1 middle white pork belly [boned, trimmed and salted for 24 hours] Ruff cut vegetables [carrot, leek, onion, celery, garlic] 6 star anis 1 table spoon coriander seeds 1 sprig of thyme 2lt veal, beef or pork stock
For the belly
Seal the pork belly in a pan, take out and put to one side.
Caramelise the pork bones and trimmings in the same pan, add vegetables and roast again.
Add star anise, coriander seeds and thyme
Put the pork belly back in the pan and cover with the stock and tin foil, place in the oven at gas mark 3 for 4 hours.
When cooked strains off the stock, keep the bones, veg and trimmings, then cool the belly between two trays skin side down.
For the sauce
Roast the bones, veg and the trimmings with a table spoon of 5 spice
Add 2 spoons of honey and cook till caramelised.
Add 500ml of cider and reduce to a glaze.
Add the cooking stock, bring to the boil and remove any foaming on the top of the stock
Simmer for 15 minutes skimming regularly.
then pass, finish the jus with a dash of double cream and a knob of butter
To finish
Portion the belly and cook in a non stick frying pan [skin side down] for 10 minutes in a hot oven. Add a generous slash of carrot puree to the plate first, then add some sautéed spinach, pipe the mash potato and some chantenay carrots. Place the crisp belly in the centre of the garnish so you can see all the vibrant colours around. Add two caramelise apple rings and finish with the cider jus
Choosing the right music for your wedding is not as easy as it sounds. It’s like going on an awkward first date all over again and wondering if the chemistry is there - do you both like the same things? Picking the right music to suit the style of your reception doesn’t differ much from this scenario.
Setting the right tone can have a huge impact on the vibe of the whole event, not forgetting the impression it can make on your guests and what they remember of your big day. Choosing a DJ who will happily blare out the words to that all time cheesy classic “Puppy Love”, or encourages guests to dance to the ‘Macarena’ could leave them feeling hesitant to venture from their seats. However, throw in a bit of head banging drum and bass and you’ll find them permanently fixated away from the dance floor for the rest of the evening. The right DJ should read the room and create a mood to match it to ensure all the guests are having a good time.
Don’t worry - we can help set the right tone with our experience and expert knowledge that will help to guide you and your guests successfully towards the dance floor.
Use referrals
Nothing comes better than a good recommendation from someone who has experienced it already. Ask people you know and trust to make valuable suggestions. If you’re using a wedding planner, make sure you consult their ‘little black book’ of contacts for inspiration. At Clevedon Hall, we have helped plan and organise a number of weddings where music has played an important factor in their success. We have a list of local DJ’s that suit a variety of styles and themes for weddings that we deem to be reliable to create a good musical vibe.
Meet and greet
It’s important to meet the DJ prior to the big day. This may seem obvious, however it’s surprising how many people settle on one over the phone. We recommend that all our couples meet their prospective DJ at least once before the wedding. It’s important that you not only like them, but also gel with them as a person and their performing personality, as this will be reflected during the event which you want to mirror you as a couple. Never settle on the first one you meet - they might be good but it’s best to meet several before making the final decision. To enable you to do this, feel free to interview them; asking the right questions now will avoid any unexpected surprises later!
Choosing a playlist
The tunes that the DJ plays should reflect your personalities and the music that you both like, whether it’s current chart music or bringing back the all-time classics. It’s important that the DJ knows the music you would like to play and the specific points during the event in which you want it played. If you’re selecting a DJ to perform your first dance, it’s even more crucial that his beat is in time with you putting your right foot forward to avoid the unfortunate occurrence of ending up with two left feet! You need to also agree on whether the DJ is allowed to take requests. Your guests’ taste in music could be completely different to your own; therefore it’s essential that you brief the DJ on what’s allowed and what isn’t.
The budget
DJ’s don’t always come cheap, especially the good ones. Make sure you agree on a budget prior to the event and get it confirmed and signed by both parties in writing beforehand. Factor in an agreed cost for overtime – there’s always those last few guests left standing that will request “one more”!
Connecting the DJ with the venue
Before the agreement is signed, liaise with the venue and introduce the DJ to the wedding coordinator. Before the final decision is made, you need to organise what equipment the venue already has, and what the DJ will need to bring with them on the day. This could potentially uncover any hidden costs for equipment hire. It is also courtesy to let the venue know the calibre of music that will be played for volume reasons and the timings for each of their sets. The venue can then make the necessary arrangements and ensure that the music doesn’t violate any of their licenses.
For further guidance on selecting the right DJ, or information on weddings at Clevedon Hall, our friendly and experienced wedding coordinator would love to hear from you - 01275 774195.
You’re engaged to your man, you’ve booked the wedding venue; all you need now is the dress. Easy? It is if you follow the advice of Tracy Connop, wedding dress designer and winner of Conde Nast Brides Magazine - ‘Designer of the Year’.
Tracy, why do people come to a wedding dress designer?
Often they’ve seen things that they like, which aren’t quite right. A wedding dress has to be perfect, so by coming to a designer, they can get exactly what they want. They also get a personal service and the benefit of our experience.
Do brides always know exactly what they want?
Not always. Sometimes they’ve seen several key elements of the design, but not together in the same dress. Maybe they start by thinking they just want a simple A-line shape, but opt for something fuller after trying some on. A designer can advise which elements work best together to flatter the figure and create something unique. It’s important to remember that this is a special occasion, they, and the dress will be on show, and in many photographs too. When it comes to the design, I try to convince them to push the boundaries a little, and they are always glad that they did!
What should a bride bring with her when she comes to see you for the first time?
