Trends, Tips, & Ideas For Your Next Big Event

In September Nina and Toine brought together a beautiful Irish wedding with us and the brilliant FareLight Weddings were able to capture it perfectly.

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After the first rush of excitement that comes with getting engaged, and as you start to plan your big day, what began with falling head over heels in love can start to feel like more of a project management exercise!  We’re writing this with Valentine’s Day just around the corner - so it seems timely to remind everyone that it’s important not to lose sight of what brought you together in the first place.

To help you, and your guests, focus on what really matters we’ve collected up some swoon-worthy quotes to ramp up the romance.  They can also act as inspiration for your vows, speeches, on invitations and stationery wedding signs.

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"You make me happier than I ever thought I could be and if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way."   Chandler proposing to Monica on Friends

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."   Dr. Seuss

"In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine."   Maya Angelou

"What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life—to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?"   George Eliot

"To love is nothing. To be loved is something. But to love and be loved, that’s everything."  T. Tolis

"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."  Victor Hugo

"Love is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel it."  Nicholas Sparks,

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"He felt now that he was not simply close to her, but that he did not know where he ended and she began." Leo Tolstoy

"For the two of us, home isn't a place. It is a person. And we are finally home."  Stephanie Perkins,

"To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness."  Robert Brault

"Marriage flourishes when the couple works together as a team: when both husband and wife decide that winning together is more important than keeping score. Good marriages don't just happen. They are a product of hard work." —Michelle Obama

“If I get married, I want to be very married.”  Audrey Hepburn

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"I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me."   Roy Croft

“Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one.”   John Keats

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”   Paul McCartney

"Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century."   Mark Twain

"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love."   Sophocles

"Love is like a friendship caught on fire."  Jeremy Taylor

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"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you ... I could walk through my garden forever."  Alfred Tennyson

When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement and acceptance."  John Lennon

Final word

We hope that one, or more, of these quotations strikes a chord with you and your fiancé.  Keep them in mind as you plan for your big day and if you need any help or advice with the practicalities just give us a call – we’re more than happy to share our experience.    

Continuing the theme of our previous post we’re going to keep the focus on romance – and the importance of keeping it alive during the sometimes stressful process of planning your wedding.  Given that it’s Valentine’s Day in a few days we thought this was appropriate!

While you’ll probably want to go out for a candlelit dinner on the 14th there’s nothing to say you can’t have a few other romantic evenings over the course of the month (and for as long, and as often, as you’d like).  One option is to curl up together on the sofa, with a bottle of wine, and watch a passionate, tender and warm-hearted movie all about love.  So, with that in mind, here’s a list of films that tick the right boxes for romance (we’ve tried to avoid the most obvious recent releases like A Star is Born or La la Land and gone for a few titles that are a little more off-beat).

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The wallflower of the title is socially awkward teen Charlie (Logan Lerman) who suddenly finds himself plucked from the sidelines and dragged into the hurly burly of high school by free-spirited Sam (Emma Watson) and her stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller).  It’s a bitter-sweet coming of age story where hopes and fears, friendship and betrayal, attraction and rejection become painfully entwined.   Love blossoms but its course does not run smooth.

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One Day

After a brief romance at college Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) go their separate ways.  However, each year they meet up on the same day to compare their progress in life and love.  In many ways they’re thoroughly unsuited – she’s a working class idealist who wants to make the world a better place while he’s a wealthy charmer who treats the world as his playground.  The “will they, won’t they?” drama keeps you hooked and is good for a fair few tears and laughs.  It all turns out for the best in the end…or does it?

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The Graduate

A classic film from 1968 that captured the younger generation’s  sense of disillusionment with the world of their parents.  Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman in his breakthrough role) is a star student who returns home from college bored, confused and alienated.   He awkwardly drifts from moment to moment, in constant turmoil over his lack of direction and the uncertain, impending future.   Seduced by Mrs Robinson, the wife of his father’s business partner, his state of mind takes a turn for the worse.   When he then falls in love with her daughter things get even more complicated.  Don’t miss the wedding scene at the end!

