How to Achieve a Rustic Look for Your Wedding

Here at Sparkle Event Styling, we absolutely adore creating rustic wedding styles that celebrate natural beauty and timeless charm. A rustic look is all about embracing the organic features of your venue and complementing them with thoughtful styling. Let us guide you through how to achieve this gorgeous aesthetic for your big day.

Embrace the Venue’s Features

The key to a rustic wedding is to work with the natural character of your venue. Exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and flagstone floors provide the perfect backdrop. These architectural details exude warmth and charm, so let them shine. We recommend keeping additional decor understated to enhance, rather than overshadow, the venue’s unique features.

Nature-Inspired Colour Schemes

A rustic wedding should feel effortlessly connected to the seasons. For autumn weddings, think earthy tones: warm terracotta, burnt orange, and soft browns. In winter, deep reds and lush greens create a cosy, festive atmosphere. Spring brings fresh, delicate vibes with sage greens, soft whites, and pastel pinks, while summer allows foliage to take centre stage, paired with neutral or golden accents. These palettes will harmonise beautifully with your rustic styling.

Wooden Details for That Authentic Touch

Wood is an absolute must for a rustic wedding. Rustic trestle tables are a wonderful choice, especially when left uncovered to showcase their natural texture. Add a simple table runner in your chosen colour scheme to tie everything together. For table centres, we love using wooden slices topped with seasonal foliage, candles, or flowers. Wooden signage is another perfect way to keep the look cohesive, whether it’s a welcome sign or a seating plan.

Candlelight for a Magical Atmosphere

No rustic wedding is complete without a touch of candlelight. If your venue permits, real candles in various sizes will create a romantic and intimate glow. For venues with restrictions, LED candles are a fantastic alternative that still delivers that warm, flickering effect. Place them in glass holders or lanterns to add layers and depth to your styling.

Foliage: The Rustic Bride’s Best Friend

Rustic weddings and foliage go hand in hand. Think eucalyptus garlands running down the length of your tables, sprigs of greenery tucked into napkins, or dramatic foliage installations hanging from beams. Foliage is versatile, cost-effective, and works wonderfully across all seasons.

At Sparkle Event Styling, we’re here to bring your vision to life and make your rustic wedding everything you’ve dreamed of. With the perfect combination of natural elements and thoughtful details, we’ll create a day you and your guests will never forget. Ready to chat about your ideas? Get in touch with us today!

Real Wedding: Hannah & Scott’s Autumnal Celebration at Shottle Hall

Hannah and Scott’s autumnal wedding at the stunning Shottle Hallwas a celebration of love, laughter, and impeccable wedding styling. From the intimate ceremony in the Coach House to the elegant reception in the Orangery, every detail was thoughtfully designed to reflect the couple’s vision for their big day.

Despite the typically soggy British weather, the day was nothing short of magical. As Hannah beautifully put it, “It truly was the most amazing day of our lives… surrounded by everyone we love, it just simply was the best day of our lives.”

Styling the Perfect Day

The styling for Hannah and Scott’s wedding was a harmonious blend of styled hire and personal touches that made the day uniquely theirs. At Sparkle Event Styling, we worked closely with the couple to bring their vision to life, ensuring that every element of the décor complemented the timeless beauty of Shottle Hall’s setting.

Autumnal tones were woven into the styling, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere despite the drizzle outside. From the cosy elegance of the Coach House ceremony to the Orangery’s sophisticated charm, the decor transformed the spaces into something truly unforgettable. As Hannah shared, “Everything about our styling was just stunning. Yasmin was just the most perfect person who made my visions a reality.”

The trust the couple placed in us was heartwarming. “You know you can trust your stylist when you give them free reign on the decor because you know it will look absolutely perfect no matter what she does,” said Hannah.

Highlights of the Day

For Hannah, her standout moments included “being completely pampered in the morning” and catching Scott’s emotional reaction as she walked down the aisle. The dress, of course, was another highlight – a timeless statement that added to the day’s magic.

