Trends, Tips, & Ideas For Your Next Big Event

If you want to share the love, excitement and fun of your wedding far and wide then social media is a blessing.  You may, however, worry that everyone will be so busy with their phones that it will take over your big day.  Whatever your attitude there are some things you need to consider well ahead of time.
‍

Online or unplugged – it’s your choice

Do you want to go wild on social media, sharing everything from the engagement party to your honeymoon, and giving all your family and friends full licence to do the same?  Or do you want to restrict the use of any device that takes photos or records videos (and relying on the official photographer and videographer to capture the memories)?  Then again, you might want to steer a middle way – unplugging the wedding ceremony but letting everyone loose to record and share the reception, for instance?

Whatever you decide there are some important considerations to bear in mind.
‍

If you decide to go unplugged

Most couples, it has to said, have a positive attitude to the sharing of their big day across the social media channels.  A recent survey by a US bridal magazine revealed that 11% of brides are opting for an unplugged wedding.  33% of those who responded want to keep the ceremony itself phone-free.  41% were pretty relaxed about social media and had no wish to restrict the way guests used their phones or posted stuff.

However, if you are one of those who do want to place a total or partial block on phone use and social media, then there are some things you need to consider.

Let people know in advance

Make your expectations clear well ahead of time.  Gently advise guests of your intentions in your invitation package or on your wedding website (if you have one).  This will ensure that they are not shocked to discover they are entering a smartphone-free zone!

How to handle it on the day

Even if you make your wishes clear well before the big day some people are sure to forget.   It’s a good idea have someone make a brief announcement on the day of your wedding to remind people not to use their smartphones during the ceremony and/or celebration (whatever you decide).  Also, if you feel it necessary, you could appoint a member of your wedding party to help encourage other guests (nicely, of course) to refrain if they are using their devices at times you have asked to be phone-free.

Don’t get bent out of shape

No matter how many times you ask, people will still forget, or be unable to resist taking a cheeky shot or two.  With that in mind, it helps to be realistic about an unplugged wedding and be relaxed about the fact that photos could still very well appear on social media networks or elsewhere.

Share your own photos after the wedding

After the big day make sure you share a few images of your wedding with your guests. You can include a photo on your thank you card or make the wedding photos available to guests online.
‍

If you decide to make it a social media free for all

Most couples are more than happy to embrace social media and let their guests record, post and tweet to their heart’s content.  If you are in this camp then here are some tips worth following.
‍

Create a unique hashtag

To keep track of all the photos and posts created at and around your wedding you must establish a suitable hashtag.  It’s a good idea to include both your names, as this is relevant and easy for everyone to remember - something like #JohnandSarah Of course, remember to do some research beforehand to check that your chosen hashtag isn’t being used already.  If it is, you’ll need to add some other details, like #JohnBandSarahY, or add the date of the wedding (#JohnandSarah1-7-2018)
‍

Make sure Wi-Fi is provided

Pick a venue with Wi-Fi and make it easy for everyone to access by notifying guests of the password.  Print the info on small cards and place these around the venue, or have a larger board encouraging people to share.
‍

Appoint a ‘Tweeter of honour’

You want to be focusing on this most special day, and totally in the moment – not glued to your mobile phone.  Ask someone, well before the big day, to take over responsibility for updating your social media accounts, posting picture and doing any other urgent social media tasks.
‍

Create a digital archive of your day

People are going to be posting and sharing their photos of your big day across a wide variety of social media platforms.  Keeping track of your favourite shots can be a nightmare.  However, there are some great tools and apps to help you – Wakelet, Scripin, GuestShots, Wedding party, Wedpics being just a few you might like to check out.  Once you’ve set up a page it will make it easier for everyone to share and reminisce before your official wedding photos are available.
‍

Finally – some digital do’s and don’ts

• DO create a private Pinterest board to help you plan your wedding (research suggests 70% of women start Pinterest wedding boards before getting engaged!)
• DON’T send your invitations via email – hard to believe, but some older guests may still not be regulars online, spam filters may block your message, or busy people may just miss it in their inbox.
• DO mark the ceremony or reception location on Google Maps for easy sharing
• DON’T vent on social media about wedding plans or the wedding party
• DO ask guests to use a special hashtag for wedding posts, tweets and pictures
• DON’T spend your wedding day trying to master the perfect selfie
• DO prepare your speech on a tablet or an iPhone
• DON’T update your Facebook status at the altar
  ‍

Clevedon Hall – we have the technology

If you want a wedding venue that makes it easy for you and your guests to share the big day on social media then Clevedon Hall certainly has everything you need.  Our commercial grade wi-fi network operates at 80Mbps and will support 600 users simultaneously, providing secure, seamless internet.  No matter how busily everyone is tweeting and posting you can be confident the system can more than cope.

Picking the ring, the one that is just right for you, is not quite so easy as you might first imagine.  The sheer range of options is bewildering.  What’s more, you’ll be wearing it for the rest of your life – so it has to be perfect.  No pressure then!  Having said that, if you follow the tips in this article you’ll find the process a lot easier…and much more fun.
‍

Think two rings, not one

The fact you’ll have a wedding ring and an engagement ring immediately raises a few questions.  Some couples like to make buying the engagement ring a joint decision – in which case you can buy the engagement ring and wedding ring at the same time.  In some ways this makes finding a perfect matching pair a little easier.

However, in many instances, the ring is presented to the fiancé as a surprise.  If you find yourself in this situation, where your partner has already purchased the engagement ring, you’ll want to consider what kind of wedding ring will work best alongside it.  For example, if you have a very striking engagement ring, you may want a simple, no-fuss wedding band.   However, a simple engagement ring may call for the added sparkle of a diamond pavé band.  

Also think about how the rings will physically fit together on your finger. If you're planning on wearing your engagement and wedding ring side by side, every day, look for a contour or shadow band designed to interlock with the engagement ring.  If you're planning on wearing your wedding ring alone, you may want a more intricate style that will look great with or without your engagement ring.
‍

Money, honey

Although this won’t sound very romantic…it’s wise to set a budget when choosing your ring.  As a simple rule you should probably think about spending something like three percent of your total wedding budget on the rings.   Adding diamonds, or engraving the band, will quickly add to the cost, so factor that in too.  The price of engraving is usually based on the number of characters, the font used and whether it's engraved by hand or machine (by hand is usually more expensive).
‍

Narrow down the choice

The sheer range of options can be overwhelming…but don’t panic!   Take your time and just ask a few simple questions – by a process of elimination you’ll be able to narrow down the choice.  For example, do you want a simple ring or something more embellished – a classic plain band, a ring with a single diamond or something with multiple diamonds in a pave or channel setting, a design featuring some other gemstones, a patterned wedding ring, a shaped wedding ring?  What metal takes your fancy – gold, white gold, rose gold, silver, platinum, palladium, titanium and zirconium?  Then, as mentioned earlier, what is going to work best in terms of your engagement ring?
‍

Don’t leave it until the last moment

Once you have a rough idea of what kind of ring you'd like it's time for the fun part: trying them on!  You should probably start your search about six months before the big day - at the very least give yourself a couple of months to shop around.  This is one decision you won’t want to rush – research online and allocate a couple of days for visiting physical jewellery stores.  Set your heart on a custom ring?  Then you'll probably need even more time.  Also remember that extras, like engraving, can take up to a month.
‍

Size matters

You’ll probably wear your wedding ring 24/4, for months on end, through summer and winter, year after year.  And over that extended period your finger will change shape – if you exercise, when you get pregnant, should you put on weight, when your hands get hot and when they get cold.  You need to bear these factors in mind when deciding on the right ring size.  It’s good advice to schedule your final ring fitting at a time when you're calm and your body temperature is normal.  Don’t book that appointment for first thing in the morning (you retain water from the night before), right after you've exercised (fingers swell) or when you're extremely hot or cold (which can cause your hands to expand and shrink).  Of course, if your finger changes permanently over the years you can always have your wedding ring re-sized by a jeweller.
‍

