Trends, Tips, & Ideas For Your Next Big Event

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Getting married is the most fun, romantic and exciting thing ever.  But there will be times in the planning stages when it all gets a bit awkward, exhausting and stressy.  However, there are things you can do to reduce the worries and smooth out the wrinkles – follow these top tips and you’ll find it everything goes much more smoothly.

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It’s not just you

The first thing is to recognise that everyone goes up and down an emotional rollercoaster in the months and weeks before they get hitched.  The feelings, good and not so good, are entirely normal.  Don’t beat yourself and feel guilty if there are moments when it all gets too much – chill out, pour yourself a big glass of wine, go for a walk, soak in a hot bath and have a cuddle with the one you love.

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Make it easy for yourself

Pick a venue that has all the facilities you are going to need and an experienced team to take care of everything.  The idea of a marquee in a remote field, a knees-up in the village hall or a bash on a big boat might sound amazing, but it’ll take a lot more thought, organisation and work.  You might be up for this at the very beginning but then find yourself asking “why didn’t we go for the simpler option?!”

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You don’t need money worries  

Set a budget right at the beginning and have a realistic idea of how it’s going to break down – this much for the venue, this much for the dress, this much for the cake, this much on food & wine, this much for flowers.  You don’t want to be having stressful discussions nearer the day and being forced into awkward compromises or finding extra funds at the last minute.  Also, be clear, right from the start, who is paying for what.  And hold a contingency budget to cover the unexpected – 15% should cover it.

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Get yourself organised

Write lists and a timeline so you know what needs doing, by when.  Make a note of important appointments so you don’t miss any - or remember the day before and panic!  If you try and carry all this stuff in your head it’s guaranteed to increase your anxiety levels.

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Delegate as much as possible

If friends and family offer to help, accept - trying to do everything yourself is a sure way to arrive at overload!  Also don’t try to micro-manage suppliers like the team at the venue, the cake person, the florist and the photographer.  Give them a clear brief on what you want then trust them to deliver – they are the experts, they’ve done it many times before and their professional reputation is on the line…so they will be very keen to do a great job.  Obviously keep in touch with them to check they don’t need anything more from you – but don’t overdo it.

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Don’t overdo the DIY

Get friends and family to help, but don’t put too much on them.  If you decide on a DIY approach to things like the flowers, the cake, decorating the venue and hand lettering place names then it certainly adds a more personal touch.  But it means more work for you and your team and could tie you and them up at the last minute with tedious tasks.  Do you really want to spend a few hours putting together hand-crafted wedding favour boxes, baking and icing cupcakes or hiding clues for a kid’s treasure hunt?

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The morning of your big day

Following on from the previous point don’t leave too much to do on the morning of your wedding.  This is a precious opportunity to spend time with your very closest friends and family and many brides afterwards say how much they enjoyed that part of the wedding day.  Try to set up and get as much as possible ready the afternoon before so that there’s ample time on the day to relax and concentrate on getting yourself ready.  Also prepare a schedule of timings for the day, so that everyone knows what to expect when.  Share it with your suppliers at an early stage so that they can advise if they think it needs tweaking.  Give yourself a few gaps so you have a safety margin in case there are any unplanned delays.

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Expect to get emotional

No matter how well organised you are some issue is going to crop up.  Accept that it’s going to happen and you won’t get so bent out of shape.  The weather, for instance, has a way of taking us by surprise – so it’s smart to pick a venue that is adorable both inside and out.  That way you can be flexible if the weather suddenly changes (several times during the day!).  

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If you do lose it…

It’s kind of expected – and you are forgiven.  You might send a stressy email, rant to a friend, sob down the phone to your mum, shout at your other half…but people will understand.  Apologise, and move on.

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Relax – together we can handle it

We’ve got a few other little tips and strategies that’ll prove helpful but we’re running out of space in this post.  Get in touch with our team here at Clevedon Hall to discuss your plans and ideas.  They’ll be only too happy to share their experience – including further ways to iron out potential wedding day worries.

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In a recent post we discussed the many reasons why minimoons are becoming increasingly popular.  If you like this idea it raises another question – where to go.  

Because most minimoons involve no more than a long weekend the temptation is to make it a staycation.  However, there are so many romantic destinations just a short flight from Bristol Airport that it may seem a shame not to venture a little further afield.  In this post we provide some suggestions that are pretty hard to resist.

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Paris

The city is so popular with lovers that in some ways a long weekend in Paris is a bit of a cliché.  But don’t let that put you off – although a classic, immortalised in countless films from Before Sunset to Moulin Rouge, Amélie to Midnight in Paris, The experience never fails to exceed expectations.  

What could be more romantic than strolling hand in hand along the banks of the Seine, enjoying un café and croissant as you watch the world go by in Montmartre, gazing out across the city from the spectacular vantage point of Sacré-Cœur or the top of the Eiffel Tower, taking a river cruise at sunset , whiling an hour away with a picnic at the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens or sharing a candle-lit dinner in one of the city’s chic bistros?

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If art is your thing you’ll be spoilt for choice with The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l'Orangerie and Centre Pompidou just for starters.  A glass of pastis or a jug of chocolat chaud, a flute of kir royale or shot of absinthe, savoured at one of the city’s countless bars and cafés, is also a must.  The range of dining options, from little bakeries to Michelin starred restaurants and quaint delicatessens to hip bistros, will leave you dizzy – and feeling stuffed.  Not forgetting that it’s paradise for shopaholics, with more than its fair share of boutique hotels.

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Barcelona

Barcelona is one of those cites you absolutely must visit, whether you are in love or not – but if you want to get the full-on romantic experience the best time to visit is shortly before or after your wedding.

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On the shore of the Mediterranean this colourful city is bursting with vitality, energy and fun, perfectly expressed by La Rambla, a wide tree-lined boulevard that cuts right through the centre.  There’s no shortage of cafes, bars and restaurants along its 1.2 kilometre length and drinking a jug of Sangria, while you watch the crowds stroll up and down, is delightful – but there are better and less touristy places to eat.  

La Boqueria Food Market, just off La Rambla, is a feast for the eyes and senses, with some great tapas bars around the edge.  On the other side of La Rambla is the Old Town, a confusing labyrinth of tiny streets and narrow alleyways parts of which date back 2000 years to Roman times.  Although many of the buildings are ancient there’s a hip, artsy laid-back vibe – tiny bars, chilled cafés, fascinating independent shops, amazing gothic churches, bustling squares and some brilliant museums.

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Architecture may not be a passion for you but no visit to Barcelona would be complete without visiting one or two of the incredible creations that testify to the unique genius of local architect Antoni Gaudi.   La Pedrera, is one of the most imaginative houses in the history of architecture while the unfinished masterpiece of La Sagrada Familia (construction should be completed in 2030) is completely unlike any other building on the planet.

If all that culture gets too much, don’t worry.  At the end of La Rambla is the seafront and miles of lovely sandy beaches.  

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Rome

Even if you’ve never been to Rome before its main landmarks will give you a distinct feeling of déjà vu – the Colosseum, St Peters, , the Spanish Steps and the Roman Forum will be familiar thanks to countless films set in the Eternal City.  

History buffs and art lovers are in for an absolute treat and it can feel like the stage is set for your very own version of La La Land.  You may not be able to wade barefoot into the Trevi Fountain like Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita but you won’t be short of dramatic backdrops for your own romantic selfies.  

You don’t, however, need to know your emperors from your popes or a Bernini from a Michelangelo to have an absolute ball – this is a city with more of a past than most but it’s also still young at heart and brimming with vitality.  

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When in Rome, do as the Romans do.  So try and avoid the bars and restaurants strategically placed to attract the tourists.  Get off the beaten track and into the back streets in search of the smaller family-run establishments favoured by the locals.  As you’d expect you can get terrific coffee in Rome but there are also some awesome gelateria and pastry shops to be discovered too.  Local dishes are too numerous to mention but expect superb pizza, pasta and tiramisu – they all taste so much better in Rome!  

