Ginger Ray Archives

With extracts and images from a publication by wedding decor specialist Ginger Ray

Based on internet searches, elopements are still really popular with UK couples. I’m thrilled that this ‘trend’ continues: it’s a gorgeous and creative way to begin your marriage with a big adventure!

According to a survey by Ginger Ray:

A third of British couples (32%) highlighted financial reasons for eloping
77% of those planning to elope are opting to tie the knot within the UK, not abroad
Wales ranked as the top choice for a UK elopement

To find out what has motivated this trend, wedding decoration experts at Ginger Ray have conducted a survey of those engaged and in the midst of planning an elopement to see what their special day will look like.

Why are elopements becoming more popular?

More than a third (32%) of respondents said they were opting for an intimate celebration for financial reasons.

Equally (almost!), 31% of couples said they wanted to incorporate adventure and exploration into their I dos! There’s a growing interest in unconventional travel among modern couples, and we think that’s a wonderful thing.

30% of those asked said their desire for intimacy and privacy led them to create a wedding experience tailored to their personal connections.

And quite possibly the best of all answers: 28% of respondents were choosing elopements purely to deviate from customary norms and expectations.

Perhaps most surprisingly, 29% of couples are choosing elopements purely for the aesthetics with couples preferring the type of content that you could take during this sort of wedding. Do it for the ‘gram!

The survey looked specifically at generational differences and found:

Gen Z said cost and unique content were most important
Millennials were drawn to adventure and travel
Gen X prioritised non-traditional ceremonies

Traditionally, eloping conjured up images of couples fleeing to exotic destinations to exchange vows in secret.

Ginger Ray’s survey showed 77% of Brits are getting married in the picturesque landscapes of the UK, rather than venturing abroad.

When it comes to locations for UK elopments, Wales emerged as the top choice, followed closely by the bustling capital of London and then the picturesque landscapes of Scotland.

Northern Ireland and the serene beauty of the Lake District and Cornwall were also really popular destinations.

As for venue preferences, hotels (28%) emerged as the frontrunner, possibly owing to the convenience of hosting both the ceremony and reception under one roof. Town halls closely followed with 27% of couples considering this option, followed in third by the beach, favoured by more outdoorsy and optimistic pairs.

Top five venues for elopements

Hotel 28%
Town hall 27%
Beach 26%
Garden 24%
Registry office 23%

Ginger Ray have created their very own elopement packages with everything they think couples might need to decorate their elopement venue. With rustic and classic styles, there is a theme for every intimate wedding.

Shop Ginger Ray’s elopement decoration packages here: https://www.gingerray.co.uk/inspiration/elope-in-style

elopement

Couples are rewriting the script on what it means to say “I do”

By Claire Gould, 2 yearsJune 8, 2024 ago

Beautifully boho wedding styling brought together by a dream team of Yorkshire wedding suppliers! We’re in love with all the macrame and huge grasses, the neon angel wings, hat and boots combo… and the images by English Wedding member Kristie from Daze Photography are ever so dreamily beautiful!

Previously featured: Belle Bridal Magazine. This is Bohemian fused with luxury for a unique styled shoot with luxurious detailing and beautiful boho vibes set to a stunning backdrop of amazing florals and handmade macrame.

The whole shoot was inspired when I spotted ‘Naira’ the beautiful macrame creation by Kim of Indi Rose Macrame.

It blew me away and stopped me in my tracks when I was scrolling on instagram. The idea for the shoot was born and after securing Priory Cottages near Wetherby as the venue everything else slotted nicely into place.

‘Naira’ was styled perfectly inside the hoop provided by Something New and surrounded by stunning pampas grass, palms, twigs and candles created by the talented Hyde Park Flower Club by Dotties.

Bridal boutique – Limelight Occasions had two beautiful bohemian style dresses – an off the shoulder dress by Rachel Rose Bridal and a lace, bell sleeved dress by Herve Paris Bridal. They also had a grey tweed Cavani suit complete with paisley tie and handkerchief that worked perfectly with the theme. Hayley the owner also suggested some stunning hair pieces by Arianna Tiaras to go with the dress.

I loved Gray Starling Designs’ stationery, her handmade paper and gold leaf edge along with the floral designs she creates were a must have. She kindly suggested the design for seating plan that worked great with the macrame curtain and designed the beautiful invitations, menus and place settings. My idea was to have the macrame keyring which doubled as a place setting and favour. I also asked Indi Rose Macrame if she could create the beautiful moon and star to hang on the back of the bride & groom’s chairs. Kim really went above and beyond and manage to create so many beautiful pieces at such short notice.

I wanted to have Nabila Burija Weddings onboard as assistant photographer as we work so well together. We both do a mix of photography and film and have worked together on many weddings and styled shoots over the years. She’s an amazing photographer and also does fashion photography so she instantly knew which model would be great for this shoot. Autumn Rose Palmer who is also a talented MUA @muaautumnrose had the look we wanted and luckily her boyfriend Tom was happy to help out as the ‘groom’ for the day.

The awesome cake was provided by Sugar Crush Bakes. Georgie’s cakes are so creative, vibrant and interesting, I was thrilled when she was happy to be involved! The finished cake not only looked sensational but tasted amazing too!

I had a desire to have a fun element to the shoot so the angel wings provided by Viva La Booth were perfect for some fun shots! Their neon wings are the ultimate talking point for selfies or photo booth backdrop.

The day itself was brilliant, everything came together perfectly and we made a great team. I gasped when I first saw the bouquet, it looked incredible! Dottie provided 2 for the different looks we created. The dried flower bouquet with pampas grass and the large colourful bouquet really blew me away! She’s so creative and really went beyond my expectations. I was also impressed to hear that she doesn’t use floral foam as it’s bad for the environment and uses mainly local flower growers. I totally trusted her judgment during the planning and she didn’t disappoint.

The dresses from Limelight Occasions were stunning, Autumn looked beautiful in them. To say it was Tom’s debut as a model you wouldn’t know and he looked very dapper in the grey tweed! Amy from Something New was a great help on the day and provided everything needed to dress the tables. The added bonus at the end of the shoot was sharing the beautiful flowers and delicious cake between the suppliers and the feedback was that a good day was had by all!