Lifestyle considerations

Following on from the previous point, your ring will become almost a part of you – so you want a design you’ll find easy to live with.  If you play a lot of sports, or a musical instrument, a slimmer ring with rounded edges may make the most sense.  If you are someone who works with her hands work you may want to choose a simple, solid metal ring - gemstones can come loose and carvings can trap dirt. If you're a super active kind of person you’d be well advised to go for platinum.  This metal is extra durable and when scratched the metal is merely displaced and doesn't actually wear away.
‍

Keep an open mind

While it is important to narrow your focus a little before you start to browse in earnest you should still give yourself the opportunity to change your mind.  You might start out loving the idea of a braided rose gold ring or a diamond eternity band, but don’t rule out other ideas and styles that take your fancy.  Be open to suggestions made by the jeweller – they may come up with an inspired idea that you’d never have come up with on your own.
‍

The last word

There are no hard and fast rules when choosing a wedding ring.  Hopefully you’ve found these hints and tips useful but ultimately it’s a matter of what you feel best suits your own unique sense of style.  Enjoy doing your research and have confidence in your own judgement!

There’s so much to think about when planning your wedding – but one thing you must not forget is the flowers!  They play a surprisingly big part in setting the tone for the day, and can also take a big slice out of your budget, so they need careful consideration.  However, if you don’t know your roses from your ranunculus or your peonies from your petunias, there’s no need to worry.  With a little bit of professional help from a florist choosing the flowers can become one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning.   In this post we share a few useful pointers to get you started.
‍

Decide on a budget for you blooms

This will give your florist a good idea of what’s possible – there’s no sense is discussing options that are going to be too much of a stretch.  As a rule of thumb you should probably allocate just under 10% of your total budget for the flowers.
‍

Draw up a list

You could keep it simple and just go for bouquets, buttonholes, and centrepieces.  The list of possibilities, however, is considerably longer.  You might want to include a floral crown for the bride, tossing petals for guests, lounge area arrangements and decorations for the powder room.  It’s smart to prioritise – draw up a “must have” list and “nice to have” list.  For example “flowers for the wedding party” may go on your “must have” list but “flowers for every table” might go on the “nice to have” list.  This will prove a huge help when you and your florist discuss the different options.
‍

Choose flowers that suit your theme

The florist can advise here – because it’s easy to get it wrong.  For example, gerbera bouquets wouldn’t work with a vintage or “shabby chic” theme but are ideal for modern, contemporary weddings. Gypsophelia, peonies, David Austin roses and carnations are far more suited to vintage-style weddings.
‍

Swot up on the symbolism

Certain flowers have special meanings that are useful to know.  Roses are not only lovely to look at, and have a wonderful aroma, but are also associated with love and passion – hence their popularity at weddings. Convallaria (Lily of the Valley) means purity and sweetness. Stephanotis means happiness in marriage. Sweet pea symbolises departure (a bride leaving one life behind to begin a new one with her husband).    Marigolds, on the other hand, mean cruelty, grief and jealousy – so they are best avoided!
‍

The big question of the bridal bouquet

The bridal bouquet is an essential accessory so it’s important that it compliments the dress…without overpowering it.   As a general rule the bigger the dress, the bigger the bouquet.  So, a simple and elegant column dress works well with a single stem of lily.  A full, detailed dress, on the other hand, suits a bigger bouquet with mixed flowers. As far as colour is concerned white flowers to match your dress, with contrasting green leaves can look stunning.  If your dress is off-white peach, orange and pinks can make a delightful contrast.  Don’t forget how the flowers will look in the photographs.  All-white or ivory bouquets are stunning, but without additional colours they won’t stand out boldly against a white or ivory wedding gown.
‍

Think seasonal

It makes sense to pick flowers that are in season.  These are always the best value and will be the strongest and longest-lasting throughout your big day. Any flower grown out of season is either grown under glass or has travelled a great distance to get here, so expect to pay more.  Some flowers are readily available all year round, such as roses and tulips, so can be a good starting place budget-wise if you don't know exactly what you want. But remember that even tulips are best in the spring - when they're the highest quality. And do also remember that the flower seasons for cut flowers are about 2 months ahead of those in your garden.
‍

There’s a lot to be said for silk

Artificial flowers are now so botanically correct that it’s hard to tell the difference from the real thing.  One big advantage is that you can buy them well in advance so there are no surprises on the day and they are also easy to transport.  One useful tip is to spray a small amount of the perfume you are wearing onto your silk flowers for a lovely scent.  Cost-wise they are only marginally cheaper than fresh but they can be kept indefinitely and make a marvellous memento.  If you want to free up budget to spend on other things you can even hire silk flowers for the day, or sell yours after the event.
‍

Find the right florist

Do you want someone who will take the lead and give you a lot of ideas and advice?  Or do you have a pretty good idea of what you want and just need someone to deliver your vision?  Make sure you see their portfolio so you get a good idea if their taste and style matches your own.  Also talk to friends and relatives who have recently tied the knot to get their input and suggestions, not just on choice of florist but to gather any useful tips and hints they may have.
‍

Pick our brains before you pick your flowers

The team at Clevedon Hall have a wealth of experience that covers every aspect of wedding planning – including all things floral.  Whether it’s drawing up a lit of recommended local florists or deciding how best to decorate our venue for the maximum wow factor, all you have to do is ask!

Your wedding is probably going to be the most memorable day of your life – so you obviously don’t want any little challenges, issues or regrets clouding your happy recollections. There’s a lot to be learnt from all those who have walked down the aisle before you and in this post, we look at some of the most common mistakes that people tend to make. If we draw your attention to them early then the chances are that you can avoid these unfortunate pitfalls!
‍

Not starting out with a clear budget in mind

Your wedding day is obviously about romance and celebration – but you need to be clear at the outset how much you can afford to spend. This may sound like we’re putting a damper on things right from the start. It’s far better, however, to have these discussions early on – before you get carried away with lots of ideas that you then realise you can’t afford. And you certainly don’t want to be approaching the big day with lots of money worries buzzing around your head. So crunch the numbers, then get creative as you think about all the ways you can make the money go further.
‍

Failing to agree on the guest list before anything else

It’s so easy to get carried away discussing dates, researching venues, thinking about dresses and exploring theme options that you overlook what is arguably the most important decision of all (right up there with the budget – because the two go together). We’re talking about the wedding list. The number of people you plan to invite dictates practically everything else. Like setting the budget it’s not the most glamorous or exciting part of the process – but it’s something you need to sort right at the start. If you don’t…you’ll probably have cause to regret it. Cue the story about the couple who put down a non-refundable deposit on a cosy restaurant that could comfortably accommodate 75, only for mother-in-law-to-be coming up with a further 30 guests she insisted on inviting!
So, do not pass GO on the other discussions until you’ve got basic agreement on the scale of the event. Do you want an intimate affair, with close friends and family-only, or the bash of the season with 300-plus people, or somewhere in the middle?
‍

Excluding your partner from important decisions

This follows on from the previous point – you need to discuss and agree on everything with your partner, and not take executive decisions in the heat of the moment, confident you can talk them around later. Having said that, make sure the wedding is not the only thing you ever talk about. Your fiancé will want to be involved in the planning process but try to avoid reading aloud every wedding magazine article you come across, taking him through thousands of images on Pinterest or overloading him with details, choices and ideas! Designate a night to sit down and talk about every different aspect of the wedding, and try to get a concrete idea of your partner's interest in the various details. If flowers aren't his thing then accept that and take the lead in this area. But also listen to things he is interested in and willing to help with.
‍

Being hasty in your choice of venue

The venue sets the whole tone for your big day. You want one that won’t cramp your style. But by the same token make sure you don’t go too large and find yourselves rattling around. Clevedon Hall is grand and elegant enough to create a terrific sense of occasion. But it is also perfect for more intimate events with just a few close friends and family. The property offers a variety of rooms that can be combined in a number of different configurations to match your requirements perfectly. You also have the added opportunities afforded by the gardens and gazebo - a beautifully hand-crafted feature with seating for 150 guests on the surrounding terrace it makes a magical spot for your ceremony and photos.

