Trends, Tips, & Ideas For Your Next Big Event

Not so great expectations

5,700 companies were surveyed for the latest Quarterly Economic Survey from the British Chambers of Commerce.  The findings show that business confidence, though quite buoyant, is weakening.  54% of firms expect an increase in turnover over the next 12 months - down from 63% in Q1 2022 and the lowest figure since Q4 2020.  43% of firms are predicting an increase in profitability, down from 50% in Q1 2022.  BCC director general Shevaun Haviland commented that "The red lights on our economic dashboard are starting to flash. Nearly every single indicator has seen a deterioration since our last survey in March.”

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Inflation taking the wind out of everyone’s sails

82% of companies surveyed by the BCC cite inflation as a growing concern for their business, a historical high level.  Just about everything it takes to run a business is getting more expensive.  Energy prices are going through the roof, which is a big worry as we head into winter – bills for running machinery and heating premises are rising frighteningly fast.  Transport costs are being driven up by the high price of oil.  This makes running your own vehicles more costly but it also drives up the price of materials.  Even the cost of borrowing is increasing as the Bank of England increases interest rates to combat this inflation.  All of these factors put pressure on profit margins and 65% of firms covered by the BCC survey expect to raise prices in the near future (a record high and a 23-percentage-point rise on a year ago).

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Worries about weakening consumer demand

Inflation, and the cost of living crisis it is creating, is also a major headache for consumers – as prices for essentials such as heating, fuel and food spiral upwards at an alarming rate people are watching every penny.  Firms are therefore very concerned about the effect on their sales.  In the BCC survey companies expecting an increase in turnover over the next twelve months dropped from 63% to 54% - the lowest figure since Q4 2020 when much of the UK was under some form of lockdown.  28% are now predicting a decrease in profits.

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Disappearing workers and higher wages

A third challenge for businesses is the shortage of workers.  Britain’s overseas workforce has shrunk by about 20% since Brexit.  What’s more, many workers have simply not returned after the various lockdowns - the number of people of working-age who are neither in work nor seeking employment is 400,000 higher than before the pandemic.

Many businesses, especially in manufacturing, airlines, retail and hospitality are struggling to recruit in the numbers they need.  Staff retention is also a major headache at present.  The cost of living crisis is putting pressure on wages.   Employees are demanding more pay and better benefits – companies are having to comply or face severe staff shortages.  

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Light at the end of the tunnel

All of this makes pretty dismal reading.  However, it’s likely that the government will be forced into measures that relieve the pressure on individuals and which encourage business growth – so things could get better quite soon.  

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We’ve also got an idea for you that may help.  Whatever else is happening it’s important to stay positive – a case of “if you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs”.  What’s more, when life is hard for everyone on your team (at work and at home) it’s also vital that you show how much you appreciate them.  Thirdly, morale will be better if you give people something to look forward to.  With all this in mind it’s a particularly good time to organise an end of year party – it could be the best investment you can make right now!  Clevedon Hall is the idea venue and the team here are experts at creating memorable events that make the most of even the most modest budget.

Where did the five-day week come from?

For many thousands of years many worked a six-day week, with Sunday the “day of rest” (an idea that goes right back to the Book of Genesis).  However, in medieval times, there were numerous saint’s days (holy days that became known as holidays), feast days and festival days.  For instance, 12 days holiday at Christmas, 7 days holiday at Whitsuntide (Easter) and at least one other festival a month.

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During the industrial revolution, before labour laws were introduced and the Labour Movement began to negotiate better terms, unscrupulous employers demanded six or even seven days a week from employees, with 16 hour shifts not uncommon.  By the beginning of the 20th century six days was the norm, but shifts were shorter and workers had slightly more rights.  For example, workers at Ford Motor Company worked six eight-hour days.   However, in 1926, he introduced the five-day workweek, reasoning that productivity would benefit – exhausted and unhappy workers produce less per hour.  Before long most companies followed suit and the five-day 40-hour week became the norm.

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Why the five-day week is now being questioned

Most employers in Britain, and many other parts of the world, are struggling to recruit and retain staff.  A recent poll of 160 HR leaders by business consultancy Willis Towers Watson found that 77% have had problems finding and keeping employees.

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There are many reasons for this but one is the fact that the enforced disruption and break created by Covid caused many workers to re-evaluate their careers.  Many of the younger generation are less motivated by pay and keen to find employment that provides a good work/life balance.  Covid also made most people re-prioritise work, family, and health, realising that they wanted home, rather than the office, to be the hub of their life.  

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Huge numbers have simply decided to work less, or not at all, a trend that has been dubber “The Great Resignation”.  According to Reuters the UK workforce is about around 400,000 people smaller than before Covid.

Changing attitudes to work are a big part of this.  The study by NatWest Rapid Cash show that while health and wellbeing benefits continue to be valued by employees, it is flexible working arrangements that are most appreciated by workers and the idea of a four-day week at full pay is one of the most appealing perks of all.

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What kind of four-day week is being envisaged?

The most popular version of this idea involves employees working 20% less hours over four days but for the same pay they previously received.  However, employees are expected to maintain the previous level of productivity (ie get as much work done but in fewer hours – work harder but with more time off).  

This 100:80:100 model is being trialled 4 Day Week Global in partnership with UK think tank Autonomy.  More than 3,300 workers at 70 UK companies have started working a four-day week with no loss of pay. Similar trials are currently taking place in Ireland, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.  According to research by 4 Day Week Global, 63% of businesses find it easier to attract and retain talent with a four-day week.

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What are the benefits of a four-day week?

In theory employees will enjoy a better work/life balance with increased flexibility.  On the other hand employers hope they will find it easier to recruit and retain staff as well as improve productivity, but without increasing wages or other costs.  But will this actually happen in practice?

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A study by Work. Life has found that working less hours does make employees more productive and less stressed. Its analysis shows that working more than 50 hours per week harms productivity.  That the four-day working week has made 91% of employees happier. That 27% of employees say they have seen a reduction in workplace stress.  And that 79% of employees say the introduction of the four-day week has improved their mental health.  A big benefit for parents is one day less a week paying for childcare – which represents a significant saving each month.

Trials by individual companies tell a similar story. Microsoft Japan saw a 40% productivity boost and Buffer found that 91% of employees were happier and more productive with four-day weeks. However, the findings also show that 72% of employees admit that a four-day week results in working more hours on working days to make up for the lost day.

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Time to take care of your people

Will the four-day week become the norm?  Only time will tell.  But one thing is sure – employers are having to pay a lot more attention to meeting the needs and wishes of their workers.  At the very least they are having to make greater efforts to demonstrate that they value their staff.  So maybe it would be smart to organise a late summer party for your team?  If you like this idea (and your people will!) then get in touch – our experienced event management team will help you plan it all and ensure it’s a roaring success!

Apart from beaming proudly in the photographs what else is your dad expected to do on your big day?  He’s probably aware that he’ll be asked to walk you down the aisle and give a speech during the meal - but beyond that he may be a bit clueless (bless!).  In this post we give a full list of the ways he may be called upon to contribute.  We suggest we get him to read it at an early stage so he’s well prepared….

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Financial input

In days gone by the father of the bride was expected to pay for the wedding.  This tradition has died out gradually and now the expenditure is usually shared between the two families and the bride and groom.  

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Emotional rescue

Every bride will experience moments where they’ve had as much wedding planning stress as they can handle – you included.  Your bridesmaids, along with your mum, will probably the first to give you the support you need.  But dad can be a big help too – sometimes you need someone who is not so involved in the immediate situation that’s causing you the anxiety to step in.  A dad that stays cool, calm and collected when everyone else is “losing it” is a godsend.  His job is to encourage everyone to take a step back and remember what the wedding is really about – two people in love starting a life together.