For Scott, the first dance held a special place in his heart, a beautiful moment of connection amidst the whirlwind of the day.

Advice for Future Couples

Hannah and Scott offered simple but valuable advice for couples planning their Derbyshire wedding: “Relax and don’t sweat the small stuff,” said Scott. “Enjoy every minute of the planning and remember to take time out to spend with each other. The day is about you two after all!” added Hannah.

A Day to Remember

Hannah and Scott’s wedding was a testament to the beauty of combining thoughtful wedding decor with personal touches and heartfelt moments. Rain or shine, the love they shared – and the styling that brought their vision to life – made it a day they’ll cherish forever.

For your own beautifully styled Derbyshire wedding, trust Sparkle Event Styling to make your dreams a reality.

A Fairytale Wedding at Stretton Manor Barn

At Sparkle Event Styling, we love nothing more than helping couples bring their dream wedding to life. Dan and Alex’s special day at the beautiful Stretton Manor Barn on Saturday, 23rd September 2023, was truly a joy to style. We’re thrilled to share a little insight into their stunning celebration and how our styled hire service helped create their elegant fairytale.

Trusting Us with Their Vision

When Alex approached us with her ideas for the venue, we knew this would be a wedding to remember. As Alex said, “I trusted Yasmin with all my ideas on what I wanted for the venue, and I couldn’t have been any happier with what she did! It was like a fairytale, so elegant and beautiful!” Hearing words like these makes everything we do so worthwhile. We worked closely with Alex to ensure every detail complemented the rustic charm of Stretton Manor Barn while adding just the right touch of sophistication.

Styling That Felt Just Right

One of the most rewarding parts of styling this Derbyshire wedding was striking the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance. The styling featured crisp white draping and soft mauve table runners, all complemented with luxurious faux florals throughout the venue. A wooden arch served as the backdrop to both their sweetheart table and the exchange of vows, creating a focal point that was both romantic and timeless.

The overall styling was intentionally simple and rustic to bring out the stunning features of Stretton Manor Barn – from its exposed beams to its beautiful brick walls. Alex shared, “How it wasn’t over the top but yet looked just so right, just the amount needed to complement the venue!” This is what we aim for in every wedding – styling that enhances the venue’s beauty without overshadowing it.

From our carefully curated decor pieces to those last-minute tweaks, it was all about creating a cohesive look that felt effortless. “Yasmin was so great in her recommendations and knowledge and even making last-minute changes to make it look better. She was just a dream and a real pleasure to work with, so thank you so much!” Alex’s words truly mean the world to us.

A Day to Remember

For Dan and Alex, the day was everything they’d imagined and more. Alex told us her favourite moments included “the morning with my girls, it was so calm and relaxed, really made me ready for my special day ahead.” She also offered some brilliant advice for future brides and grooms: “Do exactly what you want to do, it’s your wedding, not anyone else’s! And what you think you’ll care about, you actually don’t on the day because you are enjoying the best day of your life.”

Making Memories at Stretton Manor Barn

Stretton Manor Barn is a truly magical Derbyshire wedding venue, and we’re so honoured to have been part of Dan and Alex’s journey. Whether you’re planning a barn wedding or something entirely different, our styled hire service is here to make your vision a reality.

To all future couples: let’s create something beautiful together. Because your wedding day deserves to feel as special as Dan and Alex’s did.

Suppliers

Venue - Stretton Manor Barn

Florist - Wild Floral Couture

Photographer - Bligh and Guy Wedding Visuals 

Stylist - Sparkle Event Styling

Amy & Luke’s Elegant Wedding at Norwood Park

There’s something truly special about being a part of a couple’s journey, and Amy and Luke’s wedding at Norwood Park was one of those unforgettable days that we feel so lucky to have been involved in. Amy came to us with a crystal-clear vision—elegant, timeless, and full of thoughtful details. It was a dream to work with her, and getting to know her family over the past year made the experience even more meaningful.