Another terrific plus with Clevedon Hall is the fact we have 25 gorgeous bedrooms so that guests can party late into the night without having to worry about finding their way home. We’ve even got a private cottage for couples who want to escape to a secret hideaway the night before their big day.
‍

Trying to drop two sizes before your final fitting

You find the wedding dress of your dreams, but there’s just one problem - it's not quite a perfect fit on the real-life you. Your plan: order the dress two sizes too small, and then do whatever it takes to make it fit. It’s a great idea in theory, and as your wedding day approaches it’s sensible to eat healthily and exercise regularly. But crash dieting and wearing yourself out on a treadmill is not only going to make you miserable and irritable but you’ll probably end up squeezing into an ill-fitting gown. Instead of losing more sleep than weight pick a gown you love and order it in your current size. If you want to work on your body during your engagement, that's great - just be realistic and pick goals that are manageable. You're more likely to stick with a routine that doesn't require superhuman willpower.
‍

Sweating the small stuff

Planning any wedding is a complicated affair and you do have to pay attention to the detail. But if things go wrong (and we guarantee that you’ll have to deal with a few surprises along the way) it’s important that you don’t get bent out of shape. Keep your eyes on the big picture and just focus on having a great time. One of your bridesmaids breaks her leg skiing a week before your big day, your brother forgot to bring the programs you spent last weekend hand-stamping and the best man has one too many and his speech lurches on for a little too long. But who cares? You’re marrying the love of your life! Don’t get so wrapped up in the details that the focus shifts from the celebration of your love, and the start of your life together, to a fixation on all the event planning stuff.  A few years down the line you’ll probably be laughing at these “disasters”.
‍

Found this advice helpful?

These are just six tips we can give you – but there are many more. Our wedding planning experts have years of experience between them and will be more than happy to share their knowledge, ideas and enthusiasm. Give them a call now on 01275 795895 and discover for yourself how much they can bring to your big day.

As soon as you start planning your wedding you’ll find people who are eager to tell you what they consider the right way, and the wrong way, to go about things. Do you have to follow the rules? That’s up to you – but it’s probably best to be aware of them before your get into the discussions with family and friends. We can’t cover all the finer points in this post but hopefully it will serve as a useful starting point.
‍

Engagement announcements

The father of the bride should publish an engagement announcement in the newspaper as follows… The engagement is announced between Ryan, elder son of Mr and Mrs Paul Mason of Nailsea, North Somerset, and Melanie, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Graham Hudson of Cullompton, Devon. Just change the names, as required of course.
‍

Walking down the aisle

It is traditional at British weddings for the bride to stand to the right of her father (or whoever else is giving her away). They are at the head of the procession, followed by the bridesmaids and pageboys. There is a new trend for sending the bridesmaids in first. This actually works very
well because it ramps up the sense of anticipation amongst the guests and gives you a few more moments alone with your Dad before making your grand entrance.
‍

Dresses for the Bridesmaids

The traditional role of the Bridesmaids was to act as decoys and ward off jealous suitors and evil spirits. They wore exactly the same dresses as the bride to confuse those who might cause trouble! In modern times this idea has become less popular and bridesmaid today tend to be dressed the same – but different from the bride. The last thing you want to do is confuse the groom!
‍

Access all areas for kids?

Children are usually included in the ceremony and the celebrations, unless it’s a very formal or evening based affair. If you are not inviting children simply don’t put their names on the invitation. If you’re inviting an 18-year old who lives at home, they should receive their own invitation.
‍

Veils

Strictly speaking, veils are inappropriate for second marriages or brides who are pregnant. Having said that, things are more relaxed these days so it’s a case of what works best with your dress and forget the symbolism!
‍

The first dance

Daunting as it may be, the bride and groom are traditionally supposed to start the dancing with just the two of them doing a twirl. You are well advised to have a dance in mind and to put in a little practice beforehand! Etiquette also dictates the groom should dance with both mothers, while the bride should dance with both fathers.

What’s more, the mother of the bride should dance with the father of the groom and vice versa. The best man should also step out with the chief bridesmaid too!
‍

Giving Favours

The giving of wedding favours is a way of saying thank you to your guests; a small token of your appreciation for their sharing in your special day. Guests would traditionally receive a small bag or box containing five sugared almonds. These were supposed to represent the five blessings of Health, Wealth, Happiness, Long Life and Fertility. Now, of course, your wedding favours can be almost anything to reflect your own taste, budget and personality.
‍

The Gift List

Wedding gifts originated from the notion of a bride price or dowry that was paid to the bride's family. In ancient times it would probably include land, animals and money. Today it is customary for guests to arrive bearing gifts. It is normal practice for a couple to send a list of presents from which to choose – many large retailers offer a wedding gift service to make this easier for all concerned.
‍

Invitation Etiquette

Traditionally, invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding, giving guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make the necessary arrangements. Most couples also send out save-the-date cards, six to eight months ahead of the big day. If an invitation hasn’t been received it’s the height of rudeness to ask for one, and the same goes for asking about a plus one. Some traditional rules shouldn’t be broken!
‍

Rings and things

The bride should not wear any rings, apart from the engagement ring, which should be worn on the right hand to leave the wedding ring finger free. The engagement ring goes back on the left hand after the ceremony.  However, many brides now choose to not wear their engagement ring at all during the ceremony but wear it afterwards for their reception.
‍

The giving of Keepsakes

It is traditional to give gifts to the mums. Bouquets presented by the groom or best man during their speeches work well, as do jewellery or even hand-written letters thanking them for their help with the preparations.
‍

Order of the Garter

This is a very old tradition – in the Middle Ages, the groomsmen would rush at the new bride to take her garters as a prize. This strange practice still continues but in a modified form. The bride is supposed to wear a garter, to be removed towards the end of the reception by the groom, who will then toss the garter to the unmarried male guests. This is performed after the tossing of the bouquet, in which the bride tosses her bouquet over her shoulder to be caught by the unwed female guests.

