Planning your big day? A few small and inexpensive touches will make sure your wedding day is bang-on-trend and the one everybody remembers. Here are the first of our upcoming tips to make your day the most Instagrammable of 2018 – and your most memorable day ever.

1. The colour purple: from shimmering amethyst to a rich, deep purple Prince would have been proud of, 2018 is all about indigo hues. If you’ve already booked your wedding at Kew, you’re in luck: purple looks simply stunning against brilliant green botanicals, so don’t be a shrinking violet. For bouquets and posies go for vibrant purple freesia, glowing lilac dahlia, blue-tinged muscari or delicately-scented lavender for a pared-down, laid-back look. For striking centrepieces choose exotic orchids, or clusters of tiny verbena.
2. Leaf other weddings in your wake: continuing the botanicals theme, in 2018 there’s a lot of greenery going on. Whilst purple blooms will add a refreshing, organic splash of colour, ask your florist to focus on leaves. This can feature another 2018 trend: multi-sensory experiences. Eucalyptus, for example, carries a warm and sensuous fragrance, whilst larger, glossy foliage invites touch and creates a stunning, natural backdrop.
3. DIY food and drink stations: in 2018 it’s all about DIY. Set up a station with cocktail shakers, muddlers, a selection of bases and mixers – and let guests get creative! You can feature recipe cards for guests who want no less than the perfect cosmopolitan – make them beautiful and guests will be desperate to take them home, too. Don’t forget the non-drinkers – virgin cocktails are hugely popular for anyone who doesn’t have time (who does?) to spend the next day recovering. Do the same with starters – taco shells with different fillings and toppings, and let guests roam free.
4. Colour on dresses: let’s cut to the chase. Can anyone even remember why we get married in various shades of white? I’m casting no assumptions but, while shades of ivory are universally flattering, most of us know our partners fairly well (raise eyebrows) and don’t really need to prove our purity. A pop of colour looks stunning and elegant, or go for dresses in barely-there hints of blush or apricot and keep guests guessing.
5. Jump for your love:  bridal designer Theia brought stunning jumpsuits to the catwalk at New York bridal fashion week.  Flattering, feminine and beautifully-cut, they create the most stunning silhouette. Just make sure you have your bridesmaids on hand to help you when you go to the loo…