At.mos.phere the character, feeling, or mood of a place or situation

Feelings and emotions are at the heart of every wedding; the nervous anticipation before the ceremony, the silent tear at a heartfelt speech, the pure joy of having everyone you love brought together in one place, the high experienced on a vibrant dancefloor….

Those feelings and emotions are so closely intertwined with atmosphere, for they’re part of what makes an atmosphere, and equally, the atmosphere heightens our feelings and emotions.

When I hold initial consultations with couples, there are two consistent priorities:

1) Ensuring you and your guests have a truly great time

2) Making your wedding a memorable event for everyone

The number one thing that is going to ensure we satisfy those requirements, is creating the very best atmosphere, one that leaves a lasting impression…but how?

Music and entertainment

First and foremost; the obvious. Making the right choices with music and entertainment will really elevate your wedding. As a luxury wedding planner, I regularly experience how live musicians throughout the course of the day can really make a difference to the vibe in the room…perhaps something soft and romantic, such as strings, a pianist or acoustic guitarist for the ceremony, followed by a slight increase of tempo for your cocktail reception, maybe a saxophonist, electric strings, or vocalist, then some relaxed background music during dinner with a surprise performance of some sort between courses or as guests enter the room, followed by a band or great DJ to ensure your dancefloor is full for the party.

This can be a large allocation of your budget, but it’s absolutely not something you will regret.

Communication and a seamless flow

I am a firm believer in the importance of communication with your guests before the wedding, as well as considering smaller logistics to create a seamless flow of the day when it comes. Let me give you some examples…

If guests are going to arrive and not eat for a while, make sure they’re are aware of any relevant timings so they can eat accordingly before arriving (there is nothing worse than people desperately chasing down the canapé tray)…organising efficient transport so people can arrive and depart with ease, this means they don’t have to worry about taxis, parking or being late…having somewhere clearly signed for gifts and cards so guests aren’t left holding them wondering where to leave them. I could go on…

These are all small details in the scheme of things but they are significant because they allow for your guests to just be present in the moment, focused only on enjoying themselves and not sweating the smaller stuff!

Creating WOW factor moments

When designing your wedding, consider at least one wow factor moment. That could be as simple as an impressive venue facade on arrival, or perhaps a statement flower installation for your ceremony or the reveal of a hidden party space or an unexpected entertainer surprising your loved ones.

Something which leaves your guests in awe will likely leave a lasting, memorable impact.

Openness and vulnerability

I often hear from brides and grooms to be that they’re nervous about sobbing down the aisle, choking on their words when doing their speech, or even bridesmaids asking if they should smile when they enter the ceremony.

My answer is always to let the emotions show. Your wedding day is not the day to hold back. Every single person in that room is on your side, your biggest cheerleader. If you want to openly express how you feel to your most loved person, then absolutely do that!

Emotions are raw, and they’re real. When they’re expressed in front of people who love you, both individually and as a couple, they are going to feel those emotions too and that sticks with people.

(And yes…that is my husband and I sobbing out little hearts out at our wedding)

Understanding where to allocate budget

It’s important to know where and how to best allocate your budget. For example, it would be a mistake to put everything into flowers and the more obvious aesthetic elements, but not then adequately allocate to the likes of production.

Production costs can be significant, but if you wish to host a luxury wedding with an electric atmosphere, then this is an area that should not be neglected. Ambient lighting, staging to set the tone, the right amount of haze, draping to add texture and warmth…the list goes on. Some of these can feel like practicalities and not as exciting as beautiful tables, but getting this aspect right is fundamental to creating the right atmosphere, particularly when it comes to your party!

In Summary

At Weddings by Emily Charlotte, the experience that you and your guests will have across the duration of your wedding celebrations is at the forefront of everything we do. I absolutely love when a wedding looks beautiful; I am all about the design and styling, but more than that, I am passionate about how you and your loved ones feel during your wedding, because that is going to be what sticks with you forever.