50 Wedding Gift Ideas 2023 for Every Budget

Whether you’re an engaged couple looking for cool ideas for your wedding gift list, or a guest wanting to source an extra special present, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of 50 unique and thoughtful wedding gift ideas that are sure to make any couple smile. From bespoke, personalised presents, to unforgettable gift experiences, there’s something for everyone – homebodies, foodies, art lovers, adrenaline junkies and more! Read on for the full list.

Wedding Gift Experiences

1. Theatre tickets to The Lion King for two – £144, Virgin Experience Days

For a spectacular theatrical experience like no other, look no further than Disney’s multi award-winning musical. It’ll make an ideal post-wedding date night for the couple.

2. A weekend getaway at The Bird (Bath, Hotel) – £290, Virgin Experience Days

Treat the couple to a two-night winter stay with breakfast at The Bird in Bath. The’ll stay in a cosy king room nestled just a short saunter from Bath’s main attractions.

3. A sunrise air balloon ride – £260, Virgin Experience Days

Let the couple take to the skies together from one of over 100 locations across the UK. They’ll see the sunrise from an unforgettable new perspective aboard one of Virgin’s iconic red balloons.

4. A wine tasting minibreak – £142, Virgin Experience Days

A tranquil one-night countryside break with a vineyard tour and wine tasting at Chapel Down Winery, featuring fine wines and picturesque views. Perfect for wine- and nature-loving couples.

5. A spa gift card – £250, Champneys Health Spa

With a gift card from Champneys, the couple can choose their own path to relaxation and rejuvenation. At-home products, tension-relieving treatment, or a complete romantic spa break!

6. A Russian spa experience for two – £150, Banya No.1

Tucked away in Shoreditch, Banya No.1 offers an authentic take on the Russian Spa. This 3-hour couple-friendly session comes complete with a private booth and table at the lounge cafe.

7. A gourmet dinner at a fancy restaurant – £250, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants

For the ultimate foodie wedding gift, give the couple a very special London dining experience. Treat them to an exquisite six-course tasting menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin starred Pétrus.

8. A two-hour cooking class – £128, The Jamie Oliver Cookery School

Led by professional chefs, this hands-on two-hour course at The Jamie Oliver Cookery School is perfect for newlyweds. From Indian feasts to pasta masterclasses, the choice is theirs.

9. A kintsugi pottery class for beginners – £100, Class Bento

Give the couple the Japanese art of kintsugi at this unique London pottery class. They’ll each get to create a beautiful ceramic piece to take home with them and treasure.

10. A how-to-draw art class for beginners – £190, City Academy

A fun yet educational one-day beginners’ art class, perfect for the creatively-minded couples out there. They’ll have fun expressing themselves while developing their drawing technique.

Personalised Wedding Gifts

11. A personalised wedding guestbook – £35, Stori

What better way to commemorate the big day than with Stori’s personalised book-bound guestbook? You can collect everyone’s best wishes for the happy couple to share with them.

12. A bespoke wedding venue line drawing – £42, Letterfest

Letterfest’s wedding venue portrait is personalised with the couple’s names and wedding details in a handwritten font below. It’s a stylish illustration that makes the perfect wedding gift.

13. A personalised cheese board/serving platter – £27, The Rustic Dish

We love this personalised cheese board, which doubles as a serving board. Why not include some of the couple’s favourite cheeses in the mix for an extra special wedding gift?

14. A personalised silver plated photo frame – £20, Engravers Guild

A classic silver plated photo frame will keep the couple’s happy memories safe year after year. You can engrave it with a message of your choice for a very personal wedding gift.

15. Personalised date night cards – £18, Not On The High Street

These British-made personalised date night cards are a cheap but thoughtful wedding gift. With 52 surprise activities, both indoor and outdoor, the couple can spend exciting quality time together.

16. Personalised Mr and Mrs mug set – £25, Not On The High Street

These ceramic Mr and Mrs mugs can be printed with the couple’s surnames and wedding date. They’ll remember their wedding every time they have their morning coffee or afternoon tea!

17. Personalised Mr and Mrs indoor doormat – £22.50, Not On The High Street

This doormat can be personalised with the couple’s married names (Mr & Mrs / Mr & Mr / Mrs & Mrs) and their wedding date . A personal and welcoming introduction to their home!

