Trends, Tips, & Ideas For Your Next Big Event

When Tiffany and Francis set out to find the perfect venue for their wedding, they had a clear vision: a space that was formal but not stuffy, grand yet welcoming. Clevedon Hall checked every box. From the stunning Great Hall, which needed little additional decoration, to the warm and understanding approach of their wedding coordinator Lauren, everything felt just right. And, as Tiffany firmly required, there were no paintings of "old white men" on the walls—a detail that made them laugh but also solidified their choice!

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A Weekend of Unforgettable Moments

Their wedding weekend was nothing short of extraordinary. The festivities kicked off with a vibrant Chinese New Year celebration on Friday, filled with games, laughter, and an unforgettable surprise serenade from Tiffany’s family. The energy of the night set the perfect tone for what was to come.

Then came the wedding day—truly the best day of their lives. Every moment felt like magic, but the Wedding Breakfast stood out as an emotional highlight. There were tears, laughter, and the perfect pairing of exquisite food and wine, making it an experience to cherish forever.

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Personal Touches & Traditions

Rather than focusing on specific traditions, Tiffany and Francis crafted the day around meaningful personal moments. Tiffany cherished a quiet morning with her parents in the Bridal Suite, enjoying breakfast together before calling her sister, who couldn’t be there in person. Their first dance song, the very first decision they made for the wedding, held deep significance, making that dance one of the most heartfelt moments of the day.

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Styling & Decor: A Harmonious Blend of Cultures

The wedding weekend was a symphony of red and gold hues. Friday’s Chinese New Year celebration embraced vibrant reds and golds, with a dress code of bright colours. The venue was adorned with Tiffany’s mother’s calligraphy, Francis’ mother’s bold red tablecloths, and delicate origami cranes and flowers.

On the wedding day, the palette transitioned to a softer maroon and champagne, creating an elegant yet understated aesthetic. Flowers from a local Bristol florist, Roots, were repurposed from the previous day, beautifully complementing Clevedon Hall’s natural grandeur. Golden candlesticks and cutlery, rented from Clevedon Hall, provided a cohesive touch across both days, adding warmth and sophistication to the dining experience.

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Elegant & Meaningful Outfit Choices

For the Chinese New Year celebration, Tiffany and Francis honoured tradition in style. Tiffany wore a stunning Han Chinese outfit, while Francis donned a Chinese jacket embroidered with cranes, symbolizing longevity, peace, and good fortune. The crane motif also appeared throughout their wedding decor, tying everything together beautifully.

For the wedding day, Tiffany sought a dress that was simple, elegant, and easy to move in. She found the perfect gown, later adding a transformative top for the Wedding Breakfast—creating the effect of an outfit change without needing a second dress. Francis, determined to stand out as the groom, opted for a striking burgundy suit, which suited him perfectly.

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Words of Wisdom for Future Couples

Tiffany and Francis have one key piece of advice for couples planning their wedding: don’t sweat the small details! The day will be beautiful no matter what, so focus on being present and soaking in the love from friends and family. And most importantly, let go of the pressure to entertain—guests will find their own joy in the celebration.

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Oh, and one final tip? End the night with an incredible playlist. It’s the secret ingredient to an unforgettable evening!

A Lavish Sikh Wedding at Clevedon Hall - a blog written by Isha Lakhani from Guides for Brides.

Arjun and Amariese tied the knot in a breathtaking celebration of their love at the magnificent Clevedon Hall in Somerset. This grand event spanned over two vibrant, ritual-filled days, with an elegant blend of tradition, family, and festivities that honoured their cultural heritage. The ceremonies, infused with deep symbolism and heartfelt moments, were followed by joyous celebrations that included music, dance, and feasting.
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The Venue

Clevedon Hall was chosen as the setting for Arjun and Amariese's multi-day wedding. This exclusive use venue  offered a stunning backdrop for the couple's vibrant celebrations as well as complete privacy for them to celebrate with their friends and family. The venue provided the perfect setting for a multi-day wedding celebration, with 25 beautifully appointed luxurious rooms, that ensured that every wedding guest could relax throughout the festivities. The heart of the celebration unfolded in the Great Hall, an expansive, elegant space that effortlessly accommodated the gala gathering. For the wedding ceremony itself, the enchanting Gazebo nestled in the lush gardens offered a truly magical, picturesque backdrop, perfect for creating unforgettable memories amidst nature's beauty.

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The Fashion

Amariese's bridal looks for each ceremony were nothing short of stunning. For the Maiyan, Choora, and Chunni ceremonies, she wore a beautiful blue salwar-kameez that was simple yet elegant, perfectly capturing the traditional spirit of the events. As the evening festivities of the Jaggo approached, she transformed into a vibrant and colorful lehenga, ideal for twirling across the dance floor. On the wedding day, she took everyone's breath away in a dazzling red bridal lehenga, radiating timeless beauty. For the grand finale at the wedding reception, Amariese opted for a gorgeous white lehenga, setting the tone for her fairytale ending.

Arjun's style choices were equally impressive, with each outfit thoughtfully selected for the occasion. For the Jaggo ceremony, he kept it simple with a subtle shirt and pants, allowing him to dance freely and enjoy the celebration. On the wedding day, he perfectly complemented Amariese in a striking golden sherwani, exuding regal charm. As the celebrations came to a close, he chose a sharp black suit, giving a sophisticated finish to their unforgettable wedding journey. The wedding guests embraced the vibrant spirit of the celebrations, donning a beautiful mix of traditional Indian attire, from elegant sarees to colorful kurtas and cholis, adding to the festive atmosphere.

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Let's take a closer look at the key rituals that made their wedding so memorable.

Day One: A Beautiful Journey of Pre-Wedding Rituals

Maiyan Ceremony: A Cleansing Start

The festivities began with the Maiyan ceremony, a traditional cleansing ritual. Family and friends gathered around the bride and groom as they lovingly applied yellow turmeric paste to their skin. This symbolic paste not only represents purification but also marks the start of their wedding journey.

Overhead, a red chunni (scarf) was held at each corner by four guests, creating a beautiful canopy for the couple. The laughter and warmth of everyone rubbing the turmeric paste on Arjun and Amariese symbolised the family and friends' support and blessings for their new life together. The ceremony concluded with a red thread tied around the couple's wrists, symbolising protection and the blessings of all present. If you can, it is tradition to keep this on until it falls off.

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Choora Ceremony: Blessings of Red Bangles

The second ceremony was the Choora, a touching moment shared between Amariese and her maternal uncle (Mama). He gently placed the traditional red bangles on her wrists, which are traditionally to be worn for five weeks.

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Chunni Ceremony: Welcoming the Bride

The Chunni ceremony followed, where Arjun's family "officially" welcomed Amariese into their lives. The groom's family placed a vibrant red chunni on her shoulders, along with gifts, symbolising their acceptance of her as their daughter-in-law. It was a tender moment that united the two families with love and tradition.
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Jaggo: The Party Begins!

Once the ceremonial rituals concluded, the party truly began with the Jaggo - a vibrant and energetic celebration! The maternal side of both families danced in with drums, bright colours, and pots with lit candles balanced on their heads. The Jaggo, meaning "stay awake," symbolises the beginning of the wedding celebrations, inviting everyone to join in the music and dancing, and that's exactly what happened! Family and friends took turns passing the Jaggo between them, dancing with pure joy and anticipation for the big day ahead.

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Day Two: The Wedding Day

Baraat: The Groom's Grand Arrival

The wedding day started in grand style with Arjun's Baraat; he arrived on a white horse, accompanied by his family and friends. There was also an Ardas (a short prayer) in which all guests bowed to the ground at the end. The Baraat is not just a visual spectacle, but a lively event with drums, music, and dancing, showcasing how well the groom's side can celebrate! Upon arrival, Arjun and his family were warmly received by Amariese's family, marking the start of the union.

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Milni Ceremony: Uniting the Families

The Milni ceremony followed, where key members from both families officially met. This symbolic gesture represents the coming together of two families and the joining of their lives through the marriage of their children.

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Anand Karaj: The Sikh Wedding Ceremony

The heart of the celebration was the Anand Karaj, the traditional Sikh wedding ceremony. Under a beautifully adorned gazebo, the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) was placed, and guests were invited to remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering. Guests then proceeded down the aisle and bowed down to the floor, placing money in the box at the front. Traditionally this goes towards the development of the temple. However, the wedding 'priests' were volunteers and every penny donated was to develop the Bebe Nanaki Charitable Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in India.

Ladies then sat on the floor to the left, and men on the floor to the right, as you look towards the front. The religious ladies on the stage sang prayers throughout, and the first ceremony was the Karmai on the groom.

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BLOG CREDIT: Isha Lakhani from Guides for Brides

Read the full blog here: A Lavish Sikh Wedding at Clevedon Hall

1. Plant-Based and Sustainable Menus

The demand for plant-based cuisine is skyrocketing in 2024, as more couples prioritize sustainability and healthier eating habits. Even non-vegans are embracing plant-based options, and caterers are rising to the occasion with creative and flavorful dishes that celebrate vegetables as the star of the plate. Key features include:

• Vegan fine dining: Think gourmet, plant-based tasting menus with dishes like mushroom risotto, roasted vegetable tartlets, and cashew cream sauces. These aren’t just side dishes but carefully curated, elegant meals that even non-vegans will love.
• Farm-to-table: Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients are a staple, ensuring that the menu is both sustainable and fresh. This trend helps support local farms and minimizes the carbon footprint.
• Meat alternatives: Creative use of plant-based proteins, like jackfruit “pulled pork” or Beyond Meat sliders, allows for familiar flavors with a sustainable twist.

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2. Global Flavors and Fusion Cuisine

As couples come from increasingly diverse backgrounds, wedding menus in 2024 are embracing global flavors and fusion cuisine. This trend allows couples to incorporate their cultural heritage or favorite travel destinations into their celebrations. Some popular ideas include:

• Fusion stations: Catering services are creating stations that combine flavors from different cultures, like sushi tacos or Korean BBQ sliders, blending the best of both worlds.
• Regional street food: Couples are opting for street food-inspired dishes from around the world—think Indian samosas, Mexican elote, or Italian arancini—for a more casual and fun vibe.
• Interactive global buffets: Instead of a traditional sit-down dinner, couples are setting up global food stations where guests can explore different cuisines at their own pace, like a Mediterranean mezze bar or a Japanese ramen station.

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3. Interactive Food Stations

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter buffets or fixed menus. Interactive food stations are one of the biggest wedding food trends of 2024, offering guests a more dynamic and customizable dining experience. Popular ideas include:

• DIY food bars: Guests can create their own dishes at stations like a taco bar, build-your-own pizza, or poke bowl station. This trend adds a fun, interactive element to the reception while catering to a wide range of tastes.
• Live cooking stations: Hiring chefs to prepare food in front of guests brings an element of theater to the meal. Whether it’s a pasta-making station, sushi-rolling demonstration, or a live grilling setup, these stations turn dining into an immersive experience.

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• Charcuterie boards and grazing tables: Oversized charcuterie boards filled with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, nuts, and bread are becoming a popular alternative to passed appetizers. Grazing tables allow guests to pick and choose as they mingle, making the meal more social.

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4. Creative Desserts and Alternative Cakes

While classic wedding cakes still have their place, couples in 2024 are opting for more creative, playful dessert options to surprise their guests. Unique alternatives include:

• Mini dessert bars: Instead of one large cake, couples are offering a variety of smaller, bite-sized desserts like mini cheesecakes, macarons, and cupcakes, allowing guests to sample a range of sweets.

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• Dessert food trucks: From ice cream trucks to churro carts, food trucks serving sweet treats are becoming a fun and Instagram-worthy addition to wedding receptions.
• Non-traditional cakes: While multi-tiered cakes are still popular, many couples are opting for unique alternatives like croquembouche (a tower of cream-filled profiteroles), donut walls, or even cheese-wheel "cakes" for those who prefer savory over sweet.

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5. Zero-Waste Catering

As sustainability takes center stage, zero-waste weddings are gaining momentum in 2024. Couples are working with caterers to minimize food waste and adopt eco-friendly practices. This trend includes:

• Eco-conscious portions: Caterers are focusing on creating smaller, more intentional portion sizes to avoid excess food waste. Instead of large, overwhelming platters, dishes are served as elegant, manageable portions.

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• Reusable or compostable dishware: To minimize the environmental impact of single-use plastics, couples are opting for eco-friendly alternatives like compostable cutlery, bamboo plates, or renting reusable glassware and crockery.
• Leftover donation: Many couples are partnering with local organizations to donate any leftover food to shelters or food banks, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

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6. Cocktail Pairings and Specialty Drinks

‍2024 weddings are elevating their drink game with curated cocktail pairings and signature beverages that reflect the couple’s personalities. Here’s what’s trending:

• Craft cocktail bars: Instead of a standard open bar, couples are hiring mixologists to create bespoke cocktails tailored to their tastes or the wedding theme. These drinks often feature unique ingredients like elderflower, lavender, or artisanal bitters.

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• Non-alcoholic options: With the rise of health-conscious living, mocktails and alcohol-free options are becoming more sophisticated. Signature mocktails using fresh, seasonal ingredients give non-drinking guests a special experience.
• Local and craft beverages: Supporting local breweries, distilleries, and wineries is a big part of 2024 wedding menus. Craft beers, artisanal gin, and locally produced wines add a personal touch while supporting regional businesses.

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7. Personalized Menus

Couples in 2024 are making their wedding menus more personal by infusing them with elements that reflect their relationship or family traditions. Popular ideas include:

• Family recipes: Many couples are incorporating cherished family recipes into their wedding menu, whether it’s a signature dish from a grandparent’s cookbook or a cultural staple that’s meaningful to the couple.

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• Themed menus: For couples who share a favorite food, TV show, or book, themed menus are a playful way to personalize the dining experience. A "Harry Potter"-inspired menu with butterbeer or a “Game of Thrones” banquet-style feast are fun ideas that guests will remember.
• Custom wine and cocktail labels: Some couples are taking personalization a step further by creating custom labels for wine bottles or cocktails, featuring their wedding date, a special message, or even a logo designed just for the big day.

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8. Family-Style Dining

‍For couples seeking a more relaxed and communal dining experience, family-style service is making a comeback. This trend allows guests to share large platters of food at the table, encouraging interaction and a warm, intimate atmosphere. Popular choices include:

• Rustic comfort food: Think hearty, shareable dishes like roast chicken, mac and cheese, or vegetable gratins served family-style. These meals evoke a cozy, home-cooked feel that guests love.

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• Communal platters: Instead of individual plates, large charcuterie boards, seafood towers, or antipasto platters are placed on each table for guests to share and enjoy together.

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Conclusion

The wedding food trends of 2024 reflect a shift toward personalization, sustainability, and interactive experiences. Whether couples are embracing plant-based menus, indulging in global flavors, or serving family recipes with a twist, wedding cuisine is becoming more dynamic and memorable. The focus is no longer just on feeding guests but on crafting a dining experience that reflects the couple’s values, personalities, and creativity. Whatever your vision for your big day, these food trends offer endless inspiration for creating a delicious and meaningful celebration.

There’s something undeniably magical about autumn and winter weddings, especially when celebrated in a luxurious 18th-century venue. The blend of historic charm, seasonal ambiance, and opulent surroundings makes these colder months ideal for couples seeking a romantic and timeless setting. As nature transitions from the golden hues of autumn to the frosted elegance of winter, your wedding can become an enchanting experience, filled with warmth, elegance, and unforgettable beauty.

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The Allure of an 18th-Century Venue

The grandeur of an 18th-century venue brings an air of sophistication and history to your wedding. Imagine a stately manor, set amidst manicured gardens and sweeping landscapes, with its classical architecture, lavish interiors, and ornate detailing. These venues often feature grand staircases, marble fireplaces, and chandeliers that cast a soft glow over intimate spaces. The combination of these architectural elements with the changing seasons creates a unique atmosphere where tradition meets romance.

In autumn, as the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, the soft, golden light filters through the tall windows, illuminating the rich wooden paneling and antique furnishings. In winter, the venue transforms into a cozy retreat, where roaring fireplaces and candlelit rooms evoke an intimate charm that is perfect for a winter wonderland wedding.

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The Beauty of an Autumn Wedding

Autumn weddings at a historic venue are pure enchantment. The natural palette of the season—burnt oranges, deep reds, and golden yellows—complements the historical elegance of the venue. The gardens, often adorned with centuries-old trees, provide a stunning backdrop of changing leaves, perfect for capturing breath taking photographs.

This season lends itself to rustic yet refined décor. Imagine dining in a grand hall with tables adorned with gold accents, flickering candlelight, and floral arrangements filled with rich autumnal blooms like dahlias, roses, and chrysanthemums. Paired with dark wood furniture and soft linens, these colors create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

For couples looking to embrace the season’s flavors, autumn weddings offer the chance to infuse your menu with cozy, comforting dishes. Think mulled wine, spiced cocktails, and a seasonal menu featuring hearty dishes like roast meats, squash, and figs. As guests gather around the fireplace during cocktail hour, sipping on warm drinks, the venue’s timeless charm adds to the feeling of indulgence.

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The Magic of a Winter Wonderland Wedding

Winter weddings evoke the essence of a classic fairy tale. With frost-covered gardens and possibly even a dusting of snow, the setting becomes a serene, winter wonderland. The contrast between the cold outdoors and the warmth inside the grand manor is what makes winter weddings so special.

Picture arriving at your venue amidst a backdrop of bare trees and twinkling lights, with the historic façade glowing softly against the winter sky. Inside, grand fireplaces roar, filling the space with warmth as your guests enjoy hot chocolate bars, champagne, or signature winter cocktails. The décor can lean into the season’s cool tones—white, silver, and icy blue—or opt for a more traditional palette of rich reds and greens, accented with garlands of evergreens and berry-laden branches.

Winter weddings also offer endless opportunities for lavish attire. Brides can don luxurious velvet shawls, faux fur wraps, or long-sleeved lace gowns that echo the elegance of the venue. Grooms can complement the aesthetic with sharp, tailored suits in rich fabrics like wool or velvet. The cold weather encourages layering, adding a regal touch to your overall look.

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The Benefits of an Off-Peak Wedding

Another advantage of autumn and winter weddings is the possibility of securing your dream 18th-century venue at a more favorable rate. Many venues experience lower demand during the colder months, which can open up a wider range of dates and provide additional flexibility for couples. Moreover, with fewer weddings happening, you can expect more personalized attention from venue staff and vendors, ensuring every detail is meticulously executed.

You also have more freedom to customize your day without the restrictions of peak wedding season schedules. Whether you want an outdoor ceremony in an autumn garden followed by an indoor reception or a late-afternoon winter wedding that flows seamlessly into an evening of dancing by the fire, the venue’s timeless elegance offers endless versatility.

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Capturing Timeless Memories

The historic ambiance of an 18th-century venue provides the perfect canvas for timeless wedding photography. In autumn, the golden light filtering through the foliage creates a dreamlike quality, while winter’s crisp, pale light highlights the grandeur of the venue’s architecture and the intimacy of indoor moments.

Imagine your wedding photos: under a canopy of autumn leaves, wrapped in a fur stole on a winter balcony overlooking frost-covered gardens, or sharing a kiss in front of a roaring fire in a candlelit room. These settings ensure that your wedding album will be filled with moments that look and feel like they’ve been plucked from the pages of a romantic novel.

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The Perfect Backdrop for Love

Autumn and winter weddings at a historic manor house are for couples who want more than just a wedding—they want an experience. These venues exude history, beauty, and charm, and when paired with the cozy elegance of the colder months, they create an atmosphere that is unforgettable.

Whether you choose to say your vows surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall or under the glow of chandeliers in a winter wonderland, a historic venue offers a timeless backdrop that makes every moment feel like a scene from a classic love story. After all, when you marry in a venue steeped in history, you’re not just celebrating the start of your future—you’re also becoming part of a legacy that has stood the test of time.

A Dream Wedding at Clevedon Hall: A Three-Day Celebration of Love

When it came to choosing the perfect venue for their wedding, Clevedon Hall immediately stole the hearts of this couple. They knew that this stunning estate, with its pristine grounds, magnificent architecture, and luxurious rooms, would be the ultimate backdrop for their three-day celebration of love. With endless spaces to explore, both indoors and out, Clevedon Hall provided the versatility they needed for their unique and unforgettable event.

The couple felt reassured by the exceptional expertise of Lauren, their wedding planner, who understood their vision and promised to bring their wedding dreams to life.

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A Three-Day Extravaganza

With many of their guests travelling from abroad, the couple wanted to make the most of their time together by hosting a three-day wedding celebration. The festivities began with a relaxed welcome dinner the night before the wedding, allowing everyone to settle in and catch up. This intimate gathering set the tone for the rest of the weekend.

The wedding day itself was filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments, but the celebrations didn’t end there. The couple hosted a farewell brunch the day after the wedding, giving them the opportunity to spend even more quality time with their family and friends. This extended celebration made their wedding weekend feel like a dream come true.

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A Blend of Cultures and Traditions

The couple's wedding was a true reflection of their personalities and heritage. With the groom being English and the bride being French, they seamlessly blended both cultures into their big day. Their ceremony was bilingual, with two officiants—one speaking French and  the other English—and they made their vows even more meaningful by reading them in each other’s native languages.

To further emphasise the blend of cultures, their guests paired up, with French guests translating for English guests during the speeches. This sense of unity and inclusivity made the day even more special. The French influence didn’t stop there—the reception featured exquisite French wines, cuisine, and an impressive gold-covered chocolate Eiffel Tower as part of the dessert buffet.

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Music was another harmonious blend, with a mix of French and English songs playing throughout the festivities. Instead of a traditional first dance, the couple opted for a last dance to a song sung in both languages, a perfect ending to their extraordinary celebration.

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Elegant Styling and Personal Touches

The couple’s June wedding was a celebration of timeless elegance and romance. Their favourite flower, the peony, was in full bloom, and the bride's bouquet featured a stunning all-white arrangement of this classic flower. The colour palette for the day included soft shades of white, peachy orange, dark pink, and light pink, accented with touches of gold. Minimal greenery allowed the vibrant floral arrangements to pop, bringing the venue to life with beauty and charm.

Every detail of the day was carefully considered to make the event both unique and personal. From custom-made biscuits with the couple's initials to handwritten welcome notes in each guest's room, the thoughtful touches didn’t go unnoticed.

They also added playful elements, such as chocolates with their picture printed on them and custom drink toppers featuring their wedding date. A painting of the wedding scene was displayed for guests to admire, further enhancing the personalised atmosphere.