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Need more inspiration?

The expert team at Clevedon Hall can give you lots of other great minimoon destination ideas if none of these floats your boat.  They’re also more than happy to share their knowledge and experience of any other wedding planning matters that you might want help with.  Just get in touch and ask away!

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Since Roman times some form of wedding cake has been a traditional, and symbolic, part of wedding celebrations.  So, unless you are determined to defy tradition, and are prepared for a lot of opposition from family and friends, you are going to need a cake!  However, as every bride discovers fairly early on in the planning process, even the apparently simple aspects of your big day turn out to be surprisingly complicated – and this is definitely the case with cakes.  In this post we cover the main issues and give you some tips on how to handle them.

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The cake can wait

Cakes come in all kinds of different styles and you need to pick one that is in harmony with your overall theme.  For instance, a rustic semi-naked cake will look out of place if you’re hosting a very formal black-tie and ballgown affair.  

So, don’t start thinking cake until all the decisions about dress style and reception décor have been made – they’ll give you some pretty strong clues about what kind of cake is going to strike just the right note.   You also need to bear in mind the style of the venue, the season, your dress, the flower arrangements and possibly the menu.

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Time for taste-off!

Once you’ve got a shortlist of cake creators it’s time for sampling – it’s a tough job but someone has got to do it!  The cake is a showpiece, so the look is obviously very important but it needs to taste amazing too.  Meet the bakers, talk though some ideas, but be sure to experience a range of different flavours.  Vanilla and chocolate are the traditional favourites but don’t be afraid to try something a little out of the ordinary.  The same goes for fillings – sample as many as you can.  You might find you really like something that’s a bit offbeat but utterly delicious, like guava and mango or hazelnut and mocha!

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Size matters

How big a cake are you going to need?  Two things to consider here – the number of guests and the size of the room.  Generally speaking, three tiers will serve 50 to 100 guests.  For 200 guests or more you'll probably need five tiers.  If the reception is in a grand room with high ceilings there’s a danger the cake won’t look sufficiently impressive.  You might want think about increasing the cake's stature by separating the tiers with columns between the tiers.

Bearing these two factors in mind we go back to our very first tip – don’t order your cake until you have the guest list and venue sorted.

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Expensive tastes

The average spend on a wedding cake is around £300.  Having said that, both M&S and Waitrose provide a number of very yummy and attractive options for somewhat less – it may not be the most romantic option but it means you’ll have more to splurge on other things.  If you have over 100 wedding, and three to four tiers, £400 is more the mark.  The sky, however, is the limit and you can get some amazing creations if you are willing to spend upwards of £500.  The important thing is to fix a budget at the start - and stick to it.

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The more decorative the more costly

Naked and semi-naked wedding cakes involve much less work than fondant and handmade sugar flowers - and that will have a bearing on the cost.  Delicate gum paste or sugar paste flowers, which are constructed by hand, one petal at a time, are obviously expensive.  The same goes for marzipan fruits, metallic finishes, chocolate-moulded flowers and lace points.  

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Presentation is important

Your cake will almost certainly be on display before it's cut and consumed.  Make sure there's a designated cake table that allows the most elegant presentation possible. A round table is perfect for round cakes, but a linear cake design may call for a rectangular table.  Once you have a cake table, have fun dressing it up: Drape it with sumptuous fabrics and decorate it with motifs, colours and flowers to match the cake (your florist can help).  A great cake stand is invaluable for showing it off to best advantage – especially if you have a single tier creation.

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Top it off

Even the plainest cake can be transformed into something much more impressive with a beautiful cake topper.   You are spoilt for choice, with everything from the sophisticated to the kitsch on offer.  You could stick with the traditional figurines or opt for fresh flowers, a monogram of your initials…whatever takes your fancy.  

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Cake?  Now you’re talking!

Who would have thought something as simple as cake could get so complicated?  We’ve covered most of the essentials in this post but if you have more questions just ask the experienced team at Clevedon Hall – we’re always happy to talk cake!

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Everyone knows that a lot of planning goes into a wedding – but just how much can come as a shock when you embark on this exciting journey yourself.  If you are the kind of person who makes endless mental lists, or is constantly jotting random notes on scraps of paper, then this post is provided specially for you.  

It’s a simple step-by-step timeline and plan to prevent any major memory lapses or last minute panics.  We’ve based it on a twelve month schedule but your timescale may be different – having said that, whether you have two years to go or only a few months, we’re sure you’ll find it useful!

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As soon as you get engaged

• Celebrate      with an engagement party
• Share      your thought with your partner about the ideal wedding you have in mind.  They may have completely different ideas      so you need to get this clear right from the start.
• Work      out a budget that you can realistically afford
• Start      writing a guest list so you      have a rough sense of numbers
• Pick      a few possible wedding dates and check with the must-attend guests to avoid      any problems
• Start      researching potential ceremony and wedding reception venues – draw up a      shortlist

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12 months before the big day

·         Visit the shortlisted ceremony and reception venues and make a booking

·         Start researching potential services and suppliers – dress, photographer, cake, florist, invitations, decor, music, hair, makeup…

·         Send Save the Date cards – especially important if you're getting hitched abroad or at a very busy time of year

·         Decide if you need wedding insurance and review options

·         Choose what entertainment you want for ceremony, drinks reception and dancing

·         Book photographer, videographer, or both

·         Work out the style of décor you’d like for the ceremony and reception venues

·         Consider whether you need to hire a wedding planner or venue stylist

·         Start your wedding dress research

·         Line up your bridesmaids and groomsmen

·         Get helpers or talented friends of family organised and delegate tasks such as the cake, flowers, dresses…

·         Start thinking about the honeymoon you’d like
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8-10 months to go

·         Book your band and/or DJ for reception

·         Order your wedding cake

·         Research accommodation options for your guests and start to make bookings

·         If you need to rent anything for ceremony/reception, such as chairs, tables, or a marquee, bookings should be sorted at this stage

·         Book flights and accommodation for honeymoon
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6-8 months – it’s getting nearer

·         Place order for your wedding dress – some boutique suppliers may charge a 'rush order' fee if you don’t do this now

·         Book musicians for ceremony

·         Check passports don’t need renewing for honeymoon

·         Start planning activities and excursions for your honeymoon

·         Check that best man and bridesmaids are progressing planning for hen and stag parties
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4-6 months and counting

·         Choose bridesmaids’ dresses, rent men’s suits, shop for groom’s outfit

·         Order wedding invitations & stationery

·         Discuss your ideas with florist

·         Get the legalities sorted – you need at least 3 months’ notice to registrar or religious celebrant

·         Decide on prayers, readings and music for ceremony booklets

·         Check whether you need vaccinations, visas or other travel formalities

·         Organise transport for wedding day

·         Start gathering guest list addresses and create a spreadsheet to track RSVPs

·         Organise a hair trial and book hairdresser.  Do the same for makeup
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2-3 Months – not long now

·         Choose and order wedding rings

·         Send invitations

·         Attend dress fitting sessions

·         Organise gifts for parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen and each other

·         Buy shoes, accessories, hair vines, veil, bow ties etc

·         Sort outfits for flower girls or page boys

·         Attend menu tasting with your venue or caterer
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4 Weeks – woohoo!

·         Review your RSVP list and chase up any guests who have not yet responded

·         Final dress fitting

·         Finish order of service details a give printer the go ahead

·         Confirm any last minute details with suppliers

·         Complete any wedding DIY or craft projects
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2 Weeks….

