Trends, Tips, & Ideas For Your Next Big Event

Want to add the X factor to your wedding, something unexpected that will totally wow your guests and keep them well and truly entertained?  In this post we’ve serve up a big helping of inspirational ideas to make your big day even more fun and memorable.

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Sports Day

Remember how much fun you had with sack races, eggs and spoons, bean bag throwing competitions, hula hoops and the tug-o-war?  Get everyone to release their inner child (easy once you’ve had a couple of glasses of Prosecco!) and may the odds be in your favour!  If you fancy this idea make sure you book a summer wedding and a venue like Clevedon Hall with lots of gorgeous outdoor space.

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Palm or tarot card reader

Hire a palm reader to wander amongst your guests. Or get a tarot card reader to set up a table.  Everyone will want to know what their future holds and it’s a great way to get the conversations going.

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Prosecco Pong

Like beer pong, just a bit more sophisticated.  You just need a table, some glasses and a few ping pong balls.  Each player takes attempts to throw a ping pong ball into one of the opponent's cups. If they succeed the other player has to drink what's in that cup.  The one who empties all their cups first is the loser (boozer?!).  Make sure someone is on hand to take lots of photographs.

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Fireworks display

There’s no better way to round off your evening party than with a bunch of flashes, bangs, wheeees, ooohs and aaaahs!  Clevedon Hall, with its big gardens and gently sloping lawns, lends itself perfectly to staging this kind of grand finale.  Just talk to our team and they’ll be happy to organise everything for you.

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Hot Chocolate Bar

This is great idea for a winter wedding.  Stock it with all the trimmings so guests can pimp their mugs to their heart’s delight – whipped cream, chocolate flakes, marshmallows, flavoured syrups (gingerbread, peppermint, and salted caramel are all awesome!).  For the grown-ups you could also add Baileys or Disaronno for a bit of an alcoholic twist!!

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Limbo Competition

So easy to set up and guaranteed to be a barrel of laughs.  The merrier your guests get the easier it looks…but the harder it becomes.  Another one of those ideas it’s essential to photograph and video!

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Doughnut bobbing

Dangle different flavoured doughnuts on a row of strings (the branch of a tree or line tied between two uprights will do nicely).  Get guests to clasp their hands behind their backs then attempt to take bites out of the sweet treats.  It makes a very colourful decorative touch and is hilarious fun to watch.  A great excuse for letting people indulge in a sugar rush!

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Pimp your Prosecco station

Set up a bar with plenty of chilled Prosecco (Champagne or other sparkling wines work equally well) then provide a spread of things your guests can add.  Take your pick from:

Juices & purees - peach and orange are most popular juices for mimosas or a Buck's Fizz, but pineapple, pomegranate, mango, and berry puree are also delicious.

Cordials & sodas - flavoured fizzy waters, fresh lemonade, cream soda, ginger beer or elderflower cordial all work wonders

Liqueurs - these add a touch of luxe.  Try Chambord, creme de cassis, sloe gin, limoncello and Triple Sec

Fruit - fresh or frozen, summer berries, pomegranate seeds, orange segments, sliced apple, peaches, mango, pineapple, guava and dragon fruit.

Garnishes - orange peel, cucumber, springs of rosemary, thyme, basil, lavender or edible flower petals

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Street food

If you’re struggling to decide on how to feed your guests in the evening a street food truck will work like dream.  It adds a festival vibe to the proceedings and there are so many great options to choose from these days – Thai, Mexican, burgers, pizzas, there are so many cool food trucks you could choose from.  Or maybe desserts are more your thing?  Hire an ice cream van, a Belgian Waffle tuk tuk, a Crêpe cart, or a doughnut waggon?

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Circus Entertainer

How about a fire eater, acrobat, hoop performer, stilt walkers, juggler, mime artist, contortionist, tightwire dancer or a pair of clowns?  That’ll certainly help to break the ice!

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Virtual Reality Games

Want to add an extra dimension to your evening entertainment?  Hire a company to set up a VR party arcade where guests can fly through space, walk the plank, escape from dungeons, fight zombies, race F1cars and do all sorts of other amazing things.  It’s not just for geeks (honest!).

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Vodka Luge

A what?!  This is a big ice sculpture that has a hole drilled through.  A shot of vodka is poured in the top and winds its way down until it pops out lower down…straight into your mouth and deliciously chilled.  This makes a fabulous centerpiece and it's so much fun to watch your guests take on the challenge of catching all the vodka as they get tipsier.  Makes great Instagram moments!

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Want some more ideas?

These are just a few of the more off the wall ideas our team came up with.  They have lots more!  Plus we have great contacts with local suppliers.  Get in touch if you’d like some more free inspiration!

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All great wedding tend to have a particular theme – a stylistic thread running through everything so that all the different elements, from the invitations to the table decorations and the canapes to the bridesmaids dresses, are in perfect harmony.  You obviously want your wedding to be a unique expression of your particular personalities and relationship – so “picking a theme” may sound like it’s going to cramp your style.  Most brides, however, find the reverse is true.  One of the biggest problems with planning a wedding is that there are too many ideas and options to choose from – it’s easy to overload yourself, get confused and make choices you later regret.  A theme gives you a frame of reference and enables you to focus.  When you have a theme in mind it suddenly becomes much clearer why this dress/cake/venue/band/photographer will work…and why all those others won’t.  So, what are these themes?  This list isn’t comprehensive but it will hopefully get you started.

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Romantic

Every wedding has an element of romance to it (that’s the whole point of the occasion, right?!).  However, you can accentuate this aspect and set an especially romantic tone by picking a venue that has some history and grandeur – a imposing stately home, a fairy tale castle, a magnificent ballroom, an ancient walled garden or vineyard perhaps.  Then decorate it with lots and lots and lots (as in you can’t have too many!) of fresh flowers and candles.  You want to create a cosy and warm atmosphere with soft lighting, understated pastel colours and lots of champagne and rosé.

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Rustic

This can take many different forms but the overall look and feel should be inspired by nature and the great outdoors.  The ideal setting would be a renovated barn, an ancient farm house, a French chateau or a marquee in a field – the further from any town or urban vibe the better!  Think lots of natural textures, like bare wood (no table cloths!) and exposed brick and stone, natural fabrics like wool, hessian and cotton, and flowers that look as if they’ve come straight from a hedgerow or field.  

The colour palette should feature neutral and soft tones – the vibe is charmingly unsophisticated and shabby-chic.  A semi-naked wedding cake goes well with this style of wedding along with floral arrangements in jam jars (rather than vases), wedding invitations and menus tied up with gardener’s twine, mismatched furniture, a live folk or ceilidh band, straw bales for seating around the dance floor.  Food should be hearty and healthy rather than dainty and sophisticated, with real ale and cider to hand.

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Classic

A classic wedding is quite close in style to romantic, but more formal and traditional – it’s a style for the bride who prefers timelessness over trends.  Go for a vintage venue that has a bit of history and stature, like a stately home or somewhere with a magnificent ballroom.   Consider arranging a champagne cocktail hour with jazz music in the background or a string quartet for guests to enjoy in between the wedding ceremony and the meal.  Perhaps make it a black-tie occasion with everyone dressed to the nines, a full sit down dinner, a very traditional style cake, delicate white florals, plenty of lush greenery, light linens and minimal décor.

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Bohemian

Boho weddings manage to look incredibly chic with minimal effort.  The vibe is casual and comfortable, fun and playful, but effortlessly sophisticated too.  Keep the decor humble but eye-catching and the colour palette in harmony with nature.  For the bride that’s proud to be a free spirit and who treasures her inner hippy.   One idea is to have mismatched bridesmaid dresses or wedding party attire that shows off everyone's style without looking too put together. With the floral arrangements go for blooms that are wispy and wild, like pampas grass, pressed palms or baby's breath.   Your reception should feature a cozy lounge area, complete with mismatched tepees and poufs - decorative pillows or hanging macramé decorations work well.  Tarot readings, someone playing Tibetan singing bowls and lots of incense will all add to the laid-back atmosphere. A naked cake covered in fresh blooms will add the perfect finishing touch.  For your venue think vintage walled garden, a botanical greenhouse or even a wilderness setting – popular options are tipis in a woodland, a wildflower meadow or the Mojave Desert (really!).

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Nautical

The venue should obviously be on the coast, whether that be on a beach, in a yacht club, a beach resort or a seaside house or hotel.  The décor will feature all things nautical –lots of blue and white tones (especially stripes) paired with beach motifs like shells, anchors, ropes, and model sailboats to exude a maritime style.  The menu should feature plenty of seafood and rum cocktails will add an appropriate touch.