The floral arrangements were a true highlight of the day. The couple devoted a significant portion of their budget to ensuring that each space was filled with breathtaking blooms, creating a "wow" moment for their guests. These flowers, combined with Clevedon Hall’s natural beauty, made for an absolutely stunning setting.

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The Perfect Outfits for a Perfect Day

When it came to their outfits, the couple chose timeless, elegant looks that complemented the luxurious feel of the day. The groom looked dashing in a classic Hugo Boss tuxedo paired with sleek leather shoes, creating a simple yet sophisticated ensemble. The bride, on the other hand, wore a stunning pleated satin A-line gown that embodied grace and elegance. She completed her look with gold and pearl jewellery, adding a touch of glamour to her timeless appearance. Pearls delicately woven into her hairstyle added the perfect finishing touch.

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Unforgettable Moments

Every wedding day is filled with precious moments, but this couple's day was particularly magical. One of the most memorable parts was exchanging vows in front of their family and

friends, with emotions running high during their heartfelt promises. Speeches from loved ones added even more sentiment to the day, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

The couple also delighted in surprising their guests with elegant touches that made the day even more memorable. From a stunning Champagne tower to an indulgent dessert buffet, fireworks, and even a live illustrator, every detail was meticulously planned. The night ended with a spectacular last dance, complete with confetti, leaving guests dazzled and filled with joy.

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Words of Wisdom for Future Couples

For future couples planning their big day, this bride and groom have some valuable advice: stay close to each other throughout the day so you can enjoy every moment together. Take a minute to pause and truly soak in the experience—it all goes by so quickly! Don’t stress over the little things, and most importantly, have fun and make the day your own.

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Choosing the perfect colour scheme is one of the most important steps in planning a wedding. It's not just about aesthetics; the colours you choose set the tone, create an atmosphere, and enhance the overall experience. When it comes to a luxury wedding venue, the stakes are even higher. The right palette will highlight the opulence of the space, complementing its architecture and design.

Whether you’re planning an intimate soirée or a grand affair, here are some stunning colour schemes that will elevate your luxury wedding venue to new heights of elegance.

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1. Timeless Neutrals: White, Ivory, and Gold

For couples dreaming of a classic wedding that exudes sophistication, a neutral palette is a perfect choice. Think soft whites, creamy ivories, and accents of gold for a luxurious touch.
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Why It Works for a Luxury Venue:

• Opulence through simplicity: Neutrals are timeless and refined. They reflect light beautifully, enhancing the grandeur of a venue with crystal chandeliers, towering windows, or marble floors.
• Endless versatility: White and ivory provide a clean canvas, allowing the architectural features of a luxury venue—such as intricate ceilings or stately columns—to shine.
• Gold accents for grandeur: From gilded flatware to shimmering gold linens or even a grand golden cake, this color scheme evokes regal elegance without overwhelming the space.

Design Tip: Consider layers of texture—satin tablecloths, velvet napkins, and gold-rimmed glassware. Use soft candlelight to create a romantic glow that adds warmth to the neutral tones.

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2. Romantic Blush and Champagne

Blush tones are synonymous with romance. Paired with the subtle sparkle of champagne, this colour scheme is perfect for a couple looking to create a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere at their luxury wedding venue.
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Why It Works for a Luxury Venue:

• Soft sophistication: Blush is delicate and romantic without being too bold. It softens grand spaces and adds warmth to expansive halls or open gardens.
• Champagne adds sparkle: Champagne-colored details—whether in linens, drapery, or glassware—bring a touch of sparkle without the brashness of metallics like silver or gold.
• A romantic, fairytale vibe: Blush floral arrangements, champagne-colored bridesmaid dresses, and lush, cascading drapery can transform a luxury venue into an enchanted setting.

Design Tip: Incorporate luxurious textures like silk and lace, and consider adding soft lighting, such as twinkling fairy lights or chandeliers, to enhance the romantic ambiance.

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3. Bold Black and White with Metallic Accents

For a wedding that is chic, modern, and unapologetically glamorous, a bold black-and-white palette is perfect. This high-contrast combination is both dramatic and timeless.
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Why It Works for a Luxury Venue:

• Striking contrast: Black and white is a classic combination that stands out in any space, but in a luxury venue, it takes on an even more refined, high-end feel.
• Versatile and bold: Whether you’re working with a ballroom, a modern rooftop, or a grand estate, black and white can be styled to suit any architectural style.
• Elevated by metallic accents: Add silver or gold metallic accents to enhance the luxury feel. Think sleek silver chargers, gold-edged glassware, or metallic-foil invitations.

Design Tip: Black and white décor, such as striped tablecloths or monochromatic floral arrangements, can be softened with elegant metallic touches in your flatware, lighting, or even furniture details.

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4. Emerald Green and Luxe Jewel Tones

Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep amethyst create a sense of richness and depth, perfect for a luxury wedding venue with a historic or opulent vibe.
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Why It Works for a Luxury Venue:

• Rich and dramatic: Jewel tones create a lush, regal atmosphere, especially in venues with dark wood paneling, velvet furnishings, or stately libraries.
• Versatile for any season: While jewel tones are perfect for fall and winter weddings, when paired with lighter shades like peach or blush, they can transition beautifully to spring or summer events.
• A perfect match for opulence: These colors work harmoniously with gilded furniture, crystal chandeliers, and other luxurious elements, adding layers of depth and sophistication.

Design Tip: Consider velvet or silk fabrics for table runners or napkins. Opt for grand floral installations in jewel tones, or mix these colors into your table settings and stationery for a lavish, cohesive look.

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5. Dusty Blue and Silver

For a serene and elegant wedding with a contemporary twist, dusty blue and silver make for a stunning combination. These cool tones bring a fresh, airy feel to a luxury venue without compromising on sophistication.
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Why It Works for a Luxury Venue:

• Subtle elegance: Dusty blue is soft and calming, creating an intimate and romantic vibe, perfect for luxury venues with waterfront views or outdoor spaces.
• Understated luxury: Silver adds just the right amount of shine to make the setting feel luxurious without overwhelming the space.
• Versatile across styles: Whether your venue is a grand estate, a chic urban loft, or a coastal retreat, this color scheme can adapt beautifully.

Design Tip: Use silver cutlery, chargers, and candelabras to elevate the look, and bring in dusty blue through table linens, bridesmaid dresses, and floral arrangements. This cool-toned palette works especially well with white or blush florals for a romantic touch.

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6. Rich Burgundy and Rose Gold

For a wedding that feels luxurious, moody, and intimate, the combination of rich burgundy and soft rose gold is unbeatable. This color scheme is dramatic yet feminine, perfect for an evening celebration at a luxury venue.
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Why It Works for a Luxury Venue:

• Moody and romantic: Burgundy creates a bold, romantic atmosphere that can feel intimate in a grand space. Paired with rose gold, it softens the intensity while maintaining a sense of luxury.
• Perfect for opulent spaces: This rich palette works particularly well in venues with dark wood, lush velvet furnishings, or historical features.
• Rose gold adds warmth: Rose gold’s subtle shine complements burgundy’s richness, making the overall feel more approachable and romantic.

Design Tip: Use rose gold accents in your flatware, votives, or invitations, and incorporate rich burgundy in floral arrangements, napkins, or even your wedding cake for a dramatic yet elegant look.

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7. Modern Minimalism: Grey and White

For couples who prefer a more modern, clean aesthetic, a minimalist palette of grey and white is a sleek and sophisticated option. This color scheme emphasizes elegance through simplicity and is perfect for a luxury venue with contemporary design.
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Why It Works for a Luxury Venue:

• Understated elegance: Grey and white provide a sophisticated, neutral backdrop, allowing the venue’s architecture and natural beauty to take center stage.
• Perfect for modern venues: If your luxury wedding venue features sleek, modern design elements like glass walls, marble floors, or geometric shapes, this color scheme will enhance its contemporary feel.
• A clean and chic look: Minimalist doesn’t mean boring—this palette creates a fresh, polished atmosphere that feels effortlessly elegant.

Design Tip: Pair different shades of grey with crisp white to add depth. Use lush greenery, sleek silver accents, or marble textures to enhance the modern vibe.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right color scheme is about more than just picking pretty shades—it’s about creating an atmosphere that reflects your style while enhancing the luxury of your wedding venue. Whether you go for timeless neutrals or bold jewel tones, your color choices should complement the grandeur of the space while adding personal flair. With thoughtful color combinations, your wedding will be a beautifully curated celebration of love and elegance.

The Hottest Wedding Trends of 2024: What’s New for Luxury Weddings

As we step into 2024, the world of luxury weddings is evolving in exciting ways, blending timeless elegance with fresh, innovative ideas. At our luxury wedding venue, we’ve been at the forefront of these trends, witnessing firsthand how couples are reimagining their special day. From opulent aesthetics to personalized experiences, here’s what’s making waves in the wedding world this year.
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1. Sustainable Luxury

Sustainability has become a significant consideration for couples planning their weddings, but 2024 takes it a step further with the concept of "sustainable luxury." Couples are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on elegance. This trend manifests in various forms, from sourcing locally grown, organic flowers to choosing eco-friendly wedding attire made from sustainable materials. Even menus are being designed with sustainability in mind, featuring locally sourced, organic ingredients that are as delectable as they are responsible.

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2. Statement Floral Installations

While flowers have always been a wedding staple, 2024 is all about making a statement with bold, dramatic floral installations. Think oversized floral arches, ceiling installations dripping with blooms, and even floral chandeliers. These lush, immersive floral designs create a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere, transforming wedding venues into enchanted gardens. Our venue has seen a surge in demand for these extravagant floral setups, often featuring a mix of rare and exotic flowers to enhance the sense of luxury.
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3. Intimate Gatherings with Grand Experiences

The trend of smaller, more intimate weddings continues to grow, but with a twist—couples are opting for grand experiences within these smaller gatherings. By focusing on a curated guest list, couples can allocate more resources to create unforgettable moments. Think multi-course gourmet meals, personalized entertainment, or even private fireworks displays. At our venue, we’re seeing a rise in requests for intimate yet opulent weddings where every guest feels like royalty.
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4. Destination-Inspired Themes

Destination weddings have always been popular, but in 2024, couples are bringing the destination to their chosen venue. This trend sees weddings themed around a particular location—whether it’s the romance of Paris, the vibrancy of Marrakech, or the serenity of the Amalfi Coast. These themes influence every aspect of the wedding, from décor and cuisine to music and attire. For example, a Parisian-inspired wedding might feature elegant black and white décor, a champagne tower, and a menu rich in French delicacies.

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5. Technology-Enhanced Experiences

Technology continues to play a crucial role in weddings, with 2024 bringing even more innovative ways to incorporate it. Live streaming remains popular, allowing guests from around the world to join in virtually. Additionally, 3D-printed décor elements, drone photography, and AI-generated music playlists are becoming increasingly sought after. Couples are also embracing augmented reality (AR) experiences, where guests can interact with digital elements via their smartphones, creating a truly immersive experience.

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6. Personalized Guest Experiences

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all weddings. Today’s couples are focused on creating highly personalized experiences for their guests. This could mean anything from customized welcome gifts that reflect the couple’s journey to interactive food stations where guests can create their own dishes. Another growing trend is the inclusion of wellness activities—think yoga sessions, spa treatments, or mindfulness workshops for guests to enjoy throughout the wedding weekend.

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7. Bold and Unique Color Palettes

2024 is all about breaking away from the traditional and embracing bold, unique color palettes. Expect to see rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby, often paired with metallics for a touch of glamour. These vibrant colors are being used in everything from bridesmaid dresses and floral arrangements to table settings and lighting. Couples are also experimenting with unexpected color combinations, like pairing soft pastels with bold, dark hues, to create a striking contrast.

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8. Interactive Entertainment

Entertainment has always been a key component of weddings, but this year, couples are taking it to the next level with interactive experiences. From live artists creating paintings of the ceremony in real time to mixologists crafting personalized cocktails for guests, interactive entertainment is all about engagement and creating memorable moments. At our venue, we’ve seen an uptick in requests for unique entertainment options that go beyond the traditional DJ or live band, offering guests something truly special.

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9. Extended Celebrations

Why limit the celebration to just one day? Extended wedding celebrations are becoming more popular, with couples hosting a series of events leading up to and following the big day. This trend might include welcome parties, group excursions, post-wedding brunches, and more. By extending the festivities, couples can spend more quality time with their loved ones and create a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

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10. Glamorous Fashion Statements

Wedding fashion in 2024 is all about making a statement. Brides are opting for bold, fashion-forward gowns featuring unique textures, intricate detailing, and unexpected elements like capes or detachable sleeves. Grooms, too, are stepping up their style game with custom-tailored suits, often in colors or fabrics that stand out. The emphasis is on individuality and self-expression, with couples choosing outfits that truly reflect their personalities and the vibe of their wedding.

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Final Thoughts

The luxury wedding landscape in 2024 is all about personalization, sustainability, and creating unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our venue is here to bring your vision to life with elegance and sophistication. These trends are just the beginning—there’s never been a more exciting time to plan a wedding that’s truly unique and memorable.

Let us help you craft a wedding that embodies the latest trends while staying true to your personal style, ensuring your special day is nothing short of spectacular.

Embarking on the journey of marriage is an exciting adventure, filled with dreams and aspirations for the future. However, before you dive into the depths of wedding planning, it's crucial to set a solid foundation with a well-thought-out budget. As we step into 2024, with its unique trends and expectations, understanding how to allocate your funds efficiently can make all the difference. Here are some essential tips to help you budget for your 2024 wedding, ensuring you start the year on the right foot.

1. Embrace the Digital Age

One of the most significant shifts in recent years is the move towards digital invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you notes. Not only is this trend eco-friendly, but it also cuts down on costs significantly. Utilize wedding websites and apps that offer these services, often at a fraction of the price of traditional paper invitations. Plus, they're easier to manage and track, ensuring a smoother communication flow with your guests.
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2. Prioritize What Matters Most

Sit down with your partner and discuss what aspects of the wedding are most important to you both. Is it the venue, the food, the music, or the photography? Once you've identified your top priorities, you can allocate a larger portion of your budget to these areas and find ways to save on the less critical aspects. This approach ensures that you're spending on what truly matters to you, making the day even more special.
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3. Consider Off-Peak Celebrations

As weekday weddings gain popularity for their cost-effectiveness, consider hosting your celebration on a less traditional day. Venues and suppliers often offer discounts for weekday bookings or during the off-peak season. Not only can this save you a significant amount, but it also provides greater flexibility in choosing your preferred vendors and venues.
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4. Go Local and Seasonal

Whether it's your catering, flowers, or decor, opting for local and seasonal options can dramatically reduce costs. Local suppliers won't charge hefty transportation fees, and seasonal goods are generally priced more competitively. This approach also supports local businesses and reduces your carbon footprint, aligning with the growing trend of sustainability.
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5. DIY with Caution

The allure of DIY projects can be strong, especially with platforms like Pinterest and Instagram showcasing endless creative possibilities. While taking on some DIY projects can add a personal touch to your wedding and help with savings, it's crucial to be realistic about your time, skills, and the actual cost of materials. Sometimes, what seems like a cost-saving measure can end up being more expensive and stressful than opting for a professional.
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6. Set Aside a Contingency Fund

Unexpected costs are a part of almost every wedding, so it's wise to prepare for them from the start. Allocate around 5-10% of your total budget to a contingency fund. This safety net ensures you can cover unforeseen expenses without dipping into savings or accruing debt, allowing you to enjoy your special day with peace of mind.
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7. Utilize Technology for Budget Tracking

There are numerous apps and online tools designed to help couples plan their wedding budgets effectively. These tools can track your spending, remind you of payment deadlines, and even offer suggestions for cutting costs. Taking advantage of these resources can help you stay on top of your finances and make informed decisions throughout the planning process.
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8. Remember the True Meaning of the Day

Amid the excitement and chaos of wedding planning, it's easy to lose sight of what's truly important – celebrating the love between you and your partner. No matter how you choose to celebrate, remember that the day is ultimately about the two of you embarking on a lifetime journey together. Keeping this perspective can help you make budgeting decisions that reflect your values and the future you envision together.

By following these tips, you can navigate the financial aspects of wedding planning with confidence and clarity. Here's to a 2024 wedding that fulfills your dreams without breaking the bank!

Food is an integral part of any celebration, especially a wedding. It brings people together, creates lasting memories, and enhances the overall atmosphere of the occasion. At Clevedon Hall, an esteemed venue radiating elegance and grandeur, constructing a wedding menu that resonates with your personal taste while complementing the venue's charm can make your special day even more unforgettable. Here’s how to craft a gourmet experience for your guests

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1. Reflect Your Personal Taste

Your wedding is a celebration of your unique love story, and the menu should be a mirror reflecting both of your tastes. Think of dishes that have significance in your relationship or cuisines you both adore.

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How to Utilise: Collaborate with Clevedon Hall’s esteemed chefs to incorporate personal touches into traditional dishes or design a menu centred around your favourite cuisine.

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2. Seasonal Delights

Leveraging seasonal ingredients not only assures freshness but also ensures that dishes will burst with vibrant flavours. Every season presents its own bounty that can inspire a diverse menu.

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How to Utilise: For a summer wedding, envision light and refreshing salads, fruits, and seafood. An autumn wedding might beckon for hearty dishes featuring root vegetables and sumptuous sauces.

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3. Consider Dietary Requirements

It's pivotal that all your guests savour the culinary experience. Cater to different dietary requirements, from vegetarian and vegan to gluten-free and specific allergies.

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How to Utilise: Offer a diverse selection of dishes that cater to prevalent dietary needs and ensure you communicate with guests ahead of time to discern any specific requirements.

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4. Pairing with Beverages

From the welcome libations to memorable toasts to the vino accompanying the meal, the apt drink can elevate the dining experience to new heights. Ponder wines that harmonise with your selected dishes and perhaps showcase a signature cocktail encapsulating your narrative.

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How to Utilise: Collaborate with Clevedon Hall's sommelier to select wines that augment your menu choices. Consider introducing a cocktail hour featuring bespoke drinks.

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5. Presentation Matters

Beyond mere taste, the aesthetic presentation of each dish plays a pivotal role in the gastronomic experience. Unique and chic presentations can elevate even the most humble dish to gourmet status.

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How to Utilise: Engage with Clevedon Hall’s culinary maestros to brainstorm avant-garde presentation ideas that resonate with your wedding's theme.

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6. A Taste of the Locale

The south-west of England boasts a plethora of local delicacies and gourmet ingredients. Incorporating these into your menu adds authenticity and celebrates regional treasures.

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How to Utilise: Spotlight a course dedicated to local masterpieces or seamlessly integrate local ingredients throughout the gastronomic journey.

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7. Fusion Flavours: Blend Culinary Traditions

Our world, evermore interconnected, paves the way for blending culinary traditions, offering guests an unmatched gastronomic sojourn. Incorporating dishes that meld the nuances of various cuisines narrates the tale of multiple cultures coalescing, reminiscent of a union in matrimony.

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How to Utilise: Whether you and your partner hail from diverse cultural tapestries or share a familiar heritage, venturing into fusion dishes introduces an exhilarating twist to your menu.

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8. Don’t Forget the Dessert

From the quintessential wedding cake to modern dessert innovations, ensure the sweet epilogue to your feast is both delectable and memorable.

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How to Utilise: Should a traditional cake not entice you, contemplate alternatives like a cascading dessert tower, macaron pyramid, or even a cake sculpted entirely from cheese.

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9. Afternoon Tea Delight

In the gentle lull between the ceremony and evening festivities, why not invoke a classic British tradition? An afternoon tea, both a nod to British heritage and a delightful treat, awaits your guests.

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How to Utilise: Regale guests with traditional scones, ethereal sandwiches, and a selection of teas. This interlude allows guests to mingle, forging bonds over a quintessentially British reprieve.

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In Conclusion

Crafting the consummate wedding menu at Clevedon Hall is an alchemy of personal touches, regional nuances, artful presentation, and attentiveness to your guests' preferences. With the venue’s dedicated and adept team by your side, you're poised to curate a gourmet experience eternally cherished by all attendees.

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WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CLEVEDON HALL?

After deciding to have our wedding in England, we scheduled a week long tour of venues with our families all over the South West of the country. We saw many beautiful venues but come the end of the week, we still had not found that perfect fit. Luckily, we had a feeling we had saved the best for last. Walking into Clevedon Hall took our breath away.

The timeless elegance was exactly the style for which we were looking and for the first time, we were seeing a venue in which we could truly envision ourselves getting married. We knew our over seas guests would be more than comfortable and there was enough bedrooms to fit our families and wedding party.

What was the biggest draw, though, was how personally Clevedon could cater to us and how safe we felt in everyone's hands. From our initial Zoom with Lauren, it was clear the staff at Clevedon could truly create our dream wedding and were more than willing to help us execute all of our unique ideas.

Furthermore, we knew we could trust them to help us while we were on a ship contract in Australia for the months leading up to the wedding. Everyone was more than willing to go above and beyond.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE, MOST SPECIAL MEMORY FROM YOUR DAY …

There were so many beautiful moments from start to finish. Nothing could be dreamier than starting the day with my bridesmaids and mom in the bridal suite. The gorgeous space and natural light made the perfect getting ready back drop. We had a string of romantic comedy movies on the television accompanied with my handcrafted playlist and it was such a special time with my girls.

The moment we were both most looking forward to was of course the ceremony in The Great Hall and it did not disappoint. Although I was slightly worried about tripping down the stairs, we both could not wait for the moment I walked down the grand staircase and aisle. We did not do a first look, so this was the first time we got to see each other. It could not have been more perfect. Although we were so excited to see each other, I am afraid I may have run down the aisle.

Working abroad, we did not have the opportunity to sample our menu options before the day and we were so excited to finally try the food. As many warned, neither of us had much of an appetite, however. But when that salted caramel brownie came out, we were both suddenly STARVING. Nothing could have tasted so good and it was the culinary high point of the day!

We loved getting to thank so many of our family members in our joint speech. But the most special shout out for me was getting to say thank you to my (the bride's) 94-year-old grandmother. She made the journey from Ohio and her strength and love is never failing.

As performers, we had to do something a bit fun for the reception and take advantage of our talented friends. The solution: aDisney karaoke competition where we had our friends fighting for the mic. It became the most fun sing-along and dance party.

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DID ANY TRADITIONS FORM PARTS OF YOUR DAY?

We loved getting to blend the perfect mix of American and English traditions for our wedding day. Our favourite two traditions we incorporated was our Celtic ring warming and Cookie Table.

For our ceremony, we decided to use the Irish tradition of ring warming. Our rings were passed around the guests for them to infuse their good wishes into them, essentially warming them with their love. This was made all the more beautiful with Max's cousin singing "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz as the rings were passed.