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Make an appearance at the stag do

Depending on the type of stag do planned for the groom he may invite the father of the bride to join in, along with his own dad.  If this is the case the invitation should be accepted – even if he only stays for a couple of drinks at the start of the night.  It’s important for you dad and future husband to build a good relationship and it’ll be a great chance for him to get to know the groomsmen ahead of the big day.

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Travel with the bride to the ceremony

This is a tradition that still persists.  You’ll spend the early part of the day with your bridal party getting ready.  But when it’s time to head for the wedding ceremony dad should be with you.  It’s an opportunity for him to admire you in your dress and for the two of you to share a few heartfelt moments together.  His role is to tell you how proud he is and how beautiful you look!   On a more practical note it’s his job to make sure you arrive on time (!), calm your nerves and ensure the photographer gets plenty of shots of the two of you.

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Walk you down the aisle

This is the bit he has pictured ever since you were a little girl – and his proudest moment as he “gives you away”.  If possible rehearse the arrival and walk down the aisle with him so you get the speed right and he knows where to sit once you are beside your husband to be.  If you are wearing a veil and want your father to be the one lifting it, get him to practice this too – it can be a bit tricky! Do not worry your team from the wedding venue will give you the cue on the right moment to start your walk with your father.

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Welcome guests to the reception

A receiving line is a great way to greet guests as they enter the reception.  Your father and mother will start the line, followed by yourself and your husband, then his parents.

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Sit at the top table

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The parents of the bride usually sit next to her on the top table.  Your dad doesn’t have to do anything other than make sparkling conversation and enjoy himself!

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Deliver the father of the bride speech

Your father gives the first speech.  It doesn’t have to be long but he has to thank the guests for attending, welcome the groom into the family and share some amusing anecdotes about your childhood.  The tone should be emotional and heartfelt, expressing how much pride he feels for you as you enter this new stage of your life.  Having said that, a bit of humour does not go amiss – a few jokes about the groom are expected!  Get your dad to practice his speech and make sure he doesn’t have one too many proseccos before he performs this important duty!

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Accompany you for the father-daughter dance

This is a longstanding tradition and one of the most memorable moments of the celebrations.  Choose a song that you both find meaningful and be sure to practice the dance with your dad before the big day.  

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Wrap things up at the end of the night

The father of the bride should supervise proceedings as the reception comes to a close. This includes checking that vendors have been paid, that the gifts have been taken care of and saying goodbye to guests as they depart.

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A good time had by all

Last but not least, your dad needs to remember to enjoy himself!  He does have certain duties and roles to perform on the day but none of them are too onerous.  Perhaps the most important way he can contribute is by having a great time as that will help set the tone for everyone else.  

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Choosing your wedding rings can be a challenge – there are so many options that it can get very confusing (and you have a few other things to organise right now!).  In this post we give you some tips that you’ll hopefully find helpful.  Wedding bands for grooms tend to be simpler so we’ve mainly focused on the bride’s ring - but much of the advice applies to both.

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What’s your personal style?

Start the process by thinking about what jewellery you already own and what type of designs catch your eye when you're out shopping.  Do you favour white gold over yellow gold?  Is there a specific cut of diamond that particularly appeals to you?  Is your personal sense of style very contemporary or more traditional and timeless?  Over time this ring will become very much a part of you so it’s important you go for a style that you feel comfortable with.

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Have a budget in mind

Your love may know no bounds but it’s best to set a budget for your wedding rings.  That way you’ll avoid the disappointment of finding the perfect ring then discovering it’s way out of financial reach.  Jewellers can help you refine your search, and come up with some wonderful ideas, but it really helps if you can give them a figure to start with.  About 3% of your total wedding spend is the norm.  However, adding diamonds, or engraving the band, will obviously add to the cost.

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Start your search early

Ideally you should start your quest about six months before the big day.  It’s something you’ll be wearing on your finger for life so it’s not a decision to rush!  Research online and set aside a couple of days for visiting physical jewellery stores and getting expert advice.  If you’ve fallen in love with the idea of a custom wedding ring or band then you'll probably need to allow even more time.  Be aware that extras, like engraving, can also take up to a month.

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Shop as a couple

Since you'll probably be buying two rings, one for you and one for him, this is an activity you can enjoy together.  It’s also very useful to share opinions and ideas – this will really help you narrow the choices down.  

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Consider your lifestyle

Your wedding ring will become almost a part of you – so you want a design you’ll find easy to live with.  If you are sporty or play a musical instrument a slimmer ring with rounded edges is sensible.  If you work with your hands a simple solid metal ring may be most practical - gemstones can come loose and carvings can trap dirt.

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Tungsten and Titanium are both good choices if you do a lot of work with your hands as they don't scratch as easily as other metals.  If you want a sparkly ring, but have an active lifestyle, choose a wedding ring with small gemstones set in a channel to keep them secure (known as a pavé setting).  

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Personalizing your wedding rings

Many couple are now opting to have something engraved inside their wedding band – a message, their name, initials or their wedding date.  

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Size condiderations

It’s likely you’ll wear your wedding ring 24/7, for months on end, through summer and winter, year after year – and your finger won’t always be the same size.  When you exercise, if you get pregnant or put on weight, when your hands get hot and when they get cold your hands will swell or shrink.   You therefore need to bear these factors in mind when deciding on the right ring size.  We suggest you arrange 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.

Also be aware that your engagement ring can fit tighter when paired with one or more wedding bands.  A pair of rings can put more pressure on the blood vessels in the finger and this makes the rings fit tighter.

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Think two rings, not one

Keep your engagement ring in mind (and on your finger) while shopping for your wedding band.  You need to see how they look side by side.  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.   It’s important, however, to avoid a wedding band that overshadows your engagement ring – they should complement eachother.

You also need to consider how they physically stack together.  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.  

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Keep an open mind

While you may start out with a fixed idea of what style of wedding ring you’d like it’s important to be open to suggestions from jewellers.  They may come up with an inspired idea that you’d never have come up with on your own and it’s sensible to follow their expert advice.

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Give us a ring (as in call us)

Hopefully this article has given you some useful food for thought with regard to choosing your wedding ring.  If there are any other aspects of your wedding preparations you are not sure about you can always give our team a call – if we haven’t got all the answers you need we probably know someone that has!

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Bridal showers have been a big part of any wedding preparations and celebrations in the US for many years – but now they are catching on over here.  In this post we answer all the most commonly asked questions we hear from brides when the topic comes up in conversation.

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What is a bridal shower?

A bridal shower is different from a hen do.  It’s a daytime event in which the close female relatives of the bride (and possibly of her fiancé) get together with her best friends to celebrate ahead of the wedding. It's a family-friendly event (unlike the hen party!) that involves the playing of games and the giving of gifts.  

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Who hosts the Bridal Shower?

Usually this is organised and hosted by the maid of honour with the bridesmaids in support.  Having said that it’s not unusual for the bride's mother, sister, aunt, grandmother or even future mother-in-law to do the honours.  As the bride you are not expected to get involved in organising the event but we suggest that whoever takes on the responsibility gets your input with regard to theme, venue, activities, date and who to invite.  

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What happens at a bridal shower?

There are no hard and fast rules – you play it the way you fancy.  In the US the couple may have bridal shower gift registry but in the UK the focus is less on gifts and more about activities and socialising.  It could be a low-key brunch at the maid of honour's home, or a spa day for some pampering, or a cake baking class, or lunch at a nice restaurant.  Party games could include charades, newlywed trivia quiz or wedding themed Pictionary.  Where gifts are given they tend to be relatively inexpensive.

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Any do’s and don’ts?