18. A set of personalised kitchen aprons – £40, Not On The High Street

These high quality aprons are made of pure cotton and can be personalised with any name or message. A unique wedding gift for couples who love to cook or bake.

19. Personalised embroidered heart couples dressing gown – £40, Sparks and Daughters

This beautiful cotton dressing gown set makes a lovely personalised wedding gift (or cotton anniversary present). The couple can wear them after a bath or when relaxing at home together.

20. A hand-poured personalised candle – £20, Kindred Fires

This hand-poured natural soy wax candle, encased in frosted glass, makes a charming keepsake wedding gift. It can be personalised with the couple’s name, wedding date and a happy message.

Wedding Gifts for the Home

21. Matching Manon throw and cushion covers – £170, The White Company

This cosy and tactile lambswool-blend collection comes in a classic basket weave. It’s an all-seasons knit sure to bring comfort and joy to the recently married couple’s new home.

22. A classic cast iron Le Creuset casserole dish – £329, Le Creuset

You can’t go wrong with a classic Le Creuset dish – it’s great for one-pot wonders, and will last the couple a lifetime. We particularly love this limited-edition romantic hearts design.

23. A pink glass desk & table lamp – £198, Oliver Bonas

This handmade curved glass lamp from Oliver Bonas is the perfect way to lighten and brighten a couple’s new home. Its pink marbled design is unique to each piece.

24. A set of pink champagne flutes by Maison Balzac – £65, Liberty

These lovely pink glass champagne flutes are sure to elevate the couple’s dining display. They also offer the perfect excuse for using up any leftover bubbly from a Champagne Tower!

25. Vera Wang for Wedgwood Love Knots tealight holders – John Lewis, £52

These classic tealight holders make a beautiful, timeless wedding gift. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a thoughtful wedding gift that combines functionality with style.

26. Capiz wall flower decoration – £78, Anthropologie

This gleaming wall flower, made from handcrafted capiz shells, is sure to give the newlyweds’ walls a touch of glamourous charm. A special piece to remind them of their special day.

27. A ceramic indoor hanging pot trio – £22.99, Hortology

These adorable baby dotty hanging pots are ideal for those green-thumbed couples who don’t have much outdoor space. They’re perfect for hanging herbs or little succulents in the kitchen.

28. A pack of 7 essentials gallery frame – £50, Dunelm

Let the couple show off their wedding photos with this set of black on-trend photo frames. To make their gift extra special, print seven of their favourite wedding day shots and put them in the frames.

29. The original Scratch Map – £20.95, Luckies of London

For couples who love to travel, the original Scratch Map is the perfect affordable wedding gift. Each country scratched off will symbolise a new adventure together, and look great on their wall too!

30. A leather memory box – £229, Life of Riley

This leather memory box is a nifty way for the newlyweds to their precious memorabilia and letters. Styled like a classic treasure chest, it’s a lovely keepsake wedding gift for the home.

Luxury Wedding Gifts

31. A luxury all-in-one wedding day hamper – £160, Fortnum & Mason

This joy-giving wedding hamper is filled with all sorts of celebration-ready goodies. From bubbles to tea to chocolates, everything was created with happy couples in mind.

32. The Velvetiser (white edition) – £99.95, Hotel Chocolat

This indulgent in-home hot chocolate machine is perfect for newlyweds. Let them enjoy a barista-grade drink as part of their morning ritual, or curl up on the sofa with a velvety cup in the evening.

33. Wedding Bells biscuit tin – £48, Biscuiteers

This Wedding Bells collection features an irresistible assortment of wedding-themed lemon biscuits in a keepsake tin. You can even personalise the heart biscuit with a message for the happy couple.

34. A Panasonic bread maker – £199.99, John Lewis

For couples who love creative yet hassle-free baking, look no further than an automatic bread maker. They can enjoy fresh bread and cakes every day without sacrificing quality time.

35. A year of flowers – £240, Bloom and Wild

Brighten up the couple’s home with a year-long flower subscription. Whether they choose the flowers themselves, or prefer to be sent a surprise, they’ll have a fresh delivery every 28 days.

36. The Adventure Challenge book (couples edition) – £49, The Adventure Challenge

The Adventure Challenge book will keep the couple’s date nights fresh and exciting year after year. Each new adventure is a mystery until it’s scratched off, making for unforgettable experiences!