For the reception, we knew from the start we wanted to have a Youngstown, Ohio inspired Cookie Table. The tradition of the wedding cookie table originated in the immigrant communities of eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Although begun as a measure of frugality during the Great Depression, the Youngstown cookie table stands as a testament to an abundance of love and generosity. Family and friends bake cookies for wedding guests to enjoy during the reception and to take home with them. For our Cookie Table, we utilized the delicious talents of Big Bakes Bakery. They were the perfect treat to keep everyone moving on the dance floor.

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TELL US ABOUT THE STYLING OF YOUR DAY E.G. FLOWERS, COLOURS …

Overall, we wanted our wedding to feel elegant, timeless, and romantic. We took inspiration from romantic,  historical English sources like Pride and Prejudice and Bridgerton. We knew early on our wedding colours should be colours that felt like us. So it was very easy to land on pink for the bride and green for the groom.

Luckily Clevedon Hall is such a stunning venue, we felt we we had to do little to enhance it's natural beauty.

The Flower Shop Bristol styled and supplied the perfectly simple but impactful flower arrangements in order to achieve this. We used roses in honor of the bride's name and for their romantic sensibilities. The Library, in which we had our wedding meal, was another great source of inspiration. We sourced stacks of old books for our center pieces and had each table named for a great American or English writer. We were also very lucky that the bride's sister is a graphic designer and could help us execute many of our design elements.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR OUTFIT CHOICES AND WHAT INSPIRED THEM …

Similar to our décor, we wanted our wedding day attire to be elegant, timeless, and romantic. A perfect blend of our personal style and the grandness of Clevedon Hall.

Max wanted a special suit and something unique for the occasion. He decided on a green suit as a slight nod to his many days playing Peter Pan for Disney Cruise Line. He chose a crisp black bow tie to enhance the look's formality and to tie in to his groomsmen's black suits. His suit was custom made by Zebel and had a special embroidery of the date on the inside in pink for the bride.

As a professional dancer and a performer for a very magical cruise line, I have worn my fair share of beautiful dresses. So the only way I knew for my wedding dress to stand out from these beautiful pieces was for it to be the most ME it could possibly be. I wanted it to be classic with a twist. Sweet and vintage inspired with a wow element. When I tried on the Justin Alexander Cybill gown, I knew it was the one. It was a timeless, classic silhouette and fabric that could have worked for the most royal of princesses. But the high neck gave it that flirty, sweet element that was perfectly my style. Oh, and a huge Bow of course.

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DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR FUTURE COUPLES?

Our biggest piece of advice would be something that was given to us before our wedding day: Do not leave each other's sides. Everyone is there to celebrate your love together so let them see it! It also gives you the opportunity to truly enjoy the day together.

From a practical stand point, try to stay as organized as possible. In moments of stress, being organized gave me the most peace of mind. It made us feel more in control in the lead up to the big day.

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FINAL COMMENTS FROM THE HAPPY COUPLE …

With so many people traveling from abroad, we wanted to make the most of everyone being together.

The fact that Clevedon gave us the opportunity to host a three day event gave us so much special time with our guests. It also allowed us to do even more fun things that were uniquely us!

The Great Hall was the perfect setting for our screening of About Time on night one. We loved the idea of having a movie night and it was truly the perfect kick off to our wedding! Everyone snuggled in and enjoyed the movie, popcorn, and candy floss. On the final day, we were able to host a Games Day extravaganza featuring a round of Mr. and Mrs. and some special music trivia.

We finished our time together with the most beautiful roast dinner. Getting to have this amount of time with our family and friends was what truly made it the wedding of our dreams.

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As we usher in the new year, it's the perfect time to explore the wedding trends that are set to define 2024. With couples looking for unique ways to celebrate their love, this year promises to bring innovations that blend tradition with modernity, sustainability with luxury, and intimacy with grandeur. Whether you're in the early stages of planning your wedding or looking for those final touches, here are the top wedding trends to watch in 2024.

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1. Sustainability Takes Center Stage

In 2024, eco-friendly weddings are not just a trend; they're becoming the norm. Couples are increasingly seeking ways to minimize their big day's impact on the planet. This includes choosing venues that prioritize sustainability, opting for digital invitations to reduce paper waste, and selecting locally-sourced and plant-based catering options. The emphasis is on making conscious choices that reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship.

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2. Micro Weddings Continue to Rise

The pandemic introduced us to the beauty of micro weddings, and this trend is here to stay. Intimate weddings allow for a greater focus on personalized details and create an atmosphere of warmth and closeness that's hard to replicate in larger settings. Couples are investing more in their guests' experiences, offering exquisite dining options, bespoke entertainment, and personalized gifts that make the day truly memorable.

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3. Bridgerton-Inspired Elegance

Thanks to the runaway success of series like "Bridgerton," Regency-era romance is in vogue for 2024 weddings. Think soft pastels, opulent floral arrangements, and an overall aesthetic that screams elegance and sophistication. This trend extends to wedding attire as well, with brides and grooms choosing styles that reflect the understated glamour of the period.

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4. Weekday Weddings

With the surge in weddings following the easing of pandemic restrictions, couples are getting creative with scheduling their special day. Weekday weddings are becoming increasingly popular, offering flexibility for couples and vendors alike. Not only can this choice save money, but it also allows more options for venue availability and can often make it easier for guests to attend.

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5. Technology Integration

From live-streaming ceremonies to drone photography, technology continues to play a significant role in modern weddings. In 2024, we'll see even more creative uses of tech, including virtual reality experiences that can transport guests to exotic locations or allow distant loved ones to feel like they're part of the celebrations. Wedding apps and websites are also becoming more sophisticated, offering seamless planning experiences for couples.

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6. Bold Color Schemes

While pastels and neutrals will always have their place in weddings, bold and unexpected color combinations are making a splash in 2024. Think deep jewel tones paired with vibrant accents, creating a dynamic and visually striking palette. These bold choices extend to wedding decor, floral arrangements, and even wedding attire, allowing couples to express their personalities in vibrant hues.

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7. Focus on Mental Well-being

Finally, there's an increasing recognition of the importance of mental well-being in the wedding planning process. Couples are incorporating elements that promote mindfulness and relaxation, from quiet zones at the venue to wellness-focused bridesmaid gifts. The goal is to ensure that the journey to the altar is as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

As we move through 2024, these trends offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of weddings. They reflect a broader shift towards personalization, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring that every couple can celebrate their love in a way that's meaningful to them. Here's to a year of unforgettable weddings that pave the way for a lifetime of happiness.

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Valentine's Day, a day universally acknowledged as the celebration of love, presents the perfect backdrop for saying "I do." A Valentine's Day wedding combines the romance of the occasion with the joy of your celebration, creating a doubly memorable day. As we embrace the trends and sentiments of 2024, planning a wedding on this most romantic day of the year requires a touch of creativity, a dash of passion, and a comprehensive guide to bring your vision to life. Here’s how you can plan the perfect Valentine's Day wedding, infusing every moment with love and celebration.

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1. Choose a Theme That Speaks of Love

A Valentine's Day wedding theme naturally leans towards romantic elements, but how you interpret this can vary widely. Think beyond the traditional reds and pinks to incorporate modern or personalized elements into your theme. Consider motifs of old-world romance, a palette of deep burgundies paired with blush pinks for sophistication, or even a whimsical take with heart-shaped accents and floral arrangements that speak the language of love.

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2. Select the Perfect Venue

The venue sets the stage for your Valentine's Day wedding. An indoor venue might offer the warmth and intimacy ideal for a February wedding, while those in warmer climates might consider a sunset ceremony outdoors. Historic mansions, elegant ballrooms, or cozy wineries can provide a romantic atmosphere. Lighting plays a crucial role too; think soft, ambient light to create an intimate, warm setting.

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3. Incorporate Seasonal and Romantic Florals

Flowers are synonymous with Valentine's Day, and your wedding should be no exception. Roses are the classic choice, but consider incorporating peonies, tulips, or ranunculus for variety, texture, and depth. Work with your florist to create arrangements that not only fit the theme but also use seasonal blooms for freshness and sustainability.

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4. Craft a Love-Infused Menu

Your wedding menu can be a testament to your love story. Work with your caterer to design a menu that includes dishes you both love, or perhaps meals that hold significance in your relationship. Incorporate aphrodisiacs like oysters, chocolate, and champagne to stay on theme and add a playful touch to your reception.

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5. Dress the Part

Valentine's Day weddings call for attire that's a step above. Consider a gown with romantic details such as lace, soft tulle, or floral appliqués. Grooms can opt for classic black but with a touch of Valentine’s charm through a red tie, pocket square, or boutonniere. Encourage guests to dress in theme colors to add to the ambiance.

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6. Design a Romantic Setting

Create an atmosphere dripping with romance through your decor choices. Use candles liberally for a soft, flickering light that instantly adds a touch of romance. Floral arches, petal-strewn aisles, and heart-shaped decorations can enhance the theme, while personalized love notes at each setting can make guests feel part of your love story.

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7. Entertainment That Celebrates Love

The right entertainment can elevate your Valentine's Day wedding. A live band playing classic love songs, a couple's first dance that tells a story, or even a surprise performance can make the evening unforgettable. Consider hiring a poet or a caricature artist to offer unique keepsakes that capture the love in the air.

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8. Favors That Speak From the Heart

Send your guests home with a piece of your heart through thoughtfully chosen favors. Personalized items that reflect your shared interests or love story, homemade goodies, or even a mixtape of love songs can offer a memorable takeaway from your special day.

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Planning a Valentine's Day wedding is an opportunity to celebrate love in its most festive form. With these tips, your wedding will not only embrace the essence of Valentine’s Day but also mark the beginning of your lifelong journey together in the most romantic way possible. Here's to love, laughter, and happily ever after this Valentine’s Day!

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Rachel and Pranav’s March wedding weekend was full of love and fun that beautifully captured both their English and Indian heritage.

Upon first meeting this relaxed couple they shared their vision to embrace both of their cultures and the desire to create two separate, unique looks for each of their two wedding days. Clevedon Hall offered the variety and flexibility they sought, from the uplifting brightness of the Orangery to the warm wood tones of the Great Hall.

Friday marked the start of the celebrations with the Baarat (procession). Singing, dancing, dhol drummers and colourful smoke bombs made the entrance of Pranav and his family & friends; nothing short of captivating.

The Orangery proved to be the perfect choice for their Hindu ceremony. The vibrant reds, pinks and oranges of the Mandap and traditional Indian dress, popped beautifully against the neutral backdrop. With the mesmerising hand finished details of the couple's attire, stealing the show.

After sharing the wonderful Indian ceremony traditions with their friends and family, the newlyweds stole some precious moments for photos in the grounds, with a surprise appearance from our resident deer.

As the day drew to a close Rachel & Pranav dined as husband and wife in the Grand Library. Treating their guests to a vegetarian feast of Aloo gobi, Paneer Makar and Baingan Bharta.

Saturday marked the start of the English celebrations.

The warm tones of the Great Hall was a complete contrast to the previous day. Elevated beautifully with a mixture of soft blue, pink and purple flowers, delicately arranged by ‘Daisylane florals’.

Walking down the candle lit staircase to the gentle sounds of the harp, Rachel looked breathtaking in her white gown, so elegantly finished with a lace bodice, capped sleeves and cathedral veil.

With the daffodils in full bloom, Nick Williams Photography captured some beautiful photos of the couple, around the lake. Before enjoying their 5 course banquet in the Orangery featuring crab bisque with tempura prawn and herb crusted lamb rump with buttered green beans, braised carrot Puree and colcannon mash.

The weekend-long celebrations were brought to a close with an evening full of joy, dancing, and a fantastic surprise performance from the groom’s friends.

Photos: Nick Williams Photography

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With spring in the air, love is not just a fleeting sentiment but a vibrant celebration bursting with life. Spring weddings are synonymous with floral abundance, representing new beginnings and the blooming of a shared future. As we spring forward into 2024, the floral trends for spring weddings are evolving, blending tradition with contemporary flair, sustainability with luxury, and personal expression with universal beauty. Let’s explore the fresh floral trends that are set to make your spring wedding in 2024 a blooming spectacle.

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1. Sustainable and Locally-Sourced Florals

In 2024, the trend towards sustainability continues to grow, with couples opting for locally-sourced flowers to reduce their carbon footprint. This not only supports local businesses but also ensures that your floral arrangements are as fresh and vibrant as possible. Consider incorporating native flowers and greenery that reflect the natural landscape of your wedding location, offering a nod to the beauty of the season and the locale.

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2. Edible Flowers in Culinary Creations

Edible flowers are making a significant mark on wedding cuisine, from garnishes on dishes to decorative elements on wedding cakes. Incorporate pansies, violas, or lavender in your cocktails, salads, or desserts for a touch of elegance and whimsy. This trend not only adds a splash of color and sophistication to your menu but also aligns with the growing interest in botanical gastronomy.

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3. Dried and Preserved Floral Arrangements

Dried and preserved flowers are no longer a thing of the past but a chic and sustainable choice for modern weddings. Offering an earthy, vintage appeal, these arrangements can be prepared well in advance, reducing last-minute stress. They also serve as lasting mementos of your special day. Mix dried flowers with fresh blooms for a textured, layered look that speaks to both the past and the burgeoning future.

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4. Bold and Sculptural Floral Installations

Gone are the days of subdued floral decorations. In 2024, couples are making statement-making choices with bold and sculptural floral installations. Think oversized floral arches, hanging gardens, or even floral chandeliers that transform wedding venues into enchanted gardens. These installations serve as breathtaking backdrops for photos and an unforgettable ambiance that immerses your guests in a world of beauty and romance.

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5. Flower Clouds and Floating Arrangements

Elevate your floral decor literally with the ethereal beauty of flower clouds and floating arrangements. Suspended above tables or as part of the ceremony backdrop, these arrangements create a dreamlike atmosphere that captivates and enchants. This trend allows for creativity and innovation, providing a floating garden of blooms that seems to defy gravity.

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6. Monochromatic Bouquets and Arrangements

While spring is often associated with a riot of colors, there’s a growing trend towards monochromatic bouquets and arrangements that focus on a single color in varying shades and textures. This approach creates a sophisticated and cohesive look that can complement any wedding theme, from the ultra-modern to the timeless and classic.

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7. Interactive Floral Experiences

Flowers are being used in interactive experiences that engage guests and create memorable moments. Consider a DIY flower crown station or a bespoke boutonniere bar where guests can create their personalized floral accessories. Not only does this add a fun and engaging element to your wedding, but it also allows your guests to take home a piece of the celebration.

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8. Heirloom and Sentimental Blooms

Finally, personalization continues to be at the heart of wedding trends, with couples incorporating heirloom and sentimental blooms into their floral choices. Whether it’s a flower from your grandmother’s garden or a species that holds particular significance to your love story, these blooms add a deeply personal touch to your wedding, weaving your history and heritage into the tapestry of the day.

As we look forward to the 2024 spring wedding season, these floral trends offer a blend of sustainability, innovation, and personal expression. By embracing these trends, you can create a floral landscape that not only beautifies your special day but also reflects the depth, diversity, and richness of your love story.

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In an era where sustainability has transitioned from a trend to a lifestyle, planning an eco-friendly wedding is a beautiful way to start your journey together with a positive impact on the planet. As we step into 2024, the movement towards green weddings is gaining momentum, with couples seeking innovative ways to reduce their big day's environmental footprint. Here are actionable and creative ideas to help you plan a sustainable wedding that aligns with your values without compromising on style or sentimentality.

1. Choose a Green Venue

The location of your wedding plays a significant role in its overall environmental impact. Opt for venues that prioritize sustainability, such as those that utilize renewable energy, have a low/zero-waste policy, or are situated in natural settings that reduce the need for additional decor. Venues with large gardens, forests, or a seafront views can provide a stunning backdrop while minimizing energy consumption.

2. Send Digital Invitations

In the digital age, paperless invitations are not only eco-friendly but also convenient and cost-effective. There are numerous platforms offering beautifully designed e-vites that can be customized to your preference. For those who prefer a tangible invitation, consider using recycled paper or seed paper, which can be planted afterwards to grow wildflowers or herbs.

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3. Sustainable Catering Choices

Food is a central element of any wedding celebration, and it offers a great opportunity to make eco-conscious choices. Partner with caterers who use locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation and support local agriculture. Also, think about offering vegetarian or vegan menu options, which have a lower environmental impact compared to meat dishes.

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4. Eco-Friendly Decor and Florals

Decor and floral arrangements can significantly contribute to wedding waste, but with a bit of creativity, you can have beautiful settings that are kind to the earth. Use potted plants, succulents, or wildflowers that guests can take home and plant. For decor, repurpose items, rent props, or use biodegradable materials. Candles and solar-powered lights can add romance while reducing electricity use.

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5. Conscious Attire Choices

The wedding attire, often worn just once, can be another area for sustainable choices. Consider renting gowns and suits, purchasing second-hand, or choosing designers who use eco-friendly fabrics. Another beautiful option is wearing a family heirloom dress or suit, adding sentimental value and reducing the need for new garments.

6. Minimize Travel Impact

Travel contributes significantly to a wedding's carbon footprint, especially if guests are flying from afar. You can minimize this by choosing a central location that's accessible to most guests. Additionally, encourage carpooling, provide group transportation from a central location, or even livestream the ceremony for those unable to attend in person.

7. Thoughtful Favors and Gifts

Rather than traditional favors that may end up unused, opt for eco-friendly alternatives like homemade goods, seed packets, or charitable donations in guests' names. For your registry, consider experiences or donations to causes you're passionate about instead of physical gifts.

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8. Waste Management Plan

Implement a waste management plan for your wedding day to ensure that recycling and composting are handled correctly. Work with your vendors to minimize packaging and single-use plastics, and arrange for leftover food to be donated to local shelters or composted.

9. Offset Your Wedding’s Carbon Footprint

Finally, consider offsetting the carbon footprint of your wedding by investing in carbon offset projects, such as reforestation or renewable energy. Many organizations offer calculators to estimate your event's carbon footprint and suggest ways to offset it, making it easier to have a positive environmental impact.

Planning a sustainable wedding in 2024 is not only about making eco-friendly choices but also about celebrating your love in a way that reflects your commitment to the planet. By incorporating these ideas, you can ensure that your special day contributes to a healthier, greener world for future generations.

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Music, in its profound ability to evoke emotions and memories, is an integral aspect of any wedding day. It sets the tone, punctuates key moments, and gets guests onto the dance floor. And while Somerset is best known for its picturesque wedding venues and rich history, it's also a region that resonates with musical charm. Dive into the art of crafting the perfect wedding playlist, with a touch of Somerset's musical heritage.

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Hitting the Right Notes: Your Somerset-Inspired Wedding Playlist

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1. First Dance: The Classics and Contemporary Hits

The first dance is an anticipated moment. Choose a song that tells your love story, be it a timeless classic or a contemporary hit. Somerset has been the muse for many artists; consider tracks that reference its rolling hills or coastal charm.

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2. Ceremonial Tunes: Setting the Tone

From walking down the aisle to the moments of reflection, choose instrumentals that resonate with the day's emotion. Local Somerset musicians offer renditions of classical pieces, giving them a regional touch.

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3. Reception Warm-Up: Folk and Acoustic Vibes

Kick off the reception with Somerset's rich folk and acoustic heritage. Songs that pay homage to the region can set a relaxed and welcoming tone, perfect for the start of your celebration.

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4. Party Starters: Pop and Dance Anthems

As the evening progresses, it's time to get everyone dancing. A mix of chart-toppers and dance anthems will ensure your guests have an unforgettable time. Don't forget to sprinkle in some Somerset-born artists!

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5. Slow Dance Segments: Ballads and Romantic Melodies

Every good playlist should allow guests moments of intimacy on the dance floor. Slow-paced ballads, especially those inspired by Somerset tales of love, are ideal for these moments.

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6. Finale: Memorable Send-Off Tracks

End the night on a high with songs that encapsulate your day. Think uplifting tracks or even a classic song that references a Somerset sunset.

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Spotlight: Somerset's Musical Heritage

While curating your playlist, delve into the rich tapestry of Somerset's music scene. From folk tales passed down generations to modern artists drawing inspiration from the region's landscapes, Somerset's musical repertoire can add depth and locality to your wedding's auditory experience.

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Conclusion

Music is more than just background noise; it's the heartbeat of your wedding day. While every song should resonate with your journey, infusing elements of Somerset's musical heritage can make your playlist truly unique. As the notes play and the melodies flow, let the spirit of Somerset dance alongside you and your guests.

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Winter weddings carry a unique charm, combining the romance of a matrimonial celebration with the magic of the festive season. When it comes to incorporating festive cheer into your winter wedding, there’s no better setting than the picturesque landscapes and historic venues of Somerset. Here’s how you can infuse the warmth and joy of the festive season into your special day, creating an enchanting winter wonderland in the heart of Somerset.

Creating a Winter Wedding Wonderland: A Guide to Festive Nuptials

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1. Choosing the Perfect Somerset Venue

Embrace the essence of the season by selecting a Somerset wedding venue that reflects winter’s beauty. Imagine historic manors adorned with festive decorations, or cosy barns transformed into a twinkling festive haven. The natural beauty of Somerset, blanketed in snow, offers a stunning backdrop for your wedding photographs.

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2. Invitations with a Touch of Winter Elegance

Begin your wedding journey with invitations that hint at your festive theme. Utilize a color palette of deep reds, forest greens, and sparkling silvers, adorned with motifs of holly, ivy, or delicate snowflakes.

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3. Festive Attire for the Bridal Party

Incorporate the festive theme into your wedding attire. Consider a wedding gown with shimmering details that mimic a winter frost, and add elegant wraps or capes for warmth. For the groom, touches of velvet in deep seasonal colours can complement the festive atmosphere.

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4. Winter Florals and Decorations

Decorate your Somerset venue with an array of winter florals. Incorporate red berries, holly, and mistletoe into bouquets and centerpieces. Garlands of evergreen and pine cones can add a natural, rustic touch.

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5. Savour the Flavours of Somerset

Celebrate with a menu featuring the best of Somerset’s seasonal produce. Winter is perfect for hearty dishes and warm, comforting flavors. Incorporate local specialties like Somerset cider into your menu for an authentic touch.

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6. Festive Entertainment

Set the mood with a selection of festive music, from classic carols to modern holiday tunes. Consider hiring local Somerset musicians or a choir to bring an authentic touch of festivity to your celebration.

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7. Lighting to Create a Magical Ambiance

The right lighting is crucial in creating a warm, festive atmosphere. Use fairy lights, lanterns, and candles to illuminate your venue, casting a soft, inviting glow over your celebrations.

