Wedding

How to stay chilled when planning your wedding

October 9, 2020

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5 min read

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Your wedding day is the most romantic moment of your life. So, you want it to be perfect. Which means you plan it very carefully. But, ironically, the more you plan, the more you try to micromanage every little detail, the more stressful it becomes. Because there will always be little challenges – like the venue you want is booked on all of the dates you’d like, your future mother-in-law can’t stop giving you advice and your maid of honour gets pregnant eight months before the big day. Then, to cap it all, Covid comes along.

This isn’t the first post we’ve written on how to manage your mental and emotional wellbeing during the wedding planning process – but we thought it was timely. Plus we have some fresh tips that we haven’t shared with you before.

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Accept that it’s normal to feel stressed

Planning a wedding is a big undertaking. So if you find yourself getting stressed out that’s normal. The fact you are so wound up, losing sleep and getting ratty with people doesn’t mean you are a total bridezilla, that it’s better to delay the whole thing or that you have serious mental health issues!

However, many brides and grooms try to hide the anxiety they’re experiencing. They might even feel ashamed that they’re struggling during a period that should be the “happiest time of their life”.

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Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash

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The best approach is to realise “it’s not you” but the situation – stop blaming yourself! Then make looking after yourself more of a priority – right now it’s probably way down the list, below worrying about the budget and making sure everyone else is happy (an impossible task, by the way!). If you follow this tip, and the ones that follow, you’ll be able to enjoy the process of wedding planning and put the focus back on you, your relationship and your upcoming marriage.

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Use you support network

There’s a lot of truth in the old adage “a problem shared is a problem halved”. So share the stuff that’s bothering you. Who with? It might be with your partner, a member of your family or with your closest girlfriends – you decide who is best placed to give you the love, support and advice you need. Even if they don’t come up with a solution to your problem just talking it out will be a big help.

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You might just want to meet up with one person over a cuppa or go out with your mates for a good old chin wag over a bottle of wine – the main thing is to get some human contact. This is especially important right now when you are probably seeing fewer people than usual because everyone is working from home and meeting socially in a bar or restaurant is rather difficult. In between face to face meetings make sure you chat on zoom or snapchat – it all helps!

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Go on a digital detox

Chat with your friends digitally but perhaps limit your use of social media in other ways. A number have studies have linked excessive social media use with depression, anxiety, sleep problems and body image and body confidence issues. Whether it’s creating a dream wedding way beyond your means on Pinterest or feeling inadequate when you look at the images of professional models and influencers on Instagram, social media can be a great source of dissatisfaction and anxiety.

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Following the news too closely, even at the best of times, can be a pretty negative experience – and these are not the best of times! So tear yourself away from the screen, give your thumbs a rest , and take some us time…just the two of you, enjoying a special meal, taking time out to talk or watching an episode of a favourite show.

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Rediscover the things that make you happy

If you’ve been spending every evening with your Excel spreadsheets and lunch has been taken al desko while you chase up suppliers or check out the latest trends in wedding cakes/dress fashions/buddymoons then you need to call a “time out”.

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No matter how busy you are it’s essential to clear some space in your schedule to do things that help you relax, nourish your spirit and bring you joy. It could be going for a walk, putting your feet up with a novel, soaking in a hot bath or baking chocolate chip cookies. Just make sure you get that important ‘me time’ every day – a break from everything else going on in your life when you focus on no one else’s needs but your own.

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Make a “done” list

We’ve all got a “to-do” list. So why not a “done” one? “to-do” lists are obviously useful but they can make you feel overwhelmed and anxious. So why not spend a little time every evening, or at the end of the week, making a list of all the things you’ve recently accomplished – it’s a great way to remind yourself of what you’ve achieved and to build up your self-esteem. Makes sense, doesn’t it? So do it!

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Get some exercise

Numerous studies show that physical exercise helps lower stress levels. In the current situation you may be rather less active than you realise. Maybe your daily commute is now between your bedroom and the kitchen – when you worked in an office there was probably a lot more walking involved. And with lockdown you might have let your gym membership lapse and given up the yoga classes.

The general recommendation from healthcare professionals is to take 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, and swimming, yoga or gentle walking are great places to start. The evidence suggests this type of activity can reduce your risk of depression by 30%, improve sleep quality, increase self-confidence and help you manage stress and anxiety better.

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If possible try and combine that exercise with some fresh air – just getting out and experiencing a change of scenery certainly has a calming effect.