Having said the rules are relaxed guests should not bring a plus-one and they shouldn’t ignore the theme/dress code.  You, the bride, should make an effort to mingle with everyone and get to know those you haven’t met before.  Also, very important, don't invite anyone to your shower that you don’t plan on inviting to the wedding.

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Who pays for the bridal shower?

If the shower is hosted at someone’s home then that person is expected to cover the cost of things like decorations, games and prizes, plus food and drink.  However, others, like the bridesmaids or the bride's family will probably chip in too.  Thoughtful guests will also ask what they can do to help.  If the shower involved an activity or going out for a meal it’s usual to ask guests to pay their share – but make this clear on the invitation.

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Who to invite to your bridal shower?

The bride will traditionally invite close female family and close female friends, along with female members of her partners family as well.  However, we live in changing times and the bride may be accompanied by her fiancé, along with some male friends and relatives too.  Numbers are up to you – anything from an intimate gathering of a dozen up to a major celebration.

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Are gifts obligatory at a bridal shower?

In the US it's customary for all guests to bring a present but it’s not necessary in the UK.  What kind of gifts are appropriate?  Items for the home, lingerie or jewellery are all popular.  A card, at the very least, is expected, perhaps with flowers.  It’s also polite for guests to ask whoever is hosting whether they can bring food or drink.  If someone gives a gift at the shower this is not in place of their main wedding gift but in addition to it – that’s why shower gifts tend to be minor ones.  

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When to have your bridal shower?

Most bridal showers are hosted anywhere from two to six months before the main wedding date.  It usually comes a few weeks before your hen do.  Send out the invites well ahead of the date so guests have plenty of notice.

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What’s the dress code for a bridal shower?

That’s entirely up to you – as casual or formal as you like.  It’s generally dictated by the theme and venue.  If you are having a relaxed BBQ then it’s probably casual.  Dinner in a smart restaurant probably calls for something a bit more dressy.  Afternoon tea, smart casual, possibly?!  Some bridal showers have a colour theme, so the dress code should obviously fit with that.  Whatever you decide make it very clear on the invitation.

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Any other questions?

Hopefully this answers your main bridal shower questions.  But if you have more, or want input regarding any other aspect of your wedding planning, just ask away.  The team at Clevedon Hall have hosted so many wonderful weddings that we’ve probably got all the answers you need!

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As you plan and organise your wedding you are going to run into some tricky situations that involve a few awkward conversations.  Many of these are surprisingly common – most couple find themselves facing these dilemmas at some point.  In this post we flag up them up so that you are prepared – and suggests ways to resolve everything amicably.

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Families and finances

Unless you plan to sneak off to the registry office without telling anyone there’s going to be some celebrations to organise – and pay for.  Do you wait for your parents to offer some help, do you drop some heavy hints, ask them right out for a contribution or refuse any financial help whatsoever?  If they do help us out does that mean we’ll lose control and not be able to have the kind of day we’d really like?  What if one set of parents is more affluent than the other?  Should we accept the money as a gift or treat it as a loan we’ll pay off over time?  What’s the best time to start having these discussions?

We suggest you initiate the money talk with both sets of parents really early on.  Be open and frank about what kind of day you have in mind, what you can afford and whether they’d like to help out.

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Guest list dilemmas

Depending on your budget there will be a maximum number of guests you can afford to invite.  This will probably mean you have to do some kind of a trade-off between friends and family.  Do you invite your distant cousins and leave off some old school mates?  Should you disappoint a few relatives you barely know in favour of some longstanding pals?  Also, to complicate matters further, your proud parents are keen to share the occasion with their friends – you’ll have to oblige them to an extent (especially if they are paying a big part of the bill – see previous point!).  

Start by agreeing a total number of guests that’s within the overall budget then allocate a certain number of invites to yourselves and your parents, striking a balance between both your families.  Once you’ve done that create a list of “must invite” and another of “nice to invite” and see where that gets you.

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Perfectionist or pragmatist?

You’ll almost certainly have a mental picture of your perfect wedding.  But achieving it may be too costly or impractical for other reasons.  For instance, you’ve fallen in love with a dress that’s more than you can afford.  Or your preferred venue is not available on any of your dates.  How do you respond?  Do you strive for perfection or do you adopt a more pragmatic attitude and accept a compromise?  We suggest that you stop obsessing over perfect – it just sets you up for stress, arguments and disappointment.  Try and strike a happy medium between the two extremes.

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Uh, oh, I’m pregnant!

You won’t be the first bride with a bump – and these days it’s something to be pleased about, not ashamed of.  But do you hide it or share the happy news?  Do you get a bespoke design to match your expanding figure or do you pick something off the peg that’s loose and floaty?  Luckily there’s no shortage of suppliers that specialise in affordable gowns for bride who are expecting.

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The plus-one dilemma

Allow plus-ones you’re asking for problems – too many guests (plenty of whom you’ve never met before) and a financial headache.  On the other hand a complete ban on them can seem a bit harsh.  You could send plus-one invites to some guests and not to others – but you are bound to upset someone.  The simplest solution is to explain on the invitation that your wedding will be an intimate celebration, allowing you to spend quality time with each guest, and for this reason you are only extending your invitations to partners you know really well.

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Grown-ups only?

Flower girls and toddlers in tuxes are undeniably cute but kids can also create a few headaches for parents and guests alike.  It’s your call but as with the plus-one issue you need to be consistent – if one couple can bring their kids then the same goes for all of them.  

If kids are invited let people know from the start so they can make the necessary arrangements for accommodation, baby sitting and so on.   You could also consider providing a wedding crèche so the parents can relax.  If you don’t like that option you could at least fill children's activities boxes with colouring books, small toys or even games to keep them entertained and out of trouble.  

If, on the other hand, you want your big day to be kid-free then just make that clear on the invitation.  Many parents will thank you for it!

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Relax - it’ll all be fine!

These are the most common dilemmas that you’ll probably encounter as you plan your wedding.  You can’t avoid them – but with the right attitude they can be sorted.   All it takes is a bit of common sense and creativity you’ll find a way to make the right choices and have a fabulous day.  And remember, the team at Clevedon Hall have plenty of experience at helping people overcome exactly these challenges – so if you are struggling just give them a call!

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There’s a trend towards teetotal wedding receptions - the latest survey by Hitched magazines reports that 10% of couples in 2021 decided to go alcohol-free.  But for the rest of us tying the knot without a couple of glasses of whatever you fancy is unthinkable.  And the idea of a dry engagement, stag or hen party holds no appeal whatsoever.   What’s more, the choices are getting more creative – cocktails are in!  Read on for some intoxicating inspiration….

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Aperol Spritz

Prosecco is the go-to wedding drink, especially in the summer months.  But if you want to give it a colourful and refreshing twist add 50ml of Aperol to a stemmed gin glass with ice then pour the prosecco over the top.  For some extra give it a splash of soda then garnish with fresh or dried orange to the rim of the glass.

You will need:

50ml Aperol

75ml prosecco

Soda to taste

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Mojito

Punchy and refreshing, a Mojito is arguably the most refreshing cocktail in the world and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.  With its tropical origins it’s perfect for serving on a hot sunny day.  Mix the lime juice, sugar and mint and crush it all together (use the end of a rolling pin) before pouring into a tall glass along with some crushed ice. Pour the rum over the top and stir before adding soda water to taste. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

You will need:

Juice of 1 lime

1tsp granulated sugar

A handful of mint leaves

60ml white rum

Soda water

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Kir Royale

Delicious, decadent and ever so easy to make.  All you need is some blackberry liqueur topped up with some bubbly.  Garnish with a fresh blackberry.

