Browsing Category

Wedding Venues

Top 6 Wedding Themes to Make Your Big Day Special

One of the hardest aspects of planning a wedding is deciding the best wedding theme to be incorporated into the big day. While you don’t need a wedding theme, having one can take your big day from typical to terrific with just a little extra planning. Here are some wedding themes you should consider.

Rustic:

A rustic theme is a perfect way to let your guests escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life so they can have a taste of the simplicity that farm life offers. You don’t have to live on a farm to adopt this theme as string lights, oak beams, mason jars, and bales of hay contribute to its simple and homey vibe. You could even incorporate country-western cake elements like cowboy boots or horseshoes.

Vintage:

Whether you feel you should have been born in another era or you just want to draw inspiration from the past decade, choosing a vintage wedding is the perfect way to connect to a decade or century. You can go back in time to hold any type of wedding including ancient Greece, the eighteenth century, the 70s, 80s, 90s, and more. Just sprinkle antique touches and other heirloom details throughout your attire and décor to exemplify a vintage-finished wedding.

Nautical:

If you’re a huge fan of the seaside or you just want a destination wedding, a beach theme is a great idea because it merges a destination and a season. When it comes to color for your décor, think blue and white, and the sun and sands will tie it all together. Pristine waters, the smell of the salt hair, and the feel of fresh sea breeze on your cheeks as you get married to the love of your life – is there anything better than that?

Travel:

If you and your partner love to travel as much as you love each other, incorporate a creative travel theme to bring a shared sense of wanderlust to life at your wedding. Think weddings on cliffs, overlooking mountains, waterfalls, and more. You could even get creative with your invitations (like pretend passports).

Garden

If you’ve always liked the idea of an outdoor wedding, a garden theme could be the way to go. Spring and summer are the best seasons to host this kind of wedding, with flowers and lush vegetation being at the heart of your day. If you don’t own a garden, you could easily ask a friend or family to donate a potted land so you can exchange your vows in a natural setting.  

Bohemian theme

If you’ve read to this point and you’re yet to pick a theme, consider opting for a bohemian-themed wedding. With flower tiaras, long flowing gowns, oriental rugs, patterned cushions and more, the boho style has a way of remaining chic with minimal effort.

 Conclusion

If none of the above speaks to you, you can combine any of the themes to create your own unique wedding theme.

by May 9, 2020no comment

How to Become a Successful Wedding Planner with Inexpensive Wedding

Thinking of becoming a professional wedding planner? You can achieve your goal by starting with inexpensive weddings. As you’re probably aware, the job of a wedding planner is to relieve the bride and the groom of the stress associated with planning a wedding. Today, many couples are getting married without spending so much on the ceremony, and helping their dreams come true can easily make you stand out. Here are some ways you can help make things run smoothly within the budget available.

The wedding dress

Most wedding dresses are typically expensive, and ordering one could break any budget. You can help your client cut down costs by offering several options, like renting a wedding dress. Renting a gown makes sense since the bride will wear it for only a few hours. Other options might not always work for all brides, but they can still be explored. For instance, if the bride’s family has a good seamstress, she can assist in making the dress while the couple supplies all the needed materials. Alternatively, the bride can wear her mother’s gown if it has been well stored and shows no signs of deterioration.

The wedding venue

The venue is another budget-buster but, thankfully, there are many cost-effective ways to book a good venue for the wedding. One of them is to suggest to your client to think of affordable venues such as chic industrial spaces, modern lofts, and restaurants, a public part, or even an art gallery. Another option is to hold the wedding on any other day Saturday to get a discount on the fees of the location. Alternatively, you can encourage your client to keep the guest list small, so they can pay for a location with a small capacity.

The wedding photographer(s)

Most couples consider photography as an essential service for a wedding as it affords them the opportunity to relive their happy day. Hiring a photographer can be expensive, but you can keep an eye on the costs by suggesting that their friends use a digital camera or their smartphones to capture the lovely moments of the ceremony.

The wedding invitations

Newly engaged couples tend to dwell too much on the idea of making their invitations look gorgeous, and this incurs extra cost. A cost-effective way to send out invitations is via the internet using email or social media with colorful images.

The wedding flowers

Contrary to widespread assumptions, you don’t need to pay a floral designer to get fancy floral arrangements. Simple flowers can be gorgeously arranged in clusters, and these could easily be created by the bride’s family.

The wedding cake

Multi-tiered cakes look great, but they’re not compulsory in wedding ceremonies. Just do research on affordable cakes so you can present a list to your client. If none of the couple’s friends or family can bake a cake, you might have to come up with a list of economical bakeries.