It’s always such an honour when we’re recommended by previous couples, and Amy first found us through her best friend, whose wedding we also styled earlier this year. Knowing that someone loves what we do enough to recommend us is one of the best feelings, and it made this day even more special.

Sophe Hewitt Photograhy

Styling Their Dream Day

Amy’s vision was all about understated sophistication, perfectly in tune with the beautiful, historic backdrop of Norwood Park. She wanted everything to feel timeless, with soft tones and elegant details that would stand the test of time. From the moment we began planning, it was clear she had a great eye for style, and it was a joy to take her ideas and bring them to life.

The day itself was magical. The ceremony space was designed to feel intimate and serene, with beautiful arrangements by Fuelled by Flowers adding a touch of romance. For the wedding breakfast, we created a look that combined classic charm with a modern edge—soft neutral tones, luxurious fabrics, and sparkling touches that made the room feel warm, inviting, and oh-so-elegant.

Walking into the finished space was a big moment for Amy. “It was like stepping into a dream,” she said. “Yasmin truly understood my vision and made it even more beautiful than I could have imagined.”

The Wedding Day

Amy and Luke’s day was full of love, laughter, and the kind of joy that leaves everyone grinning from ear to ear. The ceremony was such a heartfelt moment, and Amy told us how emotional it was walking down the aisle to see Luke waiting for her. “It felt like time stood still,” she said.

The reception was just as wonderful. Guests couldn’t stop complimenting the styling, which always makes us so happy to hear! As the evening unfolded, there was such a sense of celebration—it was clear that every detail had come together perfectly to create a day that truly reflected Amy and Luke as a couple.

Amy’s Thoughts

When we asked Amy what advice she’d give to other couples, her answer was simple but so true: “Stay in the moment and savour every second. Things might not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay—don’t sweat the small stuff. And take a moment together during the day to soak it all in, just the two of you.”

Looking back, Amy said there’s nothing she’d change about their day, although she did wish she’d had a little more time to chat with everyone during the cocktail hour. “The day just goes so quickly,” she told us, which is something we hear so often!

A Big Thank You

It was such a privilege to be part of Amy and Luke’s wedding. Seeing their reaction to the finished setup, knowing how much it meant to them, and hearing the lovely feedback afterwards—this is exactly why we do what we do. Thank you, Amy and Luke, for trusting us to bring your vision to life. We wish you all the happiness in the world as you start this exciting new chapter together.

Suppliers

Venue: Norwood Park

Photography: Sophie Hewitt Photography

Florist: Fuelled by Flowers

Dress & Veil: Eternally Yours

Suits: Marc Darcy Suits

Hair & Makeup: Alla Moda

Styling: Us! Sparkle Event Styling 

Styling a Christmas Wedding: Bring Your Festive Vision to Life

There’s something truly magical about a Christmas wedding. From twinkling fairy lights to seasonal décor, the festive season provides a perfect backdrop for a warm, romantic celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of a full festive wonderland or just a subtle nod to the season, here are our top tips to make your Christmas wedding unforgettable.

Gina Fernandes Photography

Decide on Your Festive Style 

The first step is to decide how much festive flair you’d like to incorporate into your day.

Go All-Out Christmas: For those who love everything about the season, embrace the festive magic with bold touches like Christmas tree centrepieces, bauble place settings, or wreaths adorning the venue. A palette of deep greens, rich reds, and shimmering golds will create a warm and luxurious winter wonderland. Incorporate seasonal florals such as holly, pinecones, and festive foliage for extra charm.

A Subtle Festive Touch: If understated elegance is more your style, weave festive details into your tablescape or décor. Think chic stationery with a seasonal motif, sprigs of rosemary or pine on place settings, and soft nods to Christmas through your colour scheme and florals. We also love to bring the sparkle here - just a shimmering touch to some of your decor can set a wintry scene perfectly. 