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8. Festive Wedding Favours

Thank your guests with festive wedding favours. Options include personalized ornaments, mini bottles of mulled wine, or small jars of homemade Somerset jam or honey.

Embracing Somerset’s Winter Charm Somerset, with its picturesque villages and rolling hills, is particularly enchanting in winter. Take advantage of this by incorporating local traditions and elements into your wedding, creating a celebration that’s both festive and uniquely Somerset.

Conclusion A winter wedding in Somerset, infused with festive cheer, is an unforgettable way to begin your married life. From the historic venues to the seasonal decor, each element combines to create a celebration filled with warmth, joy, and enchanting winter romance.

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Weddings, often seen as the most monumental days in our lives, come with their fair share of expenses. But who says elegance has to come with a hefty price tag? Especially when Somerset, with its myriad of charming venues and local offerings, provides countless options for those looking to wed in style without breaking the bank. Dive in as we unravel savvy tips to host a memorable yet budget-friendly Somerset wedding.

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Frugal Yet Fabulous: Crafting a Budget-friendly Somerset Wedding

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1. Venues: Off-Peak and Mid-Week Magic

Somerset wedding venues are renowned for their charm, but peak season and weekend bookings can be pricey. Consider a mid-week or off-peak season date. Not only could you save significantly, but you might also enjoy a more intimate atmosphere without the usual weekend bustle.

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2. DIY Decor with a Personal Touch

Somerset's natural beauty offers a plethora of resources for DIY decor. Think wildflower centrepieces, hand-painted signs, or even handcrafted invitations. Not only is this approach cost-effective, but it also lends a personal touch to your celebration.

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3. Local Produce for a Gourmet Experience

Somerset is renowned for its delightful local produce, from cheeses to ciders. Work with your chosen venue or caterer to design a menu that champions these local delights. Not only will this save on import costs, but it will also guarantee a fresh and authentic Somerset feast.

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4. Bridal Attire: Rent, Restyle, or Second-Hand

Bridal boutiques in and around Somerset often stock exquisite second-hand gowns or offer rental services. Alternatively, consider restyling a family heirloom dress, blending tradition with savings.

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5. Photography: Local Talent and Students

Somerset is home to many budding photographers and videographers. Consider hiring a talented student or a less-known local, whose rates might be more reasonable than established professionals but whose passion ensures cherished memories are beautifully captured.

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6. Entertainment: Playlist over Live Band

While live bands are enchanting, they can also be expensive. Curate a thoughtful playlist with songs that resonate with your love story. A DJ can often represent a great value option for wedding evening party.

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7. Florals: Seasonal and Simple

Somerset's countryside blooms with a variety of seasonal flowers. Opt for these over exotic, imported blooms. Simple arrangements can be just as breathtaking, especially when they capture the essence of the region.

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Spotlight: Somerset's Value-for-Money Venues

While Somerset boasts grandeur and elegance, it also offers venues that provide excellent value for money. From quaint barns to community halls, these venues capture the spirit of Somerset without demanding premium rates. Their inherent charm often requires minimal decor, further aiding your budget.

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Conclusion

An elegant wedding doesn't necessitate lavish spending. With thoughtful planning, a touch of DIY, and leveraging Somerset's local offerings, your dream wedding can be both sophisticated and financially savvy. As you journey towards your big day, remember that the heart of the celebration lies in love, commitment, and the memories you craft.

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When one hears the term 'Somerset Mansion', visions of grandeur, timeless elegance, and historic charm immediately come to mind. Somerset, with its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, is home to some of England’s most distinguished mansions, each narrating its own tale of yesteryears.

Delving into the Majesty of a Somerset Mansion

1. Architectural Wonders

The mansions in Somerset stand as testaments to various architectural eras. From Tudor-style splendour to Georgian opulence, each Somerset mansion showcases a unique aesthetic, revealing the artistry and vision of the times in which they were constructed.

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2. Gardens and Grounds

No Somerset mansion is complete without its meticulously manicured gardens. Often spanning several acres, these gardens play host to an array of flora, intricate mazes, water features, and sculptures. A leisurely stroll here is akin to stepping into a nature-infused sanctuary.

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3. Centuries of History

Behind the grand facades and ornate interiors, there lies a rich tapestry of history. Many of these mansions have witnessed significant historical events, been home to notable figures, or inspired literature and art. Visiting a Somerset mansion is a journey through time.

4. Modern Day Marvels

While deeply rooted in history, many of these mansions have evolved to offer contemporary luxuries. From hosting events and weddings to accommodating guests in lavish suites, the modern Somerset mansion marries the charm of the old with the conveniences of the new.

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5. A Culinary Journey

Dining in a Somerset mansion is an experience unto itself. With an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes, guests can expect a culinary journey that pays homage to regional flavours while introducing contemporary twists.

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Spotlight: Clevedon Hall

Among the jewels of Somerset stands Clevedon Hall, a mansion that encapsulates the essence of what makes these edifices so special. With its Victorian roots, expansive grounds, and a commitment to excellence, Clevedon Hall remains one of the finest examples of a Somerset mansion.

Conclusion

Somerset mansions are more than just impressive structures; they are chronicles of the past, landmarks of architectural genius, and embodiments of elegance. As the term 'Somerset mansion' graces your search queries, prepare to be transported to a realm where history and luxury coalesce in the most magical manner.

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Nestled in the heart of the picturesque English countryside, Somerset boasts a rich tapestry of rolling hills, historic landmarks, and, most notably, some of the country's most enchanting wedding venues. For couples dreaming of a quintessentially English wedding, the hunt for the perfect location invariably leads them to consider the myriad wedding venues Somerset has to offer.

Why Choose Wedding Venues in Somerset?

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1. Stunning Natural Backdrops

Somerset provides an unrivalled canvas of nature's finest vistas. With the sweeping landscapes of the Mendip Hills, the tranquil settings of the Somerset Levels, and the dramatic coastline of the North Somerset coast, there's a perfect backdrop to suit every couple's dream day.

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2. Historical Elegance

Many wedding venues in Somerset are steeped in history. From grand manor houses and rustic barns to Victorian estates, the venues here effortlessly combine historical charm with modern luxury. These locations not only provide a sense of grandeur but also infuse weddings with a touch of timeless elegance.

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3. Tailored to Your Needs

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Somerset's wedding venues cater to events of all sizes. Expert teams on-site ensure every detail is tailored to your preference, making your wedding day uniquely yours.

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4. Accessibility and Accommodation

Located in the South West of England, Somerset is easily accessible via major roadways, railways, and even airports for international guests. Moreover, many venues offer on-site accommodation, ensuring that your guests can celebrate without the worry of travelling post-celebration.

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5. Gourmet Experiences

Somerset is renowned for its culinary delights. Local produce, including cheddar cheese, Somerset cider, and fresh seafood, ensures your wedding menu will be a gourmet treat. Many venues boast award-winning catering teams dedicated to crafting mouth-watering dishes that reflect the essence of the region.

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Discover Clevedon Hall

For those seeking the crème de la crème of wedding venues in Somerset, look no further than Clevedon Hall. Set amidst sprawling grounds, this Victorian mansion epitomises the blend of historic grandeur with modern amenities. Every wedding hosted here is a testament to Somerset's charm and Clevedon Hall's dedication to perfection.

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Conclusion

In the quest for the ideal wedding location, Somerset emerges as an unparalleled choice. Its natural beauty, historic venues, and commitment to bespoke experiences make it a favourite among couples. As you search for 'wedding venues Somerset', let Somerset's heart and soul captivate you, making your big day truly unforgettable.

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Take a standardised and consistent approach

If you use the same process for all candidates this makes it much easier to make meaningful comparisons.  It’s also fairer as it eliminates the potential for bias and subjectivity to influence your hiring processes.  What’s more, a well conducted and standardised process will reflect well on your organisation and make a favourable impression with candidates.

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Understand the job requirements

If you are the owner of a very small business you may have a pretty good idea of what the job entails (you might well have been doing it yourself until the business started to grow).  However, in a slightly larger organisation the owner/manager or hiring manager may not have that detailed knowledge.  It’s important that the person responsible for filling that vacance learns as much as possible about the details of the role before starting to develop a job description.  The best way to gain this information is to take the time to talk to staff and managers who are more closely involved with this part of the business.

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What kind of person are you looking for?

As well as defining the job itself you need to build up a picture of the ideal person to fill it – their skills, qualifications and their personal characteristics.  Do they need specific IT capabilities, are you expecting them to be very creative and capable of solving problems with little supervision, do they need to be good communicators who work well in a team…?  The more specific you are about exactly the kind of person you want the better your chances of finding someone who is a good fit.

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Create an accurate job description.

You do this by combining the information you have collected about the job and your ideal candidate.  Include a description of your business, details of the role, preferred experience, required skill sets, personal qualities you are looking for along with a description of salary and other benefits.  Try and communicate something about the company culture – this will attract suitable candidates and discourage those who are unlikely to be a good fit.

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Advertise the position

Publicise your opportunity of job boards, ideally those that are specific to your industry.  Social media is also a great tool for spreading the word – share the job description with all your contacts and encourage them to spread the word.  It’s also a good idea to set up an applicant tracking system that is capable of collecting and sorting applications.

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Don’t overlook internal talent

Promoting people from within has many benefits.  They are already familiar with your business, so onboarding is not an issue.  Also, you already know what skills and personal characteristics they have, so that reduces the risk of hiring someone who turns out to be unsuitable.  Finally, it improves company morale by showing your staff that there are excellent opportunities for progression within the company.

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Manage your pool of candidates

Collect all your applications (external and internal) in one place using your applicant tracking system.  Review each applicant by comparing them to the requirements listed in your job description.  Hopefully you’ll be able to compile a shortlist of about 10 candidates who tick most or all of the boxes.  You might like to create a reserve list of 5 others in case some of your prime candidates have dropped out or you struggle to contact them.

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Do your due diligence

Gaining a full understand a candidate's priorities and personality through interviews alone can be challenging.  It’s smart to research their backgrounds and check the references they’ve provided before you meet them – this will help you engage with them and ask more probing questions.  You’ll gain useful insights by examining their internet presence and social media footprint (most candidates understand that what they post online will be viewed by prospective employers).  This type of search will reveal information about a candidate's interpersonal nature, creativity, intelligence, social responsibility and more.  Make sure you take good notes during this process so you can refer back to these points when speaking to each candidate.

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Make preliminary calls

Conduct first round interviews with all the candidates on your shortlist on the telephone or using some kind of video conferencing platform such as Zoom.  This will give you an opportunity to meet and greet candidates and gain some further insight into their background, personality, experience and interest in the job.

Check what they tell you against your research notes and the feedback you got from their references – you want to make sure you are not being misled!  Also pay close attention to their manner to try and gauge their personality and attitudes – will they be a good fit in your team?

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Final interviews

Leave a few days between the preliminary call and the final interview so you and the candidates have time to prepare properly.  You should draw up a list of topics you want to discuss, with a mix of closed and open questions to ask.  These should obviously be related to the job description.  When you print the list leave plenty of room for writing down their answers and any notes you want to add.

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You should also use the interview to ensure the candidate has a good understanding of your company, its culture and what is expected of them.  Take them on a tour of your premises, talk through the company background, your future plans and the kind of career prospects (with benefits such as salary, pensions, staff discounts and any other perks).  You are evaluating them but understand that the reverse is also true!

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Having said that, the focus should be mainly on them.  They may be nervous but it’s important that they do most of the talking.  Listen carefully, take detailed notes and don’t be afraid to dig a bit further – asking “that’s interesting, could you tell me a bit more about that?” is a great way to draw people out and get them to reveal what may be behind their initial answer.

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As well as covering what’s on the job description you really want to discover everything you can about the candidate’s work ethic, job history, future career aspirations and expectations of your company.  If you manage to get this depth of information every time it will be easy to select the right person to fill your position.

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Experience and skills are not everything

Employers tend to favour candidates who have the right credentials in terms of skills and experience.  However, don’t overlook those who score less highly on these criteria but possess drive, energy and potential – they can be trained and taught the skills they need to excel in a role and may be better at adapting to meet your organisations changing needs.

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Make an offer to your chosen candidate

To pick your first choice candidate sit down with your hiring manager, and any others who may have attended the interviews, to compare notes.  Discuss both their strengths and their weaknesses and any doubts that anyone has about them – make notes (these will be useful when you onboard and train them).   Now decide on three individuals, your top pick and two others in case your first choice turns the offer down.  

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Start the onboarding process

You need to get them up to speed as soon as possible and provide everything they need to do a great job.  Explain their benefits, duties, and responsibilities.  You’ll also need to familiarise them with all the business processes that are relevant to them.  Set up their credentials so they can access your software systems, provide them with any hardware they need and introduce them to the rest of the team.  The onboarding process will be much easier, and more effective, if you have an employee handbook to give your new hire.  Creating such a document is another subject in itself but suffice to say that if you haven’t got one then it’s probably time you set this right!

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A final staff retention tip

Once you’ve got the people you need it’s important to hang onto them.  To do this you need to make them feel appreciated, provide training and development as well as creating a team spirit.  Clevedon Hall is a great venue for hosting training sessions, team building days and company parties.  Our staff have all the event planning and management capabilities to make organising it easy and to ensure the day is a terrific success - just get in touch!

Verna and Sam's Spring wedding was infused with wonderful Chinese traditions.

With family, friends and culture at the heart of their wedding planning, this couple left no detail unturned. Each moment of the day was filled with fun. laughter and love.

For this handsome groom, the festivities started much earlier than the nervous wait at the end of the aisle. With the help of his trusted groomsmen, Sam started his day having to show his determination to marry his wonderful bride and the approval of her family, through fun door games known as Chuangmen/ Playing with the Groom.

Verna's bridesmaids were determined to make sure he had what it takes, with games to test his commitment to each stage of marriage. Shots of bitter, sour and spicy drinks were followed by a sweet treat.  This has to be the first time we have seen a Krispy Kreme hanging from a makeshift hoist enjoyed in Tawny Owl.

The games did not end there, with Sam having to prove he can endure pain, he and his entourage were prepped for some quick hair removal.

You know you've made the right choice with your groomsmen when they not only stand by your side at the end of the aisle; but are willing to have their legs waxed for you!

Following the games and winning the all-important approval, Sam was allowed his first glimpse of his bride. A vision of beauty in her fairytale gown, Sam's face lit up as he accompanied his darling Verna for a traditional tea ceremony. This is an imperative part of the day, it is an opportunity for a bride and groom to show their gratitude, respect and appreciation to their parents for their continuous love and support.  Presented in a delicate red tea set, the black tea was graciously accepted before Verna was presented with beautiful gold jewellery.  

As the morning traditions were concluded the couple said their vows in the Great Hall, surrounded by loved ones. With readings and live music, the personal touches continued.

With the April sunshine making an appearance, the Orangery made for a perfect choice for the wedding breakfast. The white linen, pale blue and peach floral arrangements and individual wooden name settings complimented the Orangery's tranquil and romantic atmosphere.

As the day drew to an end, the newlyweds made sure their guests did not miss out; with more games and a delicious bespoke wedding cake, it was a perfect end to a joyous day.

Photographer: https://whitevillaweddings.co.uk/

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Selecting the ideal wine to complement the food at your wedding reception is an art that enhances the dining experience. As Clevedon Hall offers a fantastic selection of sumptuous dishes, pairing them with the perfect wine will make the meal truly exceptional. In this blog post, we will delve deep into the essentials of wine pairing, ensuring that your guests enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

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1. Understanding the Basics of Wine Pairing

Wine pairing is based on balancing the tastes and flavours of both wine and food. The essential characteristics to consider are sweetness, acidity, tannins, and the body of the wine. The goal is to either complement or contrast these elements in a way that elevates the dish and the wine.

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How to Utilise: Seek guidance from Clevedon Hall’s sommelier or catering team. Learn about the wine's profiles and how they relate to different foods. The understanding of the balance between sweetness, acidity, and tannins will enable you to make educated decisions on pairings.

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2. Sparkling Wines for Starters

Sparkling wines, with their effervescence and acidity, are incredibly versatile. They can cleanse the palate and are therefore excellent with starters. Whether you are serving canapés, oysters, or light cheeses, sparkling wine can enhance the flavours.

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How to Utilise: Consider serving a vintage Champagne or an English sparkling wine as guests arrive. You can also pair Prosecco with cheese platters or Cava with seafood starters, ensuring a harmonious balance between the dishes and the wines.

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3. White Wines for Lighter Dishes

White wines generally have a lighter body and higher acidity, which can complement and lift the flavours of lighter dishes such as fish, poultry, and vegetarian options.

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How to Utilise: For creamy fish dishes, a full-bodied Chardonnay can work wonders. In contrast, a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can beautifully complement dishes with fresh herbs or citrus elements.

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4. Red Wines for Hearty Mains

Red wines, known for their rich flavours and tannins, pair exquisitely with hearty, meat-based dishes. The tannins in red wine can soften the fat in the meat, creating a balance that is pleasing to the palate.

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How to Utilise: A Cabernet Sauvignon, with its robust character, is perfect with red meat such as beef or lamb. For more delicate meats like duck, a Pinot Noir can offer a wonderful balance without overpowering the dish.

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5. Considering the Sauce

When pairing wine, it’s not just the meat or primary ingredient to consider; the sauce or seasoning is equally important.

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How to Utilise: For example, a chicken dish served with a rich red wine sauce might pair better with a red wine like Merlot, while the same chicken with a lemon herb sauce might suit a white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

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6. Sweet Wines for Desserts

When it comes to desserts, the wine should be at least as sweet as the dish it is accompanying. Dessert wines are typically sweeter and often have a thicker consistency.

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How to Utilise: A classic Sauternes can be wonderful with blue cheese or foie gras, while a Moscato or late harvest wine could be perfect for pairing with fruity desserts or wedding cake.

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7. Regional Pairings

There is a principle in wine pairing that “what grows together, goes together”. This means that wines often pair well with foods that are from the same region.

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How to Utilise: Consider incorporating wines and dishes from the South West of England. For instance, pair a Somerset cheese with a wine produced in the same region, embracing the synergy of local flavours.

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8. Trust Your Palate

While there are general guidelines, personal preference plays a significant role in wine pairing. It’s essential to choose wines and pairings that you and your guests will genuinely enjoy.

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How to Utilise: Be open to exploring different wines and trust your palate. Sometimes, unconventional pairings can turn out to be surprisingly delightful.

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9. Wine Tasting Session

Before making your final decision, it’s wise to try the wines you’re considering with the dishes they will accompany.

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How to Utilise: Set up a tasting session with Clevedon Hall’s catering team. Not only is this an enjoyable activity, but it also ensures that you’re making choices that will be a hit on your big day.

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In Conclusion

Wine pairing is an essential aspect of curating an unforgettable dining experience for your wedding. By considering the balance of flavours, and working closely with the experienced team at Clevedon Hall, you can ensure that your guests are taken on a delightful gastronomic journey. Here’s to a wedding meal that’s as perfect as the union it celebrates!

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Imagine exchanging your vows in a picturesque Victorian mansion, surrounded by 17 acres of landscaped gardens and an idyllic lake as the backdrop. Summer weddings at Clevedon Hall, situated in the stunning South West of England, embody romance, elegance, and timeless charm. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the key elements to consider when planning your dreamy summer wedding at this enchanting venue.

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1. The Beauty of Clevedon Hall

Clevedon Hall, with its striking architecture and breathtaking gardens, is the perfect setting for a summer wedding. The serene lake, ancient trees, and Victorian-era interiors add a sense of grandeur to your celebrations.

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How to Utilise: Consider holding your ceremony outdoors in the garden and capture stunning photographs by the lake. For the reception, the grand hall or library adds a touch of classic elegance.

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2. Floral Wonderland

Summer is synonymous with blooming flowers. Clevedon Hall’s gardens provide an array of colours and scents.

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How to Utilise: Work with a local florist to create bouquets and arrangements using seasonal flowers from the gardens. Consider having a floral arch for your outdoor ceremony.

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3. Sumptuous Summer Menu

Clevedon Hall boasts an in-house culinary team, known for creating delectable dishes using local ingredients.

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How to Utilise: Work with the chefs to create a bespoke summer menu. Consider options like fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and fruit-infused desserts.

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4. Al Fresco Drinks Reception

Take advantage of the warm weather with an al fresco drinks reception.

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How to Utilise: Host a drinks reception on the terrace or by the lake. Offer refreshing cocktails, local ciders, and sparkling wines.

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5. Garden Games

Summer weddings are perfect for incorporating fun outdoor activities to keep guests entertained.

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How to Utilise: Set up classic garden games such as croquet, giant Jenga, or a ring toss in the grounds.

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6. Magical Lighting

As dusk falls, the soft glow of fairy lights and lanterns can create a magical atmosphere in the gardens.

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How to Utilise: String fairy lights between trees, and place lanterns along pathways. If possible, include a fire pit for a cosy gathering spot.

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7. Dance Under The Stars

What could be more romantic than sharing your first dance under the stars?

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How to Utilise: Set up an outdoor dance floor and encourage guests to dance under the night sky.

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8. A Taste of Tradition

Incorporate local South West traditions, such as a Cornish Cakey Tea or cider toasting, into your wedding for a personal touch.

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How to Utilise: Include regional traditions in your menu or during your reception for a taste of local culture.

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9. Themed Favours

Give your guests a memento that reflects the summer setting and the charm of Clevedon Hall.

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How to Utilise: Offer favours such as personalised jars of local honey, seed packets for them to plant, or mini bottles of South West cider.

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10. Capture the Moments

With the enchanting setting, it’s essential to have a skilled photographer to capture the beauty and emotions of the day.

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How to Utilise: Hire a photographer familiar with the venue and discuss your vision for capturing the magic of your summer wedding at Clevedon Hall.

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In Conclusion

Clevedon Hall presents the ideal canvas for your dream summer wedding. By combining the natural beauty of the venue with personal touches, sumptuous food, and engaging activities, you can create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Embrace the possibilities and let the romance of Clevedon Hall be the setting for the beginning of your happily ever after.

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From the moment we met London couple Georgina and Max, we knew their wedding would be something special. A relaxed and fun pair; they wanted to get all of their family and friends together for a weekend-long celebration, with music and dancing very much the key focus.

As plans started to evolve over the coming months; they struck a perfect balance between intimate moments, including a dinner in the Dame Rose Burden for their nearest and dearest on Friday night, to an elaborate masked ball to conclude the weekend.

Georgina, a vision of beauty in her laced gown, was perfectly complemented by her bridesmaids in their striking, silk, orange dresses. Not to be outshone; Max and his entourage looked equally dapper in their tails, powder blue waistcoats, and orange cravats.