37. Name twin stars gift – £69, World Star Registry

For a special and unique wedding gift, let the happy couple name their own stars. They’ll get matching certificates showing their stars’ co-ordinates, which they can track each night in real-time!

38. The Luxury Retreat Hamper – £179, The Newt in Somerset

Let the couple relive their honeymoon experience with a touch of at-home hotel luxury. The Luxury Retreat Hamper contains everything newlyweds need for a cosy yet indulgent night in together.

39. A bespoke wine subscription – from £36/month, The Grape Reserve

If you know the couple enjoys a drink or two, consider a monthly wine subscription gift. Each curated monthly selection comes with tasting notes, as well as a complementary recipe.

40. A projector for two – from £399.99

Give the couple a cinema experience on the go, with Anker’s Nebula Capsule portable projector. They can enjoy a romantic night watching movies together under the stars anywhere in the world.

Useful Wedding Gifts

41. The Ultimate Travel List – £19.99, Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet’s bestselling Ultimate Travel List is a must-have coffee table book for couples who love to travel. It ranks the world’s greatest places to visit, featuring 200+ awe-inspiring photos.

42. A large carry-on suitcase – £394, Monos

Monos’ award-winning, honeymoon-friendly suitcases will last the couple a lifetime, and come in 10 gorgeous colours. Their largest check-in case is perfect for a few weeks away in the sun.

43. The Couple’s Cookbook: Recipes for Newlyweds – £20, Cole and Kiera Photography

Written by husband and wife wedding photographer duo, Cole and Kiera Stipovich, The Couple’s Cookbook: Recipes for Newlyweds is a lovely primer for newlyweds starting their first home together. From easy weeknight meals to beautiful weekend brunches to dinner party delights, this is a fun, playful and useful wedding gift that will keep on giving.

44. A high and low parallettes set – £119.95, Mirafit

Help the sporty couples out there build up their own home gym! With a Mirafit high and low parallettes set, the couple can train together from the comfort of their living room.

45. A backpack picnic hamper for two – £49.99, Greenfield Collection

Let the couple enjoy lovely picnics together with this deluxe backpack hamper for two. It’s got all the essential accessories, plus plenty of space to accommodate food, drinks and containers.

46. An artisan KitchenAid mixer – £499, KitchenAid

Even the most kitchen-shy couples will want a KitchenAid mixer on their gift list – from whipped cream to mashed potatoes, it does it all. You can customise it further with an assortment of other useful attachments, like spiralizers or a pasta roller, for an even more personal wedding gift.

47. McGregor 5-piece gardening set – £35, Argos

 

If the couple are moving into a home with outdoor space, this 5-piece gardening set is ideal. Strong, durable, and built to last – these tools will keep their garden looking gorgeous!

48. A Smarter coffee machine – £199, Smarter

No gift list is complete without a coffee machine, but for a more unique wedding present, consider a lightweight Smarter coffee machine. With the Smarter App, the couple can set the strength and choose from two different modes, ‘filter’ and ‘grinder’, to achieve a flawless cup of coffee each time.

49. A scribble writing digital alarm clock – £15, Prezzybox

This scribble writing digital alarm clock doubles as a light-up memo pad – perfect for busy or forgetful couples! And at only £15, it’s a super cheap wedding gift, that’s super fun and useful!

50. An AirTag, £35 Apple

For couples moving into a new home together, a tactile Apple AirTag will provide a private and secure way to easily locate their most precious items…like their new housekeys!

There you have our top 50 wedding gift ideas for every budget. From homebodies and foodies, to nature lovers and adrenaline junkies, there’s something to delight every couple.

Top Tips For LGBTQ+ Weddings

Here at Bridebook, we’re on a mission to make the wedding planning journey as joyful as possible for all engaged couples. That means every couple, everywhere. Every couple should be able to share their love and commitment with the world in whatever way they want. But with so much advice still influenced by heteronormative wedding traditions, it can be hard to work out how your wedding is going to unfold. That’s why we’ve put together a few top tips to help you rip up the rulebook and plan the celebration of the century.