Coordinate with Your Venue 

Many venues embrace the festive spirit with their own decorations during the Christmas season, so it’s essential to check in advance what they’ll be styling.

Will there be a Christmas tree, garlands, or fairy lights already in place? By knowing this, we can create a cohesive styling plan to avoid repetition or colour clashes. If the venue has bold decorations, consider complementary tones and textures in your styling to seamlessly tie everything together.

Prepare for Picture-Perfect Portraits 

Your wedding portraits are a lasting memory of your day, so think about how your festive styling will work for the camera.

A cosy corner with a roaring fire, a backdrop of sparkling fairy lights, or a statement Christmas tree decorated to perfection can all provide stunning settings for your pictures. If you still want outdoor shots, we can add seasonal props like fur throws, lanterns, or even a sleigh to bring a touch of festive magic to your portraits.

Let’s Style Your Christmas Wedding Together 

Styling a Christmas wedding is all about blending the season’s magic with your unique vision. Whether you want a dazzling, festive celebration or a subtle nod to Christmas, Sparkle Event Styling is here to help bring your dream to life.

Suppliers

Venue - The Falcon, Uppingham

Photographer - Gina Fernandes Photography

Planning - Daffodil Event Planning

Styling - Sparkle Event Styling

Florist - Pickleberry Flowers

Stationery & Signage - Quirky Fonts

Cake - Alice Bakes Cakes

Dress - Modern Day Bridal

Shoes - Rainbow Club UK

MUA - Zoe Clarke MUA

Hair Stylist - Megan Lee

Model - Julia Gaska

Content Creator - Rutland Blogger

Jewellery - Topset Jewellery

Bows & Napkins - The Embroidered Napkin Company

How to Get the Most Out of Your Wedding Stylist

Planning your wedding is such an exciting time, and as your stylist, we at Sparkle Event Styling are here to make your dream day come to life. With our experience and your vision, we’ll work together to create a stunning and memorable celebration. To ensure you get the most out of our styling services, here are some tips to help the process go smoothly and ensure your day is just as you’ve imagined.

Helen Rose Photography

Share Your Inspiration with Us

To kick things off, we recommend gathering any inspiration ideas or images that capture your vision. Whether it’s a Pinterest board, magazine clippings, or photos from other weddings, these visuals help us understand your style preferences. Are you leaning towards a rustic barn vibe, an enchanting outdoor ceremony, or the elegance of a country house? The more we can see what you love, the better we can align our styling to your dream day. This initial inspiration will guide us in creating a bespoke style plan just for you.

Be Open About Your Budget

Let’s talk budgets! Being upfront about what you’re comfortable spending allows us to tailor your styling plan to fit your financial expectations. We understand that every couple has priorities, so if florals are your must-have, or lighting is a game-changer, we’ll allocate resources accordingly to create maximum impact. Our goal is to deliver a beautifully styled wedding within your budget—so don’t hesitate to discuss what works best for you.

Keep It Real

Pinterest and Instagram can be fantastic sources of inspiration, but it’s important to stay realistic. The beautiful images you see are often heavily filtered or feature high-budget setups that might not match the reality of your venue or budget. We’re here to help translate those dreamy concepts into achievable styling that will look just as magical in person. We’ll guide you on what’s practical, so your expectations align with what’s possible.

Maintain Open Communication

As we move through the planning process, keeping communication open is crucial. Changes like guest numbers, colour schemes, or bridesmaid dresses can all impact the overall styling. If anything changes, please let us know as soon as possible—we’ll adjust the styling plan to ensure everything stays cohesive. This collaborative approach ensures your day reflects your evolving vision.

Ask Lots of Questions

We want you to feel completely calm and confident leading up to your big day, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is your wedding, and we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way. Whether it’s about logistics, styling options, or how certain elements will look on the day, we’re more than happy to answer. The more you understand, the more assured you’ll feel, knowing everything is in good hands.