Their ceremony in the Great Hall was a perfect choice for this February wedding. The warmth of the wood panelling, candle-lined aisle, and soft peach and orange flowers, made for a calm and cosy feel.

The Acoustic Soul duo added the perfect touch as they sang Georgina down the aisle.  

Champagne flowed in the Orangery, as guests had the opportunity to listen to live music and enjoy time with the couple before Georgina and Max took a short stroll down to Clevedon Beach for some unforgettable photos.

Their abundant 5-course banquet in the Grand Library was followed by dancing the night away in the Great Hall. A perfect end to their wedding day.

However, the festivities did not end there. Sunday saw a nod to Max's heritage with a shared Italian feast for all their guests and heartfelt speeches from both the bride and her sister.

As the evening continued, dressed for a masquerade ball, the newlyweds and their guests were ready to party. With a cocktail bar, vodka luge and live band, this final evening was a showstopper.

Photographer: https://www.samgibsonweddings.co.uk/

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Flowers can transform a wedding space into an enchanting paradise. The beauty and fragrance of carefully selected blooms can set the tone for the entire celebration. At Clevedon Hall, the charm of the venue coupled with the magic of floral arrangements is sure to leave a lasting impression. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of creating captivating floral arrangements for your big day, with insights into choosing flowers, considering the venue's architecture, and adding personal touches.

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1. Choose Seasonal Flowers

Selecting flowers that are in season during your wedding month is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. Seasonal flowers are fresher and more easily sourced, ensuring their vibrancy on your wedding day. Additionally, choosing seasonal flowers is a wonderful way to add a touch of the time of year to your wedding décor. Whether it's the bright, bold colours of summer or the rich, warm tones of autumn, seasonal flowers can truly embody the essence of your wedding day.

How to Utilise: Discuss with your florist what flowers are in season for your wedding month and consider incorporating them into your arrangements. For example, if your wedding is in July, delphiniums, hydrangeas, and sunflowers are excellent choices.

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2. Reflect Your Wedding Theme

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Your floral arrangements should reflect the overall theme of your wedding, be it rustic, elegant, or vintage. The choice of flowers, their colours, and how they are arranged should all be in harmony with your chosen theme. It’s important to remember that your wedding theme is an expression of your personality and style as a couple, and your floral arrangements are an extension of this. Consider how different flowers and arrangements can evoke different atmospheres and emotions.

How to Utilise: For a rustic theme, consider loose arrangements with greenery and wildflowers. For an elegant theme, roses and orchids in classic arrangements might be more fitting.

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3. Enhance Clevedon Hall’s Beauty

Clevedon Hall is a venue with its own distinct charm. Your floral arrangements should enhance the venue's beauty without overpowering it. Clevedon Hall’s stunning architecture and picturesque gardens offer an array of opportunities to incorporate floral elements. Whether it’s garlands gracing the grand staircase or elegant centrepieces in the Great Hall, your floral décor should work in tandem with the beauty that Clevedon Hall naturally possesses.

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How to Utilise: Focus on arrangements that complement Clevedon Hall's architectural elements. For instance, use trailing greenery for the grand staircase, and elegant centerpieces for the ballroom.

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4. Consider the Colour Palette

The colour palette of your floral arrangement should complement your wedding theme and décor. It’s important to have a balance, ensuring that the colours are in harmony with not only each other but also with the surroundings. The colours you choose can set the mood for your wedding; softer colours often evoke a romantic atmosphere, while bolder colours can be more lively and festive.

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How to Utilise: Use a colour wheel to find colours that complement each other. If your décor is in shades of blue, an arrangement with whites and soft pinks can add a romantic touch.

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5. Scale and Proportion

The scale and proportion of your floral arrangements should be in harmony with the space. Large spaces like Clevedon Hall's ballroom might need grander arrangements, while smaller spaces can be adorned with more delicate pieces. Clevedon Hall has a range of spaces, each with its own character, and it’s important to consider how your floral arrangements can best complement and enhance these spaces without overwhelming them.

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How to Utilise: Collaborate with your florist to create designs that are proportionate to the spaces within Clevedon Hall. This might include large centerpieces for the main room and smaller, more detailed arrangements for tables.

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6. Scented Blooms for a Sensory Experience

The fragrance of your flowers can add another dimension to your wedding. A subtle floral scent can make the atmosphere even more enchanting. Imagine as you make your entrance, not only the sight of beautiful flowers but the delicate fragrance that fills the air, adding to the emotion and joy of the moment.

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How to Utilise: Choose flowers such as roses, lilies, or jasmine that have a natural fragrance to add a sensory layer to your décor.

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7. Personal Touches

Incorporating personal elements into your floral arrangements can make them more meaningful. This could be a flower that has sentimental value or an heirloom integrated into the bouquet. Personal touches can make your floral arrangements not just beautiful, but deeply significant, adding to the memories you are creating on your wedding day.

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How to Utilise: Share stories or elements that are significant to you and your partner with your florist, and work together to integrate these into your arrangements.

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8. Long-lasting Arrangements

For arrangements that need to last throughout the day, it’s crucial to select flowers that won’t wilt easily. The last thing you want is for your beautiful floral arrangements to look tired or droopy as the day progresses. This is particularly important for elements like the bridal bouquet, which will be featured in photographs throughout the day.

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How to Utilise: Opt for flowers known for their durability like orchids, chrysanthemums, or alstroemerias. Ask your florist for advice on the hardiest blooms.

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9. Multi-functional Arrangements

Maximise your floral budget by creating arrangements that can be used in multiple settings throughout the day. Thisis not only a cost-effective approach but also ensures that the beauty of your flowers can be enjoyed throughout your entire celebration.

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How to Utilise: Design arrangements that can be easily transported and repurposed. For example, use the flowers from the ceremony as table centerpieces during the reception or repurpose bouquets as decoration for the cake table.

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In Conclusion

The floral arrangements at your wedding play a pivotal role in setting the atmosphere and creating a visually stunning experience for you and your guests. By considering seasonal flowers, reflecting your wedding theme, enhancing Clevedon Hall’s beauty, considering the colour palette, scaling and proportion, including scented blooms, adding personal touches, ensuring long-lasting arrangements and thinking multi-functionally, your floral décor can be both enchanting and deeply meaningful. Clevedon Hall, with its timeless elegance and charm, provides the perfect canvas for your floral masterpiece. May your wedding day be as breathtaking as the blooms that adorn it.

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Music is the lifeblood of any celebration. It sets the mood, evokes emotions, and creates unforgettable moments. At Clevedon Hall, the elegant surroundings and rich history provide an unmatched backdrop for your musical choices. In this article, we will guide you through creating the perfect playlist for your Clevedon Hall wedding, considering the acoustics of the venue, the tastes of your guests, and how to capture the essence of your love story through music.

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1. Reflect the Theme and Atmosphere

The music you choose should mirror the theme and atmosphere you desire for your wedding day. Whether you're aiming for a classic, romantic, or lively celebration, the tunes you play will set the tone. Clevedon Hall, with its grand architecture and elegant rooms, lends itself perfectly to a wide range of musical styles.

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How to Utilise: For a classic theme, consider a string quartet during the ceremony and dinner. If you're going for a livelier atmosphere, a DJ or band playing upbeat tunes can energise the crowd.

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2. Choose Songs That Tell Your Story

Your wedding day is a celebration of your journey together. Choose songs that have special significance to your relationship. Whether it's the song that was playing when you first met or a tune that you both adore, these personal touches make the music more meaningful.

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How to Utilise: Compile a list of songs that are significant to your relationship and incorporate them throughout the day. Perhaps walk down the aisle to a tune that brings back wonderful memories.

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3. Keep Your Guests in Mind

Your guests’ musical tastes should also be considered. While the day is primarily about you and your partner, creating a playlist that appeals to the broad tastes of your guests ensures that everyone has a fantastic time.

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How to Utilise: Include a diverse mix of genres and eras in your playlist. Adding in a few crowd-pleasers that appeal to different age groups ensures the dance floor stays buzzing.

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4. Utilise Clevedon Hall’s Acoustics

Clevedon Hall has rooms with splendid acoustics. The grand architecture can amplify sound in a way that adds richness and depth to the music. Knowing this, you can tailor your playlist and musical arrangement to the venue.

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How to Utilise: Discuss the acoustics of Clevedon Hall with your musicians or DJ, and explore how this can be used to enhance the sound quality of your chosen music.

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5. Live Music vs. Recorded Music

Consider the unique charm that both live music and recorded music can bring to your celebration. Live music often adds a touch of sophistication and can be especially moving during the ceremony and dinner. Recorded music, on the other hand, offers endless possibilities and can keep the energy high during the dancing.

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How to Utilise: You don’t have to choose one over the other. Many couples opt for live music during the ceremony and a DJ for the reception. This blend offers the best of both worlds.

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6. The First Dance

Your first dance as a married couple is a pivotal moment. The song you choose should not only be something you both love but should also reflect your relationship. This is the moment where all eyes are on you as you take to the floor in the stunning surroundings of Clevedon Hall.

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How to Utilise: Choose a song that holds meaning to both of you, and if you’re up for it, take a few dance lessons together so you can truly make this a performance to remember.

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7. Plan for Transitions

The flow of music throughout the day is important. Smooth transitions between different parts of the celebration can be achieved by thoughtfully planning the order of songs and how they complement the events taking place.

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How to Utilise: Plan how you will transition from calm, ambient music during dinner to more upbeat music for dancing. A good DJ or band leader can help manage these transitions seamlessly.

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8. Have a 'Do Not Play' List

While you're compiling a list of must-have songs, it's also wise to think about any music you definitely do not want to be played. Whether it’s because they don’t fit the theme or personal taste, having this list ensures the music remains aligned with your vision.

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How to Utilise: Provide your DJ or band with a list of songs or genres that you’d prefer to avoid during your celebration.

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9. Be Adaptable

Even with careful planning, being adaptable on the day is key. Sometimes the mood of the room might call for a change in music, or a special request from a guest could become a highlight of the evening.

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How to Utilise: Let your DJ or band know that you trust their judgement to make slight alterations to the playlist if it keeps the party going.

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In Conclusion

Crafting the perfect playlist for your Clevedon Hall wedding is an art form in itself. By reflecting your theme, telling your story through music, considering your guests, utilising the venue's acoustics, blending live and recorded music, planning your first dance, ensuring smooth transitions, having a 'Do Not Play' list, and staying adaptable, you can create a magical and unforgettable musical backdrop to your special day.

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Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life. As the day unfolds, it's the love and joy shared with friends and family that make it truly special. One of the cherished keepsakes from your wedding is the guest book, where loved ones leave messages and well-wishes. To make this memento even more unforgettable, let's explore creative guest book ideas that will capture the essence of your big day.

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1. Wishing Stones

A rustic and symbolic option, wishing stones allow your guests to write their wishes on smooth pebbles. This idea is especially charming if you are having an outdoor or beach wedding.

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How to Incorporate: Provide smooth stones and markers on a designated table, and after the wedding, keep them in a beautiful glass vase as a decorative keepsake.

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2. Polaroid Photo Guest Book

There's something timeless about Polaroid photos. Your guests can capture candid moments and attach them to the guest book with their messages.

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How to Incorporate: Set up a Polaroid camera station with fun props, a blank scrapbook, glue sticks and colourful pens.

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3. Puzzle Pieces

This creative idea involves guests signing individual puzzle pieces. Once complete, it becomes a keepsake you can piece together again and again.

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How to Incorporate: Buy or customise a large wooden puzzle. Display the pieces on a table with markers for guests to write their messages.

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4. Vintage Postcards

Perfect for the couple who loves to travel, vintage postcards are an elegant and fun option for a guest book.

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How to Incorporate: Collect postcards and lay them out with pens on a table. After the wedding, bind them into a book or keep them in a keepsake box.

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5. Vinyl Records

For music-loving couples, using vinyl records as your guest book gives a retro vibe and a nod to your shared passion.

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How to Incorporate: Choose a few records that are special to you, and let guests sign them. Later, frame them as unique wall art.

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6. A ‘Bucket List’ Suggestion Book

Have your guests contribute ideas for your bucket list. This adds an interactive and meaningful aspect to your guest book.

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How to Incorporate: Set up a station with a book titled “Our Bucket List” and invite guests to add their suggestions.

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7. Fingerprints Tree

An artistic and whimsical idea where guests leave their fingerprints on a tree print, creating the effect of leaves.

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How to Incorporate: Have a tree print on a canvas and set it up with ink pads and markers for guests to add their fingerprint and sign their name.

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8. Quilt Squares

For a cosy, handmade memento, have guests sign quilt squares which can later be sewn into a keepsake quilt.

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How to Incorporate: Provide fabric squares and fabric markers, and after the wedding, sew the squares into a quilt.

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9. Personalised Jenga Blocks

Turn a classic game into a cherished memory by having your guests sign Jenga blocks.

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How to Incorporate: Simply place Jenga blocks with markers on a table, and after the wedding, enjoy playing with your personalised set.

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10. A Globe for the Wanderlust Couple

A globe makes for a stunning guest book for couples who love to travel. It also doubles as a beautiful decorative piece for your home.

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How to Incorporate: Place a beautiful globe with metallic markers on a table and let guests sign away.

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In Conclusion

Your wedding guest book can be as traditional or as out-of-the-box as you like. These creative guest book ideas not only engage your loved ones but also serve as a lasting reminder of the people who shared in the joy of your special day

Don’t forget to put someone in charge of guiding the guests and ensuring everyone signs. So, which idea captured your heart? Whichever you choose, it’s bound to be a keepsake you’ll treasure for years to come.

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Gone are the days when your only option was a one-day celebration, with more and more couples choosing to extend the festivities over an entire weekend.

It's no secret that your wedding day flies by, in the lead-up to my own wedding I was frequently told to 'enjoy every second', 'you won't get to talk to everyone' and 'find a few moments for the two of you', how right each piece of advice was. The following day I remember us commenting how 'I would give anything to do it all again'.  Ten years ago a 2-3 day wedding wasn't even an option; outside of American movies or the pages of Hello.

Needless to say, I love the growing trend of extending your day, with it offering the opportunity to spend more time with your loved ones who have often travelled from afar. I would encourage every engaged couple to look at this option.

Don't worry...I hear you, not all couples have the budget for an entire weekend in a private mansion house, but there are options that may mean your budget may go a little further than you imagined including; late deals, low session offerings and mid-week dates. Or why not speak to our Wedding Coordinators about a bespoke option, for example, dinner the night before your big day?

At the Hall, we offer 'Treasured Weekend' and 'Signature Weekend' packages' which although include different food and drink options, do follow the same overall itinerary:

Day one - Arrival from 3pm with a three-course evening meal

Day two - Wedding day (The number of canapes and courses for your wedding breakfast will vary depending on the package)

Day three - Barbecue or two-course roast meal, with departure by 5pm

Both packages also include 25 bedrooms for two nights with breakfast and our cosy Cottage for two nights.

The luxury of time allows couples to really think outside the box and add personality to their weekend, from quiz nights to masked balls, we have seen an array of exciting variations. It also allows time to relax and really savour the moment, sitting back and enjoying a BBQ with a cocktail in hand, a game of rounders, or family space hopper race sounds like a great way to finish the weekend!

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A classic, roaring twenties inspired wedding, jam packed from start to finish with the most amazing details, entertainment, love and laughter.

Lacey & Jake took us way back to the 1920’s with a very clear vision for their special day. Ditching traditional wedding details such as fresh flowers and white table cloths, the couple opted instead for statement feather table arrangements, black cloths, gold cutlery and the cutest little black tie napkins.

Lacey absolutely blew us away with her Hollywood glamour inspired wedding dress with custom collar and puff sleeves, cathedral veil and pearl headpiece…  as did the bridesmaids in their black satin dresses and matching opera gloves, and of course it was black tie for the boys!

Lacey’s evening dress was just as special and unique, handmade using the offcuts from her day dress and her mum’s wedding dress.

The ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt as Lacey made her entrance to “blinded by your grace”, with dad by her side. The orders of service were vogue style magazines, not only informative but in keeping with their theme, a clever touch.

The wedding breakfast kicked off with a live stream of the Cheltenham gold cup horse race with betting slips placed on each table as wedding favours, creating a real buzz.

But the entertainment didn’t stop there. After the speeches, the couple toasted to shots of baby Guinness in honour of St Patrick's Day and guests were treated to singing waiters, a saxophonist, handpicked-bespoke cocktails from the cocktail bar and late night partying until 2am.

Photo credits: https://www.laurenameliaphoto.co.uk/

Film credits: https://weddingvideosolutions.co.uk/about-us/

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A romantic, floral extravaganza!

Kinjan and Gareth had a clear vision for their July wedding and the attention to detail did not go unnoticed.

Making the most of the summer heat, their outdoor ceremony was the perfect choice. A pure white runner carefully framed with flowers and candles created a dreamy asile to the flower draped gazebo.  

After the vows, drinks flowed and music filled the air. As the couple surprised their guests with a champagne tower and canapes, to be enjoyed around the Hebe Fountain and accompanied by the sounds of their string quartet, 'Sundrea, Strings'.

Throughout the afternoon and evening the food took centre stage.

With Kinjan and Gareth wanting a Michelin star inspired menu for their wedding breakfast, our Head Chef Alex, rose to the occasion and treated their guests to a flawless five course menu featuring a Liquid Caesar Salad appetiser and Trio of Lamb as their main course.

The Orangery offered the perfect setting and was a wash of white, from linen, chair sashes, grand floral displays, to the personalised iced cookie favours. Wanting the personal touch, the couple hand picked their table and glassware, to ensure their elegant taste was reflected throughout.

As the sun set the party started with the couples first dance complete with confetti drop, got family and friends up onto the dancefloor to tunes from their seven piece band. Treated to cocktails and pizza from the Pizza Monkey van, the night ended with a bang, as the couple and their guests enjoyed a beautiful firework display overlooking the lake.

Photo credits: https://christinasarah.com/

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Ruchel & Dan's three day summer wedding was a show stopper, with no expense spared, the entire wedding was meticulously planned by 'Katrina Otter Weddings'.
This well travelled couple wanted to bring culture and excitement to their celebrations, from a quiz night, champagne tower, photobooth, 7 piece band and disco, cocktail bar, singing bridesmaids, to multiple elegant outfit changes.
Their family and friends were treated to an opulent sit down banquet in our Grand Library on their wedding day, surrounded by flowers, candles and bespoke table styling.
Sunday saw the grounds be transformed into a Moroccan paradise with a breath-taking marquee so elegantly staged with lanterns, flowers, sofas in soft linens.

We were absolutely blown away by not only the detail and elegance of this wedding, but by how much love and laughter filled the entire weekend.

Photo credits: https://www.emma-janephotography.co.uk/

Marquee photo credits: https://www.elenahaydonphotography.co.uk/

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A beautiful April Wedding captured in video and photos by the amazing White Villa Photography

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Concentrate on cashflow

One of the main reasons businesses fail is poor cashflow management – if you reach a point where you have insufficient available cash to pay bills and wages Then the business will be declared insolvent.  So, assess your likely cashflow for the next 12 months and try and anticipate any times where your expenses may be especially high, your income particularly low, or both are likely to coincide.  Paradoxically you may be at most risk when things are going well – if you pick up a big contract and have to hire more staff, move to bigger premises of invest in extra equipment this will drain your cash but there is likely to be a delay before the income catches up.  

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Make sure you have access to expert help and advice

There will be some aspects of your business that fall outside your core competencies and you need to find capable and experienced people to help you with them.  First of all explore free sources of advice and help.  However, in some instances you’ll have to pay for professional assistance.  Don’t be tempted to tackle these things yourself as your time is better spent doing the stuff you are good at – it’s a false economy!  You’ll almost certainly need to hire an accountant, and possibly a book-keeper.  An IT expert to keep your computer systems operational, a web designer to take care of your online presence and possibly a marketing expert are also must-haves.  

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Keep your cost down

Analyse every expense and review your arrangements at regular intervals.  Survival sometimes means having to take tough decisions so be ruthless with anything that’s not an absolute necessity.  Try to negotiate better deals with all of your suppliers and explore alternatives.

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Tighten up your credit control

The quicker you get paid the healthier your cashflow.  So, generate invoices at the earliest opportunity and make your payment terms clear.  When payment becomes due send a reminder and follow up if that doesn’t do the trick.  If you get a bad debt don’t be afraid to hire a debt collection agency – people usually pay up when they realise you are serious about getting your money!  Monitor your cashflow situation on a regular basis.   If it is always a worry you might do well to look at some kind of invoice finance solution.

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Credit check new customers

It’s great getting new clients and customers – but only if they pay on time.  Do some basic due diligence before you put yourself in a position where they owe you money.

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Enhance your business offering

Are there any inexpensive ways improve your existing products and services to offer better value for money and attract more clients?  Or could you add new products and services to broaden your appeal and open up fresh income streams?  The more diversified your offering and revenue sources the more you spread the risk if the economic situation changes.

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Back up your data

If you lose your data, either through a system failure or because you’ve been hacked, the business will struggle to recover.  Make sure everything is backed up on the cloud and put the necessary security measures in place – this is an absolute must!

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Can you raise prices?

Even a small increase in your charges can make a big difference to your bottom line.  And right now, with inflation a big issue, your customers and clients won’t be surprised!

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Can you sell more to your current customers?

It’s easy to overlook them but if you can encourage them to buy more it’s cheaper than acquiring new customers (eight times less expensive by some estimates!).  Can you offer them additional products and services, or encourage them to buy more by offering bulk discounts?  Another idea is to offer them rewards for recommending your business to others.

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Review your marketing efforts

Try and identify which marketing channels and activities are producing the best sales results.  If you haven't already done so, explore no-cost and low-cost ways to publicise your business, including social media websites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.  Also look at ways to make your website more effective – do you need to improve SEO, rewrite the home page to make it more engaging or add fresh content?

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Focus on improving productivity and profitability

Are you and your employees wasting time on tasks that don’t produce revenue?  It may be that you suspend certain activities in the short term, or you look at outsourcing jobs that would then free up your people to concentrate on things that actually make a positive impact on the bottom line.

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Stay on top of compliance

Make sure your business compliant with current laws and regulations in the UK.  Check that all your employment contracts up to date?  Have you got all of your important documents filed and accessible.  Staying on top of this stuff puts you in a much stronger position if things get tough – you don’t need an employment tribunal, a fine or a dispute on top of everything else!

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Build a tight team

If your business hits turbulence survival is a team effort.  Do all you can to get full buy-in from your employees.  Make them feel valued and communicate with them – ask them for ideas on how to make the business work more effectively and what steps you can take to boost morale.