·         Provide your photographer and videographer with must-have list of shots required.  Include a lists of who should be in each formal portraits and group shots and determine when portraits will be taken

·         Confirm final guest numbers with your venue and caterer

·         Create your table plan
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1 Week countdown

·         Call all wedding suppliers to make final confirmation of arrangements, including a timetable for day

·         Provide your venue wedding coordinator with a list of supplier requests – for instance, that tables does the DJ require and what space the florist needs for set up.  

·         Print off your place setting cards

·         Give ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of when suppliers, musicians etc will arrive, what set up times they need plus their contact numbers.

·         Go for your final manicure, massage, waxing

·         Do full wedding dress rehearsal, including everything from your underwear to your veil

·         Pack an overnight bag for the reception and pack for the honeymoon (assuming you are taking this straight away)
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2-3 days

·         Groom collects his outfit and asks the best man to make sure all groomsmen attend fittings and pick up their outfits

·         Make any last minute table plan changes

·         Contact wedding car company to confirm pick-up times

·         Final check with all suppliers and discuss any last-minute issues

·         Print off the running order for the day, and the main suppliers' contact details, then give copies to your best man and maid of honour
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The day before

·         See reception co-ordinator and give them place cards, table cards, menus, favours, table plan and anything else they need

·         Sort out payment (write cheques/organise cash) for any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception.

·         Final check on the cake to make sure it’ll be delivered to reception venue on time (and make sure you delegate responsibility to someone else to be ready for its arrival)

·         Rehearse ceremony with everyone who will be involved in the proceedings to make sure everyone know what is going to happen when

·         Get an early night!
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The wedding day!

·         Give wedding rings to the Best Man (and tell him not to lose them!)

·         If necessary give Best Man the officiant's fee envelope, to be handed over after the ceremony

·         Pass the gifts for your parents to the Best Man/Chief Bridesmaid for presenting after the speeches

·         Make sure flowers are delivered to where the bride is getting ready - buttonholes may need to be brought to the guys

·         Introduce your reception coordinator to your wedding planner (if you're having one), or Chief Bridesmaid/Best Man in case there are any questions or problems during the reception.

·         Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer's contact so they knows who is who.
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Afterwards

·         Prearrange one or two people to take care of returning any rented items – this includes taking the wedding dress and suit for cleaning or return

·         Write and send thank-you notes to – be sure to include all those who gave gifts guests and don’t forget vendors who were especially helpful.

·         Be sure to collect your marriage certificate

·         Live happily ever after!
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Final word

This list is a good reminder of how much is involved in tying the knot.  Choose Clevedon Hall as your venue and our expert team will be here to provide advice, help and support at every stage.

It’s your big day, probably the biggest of your life, so you want to look and feel your absolutely amazing best.  But does that mean you need to lose weight?  Thinking about the dress, the photos, the honeymoon…the idea has probably crossed your mind once or twice!  In this post we share some tips you might find helpful.
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Don’t put too much pressure on yourself

Buying a dress that’s one size too small then going on some kind of crash fad diet, popping weight loss pills or taking up an extreme exercise regime is a recipe for stress, tears and disaster!   The smart approach is to be sensible and realistic.  If you want to shed some pounds plan well ahead and make sustainable changes to your regular diet and fitness routine.  Not only is this more likely to work but it makes it much more likely that you’ll stay healthy, fit and svelte as you celebrate your first, second and subsequent anniversaries.

We’re not saying this is going to be easy (especially with everything else you have got going on in the run up to the wedding) but it’s not impossible.  You just have to pick a plan that’s realistic and commit to it. You just have to choose to stay in control, one day at a time, no matter what life and wedding planners may throw at you.
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Focus on a balanced diet.  Plan your meals, and shopping, around low-calorie foods that fill you up without making you fat.  This is easier than it may sound, and certainly not rocket science.  Stock up on plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, lean meat and fish, but cut out foods and drinks that are high in fat and sugar.  Starving yourself is not the answer – it just leads to cravings.  Eat plenty…but just make sure it’s good stuff!  
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Make sure to eat breakfast.   This may sound counter intuitive but there are research studies that show people who skip breakfast tend to eat more calories by the end of the day.  A healthy breakfast gets your metabolism off to a good start - which means you'll be more likely to make healthy choices throughout the day.  
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Exercise really helps. What you eat is only one part of the equation that determines whether you'll lose or gain weight.  Fitness is equally important.  It’s easy to let your workouts go by the wayside as you get wrapped up in the preparations.  Don’t! If anything, you should be trying to work out more than before if you really want to drop a few pounds.
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Get support. Staying strong and accountable is tough if you don't have anyone else cheering you on.  The best way to get support is to tell someone - anyone - about your weight and fitness goals and ask for their support. If you feel too uncomfortable sharing those details with someone you know you can enrol with a local Weight Watchers or Slimming World group.  It’s a great way to connect with people who have similar goals and get tips, motivation and your own personal cheerleading squad.
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Limit your alcohol intake.  Most alcoholic drinks are high in calories – so they can undo all the good work by eating sensibly and exercising regularly.  What’s more, they lower inhibitions, making it more likely that you’ll give in to temptation and overindulge.
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Carry emergency snacks.  You are going to be doing a lot of running around and this can make it hard to stick to your healthy eating plan – you are bound to get hunger pangs and the temptation to grab a bag of crisps, a chocolate bar or a Danish pastry may just become too great!  Stash some healthy and portable foods in your car, purse, and desk drawer to help satisfy your cravings and save you from snacking on the wrong foods.
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Drink plenty of water.  Recent studies report that those who keep well hydrated levels topped up end up eating fewer total calories.  Dehydration, surprisingly, can actually encourage your body to retain water.  What’s more, drinking water before a meal can make you feel full, so you eat less.  
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Food for thought.  The team at Clevedon Hall are not nutritionists and wellness specialists but we are experts at taking the stress out of wedding planning – and losing weight is even harder when you are feeling wound up, run down and over stretched.  Getting yourself in shape for your big day will be easier with our help!

In August we were able host this lovely couple from the United States and they wanted to create a really special experience for their guests that had travelled for their happy day. Here is a collection of fantastic images captured by www.jordannamarston.com

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Decisions, decisions, there are so many decisions to take when planning your big day – the venue, the guest list, the dress, the food and wine, the seating plan…it just goes on and on!  One of the most significant, however, is deciding on a photographer.  While it’s important to be “in the moment” you also need to be aware that you are creating memories - and a big part of that is about capturing those moments in the form of pictures.

Every picture tells a story.  So what kind of story do you want to tell?  Each photographer will have a different approach so it’s quite tricky to find one that is going to capture those moments, and tell that story, in the way that you want.

In this post we go through some of the important things you need to consider when making your decision.
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Decide on what style you want

There are many different types of photography style and you need to work out which one you want.  If a photographer doesn’t do that style then you can cross them off your list.  Having said that, many photographers can shoot in a variety of styles – but when you have those initial discussions with possible photographers you do need to have an idea of which style you want!

How many different styles are there?  Loads!  In an earlier post we went into quite a lot of detail about these different styles: formal portraiture, documentary, fine art, edgy and brave.  Click here to read it.

However, the list in that article is not exhaustive.  For instance, do you want the shots to be light and bright, or dark and dramatic?  This will be dictated, to some extent by your wedding theme and the setting.  If it’s a summer wedding and the shots are mainly to be taken outdoors, the mood will probably tend to be light and airy (shot with natural light).  If your leans tends towards the more gothic or theatrical, and the venue is relatively dark, or you prefer to create a more atmospheric mood, then you are probably going to want shots with strong contrast between light and shade.