 Bottom-line / Conclusion

Planning a wedding can be quite tedious, especially when you are new to it, but creating a timeline of what needs to be done and when to do them can go a long way to help you succeed in this career.

by May 9, 2020no comment

Questions To Ask When Picking Out Wedding Venue

One of the critical things to put in mind when planning your wedding is the venue. However, finding the perfect venue can be quite difficult as you need to make sure that it meets all your requirements. You might visit a few different venues but knowing the right one to pick largely depends on the kind of questions you ask. To make sure you don’t forget to ask all the important questions about the venue, here’s a list of questions you will want to ask before you book.

·   Is the venue available on the date I need it?

Should the answer be no, this question helps you determine whether you should check for other locations or you should be flexible with selecting a date. It also helps to confirm if there’s a waitlist for dates.

·   Do the rates differ for different times of the week?

Some venues are more expensive on certain days than others. Others offer a discount for a Sunday through Friday wedding. You might also want to ask about off-season dates as the prices are typically lower.

·   How many guests can this location accommodate?

This question will help you and your partner determine if the location can accommodate the number of guests you’re expecting. If it can’t you might have to consider opting for another venue.

·   How many hours does the rental fee include?

Ideally, most people prefer to rent the venue for exclusive use as having other events in the same location can be confusing for your guests. If you’re not planning a complete buyout, this question will help you know how early you can arrive and how late you can stay.

·   What’s the payment plan for the entire bill?

 Most venues have a payment structure that accommodates the payment of a deposit so the balance can be paid in instalments before the big day.

·   Do I have to use your recommended vendors?

Quite a number venues supply a list of their recommended vendors and this can be a plus since they’ve worked with several clients before in that venue, meaning they can make your planning easier. However, it can be limiting and may not work with your budget.

·   Is parking available on-site?

If you anticipate most of your guests travelling by car to the venue, check the parking situation. Also, confirm the number of spots available and whether there’s a cost to park.

·   Do you have accommodation on-site?

If the answer is no, ask if they partner with local hotels. Be sure to also ask for the rates, check-in and out times, dates to pay by, discounts for a block of rooms and the availability of reliable taxi service.

·   Are there décor restrictions?

Some venues come with décor built-in, so you don’t have to do so much work. Other venues require a ton of added décor but also come with a list of items not allowed.

 Wrap-up

With the needed information at your fingertips, you can easily choose the perfect venue that accommodates all your needs.

by May 6, 2020no comment

The UK’s Best Unusual Wedding Venues

Planning a wedding but tired of the same old venues? It can be difficult to organise something that will make you stand out from the crowd. So if you want to tie the knot in a ceremony that your guests will remember for years to come, why not say “I do” at one of these unusual spaces?

Burgh Island Hotel

For something truly glamorous, you can take a leaf out of Agatha Christie’s book and celebrate in the one-of-a-kind, Art Deco-inspired Burgh Island Hotel. Set on its own private island off the South Devon coast, this stunning venue is only reachable by boat or sea tractor at high tide – creating a sumptuous and romantic retreat for you and your lucky guests.

Spitbank Fort

Continuing along the same theme, Spitbank Fort is a recommissioned fortification in the Solent off the coast of Portsmouth. However, its military past is long behind it, and it’s now enjoying a new lease of life as a luxury hotel. With its rooftop hot tubs, intimate dining spaces and five-star accommodation, this unique destination is available for exclusive hire for your wedding celebration.

Tutbury Castle

Back on land, this medieval castle is the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding. Although most of the structure is in picturesque ruins, the main hall is still standing, providing the ideal venue for a really romantic celebration. According to legend, the ancient castle is also extremely haunted, so the braver amongst your guests can even indulge in a spot of ghost hunting on your special day.

Carnglaze Caverns

Want something really different? At Cornwall’s Carnglaze Caverns you can tie the knot in a subterranean cave buried deep beneath the surface of the earth. There are a choice of wedding spots within the cavern, but our favorite is The Underground Lake – a magical spot where you can enjoy an intimate ceremony by candlelight.