According to superstition, the lady who catches the bouquet and the man who catches the garter will be the next man and woman among those in attendance to be married (though perhaps not to each other). The ceremony often continues with the man who catches the garter obliged to place it on the leg of the lady who caught the bouquet. Traditionally, the pair is obliged to share the next dance.
‍

Morning Coats

In years gone by weddings took place in the morning and gentlemen wore their morning attire, hence the tradition of wearing a ‘morning suit’. These days “black tie” is the norm, meaning a white dress shirt with a black bow tie, an evening waistcoat or cummerbund, and a dinner jacket.
‍

Order of service

A typical order of service for a church wedding will run as follows:

• Entrance of the Bride
• Welcome and Introduction by the celebrant
• Hymn
• Readings
• Sermon
• Exchange of Marriage Vows
• Prayers and a Hymn
• The Signing of the Register
• The Final Blessing
• Exit

However, in a civil ceremony the hymns and sometimes readings will be omitted.
‍

Order of Speeches

The first wedding speech is given by the father, ending with a toast to the bride and groom. The groom then thanks the bride’s parents and the guests, before making a toast to the bridesmaids. Finally, the best man gives his speech.
‍

Table Plans

Wedding etiquette dictates that the top table should be, from the left: Chief bridesmaid, groom’s father, bride’s mother, groom, bride, bride’s father, groom’s mother, best man. However, if parents have remarried and there are stepmothers and stepfathers involved, this can prove a nightmare! Sometimes it’s best to try a non-traditional plan with two or three ‘top’ tables with parents hosting their own tables, leaving the bride and groom to sit with their friends.
‍

Ushers

The traditional role of the Ushers is to make sure guests are in the right place at the right time. They also set the tone as they are the first faces guests see – so they need to be polite and cheerful, but firm.
‍

Let them eat Cake

The traditional wedding cake is a grandiose, tiered, white-frosted fruitcake. These days, however, anything goes! You could have a cheese wedding cake, a macaroon tower, a brownie stack, a cupcake board, a dessert table or a doughnut pyramid – whatever you fancy…
‍

The Honeymoon

Etiquette says the groom should organise the honeymoon as a surprise for his bride.  However, some brides don’t like surprises and would rather have a say in the destination. So, you decide between you how to approach this one.
‍

That’s just for starters…

So, that’s a lot to be thinking about – and there are more traditions, superstitions and rituals besides. Our experienced team are always available to answer any questions
and to guide you through this minefield – all you have to do is ask!

A few months ago a couple caused a bit of a stir by asking each of their wedding guests to contribute to the cost of their wedding. This begs the question – who is traditionally supposed to pay for what? In this post we give you a few pointers that we hope you’ll find useful.

Tight or right?

When Ben Farina asked partner Clare Moran to marry him he knew she’d be worried that they couldn’t afford a dream wedding. So he drew up what he described as a “business model” where he suggested to the 60 guests that they might like to contribute up to £150 each to attend, promising the event would be "like an all-inclusive holiday" involving a three-night stay at a luxurious venue in Derbyshire. Ben’s idea was widely reported in the media, with some suggesting he was being tight. The guests, however, were all happy enough to pay, with Ben’s parents also stumping up extra for a hog roast on the wedding day. Clare’s stepdad, who is a chef, also offered to cook a roast dinner for everybody the day after.

Tradition is going out of fashion

There was a time when the bride’s parents were expected to pick up the bill for most of the expenses, at least those for the ceremony and the reception. However, times have changed and the old rules have fallen by the wayside. These days the couple themselves will often bear much of the cost, with their parents contributing in whatever way is felt to be most appropriate. So maybe Ben was not quite so out of order and just taking the next logical step!

The important thing is for the bride, groom and the respective parents to sit down at the earliest opportunity to discuss plans, budgets and sort out all the issues around who is happy to pay for what. You don’t want to leave any room for possible misunderstanding that could cast a shadow over the big day!

The groom was expected to find the money for..

• In the past there were certain things the groom was expected to pay for. However,in this day and age many couples are actually living together before they tie the knotand so effectively they’ll jointly find the money for some or all of these items.
• Bride's engagement ring and wedding ring
• Ceremony fees, organist, choir, bell ringers
• Marriage licence or registrar fee
• Bridal flowers, flowers for bridesmaids, flowers for the church, buttonholes, corsages
• Presents for the bridesmaids, usher and best man
• Transport to church for the groom and his best man, plus to reception for the newlyweds
• Bouquet for the mothers during his speech
• The honeymoon

The parents of the bride used to pay for…

The biggest expenses were traditionally borne by the bride’s family – but the modern convention is for both sets of parents to cover these cost between them.

• Reception venue hire, cost of food and drink, entertainment and decorationsat the reception
• Wedding cake
• Invitations, order of service sheets
• Announcements in local press
• Bride's dress
• Bridesmaids' dresses and gifts
• Bride's transport to and from the wedding ceremony
• Church flowers
• Flowers at the reception
• Photographer/Videographer
• Toastmaster

Other things to bear in mind

If you, the bride and groom, pay most of the expenses then you have more freedom to create the kind of day you want. By the same token, the bigger the parental contribution the greater say they’ll have in the proceedings. If you both fancy a goth inspired wedding, or a punk band for the evening bash, or a collection of street food stalls instead of a traditional wedding breakfast, you’ll either need very understanding parents and in-laws, or be picking up the lion’s share of the bill yourself!

What about a wedding planner – who pays for her? Traditionally that was paid for by the bride’s side of the family, but now the cost is more likely to be shared. The stag party – the groom, the best man, everyone chip in? The hen party – the bride herself, bridesmaids or everyone pays their own way? What if you are getting wed abroad – who pays the travel and accommodation costs? The answers may seem obvious to you, but you need to be aware that others might see things differently, or feel financially embarrassed.
‍

Reality check

The modern trend is for the costs to be shared out, by one means or another. Couples are increasingly getting friends and relatives to pay for the honeymoon and asking for cash instead of physical presents. If you are a celebrity you can always sell your wedding photos to OK! Or Hello magazine, but for most of us that’s obviously not an option. So, all things considered, Ben and Clare’s idea of getting all the guests to chip in is not quite so radical as it might have originally sounded!

So, you are getting married – congratulations!  Over the coming months you are going to be doing a lot of planning, talking and thinking on the subject of weddings.  Sometimes it can all get terribly serious, with one decision after another – I thought this was supposed to be fun?! In this post we lighten the mood with some wedding trivia.  Quirky facts from times past, foreign cultures and ancient folklore.  Hopefully, they’ll give you amusing food for thought and enable you to show off a surprising encyclopaedic knowledge that’s sure to impress family and friends - enjoy!
‍

Lucky you…

• Why does the groom carry the bride over the threshold…what’s all that about?  Ancient tradition has it that this will protect her from evil spirits lurking below.
• In Finland brides-to-be would go door-to-door collecting gifts in a pillowcase.  They would be accompanied by an older married man who represented long marriage.
• Sticking a sugar cube in your glove will sweeten your marriage – or so the Greeks think.
• In olden times if you found a spider lurking in your wedding dress that was a good omen – but scary none the less!
• In Holland a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds' home as a symbol of fertility and luck.
• According to English folklore Saturday is the most inauspicious day on which to wed – that one has obviously been forgotten in the mists of time!  Wednesday was considered the "best day" to marry, although Monday was for wealth and Tuesday for health.
• Ancient Romans studied pig entrails to determine the luckiest time to marry.  Yeuch!
• In Sweden the bride puts a silver coin from her father, and a gold coin from her mother, in each shoe (uncomfortable?).  This is supposed to ensure that she'll be richer rather than poorer.
• Hindus believe that if it rains on your wedding day this is actually a good sign.
• Moroccan women bathe in milk to purify themselves before their wedding ceremony.

‍

Ring of truth

• Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because in ancient times it was believed that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.  
• Each gem stone has its own symbolic meaning.  A sapphire in a wedding ring means marital happiness.  A pearl engagement ring is thought to be bad luck because its shape is said to resemble that of a tear.  Aquamarine represents marital harmony and is said to ensure a long, happy marriage.
• Priscilla Presley's engagement ring was a whopping three and a half carat rock surrounded by a detachable row of smaller diamonds.
• Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the fifteenth century.
• One of history's earliest engagement rings was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. She was only two years old, so it was very small!
• How many tons of gold are made into wedding rings each year in the United States?  Seventeen!
• Snake rings dotted with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands in Victorian England—the coils winding into a circle symbolized eternity.