Also, think about subject matter.  Do you want some very romantic “couple shots” of the two of you, group shots, shots capturing small details, fleeting moments and inner emotions, some very formal shots, everything very informal, or all of these?  You need to bear all this this in mind when looking through portfolios and talking to the photographers.
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To help you get a better idea of all the styles available, and which ones you like the best, spend time on Pinterest, reading blogs and scouring wedding magazine websites.
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Meet the photographer in person

It’s vital you find someone you like and who is easy to get on with.  You don’t want someone whose personality is likely to clash with yours and who doesn’t really “get” what you want.  It’s your wedding so be sure to select someone who shares your vision and who you feel comfortable with.

Go and meet a few different photographers and make sure you ‘click’ – you want to share your wedding plans with them and find someone who is as excited and passionate as you are.  What you don’t need is a grumpy or bossy person with an ego that’s going to get in the way, or a personality that’ll rub everyone up the wrong way!  Don’t be afraid to go with your gut feeling on this – if you like them, they make you feel relaxed, they fill you with confidence that you can leave it all to them on the day and it will all go swimmingly, they have a sense of humour, they are keen and enthusiastic…then they should (all other things considered) be near the top of your list.
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Ask to see a complete wedding

When reviewing the portfolios of different photographers you’ll see a range of different shots that represent their best work.  Make sure you also ask to see two or three completed wedding albums that were given to their clients. You are looking for consistency – you want a whole album that’s amazing and tells a beautiful story, rather than just four or five impressive photos.
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What’s your budget?

Good wedding photographers don’t come cheap.  That’s partly because the equipment is really expensive, partly because there’s actually a lot of skill involved (the good ones make it look easy, but it’s not!) and partly because the best ones are in high demand.  You might be lucky and find someone who doesn’t charge what they are worth, but picking someone who is significantly cheaper is a risk – there’s probably a good reason whey they are charging a lot less (they could be inexperienced or just not very good and desperate for work).

You don’t get second chances with wedding photography so it’s best to play safe and pay proper money.  Make sure, for instance, that they have back up equipment in case something malfunctions.  Also check that they have proper insurance, proper editing software and that they run a professional business that you can rely on.

Ten years from now, when you look at those shots, you won’t regret scrimping on some other areas (passing up on the chocolate fountain or deciding you don’t need a magician to entertain guests) and paying a bit more for a photographer who did a superb job.
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Get everything in writing

Any good photographer, one who is truly professional, should have a contract in place for you to sign. This makes it clear exactly what is being provided, what to expect and how much you are going to pay – it protects you and them, avoiding any awkward misunderstandings. Read it, understand it and make sure you are happy with it before you sign it.
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Book early

The best wedding photographers tend to get very booked up.  Many will be taking bookings for one to two years in advance – popular summer weekends in peak season have to be scheduled way ahead to avoid disappointment. If you are planning your wedding and have your date set, then now is the time to find your wedding photographer and get them booked as quickly as possible. Once your venue and wedding date is confirmed get straight onto your wedding photographer and get them booked.
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Need more help?

If you want some suggestions for great local photographers who are regularly booked for weddings at Clevedon Hall just give us a call.  Likewise if you have any further questions or are in need of expert advice – our team are more than happy to share their knowledge and experience.

Planning and organising your wedding is meant to be fun - but at some point you may feel you’ve had as much fun as you can take!  Your to-do list is so long, there are so many decisions to take, the costs are mounting up, trying to keep all your friends and family happy is presenting a challenge…and then, on top of all that, you have to start sorting a honeymoon.  That’s why so many couples these days are taking the minimoon option.
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What is a minimoon?

It a long weekend or short break of luxurious chilling that’s close to home but far enough away to feel you have really got away.  Instead of starting your married life in the departure lounge of an airport (not very romantic!) the two of you drive off to a boutique country hotel in the middle of nowhere for some serious pampering, wining, dining and chilling.

Generally it is taken directly after the wedding but it can also be a good idea in the run-up stage.  If taken before the big day it provides a valuable escape from all the preparations – many couple find they need to take some time out to check how the other is feeling and remind themselves why they are doing this in the first place!

Minimoons are becoming increasingly popular, for lots of very good reasons….
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Time is short

Getting time off work may be difficult and even if you can take a couple of weeks do you really want to lose precious days dealing with the stress of airports, long flights, car hire, travel insurance and jet lag?  This is especially true if you can only get away for a week – you’ll barely have time to unwind before you’re thinking about the hassle of getting home again.

A minimoon avoids all that angst and you can enjoy every precious minute without having to worry about lost luggage, annoying fellow passengers or language problems.
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Money, Honey

Even the simplest wedding can be surprisingly expensive – the costs soon mount up.  And let’s be honest, you want the day to be super special, so you probably max your budget, and then some.  Booking an extended and exotic holiday on top of this is really going to stretch the finances and stress you out.  Even if you do manage to afford that holiday of a lifetime in the Seychelles, the Caribbean or the Far East you don’t want to be watching the pennies while you’re out there – it’ll just take the shine off things.

A minimoon takes those money worries away.  You can relax, knowing that you aren’t going to come home to a credit card statement that’s a shocker.  What’s more, if you fancy some extra spa treatments, or that really nice bottle of wine, you can enjoy them guilt-free.
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Have your cake and eat it

Taking a minimoon doesn’t mean you can’t have a full honeymoon – you can have both!   Take a short break straight after the wedding then go for a longer and more far away holiday in a few months’ time.

This gives you time for your finances to recover before another big expense.  It also gives you some time to recover from all that planning, organising and celebrating before going somewhere long haul and exotic.  Perhaps best of all it prolongs that wonderful “newly wed” feeling for a few extra months.  What could be more romantic and enjoyable than spending time with your new partner planning the details of a dream holiday.  It certainly gives you something to look forward to once you come down from that initial burst of wedding bliss.
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We’re here to help

If the idea of a minimoon appeals, but you are short of inspiration on where to go, just give us a call.  The experienced team at Clevedon Hall are a fount of knowledge when it comes to all things wedding and we are more than happy to share our experience and thoughts.

Although you’ll want your wedding to be a unique event that celebrates your particular relationship, tastes, interests and sense of style it is a deeply traditional occasion.  Certain things, like the exchanging of rings and the giving of speeches, are expected.  The same goes for the first dance – the moment when the newly-wed couple step out together and take a few turns of the dancefloor in front of the assembled company.  It’s a part of the proceedings and ritual you can’t really miss out.  In this post we give you some tips on how best to rise to the occasion.
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Is it obligatory?

Some couples love dancing, are good at it, and see this as one of the romantic high points of their big day.  For others it’s their worst nightmare.  While the majority probably view it with some trepidation.

This begs the question – do we have to?

Yes.  Partly because the guests will be disappointed if you deprive them of this most romantic spectacle.  Equally important the first dance marks the end of the meal and the start of the party.  Finally, it’s a moment that’s heavily photographed and videoed.  For all these reasons you really have to make a it a feature of the celebrations.

However, if one of you has two left feet and no sense of rhythm then the whole idea is going to fill you with dread.  There’s nothing worse than feeling anxious or apprehensive on your big day – so here’s what you do.  Just ask a few other couples to join you (and organise this ahead of time, so you don’t take them by surprise).  That way you don’t miss out on the romantic moment but nor are you alone in the spotlight.

Bear in mind that your guests won’t be too judgemental if you do little more than sway from side to side for a few minutes  – which is what most first dances end up being!
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Order of dances

Strictly speaking, if you want to follow tradition closely, after the first dance the bride should dance with her father and the groom with the bride’s mother.  Then the groom asks his mother to take the next dance, followed by the groom’s parents dancing with each other.  After this each of the groomsmen, starting with the best man, may dance with the bride, and the groom may dance with the bridesmaids. These dances can be for entire or partial songs, depending on the length of the reception.

If you decide to follow this traditional schedule of dances then make sure everyone is properly prepared otherwise it could be chaos!  If, on the other hand, this is too complicated and long drawn out for you, just make up your own list of dances – the only essential one is that first dance with the happy couple.
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Your chance to dance creative

In recent years, partly driven by the growing popularity of social media, couples are using the wedding dance to have a lot of fun.  If this is a bit ambitious for you then not to worry – but here are a few ideas.