You will need:

1 tbsp of Crème de cassis

1 glass of Champagne or sparkling wine

1 blackberry to garnish

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Pimm’s

You can’t go wrong with this British classic – ever so refreshing but surprisingly powerful!   Fill a jug with ice and pour in the Pimm’s followed by the lemonade. Mix it together and then throw in the fruit.

You will need:

200ml Pimm’s No. 1

600ml lemonade

Mint, cucumber, orange and strawberries

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Negroni

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Eminently sophisticated but with a terrific alcoholic kick (one is not enough but two is too many!), this is a cocktail with year-round appeal.  Mix the gin, vermouth and Campari together along with ice. Strain the mix into a tumbler and add a couple of large ice cubes. Garnish with a slice of orange.

You will need:

25ml gin

25ml vermouth

25ml Campari

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Blushing Bride

A classic wedding tipple – it’s basically bubbly that’s been pimped.  It works equally well with Champagne or Prosecco.  There are various versions of this popular cocktail but this is the basic one.

You will need:

1 ounce peach schnapps

1 ounce grenadine

4 ounces chilled Champagne/Prosecco

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English Garden

As the name suggests it’s perfect for serving outdoors on a balmy summer’s day on the lawn (at Clevedon Hall, of course!).

Mix the mint leaves, gin, cordial and lemon juice together. Add ice and then top up with apple juice before stirring and dropping in a strip of cucumber.

You will need:

Handful of mint leaves

30ml gin

2tsp elderflower cordial

2tsp lemon juice

Cloudy apple juice

Cucumber strip

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Porn Star Martini  

Made with Prosecco it’s a natural for serving at a wedding.  Just refer to it as a passionfruit martini when your granny asks!

Put the vodka, passionfruit liqueur, syrup and pulp from the passion fruit into a shaker with ice and shake. Strain the mixture into a glass and top up with Prosecco. Garnish with a sprinkle of passionfruit seeds.

You will need:

35ml vodka

1tbsp passion fruit liqueur

2tsp vanilla syrup

1 passionfruit

50ml Prosecco

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Espresso Martini

Great for serving at the start of the evening’s festivities to give guests a shot of energy ready for a night on the dancefloor.  Pour a teaspoon of sugar syrup over ice in a cocktail shaker then add the vodka, espresso and coffee liqueur. Shake and strain over a chilled glass before adding coffee beans.

You will need:

1tsp sugar syrup

50ml vodka

25ml espresso coffee

25ml coffee liqueur

Coffee beans to garnish

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Need more inspiration?

The team at Clevedon Hall have enjoyed their fair share of cocktails over the years (all part of the job!) so if you’d like any more ideas or advice on the drinks front just get in touch.

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As you plan your wedding you are bound to wonder “are we spending more, or less, than the average?”  Some other questions probably occur to you too – “how many guests is the norm?”, “are we older or younger than most couples tying the knot?”, “how many ceremonies and celebrations got postponed last year?” and “how unusual is it that we met through an online dating site?”  In this post we answer them all, plus some.  Because you need to know!

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Marriage is slowly going out of fashion

According to the office for National Statistics marriage rates in England and Wales have been slowly declining for years due to changing social attitudes. In 1990, 375,410 couples tied the knot, a number that fell to 271,668 in 2017.  They’ve gone on to hit a new low – the number of men and women getting married fell to 219,850.  However, during 2014-2015, marriage rates experienced a small rise.  How come?   Legalization of same-sex marriage.

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Why so many weddings right now?

The Covid pandemic obviously put a lot of weddings on hold.  Over 264,000 weddings were postponed in 2020.  This has created a huge backlog.  The UK Wedding Taskforce expects that wedding rates will increase by 205% in the year from July 2021 – June 2022, meaning that there will be a whopping 470,000 weddings in the UK in 2021 and 350,000 in 2022 (nearly 200,000 more weddings than in pre-pandemic years!).

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Get me to the church – not

Only one in five couples opt for a religious ceremony - in 2017 around 186.6 thousand civil ceremonies were conducted compared with around 48.2 thousand religious ones.

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Leaving it later

People are marrying later (and that’s not just down to Covid).  In 1972 the average age for men was 27.4 and 24.7.  In 2019 the average for men was 38.4 and 32.3 for women.

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Budget – are you frugal or extravagant?

Estimates vary, but according to the latest survey by Hitched magazine the average cost of a wedding is £17,300. This is up 90% from 2020, when the pandemic restrictions saw wedding spend drop to an average of just £9,100.  Their calculations, however, don’t take into account the cost of the engagement ring, and how much couples are planning to spend on their mini-moon or honeymoon (or both).

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Bridebook’s National Wedding Survey 2018 puts the figure at £30,355 (up by £3,365, or 12 per cent, from £26,989 in 2017).  Not surprisingly, their latest survey shows the average cost of a wedding in 2021 was a more modest £24,000 (almost certainly due to the impact of COVID-19 and the rise of the micro-wedding and smaller, more intimate celebrations).

In 2021 the Hitched survey reveals that three in five couples had financial help from family to help pay for their wedding, with parents' footing 61% of the bill (pre-pandemic bank of Mum and Dad chipped in around 50%).  Almost half of couples, 48%, went over budget in 2021.  

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Most popular time of year to tie the knot

The favourite month is August – makes sense when you consider the British weather!

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Love online

According to Hitched a quarter of all couples who married in 2021 met through a dating app.  59% of couples also announced their engagement on social media.  However, in other parts of the world this idea has yet to catch on.  55% of marriages that happen across the globe today are arranged by parents and in India, the rate of arranged marriage is a staggering 90%!

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Timelines

The average length of engagement is 20 months, according to the Hitched survey.  How long do couples spend planning their nuptials?  24% take more than two years over it.

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Guest list

On average UK couples invite 72 people to their wedding, if Hitched has the figure right.  In the US, however, weddings tend to be a lot bigger.  According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average US wedding size in 2021 was 105 guests. This is a major increase from the 2020 figure of just 66 guests (Covid being the reason, of course), though lower than 2019's average guest count of 131 people.

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How trendy are you?

There’s a growing trend for teetotal weddings with one in ten couples opting not to serve alcohol at their wedding in 2021.  12% of couples chose to adopt the American tradition of a ‘first look’ last year.  Then there’s the increasing focus on sustainability - 22% of those who married in 2021 included eco-friendly elements at their wedding.  

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Any other questions?

We hope these figures provide some useful food for thought as you plan your wedding – if nothing else they’ll provide fun discussion points as you work through your preparations with family and friends.  If you have any other questions (not just about statistics!) but any aspect of tying the knot just ask us – the team at Clevedon Hall are happy to have their brains picked!

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When you start your wedding planning journey you are going come across venues, and vendors who speak a language littered with words you’ve never encountered before – it’s time to learn the wedding lingo!  In this post we list some of the most common phrases and terms that are likely to crop up.

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Ascot tie

A very formal style of neckband with wide pointed wings and fastened with a tie pin or tie clip and usually worn with grey tails coats.

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Black Tie

A very formal dress code for the evening part of your celebrations.  Men should wear a tuxedo and woman can choose between a formal cocktail dress or long evening gown.

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Bustle

An arrangement of buttons, loops and/or ties sewn into back of a wedding dress to pull the train off the ground.  This allows you move around the reception and dance without worrying about tripping over your dress.

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Buttonhole

The little flower arrangements worn in the lapel of the men’s suits at a wedding.

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Canapé

A bite-sized piece of bread or pastry with a savoury topping as an hors d'oeuvres with drinks before dinner.

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Centrepiece

Floral arrangements on reception tables.  They can also feature fruit, greenery or just a cluster of candles.

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Charger Plate

Nothing to do with your phone!  It’s a large decorative base dish that sits beneath the plate on which food is served – add extra elegance and formality to your table setting.  It essentially takes the place of a table mat.  