Sometimes brides come armed with a selection of photos with shapes and looks that they like. On occasions, the more creative ones already have a finished idea worked out. And there are others who want to be guided through the whole process and really have no idea, other than that the dress should be a scene-stealer on the big day.
Do brides sometimes have unrealistic expectations?
I wouldn’t say that. We can explore different shapes and styles to see what suits their body and proportions. Sometimes it’s a surprise to find that the design they eventually choose is quite different from the one they first thought of. This is where it pays to go to an expert, who will give you an unbiased opinion.
What’s the process of having a bespoke wedding dress made?
At the first appointment, we discuss ideas and the bride-to-be tries on some of my ready-to-wear designs. Then we look at a selection of fabrics and shapes. Once I’ve got an idea of what she wants, I’ll draw between four and six designs (any more gets bewildering!). Once a design is chosen, we’ll pick a suitable fabric in the bride’s preferred shade. Next, I’ll cut a pattern and make a mock-up of the dress, known as a ‘calico’ or ‘tuile’. It’s created in a cheaper fabric that will withstand being altered, and therefore, it won’t be a disaster if we need to change the design at this stage. The calico is fitted to the bride as a guide for the finished gown. Once the dress is made, we’ll have a fitting session. Ideally, I don’t alter the dress more than twice, as the fabric tends to start to look tired if I do.
What if the bride gains or loses weight?
The final fitting will be quite near the date of the wedding. I sometimes warn them not to lose any more!
What’s the timescale for ordering a wedding dress that’s made especially for you?
I would say about nine or ten months is usual. If you’re marrying in August, I would want to have the first appointment in February at the latest, but often it’s in the autumn.
When ordering a dress, what other decisions come first?
The venue, either the church or licenced venue is often the first thing couples book. That can govern the choice of dress style, as church weddings tend to be more formal, though not always of course. Once the dress is chosen, everything else flows from that, colours for flowers, tiara and even stationery design.
What about prices?
Once upon a time, more expensive, natural materials such as silk, used to be the only way to get a beautiful dress. I still stock an extensive range of pure silk fabrics. Nowadays though, polyester fabrics in crepe, chiffon and satin are a fantastic alternative and most people wouldn’t tell the difference.
What are the latest trends?
Currently, we’re seeing a lot of bias-cut dresses, with less fullness, but more embellishment, such as hand-sewn beads and crystals. I can advise on trends, however eventually what matters is that the bride looks beautiful and feels great in the dress of her dreams.
Tracy Connop works in Cheltenham, producing bespoke, made-to-order dresses, bridal gowns, prom dresses and Mother of the Bride outfits. Consultations by appointment, please call 07500 893178.
Do you want children at your wedding or corporate event but worry that they can quickly become bored and restless? Or are you a parent who has been told, “Children are not welcome”?
Organising a crèche, nanny or babysitting service at an event is becoming increasingly more popular. The children have fun during the longer parts, such as speeches, but can join in when you want them to.
How to find event childcare
You’ll often find the details of a wedding crèche business by recommendation, which is a reassurance that your little ones will be taken care of. Other places to look include websites, asking your venue for suggestions, or even looking on social media. Often your photographer or florist will have ideas, because they work with other suppliers every week.
Things to look for include staff that have been police-checked (CRB or DBS are the terms), at least one member of staff with a first aid qualification and possibly a childcare qualification too.
PHOTO CREDIT: CATHERINE WASLEY
What will they do?
Ask the provider what toys and activities they will be bringing along. Is there a good range of exciting and creative things to do to keep them occupied, but also some calming activities to allow them the opportunity to chill and wind down? Do they provide cots or sleeping bags for events that go on into the evening, or into the children’s usual naptime?
Quality childcare providers will want to get to know about the children beforehand, so that they can bring activities that interest them. The staff should register the children on the day (often this is an insurance requirement anyway). This also gives you an opportunity to mention any concerns, food intolerances or routines.
Catherine Wasley of Rock Up and Play was Highly Commended in the 2015 Bristol and Somerset Wedding Awards. She describes the service she provides at a typical event:
“Usually all the toys are out, depending on the space available, so the children can choose for themselves what to do. We’d have three or four planned crafts and lots of free-range activities. We like to give the feel of home. We often start by giving each child a fabric bag, which they decorate and personalise and then put all their treasures inside. They are very popular. Activities are mostly non-messy, so that best clothes don’t get ruined.”
PHOTO CREDIT: CATHERINE WASLEY
Catherine gave some examples of recent events she has attended with her team.
Event Nanny - “I was asked at short notice to take care of a two year-old, while his parents attended a wedding. They were staying at a cottage near the venue, so I met them there a while before they needed to leave for the wedding. I gave the little boy his tea, then bathed him and put him to bed. I took along my suitcase on wheels, which is full of interesting toys and objects for children to take out and explore. He had a lovely time and settled beautifully, while his parents were able to enjoy the event whilst being confident that he was in good hands.”
Wedding crèche - “Last weekend, six of our staff looked after 29 children, aged between 10 weeks to 15 years, at a marquee wedding. We had our own ‘seedling’ marquee next to the main one. During the drinks reception, we constructed and decorated a cardboard playhouse. Then we gave the children a hot buffet tea, before taking them into the main marquee for the speeches. It was one little girl’s birthday, so we all sang happy birthday too. Then we had cake and games in the seedling marquee, before a film (inevitably, it was “Frozen”!) and then the sleep mats came out. Older children came and went with their parents’ permission.”
PHOTO CREDIT: BRIAN SLATER PHOTOGRAPHY
Alternatives to formal childcare
Some weddings where children are welcome, ask parents and family to take turns to look after the children. This works as long as everyone is agreed about who misses which part.