The bride and groom may opt for a carefully choreographed ballroom dance that is clearly well rehearsed and the result of many hours of dance lessons and preparation.

Another trend is for a dance that starts off slow and romantic but then halts.  The bride and groom look at each other in mock surprise and then go into a lively routine that has guests looking on in amazement or rolling about with laughter.

If you really want to wow people get the bridesmaids and groomsmen to join you in dance lessons and put on an “impromptu” dance that looks like a major stage production.
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General Wedding Dance Tips

• For that all important first dance choose a song that you both love and which you feel sums up your special relationship
• Practice dancing to the song before the wedding. If either of you has little or no experience on the dance floor, take a lesson from a professional. A few ballroom dance lessons can make a big difference between feeling clumsy and having confidence to dance in front of others.

• If your wedding dress is long or has a train, bustle it so you don't trip over it.
• Wear shoes that are comfortable for dancing. If you aren't used to high heels, wear lower heels or flats.
• Try to get in a practice session at your wedding venue if you can, so you can understand how much space you actually have to dance in. Try your shoes on your wedding venue dance floor to make sure they’re not too slippery.
• Make time on the wedding day if it’s at all possible to quickly go through your dance routine so it’s fresh in your mind. Maybe you could run through it whilst you’re off having your pictures taken?
• Whilst you’re eating your meal, run through the steps in your head so you’re sure of them.
• No one will be looking at your feet as you dance – the focus is on your upper body so hold your back straight and keep smiling!
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What song to pick?

Of course it’s totally up to you to decide what song best sums up your love.  However, if you’d like a little inspiration Spotify has recently revealed the top 10 most popular wedding and first dance songs of 2018 from playlists across the globe:

1. Ed Sheeran, "Perfect"
2. Ed Sheeran, "Thinking Out Loud"
3. Etta James, "At Last"
4. John Legend, "All of Me"
5. Elvis Presley, "Can’t Help Falling in Love"
6. Christina Perri, "A Thousand Years"
7. Ray LaMontagne, "You Are the Best Thing"
8. Jason Mraz, "I Won’t Give Up"
9. Ellie Goulding, "How Long Will I Love You"
10. Ed Sheeran, "Perfect Duet" (Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé)
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Music to your ears

Whatever you have in mind regarding your first dance, or indeed to music for your wedding as a whole, our expert team are here to help.  You can ask them any questions you may have, pick their brains about great local DJs or bands or arrange to come and try out the dancefloor for yourselves!

When planning your wedding it’s hard to overstate the importance of getting the choice of venue right.  It has a bearing on almost every aspect of your big day so you need to think long and hard about it.  Getting married is such an emotional event that it’s easy to overlook vital practical details when you are visiting possible locations.  In this post we give you a list of crucial things you need to know before you finally make up your mind – it’s not exhaustive, but it’s a good start!
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Availability

Don’t waste time on any other details until you know whether the venue is available for the date you want.  Venues get very booked up at weekends and over the summer so you probably need to be looking and booking at least a year in advance for the most popular days.

On the other hand, if a specific date is not important to you and budget is a top consideration, see if the venue has some dates they are willing to discount.  At Clevedon Hall we occasionally have dates available over the next six months at a reduced rate.  Check here to see what we have available.
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Capacity

You probably have a rough idea of how many guests will be attending during the day and evening.  Just make sure the venue can comfortably cope with this number.  At Clevedon Hall we can seat 150 in the library for dining on straight tables, or 124 on round tables with straight or round top table.  An additional 30 guests can sit in the adjoining orangery. We can have up to 250 guests for the evening celebrations.
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Is the venue licensed for civil ceremonies?

If you want to have your ceremony and reception all under one roof, make sure your chosen venue has a wedding licence.  Otherwise you’ll have to organise the ceremony somewhere else and then host your reception at the venue.  Clevedon Hall is licenced to hold weddings indoors and also has a beautiful gazebo in the gardens that is also licenced – so you have a variety of options.
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Exclusivity

If total privacy and exclusivity are what you want then make sure this is what you are going to get.  Some wedding venues hold more than one ceremony or reception a day.  If you decide to use a hotel venue, or some other kind of venue that’s open to members, guests or visitors it’s essential you clarify what areas, indoors and out, are included in the arrangement.  If you are sharing the venue with others make sure you know what restrictions apply – do you have finish by a certain time and are there issues with when suppliers can come and go?

Clevedon Hall is truly exclusive, giving you the run of the beautiful house and extensive grounds.  What’s more, the whole team is dedicated to looking after you and your guests without any distractions.  You can even book the venue for three whole days over a weekend (Friday morning to Sunday afternoon).
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Is there ample parking?

Nearly everyone will probably be arriving by car, and some may have come from afar – the last thing they need after their journey is a problem with parking.  Make sure the venue provides ample free spaces and if they don’t you need to check other spaces are available at reasonable cost nearby.  There’s nothing worse than guests who arrive grumpy and late because they had to drive round looking for a suitable space then had a long walk in all their smart clothes and heels.

This is not a problem if you book Clevedon Hall.  There is ample parking on the estate, right next to the house.
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Dining

The food is a hugely important part of the proceedings so you need to be clear how the venue handles things.  An in-house catering team certainly makes things easier, but you need to check how capable and flexible they are, otherwise you might not be able to get exactly the cuisine you want.  Also, are they able to handle different dietary requirements?

If, on the other hand, you decide on outside caterers make sure the venue is happy with that, whether there’s an extra charge for using their facilities and also that they have all the equipment that’s required.

If you plan on an early afternoon wedding breakfast your guests will probably be peckish again by the evening.  Check whether evening canapés or a buffet dinner part of your package, or do you have to pay extra?  You may discover that the venue does not provide evening food at all!

At Clevedon Hall we have a chef who trained in a Michelin starred kitchen, ably supported by a dedicated in-house team.  You are spoilt for choice in terms of cuisine and dishes, including canapes, the menu for the wedding breakfast itself and your evening catering.  We have seasonal menus to guide you along the way, but though you don’t have to pick from these at all. We will have a meeting 6 months before the big day to discuss what you’d like and to create a bespoke meal that perfectly matches your tastes and requirements.  Tastings are not included as standard but can be added at a small additional cost which we would confirm after your catering meeting.
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Drinks

Check how much wine is included as part of the arrangement.  You can often upgrade your wine choices for an additional cost. If you want to provide more alcohol for your guests, then you'll need to ask whether it has to be bought through the venue or whether you can bring your own in with or without a corkage fee.

At Clevedon Hall our packages include a reception drink, a half bottle of wine with the meal, sparkling wine for the toast and tea and coffee.  We also offer a corkage arrangement if that’s something that appeals to you.  We provide a bar and guests can pay by card or cash, no minimum charge. Guests can also charge drinks to their rooms if they wish.  You can also set up a pre-paid bar tab. Just let us know any restrictions you would like to place on this - for instance, wine, beer and cider only.
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Accommodation

It is essential you ask what overnight accommodation is available, either in the venue itself or nearby.  Also be clear about whether you have to pay up-front for rooms or if guests pay individually.  Make sure you have the check-in and check-out times as your guests will want to know well in advance.

At Clevedon Hall we provide 25 stunning bedrooms.  All of our bedrooms are set up as doubles as standard.  However, a variety of them can be set up as twins and/or accommodate additional pull out beds or cots. We have 3 cots in total and 9 pull out beds.  We have four suites in total and we let the bride and groom choose their favourite as they are all uniquely decorated.  We also have a cottage in the grounds if you want to spend a few night here before your big day.