Trust Us to Bring Your Vision to Life

Lastly, trust us. At Sparkle Event Styling, we’ve styled countless weddings and have the experience to deliver your vision flawlessly. On the day itself, we’ll take care of every detail, so you can focus on enjoying every moment. When you trust in our expertise, we can transform your venue into the beautiful backdrop you’ve been dreaming of.

Working with a wedding stylist should be a fun and collaborative experience. By following these tips, together, we can create a truly unforgettable day for you and your guests.

Why an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Could Be Perfect for You – And What to Keep in Mind

At Sparkle Event Styling, we absolutely adore outdoor wedding ceremonies. There's something magical about saying your vows surrounded by nature, whether it’s under the shade of a grand oak tree, in the glow of a sunset, or with the sound of gentle waves in the background. Outdoor weddings can create a stunning atmosphere, but as with anything, there are a few things to consider when planning your special day. Let's dive into the pros and cons!

The Perks of an Outdoor Wedding

One of the biggest advantages of having your ceremony outdoors is the natural beauty. Whether you choose a garden, a beach, or a scenic field, the backdrop is already set for you – no need to spend hours and a fortune on décor! Nature provides a spectacular canvas that can make your ceremony feel effortlessly romantic.

With an outdoor setting, there’s also a greater sense of space. You won’t have to worry about squeezing everyone into a confined venue; instead, you’ll have the flexibility to create unique seating arrangements and even special lounge areas for your guests to relax in. It’s also a great opportunity to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy the open environment, especially during the warmer months.

Another thing we love is the natural lighting. When the sun is shining, everything looks even more gorgeous, and this is especially wonderful for your wedding photos. That golden glow you get around sunset? It’s every couple’s dream, and photographers adore it.

Things to Keep in Mind

That said, while outdoor weddings have their charms, it’s important to be prepared for the unpredictable British weather. We’ve all been there – one minute it's glorious sunshine, the next there’s a sudden downpour. We always recommend having a backup plan, such as a marquee or indoor space for your ceremony, just in case.

You’ll also need to think about logistics. Depending on your chosen spot, you may need to hire everything from seating to sound systems, and sometimes you might need licenses to hold your ceremony in certain areas. Then there are the little things, like ensuring your guests are comfortable, providing shade or heaters as needed, and dealing with those pesky bugs that love to crash an outdoor event!

Finally, don’t forget that sound can be an issue outdoors. It’s trickier to control when there’s wind or background noise, so it’s worth considering a sound system to ensure everyone can hear those precious vows.

At Sparkle Event Styling, we believe an outdoor wedding can be a truly magical experience, but it does require careful planning. If you’re prepared to tackle the weather and logistics, the benefits of a breathtaking, natural setting will make your day unforgettable. Thinking of an outdoor ceremony? We’d love to help you style it to perfection!

Suppliers

Concept & Planning: Victoria Seithel Events

Photographer: Elizabeth Brown

Videographer: Stacey Mae

Venue: Clumber Park

Stylist: Us! Sparkle Event Styling

Florist: Melissa Kay Floral Design

Dress: Rosaria Amore Bridal

Hair & Make-Up Artist: Derbyshire Bride

Celebrant: Libby Clark Celebrant

Bridal Model: Talulah Weddings

Top Tips for Styling a Tipi Wedding

At Sparkle Event Styling, we love the magic and romance that comes with styling a tipi wedding. With their natural shapes, rustic vibe, and connection to the outdoors, tipis create an inviting, communal space that’s perfect for bringing everyone together. If you're dreaming of a relaxed and intimate wedding with a natural feel, here are our top tips for making the most of your tipi venue.

Embrace Communal Seating with Trestle Tables

Trestle tables are an ideal choice for tipi weddings, creating a relaxed, communal vibe that perfectly suits the casual yet stylish atmosphere. Their long, open layout encourages conversation, making your guests feel like they’re part of one big celebration. To bring the look together, consider dressing the tables with simple, rustic touches like chiffon runners, sprigs of greenery, and neutral-coloured tableware. This setup not only enhances the natural beauty of the tipi but also makes for a cosy, welcoming space.