You can bring along entertainment boxes filled with age-appropriate things to do (ask parents and get them to bring favourite toys).
Use professional entertainers, such as face painters or a clown, to keep children busy.
Opt for informal eating arrangements, such as a hog roast, and keep speeches and formalities to a minimum.
Arranging for professional childcare can take the stress out of including children in your wedding or event – indeed feedback shows that it is often a highlight, for children and adults alike. The best providers are flexible, providing a good ratio of staff to children and staying for as long as you require.
So much goes on when you’re organising a wedding, it’s hard to keep track of everything. One solution we like is to create your own wedding website, and it’s not as hard as it sounds.
Apart from helping with your wedding planning, wedding websites can also be great for including friends and family who aren’t able to attend the event itself. They can see what you’re going to be doing and share in the event afterwards, especially if your wedding was an intimate occasion abroad.
Most of the free wedding website builders are very easy to use, where no programming skills are even necessary.
Ways you can make the most of a personalised wedding website include:
Get everyone involved in the excitement, from the build-up and planning, to posting wedding photos after the big day itself
Create a to-do-list
Keep track of all correspondence with your suppliers, such as florists and the wedding venue
Share your gift list and update it as offers are received
Update the guest list as you receive RSVPs to your invitations
Post directions to the church or venue, and to the reception
Include suggestions for accommodation, or details on how to book rooms at the venue
Have a page for the timings on the day, so that everyone knows where to be and when
Post suggestions to help everyone join in your chosen theme, whether that’s colour selections, dress styles or fun items for the evening celebrations
Plan seating for the wedding breakfast
Keep track of the budget, to ensure your enthusiastic spending isn’t running away with you
Which features should you look for?
There are many free website builders available and it’s mainly a question of choosing the one that suits you best. Some features you might look for include:
A range of design templates where you can choose colours, logos and other options to create something that is unique to you as a couple
The possibility of using your own domain name, such as www.MrandMrsBlushingBride.com
An online guest book, where photos and messages can be posted
Password protected areas, so that you only make public those pages that you really want the whole world to see.
Things to check when choosing a wedding website:
How long does your website remain active after the wedding? If you use a free wedding website creator, there might be a limit. If you want to keep it forever, you might have to pay for hosting and do it yourself.
Are there additional costs for some features?
Is the website easy to use or will it take up more time than it saves?
Does the free website include advertising – and if so, does it detract from what you’re creating?
Suggested paid and free wedding website offerings*
Have you used a wedding website for your marriage? We’d love to hear all about it. If you’re in the early stages of planning your own wedding and would like advice, please call our friendly wedding planners, who would be delighted to share their experience with you.
Engaged? Congratulations! Of course, now you’ve said yes, it’s time to share and celebrate your good news with the world. An engagement party is a joyful occasion and a great way to introduce both families and sets of friends to one another. There are no rules as such – just make sure you have fun. We’ve got a lot of experience in planning successful events and special occasion parties, so here are a few helpful pointers we thought you might find useful when planning yours.
The Big Announcement
Generally, it’s a good idea to hold the party soon after the engagement, unless the announcement is to be a surprise at the event itself. Ideally, we advise you don’t organise it too close to the wedding, so there’s time to build anticipation around the big day. Send out invitations around two months in advance. Make sure you tell your parents and grandparents (and children, if you have any) about the engagement before unveiling to everyone else, and definitely don’t break the news by sending them an invitation in the post!
Technology
Technology plays a prominent role in modern day life, allowing you to invite your guests in many different ways. A Whatsapp message or specially designed template emails are becoming more popular over the formal option of printed stationery. Choose according to how formal or informal the event is, but ask guests to RSVP regardless, so you can get an idea on exact numbers for catering purposes.
Who to invite?
Traditionally, the engagement party is similar to the wedding, but usually with fewer guests. Those who are invited to the engagement party would normally be invited to the wedding too. Guests aren’t expected to travel long distances, unless they’re close friends or family. By contrast, if you’re marrying abroad, the engagement might be your main celebration, whereby you would want to invite the people who won’t be attending the wedding itself.
One party or more?
This might depend. If your parents insist on an intimate, formal reception, but you’re dying for a big bash, you might want to have two celebrations - many people do. First of all, who’s paying for the engagement party? They would expect to have a say in who’s on the guest list. If the bride’s family is paying for the wedding, they should have a say in the engagement party too.
Presents?
Any kind of celebration might mean people bring gifts. Some might ask, so it’s a good idea to have a list or some suggestions in mind, especially if you are collecting a dinner service and would like items to match. The question of gifts of money is a thorny one. Some people prefer to give it, so that the couple can put it towards something they really want. By all means accept money if it’s offered, however it’s normally considered bad form to ask for money. If gifts are presented during the party, leave the actual opening of them until afterwards. That way, anyone who hasn’t brought one, won’t feel embarrassed. Don’t forget to make a list of who bought what and send them a thank you note after the event!
What kind of party?
The possibilities are endless: from a formal cocktail party in winter, to a barbecue or garden party come the summer. A lot will depend on your choice of venue and the capacity of the rooms. By choosing somewhere with flexible accommodation, you can ensure that your small gathering isn’t overwhelmed by the imposing room size. You might simply opt to have a do-it-yourself party at home. Alternatively, if you’re inviting a large number of guests, you might opt for somewhere that has a ballroom or a suite of rooms with outside spaces, so that they can mix and move around in between. Opting for a specialist venue, such as Clevedon Hall gives you a choice of dedicated partying spaces and also allows you to take advantage of the advice and expertise of our party planners.
