Planning a wedding is challenging at the best of times, but it’s even harder if you’re stuck for inspiration. During the first few months of planning it’s all about gathering ideas, trends and styles, so it’s important to feel excited and visually prepared for your big day.
Pinterest can get a bit repetitive and sometimes Bridal magazines won’t have what you’re looking for, but I have always found more than enough inspiration exploring new parts of London. It helps of course taking time away from my computer (and phone)! London is full to bursting with beautiful places; shops, hotels, markets, restaurants, and parks – all of which can help inspire or guide your wedding thoughts and themes.
Here are our top places in London to gather inspiration for your wedding…
Flower Markets
There are countless flower markets in London, but if you want to take things really seriously then get up at the crack of dawn and head to New Covent Garden Market (which is not in Covent Garden btw) where you can grab bargain stems for your wedding at wholesale prices. However, if you fancy a more relaxed stroll, head to Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday instead to see what’s in season and explore what’s on offer. Not only are there countless flower sellers there, you can also browse the gorgeous design shops and cool cafes along the road too.
Beautiful Hotels
Spend an afternoon walking around Mayfair, Soho and Marylebone and you’ll come across a whole host of stunning hotels. My personal favourites are the Artist’s Residence (above), The Charlotte Street Hotel, Claridge’s and The Beaumont. No matter what your taste, you’re bound to find a hotel that you love. Take note of the way things are styled, the food, the floral displays, even the general atmosphere, and tap into that for your wedding. You could also check and see if your favourite hotel hosts wedding fairs or “open days” so you can see how their team would put together a wedding.
Peggy Porschen
If you’re a fan of all things pink, floral and sweet then you’ll love the Peggy Porschen bakery. The top image was shot by Albert Palmer Photography as part of a beautiful pastel hued engagement photoshoot at Peggy Porschen – you can see the full gallery from the shoot here. You may have seen the pink shop frontage countless times on Instagram, but it’s definitely worth a trip over to the bakery just beyond Victoria station to sample a few of their cupcakes and take notes on their floral displays! If you’re planning a feminine theme, you could definitely buy a few of their sweet treats as presents for your bridesmaids or for wedding favours.
Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings
Probably one of the most beautiful and interesting urban developments in London, B&H Buildings has it all. The bar, restaurant and all three event spaces have been decorated a little differently but all have an electric and slightly bohemian vibe. Pop in for a coffee or a spot of lunch and take in all the wonderful plants and interior botanical styling. If you happen to fall in love with the space, make sure to chat with the events team to get the details.
The Conservatory Archives
Following nicely on… If you’re planning a foliage heavy or tropical themed wedding you should definitely head over to The Conservatory Archives in Hackney. This shop is crawling with plants; you’ll spot ferns, cacti, succulents, fruit trees and air plants to name a few. The shop also has mid-century furniture mixed in with the plant life which might inspire some styling ideas too. You could buy mini plants to give away as favours, or use larger ones instead of traditional floral displays.
Papersmiths
If you’re in need of stationery inspiration, and trust me, there’s a lot of stationery (and admin) involved in a wedding, head on over to Papersmiths (in London and Bristol) to browse their awesome collection. They also stock an amazing selection of independent magazines which are full of contemporary styling, food and wedding inspo. The London shop has just opened and it’s a modern pink paradise!
Paper Mill Studios
Situated in Islington, Paper Mill Studios is a collaboration and event space. It’s boasts a collection of different areas including film and photography studios, desk rentals, set kitchens and event rooms. There are lots of different spaces to gather inspiration from, as well as a beautifully styled loft apartment and Victorian home called ‘The Elm House’ to have a nosey around. The kitchen sets alone are full of inspiration, especially if you’re planning an intimate and relaxed wedding or elopement.
Clos Maggiore
With it’s cherry blossom covered ceiling, classic french food and large fireplace Clos Maggiore is an incredibly romantic spot for dinner that will definitely help inspire any traditional wedding or romanticised ideas. (Voted one of the most romantic spots in the world, actually.) I can imagine a lot of the elements in the restaurant working really well in a fairytale-like marquee wedding, especially the floral roof and foliage wrapped poles.
(I am actually going with my husband in January and absolutely cannot wait! We got a voucher for our first wedding anniversary from my sister and brother in law but the first available table was over 6 months wait!)
VV Rouleaux
If you fancy getting a little bit crafty for your wedding there’s no better place to gather inspiration than VV Rouleaux. With mountains of ribbons, feathers, silk flowers and tassels, you’ll leave the shop filled with countless wedding projects in hand! VV Rouleaux is the perfect shop if you’d like to make your own veil, headpiece or wedding favours, and their vast array of ribbons make great decorative touches for bouquets too.
I hope you found my collection of inspiration hotspots useful, and best of luck with your wedding planning!
I also do inspiration sessions if you need any more help!
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