Finding Your Perfect Match

Photo © Tony Pullen Photographer (shot at Chapel House Estate)

First up, let’s talk finding your venue. For any couple, this is almost always one of the very first steps in the wedding planning process. So if you’re an LGBTQ+ couple looking for your perfect match, where should you start? Well, we can recommend Chapel House Estate in Kent, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club in East Sussex, The Wellbeing Farm in Greater Manchester, Tredudwell Manor in Cornwall and Ox Pasture Hall in North Yorkshire as just a few fabulous venues that foreground their support of the LGBTQ+ community.

But if none of those are for you, The Wellbeing Farm suggests paying close attention to “the way the staff speak to you and ask what you want in  your wedding. If they treat you like any other couple, then you know you’ve got a venue with your [best] interests at heart.” Your venue’s staff, as well as the rest of your wedding suppliers, will be a huge part of your big day – so it’s important to make sure you feel completely supported by them.

Ditching Tradition

Photo © Tony Pullen Photographer (shot at Chapel House Estate)

We’d also recommend finding a venue which, like Chapel House Estate and The Wellbeing Farm, is ready to be as flexible as possible when it comes to you as a couple and what you want for your wedding. After all, one of the best things about an LGBTQ+ wedding is the complete freedom you have to design your perfect day – so make sure to take advantage of this!

Want to put your own spin on some or all of the traditions of heterosexual weddings? Go for it! Why not make up your own names for the members of your wedding party – no “best man” or “maid of honour” needed! And if you want “traditional” wedding photography, you might want to think about finding a photographer who specialises in LGBTQ+ weddings. They’ll know exactly how to adapt all the poses for you and your partner – and, most importantly, be able to make you both feel at ease in front of the camera.

Equally, you could ditch all the traditions and do your own thing instead! At your reception, you might want to abandon traditional seating arrangements and mix up the order in which the speeches are given. And if you don’t feel like you need to be “given away”, consider walking down the aisle alone, with a friend – or even with your partner. The Wellbeing Farm told us about one wedding they hosted where “the couple vogued down the aisle to RuPaul and had a drag queen in the evening” – while at another, there were “Star Wars character walking around!”

Expert Top Tips

Photo © Tony Pullen Photographer (shot at Chapel House Estate)
Chapel House Estate firmly believes that “love is love, and everyone deserves the opportunity to marry their soulmate.” But they also recognise that “for LGBTQ + couples, wedding planning can be extra challenging”. That’s why it’s helpful to look out for suppliers that are true LGBTQ+ experts. So here are their top tips  on how to plan the perfect LGBTQ+ wedding.
 
  • Firstly, it’s important to find a venue that is welcoming to not only you but all your guests, so look to see if they have a diversity statement and check that the venue’s pictures are inclusive.
  • Ask yourselves if you want a small and intimate wedding or a large and lavish wedding and set a budget accordingly. 
  • Define what kind of wedding you want for example an outdoor orchard wedding at a venue with a back up plan – we are in England after all!
  • Decide whether you want to get married where all your friends have got married, or to be brave and marry at an undiscovered wedding venue.
  • Talk to vendors and book LGBTQ+ friendly suppliers and create a beautiful day with vendors you love spending time with.
  • Lastly, don’t be afraid to be creative with your wedding traditions. You can go traditional or get creative and add new elements that celebrates your love and commitment to each other.

Love Is Love

Photo © Tony Pullen Photographer (shot at Chapel House Estate)

For us here at Bridebook, we feel honoured to work in an industry that celebrates love – whatever form it comes in. And, as The Wellbeing Farm explains, this should be the case across the wedding industry where inclusivity is “not just relevant, it’s crucial. Ultimately, who gives a fig who loves who? Person A loves Person B, and they want to spend the rest of their lives with each other. Love doesn’t discriminate – so why should anyone else?”

We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. ❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜

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Happy Planning!

Lily and Matthew – Real Wedding (Elegant Winter Wedding)

 

Faye and Adam Hughes in the church getting married
Lily and Matthew  – Real Wedding (Elegant Winter Wedding)

Lily and Matthew had an elegant winter wedding in East Yorkshire at Rise Hall, it was a beautiful day.

Lily and Matt’s wedding was held in late February and was a celebration of family. Staying at Rise Hall during their wedding made it so relaxed and this is reflective in the memories captured. Also the black and white colour scheme was classic and elegant. They had so much fun during their day!