Alnwick Treehouse

For a venue straight out of the storybooks, the sprawling treehouse at Alnwick – also famous as one of the filming locations for Harry Potter – is hard to beat. Think twinkling fairy lights, roaring log fires and countless opportunities for photographs, all wrapped up in a picturesque wooden structure that’s nestled in the leaves of a copse of mature lime trees.

by July 30, 2019no comment

Top 10 Fairytale Wedding Venues

Everyone dreams that their wedding day will be the start of their own personal happy ever after, so why not make sure things get off to a magical start by hiring a wedding venue that’s straight out of a fairytale? Whether it’s a romantic castle or an enchanting woodland glade, the UK is packed full of venues that wouldn’t look out of place in a book by Hans Christian Anderson or the Brothers Grimm.

Here is our pick of some of the best:

Kensington Palace, London

What could be more romantic than saying your vows in a real palace? Whether you choose to celebrate in the stunning light-filled Orangery or enjoy drinks and canapes in the beautiful Sunken Garden, Kensington Palace is the perfect place to celebrate with your real-life Prince Charming.

Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire

With its ramparts and castellated towers, Belvoir looks every inch the fairytale castle. There’s a family chapel on the grounds for religious ceremonies and licensed rooms within the castle itself, plus plenty of space for a grand banquet and after dinner drinks in the Old Kitchen.

Wasing Woodland Weddings, Berkshire

This flexible outdoor space gives couples the opportunity to get married in a magical ancient woodland glade. Exchange vows by the pond, celebrate with guests by the fire late into the night, then retire to your quaint honeymoon cottage set within a secret walled garden.

Wadhurst Castle, Sussex

For a fairytale wedding on a more intimate scale, Wadhurt Castle looks like a shrunken version of a classic castle and offers a cosy and unique venue for small weddings. Choose from ceremonies and receptions for up to 30 people in the main building arrange marquee hire for the picturesque gardens.

Eilean Donan, Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland

Used in films and TV series for decades, the towering walls of ancient Eilean Donan will be instantly recognised by your guests. Set against a romantic backdrop of glassy waters and towering mountains, this is justifiably one of Scotland’s top wedding locations.

Brympton D’Evercy, Somerset

One of the finest stately homes in Somerset, Brympton D’Evercy is available as an exclusive hire for your wedding day. Host your own fairytale ball for up to 228 guests in the magnificent ballroom, or take over the house for the whole weekend for the ultimate slumber party.

Enchanted Manor, Isle of Wight

The name tells you everything you need to know. Set in its own ancient woodland close to the sea, the Enchanted Manor specialises in offering memorable weddings for groups of up to 40 guests in its specially decorated pagoda or indoor garden room.

Treehouse Weddings, New Forest

What could be more magical than enjoying your wedding ceremony in a dedicated treehouse venue nestled in the canopies of the New Forest? This treehouse belongs to the Countryside Education Trust – so your hire fee will contribute to important conservation work – and can cater for up to 120 guests.

Pencoed House, nr. Cardiff

For an idyllic wedding venue close to the transport links of Cardiff, Pencoed House is the perfect choice. The enchanting main house is set within acres of landscaped grounds – all exclusively yours throughout your big day. The old banqueting hall with its stone walls and roaring log fire is a great place to say “I do”.

Spitbank Fort, Portsmouth

For the ultimate in modern fairytale chic, why not celebrate in your very own fort, cut off from the rest of the world by the sea? You and your guests will enjoy a private boat ride out to your own island for the day and enjoy a ceremony and reception overlooking the sea. There are even 9 luxury bedrooms for those that want to stay the night.

by December 19, 2018

Top 10 Rural Wedding Venues

In Britain, we are lucky enough to have some of the most stunning countryside in the world on our doorsteps. From the rolling hills of counties like Devon and Yorkshire to the dramatic moors and endless miles of rugged seaside scenery, the landscape is as diverse as it is beautiful. For brides and grooms-to-be, this means that there are plenty of choices when planning a rural wedding. The countryside has plenty to offer in terms of venues, whether you want a luxurious castle or a simple barn.

Here is our pick of some of the best:

The Punchbowl, Warwickshire

Want a wedding in a traditional pub? This beautiful inn boasts country charm with a modern twist, combining beamed ceilings, flagstone floors and a cosy atmosphere with touches of modern décor and an amazing gourmet menu that’s sure to delight your guests.

Augill Castle, Cumbria

A romantic fairytale castle tucked away in the gorgeous Cumbrian countryside, Augill Castle is a dream come true for many brides and grooms. Available for everything from afternoon ceremonies to two-day wedding house parties, it’s one of the country’s most magical places to tie the knot.

Hunstile Organic Farm, Somerset

For a really laid-back rural wedding, why not tie the knot on a working Somerset farm? Boasting beautiful views, great food and marquee space for up to 175 guests, the farm even offers camping pitches and a stone circle for handfasting ceremonies.