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DIY

Everything has to be personalised and done by hand – It’s a lot of hard work but probably saves the pennies.  Whether it's a hand-sewn pennant flag banner, a bar knocked together out of reclaimed wood, a cake you’ve baked yourself or  handwritten signage, your personal style will really shine through.  Details might include a lino-cut stamp that prints your monogram on each invitation, a handcrafted paper flower bouquet and favours packaged with personalized notes of thanks.  A make-your-own food station is pretty much a must for the wedding reception – think a cheese and charcuterie table, a salad bar, a spread of tapas choices and a big spread of desserts.  You’ll discover you are becoming incredibly creative with old pallets, straw bales and vintage wooden ladders!  As for a venue – know anyone with a big garden?

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Fantasy

With this theme you pick a favourite show, movie or book – think Harry Potter, Frozen, Pride & Prejudice, Batman and Wonder Woman, Game of Thrones…let your imagination run riot.  This is not for the faint hearted or the traditionalist.  It’s ideal for extroverts who want to have a lot of fun and break free of convention.

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What will your theme be?

These are just a few of the main themes.  There are many more (vintage, whimsical, modern, eco-friendly, outdoors…) but they tend to be variations on those we have covered here.  Hopefully this post will give you useful food for thought but if you’d like any further input in terms of ideas, or how best to turn these into reality, just give us a call – the team here have bags of experience and are only too happy to help.

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A wedding without drinks is unthinkable.  But how are you going to make sure there’s sufficient choice, and quantity for everyone?  Running dry would be a nightmare - but you don’t want to land yourself a financial hangover either!   Here are some tips to help you make sure all your guests have a great time whilst also keeping costs under control.

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Whose round is it?

Guests would be very upset if you asked them to pay for all their drinks – it’s unheard of!  However, with the celebration lasting for many hours it’s not unreasonable to consider limiting the quantities you provide for free.  Basically, you have three options:

1. Open Bar

All the drinks are free from start to finish, including the meal and the evening party.  This does at least keep things simple because there’s no money changing hands and you won’t have to worry about getting the appropriate drinks licence.  However, you’ll need deep pockets!

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2. Cash Bar

The normal expectation is that you’ll provide the drinks when people arrive at the reception, wine with the meal and champagne for toasts.  However, it is quite acceptable to ask guests to buy any additional drinks from the bar.  Some guests may feel you are being a bit mean, but most will understand that weddings are expensive and you have to draw a line somewhere.  Not only is this going to make budgeting more controllable and keep your costs down but there’s an added benefit.  If people are having to pay for their additional drinks they are less likely to overindulge and misbehave!  If you opt for a cash bar be sure guests in advance.  

3. Limited Bar

With this route you pay for all the drinks but restrict the choices.  For instance, you provide champagne for the toasts, beer and wine throughout and a signature cocktail or two.  Another variation on this is to have a fully stocked bar with a pre-paid tab provided by the bride and groom (or generous parents).   Once guests have consumed drinks up to that limit guests are asked to pay – it’s a kind of “happy hour” approach.

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Don’t get caught out by corkage

If you book a wedding venue or hire a caterer the normal arrangement is for them to supply all the drinks.  Usually, however, there is another option where you purchase the drinks from another supplier and ask the venue or caterer to serve them.  On the face of it this is a great way to save money – but there’s a twist you must be aware of.  The venue or catering company will charge what’s known as “corkage”.  This is a service charge for opening and serving any bottles of wine, sparkling wine, champagne and even spirits that you purchase but ask them to serve.  This varies from company to company but the average is usually somewhere between £12 and £15 a bottle….but it could be a lot more!   Find out what their corkage fee is and then do the math – you may well decide that sourcing your own drinks is not worth the effort.

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Quantities – how to do the calculation

If you are paying for some or all of the drinks then it’s essential you accurately assess how much you are going to need.  For starters, how many people do you have on your guest list?  Next, make a guesstimate of how many are heavy drinkers, how many are light drinkers and how many are teetotal.  

You then need to know how many glasses you get from different bottles and kegs:

1 bottle of 75cl wine              = 6 x 125ml glasses or 3 x 250ml

1 bottle of champagne           = 6 x flute glasses

50 litre keg                             = 84 pints

Quarter barrel keg                  = 49 pints

1 litre bottle of spirit               = 40 x 25ml measures

1 litre Pimms                           = 20 x 50ml measures (mix with 100ml lemonade)

2 litre lemonade                      = 20 x 100ml measures (ideal for Pimms)

When making your final calculations it probably helps to divide the day up into sections.  

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Reception

If we assume this will last for an hour and a half that probably means three drinks per guest.  Get your calculator out and use the table above!  

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Meal

You are going to need Champagne or Prosecco for the toasts and work on getting 6 flutes from a bottle.  With wine you probably need equal quantities of red and white.  Assume you’ll get 6 small glasses from a bottle and that the average guest will drink half a bottle.  1 bottle of water will serve about 3 guests.  

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Evening bar

Guests will be drinking for about 4 hours, but not constantly - some will be dancing, eating or leaving early with kids or elderly relatives).  Roughly calculate the numbers who will be consuming beer, wine or spirits and assume an average of 6-8 drinks per guests.

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Here’s an example covering 100 guests at a wedding plan where only beer and wine is served – you can expect these quantities to be consumed:

50 x 6 glasses of wine                           =          50 bottles (mix of red/white/rose)

25 x 6 bottles of lager/beer/cider           =          150 bottles of beer

25 x 6 pints of lager/beer/cider               =          50 litre keg plus a quarter barrel keg  

What if you provide other drinks as well?   A full bar selection will probably require these quantities for 100 guests.

Vodka                        6 litres

Gin                             5 litres

Whiskey                     2 litres

Scotch                        2 litres

Real ale                      50 litre keg (84 pints)

Lager                         150 bottles

Cola                           10 x 2 litre bottles

Diet-cola                    10 x 2 litre bottles

Lemonade                  10 x 2 litre bottles

Tonic                           1 case

Apple/Orange Juice    15 cartons of each

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Ready to order now?

Hopefully this post will help you get a better idea of how you are going to approach the drinks side of your celebration.  However, this is a big subject, too big to cover comprehensively in a single article.  You will almost certainly have questions that are not covered here – no problem, just give us a call.  The team at Clevedon Hall have organized and hosted enough weddings to have most of the answers!

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Research shows that the average cost of UK weddings in 2021 was around £20,000. That’s a lot of money to find at the best of times and with the cost of living spiralling upwards rapidly many couples will be looking to economise where possible when tying the knot. In this post we share some ideas that will help you achieve this in ways that won’t cramp your style too much.

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Decide on your priorities

Are you enthusiastic foodies? Then splurge on the catering. Mad about music and dancing? Get a great band or DJ. Is style your thing? Then don’t skimp on the décor. Then save money on all those other things you really don’t care about.

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Trim your guest list

Cutting the head count will make a huge difference. Before you throw your hands up in horror at this suggestion here’s a way to soften the bad news. Invite fewer people to the formal wedding breakfast (which will save on food and drink) but include them in the evening celebrations. Or have a get-together at a local pub for all those you can’t afford to accommodate on the day. You’ll find that people are pretty understanding these days and some may be quietly grateful as attending a wedding may be a cost (accommodation, trave, outfit) they could do without.

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Pick a day where there’s a discount

The venue is probably your biggest expense so even a small discount will make a big difference in how much you have to spend on other stuff. Many venues offer discounts for bookings outside of peak season or for mid-week bookings – so bear this in mind when you do your research.

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Choose a venue that doesn’t need a lot of decorating

A village hall or a banqueting suite/ballroom in a hotel can be rather soulless and bare so you’ll need to spend a lot on décor to create any atmosphere. An impressive venue, with grand architectural features, lovely gardens and gazebo and style to spare (like Clevedon Hall!) may cost a little more on paper but it will require little effort and expense on your part to give it the “wow” factor.

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Dress for less

A lot of wedding dress designers hold sample sales offering savings of up to 70%. Follow your favourite designers and boutiques on social media, subscribe to their news updates and watch out for their sale events. There are also some lovely dresses available from high street retailers at a fraction of the cost you pay for designer styles. If your heart is set on something really high end then renting can be a very attractive option.

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Email the invites

Parents and older guests may raise their eyebrows at this departure from formal tradition but you’ll save a surprising amount on postage and printing. It this is a step too far for you just skip the RSVP cards and stamped addressed envelopes – get people to respond by email.

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Beg and borrow

You probably have friends who got married not long before you who may have items they’d lend to you for the day – fabric flowers, bunting, even a tiara. Do you know anyone with a vintage car or hot set of wheels who can provide transport on the day?

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Beware getting carried away by what others have done

Pinterest is great for inspiration but do you really need a DIY cocktail station, extravagant wedding favours, a photobooth, a magician and a food truck serving late night burritos and tacos?

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Let them eat (less) cake

Cutting corners on the cake is another easy way to save. Start by having a good think about who you know who is a Bake Off wannabe – if they really have the talent and skills then give them the opportunity to show them off. If this is not an option talk to your professional cake provider about including some fake layers (Styrofoam, but decorated in the same way as the edible ones). You’ll be surprised to discover that this is a trick they’re often asked to perform!