Catering: Dine Catering events @dine.co.uk, @dinevenues @risehall

Cake Provider: Cakes by Mrs O [email protected] @cakesbymrso

Music: The Nashville Heat – [email protected] – www.facebook.com/thenashvilleheat www.thenashvilleheat.co.uk

Hairdresser: Flourish Hair dressing [email protected] @flourishhairdressing

Makeup Artist: RL Make Up and Beauty [email protected] @rebeccalouise_makeupandbeauty

Colours: Black, White and Gold| Styles: Classic, Country, Glamorous and Luxury

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Faye's father about to hug her on her wedding day
Adam and his best man standing outside the wedding venue in their wedding suits
Faye smiling on her wedding day
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Could this beautiful luxury exclusive use wedding venue be the venue for you? Click here to find out more about Rise Hall!

Have a look at some more beautiful real weddings here:

Still in the mood for some wedding-y reading? Check out some of these articles:

Patchwork’s Top 10 Wedding Gift Ideas

Whether you’re planning to ask for the items you might expect from a traditional wedding gift list, charitable donations or cash contributions (the most popular option for couples right now), just remember – whatever you do, don’t say, “No gifts!”

(Unless you’re going for the world record for the biggest collection of salad servers. In which case, you do you!)

We promise, your guests will want to treat you! It’s your wedding day, after all. So help them be sure they’re giving you something that’ll make you both happy, whether that’s helping you go on the honeymoon of a lifetime, put in that brand new kitchen you’ve been dreaming about or enjoy a year of date nights together. With a cash gift registry, you can ask for literally anything – and you have the freedom to spend your money when, where and how you want!

To help you get started, we asked the team over at Patchwork Gift Registry for their expert insight into the latest wedding gift trends and what they’re expecting couples to ask for in 2022/23.

Patchwork Gift Registry's template for "A Year of Dates"  wedding gift list

1) It’s Date Night!

One of the biggest trends we saw in wedding gifting last year was couples asking guests to chip in for a “year of dates” instead of a traditional honeymoon – and it’s set to continue throughout 2022/23. With travel remaining tricky, many newlyweds are after some R&R a little closer to home. You might go for dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, have a laugh at a comedy night, organise bike hire for a day’s cycling in the country or get away from it all for a night at a spa hotel. Whatever you do, this is the wedding gift that keeps giving for a whole year!

Setting up a cash gift list for date nights gives you flexibility in when, where and how you spend your wedding gift money. Not to mention, you’ll get to enjoy some super special time together thanks to the love of your friends and family!

Patchwork Gift Registry's template for "A Home of Our Own" wedding gift list

2) Home Sweet Home

While more and more couples are already living together when they tie the knot, many are still dreaming of owning their first home together. Every penny counts when it comes to saving up for the deposit on a first home – so why not let your guests help out?

Let your guests know your plans and what it would mean to have their support. You might want to break down your cash registry into smaller chunks so your loved ones can fund something specific: £500 towards the roof, £200 on the front door, £20 for a new door knocker…

You’ll have the keys in no time – and once you do, you can invite them all round for dinner so they can admire (and enjoy!) their gift too!

3) A Few of Our Favourite Things

Another trend popular among couples keen to stay closer to home is a gift list made up of all their favourite things to do together. What’s especially great about this option is everything on the list can be enjoyed anywhere, at any time. Plus, they’re the things we don’t usually treat ourselves to… and your wedding is the perfect time to indulge!

What are some of our top ideas for a “favourite things” gift registry? We love a subscription box, whether that’s for craft beer, local cheese, organic veg or beautiful flowers. You could also ask for a couple’s massage, a “spa at home” experience or even personal training sessions. Or, if you’re a couple with kids, there’s always the greatest luxury of all – babysitting!

Patchwork Gift Registry's template for "Our Roof Garden" wedding gift list

4) Get Green Fingered!

Why not make your dreams of a gorgeous garden come true? Instead of traditional gifts, consider asking your guests to give you plants, trees or bulbs to plant and enjoy for years to come.

To make things extra special, guests could choose plants that contain their name, hold a special meaning for them or are in some way a reminder of your relationship. Another idea we love is for guests to chip in for an entertaining area in your outside space. You could add options for guests to help fund garden furniture, a barbecue, a hammock or a fire pit. Or ask for donations of help in the garden from your more green-fingered friends for a gift list that isn’t just about physical gifts but sharing time and skills too!