If you would like the charge for the bedrooms included in your package then guest would pay you directly. Any additional rooms we have not in your package can be booked through us. Access to the venue is from 11 am which includes the bridal suite and the downstairs event space. The normal check-in time for the remaining bedrooms is 3 pm. We can sometimes make check-in earlier if there is no event on the previous day.  Check-out is 10.30am.
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Suppliers

Some venues will supply you with a list of recommended suppliers who they regularly work with and trust, and it can be helpful if you're not sure where to start with your search for a wedding photographer or cake supplier.  However, some venues request that you stick to their recommended suppliers, which can limit your choices for your big day and potentially not work with your budget.

At Clevedon Hall we do have a list but (with the exception of catering and fireworks) you are welcome to choose other suppliers except for fireworks and catering.  Any suppliers not on our recommended list must have public liability insurance and any electrical equipment they use must be safety tested. We also ask that you check with us if your suppliers offer food or drink related services.
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Last but not least

There are lots of other questions it is important to ask but this article covers the main issues.  Here are some other thing you should probably consider:

·         What are the restrictions regarding music, DJs and bands?

·         Are there any restrictions regarding décor?

·         How child friendly is the venue, what is disabled access like and what about pets?

·         What are the payment arrangements?

·         What’s the cancellation policy?

·         Are there any additional charges (for clearing up afterwards, for instance) that we need to be aware of?

·         Is breakfast included in the accommodation fee?

·         Can we get married outside?

·         Can we stay the night before?

Space does not permit us to answer these questions at length but contact our team any they will be happy to talk through these and any other things you want clarification on.

One thing is true of absolutely every wedding – ever.  It takes two of you!  And that’s an issue when it comes to planning the big day.  Traditionally it’s the bride who tends to take the lead…but times are changing.  These days the groom may want, or be expected, to get more involved.  In this post we share some advice for brides, and grooms, that will hopefully come in handy as you work out who does what.
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Strike a balance

It’s important, right from the start, to work out between you the groom’s involvement in the decision making.  The three biggest issues that need to be properly discussed are the guest list, the date and the venue – these are definitely joint decisions. Smaller things, like choosing the wines, deciding on a photographer or picking the band, will probably be areas where he wants to be involved.  However, there are others, like deciding on table linens, talking to florists and designing the invitations where it’s likely he’ll more than happy to leave the details to the bride.  

The key thing is to be sensitive.  Don’t overwhelm your partner with too much information if they are reluctant to engage with certain aspects of the planning.  By the same token if he is showing interest welcome his input and make sure his opinion is valued.  If you ask for his thoughts and continually shoot his ideas down in flames, he will soon lose interest in contributing to the planning process. Make sure you encourage his ideas and find ways that they can be included in your wedding.  Play to his strengths.  If your husband to be is business-minded then he might be the best one to handle negotiations with suppliers.  If he is into music, then let him choose the band or DJ.  If he’s creative, then encourage him to come up with ideas for styling and decorations.  If he’s a big foodie, you might want to let him take the lead with this aspect of things.
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Where grooms need to take the lead

There are some things the groom should take responsibility for.  Picking the best man and ushers is certainly his department.  The best man’s duties are quite important so the groom is well advised to choose someone sensible, reliable and well organised.  Some grooms also buy a gift for the best man so this needs sorting.

Deciding what to wear is another decision for the groom, but this does need to be discussed with the bride well in advance.  This is particularly important for any areas where colour is involved, such as the choice of a bright tie or waistcoat – it’s important to make sure it fits with the overall design scheme of the wedding.

A groom who leaves most of the planning and organising to his partner can help by realising that she is probably on wedding overload.  He can help by cooking her dinner, doing the dishes, renting her favourite movie and reminding her why the wedding planning is worth all the stress!

Some grooms also buy a gift for the bride to open on the morning of the wedding. This is a sweet idea but it’s not advisable to buy her an item of jewellery to wear on the day as she will already have made this choice and you are just putting her in an awkward spot!  Flowers, or a romantic note to read while she’s getting ready, will definitely be appreciated.  Another lovely touch is for the groom to take a moment with the videographer at the reception and record a special message for his new wife.

One thing for grooms to bear in mind is that this is going to be a day of photographs – a lot of them!  So it’s not a bad idea to make the effort in the months leading up to the wedding to get in shape, and stay in shape.  Then there’s the first dance.  This is seldom the part of the proceedings men most look forward to – but with a bit of preparation it can be fun.  The smart thing to do is approach it positively, take lessons with your fiancée and ENJOY it!

As the big day approaches there are lots of little things the groom can help with.   Ensuring name cards and decorations get to the venue, picking up last minute items that have been hired and sorting out any issues that pop up unexpectedly.
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The groom’s speech

Only the groom can do this and it’s important to get it right.  The speech doesn’t have to be hilariously funny, but it does have to tick a few crucial boxes.  The most important thing with the speech is to formally thank all those who have played a part in making the day so special - the bridesmaids, the ushers, the best man, the maid of honour, both sets of parents for their support and the guests for sharing the day with you.  If some people have travelled from a long distance, the groom should single them out and thank them.  Finally he must not, on any account, forget to say how beautiful the bride looks!
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To lighten it up a bit, and make it more personal, the groom can include some stories about how he and the bride met as well as some of the events leading up to this great day.  A word of warning, however – it’s not big, clever or funny to tell anecdotes he finds hilarious but which may embarrass the bride or make others feel uncomfortable.

As there’s quite a lot for the speech to cover, and all eyes are on the groom, he should prepare properly.  The speech should be finalised at least a week ahead of the big day and the groom should practice delivering it more than just once!
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The honeymoon

Traditionally this is the groom’s responsibility and in the past the destination, and the details, often came as a surprise to the bride.  These days it’s more likely to be something a couple will want to discuss and plan together.  However, if the groom decides he’s going to sort it he needs to use his common sense and arrange something his wife will love – if she can’t live without her hair straighteners and is expecting something chilled and romantic by the sea she won’t be thrilled to find herself camping in the Serengeti or on a mountain biking tour of central Italy!

If the bride says “surprise me” and the groom is worried about getting it wrong he can ask her to draw up a list of 10 ‘dream’ and 10 ‘nightmare’ destinations to get a better idea of what kind of things she’d prefer.

Whoever is taking charge here it’s important to book early – leaving it late can increase the cost and there’s more risk of being disappointed.  Another smart tip is to include the honeymoon in the overall wedding budget and pick an option where it’s easy to control the cost.  All-inclusive resorts are a great option and many offer airport transfers, water sports equipment and various activities.
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Another thing to bear in mind is seasonality.  A beach holiday won’t be fun if the weather is cold and wet.  Don’t forget to factor in flights and jetlag too - if you’ve only got a week Australia and Asia aren’t ideal.  Finally, make sure the hotel is aware you’re on honeymoon as they’re sure to make the experience extra special.  But one thing the groom must do is arrange some special touches to wow his new wife – whether it’s a private candlelit dinner or a bubble bath with petals and champagne he must show his romantic side.  
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We're here to help if you need it

Even if you're working well together to get things sorted for your big day it's useful to have an experienced person to turn to for advice and suggestions.  The team here at Clevedon Hall have organised countless wonderful weddings - so if you've got any questions don't hesitate to ask us.  

Organising a wedding is more demanding than you might first imagine – so it’s vital that you share the tasks out amongst a team of helpers.  The maid of honour is the most important of these.  She is usually a sister or a close friend, sometimes she is referred to as ‘chief bridesmaid’ or as the ‘matron of honour’, if she is already married.  Once you’ve decided on your bridesmaids the maid of honour’s job is start helping with some of the planning duties.
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Dresses

You might ask the maid of honour to come wedding dress shopping with you and will probably want input when choosing the bridesmaid dresses.

This includes helping round up the bridesmaids for the dress shopping and fitting sessions.  She needs to plan the itinerary as appropriate, including sorting a fun place for lunch and booking appointments at the relevant shops.