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There may be room to save on photography

Rates for wedding photographers vary widely so look out for someone who is up and coming rather than going for an established favourite. Someone who is less booked up and keen to expand their portfolio will charge a lot less and probably try a bit harder. Make the most of their time too – you could save some more by booking them for eight to ten hours rather than for the full day.

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Honeymoon at home

Travelling to exotic locations is fraught with risks and difficulties right now so a staycation honeymoon is much the best idea anyway. You’ll save a ton on flights (and on PCR tests!) not to mention making life a lot simpler and a lot less stressful.

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Anything else we can help with?

The team at Clevedon Hall have a wealth of wedding planning experience they are more than happy to share.  Whatever kind of event you have in mind they will probably have some further tips that could help you make your budget go even further.

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What has personality analysis got to do with planning and hosting a wedding?  Quite a lot!  When deciding who does what you want to match tasks to the people best suited to carrying them out.  Partly it’s about skills.  If your sister could happily compete on Bake Off then making the cake is a job for her.  And if your bestie is a graphic designer then you’ll obviously want her help with invitations, signage and the website.  But you also need to consider the different range of personalities – watch the movie “Bridesmaids” if you want a dramatic example of what can go wrong if you don’t pay enough attention to the temperaments on your team.

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What is personality analysis?

You’ve quite possibly come across some form of personality analysis workshops or tests in your career.  They are widely used to help people understand themselves, and those they interact with, so everyone has a better appreciation of different temperaments and why certain people behave in a particular way.  The objective is to make people more accommodating towards each other and enable them to work better together.

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There are many different personality models, each with their own particular strengths and weaknesses.  Many are very extensive and complex.  Perhaps the simplest and easiest to use is called DISC.  It’s probably an oversimplification, but you’ll soon get the hang of it – you’ll also immediately recognise how useful it is when planning a wedding…and that it’s actually fun!

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DIY personality analysis

Get a blank sheet of paper and draw a line across the middle of the page.  Write the word OUTGOING at top of the sheet and RESERVED at the bottom.  Now draw another line down the middle of the page from top to bottom. Write the word PEOPLE down the right hand edge of the page and TASK down the left hand side.

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Now, think of someone you know who is extrovert but also task orientated – good at getting things done.  Put their name in the top left square.  Now think of someone who is extrovert but not very dependable when it comes to detail and finishing the job.  Put them top right.  Next, think of someone who is quite reserved and loves the detail – someone who takes care and can be relied on to do things properly.  Put them bottom left.  Finally, who do you know who is reserved but always there for you to lend a helping hand.  Put them bottom right.  Chances are you have got yourself and your fiancé on there – and that you are in diagonally opposite squares.  How do we know that?!

Now, write the letter D in top left square, I in top right, C in bottom left and S in bottom right.  Great, but now what?

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What’s going on here?

Let’s take the D square first.  People who fall into this category tend to be dominant, direct, decisive, demanding and a “doer”.  They take the lead, drive things forward, are full of confidence and like goals and results.  Some people will find them bossy!  When they hear “wedding” they think “Great, something for me to organise!”

The I type, although outgoing like the D personality, is actually very different. They want to be involved in whatever is going on, they are inspiring and impressionable, exert a lot of influence, but are also illogical, impetuous.  They are excited, emotional, and like to be liked.  Their lack of attention to detail, and love of the limelight can be irritating.  When they hear “wedding” they think “Yay!  Party!”.

The C type is cautious, calculating, capable, conscientious and careful.  They thrive on detail, are analytical and like to think they know best (because, having been so thorough, they probably are!)  On the downside they can be cold and rather boring.  When they hear “wedding” they ask a lot of questions!

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The S type is shy, supportive, steady.  They tend to like things the way they are, enjoy routine and are not comfortable with rapid change.  Conflict is something they’ll do anything to avoid, they see the best in people and can be taken for a sucker.   They hear “wedding” and they think “how can I help?”

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What does this mean for your wedding?

It means a lot, if you take time to think about it.  First of all, where are you on the chart?  If you are a D you’ll enjoy taking charge but if you’re an S you won’t.  If you are a C you’ll be getting into the detail, with lists, timelines and spreadsheets.  If you are an I your goal will be to make sure everyone has a great time, from the engagement party to the dress shopping and the hen do to the last of the dancing.

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Your fiancé is probably the exact opposite to you.  That’s why you get on – you complement each other.  So, if you have a lot of I in you your other half is likely to be a C type.  If you are S they are likely to be somewhat D.  Once you figure this out, play to your strengths.  If he enjoys the boring detail stuff, like reading contacts and negotiating discounts, let him go ahead while you do your bit with another girl’s night out.  If you have D tendencies then take the lead and the big decisions – as an S he’ll be happy to go along with you.  

If you are a D then be wary of other Ds – you are likely to clash.  If you are not a D, be on the lookout for those who are – be careful you don’t let them take over (especially a D mother in law!).  Same with Is – they can talk you into things you might regret later.  This advice is paramount if you are an S because your desire to avoid conflict makes you very susceptible to persuasion – uncomfortable as you may find it there will be times you need to dig in and politely say “no”.  If you are a C then you probably need to make a conscious effort to lighten up and relax – you’ve got everything covered (twice!).

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If the best man or chief bridesmaid is an I that’s good – they will get the party going, keep it going and be the life and soul.  But don’t rely on them for things that involve detail and require a bit of patience.  Make sure you back them up with a C or an S, someone with the attention span long enough to stick to job.  Want someone to manage the RSVPs or to pay the band at the end of the evening?  Pick a C or S, not an I!

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Got a question?  

There’s a lot more we could tell you about personality analysis and weddings but space does not permit – there’s plenty of further research you can do online.  Hopefully, however, this brief introduction will give you some useful hints and tips.  The team at Clevedon Hall cannot claim to be certified experts in this area but we’ve helped organise enough weddings to provide any advice you may need – just give us a call.

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Social media and weddings go together like strawberries and cream.  But before you start posting everything from your engagement to your honeymoon, and all the stuff in between, there are some issues to be aware of.  In this post we share a few of the things we’ve learnt about social media etiquette and best practice for brides.

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Avoid this classic mistake

Don’t post your engagement online until you’ve told your closest friends and relatives.  How would you feel if your best friend, your cousin or your daughter shared the story on Facebook or Instagram before having the courtesy to give you a personal heads up - hurt, right?!   Enjoy the “just engaged” moment but resist the temptation to go public without telling your nearest and dearest first.

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The Ring – too much information

You’ll obviously want to share pictures of the ring but keep the details vague.  If you post the cost and the carat size then you are asking for trouble.  You may embarrass your partner or it might come across as vulgar and bragging.  

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Everything in moderation

Anything, in excess, can be bad for you.  And this is certainly true of social media.  Whether you are seeking inspiration or posting and sharing stuff yourself, it’s easy to overdo things and create problems for yourself  

Spending too long looking at what others have done or recommend on Pinterest and Instagram is a recipe for feeling inadequate and insecure – “comparison is the thief of joy”.  Also, if you try to take on board every idea then your to-do list will get longer and longer and you’ll be overloaded with options.  What’s more, it’s well documented that using filters to manipulate your selfies increases the risk of anxiety, body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem.

Planning a wedding is stressful enough as it is and too much focus on social media will only make matters worse.   Unplug on a regular basis and prioritise time for your mental and physical wellbeing as well as building the relationships with those you love (in person!).

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Who can post on the day?

You need to decide on your policy regarding guests posting from your ceremony and celebration.  Do you want an entirely ‘unplugged’ wedding with no social postings at all?  Are you happy if guests share photos of the details and décor only?  Would you prefer that images are shared only after you’ve shared them first (guests have to wait until the next day).   Or are you totally chilled and happy for guests to share images as soon as they like?

Once you’ve made your decision you need to communicate it clearly.  Include a note on your information cards and on your wedding website.  Reiterate this message on the day by asking your Groomsmen to remind guests what the policy is.  It’s also quite usual for officiants to make an announcement before the ceremony so everyone is left in no doubt about what is expected of them.

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Get a Hashtag

If you’re happy with guests posting photos then creating a custom wedding hashtag for your big day is a great idea.   It’s a fun way to personalize your nuptials and it'll encourage guests to share their favorite snapshots online.   You’ll have all those pictures and posts in one place, a permanent repository of memories you and your guests can easily revisit whenever they want.

Add your hashtag to your invitations, your wedding signage and wedding day stationery so that everyone can share the hashtag love!   Try and come up with a simple hashtag (typing can get tricky after a few drinks!) and check whether anyone else has used it before.