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Corsage

A petite floral arrangement worn on the wrist, typically given to mothers and grandmothers to wear on your wedding day.

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Classic Photography

Style of wedding photography that is very conventional and traditional with posed shots of the couple and different groups of guests.

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Cocktail hour

The term Americans use to describe the drinks reception shortly after your ceremony.

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Contemporary Photography

Style of wedding photography sometimes referred to as fashion, editorial, creative or modern wedding photography – you’ll get a series of shots, featuring creative lighting and unusual compositions, that look like they’ve come from the pages of a glamorous fashion magazine.

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Corkage

If you supply your own alcohol the venue or caterer will usually charge you for opening and serving each bottle.

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A Cutting Cake

A very small cake that enables you to have the traditional “cake cutting” but without spending a fortune on a huge multi-layered affair.  It’s not meant to be served to guests.  Perfect if you’d rather serve something else for dessert or you’d rather spend your budget on something else.

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Favours

A small gift to thank the guests for taking part in your wedding and sharing the special occasion.

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First look

Bride and groom meet just before the ceremony to admire each other’s outfit and squeeze in some photographs (gives you more time for cocktails and chat later).

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Fondant

A sugary dough used to give cakes a smooth and sleek exterior.  Can be dyed, marbled, moulded, and sculpted to take your wedding cake to the next level.  It’s  edible but some prefer to remove it before eating as it can be very sweet and a little chewy.

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Marryoke

You and your guests are videoed miming the words to a hit song.  The footage and soundtrack are edited together to create the illusion that you are all singing the song for real.  The idea came from Japan but is catching on here.

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Master of Ceremonies/Toastmaster

A person who directs the proceedings during the wedding reception.  He or she will announce the entrance of the bride and groom, direct the applause, introduce the speakers, propose toasts and announce the cutting of the cake.

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Morning Suit

The most formal attire for groom and ushers, it features a long, formal jacket with tails, a waistcoat and striped trousers.

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Open Bar

A free bar where you foot the bill rather than your guests.

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Palette

The selection of colours you’ve chosen to work with on your wedding day.  This influences everything from linens to flowers and decorations to invitations. Most palettes feature at least three colours—a main colour, a neutral, and an accent.

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Place Settings

What the guest sees in front of them at the dinner.  Formal wedding place settings usually include a charger, a dinner plate, a salad plate, a bread plate with a bread knife, salad and dinner forks, salad and dinner knives, a soup spoon, a dessert spoon and fork, a water glass, and at least one wine glass, with possibly a menu and a napkin.

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Plus One

An additional invite for single guests (unmarried/not living together) to ask someone to accompany them.  

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Pomander

A ball of blooms, often suspended from a ribbon, carried by flower girls or by the bride herself.  Sometimes they are used to make table centrepiece.

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Processional

The music that accompanies the entrance of the bride and bridal party to the ceremony.

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Receiving Line

The happy couple and their parents stand in line to welcome guests individually to the reception dinner.  

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Recessional

The music played as the bride and groom walk back down the aisle following the ceremony.

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Rehearsal Dinner

Usually occurs the night before the wedding itself, typically taking place after the wedding rehearsal (hence the name).  Usually includes the couple, their wedding party, and immediate family members.

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Reportage Photography

Informal style of wedding photography, also referred to as photo-journalistic or documentary.  Captures fleeting moments of your big day with natural shots that are not posed.

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RSVP

Short for “Répondez s’il vous plait”, a polite way to ask guests to please let you know if they are accepting your wedding invitation and will be attending.

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Save The Date Cards

You send these as soon as you have fixed on a day to give everyone as much opportunity as possible to plan ahead.  The formal invitation, containing all the important details about the proceeding, follows later.

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Top Table

The table where the wedding party is seated for the wedding breakfast.  

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Trunk show

An event where a dress designer shows off their entire new collection.  This usually takes place at a bridal boutique.

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Wedding Breakfast

A slightly misleading term as it has nothing to do with breakfast!  Refers to the meal at your reception.

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Wedmin

A combination of wedding and admin, ie everything to do with planning and organising a wedding.  It has become a bit of a buzzword in the industry after Prince Harry used it on several occasions when referring to his own nuptials.

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Speakeasy

This list will hopefully cover all those unfamiliar words and phrases the wedding professionals love to use.  At Clevedon Hall we try to avoid the jargon as much as possible.  Call us now to discuss your wedding plans and we promise to speak your language!

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As the weather warms up it’s only natural that the idea of an outdoor wedding ceremony and/or celebration becomes increasingly tempting.  Appealing as this idea can appear it does require a greater degree of planning.  In this post we flag up some of the practicalities and legalities you need to consider before getting too carried away.

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What’s the law regarding outdoor weddings in the UK?  

In many of your favourite rom-coms the happy couple conduct their wedding ceremony in a variety of idyllic outdoor locations.  But until recently you could only do this in England and Wales if the ceremony took place under a fixed shelter that was registered for this purpose – such as the gazebo in the gardens at Clevedon Hall.  The law in Scotland however was more lax – couples could marry anywhere provided the celebrant was licenced.

This law covering England and Wales was relaxed last year – it’s now legal for couples to hold civil ceremonies outdoors (provided the setting is deemed “seemly and dignified”).  If you want a religious ceremony, however, this must still be conducted in an appropriate place of worship.

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Outdoors but undercover

In some parts of the world, at certain seasons the weather can be sufficiently dependable that you can hold your entire day under clear skies without requiring any kind of overhead cover.  England, however, is not one of them – so you have to plan accordingly.  

You can choose a venue, like Clevedon Hall, that gives you the option of outdoors if the weather is kind but also provides appropriate indoor spaces if it turns out wet, cold or windy (or all three!).  On the other hand you can pick a genuinely outdoor spot, like a friend’s field or a big garden, and give yourself the same contingency by erecting a marquee capable of accommodating all your guests.

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You’ll almost certainly find that the ideal set up is a location with a mix of outdoor and indoor spaces that gives you flexibility on the day depending on the weather.  Somewhere you can have an outdoor ceremony, an indoors wedding breakfast, a sunny terrace for an alfresco drinks reception followed by an evening barbecue, a ballroom for dancing, and gardens so people can stretch their legs and kids have plenty of room to play.  Where are you going to find a venue that offers all that and more?  Look no further than Clevedon Hall!

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Think about the extras

If you decide to have your outdoor wedding at a venue like Clevedon Hall that is already full equipped for hosting ceremonies and celebrations then they will also provide everything from furniture to glassware, cutlery to tablecloths.  If you go the marquee route in a field or garden then you’ll have to hire in all these extras.  There’s no shortage of companies who provide such services but the costs are not inconsiderable.

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Also, consider access – a wedding in a woodland glade or in a secluded alley may be very romantic but how easy is it going to be to set up the marquee, and bring all these items in, given your chosen spot?  Then there’s catering – how difficult is it going to be to provide food for everyone?  Unless you plan on serving a cold buffet you are going to need some kind of preparing, or at least reheating, hot dishes.

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Decorating your outdoor space

A marquee will protect everyone from the elements but it lacks atmosphere.  You’ll need to provide a lot in the way of décor to make it sufficiently welcoming and romantic.  The same goes for the outdoor spaces – you’ll need to do a lot of work to make the space your own, create the right mood and make it wedding-ready.

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Decorations need to match your theme – and your theme should match the location.  If you want a classic and formal theme then the outdoors may not be the best idea – you might be better advised to go for somewhere with grand interiors.  However, if your theme is boho, festival or rustic an outdoor location is ideal.