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Eat healthy

How do most of us respond to stress? By comfort eating and drinking! However, reaching for the nearest chocolate bar, pack of biscuits or glass of wine is not the answer. It actually just makes you feel worse, physically and mentally – once the sugar rush or the alcohol buzz has passed we probably feel worse than before (and beat ourselves up as part of the deal!). Plus putting on weight doesn’t help our state of mind (or dress size).

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On the other hand a crash diet to reach your ideal wedding weight is not too smart either. Severely restricting your calorie intake makes you feel lethargic and irritable – certainly not helpful for your mental health!

Much better to eat a healthy balanced diet of freshly prepared meals with plenty of vegetables. Cutting down on your alcohol intake will also help you sleep better, as will switching to caffeine-free beverages like herbal or rooibos tea.

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Minimize your commitments

Taking on too much is a sure way to increase your stress levels so learn to say “no” more. Your time and energy are precious and it isn’t selfish to set boundaries. You don’t have to go to every party and volunteer for every project – but you do have to look after yourself.

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Learn to delegate

Share your wedding planning workload with trusted bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents and friends. There’s all sorts of time consuming tasks they could help with while you focus on the stuff you must do for yourself – like dress fittings, working out seating plans and going for tastings (essential!).

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Lean on us

We understand what you are going through and we’ve helped countless couples with the ups and downs. We’re here to give you emotional support but you’ll also find that our experience and practical knowledge enables us to provide answers to many of the questions that are getting you down.

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More Wedding Inspiration

A Magical Christmas at Hogwarts Wedding at Clevedon Hall

August 20, 2025

2 read

A Magical Christmas at Hogwarts Wedding at Clevedon Hall

When it comes to wedding themes, few can rival the charm and enchantment of Harry Potter. For this Swiss couple, the dream was clear from the very beginning: a Christmas at Hogwarts wedding. After months of searching through more than 40 venues, they found the perfect place to bring that vision to life, Clevedon Hall.

Why Clevedon Hall?

Choosing the right venue was a journey in itself. After narrowing down dozens of options, Clevedon Hall stood out for its warm, stately interiors and magical, almost Hogwarts-like atmosphere.

“We loved the idea of having the place exclusively to ourselves and we loved the Harry Potter vibe. Lauren’s professionalism and excitement to help us plan made us fall in love with Clevedon Hall even more.”

The sweeping architecture, grand library, and Christmas décor made it feel like stepping straight into the Great Hall, perfect for their dream of a festive wizarding celebration.

The Special Moments

Every wedding day has its highlights, but for this couple, the day was filled with magic from start to finish.

A perfectly smooth day: With flawless organization, there wasn’t a moment of stress. Everything happened exactly when and where it was supposed to.
The bridal suite send-off: Katie’s thoughtful presence guiding the bridal party to the ceremony added a touch of calm before the big moment.
Champagne tower dreams: A dazzling highlight that added sparkle to the celebration.
The Hogwarts-style library: Seeing the room transformed into a Christmas at Hogwarts banquet for the wedding breakfast was absolutely breathtaking.
Fireworks surprise: What was meant as a surprise for guests ended up surprising even the couple with just how spectacular it was.
The aisle moment: The most cherished memory remains that first look, when René turned around on cue and they locked eyes, both instantly moved to tears.

Traditions with a Twist

Instead of following standard wedding traditions, the couple focused on creating a day that felt authentically theirs.

One nod to their Swiss roots? Mulled wine at the reception, a cozy, festive touch that perfectly fit the Christmas-at-Hogwarts theme.

Styling the Day: Christmas at Hogwarts

The styling was an enchanting blend of festive cheer and magical details:

Color palette: Deep reds, greens, touches of white, accented with gold.
Floral design: Emily from Daisy Lane Flowers created arrangements that complemented the Christmas trees and mantelpiece décor.
Magical details: Marauder’s Map, wands, Bertie Bott’s Beans, Chocolate Frogs, and bespoke Harry Potter stationery from Haunters Gathering.
Soundtrack: A carefully curated playlist of Harry Potter scores and Christmas music set the tone all weekend long.
The cake: Donna Louise created an elegant masterpiece in red, green, white, and gold, with subtle wizarding flair.

Walking into the decorated hall truly felt like entering Hogwarts for Christmas dinner.

Outfits That Matched the Magic

The Bride: A princess-worthy gown, big, beautiful, and dreamy.
The Groom: A dark green wool suit that perfectly tied into the wintery, Hogwarts-inspired atmosphere.
Bridesmaids: Rich jewel tones (burgundy, emerald, navy, red) that harmonized with the overall color scheme.
The Guests: No dress code, except for the post-wedding Christmas Sweater Party, a cozy and festive way to close out the celebration!