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Stay strong

We hope you find these tips helpful – and if you want to celebrate your business survival later in the year we’d love to host you and your team at Clevedon Hall!

It’s so easy to get totally focussed on wedding planning that you forget to plan what comes next – married life.  The first is important, the biggest day of your life.  But the second, the rest of your life, is even more so.  Every couple discusses dates, venues, themes, dresses, cakes and seating plans.  But how many make the time to ask the less immediate questions which will shape their relationship for years to come?  A lot less than plan their ceremony and celebration in minute detail.  

What kind of questions are we talking about?  Not the kind you get asked when playing Mr & Mrs!  Serious questions that are less fun than “what flavour wedding cake takes your fancy?”.  Potentially awkward questions that you’d perhaps rather avoid.  But vital questions you’ll be glad you asked each other before tying the knot.  In this post we list some of the most essential ones.

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Starting a family

It’s important to find out if you are both on the same page when it comes to having children.  It’s not just a question of “shall we, shan’t we?”.   How many would you like, and when?  Do you want them so badly you’d consider IVF or adoption if things don’t happen as expected?  How do you plan to work parenting duties around your respective careers?  How were you brought up and do you want to maintain the same parenting style with your own kids?  What kind of education would you like for them?  Are there any religious issues that need to be discussed?

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Managing money

Arguments about money are a major cause of marital breakups – so it’s best to check your views are not too far apart.  What’s your attitude to money?  Do you like to spend most or all of your income and live for today or save and invest for the future.  How do you feel about borrowing money and carrying a certain amount of debt?  Shall we keep our incomes and finances totally separate or put everything in a joint account?  If one of you gets paid a lot more, or comes from a much wealthier background, how are you going handle that?   Are we going to split all of our expenses equally or is one of us going to take on more of the bills?  Should we get a prenuptial agreement?

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Sex life

Your sexual compatibility is probably pretty good – otherwise it’s unlikely that you’d be getting married.  However, it’s important to talk about the subject.  Sex is the barometer of the relationship so exploring it with your partner will bring you closer together.  Was sex something that was openly discussed in your family as you were growing up or was it a no-go area?  Do you have religious beliefs that will have a bearing on our sex life? What does sex mean to you? How often do you like to have sex? Do you have expectations about sex? Do you feel comfortable and safe talking about your needs?  How do you feel when I talk about my needs?  

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Family background

If your backgrounds are similar then this is likely to make married life easier.  But what if you come from very different cultures, ethnic groups, religions, social classes, financial situations?  It’s hard to be prescriptive about what questions to ask as your situation is likely to be unique – but identify issues that are likely to prove awkward and discuss these with your intended.

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Values and beliefs

It’s true that opposites attract but you’ll probably find you’ll get along a lot better if you hold similar views on things like honesty, integrity, family, work, politics and religion.  Discussing them now could spare you a few surprises down the road!

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Work/life balance

Do you live to work or work to lo live?  Are you super ambitious and very goal orientated with regard to your career or is family, friends and enjoying each day as it comes your priority?  If my career required me to locate, and I wanted to take that opportunity, how would you feel about moving?  Would you prefer a modest lifestyle where we had plenty of time to enjoy life outside of work and not too many responsibilities or will you be happier having a demanding career that gives you a lot of money and status?

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Lifestyle and interests

Are you a committed couch potato while your partner is a super active outdoor type?  Is your idea of a great Friday night curling up with a good book while his is a few pints with his mates down the pub?  Your tastes lean towards the antique and retro but he’s happy with IKEA?  He’s a mad foodie who loves to cook whereas you are happy with microwaved ready meals?  It’s important that you come to some agreement about your differences and how you handle them – otherwise a fewc arguments are likely to arise!

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Personality compatibility

Most couples have rather different personalities.  If one is outgoing the other is often a bit reserved.  If one is the kind of person who likes to take the lead the other is often more of a follower, someone who is happiest providing support.  People with exactly the same personality traits tend to clash (two people who are both very strong willed and like to take the lead will probably wind each other up).  Those with different personality traits tend to complement each other.  However, there will be times when these differences are a source of frustration.  What’s more, each personality type has a different way of communicating and this can make things extra difficult when issues arise.  On top of this, men and women are psychologically very different and react in ways that totally confuse their partners.  There are no simple answers here (as any married couple will tell you) but the more you explore your personality, communication and gender differences the better you are going to get along.

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Any other ways we can help?

We’re wedding organisers, not marriage counsellors.  However, our experience of all things wedding planning is pretty extensive - so in our posts we cover more issues and topics than you might expect!  Got any other questions about your forthcoming nuptials?  Then ask away!

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Everything goes on hold over Christmas – including wedding planning.  So, what’s a bride-to-be and her fiancé supposed to do when there are no cake tastings, dress fittings or vendor appointments to fill the schedule?  Apart from celebrating the festive season with family and friends (including those on your other half’s side of things) it’s a great opportunity to share a little time together – just the two of you, cuddled up in a blanket, in front of a roaring fire, with a bottle of wine, watching a classic, heart-warming, laugh-out-loud rom-com.  In this post we’ve listed half a dozen of our favourites.  You are bound to have seen a couple already but hopefully there are a few little gems you’ve not yet got around to watching yet.  Enjoy!

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There’s Something About Mary

Ben Stiller at his most cringeworthy and Cameron Diaz at her most ditzy.  It’s very silly but very funny with a “bad hair day” scene that has become the stuff of legend.  The course of true love definitely does not run smooth for our hero but suffice to say he gets his girl in the end.  Word of warning, however – not one to watch with your parents or the soon-to-be in-laws.

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10 Things I Hate About You

Set in a 1990’s Seattle high school it’s a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s comedy “The Taming of the Shrew” – but don’t let that put you off!  Kat Stratford (spot the nod to Shakespeare’s hometown) is played by Julia Stiles – beautiful and smart but very stand-offish.  Fellow student Cameron wants to date her younger sister, Bianca.  But over-protective dad, knowing that Kat’s abrasive character makes her boyfriend-proof, rules that Bianca cannot date until older sister does.  Needless to say many strings are pulled and plots hatched to get Kat to drop her guard.  Enter bad boy Patrick and the stage is set for sparks.

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When Harry Met Sally

The two title characters meet in Chicago then share a car to New York.  During the journey he declares that men and women can never just be friends as the issue of sex gets in the way.  She disagrees and they part on unfriendly terms.  Over the course of the next twelve years they bump into each other unexpectedly and though the relationship develops they still find themselves on opposing sides of the same argument.  The closest they get to having sex is Sally’s faked orgasm in a diner to which a fellow customer remarks “I’ll have what she’s having!” – a line that has gone down in cinema history.  Released in 1989 it has been succeeded by a long line of great rom-coms, but probably never been bettered.  

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La La Land

It’s a well-worn story of struggling actress meets struggling musician in hard-hearted LA.   Despite their relationship getting off to a bad start love blossoms.  However, as their respective careers begin to take off they find that awkward decision threaten to unravel the dreams they’ve worked so hard to nurture.  It’s a well worn story but Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and writer/director Damien Chazelle tell it with so much charm, verve and style that one cannot help but fall in love with the two stars, the music and LA itself.  Watch it and you’ll see why it won an amazing 6 Oscars.

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Clueless

Another teen drama, again a retelling of a literary classic (Emma, by Jane Austen).  Cher, played to cute perfection by Alicia Silverstone, is a shallow, rich, materialistic and socially successful high school student with a heart of gold and a wardrobe to die for.  She also has a meddlesome streak.  After coaxing two teachers into dating each other she decides to give hopelessly klutzy new student Tai a makeover.  So successful are the results that Tai replaces Cher at the top of the pecking order – which gives our heroine pause for thought.  Realising that her disapproving ex-stepbrother Josh was right to criticise her past behaviour she resolves to become a better person.  In the process she realises she’s in love with him…but can he be persuaded to overcome his earlier antipathy?  

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How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days

Advertising executive Ben Barry is so cocky about his romantic prowess that he bets his workmates he can make any woman fall in love with him.  Unfortunately he meets advice columnist Andie Anderson.  She has a different agenda – to write a piece that highlights dating “don’ts” and get a man to dump her within 10 days.  It’s an unlikely situation but suspend your initial disbelief and you are in for a lot of laughs.  The outcome is predictable but there’s plenty of fun and games on the way.

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Need some more ideas?

If you’ve already seen all six of these movies then call us and we’ll suggest some more – we love rom-coms at Clevedon Hall!  

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A beautiful May wedding of Alice and Jordan. Captured by the amazing Jodie Hurd Photography and Video by White Villa

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What is co-working?

It means working in shared space that is not a home and where the occupants are not employees of single company.  The term co-working, used in this sense, was coined by Brad Neuberg, a programmer who opened the first official co-working space in San Francisco in 2005.  

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The concept has caught on big time across the United States with estimates suggesting that there were about 760 co-working spaces in 2011.  Co-working spaces have popped up in pretty much every major city around the globe (and quite a few smaller towns too).  There are at least half a dozen in Bristol.  Most co-working spaces are also fully equipped with the usual amenities like speedy internet access, audio and video equipment, printer/scanner, reserved desks, meeting spaces and somewhere to prepare teas, coffees and snacks.  

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Why is co-working becoming so popular?

Because it caters to the needs of a growing number of today’s workers.   Over recent years there has been a huge rise in the number of people becoming self-employed or working freelance – professionals setting up on their own, solopreneurs, entrepreneurs working alone to get start-ups off the ground, independent contractors, consultants.  The same is true for remote workers - the employee that travels a lot in the course of their work (a trainer or a salesperson for instance).

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All of these people could work from home, hire a small office or, in the case of the remote worker, work from their hotel room - but it’s a lonely existence and the home environment is full of distractions.  

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What are the benefits of a co-working space?

Sense of community

You are less isolated because you become part of a group of people with whom you probably have a lot in common.  Because all of you are working alone everyone is keen to make connections and support each other – it’s easy to build relationships.  This kind of social interaction is great for your mental wellbeing but it’s also really useful to have people to bounce ideas off and whose brains you can pick.

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A professional environment

Working from home can present a few challenges.  Lack of space may be one – unless you have a spare room you’ll end up in the living room, on the kitchen table or under the stairs, none of which are ideal.  Working from home can also mean that concentration is difficult – there are distractions like children, pets, a partner or the TV.  The flipside of this is the fact it can be hard to switch off at the end of the day – there’s no physical separation from work life and home life.  An added aspect of that is that it’s hard to feel “at work” when surrounded by laundry and dishes.  Likewise it’s hard to feel “at home” when there’s a laptop and piles of reports spread over the floor.  All of these issues are immediately resolved when you use a co-working space.  

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Networking opportunities

When you join a co-working group, and start building relationships, you’ll find that some of these people may be interested in your services, or know others that could use them – you’ll probably pick up some new clients, either directly, or through referrals.  You’ll also discover that some of these people have skills or connections you could use – you might become clients of theirs or become collaborators.  The bottom line is that new people represent new opportunities – how many great opportunities will you miss in a week, a month, a year if you work from home in isolation?

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A few questions for you

Have you tried using a co-working space?   What was the experience like and would you recommend it to others?  Do you have any tips on how to choose between co-working spaces and find the one that’s most appropriate your needs?

What is burnout?

It’s how you feel after burning the candle at both ends, giving 110% for weeks on end or going the extra mile too many times (choose your own metaphor).  OK, sometimes a situation arises where you have to really put in loads of hours and effort.  And in a crisis, or where you are chasing a short-term goal, adrenalin will get you through.  But eventually the stress means you’ll crash and burn.  On a physical level you are exhausted and can’t go on.  On an emotional one your enthusiasm has run out and you don’t care any longer.  In addition you feel inadequate, frustrated and depressed while you may experience headaches, stomach problems and trouble sleeping.

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How big a problem is it?

It depends which studies you read but it’s certainly an issue for a very large number of us.  According to the research conducted by Westfield Health in 2022, 46% of UK workers are close to burnout.  Another recent study by Glassdoor’s economic researchers revealed that the reports of burnout among British workers increased by 48% to record levels between 2021 and 2022.

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Business leaders, as you would expect, are even more prone to the problem.  A recent American Express survey reveals that 88% of small business leaders say work regularly interrupts their life outside of work and a scary 49% feel they are burnt out.

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How can you avoid burnout, or at least manage it?

Maintain a good work-life balance

Do everything you can to take time out, whether that’s short breaks during your day, a proper evening off and a weekend where you focus on family, sport, a hobby, socialising or just chilling out (anything but work!).  It’s also essential to take your full annual leave entitlement.  

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According to a Glassdoor survey, 72% of full-time employees in Britain in June 2022 regarded annual leave as an effective way to avoid burnout.  Despite that 40% of employees failed to use their full holiday allowance in the previous year.

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It’s important to set boundaries.  Monitor your hours and try to avoid doing more than you are contracted for.  When you work from home try to stick to normal hours and shut your computer down when the day ends.  Wear “work” clothes when working from home and change into “home” clothes once you finish.  Avoid checking your phone for messages and getting drawn into work mode when you should be relaxing.

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Get adequate sleep

When you’re super busy you may get up early or work late to make a dent in your to-do list.  The trouble is that this may prove counter-productive.  After 17 hours with no sleep your performance starts to suffer - your attention and cognitive control may be almost the same as if you were at the legal blood alcohol limit for driving.  What’s more, if you consistently fail to get enough sleep this can be very detrimental to your health.

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Try to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night. And if you are struggling to switch off and suffer from insomnia then consider seeking help from a medical professional.

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Let’s get physical

When the pressure is on it can be hard to make time for exercise.  We probably don’t feel like it either – we’re too tired!   Numerous studies have found, however, that physical activity is a great way to improve your physical wellbeing, reduce stress and lift your mood.  Exercise can also help to stave off conditions like depression (one of the long-term consequences of burnout).  Get off you but (“but I’m too busy/tired”) and you’ll not only feel some physical benefits but mental ones too.

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It's good to talk

Spending too much time at work, whether in the office or at home, will eat into your social life.  On top of that you may feel too tired and “down” to make an effort to connect with family and friends.  We’re social creatures by nature so if we reduce our interactions with others our mental wellbeing begins to suffer.  

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Prioritise time with others, ideally with those that you find positive and uplifting.  Whether it’s going for a walk with a mate, or popping down the pub for a pint, the fact you are connecting with other human beings will help to release some pressure and lift your spirits.

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Find creative distraction

The thing with stress is that it preys on your mind – even when you are not actually engaged in work your mind can be preoccupied with it.  The way to tackle this is to break the cycle by becoming absorbed in some other form of activity.  The creative arts, such as art, literature, music, dance or drama.  There’s ample evidence that focusing in these areas can be very effective at reducing stress.  You could take an evening class, start a journal, go to a play or concert – even picking up a book for a few minutes is a great way to take your mind off the things that are stressing you out.

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Make the most of mindfulness

It’s easy, when we are really wrapped up in our work, to lost touch with what’s going on around us and inside of us.  That’s fine for a while but it’s not healthy, physically and mentally, for prolonged periods.  This is where mindfulness comes in.  We hear a lot about it these days – but what is it exactly?

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Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.  It’s flicking a mental switch from the work task that you are so preoccupied with and noticing the other stuff that’s going on in that moment – the fact the sun is shining, how good your coffee is tasting and that you feel a lot better after looking out the window and taking a couple of deep breaths.  Numerous studies suggest that the practice of mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety.  It is therefore a very useful therapy you should check out if you feel you may be approaching burnout.

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A good party will put you right!

We hope you find these six tips useful whenever you feel yourself working too hard for too long.  If that’s the case in the run up to Christmas maybe you and your team should book a table at our Christmas Party Night on Friday the 16th of December – nothing like a good night out as a stress buster!

Inflation, higher interest rates, real wages falling…the financial news has been pretty gloomy, hasn’t it?  Perhaps you need to tighten your belt a bit as you plan how to tie the knot?  In this post we give you a few suggestions that shouldn’t be too painful.

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Think smaller

Inviting fewer guests is the most effective way to reduce your cost.  We’re not suggesting you un-invite people after the invitations have gone out!   But if you’re still at the list-making stage then maybe the distant cousins you haven’t seen for years don’t need to be included.    If anyone takes umbrage at not getting an invite you can blame it on the economic situation.   You may even find that some people are actually glad to be missed off – nothing personal but they may be strapped for cash  and relieved they are spared the expense of a gift,  accommodation, travel, childcare…

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Crafty ways to save

Maybe it’s time to get acquainted with your inner DIY queen?  It's amazing how much money you can save when you get crafty – and there are plenty of ideas on the likes of Pinterest.  Also think about the collective talents and skills of family and friends.  Is there a graphic designer, a photographer, a joiner, a baker, a seamstress, florist or handicraft enthusiast on the list?    

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Wed on a weekday

Saturday is the most popular day to wed – and therefore the most expensive.  Many venues offer special deals for weekday weddings.    Give guests plenty of warning and nearly all of them should be able to get the required time off.  This is a great way to save a few pounds without it cramping your style in the slightest.  You may also be able to negotiate a slightly lower rate from the venue if you pick a winter date rather than a summer one.

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Location location

Pick a venue where you can have both the ceremony and the celebration.  Hiring one place rather than two will probably make quite a difference – only one set of fees to pay, only one place to decorate and fewer transport costs.

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You are e-invited

Printing and postage are super expensive for your save-the-date notes and invitations.  Email them instead and you’ll save a fortune.    

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Discounted dresses

Naturally you want to be wearing the dress of your dreams on the big day.  But with a bit of research you might be able to find a boutique that’s having a sale.  There’s also never any harm in asking about discounts, sample gowns, or any other available options.    The same goes for bridesmaids’ dresses – you can get some great pre-loved deals and renting is an option too.

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Buffets make the budget go further

It’s usually the case that a formal sit-down dinner will set you back rather more than a serve yourself buffet, food bar or grazing tables.  You may also find that many guests prefer the freedom to help themselves, as and when they get a case of the nibbles.

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Financial hangover cure

A full bar is expensive.  So why not restrict the drinks to just beer and wine – less heavy on your pocket than offering spirits.  Another idea is to give everyone a signature cocktail (a single drink, like a bellini, or mojito…not just a single glass!).  Or the signature cocktail option plus a bar where they can buy their own drinks once the cocktails have all gone.

Champagne does not come cheap - instead of serving all night long, provide each guests  with a single glass at the appropriate time to toast the bride and groom.  Or switch it out for Prosecco, which costs considerably less.

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Let them eat cake

Don’t have a separate dessert course - just present the wedding cake as dessert, with coffee and tea to end the meal.

Another smart money-saving idea is to order two cakes: a large sheet cake as well as a small fancy one for display and the cake-cutting ceremony. The sheet cake, which can be less elaborately decorated than the display one, gets sliced and dished up out of sight in the kitchen.

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Blooming smart

Ask your florist to only source flowers that are local and in season.  You can also suggest they mix berries, pinecones, and other economical non-floral embellishments among costlier blooms to fill out bouquets and displays.  

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Move the floral arrangements around to do double the work.   If you have an adequate number of ceremony flowers and they're a suitable size, they can serve as centrepieces at the reception.  Another option is to use them to decorate the guest-book table, the seating-card table and favour table. Bridesmaids' bouquets can be used to decorate the dessert table.

Instead of expensive floral presentations as centrepieces on your dining tables you can have bowls, vases or cake stands filled with seasonal fruits from a farmer's market.

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Save on wedding wheels

Use a personal car rather than a limousine to get to and from the reception.  So who do you know that has a really smart motor that they would be willing to let you use for a day?

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Want more cost saving ideas?

The team at Clevedon Hall are not short of experience when it comes to making your wedding budget go further.  All you have to do is call them and ask!

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Sustainability is very much on everyone’s mind as the world wrestles with the challenges of climate change.  It has even become an issue with wedding planning – especially if and eco-friendly lifestyle are important to you and your partner.  The inconvenient truth is that a wedding is a one-off event so, by definition, somewhat wasteful. Rather than cancel the whole thing (don’t do that!) here are some tips on how to minimise waste, lower carbon footprints, and recycle more.  You might think that you’ve got enough on your wedding planning plate already but there is one very good reason for reading on (apart from tying the knot with a clean environmental conscience) – many of these tips will make your budget go further.  

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Look for a venue with green credentials

This is a bit of a no-brainer.  It means you can lower the environmental impact of your wedding day without having to actually do anything yourselves!  At Clevedon Hall we take sustainability seriously.  We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods.  If you’d like full details of our environmental policy click the link in the panel at the bottom this page (and all our web pages).  We’re also members of the Green Tourism scheme, currently awaiting our grading.

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Keep it local

This one is kind of obvious too.  The more travelling involved to more emissions, it’s a simple as that.  So, if most of your guests are based in the West Country it makes sustainability sense to pick a venue in this region (as well as being more convenient and less costly for everyone).   That means a wedding abroad is not really an option if you are serious about sustainability – too many air miles.  Of course, if one of you is from overseas, with a lot of relatives on the other side of the world, it may make environmental sense to tie the knot over there – you’ll just have to work out where most guests are located.

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Limit the guest list

This is a tough one but the fact is fewer guests means a smaller carbon footprint.  The upside is it will reduce your expenditure as well.  And fewer guests will make the occasion more intimate.  

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Eco-friendly invites

Another obvious one…once you think about it.  Switching to digital stationery will save large amounts of paper, ink and energy. It’s probably cheaper too. Email your save the dates notes and your invitations.  Ask people to RSVP electronically too, either by email or through your wedding website.  

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Recycle and rent

Going vintage or pre-loved with your choice of dress is a great eco option.  The same goes for bridesmaids dresses.  Hiring suits for the groomsmen, rather than buying them, is also a smart (and popular) idea.  All of these ideas are also great for saving money too.  Trashing your dress by jumping in the sea or wearing it horse riding while capturing the moment with a photographer is a growing trend.   Resist the temptation - handing it down to the next generation, or selling it on, is a much more ethical and eco-responsible way to go.

Do you have any friends or family who are getting married around the same time as you?  Could you share bunting, fairy lights, name place/table number holders and signage?  

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Another way to cut wastage is to utilise the collective DIY skills of your family and friends.  Pinterest is full of great ideas when it comes to recycling/upcycling stuff for your wedding celebrations – much more eco-friendly than buying new.

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Make your menu eco-friendly

Whether your venue is providing all the food and drink, or you’re hiring caterers, try to find a team that prioritises sustainability.  At Clevedon Hall we make every effort to source ethical and fair-trade products from local suppliers (and there’s no shortage of the highest quality ingredients available in the West Country!).