‍

Fashion facts

• Queen Victoria started the white wedding dress trend in 1840 - before then, brides simply wore their best dress, whatever colour that was.
• Where did the veil idea come from?  Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits…and the rest is history.
• In Asia, wearing robes with embroidered cranes symbolizes fidelity for the length of a marriage.
• In Korea, brides like to take their vows adorned in bright red and yellow.
• In Denmark, brides and grooms traditionally cross-dressed to confuse evil spirits – can’t see that catching on over here!
• Wearing or carrying "something old" on your wedding day symbolises continuity with the past, while "something blue" in a bridal ensemble symbolises purity, fidelity and love.

‍

Food of love

• Get married in Egypt and the bride's family traditionally does all the cooking for a week after the wedding, so the couple can relax – sounds good, but you might want a bit of time to yourselves?
• In South Africa, the parents of both bride and groom traditionally carried fire from their hearths to light a new fire in the newlyweds' hearth.
• Where did the wedding cake tradition come from?  It is thought to have started in ancient Rome, where guests broke a loaf of bread over a bride's head as a symbol of fertility.
• Queen Victoria's wedding cake weighed a whopping 300 pounds – she liked her food!
• How’s this for an old wives' tale?  If the younger of two sisters marries first, the older one must dance barefoot at the wedding or run the risk of never landing a husband.

‍

So, there you go – everything you never really needed to know about weddings!  However, if there is more useful and practical information you need then just ask us.  We’re more than happy to share our knowledge and experience to make everything run as smooth as silk on your big day.

It’s the biggest day of your life, so there’s the temptation to say “hang the expense!” Everyone, however, has some kind of budget in mind. And the million dollar (£773,000) question is “Am I above average, or doing it on the cheap?” In this post we talk around the subject to give you a better idea of whether you are throwing the cash around like confetti or tiptoeing towards the mean side of frugal.
‍

Who has got the maths right?

So, what do most people spend? It rather depends on who you ask (or what you read). Cosmopolitan reckons the UK average for tying the knot in 2017 will be £16,842. In 2015 Brides Magazine put the figure at a rather more extravagant £24,000. The same year, however, Nationwide Building Society suggested £7,500. Harper’s Bazaar reckoned on £27,000 in 2016, with the figure in London reaching £38,000.  So take your pick!
‍

Pippa raises the bar

But forget what most people spend – what do famous people, the celebrities, spend? We know we shouldn’t compare ourselves with those on the A List but most of us just can’t help ourselves.

The most recent headline-grabbing nuptials were those of Pippa Middleton, who married hedge fund manager James Matthews (who is presumably worth a bob or two). Nobody knows for sure (even Pippa?) but leading wedding planning website and app Bridebook crunched some speculative numbers. Based on an analysis of over 170,000 weddings, and a review of over 70,000 wedding industry suppliers’ price estimates, they came up with a cool estimate of £246,949.

If you’re wondering about the maths (while you get your breath back) the estimate for the venue was £65,000 (they did the reception in the garden at her parents’ place but a super luxury marquee for 350 guests, another for the drinks reception, plus one for the caterers don’t come cheap. Catering £75,000, dress £10,000, drinks £17,720, photography and video £7,500, cake £2,600, stationery £5,125.

If that’s not enough to make your eyes water there’s music and entertainment at £8,250, wedding rings £19,000, outfits for the rest of the bridal party £10,000, veil £2,000, hair and makeup £1,500, decorations £6,000 and toilets £4,000, as well as wedding favours, church fees and transport – phew!
‍

Big sister goes one better

Compared to her sister, however, that’s peanuts. Kate and Will racked up a bill for around £20 million.  The Australian newspaper Herald Sun estimated that A$32 million went on security, with A$800,000 just for flowers.  Still, they did invite a lot of people - about 1,900 guests attended the ceremony in the local church (Westminster Abbey) approximately 600 were invited to a little luncheon reception at his granny’s house (Buckingham Palace), and about 300 sat down for evening dinner hosted by his dad (also at granny’s).

Talking of dad, his wedding to Lady Di cost more than three times more than William and Kate’s, when you allow for inflation. They really pushed the boat out with little indulgences such as 10,000 pearls hand-sewn into Diana’s gown, 27 wedding cakes, and a dress with a 25ft train…oh, and a two week honeymoon on Britannia, the family yacht.
‍

Wedding of the millennium?

Mind you, royals have always liked to go over the top when tying the knot. Way back in 1468 Margaret of York (sister of Edward IV and Richard III) married Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy (after lengthy negotiations undertaken by his half-brother Anthony, who went by the colourful title of Grand Bastard of Burgundy). The celebrations, which took place in the town of Bruges, were estimated to have cost £250 million in modern money. The festivities included a four-day joust between the most prestigious European knights and a crown built for the bride coated in pearls and diamonds. Widely regarded as "the marriage of the century" it is re-enacted at Bruges for tourists every five years with the next event taking place in August 2017.
‍

A heavenly day that doesn’t cost the earth

So, how about you - what kind of festivities do you have in mind? Summer or winter, indoors or out, Rock ‘n’ Roll or old fashioned romantic, a quiet affair with a few close family and friends or a big blow-out, formal wedding breakfast or a relaxed al fresco affair? The options are endless but one thing is certain - at Clevedon Hall we have the setting, the facilities and the expert team to create a celebration that would do a royal couple proud…but without breaking the bank!

We’d love to hear your ideas, and to discuss ways we can make things even more magical – come and see us soon.

This may sound crazy but there are so many exciting things to think about when planning your wedding that deciding what kind of ceremony you’d like can sometimes get pushed way down the list.  There are quite a few different options to choose from as well as some important issues you’ll want to address – and you don’t want to leave these until the last minute.  In this post we provide a few pointers that should help you make the most of the “I do” bit of your big day.
‍

Church or civil?

This is probably the first question to ask – do you want to get married in a church, or have a civil ceremony?  This may sound like a relatively simple choice, but that’s not always the case – it raises loads more questions.  Are you and your partner both religious?  Is one of you religious and the other not?  Are you both religious but of different faiths?  And what about your respective parents – do they have certain expectations or wishes based on their particular beliefs?   These are always sensitive issues that are better discussed early in the planning process!

If you go for a civil ceremony do you want religion to play any part at all?  Maybe you want to have some mention of God, or none at all?  Are you and your partner from different cultures or backgrounds, and if so to what extent do you want to honor your heritage and give due respect to the feelings of your respective families?

How traditional do you want to go - and what does that mean for you and your partner?  Do you want the emphasis to be on romance, or would something fun and offbeat be more your style?  The most important thing is to create a ceremony that’s right for the two of you, rather than just trying to please others.  

If you go down the civil route you don’t have to settle for a conventional register office.  You can get married anywhere that, like Clevedon Hall, is licensed.  As well as holding the ceremony in one of the stately rooms on the ground floor of the house you can also say “I do” under our specially created gazebo, against the gorgeous scenic backdrop of the gardens and Clevedon Bay.
‍

Love and the law

Your wedding, as well as being a hugely romantic occasion, and a massive celebration, has its serious side.  It is an arrangement recognized and governed by the law.  Whether you have a civil, religious or humanist ceremony there is a legal requirement that the marriage must take place in legal premises: a register office, a religious building such as a church or synagogue, or a licensed venue such as Clevedon Hall.

The marriage must also be officiated by a registrar or, depending on the couple’s faith, an authorized person such as a vicar, priest, rabbi or pastor.  In the unlikely event that you decide to get married at sea the ship’s captain can act as registrar! You do need two witnesses for your wedding in addition to the person legally officiating.

Some aspects of the ceremony are more traditional than legal. For instance, you don’t have to exchange rings, the bride isn’t obliged to wear white, nor does she have to walk down the aisle ready to be ‘given away’.