Lean into Rustic Elements with Natural Textures and Neutral Colours

A tipi’s natural canvas and wooden poles lend themselves beautifully to a rustic theme, so use this to your advantage! Incorporate materials like wooden boards, hessian, and woven fabrics, which bring a raw, earthy charm to the decor. Neutral colours work wonders in a tipi, as they complement the natural tones of the structure. Creams, soft beiges, and shades of green help create a cohesive, organic look. Seasonal flowers add softness and a splash of colour, making the decor feel fresh and perfectly in tune with nature.

Add Warmth and Comfort with Sheepskin Rugs & Blankets

Sheepskin rugs are an effortless way to add a bit of luxury to your tipi decor. Layering rugs on the benches or placing them on the ground can create a cosy, inviting look. These not only look fabulous but add texture and warmth, especially for weddings in cooler seasons. Soft, natural materials like sheepskin complement the rustic styling and make the space feel more intimate, enhancing that warm, communal atmosphere.

Benches or Wooden Chairs? Choose What Works Best for Your Guests

When it comes to seating, both benches and wooden chairs can work well, depending on the vibe you're aiming for. Benches can reinforce the communal, relaxed feeling, but for added comfort, you might want to consider wooden chairs. Cushioned seating can go a long way, especially for longer events. Mixing seating styles can also be a great option, allowing for a flexible setup that suits everyone’s comfort.

Decorate the Tipi Poles with Fairy Lights and Garlands

One of the wonderful features of a tipi is its exposed poles, which you can use as a canvas for added decor. Fairy lights wrapped around the poles add a magical glow as the sun sets, creating a beautiful ambience for your evening celebrations. Greenery garlands or hanging floral arrangements can be draped over the poles to add a touch of romance and natural beauty. This can also tie in beautifully with the greenery on your tables, creating a cohesive look from top to bottom.

Create Your Perfect Tipi Wedding with Sparkle Event Styling

Styling a tipi wedding is all about enhancing the natural beauty of the space while adding elements that make it feel unique to you. Whether you’re looking to go full rustic or mix in modern touches, we can help bring your vision to life. With the right styling, a tipi wedding can be warm, inviting, and full of charm. To learn more about our styling options and how we can help create your dream tipi wedding, get in touch with us.

Let’s make your tipi wedding a day to remember!

Amanda Forman Photography

Credits:

Venues: Barnsdale Gardens and Haybales Farm

Entrance & Bridal Florals: Amanda Steele Flowers

Photographer: Amanda Forman Photography  

Dresses: Willow & Grace Bridal and Phoebe Crosby Design

Stationery: Inviting Writing

Suit: Stringfellow’s Outfitters

Edible biscuit favours: Love Life Eat Cake

Styling: Us! Sparkle Event Styling

Weddings at Stretton Manor Barn

At Sparkle Event Styling, we’ve had the pleasure of styling countless weddings at Stretton Manor Barn, and it’s truly one of our favourite venues in Derbyshire. As a recommended supplier, we know just how special this place is for couples looking for that perfect mix of rustic charm and modern elegance for their big day.

Helen Rose Photography

A Rustic Barn with Endless PotentiaL

Stretton Manor Barn offers a stunning blank canvas that allows you to create the wedding of your dreams. Whether you're after a minimalist style or more opulent styling, this barn gives you the freedom to put your own stamp on the decor. Its rustic, natural features – from exposed wooden beams to stone walls – make the perfect backdrop for any wedding styling. We've styled the venue in many different ways, whether it’s filled with greenery and soft florals or transformed with draped fabrics and candlelight. The possibilities are endless.