Words of Wisdom for Future Couples

Their advice is simple yet powerful:

“This is your day. Do what makes you happy.”
Don’t invite guests out of obligation.
Don’t feel pressured by traditions—reinvent everything if you want to.
Keep your dreams close to your inner circle to avoid too many outside opinions.
Don’t stress about money, invest in memories.

Above all, they emphasize: make the day truly yours and enjoy every moment.

A Three-Day Celebration to Remember

Planning from Switzerland could have been daunting, but working with Lauren and Katie at Clevedon Hall made it effortless. Over the three days, the couple and their guests enjoyed six meals, festive playlists, and seamless coordination with all suppliers.

A fun twist of fate? Their photographer, Laura Dean, was actually their fourth choice after others were booked, but it couldn’t have worked out better. Not only did she capture stunning photos, but as a fellow Harry Potter fan, she kept spirits high with film quotes and laughter throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

This Harry Potter–themed Christmas wedding at Clevedon Hall was nothing short of magical. From the first tear-filled glance down the aisle to fireworks under the winter sky, it was a celebration filled with love, laughter, and pure wizarding wonder.

“We will cherish our wedding forever and still look back at these few days with such gratitude. We’ll recommend Clevedon Hall to everyone, it truly felt like Christmas at Hogwarts.”

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Ellie and Titus: Blending English Elegance with Nigerian Heritage

June 27, 2025

Wedding

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Ellie and Titus: Blending English Elegance with Nigerian Heritage

Blending timeless English elegance with vibrant Nigerian heritage, Ellie and Titus’s wedding at Clevedon Hall was a heartfelt fusion of cultures, colour, and personal touches. From a bespoke ceremony honouring loved ones to lively suya tacos and dancing in a Jesus Peiro gown, every detail reflected their story. Styled with whimsical florals, bold fashion, and modern traditions, their day was both deeply meaningful and full of joy.

Why Clevedon Hall?

For Ellie, returning to the West Country to marry felt like coming home. “I grew up in the Chew Valley and went to school in Bristol, so I always imagined getting married in this area,” she explains. “Clevedon Hall was the first venue I visited with my parents—Titus was

delayed in Liverpool with family—and we were immediately struck by how beautiful it was. We also had complete confidence in Lauren and the team from the very beginning.”

Once Titus arrived, the couple explored a few more venues—but none compared. “The house and gardens are stunning. We loved the grandeur of the Great Hall and the light-filled Orangery, perfect for a spring celebration. With multiple indoor options full of character, we knew we’d be in safe hands whatever the weather. The on-site accommodation also made hosting guests much easier, and the team were warm, attentive, and thoroughly professional. When I finally brought Titus back for an open day, he agreed instantly.”

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The Ceremony

The ceremony was a deeply personal highlight. The couple worked with Tara the Celebrant to craft a bespoke experience that reflected their story and honoured both their families’ cultural and religious backgrounds. Held in the majestic Grand Hall and styled by Lara Parnell, the setting was breathtaking.

“Just over a year before the wedding, we sadly lost Titus’s father very unexpectedly. It was important to us that he was still part of the day in a way that felt uplifting,” says Ellie. They reserved a seat for him and included a musical tribute—Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten—a shared memory from a concert they attended with his parents. “It started as a surprise, but ended with everyone on their feet, singing and dancing. It was a magical moment.”

The ceremony also featured moving readings from their mothers, Titus’s godfather, and Ellie’s childhood friend and bridesmaid.

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Celebration & Style

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a wedding breakfast filled with laughter and heartfelt speeches—Ellie’s father’s speech famously ran over by 15 minutes—and an evening of dancing with Boujee Music’s Uptown Showdown, who kept the dance floor full all night. A charming photobooth by Loove_booth added a playful touch.

The styling, created by Lara Parnell, brought their vision to life. “We wanted something romantic, youthful, and celebratory, inspired by spring,” says Ellie. “We loved the idea of a whimsical palette with pinks, blues, and a touch of sunset yellow—a nod to Titus’s Nigerian heritage.”

Statement pedestals framed the aisle, meadow-like florals dressed the staircase, and bud vases and coloured glassware completed the look. Emma’s cake featured fresh florals and a piped Nigerian pattern inspired by the couple’s stationery, designed by Carly. “The whole design process was so thoughtful and creative—it felt very ‘us’,” Ellie shares.

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Cultural Influences & Modern Traditions

Though they didn’t follow traditional customs, the couple celebrated Titus’s Nigerian roots through attire, colour, food, and design. Titus wore a striking blue Agbada, made by a

Nigerian designer, and his brother and mother also wore traditional outfits. “His outfit was meant to fuse Western and Nigerian styles, but ended up being full Agbada—no sleeves! It wasn’t what we planned, but he looked amazing.”