Food
Whatever the style of your engagement party, informal food like a buffet, is good because it allows guests to mingle and meet new people. If the party is an occasion to bring together family and friends for the first time, a variety of food stations and finger food provide them with an opportunity to move around and chat to different people. Our chef has a great repertoire of delicious canapé and drinks suggestions, which we’d be delighted to share with you.
Toasts
Traditionally, the bride’s father makes a toast to the bride and her fiancé at the engagement party. To this, the fiancé may then respond by toasting the bride-to-be and her parents, followed by his parents. However, this is just tradition – you can do it how you like.
Importantly of all, don’t be daunted, organising any kind of party should be just as fun as the event itself. Remember, it’s your celebration, with no rules to say what you can and can’t do. For maximum enjoyment, make sure you’ve considered your guests based on the sort of crowd they are. Clevedon Hall offers large and smaller rooms, with catering and a list of recommended suppliers.
Our party planners know how to celebrate, so why not give them a call today and make sure you throw the party that everybody will remember.
For more information, or further advice on throwing an engagement party, call us now on 01275 778160, and speak to one of our party planners.
Selecting the right menu for your celebration party is a crucial factor that could determine the level of its success. Catering for large numbers of people, all with different tastes and possibly with special dietary requirements isn’t something you do every day – but luckily we do!
Our new Head Chef, Alan Jones, has plenty of parties and celebration dishes in his repertoire and knows how to combine flavours and dishes to delight the most jaded of palates and excite even the most experienced partygoer. We asked him what tips he would give someone who is organising a celebration at Clevedon Hall:
Q: What’s the secret to helping clients find the ideal menu?
A: It’s all about giving the client what they want. We’re here to guide them in their choices, to make suggestions and think of possibilities that might not have occurred to them. Every party menu is designed to include the host’s favourite dishes and to provide a talking point, as well as simply feeding hungry guests.
Q: You have classical training in some of the top kitchens in the country. How does this influence what you would suggest for a menu?
A: Classic French dishes are appropriate for some situations – perhaps a corporate dinner party or an anniversary celebration. Over the years, I’ve cooked a wide variety of dishes, in many different styles and the key is selecting the best of these for the particular party.
Q: Would you encourage street food and mobile food vans? They seem very popular right now, especially for weddings.
A: Yes, of course! We like to include food that is novel and fun, so if the client wants to bring an ice-cream van or have a Caribbean barbecue in the grounds, that’s great. We have wonderful gardens, which allows partygoers to spend time outside while enjoying delicious food.
Q: Do you have a signature dish that you like to suggest?
A: If I had to choose one dish to cook it would probably be fish, for it’s both light and fresh in texture and flavour. I like to create a dish with impact and explore the delicate flavours, which by cooking fish, I find it often allows me to do so. Having said that, the majority of celebration events include a meat dish, as it is seen as a safer option.
Q: You’ve worked in a wide range of culinary establishments, from gastro pubs to fine dining with a fair sprinkling of Michelin stars and AA rosettes. What will this experience bring to Clevedon Hall?
A: It’s helpful to have experience in a wide variety of events, from corporate lunches to banqueting, parties and weddings. It means that I’m able to match the style of the party with suggestions for the menu and even include a few little surprise touches to delight the guests.
Wedding photographers have undergone a transformation. They always played a vital role in creating a wedding album, which was a permanent record of the special day for the bride and groom. These days their offerings are innovative and much more fun!
In the bad old days, the wedding photographer was a necessary evil. He or she (it was usually a he) got in the way of guests trying to take their own photos. He swept the newlyweds away within moments of the ceremony and the wedding breakfast got cold while everyone waited. That was then – this is now!
The trends in wedding photography include engagement shoots, photos taken in cornfields, alongside pets or even tractors and lots of shots of the preparations. Guests are much more a part of the day, with the phone camera and digital cameras allowing them to be photographers in their own right.
One of the most popular innovations has been the concept of the Photo Booth. We’ve all used them to take passport photos in the past, so the process is familiar. They allow professional quality photos of informal groups of guests having fun and can be used at weddings or any celebration. The booth can sit in the corner of your venue and you simply add people. The photos pop out of the slot after processing and some companies allow you to alter the settings to provide two copies of each image – one for the guests and one for the bride and groom’s album.
Photographer Will Davis has his own particular take on the Photo Booth phenomenon – a Mini Studio. This includes ‘proper’ cameras, reflectors and professional kit but also props such as wigs, giant sunglasses, hats, masks and disguises.
The Mini Studio allows a little more space than a Photo Booth, so you can combine more guests and be a little more creative with the poses and props you use. Add some ride along toys to the mix and hilarity is guaranteed – no need to say “cheese”, as everyone will already be grinning!
Will says, “For me it’s about everyone’s got dressed up for the event, so an open booth set up is a chance for fun pictures but also to get nice portraits... it’s like a gift to the guest.”
The idea of a Photo Booth or mini studio removes the focus (pun intended) from the happy couple for a while and also has the benefit of allowing them to relax and circulate among friends and family. They can enjoy seeing their guests being the photographer’s ‘victims’ for a while!
Another benefit is that your guests will have their own photos of the occasion. The Photo Booth either delivers instant photos or is part of a package of copyright-free images that you can distribute after the event to as many people as would like them. Some suppliers will design personalised photo books or prints to match the theme of your wedding or event.
The Photo Booth phenomenon need not be confined to weddings. Bring an element of fun to conferences, product launches, wedding anniversaries or any kind of celebration. This is truly a way of blending people together and creating happy memories for the future.
The joy of the arrival of a new baby in the family is often celebrated with friends and family, possibly with other adults offering to help guide the child into adulthood. You can have any kind of party, with or without promises, religious or non-religious. Here are a few options.