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Don’t post your wedding website link

Lots of couples create their own personalized wedding website – it makes sense for a lot of good reasons and is quite easy to do.  But don’t make the mistake of posting the address online.  Why?  Because it’s for guests only, and not for the rest of the world.  

If you post the address on your social media feed it will be seen by people who are not invited – and may feel left out.  They could even post comments about the venue, your dress or some other aspect of your big day that are unwelcome.  Protect your important wedding details by only sharing your wedding website link through insert cards that go out with the formal invite or with guests when communicating with them directly.

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Check your privacy settings

Review your social media privacy settings to make sure you’re comfortable with who will be seeing whatever you post and whatever you’re being tagged into.  Definitely do this before your honeymoon so you’re not advertising an empty home to the wrong people.

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Keep it positive

Planning a wedding is a big project and it can feel a lot like work at times – budgets, schedules, deadlines and meetings.  Inevitably there will be a bit of stress and frustration.  Sharing those feelings will help you handle them.  But just don’t do it online!

If you feel compelled to complain about how hard it is to find suppliers who share your vision, to drop hints about family differences of opinion or moan about the size of your to-do list then have a quiet chat with someone you can trust to be discreet and sympathetic.  It’s not appropriate or smart to broadcast this stuff publicly – you’ll just add to your problems!

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RSVPs and social media – sorry, but no!

Make it clear to guests you’ll only accept RSVPs through mailed RSVP cards or through your wedding website.  It might seem more convenient to let them confirm or decline through social media but you'll quickly get bogged down with Facebook and Instagram messages – keeping track of it all will rapidly become a nightmare and a recipe for misunderstandings.

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Your suppliers and social media

Let your photographer and videographer know your social media policy for the day - if it’s ‘no phones’ for your ceremony it’ll make their job easier (fewer people getting in the way!)

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Inform your other suppliers as well as they might like to share shots from your day on their own feeds as they’re setting up.  If you’d prefer they didn’t do this, or if you don’t want them to post anything at all, then let them know.  However, some supplier contracts actually include lines about social media in their T&Cs (so you may have already given them permission!).

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Ditch your phone for the day

Your phone will be buzzing with texts, well-wishes and tagged photos on your wedding day but you need to remain in the moment with your guests and your partner (husband!).  Give your phone to someone capable, like your maid of honour, the best man or a close family member and forget about it – you can catch up on all that stuff later.  

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Stay chilled

Be prepared for the fact that some of guests will forget (or even ignore) your social media policy.  The most important thing is to avoid getting upset.  On the other hand, if you’ve created a hashtag but nobody is using it then get someone to give a little hashtag shout-out.

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Any other questions?

These are our top tips for brides on how to handle social media.  If you have any questions about anything we’ve not covered, just ask – the team at Clevedon Hall are always happy to share their knowledge, experience and ideas.

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Your wedding stationery is an important element of your planning process – it not only communicates vital information but also sets the tone of your celebrations.  But how many items are required?  We’ve created a list of essential and optional choices that should help you decide what your particular wedding preparations require.

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Engagement Party Invitation

Include the location, date, time, and any required dress code.   Decide whether this is going to be a big formal bash or a smaller casual affair.  If it’s the former, with lots of guests, make sure they are all invited to the wedding – it’s important to manage expectations and avoid disappointment!  Send invites two to three months ahead of a major party but only six to eight weeks if it’s a more modest affair.  

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Save the Date Card

These are optional but sending them is a good idea – people have busy schedules and need lots of warning!  Send six to a year ahead and include the date (obviously!), rough location (even if you haven’t finalised a venue), details of your wedding website and a line explaining that a formal invitation will follow.

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Be My Bridesmaid Cards

Not essential but a nice gesture that makes your chosen individuals feel extra special.

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Hen Party Invitations

You can probably organise this with emails but if you want to make things more formal and have something elaborate planned then a properly designed invitation is a great idea.  Send this two to three months in advance and if the hen party is going to have a theme then the invite should reflect this – you should let everyone know what to expect and how to really get into the spirit of the event.

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Bridal Shower Invitation

Traditionally the bridal party hosts this and takes care of the invitations – as well as details of location, time, date, and theme (if there is one) it should include your gift registry information.

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Thank-You Cards after Bridal Shower

Sending these as soon as possible after the event (two weeks at latest!).  A hand-written note is more thoughtful and appreciative than an email.

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The Wedding Invitation

It is obligatory to send a printed wedding invitation by post.  There are several elements to this:

·         Outer Envelope.  If you want to be formal and observe tradition the wedding invitation should include an inner and outer envelope. The outer should just include the recipient's address on the front.

·         Inner Envelope.  On this is written the title and surname of the recipient.  Having an inner envelope ensures the actual invitation arrives in a pristine state – the outer will receive wear and tear in the post.  

·         Invitation Card.  This should state who is hosting the wedding, who is getting married, the date, the time, and details of where the ceremony is being held.  This should include a line such as “Dinner and Dancing to follow” and guidance on dress code.

·         RSVP Cards.  The cards should have a "reply by" date at the top or bottom and checkboxes for "accepts with pleasure" and "declines with regret."  There is a space for the invitee to add their name.  In today’s digital age online RSVPs are acceptable but you should still send a response card telling the recipient to respond by email or vis your wedding website.

·         Direction and Accommodation Information.  This provides maps of the ceremony and reception venue(s) and website addresses of suitable local hotels, guesthouses and AirBnB options.    

·         Belly Band.  This is an optional extra made of paper, fabric or ribbon that wraps around all the above items to hold them together.

·         Reception Card.  If the ceremony and reception are being held at different locations you need a card to provide details of the latter along with the time the reception starts.

·         Itinerary insert.  If you are planning an extended celebration with activities immediately before or after the big day (such as a welcome party, a dinner the night before, or a second day bbq) this provides all the details.

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Evening Invitations

If you have guests who are invited to the reception but not the ceremony, or just to the evening party, you’ll need a separate invitation for them.

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The order of service/ceremony booklet

These are optional, especially if the ceremony is to be short and sweet.  It typically includes the couple's name, date, location of the ceremony, a brief welcome, an overview of the proceedings, and the names of everyone involved in the ceremony.  It can include quotes or poems, "in memory of" tributes to loved ones who have passed on or a thank you to the parents and guests.

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Escort Cards

When guests arrive for the wedding breakfast you’ll need a seating plan on a board that lists names and table numbers.  Or you can create escort cards.  These have guest's names written on them with their table number. These cards are set out in alphabetical order for guests to grab as they enter the dining room before making their way to their seats.

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Table Number Cards

This is important to include, especially if you're having a big wedding. It helps guests find their seats and provides some organization. Make sure the numbers printed on the cards are big enough for people to see.

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Place Cards

Once a guest arrives at their table this tells them exactly where to sit.  They also help the venue staff if some guests have selected different menu options.  

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Menu Cards

These will tell people what dishes will be served for each course or what options they can choose from, or what is included on the buffet tables – they also help to whet the appetite!  

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Thank You Cards

It’s polite to send these out shortly after the big day (and no later than three weeks after).  The card should include the giver’s name, details of the gift and a short form of words expressing thanks.

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A final note

This list includes most of the stationery items that a couple will generally need to consider.  We could have added in wedding welcome bag tags, rehearsal dinner invitations and favour tags, amongst others, but we had to draw the line somewhere!  If you have any other questions about wedding stationery, or any other wedding planning topic, just get in touch – we’d love to help!

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The bridal shower is an American tradition.  But it’s catching on here – so you need to get up to speed!  In this post we answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

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Is a bridal shower the same as a hen party?

No.  It happens during the day and is an opportunity for close female relatives of the bride (and sometimes of her partner) to get to know her friends.   As such it’s family-friendly (unlike the hen do!) event to celebrate the upcoming wedding that features fun, games and gifts.   There’s a lot of room to be creative - it could be an informal brunch at the maid of honour's home, a spa day, a flower arranging class, or lunch at a smart restaurant.   You can have a bridal shower instead of a hen party but most brides prefer to do both (why have one party when you can have two?!)

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Who organises and hosts the bridal shower?

Typically it’s the maid of honour, helped by the bridesmaids.  However, if they’re too busy arranging the hen party the bride's mother, sister, aunt, grandmother or even future mother-in-law can do the honours.  Nothing is required of the bride (other than she shows up!) but it’s best to consult her on the theme, date, location and who to invite.

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Who pays for the bridal shower?

If it takes place is someone’s home the person hosting usually foots the bill for things like decorations, games and prizes, plus food and drink – but bridesmaids and the bride's family may be happy to chip in and guests can bring dips, cakes and other refreshments.  Get the bride’s ideas - if she wants an activity or a meal in a restaurant you'll need to ask the guests to pay for their own part and make this clear right from the start.

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Who Is invited to the bridal shower?

Traditionally company comprised the bride's female relatives, the bridal party and close friends but members of her intended’s family could be included too.  They can be intimate gatherings of a dozen people or much larger celebrations.

