Trends, Tips, & Ideas For Your Next Big Event

A gift list is one of the fun tasks when it comes to planning a wedding, but not all the presents on the day are intended for the bridal couple. It is traditional to thank your mother and mother in law, by giving them an impressive bouquet at the reception. It’s equally important to show your appreciation of the bridesmaids for their support and friendship, both before the wedding and on the day itself, by giving them a small gift or memento.

Modern gifts might be monogrammed kimonos and flip flops for the pre-wedding spa or an engraved cocktail glass for toasting the happy couple. The common theme is that the gift is something to keep and something of value. Traditionally, though, the gift has been jewellery.
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Bridesmaids’ Gifts - Etiquette

The guide to etiquette compiled by Debrett’s is the last word in what you should do, say and buy for all occasions. Naturally they have a section to lead you through wedding etiquette, and though weddings are much less formal these days, it makes a good read. On the question of gifts for the bridal party, it says,
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“THE BRIDESMAIDS

The chief bridesmaid should receive something of greater value than the other bridesmaids; jewellery is a popular option.

The presents for the bridal party are usually given out during the groom's speech. If, however, the present is a necklace or earrings that can be worn on the day, then they can be given on the morning of the wedding.
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BABY BRIDESMAIDS AND PAGES

Their presents are usually given out during the groom's speech; it is a nice gesture to give them something they can keep for the future.”
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Choosing Jewellery

Often the bridesmaids are given matching, simple jewellery before the ceremony. They don’t have to be identical - maybe choose something from the same collection for each girl. Anything with a knot motif is a great idea, carrying on the theme of ‘tying the knot’.

Jewellery designer Rosemary Griffin owner of Biba and Rose, says, “A bridesmaid gift is a token of appreciation, a special gift to say thank you.  With that in mind, it should be something personal and individual, perhaps something that can be worn on the day, but also something that can be treasured as a keepsake.

“Jewellery is the perfect solution.  Pearl jewellery has always been a popular traditional bridesmaids’ gift and now with more modern and bespoke designs available, it is even more popular.”

It’s often possible to find jewellery to match your wedding theme – for example oak leaf pendants to symbolise long life would be appropriate for an autumn wedding. If you’re marrying on a beach, a shell or seahorse might be suitable, and floral themes are always popular. Pearls have long symbolised the purity associated with weddings and, if the budget will stretch to precious stones, you could choose something to match the girls’ dresses.
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Jewellery – Points to Consider

• If it’s to be worn on the day, make sure the design is a good match for the bridesmaids’ outfits. A neat pair of earrings might be a better option for dresses with elaborate necklines than necklaces. Alternatively, lariat or longer length necklaces that fall below the neckline work well.
• Jewellery for younger bridesmaids or flower girls needs to be dainty. Hair slides are a good alternative.
• If you do choose earrings – remember to consider whether the girls have pierced ears.
• As with the dresses, choose something your bridesmaids would pick for themselves, otherwise the gift will spend more time in a drawer than being worn. It’s important to think about the personality and interests of the bridesmaids. If in doubt, go for something that will stand the test of time.

Presents need not be expensive. Whatever you choose, include a personal note – short and simple just to say thanks, or a longer note expressing why you chose that person as your bridesmaid and what it means to have their support on this special occasion. This is often the most valued gift of all.

Images kindly provided by:

Biba & Rose

BEAUTIFUL JEWELLERY                                                                                                                        

www.bibaandrose.co.uk

As the leaves begin to change from greens to gold, a bride’s thoughts naturally turn to autumn weddings. Adopting one of the many variations on an autumn colour theme presents wonderful opportunities to bring the outside indoors and celebrate the season’s colours.

A typical autumn palette would include shades of amber, ochre, marigold, mustard and chocolate. For contrast, elements of navy or plum and forest greens add vibrancy. The ever-popular purple injects a shot of brightness, for example for the bride’s silk shoes or the bridesmaids’ sashes and the ties of the groom’s party. Search for “Autumn Colour Palettes” on Pinterest for interesting combinations.