You must book your wedding at a register office at least 28 days in advance, but you can’t book it more than 12 months in advance. With a Church of England ceremony, you must announce your intention to marry through the reading of banns.  Your minister will read these on three Sundays in the three months before the wedding. They must be read in your parish church, as well as in the church where the ceremony is to take place.
‍

Decisions, decisions

You can create whatever kind of ceremony you’d like but to help you decide what will work best for you here are the most popular approaches:

• Traditional.  Faith-based in line with the religion that the bride and groom were born into.
• Non-denominational.  A spiritual ceremony with reference to God but not linked to any religious faith.
• Inter-faith.  Blending two or more faiths by including religious rituals or readings that are symbolic of each faith.
• Non-religious/humanist.  A ceremony where there is no mention of God or faith.
• Intercultural. This is a blending of cultures but can also blend religious aspects.
  ‍

Vows that wow – adding a heartfelt personal touch

The Church of England requires that the statutory words must be used in order to make your marriage legally binding, so in traditional religious wedding services it is not possible to write your own vows.  However, you can personalize your ceremony in other ways by choosing readings, hymns, or poems that have special meaning for you.

In a civil ceremony you can create your own vows to make the words truly personal to you as a couple.   Having said that, talk to your Registrar first before you get too carried away - some ceremonies will require you to stick to the traditional vows. Your Registrar will tell you what is and what is not allowed!  

If you want to write your own wedding vows then it’s probably best to start with the traditional vows to provide a basic structure, then go wherever your feelings take you.  Speak from your heart but don’t go over the top as some of your guests may become uncomfortable if you get too carried away.  

Clevedon Hall – perfect for your ceremony and your celebration

As well as providing a wonderful setting for your reception we are also licensed for conducting the ceremony for weddings and civil partnerships. Most of the ground floor is licensed, as well as our beautiful outside gazebo.   We partner with North Somerset Registry Office and their staff conduct all the ceremonies at Clevedon Hall.

However, although many couples love the fact we can host the ceremony and reception together this is not obligatory.  If you want to wed in a church, then come to us for your reception, evening celebrations and overnight accommodation, that works brilliantly too!

If you have any further questions about creating a ceremony that’s perfect for you our event management team will be only too happy to help – just give them a call.

Wedding venue, check.  Wedding dress, check.  Wedding cake, check.  Oooops, nearly forgot the hen party!  There’s so much to think about when organising your big day that this part of the proceedings can easily be overlooked.  Big mistake!  The hen party is an essential part of the preparation process.  You’ve got to get all the girls together to discuss important details that might otherwise be overlooked – over a few bottles of Prosecco, naturally, and with some fun activities to ensure that everyone has a chance to bond properly before the main event.

What kind of activities, though?  There are so many to choose from!  Our event management team can provide you with some inspiring ideas – but here are a few imaginative ones to get you going.
‍

Cocktail mixing masterclass

Don’t know your Mojitos from your martinis, your White Russian from your Moscow Mule or your Woo Woo from your Chi-Chi?  There may be a test at the end but if you don’t remember a thing that just means you’ve got full marks for entering into the spirits of things.  There’s nothing like a round of Sex on a Beach (vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice) or Between the Sheets (white rum, cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice) for breaking the ice!
‍

Pamper party

Head to the spa for a few hours of indulgent, sensuous, and pleasurable chillaxing with your friends.  What’ll it be – hot stones massage followed by a deep cleansing facial then champagne in the hot tub, a warm up in the steam room followed by an aromatherapy massage and a nourishing body wrap, or a full body chakra massage followed by an invigorating exfoliation then a pedicure?  Afterwards, you’ll all be feeling, and looking, a million dollars – just in time for a night on the town.  
‍

Fun and games

Just a few miles inland from Clevedon Hall is Gatcombe Farm, home of West Country Games, a playground for grown-ups who want to rediscover their inner child.  Hens can put themselves through their paces with nine different west country themed activities, including the cider run, drunk pub skittles, welly wanging, pitchfork duel, Vicky Pollard handbags, Wurzel knockout and even bar skittles with humans being knocked off cider kegs.  Great selection of fancy dress costumes to make sure everyone looks and feels equally silly.
‍

Let them eat cake

Treating everyone to traditional afternoon tea in a posh hotel is a wonderful way to add a bit of class to the proceedings.  It’s also a great excuse for a good old gossip – while tucking into dainty sandwiches, gooey éclairs, sticky tartlets, yummy cupcakes and melt in the mouth macaroons.  And if tea in a delicate china cup sounds a bit too…well, ladylike…the perfect accompaniment to freshly baked scones, home-made preserves and dollops of clotted cream is a glass or two of bubbly!
‍

Cheeky - but all in the best possible taste.

Fake firemen, raunchy policemen and butlers in the buff – it’s all a bit passé.  But if you fancy something slightly saucy, with a cultural and artistic twist, a life drawing class is just the thing.  The organisers will provide drawing materials, an art teacher, and a finely sculpted male model.  Grab a stick of charcoal, and a glass of what you fancy, then set to work on your masterpiece.   You might find you’re not much of a Michelangelo but loads of laughs are absolutely guaranteed.
‍

Get your diploma in flirtology

As the bride to be you don’t need any help in this department - but what about your mates?  After a masterclass in flirtation, they’ll be positively dangerous, educated in the science of seduction and adept at the art of attraction.  After some rigorous modules on body language, eye contact and conversational gambits, with expert input from a flirt coach, everyone will be given some assignments so they can put their new-found skills to the test.  Perfect for those keen to come out ahead in the dating game, as well as anyone worried about always being a bridesmaid but never a bride.
‍

We’re here to help hens!

These are just a handful of ideas for hen parties that are sure to go down a storm – and all of them are readily available locally.  If you’d like some further details or have any questions at all regarding any aspect of your wedding, give us a call or pop in.  Our expert event management team would love to share their experience with you.

You obviously want your wedding to be a joyous occasion where you and your guests celebrate the best day ever.  But then you begin the seating plan for the meal and realise that this part of the proceedings poses a few problems.  

Your parents have remarried, your sister has never found the true love of her life and is hyper-sensitive about any perceived attempt to introduce her to Mr Right, and your husband-to-be has invited a couple from abroad that only he knows. These might provide great plot ideas for a good Hollywood movie - but you could do without them at your own wedding!  

In this post, we share a few thoughts that, with a little diplomacy and tact, should help you come up with a plan that has everyone sitting comfortably.
‍

A plan is usually better than no plan

Why not keep everything loose and informal, let people go with the flow and just provide enough seats so it all feels free and easy?  Although this may sound like a great idea it’s probably not so smart in practice, especially when you have more than 50 guests.  People like to be led, and don’t want to make a faux pas by sitting somewhere they shouldn’t, or ending up amongst people they don’t get on with.  If you provide no guidance you’ll probably end up with a crowd of people all stood around and puzzling over which tables are for family (which family?), for friends (of the bride or the groom?), for kids (and does that include those over 16 but going on 30?) and who qualifies to sit with the happy couple.  

Do you need a seating plan if it’s a buffet?  That’s probably advisable, for the same reasons – you don’t want the same melee and confusion when people are juggling plates and glasses, plus half your guests can’t even get to the food as the buffet table is ringed by those unsure of where to head next.

A final reason for having a seating plan, and place cards, is that it makes everyone feel special – it shows you’ve thought about them, and taken the effort to make them feel welcome personally.
‍

Fewer guests give you more freedom

If you have less than 50 guests a detailed plan is less essential.  You might want to pick one or two head tables for the two of you, best man, parents, bridesmaids and ushers (with name cards) then leave your other guests to seat themselves.  

Or you could choose a cocktail party or buffet format so that people drink standing up, eat sitting down, and alternate between the two.  If you opt for this format make sure you have enough seats and tables for older members of the party.
‍

The Wedding Party Table

The newlyweds should sit at a long head table or round table, placed at the focal point of the room and usually identified by grander decorations and floral displays.  However, if the style is less formal another idea is to leave a few seats empty at every table so bride and groom can leave their places to spend a little time with each group.

