, imaginative and utterly incredible!
“Let’s take it back to basics for a moment” says Amelia Howe of Honey Lane. “Marriage is about two people coming together, declaring their love for one another and committing to spend their lives together.”
There are indeed two people in the picture, she notes, and “family and friends attending the wedding want to feel their love and energy throughout the entire day.” From the ceremony to the overall wedding style, she suggests aiming for an overall unique yet aesthetic vibe that both complements and represents you as people, but equally importantly, as a couple. “Combining elements of both the bride and groom will result in a unique, but authentic wedding theme,” says Courtney Lakstins of Willow Lane Creative. “Guests will recognise the little elements of each person or personality within the bigger picture.”“Ideally, you want to give [your wedding] your own personal flair,” says Amanda Turner of Ivy & Bleu. “Something that every guest walks into and thinks ‘Oh! That’s so Eliza and Ben!’”
COMBINE & CONQUER
Style Fusion is a concept that stylists have been using for a while now, but only recently has it been named and clearly defined. In simple terms, it’s the flawless blending of two very different aesthetics: be it boho luxe, modern vintage, industrial romance or country glam.
SHARE YOUR STORY
When it comes to sharing your story, take inspiration from your history, home, favourite places, colours and so much more. Perhaps you fell in love on an overseas holiday, shared a special meal on your first date, or heard a particular style of music the night you got engaged.
BIN THE COOKIE CUTTER
We love a good pinboard spree for inspiration, but don’t fall into the trap of creating a Pinterest wedding with no ties to you and your partner.
RAISE YOUR GLASS
“Consider coloured glassware or vases, or look for glasses or vessels with a unique shape or texture to add a subtle touch of style fusion to your wedding table and centrepieces,” suggests Amelia Howe of Honey Lane. The combination of multiple tones and textures creates a sensual, multi-layered experience.
MIX & MATCH
“Many couples are starting to realise that their personal styles are quite eclectic and diverse,” says Marisa Welcome of A Lavish Affair. “If your fiancé’s style is different to yours, or you like different styles, then a blend of styles or a design with a twist of something different can be the perfect way to express your story and your style.”
GET CREATIVE
If you’re struggling for common ground, it may be time to think outside the box. Try looking at your ideas from a different angle: are there similar textures, fabrics, colours or eras that can form a good common ground?
CULTURE CRUSH
Cultural weddings that blend tradition and style can be incredibly striking and meaningful. You could have two different cultural ceremonies to honour both your backgrounds or pick your favourite elements from each and blend them into one big, beautiful creation.
BLEND YOUR BLOOMS
Florals are a great place to start fusing, as they are often a main feature of your styling. Pair bright tones with moodier hues for an edgier take on colour. For the romantics, add dark greenery or white flowers with darker accents (such as anemones) to add depth and masculinity.
BRIGHT SPARK
A subtle way to imbue your wedding with an alternative style is to consider your choice of candles.
MAKE A STATEMENT
If you’re keen to go big with your style fusion statement, consider booking a venue that your guests will have expectations of, but then take them in an unexpected direction. “Imagine stepping into an industrial warehouse that has been turned into a sophisticated, romantic setting with large floral installations and elegant crystal chandeliers,” says Amelia Howe of Honey Lane.
SHOCK & AWE
One of they keys to a truly memorable and individual wedding is finding the wow factor that will set it apart. Remember the wedding scene in Love Actually where there is an orchestra hidden among the guests in the church? This is a great example of a surprise reveal done well. Your wow factor is the element that embraces the unexpected, celebrates the unique and lives on in the stories of your guests.
USE YOUR SENSES
Playing with smell, sight, sound, touch and taste throughout your wedding is a subtle way to intrigue and delight your guests.
DESTINATION SENSATION
Take your guests on a journey with you: let them experience your Tuscan romance, Parisian engagement or Hunter Valley love affair first-hand. By pairing a carefully chosen location with regional food and drinks, local flowers, décor and music, you’re giving them an experience that they will never forget.
GET INTERACTIVE
Having an interactive feature of the wedding makes guests feel included in the day and helps them get it know each other.
- Weave in some fun interactive games throughout the reception so that guests can meet new people and have a laugh with old friends. Perhaps your MC could get everyone to switch tables midway through the reception or find someone they’ve never met before and exchange stories of how they met the happy couple.
SHOW YOU CARE
Add in some extra touches that help guests to relax and enjoy themselves.
- Surprise parents by hiring a babysitter for the duration of the reception. You can even put together kiddie packs with their own meals, colouring books and games for them to stay occupied.
- Organise a fun mode of transport for getting guests between the ceremony and reception or home after the night has finished. Maybe a boat (if you’re close to water) or some horses to ride (if you’re in the country).
While you and your beloved may not necessarily share the same hobbies, favourite things or even have common interests, you still complement each other perfectly and bring out the best in one another. “How fitting then,” notes Tate, “that the styling of your wedding reflects you both individually and as a couple.” It’s the perfect beginning for a marriage that does the same.
Images 1-7: Planner and Design: Simply by Tamara Nicole, Photography: The W Portraiture (full credits, see here)
Images 8-16: Planning/Styling: Simply by Tamara Nicole, Photographer: Blue Rose Photography (full credits, see here)
Images 17-21: Stylist and Props Hire: Crab Apple Vintage, Photographer: Keegan Cronin (full credits, see here)
Image 22: Photography: Lost in Love Photography (full credits, see here)