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Doctor Zhivago

Not quite as epic as War & Peace, but close.  Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and the sweeping expanse of the steppes, it’s the story of Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif), a young doctor who has been raised by his aunt and uncle following his father's suicide. Yuri falls in love with beautiful Lara Guishar (Julie Christie), who has been having an affair with her mother's lover, Victor Komarovsky (Rod Steiger), an unscrupulous businessman. Yuri, however, ends up marrying his cousin.  But when he and Lara meet again years later, the spark of love reignites.  The eighth-highest-grossing film of all time in Canada and the US…for good reason - they don’t come much more romantic than this.  A weepie if ever there was one.

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Amelie

Amelie Poulain (played by Audrey Tatou), an innocent and naive girl, may live in Paris but she has retreated into a fantasy world of her own. Working as a waitress in a  café her life is pretty uneventful until a chain of extraordinary events leads her to find a tin box containing a schoolboy’s long forgotten mementos.  Amelie discovers her true vocation in life is helping others find love and happiness which she sets about in her own unique and magical way.   A movie that is very quirky, french and adorable.

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The Princess Bride

A delightful fairy tale that has everything you could wish for in a feel-good rom-com.   While home sick in bed, a young boy's grandfather reads him the story of a farmboy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love.  Bags of swashbuckling, romance, and comedy that takes an age-old damsel-in-distress story and gives it a fresh twist.  

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So, six acclaimed movies guaranteed to get you in the mood for romance.  Perfect for those long cold February nights when you just want to curl up with your fiance and lose yourself in  love.  If you have a particular favourite then just let us know and we’ll share it with our other readers.  And if you want some more practical and down to earth advice about planning your big day just get in touch - we’ll be happy to help.  In the meantime enjoy the movies and have a great Valentine’s Day.

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The first few days of a new year can be a bit of a downer - an anti-climax after all the festivities.  It’s the same with a wedding.  Months of planning and preparation, anticipation then celebration…followed by a return to reality and routine.  So we thought we’d pick up on the similarities and kick off 2019 with a post about how to cope with the glumness that can set in after your big day.

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Prepare yourself

Expect to feel worn out, emotionally drained and a bit down in the dumps – you wouldn’t be normal if you didn’t!  Accept the fact that that after all the excitement and fun of your big day you are bound to come down to earth at some time with a bit of a bump.

How long before you come out of the slump?  Everyone is different so the length of time is going to vary from one person to the next.  It might just take you a couple of days to bounce back, but don’t be surprised if your recovery requires a couple of weeks.

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No regrets

It’s inevitable that you’ll look back and wish, with hindsight, you’d done some things differently.  But don’t dwell on them – focus on the good stuff.  Also, remember that the end of your wedding is the start of a new life.  Shift your thinking to how you can make the best of your marriage and to planning your life with your partner.  One you start to get excited about that the feelings of anti-climax that follow the wedding will soon disappear.

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Go minimoon

Going on honeymoon straight from your big day prolongs the feelings of euphoria and excitement.  But it may just postpone the inevitable back-to-earth bump.  Many couples, rather than heading straight to the airport the morning after their big day, take a short break closer to home.  That means less travelling and less expense, more time and opportunity to wind down, cuddle up and enjoy a few days and nights of chilled out romance.  It makes the process of returning home, and to normality, more gentle and manageable.

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Honeymoon soon

The other great thing about taking a minimoon is that you can still take a honeymoon – but just a bit later.  Delaying your dream honeymoon even by just a few months can keep the excitement of your wedding going which in turn keeps the post-wedding blues at bay. You’ll have something else amazing to look forward to after the wedding, and you’ll probably enjoy the run up more because you won’t be rushing about trying to put a wedding together and pack the hottest honeymoon outfits at the same time.

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Every day romance

Look for ways to make your new life together full of love and happiness.  Put in a little extra effort to turn an ordinary suppertime into a romantic dinner for two – wine, candles and maybe an indulgent dessert.  

Also, be sure to plan regular date nights where you go out as a couple for drinks, a meal, or to the cinema.  Spending quality time together and varying your usual routine will keep your relationship fresh and romantic, giving you plenty to look forward to once the big day has come and gone.  You could also set some bigger and longer term goals, not just for weekends away but for dream holidays, the kind of home you’d like to create and how your perfect lift would pan out.