As the bride, you are traditionally expected to pay for the bridesmaid dresses – but not always.  If you want a contribution from the maid of honour make sure this is discussed at an early stage to avoid any awkward misunderstandings.  The same goes for accessories, professional hair and makeup for the bridesmaids.
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A second opinion

The maid of honour will almost certainly be called upon to discuss all your various ideas.  They should be prepared to consult on everything from wedding colour schemes to the shape of the wedding cake.   When things get a bit stressful the maid of honour needs to stay calm and supportive – to be the voice of reason when you lose it and emotions are running high!
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Spare pair of hands

The maid of honour can also help you with more hands-on wedding tasks, such as writing or addressing wedding invitations, helping with the decorations or assembling homemade favours.   Secretarial duties probably include keeping a record of the RSVP so it’s clear who has confirmed and who still needs chasing up.  These may not be the most exciting tasks but the maid of honour needs to offer graceful help and a ready smile if called upon!
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The hen party

This is the maid of honour’s moment to shine.  It’s a big job that requires a lot of thought and organising.  You will decide who attends but the maid of honour should consult the bridesmaids when it comes to ideas on where to go and what to do (much of it should come as a fun surprise for you).  Our recent posts on ideas for hen party destinations and hen party activities provide lots of inspiration.

You might decide that two parties are required - a wild hen party for the girls and a more grown-up and formal bridal shower style celebration that your mum and older relatives can attend.  The hen party should take place up to three months before the wedding – far enough in advance for everyone to recover!
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Nearer the time

In the weeks running up to the big day the maid of honour should make sure the bridesmaids know what time they need to arrive, where everyone is getting ready and if there’s anything they need to bring.  They need to plan for every eventuality – organising lots of umbrellas in case it rains, and perhaps preparing a bridal emergency kit (could include everything from tissues to paracetamol and safety pins to lip gloss).
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The day before the wedding

The maid of honour should make themselves available to run any last-minute errands for you, such as getting any hired items that need collecting.  They might also be required to help set up the reception room the night before or to come with you for any final beauty appointments, such as a manicure and pedicure.
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The big day itself – the preparations

The maid of honour is going to be kept very busy and needs to be on top form.  One important task is to make sure the flowers are delivered exactly as arranged then distribute the bouquets.  A small but important job, and one that it’s easy to overlook, is sitting you down for a healthy breakfast – a bride needs more than coffee to get her through the early part of the day!

Another vital role is in assisting you as you get ready.  You’ll probably need help with your hair, makeup and getting into the wedding dress (as well as regularly telling you how gorgeous you look!).
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The ceremony

The maid of honour, bridesmaids and your mum traditionally travel to the ceremony together and set off ten minutes before you so they’re there to see you arrive.  The maid of honour will also make sure you look picture-perfect by helping to arrange your hair and veil just before the walk down the aisle.  

During the wedding ceremony the maid of honour holds the bride’s bouquet.  You may also ask them to give a reading or to be a witness at the signing of the register. After the ceremony bride and groom leave first, followed the maid of honour and best man.
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The celebration

If there is a receiving line at the reception the maid of honour will stand by you and your husband to greet the guests as they arrive for the wedding breakfast.  She will also take any presents to the gift table and put them on display.

The maid of honour is traditionally seated on the top table along with the happy couple, their parents and the best man.   However, this is not always the case today – the maid of honour may host a table of her own.

When you need to go to the bathroom the maid of honour is there to offer a helping hand – it can be a bit tricky in a wedding dress!  She’s also on make-up duty, checking any smudges are expertly rectified.  Later in the proceedings she is also expected to share a dance with the best man.  You and hubby take the first dance but they then take the next one and encourage everyone to join them.
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After the wedding

If you and your husband head straight off on honeymoon the maid of honour will probably be responsible for returning any hired clothes or accessories as well as being asked to store your dress until you return.  She might also be asked to assist with removing any decorations from the venue and tidying up any other organisational loose ends.
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Our team are here when you need us

Asking someone to be your maid of honour is no small thing – they are taking on a big and difficult job.  However, if you book a dedicated wedding venue like Clevedon Hall our expert team of wedding specialist will be there for her, and you.  Whether the two of you want advice, ideas or recommendations we’re only too happy to help in any way we can

Your big day is all about you and your husband to be.  But it’s also very much a team effort, with different people taking care of numerous tasks both before and during the event itself.  Early on your fiancée will need to pick a best man and get him helping out with the planning and preparations.  In this article we set out the best man’s main responsibilities – so you and they know what is expected of them.

He is the groom's right-hand man, organising, advising and sorting a whole list of things large and small, before and during the proceedings.  The good news, from the best man’s point of view, is that you, assisted by your maid of honour, do most of the planning.  The bad news is that still leaves quite a lot for him to take care of.  Ideally you want someone who is organised and reliable rather than one who just excels at being the life and soul of the party – his main job is not to drink more than everyone else!
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Communication

The best man needs to make sure that everyone within the groom’s party knows what’s happening and to inform them of any changes to the plan.  It’s probably a smart move to set up a Facebook or WhatsApp group that everyone can access easily.
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Dress code

It’s the best man’s responsibility to make sure all groomsmen are properly suited and booted.  This includes organising any suit fittings that are required, as well as making sure the finances are in place before the shopping process starts.
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Gifts

One of the best man’s tasks is the choosing and sourcing of the gifts for the groomsmen – it’s only right to thank them for their efforts and to give them each a memento.  Popular gifts include whisky flasks, pocket watches or cufflinks and these can be personally engraved with an appropriate message.
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The stag party

Although the party itself is a lot of laughs the job of organising it can be a real headache – and this is definitely where the best man really shows what he’s made of.  The challenge is to come up with a suitably inspiring itinerary, sort transport and possibly accommodation, get payment from everybody while their still sober and get creative with ideas for a theme, games, pranks and “entertainment”.  It’s also the best man’s responsibility to ensure the groom survives the experience all in one piece (without shaved head, eyebrows removed or any other body parts missing – watch ‘The Hangover’ if you need to check out all the things that could go wrong).
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On the day  

The best man, along with the maid of honour, is responsible for ensuring everything goes to plan and runs smoothly.  He needs to be cool, calm and collected, so hitting the alcohol early in the day is not recommended!

His first job is to make sure everything is set up correctly.  This may involve picking up last minute items and organising stuff at the venue.  A crucial part of this role is making sure the rings are kept safe.  But that’s not all – he needs to make sure the wedding license is brought along and that the groom arrives at least twenty minutes before the ceremony is set to begin.

At the close of the ceremony the best man traditionally guides the maid of honour back up the aisle whilst following the bride and groom.   Then, once the ceremony is over, the best man should greet guests upon arrival at the reception.  During the meal he should introduce each of the speeches and then deliver his own.  If you'd like to give him some tips on preparing and delivering his speech this article should help.
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At the end of the day the best man is also responsible for looking after any gifts or envelopes.  This is an especially important task if you are your husband are leaving for the honeymoon straight from the celebrations.  A final fun task for him is to decorate your car so everyone knows you are “Just Married”!
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Our team supports your team

So, being nominated best man is not just an honour – it’s a serious responsibility.  Having said that, if you book a venue like Clevedon Hall our dedicated team of wedding experts will be there to offer all the help and support that may be needed.  You and the best man, or anyone else involved in the planning or celebration, can turn to us for advice and assistance at any time – we’ll do everything we can to create an occasion everyone will enjoy and fondly remember for the rest of their lives.