Lengths of fabric draped from the marquee's ceiling can be used to soften the space or to create sectioned off "rooms."   Make the space more inviting and comfortable with lounge furniture and lots of pillows. If you don't have room to bring in couches and plush chairs, arrange your dining area with smaller 4-person reception tables instead of larger 8 or 10 person tables to create a more intimate look and feel.  Big flower arrangements and strings of festival bunting work well too.  The more you dress the area the warmer and cosier it will feel.

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Let there be light

Lighting is another crucial factor to bear in mind – it not only sets the mood but is pretty essential once the sun has set!   You can enhance the ambiance by adding things like paper lanterns, candles, pinspot lighting, twinkling lights or stately chandeliers. Think luminaries and small up-lights along the paths, and mason jars or tea lights hanging from nearby tree branches – the effect is magical!

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Look no further than Clevedon Hall

We’re biased, but in our humble opinion there’s nowhere better than Clevedon Hall to host your outdoor wedding.  Our outdoor gazebo is the perfect setting for the ceremony, the extensive gardens offer a wide range of beautiful opportunities, the terrace is ideal for a drinks reception or barbecue.  The orangery gives you the best of indoors and outdoors, whether for the ceremony, drinks or even dining.  Want to have a fireworks display, set up a bouncy castle or play croquet?  No problem.  Plus our team have hosted more than a few outdoor weddings so they are not short of great ideas to make your day extra special.  

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The world is supposedly returning to normal as we learn to live with Covid.  But travel companies are struggling to cope with resurgent demand.  The news as we approach the Easter holiday is full of stories about cancelled flights and ferry problems due to staffing issues.  Then there’s the risk that new restrictions may be introduced without warning.  And if you catch the virus before or during your break that will really disrupt your plans!  A staycation honeymoon is much the safer bet and we’ve picked a pair of very different destinations close to home that you are sure to love.  Both are hidden gems – closely guarded secrets that regular visitors are reluctant to publicise too widely!

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Cornwall is calling

Nothing is more romantic than a cosy cottage at the seaside – and Cornwall is hard to beat for gorgeous beaches, dramatic cliff-top walks and inviting places to stay.  Mousehole, just a handful of miles from Land’s End, ticks all the right boxes.  Described as the loveliest fishing village in England by Dylan Thomas, it’s little more than a jumble of tightly packed cottages and a maze of narrow cobbled streets pressed close to a pint-sized harbour.   Strolling along the sea wall, or ascending the steep hill that rises behind the houses, gives you sweeping views across a wide bay to picturesque St Michael’s Mount.

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Good times guaranteed

There’s an ancient pub right on the quayside, aptly name the Ship Inn, and right next door a superb bistro-style seafood restaurant, No.2 Fore Street.  Newlyn, home to most of Britain’s much reduced fishing fleet, is only about two miles away, so the fare here is predominantly fishy and could not be fresher.  Joe, the chef is classically trained under Raymond Blanc, so the quality is exceptional.  The staff could not be more accommodating, cheerful and unpretentious (not something that’s always the case in Cornwall, it must be said), the atmosphere is happy and relaxed, the prices surprisingly modest.  So, make sure you book – this place is popular, and for all the right reasons!

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The perfect “coast” vibe

The same people who own the restaurant also run the little deli just around that, plus a couple of holiday cottages.  No.9 Chapel Street, a croissant’s throw from the deli, is a converted net loft, and the most perfect honeymoon hideaway. The upper floor, accessed from the street, provides an ample kitchen/dining/sitting room.  Downstairs there’s a wonderfully cosy bathroom (with underfloor heating!) and delightful bedroom to snuggle up in.  The styling is immaculate – quintessential coastal-chic with reclaimed floorboards, exposed beams, wood burner and appropriate nautical decorative touches. If you do like to be beside the seaside then it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic escape for your first few days and nights as Mr and Mrs.

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Wedded bliss in Wessex

Thomas Hardy’s much loved romantic novels are set in the fictional county of Wessex (named after the Anglo-Saxon kingdom) but it’s plain to see that the settings are closely based on Dorset, the county in which he lived most of his life.  The world has changed much since his era but the landscape he celebrated is still much the same – very rural, quiet and unspoilt, with no major city to speak of and no motorway running through it.  

In many ways it’s a land that time forgot, dotted with ancient hillforts, home to the Jurassic coast and giant dinosaurs, criss-crossed by winding lanes better suited to the horse and cart than cars and lorries, a sleepy backwater notable for quaint villages with names that recall the Roman occupation or early medieval period – Fontmell Magna, Blandford Forum, Toller Porcorum, Ryme Intrinseca, Piddletrenthide, Haselbury Plucknett.  

For all these reasons Dorset offers the perfect honeymoon escape – the slower pace of life, the wealth of history and heritage, the unspoilt environment and the associations with Hardy’s novels make it a dream destination for a few days of post-wedding rest, relaxation and romance.

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History and award-winning hospitality

Deep in the heart of the county nestles the tiny village of Evershot (or Evershed, as Hardy would have it in his writings).  It’s home to what is almost certainly the finest hotel in the locality, and its most inviting pub.  The hotel is Summer Lodge, built in 1788 as the dower house for the adjacent Ilchester Estate.  In 1893 the 2nd Earl of Ilchester asked a local architect and struggling poet to help him extend the house – the drawing room and Master Suite were designed by a young Thomas Hardy.

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Today, set in four acres of lush gardens, with a spa and indoor swimming pool, it has been transformed into the quintessential country house hotel.  The team running it is extremely well established – once people start working here they lose the urge to work anywhere else!   This includes Executive Head Chef Steve Titman, who delights in making superb use of the freshest, sustainable, locally-sourced produce (Dorset Vinny Blue Cheese, Dorset Beef, Dorset truffles, fish straight from nearby Lyme Bay) as well as incredible ingredients from the kitchen gardens.  The cellar is recognised as one of the very best in the world by the Wine Spectator Magazine and presided over by Eric Zwiebel, named Best Sommelier in the UK.  Small wonder that every year this establishment collects a host of top industry awards – most recently voted No.5 in The Best 30 Hotels in the UK by Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2021.  

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A legendary local

Evershot’s pub, The Acorn Inn, is sister to the hotel - both are part of the exclusive Red Carnation Collection.  A charming 16th-century coaching inn that features as the   'The Sow & Acorn' in Hardy’s 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' it still retains its historical charm with oak panelled walls, roaring open fires, ancient wooden beams, worn flagstones and four poster beds.  It’s a “proper pub” serving the best local real ales, with a hearty traditional bar, yet the cuisine is anything but ordinary.  It recently picked up the 'Best Country Dining Pub' award at The Good Pub Guide Awards 2021 and Robert Ndungu, was awarded Chef of the Year at the Dorset Magazine Food, Drink & Farming Awards.  Guests have access to the spa at Summer Lodge and dining in the hotel restaurant for a lunch or dinner is an option if you’d like to enjoy both dining experiences.

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We hope you have a heavenly honeymoon

The wedding experience at Clevedon Hall is of the very highest order.  So, we’ve shared two honeymoon destinations that we believe are in the same league – we’re keen to ensure your honeymoon is every bit as special as your big day!  If you’d like some more inspiration about any other aspects of your wedding plan just ask – the team here are only too happy to help.

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The moment you announce your engagement family and friends will start asking questions about the wedding.  Have you got a date in mind, what kind of theme are you leaning towards, is there a venue you have your sights set on, who will be your bridesmaids?  You’ll also discover that while it’s your day that doesn’t stop everyone else having certain expectations and being free with their advice!  With a lot of decisions there’s little risk of hurting anyone’s feelings – hopefully nobody will be too upset if you go for an orange sponge wedding cake when their favourite is chocolate.  Choosing your Maid of Honour, however, is another matter – you have to tread very carefully to avoid stepping on toes!  In this post we offer some advice on how to pick the most appropriate candidate whilst also being very diplomatic.

