If you’re looking for Wedding venues in Leicestershire, you’ll be hard pressed to find a location better than that provided by The City Rooms. Welcoming wedding celebrations of all kinds: civil ceremonies and partnerships both intimate and grand, this venue is equipped with everything you need to have the wedding day of your dreams. Multiple suites, a bar, and ready to cater to Asian traditional receptions, this is a venue for every couple. With so many wedding venues offering their services, it’s all about what sets The City Rooms apart from the others. Personalized service, recommendations for florists, photographers, entertainment and more are just a few things you can expect from this luxurious venue. Whether your tastes are traditional and classic, or modern and contemporary, you’ll find all your expectations are exceeded.

Searching for inspiration? The City Rooms hosts frequent Wedding Fayres, which offer a glimpse at both their reception and ceremony suites, designer bridal collections, showcases from partners, wedding vendors and more. Find out first hand exactly what this venue can offer you, and gain inspiration for your wedding planning.

The best venue for your wedding will always be one with plenty of experience hosting these events. Whether it’s your ceremony, your reception, or both, trust the venue that specializes in weddings. Get all the help you need with planning every detail of your wedding, recommendations from professionals, and utilize the expertise of a venue with a rich history.

Credits: Pictures and Gowns.

Credit: Lantern pew decor, photo from Project Wedding.

It is common tradition that the bridesmaid’s purchase their own dresses. This is another reason why they should be given the freedom to choose one they like. A modern bride will be realistic about the cost of the dress, and allow for some creative input. This way, your girls are more likely to wear their Bridesmaid dresses again after your big day.

If you’re looking for a common thread among your maids to keep a kind of consistency, consider matching shoes, or a matching piece of jewelry for each one. In terms of flowers, often the bridesmaid’s bouquets are the same. This is a modern, and subtle way to match your maids, without creating quintuplets.

Credits: (Clockwise From Top Left) Tree Bark, Tiny Hearts, Fingerprints, Art Nouveau.

All photos courtesy of Cyberoptix.

All photos courtesy of Eden Bridal.

Many people wouldn’t consider the idea of getting married in an H&M dress, but for some people it isn’t all about the dress’ label, and they have some pretty cute styles in their sustainable collection for the modern bride looking for a sweet and simple cocktail look. Maybe a less flashy dress for a civil ceremony?

See all of these and more here, and read about the project, and how it is sustainable here.

Today we’ll cover location and decor!

Cactus centerpieces and Succulent bouquets: Not only is this a great alternative to the traditional, overpriced, fresh cut flowers, they also add a great, rustic touch to your wedding. Imagine how well they fit a Texas, Arizona or Nevada wedding? Ceremony in Mexico? Rustic country theme? (Look how well it works into this real wedding) They also last so long you won’t know what to do with them. You can re-pot them as a special way to remember your big day. Cactus also have some of the most vibrant flowers and colors, which can make amazing centerpieces. Be sure to buy locally, as that is what makes this so “green”. No travel means less of a carbon footprint. Buying online and having it shipped to you is also a little redundant.

Why are floral bouquets not “Green”? Most fresh cut flowers come all the way from South America. They are grown year around with harmful pesticides and other chemicals. Then they have to travel all the way to you, all the while keeping fresh. This leaves a serious carbon footprint. I guess the exception to this would be if you or your friend grew the flowers in your backyard organically.

Act Locally: Destinations are glamorous and tempting for those who have the money to fly themselves and their family to the other side of the world, but if you want a truly green wedding, you should stay put. I won’t lie, an exotic ceremony in the Caribbean sounds great, but what’s more meaningful, a random (but beautiful) local across the world, or the park where you met your fiance in the town where your family and friends live?

Plane tickets, limos, even SUVs are all culprits in large carbon footprints. Instead have the ceremony in your friend’s garden, or in a local park. Have guests carpool, or, with all the money you save on planet tickets, really go all out and rent a hybrid or “Green” car for the transportation.

Next time… the ring, and the dress!

Useful links:
RecycledBride.com – Offers a place to find “gently used” wedding dresses, rings, decor and more.
GreenUnion.co.uk – Stylish and sustainable wedding items.
WeddingChaos.co.uk – How to recycle your wedding items after the big day.

Credits: Outdoor Wedding, Yellow Bouquet, Red Bouquet, Orange Bouquet, Pastel Bouquet, Centerpieces, Album.

I think these are particularly beautiful for winter weddings, with snow white feathers that have a seasonal feel. Its such a fun alternative to traditional flowers, and they are also long lasting. They make several bridesmaid bouquets as well, which are equally beautiful.

The black and white one is so chic. Love it.

You can integrate color with this bouquets as easily as you could with fresh flowers. I think it is a more unique statement that would receive a lot of compliments. Also has a more vintage feel, especially the cream bouquet.