Creating a Communal Vibe with Trestle Tables

One of our favourite aspects of the venue is the use of long trestle tables for the wedding breakfast. These tables help create a communal, relaxed atmosphere where guests can mingle and enjoy the day together. This seating arrangement not only suits the modern rustic wedding vibe but also offers a great opportunity to style the tables with charger plates, napkins and whatever you would like to make your dream come to life! It’s all about making your day uniquely yours.

Picture-Perfect Outdoor Ceremonies

Stretton Manor Barn isn't just about the beautiful interiors – it also boasts breathtaking outdoor spaces. If you're dreaming of an outdoor ceremony with a stunning countryside backdrop, this is the place to make it happen. We love working with couples to create a focal point for their ceremony, whether it’s with a floral arch or a striking moongate. Imagine saying your vows under the open sky, surrounded by rolling hills – it's the perfect setting for those all-important wedding photos.

Your Derbyshire Wedding, Styled Your Way

As a venue that seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern elements, Stretton Manor Barn is ideal for couples seeking a Derbyshire wedding with a difference. We love working with this space because it gives us so much flexibility in how we style each wedding. Whether you’re opting for a boho, traditional, or modern rustic wedding, we can help bring your vision to life with carefully chosen wedding decor that reflects your personality and love story.

If you're looking for a stunning venue in Derbyshire that combines rustic beauty with the opportunity to style it exactly how you want, we can't recommend Stretton Manor Barn enough. You can learn more about this incredible venue here, and if you're ready to start planning your wedding styling, head over to our home page to see how we can make your dream wedding a reality.

Let’s make your special day unforgettable at Stretton Manor Barn!

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Credits:

Photographer - Helen Rose Photography

A Brand New Sparkles

Hello and Welcome… to our new blog on our new website !!

We are thrilled to share an exciting milestone in our journey at Sparkle Occasions Events.

Our stunning rebrand that reflects us now …as Sparkle Event Styling.

At Sparkle we have always been dedicated to creating enchanting and memorable wedding experiences through our styling.  Our commitment to each of our couples has fueled our growth, and we felt it was the right time for our brand to mirror the elegance we bring to every event. 

Don’t worry, all the things we’re known for and that our couples love about us won’t be changing. 

• We pride ourselves on our excellent levels of service and this won’t be going anywhere! 

• We will continue to enforce our high level of attention to detail at each and every event we style

• Our couples love our fast responses and we know how important this is!

We also have some more amazing changes that we’re thrilled to share!

• Our team is growing for 2024! Which means we have the capacity to style even more beautiful events every month

• We have added even more fabulous items into our inventory for 2024 and beyond..

And we’ve saved the best until last..

We are so excited to announce the opening of our brand new Sparkles Showroom. 

Based in Leicestershire, we have created a luxurious space full of our fabulous inventory. Our showroom showcases a range of wedding decor styles – from classic and romantic to rustic and glam to contemporary and avant-garde.

We’re so looking forward to you visiting so that you can see your wedding styling in person, touch and feel all of our incredible and vast stock from our beautiful centerpieces, array of backdrops, signage options and our fantastic range of fabrics to name just some items on display. 

Do follow our journey on social media where you’ll find exciting updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and of course beautiful inspiration from our weddings. 

We’ll also be shortly announcing the date for our Grand Opening!
To all of our previous and future couples, our industry friends and colleagues and especially our family and friends thank you so much for your support and being a part of our journey. 

We’re so excited for this next chapter!

Love

Team Sparkle x

Supplier Spotlight - Top Tips and Cake advice from Lisa at The Elegant Rose Studio

In the first of our supplier spotlight series, we spoke to Lisa to pick her brain for those top tips couples should consider when choosing their cake. 

Top Tip 1 - Have an idea of guest numbers

Generally I advise you cater for around 80% of your guests. Guests with you all day usually have a three course meal (or equivalent) and evening food with evening guests typically having a smaller meal and drinks, there are also those guests (rare but few) that don’t like cake ( I can hear the gasps now!!) 

