Countdown to the big day – your wedding planning checklist

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!

‍

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.

‍

‍

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.

‍

‍

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.

‍

‍

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.

‍

‍

‍

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.

‍

‍

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.
‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.
‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

• 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.

‍

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.

‍

• 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.

‍

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.

‍

• 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.

‍

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.

‍

• 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.

‍

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.

‍

• 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.

‍

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.

‍

• 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.

‍

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.