From the Professionals...How to transform your venue

Each month we delve deeper into subjects to find out more and bring you some useful snippets of advice! This month we wanted to delve deeper into the hidden venues around that could be exactly what you're looking for, it might just take a little imagination and a venue stylist like Steph...

Steph owns and runs a styling business called Venues Covered and is well used to adding glamour, sparkle and a touch of magic to many venues. We asked Steph more about her transforming service...

How much can you do for a couple to help transform a venue?

We can provide as much or as little as each couple require. Some venues have stunning details, so only need some finishing touches to personalise the day, whereas other venues need a more radical transformation - and we're there to help in either circumstance!

How do you and the couple plan the transformation?

Some of our couples go for our pre-prepared 'Transformation Packages' - these were designed to work with the majority of venues to suit a variety of budgets but to give the maximum impact. The majority of our couples go for a bespoke design, so they can decide how much or little they require. We usually start with a consultation where we go through the theme/feel for the day, look at Bridesmaid dress colours and other sources of inspiration. We then work together to find the best products to give the most impact within their budget.

How long does it take you to transform a venue?

Transformation time depends on the items required. Chair covers could vary by a couple of hours, depending on the type of sash needed. Whereas for full room drapery can take many many hours, usually through the night! Most drapery bookings take approx. 18 hours for both set-up and takedown at the end of the night...some can take longer though!

What types of venue do you dress?

We love working at so many different venues, and around Wiltshire we're lucky to have quite a wide variety. I really like blank canvas venues - rooms you can instantly inject your theme and personality into for your wedding day. This could be anything from a conference hotel venue, village hall or marquee.

What other services do you do?

As well as our decoration service with our products, we also provide a styling service where we can work alongside other suppliers and use your own items to finish off your day.

Do you work with / recommend other suppliers?

We work a lot with so many suppliers, and it's fantastic! We usually work with florists very closely (3 Whitewed florists in particular!), but we also get to work with some awesome coordinators, planners and master of ceremonies / DJs / Photographers and Videographers on a regular basis...unfortunately we seem to miss other suppliers because of the unsociable hours we tend to work!

What do you love about your job?

I love taking a room and completely changing it...starting at point A and ending up at B is incredibly satisfying, knowing that we're bringing our Brides and Grooms visions to life! We've had so many reviews and comments about rooms looking amazing and 'better than they've ever imagined', and that makes the long hours and hard work so very worth it!

We love Steph's styling service! With village halls often starting at less than £20 per hour to hire, it could be a very cost effective way to style your reception exactly how you want it. Walls, ceilings, wooden tables and chairs can all be covered to your own specifications and colour schemes.

For more information abut Steph check out her page Venues Covered.

Happy planning,

Love team Whitewed x