There is no point in having a tall 5 tier cake if you are only having 50 guests, although if it’s more height you’d prefer, rather than to serve guests, and you do want a tall show stopper I’d suggest considering dummy tiers. 

Top Tip 2 - Consider a realistic budget. 

Each cake maker is totally different with a different style and pricing. Knowing who you can and can’t work with will save you a lot of time in the early stages.  The majority of cake makers will have a ‘starting from’ price on their website for you to view. 

 Top Tip 3 - Think about the design

Think about your colour scheme, any floral elements you may want to include, your dress and any design elements from your day i.e. invitations, styling and florals. These elements can all be incorporated in with your cake, for example a lace element that is similar to your dress or a blush pink that works with your flowers. It is great to have some examples of design you like when you have your consultation. Your baker will then be able to pull these elements together from the start to design your cake. 

Top Tip 4 - Think about where your cake will be on display and what it will sit on. 

This is a big area of focus and one which I think often gets forgotten about. There is nothing worse than setting up your beautiful wedding cake (that you’ve likely spent quite a bit of money on) and it’s in the corner with a fire exit sign in the background. 

Chat with your venue to see what their suggestions are, have a look at photos from previous weddings at the venue for ideas. Could it go by a sweeping staircase or framed in a window (be weary of this in the summer). Also think about what the cake will sit on, lots of venues do provide a stand but in my experience this is usually an inexpensive looking round plastic stand used multiple times and so is scuffed and scratched.  Speak to your baker to see if they have any stands to hire that will compliment and enhance your cake.

Top Tip 5 - Consider when to cut your cake and how to best serve.

There is no right or wrong answer here. A lot of couples tend to be led by their venue and this usually happens just before the first dance.  You could if you prefer, do a pre-cutting photo session with your photographer with just the two of you, this takes away the pressure of everyone watching. Or you could choose to do a cutting right after your wedding breakfast. 

When it comes to serving the cake, your venue generally deals with this, but I can’t stress enough about speaking with your venue and asking them NOT to cut it all up and serve at once.  Ask them to cut up half at a time and wrap the rest up.  If they need to go back to serve more then great, if not as long as your cake is wrapped up you it will last for a few more days to enjoy.  It can even be cut up and frozen to be enjoyed in the months after the wedding, a lovely little treat to bring back the memories.

A note from Lisa: 

I hope my top tips have helped give you some starting points when thinking about your wedding cake.  My style is a ‘less is more’ approach focusing on elements such as sugar flowers and enhancing the elegance of your wedding cake.  

More of my work can be viewed on my website www.theelegantrosecakestudio.co.uk and if you’d like any further advice or have any questions please let me know!

All images are of Lisa’s stunning work.

The Wedding Industry Awards - 2024

A few weeks ago we were thrilled to have attended the 2024 Wedding Industry awards (especially since last year we were full of flu so sadly couldn’t make it on the night!). The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA) are an annual awards sectioned into the regions of the UK , it’s regarded by many as the most prestigious awards within the industry. 

This award is especially important for us because it focus’ on all aspects of your business but most importantly includes reviews and scores from our 2023/24 couples. 91% of our eligible couples submitted their vote for us! The support from our brides and grooms really does mean so much and we’re so thrilled that so so many of you took the time and voted for us! So thank you so so much! 

Even though we didn’t make it to the national final we had a fabulous evening and we are so grateful that for the second year running we’ve been lucky enough to become regional finalists in the styling category for the East Midlands. It was such a fun evening and a bit of a date night as it was also my birthday! We even got to enjoy and spend time with some of our industry friends! 

Huge congratulations to all the winners, but especially to our friends Stretton Manor Barn, BGS Wedding Photos and Flower Fairy who are all amazing supplier’s and well deserving of their awards!

I’m so so proud of us and the whole team with what we have achieved this year.. watch out for some major announcements coming soon with what we have planned for 2024!