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Stay social

When you were planning your wedding you probably spent a lot of time with your family and friends.  Why should that stop once you have tied the knot.  Of course you’ll want to create a new life together but the time together will be even sweeter if you still enjoy good times with your girlfriends and see family on a regular basis.  The more events you have to look forward to the less you’ll be looking back longingly at all the fun you had around your big day.  

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Money honey

One final thought, but something you need to keep in mind right from the start.  Agree on a sensible budget and stick to it.  Nothing will put more of a damper on your new life together than money worries.  So, work out what you can afford, plan accordingly, and don’t overstretch yourselves.  Better to keep some money back for an extra special minimoon and honeymoon than splurging it all on the big day itself.

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Got more questions?

The team here at Clevedon Hall have helped huge numbers of couples make a great success of their big day.  Whatever questions or issues you have in mind we’re only too happy to share our knowledge and experience, so just get in touch.

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First off – congratulations!  And enjoy the moment.  It’s a magical time so absolutely make the most of it.  But then, once your feet touch the ground again, you’ll realise that there are a few matters that need sorting, and soon.  In this post we share some thoughts that should help.

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Press pause

The temptation, in the initial rush of excitement, is to tell everyone….immediately.  It’s up to you, of course, but we’d suggest taking a deep breath.  Because the moment you break the news you’ll find the questions coming thick and fast.  Also, it might be better tell some people earlier than others, to avoid upsetting anyone.  How long do you wait?  Again, it’s up to you.  Keeping it as a secret, just between the two of you, is a feeling you might like to savour for a while.  It also gives you time to make some plans before you have to share them with others.

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Break the news

Your mum and dad (not forgetting your future in-laws) should probably be the first to know.  Followed by close family and best friends.  If the first the hear about your new status is from someone else, or an update on social media, they are unlikely to be best pleased.  Ideally break the news to them face to face, or give them a call.  Emailing or messaging them is a last resort if you fail on the other two options and you need to put them in the picture before someone else does.  Once you’ve informed your nearest and dearest you can take to social media.

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Get a manicure

Your hands will be in the spotlight for the next couple of weeks so get them in good shape.  A manicure is a good idea.   Or, if you're going for the natural look, make sure your nails are neat and clean.  You don’t want people focusing on your chipped polish or ragged cuticles rather than your gorgeous engagement ring.

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Selfie time

A picture is worth a thousand words – so when you are ready to share your big news with wide world you needs some shots of you and your ring, you and your fiancé.  And if the actual proposal was caught on film share that look of surprise!

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Party time

A celebration is called for.  Make that celebrations plural.  Start by round up some of your best friends and family for a celebratory drink.  Then maybe a bigger party a few weeks down the road.  Formal engagement parties were traditionally hosted by the bride’s parents.  Today many couples prefer the freedom of hosting their own event.  You could just could just put on a simple barbecue or host a more elaborate garden party, organise a glitzy evening of dinner and dancing in a country house or hire a room in a favourite restaurant or bar.  

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Pick a date

It’s one of the first questions you are going to be asked – so you’d better give it some thought.  You might want to discuss it with your close family and in-laws before you settle on sometime definite, just to be sure it fits in with their plans.  You don’t want to put anyone in an awkward position, and they’ll appreciate being consulted.

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Insure the ring

You probably heard the story of the recently engaged couple in New York and how the ring slipped off her finger then disappeared down a grating in Times Square.  There was a happy ending thanks to the NYPD but there’s a lesson to be learnt.  Insure it asap – adding it to your home contents policy is surprisingly easy and inexpensive.  

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Thinking a bit further ahead

You have a lot of planning ahead of you.  There’s no need to rush it but there are a few things you might want to start mulling over.  Getting some kind of budget in mind is a good place to start, along with the size and style of celebration you want.  After that you could turn your mind to numbers of guests, your list and looking for a venue.  Don’t be in too much of a hurry to make hard and fast decisions – take your time and keep your options open.  But by the same token there’s a lot to be said for a little thinking ahead.

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If you need us…

You have just started to embark on an exciting journey – and the expert team here at Clevedon Hall would love to help you along the way.  Whether you’re looking for practical advice, or inspirational ideas, all you have to do is ask!

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Let’s be frank – kid’s can make or break your wedding.  Nothing ruins the romance of the moment like a screaming baby, a stroppy toddler throwing a tantrum or a child loudly declaring they need a wee just at the moment you are about to say “I do”.  On the other hand they can look adorable, provide lots of fun and come out with magical one-liners that absolutely make your day.  In this post we share some tips on how best to ensure the little ones    don’t get out of hand.