5) Home and Away

If you can’t decide between a much-needed honeymoon and treating yourselves to some new homeware, why not combine the two in a “home and away” gift list? Give guests the option to choose between contributing to your far-flung adventures or buying you some fluffy new towels – or both, of course!

Opting for a combination of honeymoon and homeware is perfect for couples who aren’t sure when they’ll be able to get away for a honeymoon – but would love some home comforts while they plan!

6) The Wedding Day!

So you really do have it all? Well, if you’ve got everything you need and the only thing you want is to finally tie the knot, a “friend-funded” wedding could be the perfect solution!

Recent events have caused many couples to postpone their weddings once, twice or even more. With deposits lost or other unexpected financial difficulties, some couples have struggled to get their celebrations back on track. But there’s good news! We’ve seen thoughtful friends and family come together to set up wedding registries where the wedding day itself is the gift.

Guests might chip in towards venue hire, pay the cost of catering, help fund the photographer or even buy the wedding cake! This is a truly special gift that allows couples to have the day they’ve been dreaming of – while involving everyone in a really meaningful way. It’s a gift that can be enjoyed by everyone and a chance to come together to create memories that will last forever.

Patchwork Gift Registry's template for "National Trust Lifetime Membership" wedding gift list

7) A Lifetime Membership

This is a gift that literally lasts a lifetime – and does good too! National Trust or English Heritage membership is a gift that keeps giving, offering you the chance to enjoy endless days out together. It’s your ticket to a lifetime filled with stately homes, fairytale castles, country garden strolls and cream teas! And you’ll be helping protect unforgettable places for future generations – so you and your guests can feel extra good about this zero-waste, eco-friendly gift.

At £2130 for an English Heritage lifetime membership and £2160 for a National Trust lifetime membership (both for two people), these are easily doable with a cash gift registry, allowing your friends and family to chip in towards the membership. You might even have some money left over for some new walking boots… and a lifetime supply of tea and cake!

Patchwork Gift Registry's template for "Our Wedding Art Fund" wedding gift list

8) Get Artsy

If you’re not short of stuff but still want to add something special to your home, you might like this idea! Invite your loved ones to join forces to fund a unique painting or sculpture by your favourite artist.

Art is timeless, and this is a gift that will last forever and stay with you always. In years to come, you’ll be able to look at your beautiful artwork and think of the family and friends who made it happen, no matter where you are. It’s a wonderful way to remember the day you all spent together, celebrating your marriage.

9) Go Green

Over the past few years, we’ve definitely seen a trend for couples wanting more eco-friendly, sustainable and pre-loved vintage gifts. But these aren’t so easy to put on a traditional gift list. Instead, a cash wedding registry is the best way to make sure you have the freedom and flexibility to source the one-of-a-kind pieces you’ve got your heart set on.

From ethically-sourced furnishing fabrics to reclaimed wooden future and recycled cotton bedlinens to antique treasures, the options are endless. A cash gift list lets you collect the money, then enjoy some sustainable shopping at your local flea market or vintage store. Plus, you’ll be saving on transportation costs and packaging too – so it’s an even greener way to gift!

Patchwork Gift Registry's template for "Doing up the kitchen fund" wedding gift list

10) The Home Makeover

A popular alternative this year to registries for honeymoons or “stuff” is the home makeover registry. Whether it’s the bathroom reno of your dreams or a quick kitchen refresh, why not get your family and friends to contribute? They can chip in for everything from the taps to the tiles (and even the plumber!). Once you’ve collected their contributions, you’ll have your budget and you can get going designing and planning your home updates. Then, when your project is complete, invite everyone around to admire their gift!

One last thing! Whatever you ask your guests to treat you to, remember that with Patchwork, you’ll be protecting the planet too. They’re the only wedding registry that gives back to the planet, with 50% of their sign-up fee going directly to environmental organisations.

Check out more of Patchwork’s wedding gift ideas and honeymoon fund templates on their website.

This article was created in partnership with Patchwork Wedding Registry.

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How to Ask for Money as a Wedding Gift…Nicely!