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In the past you wouldn’t invite people to the bridal shower who were not invited to the wedding.  Now, however, some are seeing it as an opportunity to celebrate with those who aren't coming to the wedding or the hen party - colleagues or close family friends of your parents.   This can be a great idea if you want to host a smaller wedding but don’t want people to feel left out.

Bridal showers also used to women-only events.  Nowadays male friends and relatives are often invited too.  Some couples host a joint wedding shower for the bride and groom – or he can just pop in at the end for some of the games and say thank you to everyone for being part of their wedding celebrations.

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When should the bridal shower take place?

Anywhere between two to six months before the big day.  Send invites six weeks ahead to give everyone plenty of notice.  Don’t fix a date until you have checked with the bride which guests are absolute must-haves.

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What food and drinks are appropriate for a bridal shower?

The celebration usually takes place during the day so a spread of cake, biscuits, pastries, sandwiches, wraps, quiches and salads is the norm.  It’s customary to offer a mix of soft and alcoholic drinks such as Prosecco and cocktails.  Bridal showers often have a theme (Champagne brunch, tea party, wine tasting, barbecue, nautical theme…) and this may have a bearing on the food and beverage choices.  As with many of the other decisions, ask the bride for her preferences – does she have a favourite colour, cuisine or activity?

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Should games be included in a bridal shower?

The event used to be just about gift-giving and socialising but games are now generally included.  These help to get the party going and can include anything from a cocktail making competition to a newlywed trivia quiz.

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What is the etiquette of gift giving at a bridal shower?

In the US everyone is expected to bring the bride a present but it’s not obligatory in the UK.  The bride will usually create a gift registry to provide guests with a list of gift suggestions.  The bride opens the gifts with the guests looking on while the maid of honour makes a list of who gave what so the bride can send thank you notes.

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Anything else you need to know?

Hopefully this article answered most of your bridal shower related questions.  If you have any others, or want some input on any other aspect of wedding planning, just get in touch – the team at our stunning wedding venue love sharing their knowledge, experience and ideas!

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Hindsight is a wonderful thing – especially when planning a wedding.  Trouble is, by the time you’ve gained that valuable experience it’s too late – your big day is over and gone!  In this post we share some of the things the team at Clevedon Hall has discovered in the course of hosting more than a few wedding celebrations.

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Keep tight control of your budget

Even if you are the world’s savviest spender, and have spreadsheets for everything, it’s easy to get carried away or talked into additional expenditure.  £50 here and £35 there soon mounts up to £500 or £1000 when you are having to make a lot of decisions one after another and you want everything to be perfect.

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Step back at regular intervals and realize these are not just numbers but real sums of money.  Also realize that the answer to every challenge does not have to be throwing cash at it – there may be more creative solutions that are less expensive.  You are also allowed to say “no!” on occasion.

When you first fix your budget make sure you include a contingency (at least 10%-15%).  That way you won’t freak out quite so much when you run over!

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Whose wedding is it anyway?

If your parents insist on paying for your wedding, or at least making a substantial contribution, that’s great – but there will probably be strings attached.  If they want to invite friends you don’t even know how do you politely refuse?  What happens when you want to spend more on the catering but they are keen to keep costs down?  How do you handle it when your in-laws and your own parents are both chipping in but have very different ideas about what makes a great day?  

We’re not saying you should refuse all generous offers – just that you may be solving one problem by creating a couple of others!

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You are kidding me, right?!

Don’t expect anyone else (apart from parents footing bills!) to care about your wedding as much as you do.  For you it’s the biggest day of your life.  For them it’s just another date on their social calendar, amongst many others.  One of your best friends would rather go to a festival than being with you?   Another cancels at the last minute because their cat gets sick?!  Someone RSVPs to say they’ll be there then doesn’t show up or even call?!  You can’t believe it, but it happens…and it hurts.  

People have a lot of stuff going on in their lives and their priorities are different from yours.  You just have to accept it and try hard to not get too bent out of shape over it.

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Choose suppliers you click with

You are going to spend a lot of time with your hairdresser, your makeup artist, your videographer and your photographer, both before your big day and on it – so pick people you like being around.  Obviously you are going to choose them based on their professional competence, their sense of style and their ideas.  But if they have the kind of personality that leaves you cold, or a manner that winds you up, then you’re probably better advised to find somebody whose company you’ll enjoy more – the chemistry is important!

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I wish we’d had a videographer

A photographer is essential, but a videographer as well?   It’s a big extra expense but many brides will tell you the additional cost was more than worth it - there's nothing like a video to really capture the essence of your wedding day, the joy, excitement, laughter….and the speeches.  It will all pass in a bit of a blur so it’s great to be able to just press “replay”!

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Don’t expect trial for free

Don’t be surprised if the cost of your makeup and hair trial is not included in the price for the day.   This can come as a bit of a shock when you are already bumping up against your budget limit.  However, if your makeup artist or stylist is going to spend 2-3 hours working with you before the big day, getting to know you, figuring out what sort of makeup you like and making sure the end result is 100% then it’s not unreasonable for them to charge – and it’s a fee well worth paying.   How you look and feel on the day is pretty important, after all!

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It’s not as easy as it looks (or cheap)

You want to have the biggest and best celebration ever…but stay within your budget.  Many couples assume DIY is the way to go for everything from the invites to the decorations.  What they don’t factor in is the surprisingly high cost of craft supplies and the fact that getting everything to look as good as they did in that Pinterest tutorial is not quite as easy as they suggest.  Plus, do you really want to be stressing over macrame pew ends or hand lettering the seating plan in the final week – wouldn’t you rather be spending a carefree evening with your bridesmaids with a few cocktails?

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The same goes for venues and catering.  Putting up a marquee in your friends field, hiring everything from chairs to portaloos and preparing all the food yourselves has to be cheaper…right?  Looking back you’ll probably realize that you’d have been better off hiring professionals – it’s a weight off your shoulders and might even end up costing you less!

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We’re here to help

You’ll have a fabulous day, come what may.  But hopefully these observations will help you sidestep a few situations that are easily avoidable…if only someone with a bit more experience had shared some lessons they learnt the hard way!  Got any further wedding related questions?  The team at Clevedon Hall are only too happy to share their knowledge and advice so ask away!

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Seize the moment – your must-have wedding shot list

Your wedding day is all about making memories.  And your photographer plays a huge part in that.  Once you’ve decided what style of photography you’d like (see our post on wedding photography styles) you’ll need to draw up a list of moments throughout the day that you’d like them to capture for posterity.  Here are some ideas….

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Getting ready

Having your make up and hair done, getting into your dress, putting on your jewellery, the bridesmaids making their preparations.  It’s a nervous couple of hours but exciting and fun too, with lots of laughter and possibly a few tears – times you’ll look back on fondly.  If you also want your photographer to record the groom’s party preparations then be sure there’s enough time in the schedule for them to cover both – or arrange a second shooter.

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The dress

You’ll have spent many hours trying on different dresses, agonising over the options, going through various fitting sessions – so be sure to ask your photographer to get some shots that show your final choice in all its glory.  As well as some images of just you in your dress it’s a good idea to have some images of the dress before you put it on, perhaps hanging in a window or some other setting that shows it off to best effect.  You could even ask for some shots that capture particular embellishments or details.  This little collection of dress shots will help you remember just how it felt to ward such a beautiful garment.

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Group shots

How your photographer approaches this will largely depend on the style of photography you’ve agreed on.  If you’ve gone for formal these will be more posed but if it’s a reportage style then the shots will be much more candid and spontaneous.  Whatever style you’re going for you need to decide on the groups you want to capture, whether that’s all your cousins, your friends from university or the groom and his siblings.

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Here comes the bride

You’ll almost certainly want some shots of you coming down the aisle, whether the ceremony is in a church or a civil setting.  But that’s not all – make sure you capture the moment you get out of the wedding car or as you approach the venue hand in hand with the person giving you away, or in a group with your bridesmaids as you prepare to make your grand entrance.  These are all moments your other half will never see so it’s especially important to record these for their benefit.

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The “I do” shot

The exchange of vows is a moment of high emotion – perfect photo opportunities for close ups capturing your expressions from a variety of different angles.  It’s the same with the exchange of rings – a few seconds that are seriously romantic but often lightened by laughter and joy.  

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You may kiss the bride

That first kiss as a married couple certainly needs grabbing – make a special point of telling your photographer to be ready for it.

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The “we did it!” shot

You absolutely have to get some shots at the end of the ceremony as the two of you emerge from the church or the room – it’s a moment of great joy and elation, with huge smiles all round and probably a blizzard of confetti.  

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Let them eat cake

We all know you can’t have your cake and eat it – but photographing it before everyone tucks in is the next best thing.  The cutting the first slice is also obligatory.