Register Office
A Register Office service can be held anywhere, as long as it is licensed and the registrar will offer a standard service, which you can personalise with additional promises or readings. The service would usually include;
Welcome
Reading
Naming ceremony
Parent's promises
Supporter's promises
Closing words
Often the parents sign a certificate to mark the occasion.
Humanist Service
Humanists don’t like to include religion in their services, since they believe that all humans are equal. A Humanist naming celebration can be held whenever you want and wherever you want. It emphasises the role that the parents and family will have in bringing up the child. You can choose to include poems, songs or readings that match your hopes for your child. You can use a pre-written service or ask a humanist celebrant to lead the celebrations. You might choose to include symbolic items, such as planting a tree, signing a certificate or asking everyone to write a wish into a commemorative book to present to the child. Humanist services also sometimes involve friends or relatives acting as guide-parents (a bit like godparents in a church service).
Independent celebrants
While Humanists won’t include religion in their services and Registrars are forbidden from including it, an independent celebrant can do so, if that’s what you wish. When choosing a celebrant, look for someone who seems in agreement with your ideas about what you want for the day. There are several professional membership groups, which provide a directory of their members.
Naming day celebrations
You might not feel the need to have a service at all, instead opting to gather family and friends to celebrate the new life with a party. Formalities can be kept to a minimum and opting to hold the celebrations in a venue like Clevedon Hall means you don’t even have to clear up afterwards. Just relax and enjoy.
Naming children in other cultures
Hindu
A ceremony called Namakarana Sanskar is held 11 days after the birth & a period of seclusion. In some Hindu traditions, the aunt has the privilege of naming the baby. Much later, when a girl marries, her new husband might change the name on marriage, to complement his own.
Islam
The Aquiqa ceremony is traditionally held 7 days after the birth. Parents jointly choose the name.
Judaism
A Brit Milah celebration is held for boys after 8 days. For girls, there is no specific time but the naming often takes place on the first Shabbat after her birth.
Clevedon Hall Tips
One advantage of holding a naming ceremony or naming day celebrations is that they can be held whenever you like, such as in the summer, when there’s a better chance of good weather outside. A gazebo or marquee would take care of any concerns about rain, while still allowing older children to run around in the fresh air. If you prefer a celebration indoors, we have rooms of different sizes and the Orangery is ideal for drinks receptions.
It’s important to make clear everyone’s roles beforehand, especially if you would like them to play an active part, such as writing a promise or reading a poem, so that they have time to prepare something they feel is suitable.
The Christian tradition presents a certificate and also candles as a symbol of light to the child and godparents on baptism. You can do something similar by creating your own certificate, engraved glassware or decorated china or perhaps book of wishes which is presented by guests to the child.
You can save money by writing your own script for the service. As usual Google is your friend and you might find something suitable online. Celebrants will personalise a script too and this might be the right way to get exactly what you want, without losing the importance of the ceremony.
Did you know?
In some countries, such as Sweden, each day is a ‘name day’ when you can celebrate, along with everyone else who shares your name. For example, all Susannas celebrate on 11th August each year.
France is one of several countries where the state has a right to veto your choice of name for your child. In Valenciennes, a judge renamed a baby Ella, replacing her parents’ first choice of name for her – Nutella.
In Germany, you must be able to tell from your child’s name whether it is a boy or a girl.
In New Zealand, you can’t use titles, such as Prince or King, as forenames for your baby.
75% of Americans decide their offspring’s name before the child is born – probably due to pregnancy scans revealing the gender of the baby.
Congratulations on the birth of your baby. If we can help organise a naming celebration at Clevedon Hall, please get in touch.
Do you know your Mojitos from your Margaritas and your Old Fashioned from your Moscow Mule?
Ever since Tom Cruise did his thing with a cocktail shaker (your mum will tell you, if you haven’t seen it), cocktails have had an appeal that extends beyond their mere ingredients. Cocktails are all the rage and they’re beginning to feature as entertainment too.
Somerset company, The Waiting Game offers a cocktail masterclass, which makes for great entertainment at a wedding reception or after the wedding breakfast – and you get to drink the results of your labours! The Ready, Steady, Shake! masterclass is all about fun, with expert instruction from a top mixologist and an element of competition, just to keep things interesting.
First, you’re shown how to make a cocktail of your choice from the cocktail menu. Your mixologist deftly manipulates the shakers and swizzle sticks and selects just the right amount of each ingredient from among the herbs, fruits, liqueurs and spirits, and voila – the perfect cocktail.
Then it’s your turn! Either individually or in teams, you step up to the bar. The challenge lies in remembering how to use the equipment to create the perfect cocktail – what could possibly go wrong? Needless to say, this can be quite amusing for all concerned. Your bartender will be diplomatic as he gives you a score for your creation and for what you’ve learned.
And we have a winner! Or rather, lots of winners, as you get to keep your creations – yum.
Ben Pickles, Director of The Waiting Game, tells us how much he enjoys de-mystifying the process of cocktail making and entertaining his clients and their guests,
“Cocktails are going through such a renaissance in Bristol at the moment. They’re appearing more and more on mainstream TV but, unlike food, you’re more likely to have them on an evening out, rather than make them at home. Cocktail masterclasses (we call ours Ready, Steady, Shake!) are a fantastic form of entertainment for guests. They also show that anyone can make cocktails and make them well.
The competition element adds a real bit of excitement during the evening. It’s amazing to see even the least competitive slowly become more and more involved. The best thing for us though is seeing the cogs tick when it comes to the guest’s own creations; you see some fantastic drinks and some truly, truly terrible ones, but that’s the fun of it!