Your wedding invitations will give the first subtle hint about your autumn colour theme to your guests. It’s possible to combine the best of wedding traditions with your theme, so there’s no need to sacrifice the ivory of formal stationery. The secret is to keep the theme going with decorative touches, such as embossed or printed leaves, contrasting envelopes and envelope seals.

Don’t forget the details! Amy Box of Hold My Hand blends nail polishes to suit the seasons and she has created 'Feel the Auburn', a shade which shifts from bright orange to warm reds. She says, “Autumn weddings look stunning with the right blend of colours and you can tie lots of details in, even down to the colour of the bride’s and bridesmaids’ nail polish. I love the warmth of autumn colours, they remind me of home comforts, like getting cosy in front of the fire.”

Among the opportunities to explore your colour theme is the wedding cake itself – perhaps by representing the deep browns and vibrant orange of autumn in a magical three tiered chocolate cake, decorated with orangey kumquats and their glossy green leaves.

The colour of the wedding party’s sashes and ties can be continued to the chair covers and decorative bows to bring the theme together. Bronze flatware and charger plates add a mellow tone to the table and subtle lighting beautifully enhances these metallic touches. Candlelight is particularly appealing at this time of year, as the sun dips to the horizon and mist forms. You can opt for statement tapers or church candles in dramatic centrepieces, Perhaps using bronze or mustard coloured glass holders.

Texture can play a big part in uniting the theme and wood, leaves, stone, metallic lace and silk ribbon all make a contribution. There’s scope for incorporating these in the table decorations – surrounding the floral displays or as an alternative to tablemats. The table is where your guests will be enjoying the wedding breakfast and you can build anticipation of this by appealing to all of the senses. Of these, scent is the most memorable and evocative. By allowing the drifting aroma of the last of the roses, cinnamon & spices to perfume the room, you set the scene.

Wedding flowers can follow the autumn theme by including seasonal rose hips, hypericum berries, eucalyptus leaves and purple sage to add dramatic tones, texture and scent. Centrepieces could include novel seasonal items like pumpkins, teamed with the burnt oranges of gerbera or dahlias. Hand tied bouquets can be cost effective with alstroemeria or indulgent with highly scented, multi-layered David Austen roses.

On a grander scale, if you’ve chosen a venue like Clevedon Hall, with dramatic trees and shrubs in their autumn finery, you have a ready-made, fantastic backdrop for your wedding photographs. Autumn light also adds a magical touch to the reflecting lake. In this instance, nature does all the work for you and your theme is provided.

Here at Clevedon Hall, we pride ourselves on providing guests with incredible service and leaving them with everlasting memories.

As you may know, we have been working on transforming the mansion into the ultimate exclusive events venue over the last couple of years. We have refurbished the venue while still keeping lots of original features to ensure that the history of the building remained. We are also adding 25 state of the art guest bedrooms with stunning en-suites, which will be finished very shortly.

During the refurbishment, it only felt right that we rebrand Clevedon Hall and bring the brand up to date to reflect the latest changes inside to the outside.

It’s with great excitement that we can now unveil our new website complete with branding!

Our new branding represents who we are as a company. It’s a modern slant on a traditional vintage feel. We wanted to include the history of Clevedon Hall and the traditions that couples come to us to celebrate like Weddings and Christenings. Yet, we also wanted to highlight that we are a modern company who can create any bespoke event that you wish – that being vintage or contemporary.

Our brand represents timeless elegance, which is exactly the type of event that we want to provide to our guests.

We are extremely proud of where we have come from and can’t wait to show you all the venue and new branding on the opening launch night, November 27th.

Hopefully see you there!

For more information please contact us on response@clevedonhall.co.uk .

A stunning summer wedding with loads of time spent in our beautiful gardens. Captured by Laura Grace Photography and White Villa Weddings

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