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The speeches

A picture is worth a thousand words so ask for lots of shots recoding the expressions of your guests during this traditional part of the proceedings – the laughter, tears and glasses raised for the toasts.

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The first dance

Moments as romantic as this are rare so make a special point of asking your photographer to save it for posterity.  You’ll want some close up shots featuring just the blissed-out pair of you but also ask from some wider angles so you capture the beaming smiles of those sharing the occasion.

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The bouquet and other blooms

A fresh flower bouquet will soon be past its best so be sure to get plenty of shots from every angle and in a variety of settings – including the moment you toss it to your unmarried female guests.  The same goes for all the other flowers, including the buttonholes, flower girl’s posy, corsage, ceremony displays, table arrangements and centrepieces.  

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A view of the venue

A huge amount of work goes into setting up the venue for your celebrations – the place settings, the decorations, the floral arrangements, the lighting.  Make sure your photographer gets in there ahead of guests so you have some record of how beautiful it all looked before they came in and messed it up!   If you’ve booked a particularly photogenic venue (like Clevedon Hall!) ask your photographer to take some shots of the setting, the architecture or any particularly iconic or beautiful feature.

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A good time had by all

You’ll be at the party but there will be too many moments of joy, hilarity and misbehaviour for you and hubby to witness.  Plus, by the end of the evening, when you’ve probably had your fair share of drinks, some of it may become a blur.  This is where your photographer comes to the rescue.

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Any other questions?

We hope you find this checklist helpful and inspirational when planning things with your photographer.  Got any other questions about this aspect of planning you big day (or anything else wedding related) then just ask away – the team at Clevedon Hall are more than happy to share their ideas, knowledge and experience.  

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After months of planning and preparation your big day has finally arrived.  It’s going to be a long one and full on from start to finish.  So, what last minute things can you do to ensure everything goes off exactly as planned without you having to worry about the details?

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Hire a wedding day co-ordinator

If you don’t want to go as far as engaging the services of a wedding planner, but you want a little extra help on top of the venue co-ordinator, a wedding day co-ordinator is a great idea.  This allows you to set everything up yourself then hand over the execution to someone else, freeing you up to enjoy the day itself.  Much less for you to remember, no worries about making sure it all happens as you intended and someone to deal with any little issues that crop up unexpectedly.

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Stay on top of the small print

Before you book your venue and hire your suppliers, read the contracts carefully.  That way you know what is expected of them, and you.  Keep copies of them and have them with you on the day (or give them to your on the day co-ordinator).  That way if you feel somebody is not delivering as promised you have the agreements to hand.

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Take cover

Organising a wedding involves some big financial commitments and it’s possible to get insurance to protect you if there’s a serious issue – having a policy in place gives you great peace of mind.  

What could possibly go wrong?  You might have to cancel the wedding due to a family illness or bad weather it will cover some or all of the costs involved.  Policies can also include cover for costs if a supplier doesn’t deliver or you need to hire a different venue or caterer due to cancellation.

Every policy is different but most will also cover your wedding attire, flowers, cakes and rings as well as wedding cars and transport.  Look for a policy that also includes public liability protection to provide compensation if someone is injured at your wedding, or if the venue is damaged by a member of your wedding party.

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Work out what happens when

Create a wedding day timeline so you know how long you have got for each stage of your day.   Include the timing and order that hair and makeup will follow, what time your partner and their group should start getting ready, when your first look will occur, the different stages of the ceremony and everything that will happen during your reception.   Having a plan and schedule that all the key people are following makes it much easier for everyone to play their part to perfection.

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Do your DIY early

Writing your wedding signs by hand, crafting a set of candlestick table centrepieces, constructing a wedding arch or creating your own cake stand?  Get all these projects finished way at least a week before the big day.  You want to spend that final evening relaxing with family and friends, not fiddling around with glue, card and scissors!

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A rehearsal settles the nerves

You’ll feel a lot calmer during the ceremony if you set aside 30-60 minutes the afternoon or night before for a rehearsal.  Get the celebrant to run through what’s going to happen, from how to walk down the aisle and where everyone stands to the order in which everyone leaves the church at the end.

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Where’s Auntie Amy?

Organizing family and friends for the photos can be like herding cats – so some pre-planning helps.  Agree a list of photo groups with your photographer in advance.  Then brief the relatives so they know what’s expected of them.  This will speed things up considerably and mean nobody is confused, frustrated or disappointed.

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Look at you!

Including “a first look” in the schedule is a great idea.  Instead of first setting eyes on each other in front of the assembled company the couple meet for a few minutes in private before the ceremony.  It’s an intimate moment to help settle the nerves and also makes an emotional photo opportunity.

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All present and correct

Guests will arrive bearing cards and presents so have a gift table set up at your reception.  However, everything will need collecting at the end of the day and transporting to your hotel room or home.  This is a job for your on the day co-ordinator - but if you haven’t hired one appoint a trusted relative or friend to take on the task (best to pick someone who is teetotal!).

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Drink responsibly

It’s your big day, emotions are running high and the drinks are flowing – the temptation to overindulge is hard to resist.  The best advice (sorry if we sound like your mum!) is to take it slow.  A glass or two or bubbly will help you get into the party groove but don’t overdo it – you don’t want to be stumbling around the dancefloor or to spend your wedding night in a room that’s spinning round!  As well as limiting your alcohol intake be sure to drink plenty of water – it’ll help keep your energy levels up as well as helping to head off a headache.

‍Relax – we take care of it all

Follow this advice and you won’t have much to worry about on your big day apart from making sure you enjoy very single moment.  Plus, if you book your wedding at Clevedon Hall, all our packages include a dedicated Wedding Coordinator and a Personal Event Manager to give you extra peace of mind.  What sort of help and support do they provide?  Get in touch and we can explain everything in detail.

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Choosing a suitable venue is probably the most crucial decision you can make when planning your wedding.  It’s also a complicated one – there are a lot of different factors to take into consideration.  In this post we give you a list of essential questions to ask before finally making up your mind.

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Questions to ask of yourselves

Before you even begin to draw up a shortlist of possible wedding venues there are some things you have to agree between yourselves.  There are some obvious ones like “what’s our budget?”, “what date do we have I mind?” and “how many guests are we planning to invite?”  Until you have these crucial things pinned down there’s no point in trying to find places that tick these particular boxes!

Another very important consideration is your wedding theme.  No point in looking at smart city hotels if your theme is to be rustic and boho.  And if you have a very modern and contemporary wedding in mind then a medieval castle or Elizabethan manor house is probably out of the question.

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For starters

Armed with the answers to the question listed above you have the basic parameters mapped out – you are looking for a venue that costs less than £xxxx, that’s available on the date you have in mind, that can accommodate you’re the number of guests you have planned and which complements your chosen theme.  This should help you draw up a shortlist.  But this is just the beginning – there are many other issues you need to consider.

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Where do you plan to hold the ceremony?

This is another question only you can answer – but it has implications for where you hold the celebrations.  If you are planning a church wedding then a venue nearby is probably essential.  However, if you want to have your ceremony and reception all under one roof then you’ll need a venue with a wedding licence.  

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How much privacy do you require?

If your choice of wedding venue is a hotel will you enjoy exclusive use or will there be other guests staying?  If the answer is “yes” then you must clarify what areas, indoors and out, are included in the arrangement.  What’s more, if you are sharing the venue with others make sure you know what restrictions apply – do you have finish by a certain time and are there issues with when suppliers can come and go?

Even if you book a dedicated wedding venue it’s possible they may be holding two or more events on the same day.  Check if this is the case and ask the same questions just raised above.  Ideally you’ll want totally exclusive use of the entire venue for all the time you and your guests are there – but expect to pay more for the privilege.

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Food for thought

Food plays a big part in any wedding celebration so this needs particular attention.  Does the venue have its own in-house catering team?  If the answer is “yes” are you happy with the quality and type of cuisine they provide?  Can we have a tasting and is the charge for this included in the overall venue price?  How flexible are they with special dietary requirements?  As well as the main wedding breakfast can they provide canapés with a drinks reception and a buffet or BBQ in the evening?  If you decide you’d rather bring in your own caterers is this allowed?

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Think about the drink

Does the venue cost include some drinks (bubbly for the drinks reception, wine with the meal, champagne for toasts) and exactly how many bottles?  What choice of wines, wines, spirits and cocktails can they offer?  Can you provide all the drinks yourselves and what is the corkage fee?  Can the venue run a paid-for bar and is there a minimum spend to avoid additional charges?  If you want to put some money behind the bar can they run a tab for you?  Is unlimited tea and coffee throughout the day and evening included?

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Recommended suppliers

Most venues will supply you with a list of “recommended suppliers” they regularly work with and trust.  This can be a very helpful starting point when you begin your search. However, some venues insist you can only choose from amongst their preferred partners.  Be sure to ask whether this is the case otherwise you could be in for an unwelcome surprise!