An enthusiastic participant said of their cocktail masterclass,
“We’ve had lots of VERY positive comments from friends. Everything went perfectly and we all enjoyed it. The cocktails were delicious (even some of ours!).”
Ben has supplied us with some of his favourite cocktail recipes, which we’re delighted to be able to share with you. Do let us know if you try them.
Wedding Cocktail Recipes for a Spring/Summer Wedding
Bride’s Bouquet
50 ml Hendrick’s Gin
25 ml Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
12.5 ml St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
8 torn Mint Leaves
2 Slices Cucumber
60 ml Cloudy Apple Juice
Shaken and strained into Highball filled with cubed ice and garnished with a massive sprig of mint and a cucumber stick. Straw placed alongside the sprig to get a big hit of mint as you drink.
Autumn/Winter Wedding
Orchard Warmer
37.5 ml Vodka
10 ml King’s Ginger Liqueur
30ml Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
25ml Cloudy Apple Juice
2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
2 Apple Slices
Shaken and strained over Highball filled with cubed ice, topped with Ginger Beer and garnished with an apple slice and straw.
Who can resist those lip-smacking flavour combinations? But beware the alcoholic content, which can take you by shurprishe!
Organising original entertainment for your wedding, private function or corporate event is all part of the service at Clevedon Hall – we’ve got lots of wonderful ideas to fill your day with fun and laughter. Get in touch today on 01275 778025.
There are lots of reasons why a newly-married couple might not step onto a plane for a distant, exotic honeymoon the moment they are Mr and Mrs. Instead many are opting for a short break, or minimoon, either in the UK or abroad.
Save time and money
Travel companies are reporting that newlyweds are still keen on the idea of a big holiday to celebrate their marriage but sometimes it is delayed for months or even years after the big day. It could be that the wedding has taken priority and the expense of a honeymoon needs to wait. Sometimes the problem is having enough time – the two weeks of relaxation has to be delayed until they’re less busy at work, or the children can be taken care of by relatives.
Of course, a shorter romantic holiday would still be very welcome, as Tabitha Symonds of One Off Places [www.oneoffplaces.co.uk] explains,
“Increasingly, newlyweds may not have time to take a long honeymoon immediately after their wedding. Step forward the minimoon – the perfect opportunity for an indulgent post-wedding break for those who are short of time. If minimooners think outside the box, then they can find some fabulous short stay deals in a whole range of luxurious places, but which don’t break the bank.”
One Off Places lists a variety of mainly self-catering properties, which are self-indulgent and luxurious, as well as being more or less quirky! Tabitha has chosen the following love-nests, which she believes are ideal for a romantic get away, and she hopes to inspire you when planning your own. Here are her recommendations:
Tabitha’s suggestions
Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and with a hamper of tasty goodies awaiting you, the Beach House is in a stunning spot in a private cove in Cornwall. Sit and listen to the crashing waves, do a spot of beach combing and return to luxuriate in the hot tub together. From £525 for 2 nights.
How about a half tester bed in a modern setting? Whisk your loved one away to this lochside contemporary bolthole, Knoydart Hide on the edge of Loch Nevis, Scotland - From £450 for 2 nights.
After your fairytale wedding, what could be more fitting than living the life of a real princess in Haldon Belvedere your private castle for two in Devon with panoramic views - From £325 for 2 nights.
If you’re an active couple and history appeals, head for Yorkshire with its wonderful walks, intriguing museums and a 15th century Bolton Percy Gatehouse retreat, just for two. From £93 per night (min stay 3 nights).
With budget flights, these Forest Treehouses in Catalonia are not only unique, they’re also affordable. They’re located in the grounds of a 14th century country house. Perfect for nature lovers, romantics and adventurers.From £86 per night (min stay 2 nights)
If your wedding had a retro theme, this Vintage Airstream Caravan continues in the same vein and is just the place for you. Here you’re surrounded by nature, yet Marbella and the stylish coastal bars and shops are just a short trip away. From £80 per night (min stay 2 nights).
We hope Tabitha’s suggestions help to plan your minimoon escape, once the excitement of the perfect wedding day is over.
Plan your wedding
If you would appreciate some expert guidance with planning your wedding, please get in touch with us at Clevedon Hall and we’d be delighted to assist.
Planning a wedding can be fun. It can be tricky to keep track of all the great ideas and that’s where apps like Pinterest come in handy.
There is an abundance of sources of information and inspiration available to help you plan your big day. You might find it useful to seek personal recommendations from your venue or wedding planner, or to consult magazines, visit shops and explore online resources. One of the biggest challenges is remembering where you saw that brilliant idea for table centres or the name of the creative florist whose designs really appeal.
If you’re not already aware of Pinterest, the best way to describe it is as similar to an online scrapbook. You can search for ideas, bookmarking and saving the best ones by organising them into groups known as boards. You’re in control of organising, so everything will be just where you expect to find it.
Searching Pinterest
Searching for inspiration on Pinterest is simple – just type keywords into the search box, for example ‘bridal hairpieces’, and a huge variety of results will be presented. NEW – Pinterest now helps you by providing ‘guides’ which helps you narrow down the results more precisely. Examples for the hairpieces search are “hair down’, ‘with veil’ or ‘vintage’. Each of the search terms comes up individually, so you can delete them if you change your mind without losing the whole search. Next to the Search box is a drop down menu allowing you to click on popular categories such as Weddings and Travel, which are regularly updated by Pinterest.
Like what you see?
All the results you see from your search have been added, or ‘pinned’ by other users. You can find out more about a photograph, or ‘pin’, by clicking on it. You can comment on the pin, ‘like’ it or pin it to your own boards – and this is the best way of keeping these individual bits of inspiration for future reference. Click on the ‘pin it’ button on the top left of the pin. Now you can add the pin to an existing board or create a new one.