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Choosing a vegetarian menu will also reduce the environmental impact of your wedding meal and any other food you provide.  Having a sit-down meal rather than a buffet gets the sustainability thumbs up too – there’s a lot less waste food left after the event.  

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Choose seasonal and local flowers

Ask your florist what flowers will be blooming around the time of your wedding in this country.  Many bouquets and displays are created with flowers that have been flown half-way around the world – and that’s very expensive, both to your pocket and the planet.

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Another increasingly popular option, for bouquets and decoration, is dried flowers.  The fact they last for years means you’ll have a memento to take home and cherish long after your wedding day.  On the other hand you could gift dried flowers to your wedding guests.

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Rethink your wedding favours

Choose your wedding favours with care to ensure they are eco-friendly.  For instance, give flower bombs.  These are little biodegradable boxes filled with wildflower seeds. When your guest gets home, they can simply throw the bomb on their garden and over the coming months, the box will completely decompose, the seeds will be released and the flowers will begin to grow! Every time your guests look at their garden, they will be reminded of their special day.

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Biodegradable confetti

In the past a lot of confetti was made from plastic but that’s definitely a no-no now!   Luckily there’s a wide choice of biodegradable confetti available (often made with real dried flower petals) so make sure you ask guests to use the eco-friendly sort.

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Any other questions?

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

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Why do people use jargon?

Most of us do it unconsciously.  We just become so familiar with certain phrases that we constantly hear in meetings, or read in emails, that we adopt them ourselves.  Plus we want to fit in with colleagues and be accepted.  But then we use the expression at home, or down the pub, and realise it’s a buzzword that only makes sense in the office.  

Jargon, it must be said, can be useful as a kind of shorthand.  When everyone understands the phrase “let’s not boil the ocean on this one” it’s a very quick and graphic way of saying “I think this task is too big and pointless to undertake”.

Having said that, some people use jargon in a way that’s more intentional and purposeful.  For example, it’s a very useful way to disguise the true meaning of a statement.  “Let’s not boil the ocean on this one” is actually an oblique way of saying “that’s a stupid suggestion because it would be a complete waste of time and resources”.  So when the subject of making redundancies comes up it’s much less painful to talk in terms of “downsizing” or “rightsizing” than “job cuts” or “laying off workers”.  In December 2018, General Motors took this to a whole new level when they referred to the closure of five plants in the US and Canada, with a loss of up to 14,000 jobs, as “resources being unallocated”.   Taken to extremes the use of jargon comes pretty close to lying and some employ it to hide the truth.

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Other people use jargon with the intention of confusing their colleagues or clients.  It’s a way of suggesting “I’m smarter than you are”.  Someone who uses phrases like “congruent synergies”, “holistic solutions” or “paradigm shift” tends to come across as sophisticated, knowledgeable and intelligent.  Listeners who struggle to understand these terms feel correspondingly inadequate.  If you are a client it’ll probably make you think “Woa, this is way more complicated than I thought, and they sound like they understand it, so I’d better hire them!”  If you are a colleague it will likely have a similar effect and you’ll look up to that person as some kind of authority.  In reality, however, the speaker may be using jargon to cover for the fact that the opposite is true - they’re actually the least smart person in the room and talking complete BS!  

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Pick of the bunch

“Peanut butter approach”.  This means applying the same strategy to all aspects of a business. For instance, your business might need to cut 10% of its workforce. Under the peanut butter approach concept, you’d reduce your workforce evenly across all the different departments.

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“Let’s circle back on this”.  We have been talking about this for way too long and we’re not getting anywhere.  Let’s put it on the agenda for another meeting and get the hell out of here….

“In my wheelhouse”.  This refers to someone’s area of expertise or comfort zone.  So, “public speaking is well within my wheelhouse”.

“Let’s double-click on this”.  Don’t take this literally – it has nothing to do with your mouse.  It means “let’s explore this topic/issue/problem in greater depth and more detail”.

“Drink from a firehose”.  To take on more than one can handle or be inundated with too much information.  As in “my first day was like drinking from a fire hose—they threw so much at me that I can barely remember a thing!”

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“Throw it over the wall”.  This refers to completing your part of a project and then passing it on to the next group.  It is usually used where the two teams have little or no communication!  It can also be used in the context of sharing information with clients.

“Jumping the shark”.  Refers to a company, product or idea that is struggling to stay relevant to its consumers and is resorting to desperate measures to disguise the fact it is well beyond its sell by date.  For example "I can’t see how that new feature is useful.   It feels the company has really jumped the shark."

“It is what it is”.  Refers to a situation which is not ideal but which we’ll just have to live with.  A polite way of saying something is bad, but not so bad we have to fix it.

“Thought shower”.  Group discussion or meeting to generate lots of fresh ideas. Basically the same as 'brainstorming' or ‘ideation session’.

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“Tiger team”.  A group of individuals who share a set of core competencies, assembled by a business or organization to develop an action plan for a specific problem or challenge.

"Core competency".  Refers to a company's or individual's main skill or area of expertise.  As in “software development is not one of our core competencies and is way outside our wheelhouse”.

“Out of pocket”.  Nothing to do with expenses or finance.  It means I will be unavailable at that time or out of the office that day.

“Trim the fat”.  The act of removing unnecessary details, resources or individuals from a company or project.  As in "We need to trim the fat. Can we combine the research and marketing departments for this project?"

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Hospitality is in our wheelhouse

Hopefully you are now on the same page as your colleagues after this deep dive into the jargon topic, in the loop and ready to move the needle on your mission critical KPIs….  Joking aside, good communication is essential to business and jargon has a part to play in that – so we hope you found this article useful.  Our core competency is event management so next time you need to arrange a conference, training session, office party or off-site meeting we’d love to hear from you.  The team here are always happy to share their knowledge and expertise – without using jargon for all the wrong reasons!

You’ll have certain expectations about what is acceptable behaviour at a wedding – and what is not.  But some of your family and friends will have a very different take on correct wedding etiquette.  This means that you’ll inevitably find that one or two guests who act in a way you feel is inappropriate, make requests that you consider unreasonable or simply (and shamelessly) do something you’d never dream of.  It’s going to happen, so you’d best be prepared.  In this post we list the most common ways in which wedding guests unintentionally upset the bride and groom – then suggest how best to handle the situation.

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Neglecting to send a RSVP‍

Posting the RSVP by return…it’s not a lot to ask, is it?  A prompt reply is not only good manners but makes your life so much easier.  How can you create a seating plan or give the caterers a final headcount if half a dozen guests leave you guessing?  

How to handle:  Leave it a week then give them a call.  If you are really busy, or a lot of people need chasing up, get your maid of honour to help.  Or send out a group email (use a blind CC) to request confirmation by a specific date.  Keep it light and friendly, but the tone also needs to be firm.  Hopefully this should be sufficient to round up most of the stragglers and mean you only have a couple of really inconsiderate/disfunctional people to phone!

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Sending RSVPs with an uninvited partner

You sent them just one invite but they reply that they’d love to come and will be bringing their latest date/their child/their best friend.  This is bang out of line but it does put you in an awkward position.  

How to handle:  Anticipate the problem by establishing a no-exceptions guest policy and communicating that clearly amongst family and friends, as well as spelling it out on your wedding website (for instance, no children under 18 and no significant other unless you live together or are engaged).  Also make it very clear on the invitation who it includes.

If someone still takes this kind of liberty don’t do anything immediately (give yourself 24 hours to calm down!).  Then call and apologise for any confusion you may have caused (even though you are not to blame!).  Explain that budget and venue restrictions mean that you’ve got to be very strict on numbers and have to stick to the guest policy.  

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Bombarding you with questions

The moment they receive your invite they start bombarding you with questions about directions, timings, accommodation, menu options, your registry…as if you have nothing better to do than act as their personal concierge!

How to handle:  Create your own personal wedding website, put all the information on there and direct your guests to it on the invitation.  If you get calls just refer them to the website.  If you’d like a bit of advice about how to set up your website and what to include read our earlier post on this topic.

In all likelihood, however, there will be a few guests on your list that are complete technophobes – there is no way they’ll be visiting your website.  For these guests print off a copy of all your website content and post it to them.

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They buy a gift that’s not on your registry list

Some guests feel that sticking to your registry is a little impersonal and insist on being more imaginative.  The result may be a wonderful surprise.  But worst case scenario is you receive something truly cringeworthy which you cannot possibly live with.

How to handle:  Accept the gift graciously and thank them profusely – then check whether they’ve included the receipt.  If there’s a receipt they probably realise that the gift may not be quite your style – in this case it’s acceptable to return the present.  If there’s no receipt just keep the gift as long as you can stand to have it around (in the garage?) before discreetly selling it on.

One way to head off this problem is to include a slightly off-beat store to your registry list (like a local museum or a boutique homewares shop).  That way guests who want to buy you something a bit more unusual and characterful are provided with a useful starting point.

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Arriving late

Some people just have a problem with punctuality – you can rely on them to be late, no matter what (and they always have a great excuse!)…even when it’s for your wedding ceremony!

How to handle:  Arrange for one of you ushers to stand just outside the entrance to your ceremony.  It’s their job to ensure that a late arrival does not get mixed up with your procession and that those who roll up even later are quietly directed to a seat.

To minimise the problem plan on walking down the aisle about 15 minutes after the ceremony start time you print on your invitations and feature on your website.  Giving yourself that buffer should ensure that everyone is seated before you walk down the aisle.

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Turning up with a big and heavy gift

Thanks…but how am I supposed to get this home?!  It’s great that some guests bring gifts to the reception but not so great when they take up a lot of space or weigh a ton.  

How to handle:  Ask one of your groomsmen or bridesmaids to store all the gifts in one place (preferably a locked, separate room in your reception space) so nothing gets left behind. At the end of the evening get them to take all the gifts to the most convenient location (probably someone's home rather than your honeymoon suite).

You can make life much easier for everyone by prominently featuring the links to your gift registries on your website and encouraging them to use their delivery services.

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Surprising you with an unexpected toast

Emotions run high at weddings (helped by a glass too many of bubbly).  Sometimes an otherwise sensible guest cannot resist the urge to raise a glass, accompanied by an embarrassing story, an inappropriate anecdote or a rambling reminiscence.

How to handle:  There’s not a lot you can do, so just grin and bear it.  To reduce the chances of this happening make sure that whoever is acting as master of ceremonies has a list of the approved toast-givers.  Tell them not to pass the microphone to anyone who has not been approved in advance.

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Requesting songs

Obviously you have a certain taste in music and you’ll work with your DJ or band to compile the perfect playlist.  So why the heck are they now playing “Y.M.C.A”?!  The answer is one of your friends or relatives requested it….

How to handle:  You have to accept that requests are inevitable and that the DJ or band will probably have to accommodate them if they feel the track is vaguely appropriate.  Planning ahead, give your DJ or band a list of songs you don’t want to hear and ask them to politely decline should the request occur.

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Drinking to excess

Alcohol and weddings go together and there’s nothing like a few drinks to get everyone loosened up.  But a couple of cocktails/beers/glasses of bubbly too many can swiftly turn the life and soul of the party into an embarrassing accident waiting to happen.

How to handle:  It’s not your responsibility to make sure everyone stays just the right side of legless.  Having said that you can’t ignore a guest who is starting to upset others or likely to be ill or injure themselves.  The best course of action is to find somebody sober to help them to their room (if they are staying the night at the venue) or get them a ride home.  You can head these situations off by asking the bar staff to keep an eye out for anyone that’s downing drinks too fast – give them permission to have a word with anyone they think is heading for too much of a hangover.

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Crashing your party

You’ll almost certainly have guests on your list that you’ve never met (friends of your parents, significant others…).  But if your venue hosts a number of different events on the same night chances are that you might get a few uninvited individuals helping themselves to your free hospitality.  Best advice is to ignore them but if they are causing a nuisance have a word with someone from the venue and get them discreetly removed.

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Anything else we can help you with?

Not everyone is going to be on the same page as you when it comes to wedding etiquette and appropriate behaviour.  But if you follow the advice we’ve given here, and you resist the temptation to overreact, it shouldn’t prove too much of a problem.  Perhaps there are some areas of wedding planning we could help you with?  Just get in touch with the experienced team at Clevedon Hall and we’ll happily share our experience with you.  

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It takes two to tie the knot – but traditionally it was the bride that took the lead as far as the planning was concerned (and her parents who were expected to pay for pretty much everything!).  These days, however, such an approach is well past its sell-by date and in today’s era of equality the roles and responsibilities are less well defined.  This means that that the groom probably plays more of a part now than in the past – and that can create some awkward dilemmas.  If the bride takes control and the groom does nothing then she may become resentful that her partner is not sharing the load.  On the other hand the groom may be irritated that he’s not being included and consulted.  In this post we suggest some ways to approach this potential minefield!

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Play to your strengths

It’s usually the case that opposites attract.  So, most couples tend to be very different, with one complementing the other.  For instance, if one of you naturally likes to take charge then the other probably feels more comfortable in a supporting role.  When it comes to planning your wedding it’s important to understand these differences and play to one another’s strengths.  

Reading the small print of a contract is a job best left to the one who is most task and detail orientated.  If one of you is more artistically inclined then they should probably take the lead with things like the invitations, the look of the website and the decorations – and this could be the groom.  Sit down at the earliest opportunity and discuss your relative strengths and weaknesses. Then make a list of all the things that need sorting.  Next, divide them into a his, hers and together columns, based on which of you is most suitable for that task.

Having said that, some things really are best left to the bride and others to the groom.  Plus there are certain aspects of the wedding where you really need to share the responsibility.

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Joint decisions

Certain issues, like the date of your wedding, the guest list, the type of ceremony you want, the overall theme and style of the event, the venue and the seating plan, cannot be decided by one person without reference to the other.  Bride and groom have an equal say and it’s important to be sensitive to the other’s preferences, tastes and needs.

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Decisions for the bride

Other things, like choosing the dress, anything to do with bridesmaids, the hen party, hair and beauty, are almost certainly the bride’s domain.  She should take the lead but check with the groom that he’s happy with her decisions.  For instance, if he hates a particular dress then it’s probably unwise to ignore his feelings!

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Decisions for the groom

Some things are probably best left to the groom.  He should certainly pick the best man and the groomsmen.  Buying a gift for the best man and each of the groomsmen is also a task that naturally falls to the groom.

When it comes to the purchase of rings the groom will already have taken the lead on the engagement ring (it wouldn’t work the other way round!).  He should also take the lead with the wedding band for the bride, but obviously she will have a big say in the final choice.  By the same token she should reciprocate with the groom’s wedding band.  Having said this, in practice the two of you will probably make the purchases together and who pays for what will shortly become academic as you’ll soon (if not already) have joint finances.

Who deciding what the groom will wear on the big day?  Technically this is his  decision, but in practice this will need to be discussed with the bride well in advance.  She will certainly have her own ideas and this is particularly important if bright colours are being considered.  If he favours a bright tie or waistcoat it’s important to make sure this will be in keeping with her dress and the overall design theme of the wedding.

Sometimes the groom will provide a gift for the bride to open on the morning of the wedding. This is a lovely touch idea - but it’s not advisable to buy her an item of jewellery to wear on the day as she will already have made this choice and you are just putting her in an awkward spot!  Flowers, or a romantic note to read while she’s getting ready, will definitely be appreciated.  Another romantic idea is for the groom to take a moment with the videographer early on at the reception to record a special message for his new wife.

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Then there’s the groom’s speech – something he definitely has to prepare and deliver himself.  Writing this, and rehearsing it thoroughly, should be done well in advance – leaving it until the last moment then and then jotting down a few notes in a fit of panic is an absolute no-no!

Finally, it used to be traditional for the groom to make all the honeymoon arrangements without consulting the bride – that way it was all a lovely surprise for her.  These days most couples tend to share this (very enjoyable) task.  

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Decisions for one or other of you (or both)

This leaves a long list of other decisions that don’t naturally fall into the list of the bride’s or the groom’s responsibilities.  For instance, selecting the wines, picking a photographer, choosing the style and flavour of the cake, managing the invitations and RSVPs, or selecting table linens.

Bride and groom need to share out these tasks as appropriate, taking into account their relative temperaments, interests and skill sets.  If one of you is foodie then it’s sensible for you to take charge of this side of things.  If the other is more business-minded then it makes sense for them to negotiate with the vendors and venue.

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Be aware of how your partner is feeling

Although you will be working independently on different tasks it’s important to keep each other in the loop about what each of you is doing.  You also need to be sensitive.  Don’t overwhelm your partner with too much information if they are reluctant to engage with certain aspects of the planning.  By the same token if they are showing interest welcome their input and make sure their opinion is valued.  If you ask for their thoughts and continually shoot their ideas down in flames, they will soon lose interest in contributing to the planning process. So be sure to encourage your partner’s ideas and find ways to incorporate them.

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Despite the fact that times have changed the bride will probably still take on most of the planning and organising.   The groom therefore needs to realise that there will be points along the way where she hits wedding overload.  If he’s smart he’ll spot the signs early and help by cooking the dinner, taking her out for the evening, or even arrange a weekend break - anything to show he appreciates her efforts and to keep the romance alive.

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All together now!

Planning a wedding is now very much a team effort with both partners sharing responsibilities equally.  If they are sensible they’ll also enlist the help of family and friends to lighten the load on themselves.  In addition we have a group of wedding planning experts here at Clevedon Hall that can be called on for advice and support – if you have any questions don’t be afraid to give us a call!

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What is our objective?

You need to know what you want your marketing to achieve.  Maybe you just want to increase awareness of your brand with a view to gaining more customers and increasing sales.  Or you might want to launch a new product or service.  Perhaps you want to improve the image of your brand so you can increase prices.  Or maybe you want to emphasise your low prices in order to undercut competitors.  If you don’t know what you are aiming at you are unlikely to hit it!  

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What is our offering?

You have a rough idea of what you offer.  But your potential customers/clients don’t.  So, for your own benefit, and theirs, you need to make it very clear exactly what you do.  It’s not enough to just say “we sell outdoor clothing”, or “I offer landscape gardening services” or “we’re a wedding venue.”  You need to list everything that your business does and offers.  And you then have to write down reasons why customers might find each of these things interesting.

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The time-honoured way to do this is by listing what’s known as your business features and benefits.  A feature is a fact about your business and a benefit is a description of how that feature helps a customer.  Taking the wedding venue example, “We have 25 bedrooms” is a feature and “this means guests can fall straight into bed once the party is over – no taxis” is the benefit.

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It's important you do this.  Otherwise you may leave some key sales points out of your marketing.  And, you features will prove much more appealing to potential customers if you present I conjunction with the benefit.

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Who are we talking to?

It’s important to be clear on this – for two reasons.  If you don’t clearly define your target audience how do you know which media will prove most effective at reaching them?  If you are selling expensive men’s watches the target audience will be wealthy men.  It therefore makes sense to advertise in magazines with a lot of readers from that demographic - The Economist and Financial Times, not Woman’s Weekly!  

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Secondly, if you don’t know who you are selling to how can you decide which of your features and benefits will prove most appealing to them? You need to understand what kind of promise your target consumer wants to hear.  Start by writing a brief description of the kind of customer you are trying to attract.  For instance, “owner managers of SMEs employing 1-20 people within 50 miles of Bristol” or “mums aged 20-45 with household income of £40,000-£80,000 a year”.  

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Next, flesh out those descriptions by asking questions like “what problems do they have that we can solve?”, “what are their hopes and fears, needs and wants?” and “what are they most concerned with – price, quality, convenience, service, advice, peace of mind?”  

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The better you understand the mentality of your target audience the easier it is to create marketing messages that they’ll find engaging and persuasive.  

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Who are we competing against?

The whole point of marketing is to help your business stand out from the crowd – so it helps to get a picture of where you fit in.  Make a list of your nearest competitors – those businesses operating in the same geographic area and business sector as yourselves whose offerings are similar to your own.  Now compare your features and benefits against theirs.  One way to approach this exercise is to conduct a SWOT exercise – ask “what are our Strengths and Weaknesses, and when we compare these against our competitors what Opportunities can we see and what Threats do we face?”  

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The point of this exercise is to find some  meaningful points of difference between you and your competitors – some things that only you offer and which your target audience is likely to find appealing.  

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What message should we be communicating?

So far you have been gathering information.  Now you need to start distilling it.  The idea is to boil off everything that is superfluous until you are left with just the essence, a powerful message that is very much to the taste of your target audience and which they find intoxicating.  

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First of all, align your features and benefits with what you know your target audience wants.  Now add in what you know about your competitors and your meaningful points of difference.  Hopefully there should be some small area of overlap where you not only offer something that your potential customers want but which your competitors are failing to provide.  For example, your fruit juices are natural, organic and free from preservatives, health-conscious consumers are actively seeking this kind of beverage, but not many drink brands are focusing on this niche.

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What is our proposition?

Now you need to take this distilled information and package it in the form of an effective selling proposition.  A great selling proposition should tick three boxes.  Firstly, it must make just one point.  That’s because simple messages go into the mind quicker and stay there longer.  Secondly it must be something you can genuinely deliver and which your audience wants.  Thirdly, it must be as differentiating as possible.   So, taking the concentrated information left after the distillation process, ask “what is the single most motivating and differentiating thing we can say to get our target audience to buy?”

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What media should we use?

This should become clearer once you have defined your target audience.  It will also be influenced by the size of your marketing budget.  Basically you want to concentrate your efforts and spend on those channels that do the most cost effective means of delivering your message to the right people.

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Action!

If you go through the process of asking and answering these questions it should become pretty clear what you need to be doing.  Now develop this into an action plan broken down by months, quarters and a year so you know what needs to be done when.  For example, you may decide you need to add a new post to Facebook twice a week, prepare a new case study by the end of the month and produce a series of videos over the next six months to showcase your product range.  

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Final thoughts

Creating a marketing plan, as you can see from this article, is quite a time-consuming undertaking – and one that requires a lot of thought.  Don’t be tempted, however, to put it off or to rush it.  Without a clear plan you are certain to be wasting a lot of effort and money saying the wrong things to the wrong people – a recipe for disaster!

Credibility, credibility, credibility

Sharing helpful content that showcases your knowledge and capabilities on the likes of LinkedIn, Medium, Reddit or your own blog is absolutely the right thing to do.  You will get noticed, you will build your network and create a following.  But you’ll just be one of many others in your field just doing the same.  Not only will your message only reach a limited number of people but, doing the same as everyone else, you’ll be less of a thought leader and more of a thought follower!  