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Ask about accommodation

It’s very unlikely that all your guests will be local so you need to ask about what rooms are available on-site or nearby.  Some venues, such as hotels, will offer a discounted room rate or include bedrooms in the wedding package.  What other accommodation is available in the vicinity and are there sufficient local taxi firms to meet your requirements?  Be sure to agree check-in and check-out times as your guests are sure to ask you!  If a bridal suite is included in the package is it sufficiently luxurious and comfortable for your wedding night?  

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How photogenic is it?

Your wedding day is about making memories and the photography is a big part of that.  Does the venue have some suitably romantic and dramatic settings that will make for fantastic shots – a splendid staircase, a gazebo by a lake, an impressive gothic archway?

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Setting the scene – what’s the deal?

How long do you need to set things up for your big day – is early in the morning the best they can do or can you start the day before?  How early can suppliers get the access they need?  How long do you have after the event to clear everything away?  Equally important, how much help will the venue team provide?  With some venues you can drop off your decorations and they’ll set everything up for you.

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Who is providing the furniture, tablecloths, napkins, glasses, cutlery, crockery and so on – the venue, your caterers or you?   Don’t forget the cake stand and knife!  Most wedding venues will provide this, but is it included in the package and does it work you’re your style of cake?  Some cake makers include cake stand hire in the cost of your wedding cake but others will make a charge for the hire.

Also be aware that some venues have limitations on the use of candles and confetti. Others, like art galleries or museums, may have restrictions on flash photography.  Be sure to ask before you finalise the booking.

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Restrictions on entertainment

You’ll almost certainly want a DJ or band but can the venue accommodate their requirements?  Is the stage large enough, are there sufficient electric sockets for all their sound and lighting equipment, do they have enough time to set up and is there sufficient room for the dancers?  Is the venue licenced for fireworks?  Is the garden big enough for a bouncy castle?  Is there a separate area where kids can watch a movie?

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Indoors or outdoors

If you’re planning a summer wedding what can the venue offer in the way of outdoor settings?  Can we hold the ceremony itself in the sun?  What about a drinks reception on a lawn, terrace or deck?  Is a marquee an option?  Are the gardens sufficiently large for fun and games?  Can we have an evening barbecue and drinks under the stars?  If the weather turns nasty how easy is it to continue indoors?

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Parking and transport

Most venues have sufficient free parking but this will be an issue if you decide on a city centre venue.  Also remember that some guests may not drive, or will choose to travel by air or rail – how convenient, and affordable, is the taxi fare going to be?  Also, if you choose a venue in the back of beyond that can only be reached down miles of narrow twisting lanes some guests may not arrive in the best frame of mind!

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Is that everything?

We think we’ve covered the most important questions but you can probably think of a few more yourselves (are pets allowed, what’s the cancellation policy, how many toilets are there…?!).  Whatever you want to know the team at Clevedon Hall can almost certainly oblige – we’ve been doing this long enough!

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Finding your dream dress can actually turn into a bit of a nightmare.  There are so many different styles to choose from.   You’ll suddenly be confronted by a whole new language.  It’s probably the most expensive gown you’ll ever buy.  So, what initially looked like fun soon becomes seriously stressful!   Follow these sensible tips, however, and you’ll soon feel more comfortable about making this big decision.

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Take your time

Start your search about nine months before the big day.  A bespoke dress takes about four months to make with another two for alterations.  Buying a ready-to-wear gown means you don’t have to take decisions so early but there could be a delay getting your size and alterations may still be needed.  Whichever route you go the bewildering range of options and issues requires ample time for research, discussion and consideration.

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Do your research

A whole new world opens up when you start seriously looking for a wedding dress.  You are going to learn about basque waists, flutter sleeves, Alençon Lace, Watteau trains and the subtle differences between fifty shades of white.  Embrace it - immerse yourself in bridal magazines, books, and websites to learn about fabrics, silhouettes, and the lexicon so you have some idea of what you are getting yourself into.  Create a folder with pictures of dresses or details that appeal to you – this will prove invaluable when you start talking to designers or visiting stores.

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Decide which silhouette suits your shape

Early on in the process you’ll have to learn about the basic wedding dress silhouettes then decide which ones best suit your particular figure (and which ones you want to avoid!).  

A-line Silhouette: gown with slim-cut bodice that hugs the waist and a skirt that flares out gently in the shape of the letter "A" - universally flattering favourite that’s ideal for all body types.  

Ballgown: gown with slim-cut bodice that hugs the waist and a dramatic, voluminous skirt for the true “princess” look.  Ideal for most body types but can be overwhelming if you are very petite.

Basque Waist Silhouette: gown with a fitted bodice that extends past the natural waist and floats away from the body in a full skirt from the top of the hip - one of the most flattering waistlines

Bridal Separates: in lieu of a traditional gown, the bride wears a top with a skirt (or pants!) to create a unique look.

Column/Sheath Silhouette: figure hugging shape that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem. Ideal for lean frames and athletic body types. Also great for hourglasses who are looking to flaunt their curves!

Drop Waist Silhouette: a loose-fitting dress in which the seam falls below the hips rather than at the waist; often associated with flappers and the 1920s

Fit & Flare/Trumpet Silhouette: form-fitting gown or skirt that flares just past the waist /mid-thigh.  Ideal for those with hourglass figure or petite brides looking to accentuate a small waist.

Maxi Dress: floor-length dress.

Mermaid Silhouette: sleek and sexy - contours the body from the bust to the knee then flares dramatically. Ideal for brides looking to show off their curves.  Emphasizes the waist and hips rather than narrowing them.

Midi Dress: dress that falls to mid-calf.

Tea-Length Dress: dress that falls to just above the ankle – a slightly unconventional choice but one that has vintage appeal with a modern twist.

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Have a budget in mind

A typical wedding ensemble, including veil, undergarments, and any other accessories, accounts for 10 percent to 15 percent of the total wedding cost.  Remember to factor in shipping fees and alteration costs.  It’s really helpful to have a figure in mind before you start your search – that way you won’t set your heart on a gown you can’t afford.

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Time, place and theme

Bear in mind the location, season and your wedding theme.  If you’re planning a daytime ceremony on the beach you can rule out ball gowns with long trains and dramatic embellishments. If you’re exchanging vows in a candlelit cathedral avoid short slip dresses or anything that looks like it could be worn to a cocktail party.  Consider the fabric too – most are suitable year-round, but some, like linen and organdy, are more appropriate for warm weather, while velvet and brocade are best left for winter.  What’s more, choose a dress that’s in keeping with the overall theme of your wedding.

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Shop smart

Create a shortlist of stores and call in advance to find out which designers they stock, the price range and if they sell accessories and provide alterations.  You’ll probably have to arrange an appointment.  Shop on a weekday if you can (but not during your lunch hour when you'll be rushed).  Pace yourself - two stores a day max so you don't get tired and struggle to remember what you've seen. Carry a notebook and jot down dress descriptions (taking photos before you buy a gown is frowned upon).

If there are things you know you want to wear, such as a special necklace or your grandmother's veil, bring them with you.   Boutiques will often provide bustiers, strapless bras, and shoes, but you may want to bring your own.   Line up a couple of confidants who share your taste and whose judgement you trust to provide support and advice – but don’t invite a crowd as too many opinions can be confusing.

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Keep an open mind

Try not to start out with a set idea of your dream dress.  Even if something doesn’t seem like your style, or doesn’t look like much on the hangar, listen to the people who are advising you.  Having said that, never let yourself be talked into purchasing a dress you're not in love with.

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Think fit, not dress size

Bridalwear sizing is often on the small side so if you normally buy an 8, you may need a 12.  Forget the number and don't insist on a smaller size because you intend to lose weight before the wedding—order the one that fits now. A gown is easy to take in, but difficult and costly to let out.

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Make the most of fitting sessions

You’ll probably need at least a couple of fittings to adjust a gown but ask for more if you think tweaks are needed. Sort your undergarments, shoes, and accessories before the first fitting and bring them with you. It’s also a good idea to get your hair done in the style you will wear.  Check practical things like “Can I lift my arms easily? Do the straps stay up? Do any seams pucker?”  For the final fitting bring whoever will be helping you into your gown.

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Want to talk dresses?

In this post we’ve hopefully covered some of the most frequently asked questions – but the subject of wedding dresses is a big one so you’ll almost certainly have more.  The team at Clevedon Hall can probably answer them…but if they can’t they know people who can – so don’t be shy about getting in touch!

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The big day has finally arrived and you want to enjoy every single moment to the max.  To do that you need some idea of a schedule – but how much time should you allocate to each stage?  The team at Combe Lodge has hosted more than a few wonderful weddings and here we share schedule tips sure to make your knot tying run smoothly!

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Start of the formal proceedings

In the UK the most common start time for a wedding ceremony is between 1pm and 3pm.  Registry office and civil ceremonies generally take place in the afternoon but those in a church are equally likely to be held in the morning or afternoon.  The day, however, starts long before that!