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Invited or not?

It’s your day, so you can do it your way.  And every situation is different.  If you have your own children you’ll certainly want them there.  You’ll also probably want to include nieces and nephews.  Beyond that, however, you may not want to invite the offspring of other guests.  

Whatever you decide, make it clear on the invitation – but tactfully.  The tradition is that only those named on the invitation are invited.  But some people assume that includes their little darlings as well.  Printing “No Children” sets the wrong tone but "We're sorry, we can't accommodate children" is a more gentle way of saying the same.  If you receive a few personal requests you can respond with "I'm sorry, please don't take it personally, and please don't put us in a difficult position, but we’d rather…”

If you do want to invite children make it clear they are only welcome if well behaved.  Your invite could say "Children are welcome but if you'd prefer to be carefree and let your hair down, leave your little ones at home".  This will make the point that parents are responsible for supervision.

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Choose your venue with care

If you are going to have more than a couple of mini-guests then pick a venue that’s kid-friendly.  That means choosing one where you can have the ceremony and reception one the one site, to avoid tedious travel between one and the other.  Also, pick a venue where there’s ample outdoor space for youngsters to run around and let off steam.  

If the venue has a variety of rooms and flexible space that’s a plus too – maybe you want to have a kid’s room for playing and eating away from the grown-up goings on.  Another bonus is a venue with accommodation, so kids can have time out, a nap or head to bed early if the need arises.

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Share the schedule

Work out your running order then share it with parents so they know what’s happening when.  Spell out what is being provided for the kids in terms of entertainment, break out spaces, food and drink.  Also let the parents know what you have planned for the adults, with timings, so that they can make appropriate plans about how best to manage their offspring and are well prepared with snacks and distractions.

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Avoid distractions at the ceremony

Tears of joy are welcome from adults but not the angry sort from tantrum-throwing toddlers.  Whether the ceremony is in a church or in a civil setting you might want to have a separate room with toys and a child-minder.  Then let parents know well in advance that their offspring should be taken there if they can’t manage the ceremony.  If a parents is part of the ceremony, sit them at the front, but at the far end of the pew or row so they can evacuate in a hurry if needs be!

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Toys and treats

Provide plenty of distractions - think stickers, puzzles, crayons and colouring-in books.  Also encourage parents to bring favourite toys.  Games are good too, anything from dressing up in costumes to a bouncy castle, croquet to hopscotch and a treasure hunt to outdoor Jenga.  You could also ask Snapchat-fixated teenagers to live-blog your day.

Ideally you should choose a venue that has a room where you can create a family VIP area, with toys and board games at one end then rugs, cushions, books and Frozen playing on a loop at the other end.  That means kids can get away if they need their own space and parents have a calm and cosy place for feeding, naptime or talking down a tantrum.

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Hired help

If you are going to have a lot of smaller guests it might be worth organising a childminder for all or some of the time.  You could also consider hiring and entertainer to keep them amused - a balloon artist, a magician or a chocolate making maestro, for instance.  Having one person who is paid to keep the children amused can be worth their weight in gold.

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Let them eat cake

Giving children a smaller portion of fancy food is not always such a great idea.  And the formal sit-down dinner, with all those speeches, soon wears out the patience of even the most amenable child.  You might be better getting the venue team to hand out a lunchbox and theme it to your day - perhaps heart-shaped sandwiches and Hula Hoops, so even mini guests get a ring on their finger!   If you have a separate room for kids it might be smart to arrange for them to eat in there with plenty of things like jelly, cake and ice cream.  They’ll be happier that way – and so will you!

Teens may prefer to have their own table.  They may feel uncomfortable sat with parents or older relatives, but they will certainly not be impressed if you put them with the little ones.

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Give them a job to do

One way to head off boredom and misbehaviour is to get the kids involved in the proceedings.  Enlist them as flower girls, or page boys or just have them handing out confetti as the ceremony ends.

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Any other questions?

Hopefully this post has covered the main issues around mixing weddings and children.  However, if you have any other queries, or want to discuss some ideas, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch – our experienced team are only too happy to help in any way they can.

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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!