Sharing the same content in a book, however, is a different thing altogether.  For starters, very few of your colleagues and competitors will go to the effort required – so you immediately stand out from the crowd.  You are not just someone with an opinion, but someone with a book!  Secondly, it shows that a publisher thinks enough of your content to invest their money and resources to get you into print (even if you’ve self-published – few people will spot the difference).  It’s a big third-party endorsement, an independent person who believes you have something valuable to say.  This gives your credibility an enormous boost – and credibility counts for a lot in a world where trust is a rare commodity that is highly valued.  Suddenly you go from being just another name in a crowd to a respected expert.  

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A book is tangible – and that matters

Once you’ve published your book you’ll probably create an ebook version as well.  But the crucial thing with the print edition is that it is tangible.  In a digital world this gives it greater weight and presence – it just counts for more.  You can physically show it to people you meet.  Whether it’s at a networking event, a conference or just when you sit down for a discussion with a potential client this immediately gives them extra confidence in you.  “Here’s a copy of my book” works much better than “I’ve written a few articles on LinkedIn”!  It physically sits on a desk and gets noticed, it gets passed around and discussed, plus people will refer back to it – over time it will get more attention than a social media post and prove far more memorable.

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A book is valuable for PR purposes

Once you have the finished book in your hands you and your publisher can host a book launch.  You can invite clients, colleagues, peers, journalists/media people and other influential individuals.  Without a book that’s not an event you can put together!  It may well lead to invitations from those journalists and media people to contribute articles, to be someone they ask for comment as a respected expert or to be the subject of interviews – all of which is priceless in terms of raising your profile and building your credibility.  You can also pitch the publication of your book to other media people who you didn’t invite to the launch – your book is a news story hook that they may well pick up on.  Your book may prove the crucial first step in you becoming a media personality yourself, someone journalists and editors regularly turn to when they want an expert view or an informed opinion.  

Another way to leverage the PR opportunities created by your book is to send copies to influential and respected authorities in your field.  At the very least this means you get noticed by people who matter (and can help you – there are a number of ways they can potentially lend you their support).  Even better, they may give your book a very favourable review which will further boost sales and raise your standing in the industry.

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A book works as a brilliant lead magnet

How many potential clients visit your website then disappear again?  Too many!  If you offer your book (or the ebook version, or maybe the first three chapters) as a free download a lot more visitors will leave their details.  You can then add them to your database and include them in your future email communications.  If just one of those visitors turns into a good client then the effort and expense of creating your book will be amply repaid.

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A book can be used in many other ways too

When you post an article on LinkedIn or some other social media platform how do you end it?  You want to maintain the contact and foster a relationship.  A line that says “If you found this article interesting then you might find my book of value…” is a gentle call to action that may encourage them to find out more about you and how you can help them.  

Another tip is to feature a thumbnail image of your book alongside your email signature, with a “To order a copy of my book go to…” line.  It lends credibility to your email and they might even buy a copy.

Once you have completed your book you can re-purpose the material in many different ways.  Each chapter could potentially become a separate post, article, video, podcast or talk.      

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The benefits of writing a book add up

It’s hard to predict how much of a positive impact writing a book will have on your business.  But it will certainly raise your profile amongst your industry peers and your target audience.  You’ll increase the number of sales enquiries.  More importantly, however, your enhanced credibility will open doors that were previously closed to you – you’ll attract a higher calibre of client.  This will translate into increased revenue and improved profitability – you can charge more for your services.   The investment of time, effort and money it requires is considerable, whether you get a publishing deal or self-publish.  But the returns make it more than worthwhile.  

One organiser or a committee?

Even if you book a venue like Clevedon Hall, where there’s an experienced team to provide support, there’s still a lot of organising you’ll have to do yourselves.  This may prove too much for one person to handle so a small committee could be a better option.  The only problem with this is that responsibilities will be split and you can land yourselves in  “I thought you were sorting that?!” situations.  In many instances it’s best to have just one capable and reliable person, or possibly two, taking care of everything – that way you don’t have a “too many cooks…” situation.

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Why are we doing this?

Is it just because the staff expect it and we don’t want to disappoint them?  Do we just want to have a bit of fun or do we have a more serious objective like boosting morale and increasing loyalty?  Maybe the work from home arrangements mean that we need a bonding session so that new team members can get to know those who are longer serving?  This is especially important in terms if you have to justify the expense and need to demonstrate a return on investment.  It will also help you with the next decision…

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Set a budget

Do not pass GO until you have decided how much money you have to spend (hopefully it’s more than £200!).  There’s no point in researching venues, exploring themes and mulling over mouth-watering menus that you really can’t afford.  

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Venue, venue, venue

In many ways this is the most important decision of all as it not only sets the tone for the whole event but will dictate the catering options and have a big bearing on costs.  You need to sort your priorities – do you want to spend most of the budget on a wow venue, or splurge more on catering and drinks, or hire some knockout entertainment?  

Make sure you start your search EARLY, otherwise you may find that you have a very limited choice of venues and dates.  Also check how early the venue can stay open – some have to shut quite early to satisfy noise restrictions.

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Overnight accommodation

If your team is spread far and wide you may need to think about providing overnight accommodation for them.  At Clevedon Hall we have twenty-five sumptuous bedroom to choose from, so that’s nice and easy!  

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Covid compliant

Nobody knows how things are likely to pan out regarding the pandemic this winter.  Lockdowns are unlikely now most of us are vaccinated but there are likely to be strict restrictions covering any form of group event or gathering.  Make certain that any venue you are considering has a Covid-Secure meetings & events safety strategy and that staff are fully trained to operate it.  At Clevedon Hall you can be confident that this is the case.

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Dining decisions

You need to consider this at a very early stage as it will  probably influence your choice of venue.  Do you want a formal sit down dinner, or a more informal buffet?  Maybe just have a selection of canapes and nibbles followed by sweet treats.  And (dependent on your theme, perhaps) are you going for a traditional Christmas approach to the food or going for pizzas, curry, Chinese, Mexican?  Furthermore, do you ask everyone their views or just take an “executive decision”?  If it’s to be a sit-down meal you’ll need to get menu choices and dietary requirements ahead of time – give them a deadline and bring the list with you on the night (as half the people will forget what they ordered!).

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Age aware

If everyone in your team is a similar age then many decisions are made easier – they’ll probably have similar ideas on what makes for a good party.  However, if you have a wide range of ages you’ll have to strike a balance between the generations when it comes to things like choice of venue, theme, menu and timings.

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What’s the theme?

A theme is not essential, but it does create more of a sense of occasion.  The default theme, obviously, is Christmas.  But you might want to add a twist.  If you have a very racially diverse team you might want to incorporate decorations, drinks and dishes that tap into Christmas traditions around the world.  Or you could include a terrible Christmas sweater competition….  Then discuss with the venue what they provide in the way of Christmas decorations, Christmas tree, Christmas crackers, Christmas table settings.  

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Drink and be merry

A Christmas party and drinks go together like Santa and Rudolf.  But you need to decide if you are going to provide an open bar (all the drinks are on the company) or free drinks up to a certain times, or put a certain amount of money behind the bar and get people to pay for their own drinks once the tab has reached the limit you set.  Issuing all guests with drinks vouchers is a very popular and sensible option – it makes budgeting easier and also encourages people to drink a little more responsibly.  Some venues make this whole aspect of the night a lot simpler by providing a drinks package – be sure to ask.

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Entertainment

You almost certainly need to reserve some of the budget for some entertainment.  The obvious option is for a DJ or band but you could surprise people with a comedian, a magician, a circus performer or a celebrity lookalike.  You really need some form of act to get the party really going, create a great atmosphere and break the ice between people normally only interact in a professional setting (or just on zoom!).

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Make everyone feel special

Don’t miss the opportunity for a short speech or presentation.  Reflect on the year just gone, thank everyone for their efforts and motivate them for the months to come.

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We’re here to help

Organising a really great Christmas party takes quite a bit of time and effort – and you’ve probably got a few other things to do, like running your business, managing your team or doing your job!   At Clevedon Hall our dedicated and experienced event managers can take much of that weight off your shoulders and provide lots of great inspiration too.  Contact us today and together we’ll make sure everyone has a great time…while you get the credit!

On your wedding day it’s important to be totally in the moment, savouring every single second.  Looking back, it will all seem a bit of a blur. Later, when the excitement has passed and your feet land back on the ground, you’ll have a jumble of memories, along with a giant file of shots from your photographer.  These need sorting into some kind of order to create a story you can share with everyone now and save for posterity.  The best way to do that is by creating a wedding album.  This is not quite as simple as it sounds - so in this post we give you some invaluable tips that’ll make the process, and the finished album, a joy!

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Isn’t the wedding album idea a bit old fashioned?

It’s certainly something that was popular in your grandma’s day, and a few generations before that too.  Film was expensive, every shot had to be developed by hand and the only way to display them was in an album.  Now everything has gone digital wedding photographers can take as many shots as they like without the costs mounting up – there’s no film, no negatives, no developing.  What’s more, hundreds of images will fit onto a tiny data stick and you can display them on your phone, your tablet or a digital photo frame.  Sharing them is easy too – it just takes a click or a tap.  

So why go to the bother of creating a book?  Partly because you’ll want to assemble a smaller “best of” collection.  You’ll almost certainly have too many to share with ease, some will be duplicates of the same moment and some will not be as good as others (someone blinked!).  Furthermore, you’ll want to weave them into some kind of narrative, a story that shows how the day progressed and which includes all the main characters and events – this works much better than a random selection of shots with no apparent order.  Last, but by no means least, you can’t beat having a physical book to display on a coffee table, something tangible you can go through with family and friends, a beautifully presented keepsake to bring out on your anniversaries.  Clicking through images on a screen is not nearly as satisfying and an album is so much easier to pass around in social situations.

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Let’s start sorting…

As you take your first look at the images just enjoy the memories they recall.  Then, a little later, go through them with a more critical eye.  Any you don’t particularly like (it’s not very flattering, the composition is poor…) and which are very similar, can be put in an archive folder.  Next, review those that made the cut, placing your favourites in another file.

The next stage of the process involves group the images into categories: for instance, morning preparations, the ceremony, signing the register, group portraits, cocktail hour, reception, special moments (like cake cutting, speeches, portraits, dancing and the getaway).  You decide the categories you want and how many shots you include in each.  Just bear in mind that your finished album will probably only have room 50 to 100 photos.

Make sure you don’t leave out anyone important – people are easily offended!   Also include images that capture the emotion of the occasion – the album should not just be a factual record for posterity but a story full of laughter and tears, hugs and kisses.

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Once upon a time to happily ever after…

You are telling a story and the easiest way to do this is chronologically.  Also try to mix formal and posed shots with candid journalistic style images that capture fleeting moments and expressions – this makes the narrative more visually interesting.  Juxtaposing black-and-white or sepia with colour shots also works well.  Another great idea is to include a few close-up shots of a flower arrangement, of a mouth-watering dessert or of a glass of bubbly.

Ideally you want to achieve a smooth narrative flow so that one part of the story leads seamlessly into the next.  With this in mind include a few transition shots.  For instance, a picture of you both walking away from the ceremony, hand in hand, links nicely to the cocktail reception.

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Less is more

Resist the temptation to cram too many shots onto a single page.  Some particularly meaningful or beautiful images should have a whole page to themselves.  Others may look cluttered if you put more than a couple together.  Then again there may be three or four that sit comfortably side by side.  

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Selecting the album itself

This may be your hardest decision – there are so many different styles to choose from.  You’ll just have to go online and do some research.  Our only advice is to consult your own taste!

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Any other questions?

Hopefully this answers most of your wedding album related queries.  But maybe there are some other aspects of wedding planning where you could a little help?  The team at Clevedon Hall have a wealth of experience and knowledge that they are only too happy to share…so get in touch!

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Want to totally wow your wedding guests with some inspired, original and unforgettable ideas that makes your event the one everyone talks about for years to come?   We published a similar post a few months ago but simply didn’t have room to include them all – so here’s a second helping of food for thought!

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Grand Entrance

Make your arrival a little bit out of the ordinary.  Dropping in by helicopter will certainly do the trick – and works really well at Clevedon Hall!  But if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to this why not roll up in a classic car, a horse drawn carriage, a vintage VW camper or even a tuk tuk?

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DIY Cocktail Bar

Loads of fun and sure to get everyone into the party spirit!  This is probably a bit too complicated for your venue to manage but if are having your wedding in a field or garden then you can either hire a mobile bar service, with mixologist, or just set the bar up yourself and let everyone get creative!  This idea works best if you print off simple cocktail recipes for guests to follow and limit the choice of drinks.  You might just like to set up a “pimp your prosecco” bar with plenty of bubbly along with fruit juices, cordials and sodas, plus a few liqueurs.  Or the same basic idea but swopping out the prosecco for vodka (with recipes for a Cosmopolitan, Sea Breeze or Appletini) or rum (with recipes for a Pina Colada, Mai Tai or a Strawberry Daiquiri).

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Photo Booth

Not only is a photo booth bags of fun for everyone but it provides guests with wedding favours they'll cherish long after the big day.  Choose one that includes a variety of imaginative props and colourful backgrounds.  As an added twist include props and backgrounds that match your wedding theme

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Ceilidh

Instead of the usual rock/covers band or DJ why not throw a ceilidh?  Not only is it a bit different it’s a great way to get everyone, from grandparents to teenagers, up on their feet and joining in.  Even those with two left feet can have ball, and a few people going totally the wrong way is guaranteed to raise plenty of laughs.      

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Limbo Competition

It’s super easy to set up and sooo much fun for contestants and spectators alike.  The merrier your guests get the harder it is to stop themselves toppling over.  Makes for some great photos and videos too!

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Happy Memories Slideshow

Liven up your wedding breakfast with a video slideshow on screens in your venue. It’s a great way to tell the story of your relationship, keep people entertained between courses and get the conversations going.

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Glitter Bar

A glitter bar is a seriously cool idea – especially if you are putting on a festival-themed, boho-styled or glam-rock wedding celebration.  Guest will have a ball creating sparkly cheekbones, eyelids, brows, hair and even beards.   Shine on you crazy diamonds!

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Giant Jenga

Another easy and inexpensive game to set up – and one everybody, of all ages, loves to play.  Your hands are not quite as steady as you thought after your fifth cocktail!

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Music requests please!

Ask guests to note down their favourite song on the RSVP card and get your DJ to use it as their playlist.   That way at least one person is sure to get up and dance with every track!

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Hire a magician

You, the happy couple, will be centre of attention all day.  But for many of your guests there will be moments that involve little more than standing around, waiting for the next stage of the proceedings.  A magician is a great way to keep everyone, from little kids to elderly relatives, well and truly entertained.  

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Singing waiter

This has become something of a trend recently – and for good reason.  A waiter that suddenly bursts into song while serving the desserts is the kind of surprise that guests absolutely love.  Even better, hire three of them to provide a variety of songs from rock/pop to classic opera.  

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None of the above?

These are just a few ideas of great ways to liven up your big day and make sure the fun keeps on coming.  The team at Clevedon Hall have a few more up their sleeves so if this is not enough inspiration for you then just give them a call!  

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Not so great expectations

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

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Inflation taking the wind out of everyone’s sails

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

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Worries about weakening consumer demand

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

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Disappearing workers and higher wages

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

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

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Light at the end of the tunnel

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

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

Where did the five-day week come from?

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

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

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Why the five-day week is now being questioned

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

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

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

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

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What kind of four-day week is being envisaged?

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

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

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What are the benefits of a four-day week?

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

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

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

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Time to take care of your people

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

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

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Financial input

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

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Emotional rescue

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

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Make an appearance at the stag do

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

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Travel with the bride to the ceremony

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

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Walk you down the aisle

This is the bit he has pictured ever since you were a little girl – and his proudest moment as he “gives you away”.  If possible rehearse the arrival and walk down the aisle with him so you get the speed right and he knows where to sit once you are beside your husband to be.  If you are wearing a veil and want your father to be the one lifting it, get him to practice this too – it can be a bit tricky!

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Welcome guests to the reception

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

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Sit at the top table

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

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Deliver the father of the bride speech

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

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Accompany you for the father-daughter dance

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

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Wrap things up at the end of the night

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

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A good time had by all

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

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

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What’s your personal style?

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

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Have a budget in mind

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

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Start your search early

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

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Shop as a couple

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

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Consider your lifestyle

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

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

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Personalizing your wedding rings

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

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Size condiderations

It’s likely you’ll wear your wedding ring 24/7, for months on end, through summer and winter, year after year – and your finger won’t always be the same size.  When you exercise, if you get pregnant or put on weight, when your hands get hot and when they get cold your hands will swell or shrink.   You therefore need to bear these factors in mind when deciding on the right ring size.  We suggest you arrange your final ring fitting at a time when you're calm and your body temperature is normal.  Don’t book that appointment for first thing in the morning (you retain water from the night before), right after you've exercised (fingers swell) or when you're extremely hot or cold (which can cause your hands to expand and shrink).  Of course, if your finger changes permanently over the years you can always have your wedding ring re-sized by a jeweller.

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

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Think two rings, not one

Keep your engagement ring in mind (and on your finger) while shopping for your wedding band.  You need to see how they look side by side.  If you have a very striking engagement ring you may want a simple, no-fuss wedding band.  However, a simple engagement ring may call for the added sparkle of a diamond pavé band.   It’s important, however, to avoid a wedding band that overshadows your engagement ring – they should complement eachother.

You also need to consider how they physically stack together.  If you're planning on wearing your engagement and wedding ring side by side every day, look for a contour or shadow band designed to interlock with the engagement ring.  If you're planning on wearing your wedding ring alone, you may want a more intricate style that will look great with or without your engagement ring.  

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Keep an open mind

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

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Give us a ring (as in call us)

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

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

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What is a bridal shower?

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

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Who hosts the Bridal Shower?

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

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What happens at a bridal shower?

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

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Any do’s and don’ts?

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

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Who pays for the bridal shower?

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

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Who to invite to your bridal shower?

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

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Are gifts obligatory at a bridal shower?

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

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When to have your bridal shower?

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

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What’s the dress code for a bridal shower?

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

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Any other questions?

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

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

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Families and finances

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

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

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Guest list dilemmas

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

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

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Perfectionist or pragmatist?

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

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Uh, oh, I’m pregnant!

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

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The plus-one dilemma

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

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Grown-ups only?

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

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

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

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Relax - it’ll all be fine!

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

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

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Aperol Spritz

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

You will need:

50ml Aperol

75ml prosecco

Soda to taste

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Mojito

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

You will need:

Juice of 1 lime

1tsp granulated sugar

A handful of mint leaves

60ml white rum

Soda water

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Kir Royale

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

You will need:

1 tbsp of Crème de cassis

1 glass of Champagne or sparkling wine

1 blackberry to garnish

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Pimm’s

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

You will need:

200ml Pimm’s No. 1

600ml lemonade

Mint, cucumber, orange and strawberries

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Negroni

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

You will need:

25ml gin

25ml vermouth

25ml Campari

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Blushing Bride

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

You will need:

1 ounce peach schnapps

1 ounce grenadine

4 ounces chilled Champagne/Prosecco

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English Garden

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

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

You will need:

Handful of mint leaves

30ml gin

2tsp elderflower cordial

2tsp lemon juice

Cloudy apple juice

Cucumber strip

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Porn Star Martini  

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

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

You will need:

35ml vodka

1tbsp passion fruit liqueur

2tsp vanilla syrup

1 passionfruit

50ml Prosecco

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Espresso Martini

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

You will need:

1tsp sugar syrup

50ml vodka

25ml espresso coffee

25ml coffee liqueur

Coffee beans to garnish

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Need more inspiration?

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

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

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Marriage is slowly going out of fashion

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

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Why so many weddings right now?

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

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Get me to the church – not

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

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Leaving it later

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

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Budget – are you frugal or extravagant?

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

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

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

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Most popular time of year to tie the knot

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

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Love online

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

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Timelines

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

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Guest list

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

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How trendy are you?

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

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Any other questions?

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

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

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Ascot tie

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

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Black Tie

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

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Bustle

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

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Buttonhole

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

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Canapé

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

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Centrepiece

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

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Charger Plate

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

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Corsage

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

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Classic Photography

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

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Cocktail hour

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

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Contemporary Photography

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

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Corkage

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

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A Cutting Cake

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

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Favours

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

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First look

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

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Fondant

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

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Marryoke

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

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Master of Ceremonies/Toastmaster

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

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Morning Suit

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

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Open Bar

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

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Palette

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

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Place Settings

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

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Plus One

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

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Pomander

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

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Processional

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

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Receiving Line

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

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Recessional

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

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Rehearsal Dinner

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

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Reportage Photography

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

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RSVP

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

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Save The Date Cards

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

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Top Table

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

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Trunk show

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

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Wedding Breakfast

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

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Wedmin

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

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Speakeasy

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

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

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

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

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

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Outdoors but undercover

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

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

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

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Think about the extras

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

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

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Decorating your outdoor space

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

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

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

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Let there be light

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

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Look no further than Clevedon Hall

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

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

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Cornwall is calling

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

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Good times guaranteed

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

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The perfect “coast” vibe

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

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Wedded bliss in Wessex

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

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

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

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History and award-winning hospitality

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

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

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A legendary local

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

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We hope you have a heavenly honeymoon

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

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

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No pressure then?

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

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

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If in doubt choose a family member

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

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Why have just one?

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

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Could she be a he?

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

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Don’t be too hasty

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

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How good are they at emotional recue?

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

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Want to talk?

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

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

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What should you say?

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

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

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Avoid repeating what’s in the other speeches

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

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Tone of voice

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

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Keep it short and to the point

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

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

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

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

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

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Preparation and practice

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

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

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

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Drink responsibly

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

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Where does the bride fit in the order of speeches?

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

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Want some more help with your speech?

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

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

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Heart ruling head

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

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Your original budget was unrealistic

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

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

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

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

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

·         Photography (including album and prints) 10%

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

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

·         Ceremony (including officiant and licence) 2%

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

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Forgetting to factor in the extras

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

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Unwillingness to compromise

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

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

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Not keeping back some contingency funds

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

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Doing the math in your head

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

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Not listening closely to the vendors

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

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Losing control of guest numbers

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

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

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

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

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

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Prepare a preliminary guest list

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

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Involve the parents

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

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Both sides of the family get an equal share of extras

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

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Children – yes or no?

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

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Couples whose wedding you recently attended?

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

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Plus-One’s – what’s the protocol?

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

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Questions to help you arrive at the right number

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

Have I ever met this person?

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

When did I last see them?

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

Did I go to their wedding?

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

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We work together but are we really close friends?

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

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

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

Are we inviting the rest of their family?

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

Do I enjoy their company?

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

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Are they a positive or negative sort of person?

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

If we moved away, would we stay in touch?

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

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That’s the guest list sorted – what next?

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

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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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