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Hair and makeup

If you’re having your hair and makeup done professionally ask the artist how long they think it will take. You should probably allow two hours for bridal hair and makeup plus 45-60 minutes for each member of your wedding party.  Practice getting into your dress to get an idea of how much time you’ll need – and give yourself some minutes to spare in case there are any unexpected snags.

If you are having First-Look photos (popular in the US and catching on here too) add an extra 15-20 minutes before the ceremony.  Are you travelling to a different location for these shots?   Add more time.

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Getting there on time

Groom and Groomsmen should arrive 1 hour before the ceremony so that they are ready to greet guests as they arrive.  Guests should roll up 45 minutes before the ceremony.  The bride and bridesmaids should appear 5 minutes before the ceremony (looking heavenly, excited but calm!)

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The ceremony

A simple registry office wedding or civil ceremony can take just 10 minutes.  However, if you add readings, poems and music this could stretch things to around 20-30 minutes.

With a religious ceremony the length of time depends on your denomination and faith. A Church of England service will normally take around 45 minutes and will include an address from the vicar, prayers and sung hymns as well as one or two readings - allow around 45 minutes.  A Catholic service may include a mass and if so allow as much as an hour and a half.

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The photos after you say “I do”

Discuss this with your photographer but 15 to 30 minutes should be adequate. Make sure you have a list of formal shots you need and have the bridesmaids and ushers find those required for each group.  If the reception is in a different location add in the travelling time.

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Reception Drinks

About an hour and a half gives time for guests to freshen up and have a good mingle (with bubbly, of course!)  before the wedding breakfast.  This also gives your photographer plenty of time for more casual shots.  Allow up to 15 minutes for your guests to move from the drinks reception to the wedding breakfast and for them to find their seats.  If you are having a receiving line, add another 15 minutes (or more if your guest list is really long).

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Wedding Breakfast

Assuming it includes speeches you should think in terms of up to two and a half hours – but talk to the team at your venue and your caterers to see what they feel will work best.

Even the most entertaining speech shouldn’t last any more than 10 minutes.  The father of the bride generally goes first, followed directly by the groom and finishing with the best man.  Usually the speeches come between the main course and dessert but some prefer to keep them until after the meal has finished.

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Cutting the cake

This usually takes place before the evening guests arrive and will only take about five minutes.

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Evening Reception

This probably starts about 7.30pm or 8pm is the usual time and goes on late into the night.  Discuss with the venue when they expect you to wind things up.

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Want some more advice?

Hopefully this will help you schedule a sequence of events where you never feel hurried and things progress at a comfortable pace.  Every wedding is different, however, and the team at Clevedon Hall will be happy to discuss how best to make your day absolutely perfect.

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You’ve been picked as a bridesmaid – yay!  But once your initial excitement has subsided you might be wondering “what have I let myself in for?”  In this article we provide some hints and tips that will help you perform the role to perfection.

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Have the right attitude

Being a bridesmaid requires the right mindset.  Whether you’ve never been here before, or you’re beginning to have “always a bridesmaid, never a bride” fatigue, you need to be excited and positive about everything.

Having said that there is work involved and some of the roles are less than glamorous.  Don’t agree to be a bridesmaid if you’re not willing to pitch in and help out. Whatever you are asked to do go above and beyond.  And be a team player - even if you don’t know the other bridesmaids, throw yourself into working with them.

So, it’s not enough to just show up at the hen party and wear a sash – think about what you can do to go the extra mile to make the occasion extra special.  Whether that’s researching cocktail games, or putting together a book of heartfelt messages from the other bridesmaids, you’ve really got to enter into the spirit.  

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Be supportive and make yourself useful

Wedding planning can get pretty stressful and tiring so one of your main roles is to provide emotional support.  That means being the calm one when things get difficult, listening when the bride just needs to vent, providing a shoulder to cry on if it comes to that and adding the fun when things start to get a bit flat.  

You also have a big part to play in helping her gather inspiration and ideas.  Set yourselves up on Pinterest, start some shared boards, follow a few wedding accounts on Instagram, then tag her when you spot things she might like.  Another way you can help is by going with her to events or wedding fairs.  

Don't just say "Call me if you need a hand!" but be proactive - offer to take specific tasks off her plate.  If you’re a dab hand at crafts you could help with DIY wedding favours.  Perhaps you have graphic design skills?  Then you can get involved with the invitations, menus, website and signage.  Someone who is sup organised can take on some of the wedmin - sorting through RSVPs, collating menu choices or researching wedding suppliers.

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Do the dress shopping

Going bridesmaid dress shopping with the rest of your group is obligatory.  The maid of honour should probably organise it but getting everyone together can be a bit of a nightmare so be flexible about when you’re available.  The same goes for choosing colours and styles - be gracious and tactful.  Try to accommodate the tastes of others while helping the bride achieve her personal vision.  

The final decision is the brides and while it may not be your preferred option this is a time for diplomacy not tantrums!  As early as possible establish with the bride who will pay for the dresses and discuss whether that includes any extras such as accessories, hair and makeup.  You want to avoid any awkwardness down the line!

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When it comes to choosing a dress for the bride you need to offer support and advice – unless she’s super confidant and knows exactly what she wants your opinion will be very welcome.  It's also a good idea to be there for the fitting too so you know how to help her into her ensemble, how to manoeuvre the train or tie up the bustle.

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Hen party

Planning and organising the hen party is primarily the maid of honour’s job but it takes a team effort to create a really great one.  Remember that the objective is to have fun and create a great bonding experience for the bride and her closest mates.  But not too much fun.  It has to be appropriate for the bride and the group.  Are we talking a stretch limo, butlers in the buff and a few OTT antics or would a spa day, afternoon tea and a posh restaurant be more welcome?  

The main thing from your point of view is to get involved and encourage the others to do the same.  One bridesmaid could round up some hen party dares, another could contact the groom to get the answers for the Mr and Mrs Quiz and a third could put together the hen party bags.  

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On the day

As the date approaches make sure you have got the schedule.  Most brides like to have their bridesmaids get ready with them, so do you need to sort accommodation or can you turn up in the morning?  Also, double check if there’s anything you need to bring with you.

With the other bridesmaids prepare an emergency kit with safety pins, plasters, sewing kit, tissues and anything else you might need.  If you’re staying overnight bring sleepover essentials – chocolates, girly movies and bottles of bubbly!

The hours just before the ceremony can get very emotional time so be sure to do all you can to calm nerves and prevent any dramas.  The maid of honour traditionally assists the bride but you can probably help too, even if it’s just taking care of any younger bridesmaids and flower girls.

You and the other bridesmaids usually travel to the ceremony with the maid of honour and the mother of the bride while the bride arrives with her dad.  The bridesmaids should arrive at the ceremony ten minutes before the bride so they can see her arrive.

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During and after the ceremony

It’s traditional at English weddings for the bride and her father go first, followed by the bridesmaids – but the American way, with the bridesmaids first and the bride last, is becoming increasingly popular.  You might be asked to give a reading during the ceremony, or to be a witness for the signing of the register.  After the ceremony is over, you should leave after the couple and the maid of honour and the best man.

Once the ceremony is over don’t sneak off for an early drink!  It’s time for the photos so the bride might need help adjusting her dress or someone to hold her bouquet.  You can also do a bit of rounding up guests for the various group portraits.

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Once the celebrations start

You might be asked to join a receiving line at the reception to greet guests as a key member of the wedding party.  The bridesmaids will probably not sit together at the breakfast but on separate tables to host your own group of guests.  Put your friendliest face on – it’s your job to make everyone feel included and to ensure they enjoy themselves.    In the past you would be expected to hand out the slices of wedding cake but now most people now help themselves or it is served up after the wedding breakfast.

You’ll probably also have to take your turn on bathroom duty, helping your mate overcome the problems of going to the loo in a dress that makes it rather awkward – a great bonding experience!

The happy couple will probably struggle to spend as much time with some of their old friends and elderly relatives as they’d like so you can be a big help by making sure these people don’t feel neglected and have everything they need – keep your eye out for people who might welcome a little bit of attention and conversation.   Also make sure the bride has something to drink and eat at regular intervals as the day and evening go on – too much of the former and too little of the latter is not good so be alert to what is required!

Finally, have FUN.  A big part of your job now is to be the life and soul of the party.  Be the first on the dance floor and drag others with you, wear your biggest smile at all times and do your best to create the kind of atmosphere where absolutely everyone, from the most awkward teenager to the oldest aunt, and from the tipsiest uncle to the shyest plus one, has the time of their lives.

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Any other questions?

Follow these tips and you’ll be the most popular bridesmaid ever, invited to do the honours on a regular basis.  Need to know anything else wedding wise?  Just ask the team at Clevedon Hall!

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