In the evening, a street food station served Nigerian dishes like suya tacos and jollof rice, giving guests a taste of his heritage.

As a modern couple, they tailored traditions to suit their personalities. Ellie walked down the aisle with her father—but met him at the bottom of the stairs. “In the words of Beyoncé, I’m an independent woman,” she laughs. She also gave a speech, and included female ushers—or “brushers”—in the bridal party.

Outfits

Ellie wore a romantic Jesus Peiro gown from Miss Bush Bridal with dramatic sleeves and a full skirt. “It was whimsical, beautifully made, and gave me that cool-girl princess energy. I never planned to wear something so bold, but Emma and the team opened my eyes to what was possible.”

Instead of changing dresses for the evening, she added custom sparkly puff sleeves from Nortier, Miss Bush’s in-house design team. “They were so fun and fabulous—I felt like Glinda the Good Witch on the dancefloor.”

Advice for Future Couples

“Make it yours,” Ellie says. “Personal touches make the day feel special and unforgettable. We had animal-shaped favours that guests could assemble, as a nod to our first date at London Zoo and our proposal at the Natural History Museum on New Year’s Eve. Our children’s menu was titled Little Aussies in honour of our young cousins visiting from Australia.”

The couple also emphasised the importance of choosing the right team. “Your venue and suppliers shape your entire experience, so work with people you trust and click with. The Clevedon Hall team were incredible—Megan kept us organised, Katie delivered flawlessly on the day, and we’ll be forever grateful.”

Their photographer, Charlie Britz, was also a standout. “She was with us for nearly the entire day and was an absolute dream—so kind, calm, and endlessly talented. We can’t wait to see the full gallery.”

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June 8, 2025

Wedding

2 read

Bridgerton Inspired Wedding Venue: Where Regency-Era Romance Comes to Life

If you've swooned over the lavish gardens, sparkling chandeliers, and sumptuous ballrooms of Bridgerton, you're not alone. The hit series has sparked a global love affair with the Regency-era aesthetic—and what better occasion to bring that elegance to life than your wedding day?

If you've swooned over the lavish gardens, sparkling chandeliers, and sumptuous ballrooms of Bridgerton, you're not alone. The hit series has sparked a global love affair with the Regency-era aesthetic, and what better occasion to bring that elegance to life than your wedding day?

At Clevedon Hall, we invite you to step into a world of timeless romance and refined beauty with our Bridgerton-inspired wedding experience. Whether you're dreaming of dramatic staircases, opulent florals, or a garden soirée worthy of the Queen herself, we offer everything you need to host your very own high-society love story.

A Setting Straight Out of a Period Drama

Our venue offers the perfect backdrop for a Bridgerton-themed affair. Picture this:

Sweeping lawns and manicured gardens ideal for an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour.
Grand reception halls with high ceilings, ornate moldings, and vintage chandeliers.
Elegant bridal suites with antique furnishings, perfect for those getting-ready photos.

Every corner of our property is steeped in timeless charm, just waiting for you to add your personal Regency touch.

Details That Dazzle: Curating the Look

To truly capture the Bridgerton vibe, consider incorporating these elements into your wedding design:

Color Palette: Soft pastels like blush, powder blue, lavender, and ivory, with accents of gold or silver.
Floral Arrangements: Overflowing arrangements with roses, wisteria, peonies, and greenery, ideally in vintage urns or trailing installations.
Bridgerton-Worthy Fashion: Think empire waist gowns, pearl accessories, velvet capes, and tailcoats for the groomsmen.
Music: A string quartet playing modern love songs in classical style? Yes, please.

Need help? Our event team can connect you with experienced planners and designers who specialize in period-themed weddings.

A Reception Fit for Royalty

Dine under candlelight with fine china, crystal stemware, and a multi-course menu inspired by historical feasts, or with your own modern twist. Our chefs and catering partners can craft a bespoke menu that’s both decadent and delicious.

Dance the night away beneath twinkling chandeliers, or host a romantic first dance in our garden under the stars. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, we’ll ensure every detail feels like it’s been lifted from Lady Whistledown’s society pages.

Make Your Bridgerton Dreams a Reality

Your wedding day should be a reflection of your love story, and if that story is equal parts elegance, romance, and drama, a Bridgerton-inspired celebration may be just what the Queen ordered.

Book a tour of Clevedon Hall and discover how we can bring your Regency-era romance to life. After all, true love, and impeccable style, never go out of fashion.

Ready to plan your high-society celebration? Contact us today to schedule a private viewing.

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