The groom traditionally sits to the bride's right and the best man sits to her left. The maid of honour sits to the groom's right.  If the table is sufficiently large the other attendants can also be seated on this table.  In years gone by their partners would sit on other tables but this is seldom the case now.
‍

Where do close family sit?

There is usually a large table for the immediate family with your parents and the groom’s parents sat opposite each other, accompanied by grandparents, the officiant and maybe some especially close friends.  Alternatively, each set of parents can host their own table, with their family members and close friends. When parents have divorced each may host his or her own table to avoid any possible issues or awkwardness.
‍

Tips for guest tables

The dilemma here is whether it’s better to put groups of friends together or to split them up.  Use your judgement but the best idea is probably to mix a group of friends with a few fresh faces.  The chances are that a single bunch of good mates won’t fit on a single table so divide them into two and then add people they aren’t familiar with.

People are most comfortable when they are seated with those they know, so don’t ask an individual or couple to share a table where all the others are total strangers.  Even the most outgoing will struggle in these circumstances so at the very least try to place them next to an acquaintance or two.   In the case of guests who have never met any of the others try and pair them up with an individual or couple who share their interests or whose personalities are likely to be compatible.

Try to avoid creating a separate “singles” table as this might embarrass some guests.  A “children’s” table, however, is fine.  
‍

We’re here to help

Whatever size or style of wedding you have in mind we have a wealth of experience we’re happy to share with you.  Arranging a seating plan that works for your family and friends can be stressful - but with our assistance, you can be sure we’ll find a way to make it all go swimmingly!

Your wedding day will go past in a blur and be over before you know it – because you are the centre of attention and everything revolves around you.  For your guests, however, there can be moments where not a lot is happening and it feels like there’s a bit of a gap, perhaps between the ceremony and the reception or between the wedding breakfast and the evening celebrations.  In this post we provide you with some inspiring ideas to keep everyone entertained right the way through the day.
‍

Wedding wizardry

A close-up magician always works wonders as an ice-breaker, drawing people out of themselves, getting them laughing and keep them chatting.  Spreading amazement and entertainment at different times throughout the day they’ll really get the party going and create moments of magic that guests will treasure for years to come.  They can mingle when people are enjoying a few drinks and are great for livening things up between courses when everyone is seated.
‍

If music be the food of love

You’ll probably have a band or disco in the evening but you can also add a touch of class at other times of the day with a string quartet, solo guitarist, harpist, or cocktail pianist. The music won’t be so loud that it interferes with the conversation but it will create a sophisticated and relaxing ambience.
‍

OMG, is that who I think it is?!

You can create a buzz, and a lot of laughs, by inviting faux-celebrities to your wedding.  Is that really Posh & Becks, Johnny Depp or Kim Kardashian?  This idea is definitely going to liven up the wedding photos and video!
‍

Want some ice with that?

An ice sculpture makes a fascinating centrepiece for an evening buffet.  Or you could go for a full-on vodka luge.  A what?  A vodka luge - an ice sculpture with a hole or channel carved through it, down which you pour your vodka or other spirit of your choice.  By the time it trickles into your glass at the bottom it’s chilled to perfection – how cool is that?
‍

Congratulations on camera

Guest books are a bit old hat.  One of the hottest ideas for on-trend weddings is the video box – guests can tell stories, sing their hearts out or dance like no-one is watching and, of course, as the night goes on and the more drinks they’ve had, the funnier everything gets.  It also provides hours of entertainment after the big day as everyone relives those moments in front of the camera.
‍

You will meet a tall dark stranger…

Hire a fortune teller to read palms or tarot cards to keep people amused between courses during the meal or when guests are enjoying the drinks reception.  Enthralling and entertaining, it’s a great way to get people talking as the predictions are sure to be a subject of conversation for the rest of the day.
‍

Let the games begin!

Provide a range of traditional indoor and outdoor games to keep people occupied and amused for hours on end – great for the kids too (including the grown-up ones too!).  Croquet, outdoor skittles, twister, ping pong, jumbo jenga or giant board games like chess, draughts, snakes and ladders, scrabble, mini golf.  The list is endless (anyone for a penny chuffing competition, a spell on the bouncy castle, a bit of sack racing?!) and you can be sure there will never be a dull moment.
‍

Service with a song

Add some extra fun to your wedding breakfast or evening meal by hiring a couple of singing waiters – see your guests fall about in amazement as the person who has just served their soup suddenly starts to serenade them!  Definitely adds the WOW factor to avoid things getting a touch too formal.
‍

Let’s do Vegas!

Hire a pop up casino, complete with croupier and give your guests a ton of chips to play with – roulette, blackjack, poker…everyone is a winner because it’s such a fun way to get people mixing, talking and laughing.  
‍

Get that festival vibe

Throw some street entertainers and wacky performers - stilt walkers, living statues and comedy jugglers soon get people into the party mood.  And as the sun goes down and the night sets in there’s nothing like a fire eater, juggler or dancer to add a dramatic magical touch to the proceedings.
‍

Inspired?  Let’s talk

At Clevedon Hall we’ve seen it all – even a full on military enactment of the English Civil War!  So, whatever kind of entertainment you have in mind to make your big day totally fabulous, we have the contacts, the gardens and a wonderful house in which to make it all happen!

Planning a wedding can completely take over a couple's life. There seem to be so many different and crucial things to do - yet never enough time to do them! Often, brainstorming sessions and appointments that are scheduled to take place outside of the office can intermingle with work commitments. This means that instead of focusing on sending emails and completing tasks, you're day-dreaming about catering and trying to fit in quick phone-calls with bands and venues. Here, Rebekah discusses some of the biggest concerns facing new brides and grooms, and what you can do to manage wedding stress in the workplace.
‍

Know who to invite

By far, the most stressful part of planning a wedding is deciding who to invite. In the workplace, you're bound to be hounded by questions from people wondering if they're going to get an R.S.V.P to your big day, and many people simply don't know what’s best to do.

OfficeGenie.co.uk conducted a survey of 2,000 working people, and found around 77% would want their co-workers to be present, with 3% claiming that they'd invite everyone from the office. However, there were a significant number of people, 20%, who felt that inviting guests from the workplace was a bad idea. After all, the more people you invite, the more you pay (17% cited worries about expense), and having too many people from the office present can make the whole occasion feel more like a work event than a wedding. Around half of respondents (59%) felt work might end up interfering with their big day.

Only you can decide who you want to have at your wedding, but my advice is to go with whatever leads to less stress. If concerns about not inviting people wake you up at night, then expand your guest list and grab the invitations. If you want to keep your work and personal lives separate, that's fine too! After all, it's your big day.
‍

Schedule planning time throughout the day

When you're planning a wedding, you often start with the best of intentions. You tell yourself you'll only think about the wedding when you're home from work in the evenings, or away from the office on a weekend. Of course, it's rarely that simple.

An easier, and more realistic way to keep your planning urges reigned in, is to schedule quick sessions throughout the day. For instance, you could get out of bed an hour earlier than usual to make a wedding to-do-list before you visit the office. Alternatively, make the most out of your lunch break! Studies show that only 30% of UK workers are taking ‘proper’ lunch-breaks, with 7 out of 10 Brits spending the time online instead. Lunch breaks are your time, so why not use them to get the wedding fever out of your system, so you can concentrate for the rest of the afternoon?
‍

Consider remote/flexible working opportunities

Struggling to fit wedding appointments in around a hectic professional schedule? Remote or flexible working opportunities might be the answer. A recent survey undertaken by the British Chamber of Commerce and BT Business found that around 91% of polled firms in Britain have at least one employee working from home. The same research suggests that 19% of those businesses have more than 50% of their employees working away from the office.