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No pressure then?

What if you know that one of your besties has their heart set on the honour for herself – saying no is going to hurt.  What if your family and friends are lobbying for rival contenders?  And suppose you were maid of honour at a sibling’s or friend’s wedding – aren’t you obliged to return the compliment and ask them?  See how tricky this can get?!

The thing to remember is that the Maid of Honour isn’t just an honorary title.  She has an important function to perform – supporting you as and when needed.  It’s a very personal role, so it’s your personal decision.  Select the person you feel most comfortable with, the one you know you can rely on to take care of things when there’s an issue, the one you believe will prove most empathetic and supportive.  

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If in doubt choose a family member

If you’re really struggling to decide between two or three people each with an equally good claim to be your pick it’s probably safest to go with a family member.  Even if your best friend ever was confident of getting the call they are unlikely to feel too bent out of shape if you pick a close relative over them.  Also, a relative is for life, whereas friendships can wane over time – so try not to fall out with family!

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Why have just one?

Traditionally you only had one Maid of Honour.  But most traditions are now being swept aside.  Got a shortlist of two or three candidates that you are equally keen on and whom you can’t bear to disappoint?  Just ask them all!  They can share out the Maid of Honour duties between them and that way everyone is happy.  You certainly won’t be short of support.

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Could she be a he?

These are gender-fluid times so who’s to say that you can’t have a Man of Honour instead?  It’s actually becoming increasingly common.  If there’s a guy you are particularly close to, a friend, a brother or maybe a cousin, that could work really well.

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Don’t be too hasty

As we’ve already indicated the role is not just honorary – it comes with responsibilities attached.  When you are thinking through your options be realistic about each person’s particular strengths and weaknesses.  Someone who is a real party animal may seem like the obvious choice but stop and think this through – chances are they’re also hopelessly disorganised and unreliable.  You’d be much better advised to go with someone who dependable, good with detail and calm under pressure.

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How good are they at emotional recue?

There will be times during the whole wedding planning process when you’ve had about as much fun as you can handle.  And moments, like just before you walk down the aisle, when the nerves start playing up.  This is when the Maid of Honour really proves their worth – look for someone who is naturally empathetic, diplomatic, positive and supportive.  Someone who can handle emotionally awkward situations, diffuse tensions, find solutions and offer constructive support when it matters most.  

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Want to talk?

When picking your Maid of Honour it can help to talk it through with someone completely independent – like the team at Clevedon Hall.  We can’t make the decision for you but the mere process of discussing your options can certainly clarify things.

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The best bit of a wedding, for many of the guests, is the speeches.  In the past the bride was not expected to do more than sit in silence, smile sweetly and laugh at the appropriate moments.  In today’s more equality-conscious world this tradition is getting a long overdue shakeup.  Recent research suggests that about one in five brides to be now plan to say a few words.   If you are one of those itching to get your hands on the microphone here are some tips about how to ace it.

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What should you say?

You need to make your bride speech relevant to the occasion.  So, it’s an opportunity to thank her bridesmaids, her family and friends for their support and the groom’s family for welcoming her and any suppliers that really helped her such as the your venue, Fforist, photographer, etc.  Also, very importantly, it enables her to say some lovely things about her new husband (returning the compliments he made to her in his speech).  

The key to any great speech is to put yourself in the audience’s seats and tailor it to them – if you are saying what they want to hear your words will be enthusiastically applauded!  50% of the guests will be women but something like 80% of the other speeches (if not more!) are delivered by the men.  So, address the women and give the female perspective.

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Avoid repeating what’s in the other speeches

Talk to the best man, your dad and your fiancé to get an idea of what topics they’ll be covering and what stories they plan to tell.  That way you won’t be covering the exact same subjects as them.

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Tone of voice

It’s best to keep it light-hearted and upbeat.  Humour works well (and people will expect you to raise a few laughs) but don’t try too hard to be funny – it can come across as forced and then fall flat (your role is not to be a stand-up comedy act!).  Stories work well and are easy to tell.  For instance, you could give your version of how you first met, your first impressions, the proposal and challenges with your wedding planning experiences.

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Keep it short and to the point

Remember that all the speeches combined will probably stretch to half an hour - any longer than that and people will get bored and restless.  That means you should probably give yourself no more than five minutes.

Sticking to short sentence, and pausing between each one to make eye contact with the audience, works well.  This will allow you to breathe slowly, stay calm and collect your thoughts – a gabbled speech is not what people want to hear.  

Steer clear of any embarrassing anecdotes – you are likely to offend and you may not get the laughs you expect.

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Be yourself and don’t be afraid to share your feelings

A wedding is an emotional and romantic occasion so speak from the heart and really put your own personal stamp on things.  Just reading out a list of formal “thank yous” will leave everyone very disappointed.

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Preparation and practice

Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to wing it.  Write it down.  Read it aloud to a few close friends and get their feedback.  Record it and listed to it yourself (even better, video it).  

Then rewrite it.  Now practice it until you can deliver it smoothly and confidently.  Some brides may like to memorise it, others may prefer to write the key points on a card or two (but se this as a memory jogger and confidence booster – don’t read from them word for word).

Do not leave this till the last few days before the big one – best to give yourself at least a month, if not more, to get it right.

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Drink responsibly

Should you be totally sober before you get to your feet and start to speak?  It’s up to you.  A glass of bubbly beforehand may help you settle your nerves and get you into the swing of things.  Two glasses is probably the max – any more than this and you are probably asking for trouble!

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Where does the bride fit in the order of speeches?

The traditional order of speeches is father of the bride, followed by the groom and then the best man.  Tacking the bride’s speech on the end can come across as a bit of a token gesture – it can look as if she’s just being given a few minutes as an afterthought.  Between the groom and best man works well, or straight after her father.  You could even decide to kick things off if you want to make a point about how equal the partnership is!

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Want some more help with your speech?

The team at Clevedon Hall have heard more than their fair share of great wedding speeches.  We’ve included their main tips above but if you have any further questions about this aspect of your big day (or any other for that matter) just give us a call.

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Right now the cost of living is going up fast – everything from petrol and diesel to food and drink, energy and utility bills to clothing and furniture.  That means couples planning a wedding have to be even more budget-conscious than before.  In this post we list the main reasons people spend more than they intended on their big day.

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Heart ruling head

Most couples, even the most financially-savvy, go over their wedding budget.  The underlying reason is that they let their emotions sway their judgement.  This is perfectly understandable and hard to address.  Your wedding day is the most romantic occasion of your lifetime and if you are too penny-pinching you risk putting a real damper on things – keep things too tight when tying the knot and you’ll squeeze all joy and pleasure out of it!  Having said that you do need to maintain some balance between what your heart wants and what your head (and bank balance) is telling you.

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Your original budget was unrealistic

This is the most common reasons couples give when ruefully reflecting that they spent more than they expected.  It follows on directly from the previous point – people let their feelings get the better of them and don’t make a realistic assessment of what things cost or how much money they have to spend.  

So here’s our advice.  Don’t make any decisions until you have a clear and defined plan that shows exactly how much you have to spend on each aspect of the celebrations.  If you ignore this advice you’ll find you’ve spent your budget before you know it and can’t afford a load of essentials – don’t be that couple!