Alnwick Treehouse, Northumberland

Want a rural wedding with a difference? This stunning timber treehouse in the gardens of Alnwick Castle can cater for up to 85 guests high in the canopies of ancient trees.

Star Castle, Isles of Scilly

With their subtropical climate and remote location, the Isles of Scilly are a really special place to get married. The luxurious Star Castle on the island of St Mary’s has a choice of rooms suitable for weddings of all sizes.

Woodland Weddings, Yorkshire

One of the best things about the British countryside is its sprawling woodland, so why not get married in your very own magical glade? Boasting ‘glamping’ facilities for guests and a choice of vintage-style tents, Woodland Weddings offer a sylvan hideaway just a few miles from York.

Ever After, Dartmoor

The dramatic expanse of Dartmoor has inspired writers and poets for generations – make it the backdrop for your wedding with a ceremony at Ever After, a rural venue offering a choice of settings.

Glenborrodale Castle, Scotland

An Edwardian Castle set within the historic Ardnamuchan Estate, Glenborrodale Castle offers brides and grooms the chance to get married against a stunning backdrop of some of Scotland’s most stunning lochs and hills.

Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire

Want a rural wedding venue that’s still within easy reach of London? At Hedsor House you can be lord of the manor at a stunning country estate just 26 miles from London. The Grand Ballroom can cater for up to 140 guests, while the lawns boast plenty of marquee space.

Glen-Yr-Afon House Hotel, South Wales

This sprawling Victorian Manor is the heart of the Monmouthshire countryside, Glen-Yr-Afon is one of Wales’ top wedding venues. Couples can get married in one of the plush function rooms or tie the knot outside to make the most of the stunning views.

by December 19, 2018

Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations

One of the most exciting bits about planning your wedding is deciding where to go on your honeymoon. As your first adventure together as man and wife, it’s a journey that will create memories to last a lifetime. And whether you’re dedicated sun seekers or adrenaline junkies that can’t sit still, your dream destination is sure to be out there.

Here is our guide to some of the best:

The Maldives

The honeymoon destination of choice for thousands of couples every year, the Maldives offer pristine white sand beaches, luxurious accommodation, fine dining and – most importantly – total and utter seclusion. For added romance, choose a resort with villas built over the sea on stilts.

Ko Tao, Thailand

A classic honeymoon dilemma arises when one person wants to laze on the beach while the other wants to stay active. Solve the problem with a trip to Koh Tao in Thailand, where lazing on paradise beaches can be combined with some of the best – and cheapest – scuba diving in the world.

St Lucia

Want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous? St Lucia is the celebrity’s Caribbean island of choice, and here you can enjoy the very finest hotels and restaurants as you relax with a cocktail in hand toasting the start of your new life together.

Las Vegas

Not the beach holiday types? How about a fun-packed trip to America’s glitziest city? You’ll find plenty of glamorous luxury hotels and resorts to choose from, and can fill your days and nights with fine dining, world-class entertainment and of course a little gambling to raise your adrenaline levels.

Paris

Is there anywhere more romantic than Paris? Newly-weds will find themselves instantly at home in the City of Love, where they can stay in opulent accommodation, enjoy gourmet cuisine and indulge in the ultimate Parisian fantasy with visits to the Eiffel Tower and boat rides along the Seine.

Venice

Second only to Paris in terms of romantic cities, Venice is a beautiful city for honeymooners with plenty of luxury hotels, famous art galleries and memorable gondolier rides through the atmospheric canals. You can also opt to stay at the Lido, and enjoy a beach and city break all in one.

Prague

A great budget alternative to Paris and Venice, Prague has an Eastern European charm that delivers romance in spades. Explore winding ancient streets, cosy up in smoky beer halls and tuck into dishes of hearty local cuisine.

Kenya

A great honeymoon for the adventurous, why not splash out on a safari trip of a lifetime in Kenya? Stay in luxurious lodges and enjoy great food and wine before heading out with experienced guides in search of the famous Big Five.

Hawaii

A classic honeymoon destination, Hawaii is great for those who like the idea of sun, sea and sand but baulk at the idea of spending weeks on an island with nothing to do. Here you can learn to surf from the experts, or hit the shops and bars of Waikiki Beach in between working on your tan.

Mexico

Like a little culture to go with your honeymoon? Mexico offers the best of both worlds. Here you can combine lazing on some of the world’s best beaches with visits to ancient monuments and a vibrant culture that’s brimming with incredible festivals, food and music.

by December 19, 2018