Creating boards
It helps to give your new boards a descriptive name – Wedding Venue Choices, Minimoon Destinations or Somerset Wedding Suppliers tell you exactly what’s on the board – and this helps with the social aspect of Pinterest too. Part of the fun is that others can share your discoveries, comment on your finds and maybe make suggestions that will help you too. You can add a ‘Pin It’ widget to your internet browser, to make it easier to save your pins directly to your boards from interesting websites.
Find out more
Once you find something you like, you can click on the pin once more – and it will often take you through to the website where the pin originated. Here you can get more information, find out how to make or bake or even purchase the item in question. The link will open in a new tab, so it’s easy to go back to Pinterest after looking. (Note that some pins are in fact photographs uploaded by others and these won’t link to a website.)
Following
If you find someone who seems to pin lots of amazing ideas, you can choose to follow them – either a particular board or all their boards. This means that everything they pin in future will be presented to you on your home feed next time you’re on Pinterest. You might find that you gain followers of your own before long – like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram this is a social platform and it’s fun to collaborate with others.
Who can pin?
A handy feature of Pinterest is that you can choose who pins to your boards. This is useful if you want to allow your bridesmaids to help with your research, for example – just add them to the list of people who are able to pin. Pinterest will notify you when others interact with your boards.
Private boards
You might want to keep some of your ideas and discoveries to yourself. You might not want the bridesmaids to know what you’re thinking of buying them as a thank-you gift or perhaps you don’t want the world to know all the details of your wedding. Pinterest enables you to create secret boards, which you can share with just those you invite.
Warning – it’s addictive!
Pinterest is a great way of keeping your ideas together but it is easy to lose hours at a time once you start searching, pinning and commenting. It really should come with a warning – great fun, an excellent way to organise your wedding planning ideas and very addictive!
In recent years, the hen party and stag party have become a major performance. Deciding what to do has become almost a stress in itself, especially when there are so many other decisions to be made.
Many hen parties involve a group of friends dashing off abroad where there are worries about missing flights and losing the bride in the airport. Others opt for wearing L-plates and tiaras for a tour of local pubs and clubs. But is this really what you want for your last nights of freedom?
Naturally, we’d advocate a retreat to a fine countryside or seaside venue, such as Clevedon Hall. Having chosen a venue for your hen party, the next consideration is what are the key ingredients that you must include to make the weekend a success? High on the list of essentials will be fine food, drink, fun and laughter – maybe laughter in particular, and that gives us an idea…
Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga is something that is hitting the headlines, due to the fact that it is a great way to have fun with your friends – and an ideal addition to your hen weekend.
Instead of making hen party arrangements that raise your blood pressure, Laughter Yoga will actually reduce the stress that has been building up due to wedding planning and anticipation of the big day. You’ll feel energised and refreshed – ready to enjoy the rest of your weekend and face the challenges ahead.
Daniella Warner of Lighten up Life is a certified Laughter Yoga leader and she says, “Laughter Yoga can change your mood within minutes by releasing endorphins. If your mood is good, you feel good. It helps you to encourage a sense of humour too and brings more laughter into your life with a smiling face and positive attitude towards life.”
Health Benefits
Did you know that 10-15 minutes of deep belly laughter could give you the same cardiovascular work out as 30mins on a rowing machine? There are other health benefits too. Laughter Yoga can:
Boost your immune system – no nasty colds on your wedding day
Create more energy – get everything done and still feel bouncy
Lower your blood pressure
Reduce stress and restore emotional balance
Release endorphins to make you feel good
Increases blood circulation to bring a bloom to your cheeks
So what is Laughter Yoga?
It’s a combination of guided laughter exercises, which bring more energy and oxygen into the body; and Pranayama or yogic breathing. If that sounds complicated, it really isn’t. You are encouraged to laugh with childlike playfulness – as we all know, laughter is contagious and once one starts, everyone is laughing!
The trick is that the body gets the same physiological and psychological benefits from laughter like this as from ‘real laughter’ – it doesn’t know the difference – and you soon start to feel positive and joyful.
You can bring the tricks and secrets of Laughter Yoga with you on your wedding day, and use the strategies for the rest of your daily life. Daniella Warner says, “Laughter Yoga will teach you how to keep your spirits high when you face challenges in life. It promotes mental attitude to help you cope with all situations more easily than someone who hasn’t experienced the changes it brings.” And what’s more – it’s fun!
At Clevedon Hall, we’re always open to suggestions for creative activities to make your hen or stag party successful. Contact us with your ideas and our events team will do their utmost to make your wishes come true.
Fusion weddings celebrate the heritage of both the bride and groom. Two families from different traditions are joining and fusion wedding celebrations offer something for everyone. The blending of Asian, Chinese or Japanese with Western customs can lead to exotic, colourful and rich festivities, which are unique in representing the couple and their values.
If the marriage is taking place in a western setting, you have the advantage that many of the guests will already be aware of the traditions that apply in this part of the world. This is the ideal opportunity to feature the best of both kinds of celebration with your respective families.
Some of the possibilities are so decorative and colourful that brides and grooms choose to adopt them, despite having no immediate connection to eastern heritage. Here we describe just some of the themes you might like to include.
Chinese
Traditionally, once they become engaged, a Chinese groom’s family will present impressive gifts to the family of the bride. A typical gift may be money in multiples of nines (999 or 9999) since the number nine in Chinese has come to represent the concept of a long future together.