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To help you scope out the realistic costs here’s rough breakdown that shows how a typical wedding budget breaks down:

·         Venue (including catering/food/drink, décor and cake) 48%

·         Clothing and beauty (including wedding dress, groom’s attire, alterations, accessories, shoes, hair and makeup) 13%

·         Photography (including album and prints) 10%

·         Flowers (including bouquets, button holes, ceremony and reception) 8%

·         Entertainment (including ceremony, reception and evening) 7%

·         Ceremony (including officiant and licence) 2%

How much does all this equate to in actual money?  According to Hitched magazine the average wedding in the UK in 2021 cost £17,300 (but others suggest a number almost double that!).  Use this figure to do the maths for your own budget.  Hitched  reckons the average for the venue was £7600 plus £65 a head for catering, £1300 for the dress and £1200 for photography.  

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Forgetting to factor in the extras

A lot of couples get caught out by costs that are pretty much unavoidable but easy to overlook.  Postage, for instance – sending out those invites is not cheap!  Corkage – you think you can save money by purchasing the wine yourself but forget that the venue will almost certainly charge a fee for bottle (this can be anywhere from £5 to £20 a bottle!).  Do you need additional lighting or sound equipment?  Beauty treatments before the big day - haircut and colour, facial, waxing, nails, tan?  Do you need accommodation the night before?  Transport to the ceremony?  Wedding favours?  Are you going to pay for bridesmaids’ dresses?  Bridesmaids’ hair and beauty?  Wedding insurance?  There’s a long list of possible extras you need to consider!

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Unwillingness to compromise

If you want to stick within budget then you’ll need to be a bit flexible when it comes to some aspects of your big day.  Make a list of essentials, things you can’t do without (venue, dress, groom’s attire, photography?).  Then make a list of things that are nice to have - but not totally indispensable (live band, a weekend wedding date, professional hair and makeup, wedding favours?).  With the essentials you may be able to scale things back – trim the guest list, go for less expensive catering options, spend less on the dress or cake.  With the other list you may have to forgo some things entirely.  

If you prioritise the things that are really important to you, and are willing to make some compromises in the other areas, then you’ll be able to stay true to your dream wedding vision without breaking the bank.

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Not keeping back some contingency funds

Even the best laid plans can go slightly awry – something unforeseen always crops up.  Anyone with a bit of experience of wedding planning will tell you to keep 10% of your budget in reserve to cover unexpected additional costs.  If you haven’t put money aside for such a situation you are going over budget!

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Doing the math in your head

Use a spreadsheet or other budget tracking service otherwise you are inviting miscalculations.  It’s the only way to accurately factor in all the costs and keep track of the expenditure.  This is not only useful for major items such as the venue, catering and entertainment, but also the lesser ones items such as escort cards, favours, and lighting.  If you use a digital budgeting program any changes will be reflected in the total without you having to recalculate.  However, if pen and paper is more your style, that’s fine – just make sure everything is written down and all the documents are organised in one folder for easy reference.  No matter how much of a numbers whizz you are this is not a project that’s suitable for mental arithmetic – especially as your partner is not a mind reader and you are supposed to be working together on this!

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Not listening closely to the vendors

Your vendors want everything to go smoothly.  They also have lots of experience.  Be straight with them about what your budget is and what you hope to achieve with it, then listen carefully to their opinions and advice.  Make sure you get all the details clear before committing yourself.  Also read the contracts very thoroughly.  If you leave things vague, and don’t read the small print, then you are inviting budget-creep!

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Losing control of guest numbers

The more guests to higher the costs – it’s that simple.  So set a maximum number and stick to it.  This is easier said than done – parents will insist on inviting their friends you barely know, distant relatives will expect an invite and there’s the whole “plus-one” issue.  You have to stay firm on this.  Our previous post gives you lots of advice on how to manage this challenge without upsetting people.

Of course, not everyone will be able to attend – and you won’t know the total until all the RSVPs are in (and a few who said yes will fail to turn up on the day).  It’s safe to assume that about 85% of those invited will accept and be there.

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Want some more free advice on how to stay within budget?

The team at Clevedon Hall have helped countless couples make their wedding day dreams come true – no matter how big or small their budget.  We love sharing our knowledge and using our experience to make the most magical day possible – without breaking the bank!  Let’s talk!

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Wedding planning, for most of us (royalty and celebrities aside) is largely about how to make our dream day a huge success whilst working within a limited budget.  The most obvious way to get more wow for your money is to keep the guest list relatively modest.  Narrowing down the numbers, however, is stressful.  In this post we give some guidance about how best to approach awkward questions about who to invite…and who to leave out.

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Prepare a preliminary guest list

You and your partner should sit down and write your preferred list.  Don’t involve anyone else at this stage.  Start the list with immediate family, then add more distant relatives you really want to have there.  After that add those best friends without whom you can’t imagine tying the knot.

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Involve the parents

Share your preliminary list with both sets of parents.  This is where it probably starts to get tricky because they will have some must-invites you hadn’t considered (and aren’t that bothered about!).  Traditional etiquette suggests that if you invite one uncle or aunt you should invite them all.  The same goes for cousins and second cousins.  If you are not consistent with this you’ll have some awkward questions to answer.  If you are both from small families this won’t be too much of an issue.  But with a big extended family you could find relatives taking every available place!

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Both sides of the family get an equal share of extras

Once you’ve agreed all the family invitations ask your parents who else they’d like to invite – they will have best friends they’d dearly like to include.  However, give them a fixed number, the same for both sides of the family, and make it clear that there are no more seats available.

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Children – yes or no?

This is your call.  If you want to include kids that’s fine but if you prefer an adults only occasion that’s also entirely up to you.  If you go for the latter option make sure you allow no exceptions otherwise there will definitely be some bad feeling.  

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Couples whose wedding you recently attended?

There’s no hard and fast rule.  If you went to a friend’s wedding five years ago then you're not obliged to return the favour (even if you were a bridesmaid).  If the wedding was in the last year or two then you’d better add them to your list (especially if you or your partner was in the wedding party).

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Plus-One’s – what’s the protocol?

In the past there was a “no ring, no bring” rule, meaning you could only attend with another if they were engaged or married to you.  Times, however, have changed.  Today’s etiquette is less strict.  You don’t have to offer every one of your guests a plus-one invite.  However, if they’re in a serious relationship of any sort (dating, living together, engaged, etc.), their partner should be included.  

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Questions to help you arrive at the right number

Once you start narrowing down the list there will be some people you are not sure whether to include or not.  Ash yourselves:

Have I ever met this person?

Brides and grooms are frequently introduced to people for the first time at their own wedding.  Sounds crazy, but they are usually distant relatives or work associates of a parent.  You won’t want to include them, but you risk upsetting a mum or dad if you don’t!

When did I last see them?

If the answer is 12 to 18 months ago, or longer, then (unless they live a long distance away and you have had a lengthy telephone conversation in that time frame) you probably shouldn't include them.

Did I go to their wedding?

It depends on how recent that wedding was (see above).  If the wedding was recent and you weren’t invited then you probably shouldn’t include them.  If it was recent and you attended then you better invite them in return.

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We work together but are we really close friends?

OK, we spend a lot of time together but that’s just the nature of the job.  Do we see them outside of work?  If one of us leaves will we still keep up the relationship?

Do I go away for holidays and share birthday celebrations with them?

If the answer is “yes” then they probably need to be on your guest list.

Are we inviting the rest of their family?

Inviting two cousins you get on well with but leaving out their sibling is likely to upset someone!

Do I enjoy their company?

If you have some people who are on your “maybe” list cross off the ones you don’t click with.

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Are they a positive or negative sort of person?

Do they light up the room when they arrive…or when they leave?!

If we moved away, would we stay in touch?

This is a really good question that will help you judge just how deep the relationship is.

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That’s the guest list sorted – what next?

These tips and questions will hopefully help you whittle your guest list down to a point where it fits comfortably with your budget.  If there are any other aspects of wedding planning you are struggling with just give us a call.  The team here have a wealth of experience they are happy to share!

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