Discussing even a temporary remote working situation with your boss could be a great way to free up some of the time you need to focus on wedding arrangements. Just make sure that if you are working remotely, you don't allow yourself to become too distracted from work. The chances are you'll still need to manage a pretty strict schedule if you want to be productive.
‍

Involve and delegate

Finally, if you want to reduce the amount of wedding stress you have to handle, why not simply share the load? Perfectionists and control freaks are often in for wedding stress, but if you learn how to delegate and involve others - just like you would with a tough work project - you can relieve some of the pressure you might be feeling.

Asking friends and family to handle something you consider to be particularly stressful is a great way to give yourself a chance to relax, something that many of us forget to do when planning a wedding. Just be careful about who you ask for help. Surveys show that 24% of people consider overbearing family members to be a source of stress in wedding planning, while 23% note that mothers-in-law are the biggest issue.
‍

Staying sane when planning a wedding

Planning a wedding around a hectic work life can be a stressful experience, but you don't have to let tensions and anxieties ruin the magic of your big day. The tips outlined above should help you to get a handle on some of the most trying aspects of planning your wedding, so that you can find your own perfect balance between creating a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and staying on top of your career.

AUTHOR BIO

Rebekah Carter writes for the desk and office space marketplace OfficeGenie.co.uk.

Summer is the most popular time of the year for weddings, simply because the warmer weather presents so many delightful opportunities to create a magical occasion in the great outdoors.  Clevedon Hall is the ideal venue for a ceremony and celebration in the fresh air and in this post we share some great ideas that you will hopefully find useful and inspirational. Tie the knot in the garden

Holding the ceremony outdoors, weather permitting, of course, is a wonderful way to wed – and at Clevedon Hall, we have just the right setting.  As well as gorgeous gardens with a tranquil lake, sweeping lawns ringed with mature trees and dramatic views over Clevedon Bay, we also have our very own gazebo.  You can exchange your vows in this most romantic of spaces with seating for up to 150 guests on the circular surrounding terrace.  Brides can make a stunning entrance as they walk down the curved pathway through the grounds.  And of course, it makes a marvellous feature for fabulous wedding photos.
‍

Cocktails and canapés alfresco

There’s nothing quite like chilled drinks and delicious nibbles served on the terrace outside a quintessential English stately home – and at Clevedon Hall, we know how to do it in style.  Just beyond the traditional Victorian orangery is a circular patio with a central fountain and immaculate lawns rolling down to the picturesque lake.  Topping the fountain is a classical statue of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth and cupbearer who served her elders with nectar and ambrosia.  Nowadays guests prefer Pimms, Mojitos and fizzy Proseccos but the setting is hard to beat for sheer atmosphere and sense of occasion.  It’s also a great spot for taking group photos and video from the vantage point of the house.
‍

Afternoon tea with all the trimmings

Our Orangery, overlooking the terrace and fountain, is the perfect space in which to serve that most traditional of treats, classic afternoon tea.  Some guest, of course, will want to continue with the alcoholic beverages (and who can blame them?!) but others will love the opportunity for a refreshing cuppa served with delicate finger sandwiches, sticky pastries, rich cakes and freshly baked scones with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam.  Plus there’s nothing to say that a glass of bubbly cannot be enjoyed as a naughty but nice accompaniment!
‍

Let do barbeque

The summer months, with their long warm evenings and clear starlit skies, just cry out for a barbeque – and our chefs don’t need much encouragement to oblige.  Whether it’s classic case of burgers and hot dogs or a full on hog roast with mountains of crispy crackling and dollops of tangy apple sauce, a Tex-Mex affair with spicy chicken wings and racks of ribs, or a street food fest with the fresh flavours of the Caribbean, Far East or South America, the choice is yours.  
‍

Fun and Games

A popular summer wedding theme is the mini fete or festival.  You can let the guests (and we’re talking grownups here, not just the kids) entertain themselves with everything from a coconut shy to giant Jenga and treasure hunts to space hopper races.  When you have acres of lovely lawn, as we do at Clevedon Hall, the possibilities are endless – rounders, croquet, apple bobbing, boules, horseshoe tossing, limbo dancing, twister, lawn scrabble…    It’s a great way to break the ice for friends and family who might be meeting for the first time, and certain to get everyone involved and having fun – plus you’ll get loads of priceless photo moments too.

So if you are thinking of getting hitched in the summer make sure you think outside the box a bit and pick a venue that isn’t going to cramp your seasonal style!   Clevedon Hall has it all – and if you are quick we may even be able to find you a date this summer.

The photography is only a part of your big day – but very important none the less.  Obviously, you want to focus on enjoying the occasion itself, as do your family and friends.  However, it’s also about creating memories that everyone can return to, as well as preserving the moment for future generations. The photographs shape the story, so you want to make sure they tell it in a way you are happy with.  As the famous photographer, Ansel Adams once said “You don’t take a photograph, you make it”.  There are conscious decisions to be made, and the biggest one is to settle what style you want.

It’s important to think about this early on, as you need to find a photographer who offers the approach you’ve chosen.  And when talking to photographers they’ll be anxious to know exactly what you have in mind.
‍

Formal portraiture

Do you want classic staged shots of the two of you, posing against a variety of different backgrounds – in front of the altar, signing the register, cutting the cake, on the lawn or kissing in the gardens before the reception starts?  And do you want formal group shots where everyone is neatly arranged and smiling to camera – the bride and bridesmaids, the two of you with your parents, the groom with the best man and ushers, including a few of the entire party?   There’s a lot to be said for this approach – but you might want to consider some others as well.
‍
‍

Documentary

Perhaps you’d prefer a more relaxed, candid and spontaneous style with shots that are not posed but catch fleeting moments - people talking and laughing, champagne corks popping and glasses being raised, tears being brushed away and confetti being tossed into the air?  This style is more akin to photojournalism and you’ll rarely see people staring directly to camera. It’s about telling the story of the day as it happened, with all the emotion and energy, laughter and fun, that made the occasion so magical.
‍

Fine Art

This approach is similar to documentary photography but the photographer is given greater artistic licence to add their own interpretation and vision.  While they shoot what actually happened they may use filters, effects or different colour tones to heighten the sense of drama or mood.  Objects or people in the foreground may be sharply in focus, while those in the background may be slightly indistinct.  Quite often there will be motion blur, as people dance, children run about or glasses are raised in a toast.  Some photographers who lean in this direction may still shoot on film, and they may favour black and white pictures.  If you go down the more artistic and creative route be aware that the photographer may not shoot formal portraits – so if you really want some of those (or your parents do!) be sure to get someone who can do both, or hire a separate person to provide those shots.
‍

Edgy and Brave

This style is a more extreme form of fine art photography.  This approach is characterised by unusual compositions, tilted angles (called Dutch angles) and unconventional framing. So instead of a straight-on shot of you exchanging vows at the altar the whole thing will be tilted, with an object like an altar arrangement or a candle in the foreground.  Or you might have a picture where you are having your makeup done, but shot from above, perhaps with an emphasis on the eye shadow brush rather than on your face.  Then again you might have a portrait of a bridesmaid, but cropped so that her face only fills one corner of the shot and the rest is taken up by the background.

Some wedding photographers specialise in just one approach, but many are more flexible.  They might blend formal portraiture with documentary style shots, or do the conventionally posed stuff mixed in with images that are a bit more imaginative and surprising.  The important thing is to be absolutely clear about what shots you want to end up with, and the style or styles you’d like.  It’s your day, your life, so you decide then find a photographer who can do exactly what you want!