Photo by Kyle Loftus on Unsplash

Even if you are leaving the organisation of the hen party to your Maid of Honour you’ll probably want to have some say in where the fun and games are going to happen.  In this post we provide you with so destination inspiration - Bristol is a popular party pick but you might want to go further afield and be a little more adventurous!
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Brighton

This seaside city is hen party heaven, offering something for everyone.  During the day you have the beach and lots of wonderful boutiques for a bit of retail therapy.  If you like a little sophistication then there’s posh afternoon teas and spa pampering aplenty.  But if a bit of cheekiness floats your boat then Brighton has more than its fair share of male strippers, nude life drawing classes and butlers in the buff to keep you amused.  Plus there’s some of the best nightlife and clubbing action in the whole country.
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Amsterdam

The canals, the cobbled streets, architecture, the cyclists, the tulips – Amsterdam will initially strike you as reserved, traditional and laid back.  But don’t be fooled.  This city is as hedonistic as it is as chilled-out, as weird and wonderful as it is picturesque and quaint and as unashamedly illicit as it is innocent.  This fusion of the comfortable and expected with the edgy and surprising makes Amsterdam a wonderful hen party venue – there’s never a dull moment!  Just bring a sense of fun, bags of energy and a broad mind!
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Barcelona

The Spanish have a wonderfully laid-back attitude to life and nowhere is this more apparent than in Barcelona – the city is party central, famed for its culture, food and dedication to having a good time!  Like Brighton it’s on the seaside, but we’re talking the Mediterranean, not the English Channel.  The beach is only a short stroll from the city centre, offering acres of golden sand, pristine blue waters and lovely warm weather most of the year round.  Culture vultures will love exploring the architectural gems of Antoni Gaudi, the Picasso Museum, the Fundació Joan Miró gallery and the maze of twisting alleyways in the old city.  But perhaps the biggest attraction is the sheer range of wonderful eating, drinking and clubbing experiences – nowhere offers a better choice tapas bars, cocktail lounges, amazing restaurants, traditional bodegas and night clubs.
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Ibiza

Holding your hen party here might seem a little unoriginal – but it’s popular for good reason.  This stunning Balearic island has been hosting hedonistic hen weekends and debauched party events of all shapes and sizes for decades and it’s pretty much safe to say that they’ve perfected the art.  Gorgeous beaches, amazing sunsets and legendary clubbing – Ibiza is every bit as sexy and wild as its reputation.  You won’t be disappointed!
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Berlin

This might seem an odd choice – but you’ll discover it’s an inspired one.  On the one hand it’s steeped in history, with the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall sure to amaze you.  On the other it is a city reborn, buzzing with life, totally hip and unbelievably cool.  It has a vibrant underground music scene, the streets are alive with upmarket cocktail bars and excellent restaurants plus there’s no shortage of traditional pubs.  The clubbing scene is well known to be amongst the best in Europe, if not the world, and parties run non-stop from Friday night to Monday morning.  Berlin is a head-spinning melting pot of old and new, east and west, conventional and eccentric.  Shaking off it’s not-so-happy past, this is a city that has certainly rediscovered how to party!
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Budapest

The capital of Hungary, straddling the mighty Danube, makes a great hen destination.  You’ll get a real flavour of eastern Europe spiced with the romance and decadence of the Hapsburg Empire plus the irrepressible buzz and excitement of a city rediscovering its sense of fun after the collapse of communism.  The spas and thermal baths have been attracting visitors since Roman times so there’s ample relaxation and pampering by day.  But at night the streets come alive with thousands of wonderful little cafe bars, cocktail bars and wild clubs that will keep you up on your hen night until it's light.  One of the unique attractions are the legendary “ruin bars”.  These are slightly chaotic and down-at-heel drinking holes that have sprung up in derelict buildings and unused outdoor spaces (we’re talking old car parks and ramshackle rooftops) – with cheap drinks, crazy décor, mad goings-on there’s nowhere better than a ruin bar for getting wrecked!
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Flying from Bristol

All of these hen party destinations are a short and cheap flight from Bristol airport so getting there and back couldn’t be easier or more affordable.  However, these are not the only options.  If you had an amazing Hen Party somewhere we’ve not covered then just let us know and we can feature it in future posts.  The team at Clevedon Hall is constantly gathering and sharing information on all things wedding-related so if you have any questions, or would like some advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The hot wedding of the moment (as far as the media is concerned) is obviously Harry & Meghan’s.  And Prince William has just been named as Best Man.  As second in line to the throne public speaking is something that he’s fairly familiar with – so the speech should be something he takes easily in his stride.  For your wedding, however, the best man may need a little help when it comes to this aspect of the proceedings.  In this post we offer some advice that he may find helpful.

Top speech-making tips if you have been chosen as the best man

·         Plan well in advance – that means at least two months before the big day.  You are going to be busy as the date approaches so get the speech preparation started early.

·         Start with a great one-liner or joke to get everyone’s attention and set the tone

·         Joke about the groom, not the bride.

·         Practice – a lot.  Do it at least three times, out loud, to an audience.  Also video it and play it back to get a feel for how it’s working (or not!)

·         Write it down.  You may have a great memory but nerves can mess it up.  Use small note cards rather than a sheet of paper – these ae easier to handle.

·         Vary the pace – use pauses for dramatic effect.  Also vary the tone, from humorous to heartfelt – it’s good to strike different emotional chords.

·         Speak clearly and confidently – it’s no good if people are struggling to hear the words

·         Don’t get drunk.  A glass or two is fine to help ease the nerves, but anything more and your judgment may be impaired.  You need to have your wits about you - in every sense!

·         Don’t panic.  If the speeches that immediately precede yours have gone down well it can be hard to resist that sinking “how do I follow that?” feeling.   The thing to remember is that just because someone else has been funny it doesn’t mean you won’t be too.
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Have a clear structure

• Opening – you need a killer line that grabs attention and gets a laugh
• Introduce yourself.  You’ll be an unknown entity to many, so set up briefly who you are and why you’re such good friends with the groom.
• Thank the other speakers and congratulate the wedding couple
• Compliment to the bride.  It’s a good idea to say something early on about how beautiful she looks and what a brilliant woman she is in general. This will set her, her parents and friends at ease.
• Make some jokes about the groom and tell some stories from his past (more on this below)
• Read messages from guests who couldn't make it, if there are any
• Propose a toast
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Keep it brief

You need to give you enough time to say something meaningful but without things starting to drag.   Around 10 minutes is probably about right – but if you are an accomplished speaker capable of holding people’s attention, you can probably stretch it a bit beyond this.
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“No-go” areas

There are a few topics you really shouldn’t touch on.  You may think it’ll get a laugh, but the chances are that others will be offended.  So, for your sake and theirs, don’t go there.   It is therefore best to avoid:

• Negativity about marriage in general
• Ex-girlfriends or boyfriends
• Previous marriages/divorces
• Drinks, drugs, gambling, race, politics or other subjects that might give offence
• Adult humour or any other mention of sex
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What kind of stories can you tell?

Stories about the groom provide the highlights of the speech.  It’s Ok to embarrass him a bit…but you need to use your judgement and avoid going too far.  This will partly dependant on the personality of the groom – is he serious and shy or is he humorous and outgoing?   Every groom has some characteristic, or story from their past, that you can use.  However, obscure stories or inside jokes are best avoided, because only a few members of the audience are likely to find them funny.

You’re painting a picture of the groom and, to some extent, your relationship with him.  You need to remember, however, it’s all about him, not you.   While you want to raise some laughs you also want to help everyone (those that already know him, and those that don’t) what a great and talented guy he is.

It’s alright to get a little bit philosophical - say something about love in general while also emphasising the personal love story of the bride and groom. Seal your speech by saying what a wonderful match they are and how happy you know they’ll be as they embark on married life together.
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We’re here to help

If your best man is struggling to prepare for his speech we hope these tips prove of helpful.  If there’s any other aspect of your wedding planning we can assist you with just get in touch with our expert team – they’ll only be too happy to share their experience and knowledge with you.