The reception space is often graced with floral streamers, paper lanterns and parasols, hung upside down above the guests’ heads. The table also features paper lantern or cocktail parasol decorations and of course, fortune cookies. Suppliers such as Anna Newman of Sugar Bowl Bakes and Cakes - Www.facebook.com/sugarbowlbakes can tailor the decoration of the cookies and even the messages they feature to match your theme.
The bride might choose to wear a traditional red costume and decorative floral or embellished jewelled hairpieces. Actually it’s all about red - red and gold table linen and settings, red bouquets – almost anything red!
At the wedding banquet, guests traditionally bring red envelopes with money or a fruit gift comprising dates, peanuts, longan fruit, lotus seeds and chestnuts. The Chinese wedding breakfast is a true banquet (traditionally held in a restaurant, but in fusion weddings the venue is also acceptable) with many choices of Chinese food. There is alcohol for the toasts and the bride and groom drink from glasses tied together with red ribbon.
The Chinese give dragon and phoenix cakes to guests instead of wedding cake but you if you’re determined to include a tiered cake, perhaps a dragon feature or Chinese message such as the ‘double happiness’ symbol cake topper would lend a touch from that culture.
Asian
For the purposes of this blog, Asian means Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani and Bangladeshi - a huge geographic area with a multitude of traditions. There’s only space to mention some of them here.
Asian ceremonies can last several days – select aspects of the tradition if you prefer to have a shorter celebration. Also, your groom may choose not to enter the ceremony on a horse, perhaps choosing a more practical Indian themed transport option.
You’ll often see elephants represented for good luck in table centres, place settings, cake decorations and fabric embellishment and made of every possible material from flowers and wood to icing.
Cala lilies and orchids, and elaborate decorations involving petals and coloured spices are popular. Floral garlands are used for decoration or worn around the neck by the principles. Intricate henna mehndi patterns adorn the hands and arms. The bride will wear a set of choora bangles up the arm, which are usually red and white. They are given to the bride by her maternal uncle and must be worn for anything from 40 days to a year after the wedding.
A stage or Hindu mandaps provides a dramatic setting for the ceremony, with pillars, royal chairs for the wedding party and carpet decorated traditionally with water jars, garlands of flowers and leaves and more modern fairy lights, draped fabric and crystals. There’s informal seating with brightly coloured cushions and decorative rugs for guests.
White is not a traditional colour for brides from many cultures. Despite this, modern brides are often choosing to wear a traditional costume for the ceremony and a white bridal gown for the reception afterwards. We can’t fault their reasoning!
Clevedon Hall’s wedding planners are experienced in planning Asian and Chinese fusion weddings. Whether you want to incorporate some or many traditional aspects into your special day, we’re happy to help. Get in touch to start planning today.
It is traditional to decorate your wedding venue for the ceremony, to wear clothes selected for the occasion and add flowers to mark the special nature of the day. But how do you compete with the decorations that are already in place at Christmas time? Should you even try? Read on for 25 ways to make your wedding extra special at Christmas.
1 Welcome your guests to the reception with steaming glasses of mulled cider or wine.
2 Really embrace the festive season with Christmas themed menus. Bite sized mince pies, pigs in blankets and devils on horseback make wonderful warm nibbles during a drinks reception.
3 Doorways decorated with arches of billowing white blossoms echo the snowy theme of a winter wedding.
4 Red and gold chair ribbons bring the traditional colours of Christmas and add a shot of brightness.
5 Add reflective crystal wherever possible to imitate ice – entwined in floral decorations, chandeliers, beading on dresses and shoes.
6 Introduce festive baubles and seasonal berries, pinecones and greenery to seat row-end decorations.
7 Champagne, gold, ecru or palest citrus shades for your wedding gown provide rich contrast to winter whites.
8 Take advantage of the venue’s Christmas tree and other decorations to act as a backdrop for your photos.
9 Ensure your photographers are briefed to catch images of any snow that falls on the day.
10 White twigs and branches bring the wintery theme indoors – decorate with feathers, crystals, white orchids and ribbons.
11 Silver adds a glistening highlight, while dashes of purple, fuchsia pink or deep red add contrast to a white colour scheme.
12 Flickering candlelight adds a special touch – for safety, use battery powered tea lights – you can hardly tell the difference.
13 Citrus scents and mulled wine are warm and wintery and appeal to all the senses.
14 Think festive colours for your make-up too – red lips, glowing cheeks and glittery eyes.
15 Extend your wintery theme, such as a snowflake motif, to your stationery - from your invitations to your place cards, menu and thank you cards.
16 Dust your wedding cake with icing to represent fallen snow – especially effective on cakes garnished with fruit or contrasting icing.
17 Make sure the bride and flower girls stay warm for outdoor photo shoots with a fake fur cape or bolero.
18 Disco lighting at the reception can be used to project snowflakes or falling snow around the room while you dance the night away.
19 Include deep red blooms and evergreen fir or eucalyptus in your white bouquets to add a Christmas-y touch.
20 Consider using coloured uplighting to make your white-themed reception into a magical grotto.
21 White candles nestled in cranberries in glass vases make excellent table centrepieces.
22 If the weather threatens to be inclement, Le Chameau or Hunter boots in colours that match or contrast will ensure toasty toes while outdoors.
23 If snow is essential to your nuptials, guarantee it by using a company like Snow Business to create it for you – just like they do for films.
24 Frozen ponds, icicles, frost or snow in your photos create lasting memories of your special day.
25 Personalise a Christmas tree ornament as a favour for each guest to take away and remember your wonderful winter wedding every year.
For more ideas of how to make your winter wonderland wedding a reality, talk to one of our wedding planners today and arrange a site visit to begin to visualise your scheme.
Credits where used
Pia Cato snow dusted cake with fruit – no separate photography credit
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