Every newly engaged couple has their goals and dreams, something they’re saving for and working towards. Your wedding day is the perfect time to share your dreams with your family and friends. Everyone will want to spoil you and send you off on your way to your new married life with love – so it’s the perfect time to share with them what will make you both happy.

Most engaged couples now live together before they get married – so those dreams are less likely to be about having more stuff to put in the cupboards and more about getting out there and making stuff happen! If that sounds like you, you’ve probably already decided that you’d most appreciate monetary gifts. Then you and your partner can choose how, when and where to make your dreams happen! 

According to Patchwork Wedding Registry, most couples asking for cash instead of physical gifts want money to put towards their honeymoon. Also increasingly popular are cash gifts towards a deposit on a first home. And then there’s all the weird and wonderful things gift money can buy too! A work of art? A garden makeover? A vintage campervan? A year of date nights? A sailing boat? The world really is your oyster. 

What Are Your Options?

One option is to ask guests to bring along cash gifts on your big day. You could set up a money box where guests can leave money, either by putting it in their wedding congratulations card or by popping it in an envelope.

While this has the advantage of being a simple, low-fi set up, it can throw up a few issues. Security is the main worry with this way of collecting cash. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for gift money to go missing at a wedding. It can also make things trickier for your guests. They have to remember to withdraw cash or bring along cheques on the day, and any overseas guests may struggle with currency conversions. Now, on top of the usual travel stresses, they’ve got something else to worry about! Plus, it’s extra admin for you. You’ll have to sort through all the cards and envelopes, noting down how much each guest gave so that you know who to thank for what in your thank you cards later down the line.

Of course, your other option is to go digital and just ask for bank transfers from your guests. Again, while this seems like an easy option, it can lead to an unsatisfying gifting experience for your friends and family. Transfers are by definition transactional and joyless! And what your family and friends really want to know is what their gift will mean to you. How will it spent? What joy will it bring you? While you can just print your bank details on your wedding invites and leave the rest up to them, it can end up being a bit awkward. Your guests have no idea where their gifted money will end up – and without any guidance from you, it’s hard for them to know how much is appropriate or expected, leaving them anxious, embarrassed and worried about how much to give. Remember, they want to treat you to the things you really want… Not end up paying your winter gas bill!

Wait, So Is Asking For Money Just A Bit Awkward?

Well, sure – it can be! But it definitely doesn’t have to be. Just remember – you’re not really asking for money… You’re asking for the power to make your dreams come true! So rather than leaving a money box by the door or putting your bank details on your invites, we’d recommend something else. By far the simplest, easiest and nicest way of asking for money as a wedding gift is via an online cash gift registry. For us here at Bridebook, Patchwork is one of the best we’ve seen. It’s a super innovative platform which wedding guests describe as “a creative and fun way to give money that wraps it up like a gift”.

How to Set Up A Cash Gift Registry

With Patchwork, you can show guests a “patchwork” of images (a bit like a Pinterest board) that represents your ideal honeymoon, home renovation project or anything else you’ve been dreaming about! Then you can share your unique URL with your friends so that they can choose which item or experience to treat you to according to their own interests – and budget!

All gift money goes directly to you and is not held at any time. Even better, Patchwork donates a generous 50% of their platform fee to three environmental charities, so not only can you ask your guests for the things you really want (and in a way that’s stylish and fun!), but you’ll be protecting the environment too.

With no vouchers or fixed travel fund, choosing a gift registry like Patchwork means that if you do change your plans or decide to scrap the honeymoon and spend it all on a new kitchen, you’re free to do so! Also, it’s worth knowing that some wedding registries allow cash gifts but then hold your funds for you, transferring them to you immediately after your wedding. Others, like Patchwork, allow the gift money to go immediately and directly to your chosen bank account, meaning you can start saving – or spending! – as soon as guests start giving.

When your friends and family gift you money in this way, they’ll really enjoy it too. They’re also more likely to be generous (30% more generous, in fact!) when they feel connected to you and your plans. As one guest have put it, “It’s lovely to see where your money is going, much better than sticking it in an envelope.” Another described it as “a brilliant way to personalise the mundane gift of money [and] highly recommended.”

How to Make Asking for Money More Personal

When setting up a cash gift registry, tell guests what each contribution will mean to you. Inject some personality and humour – talk about what your plans are and what their gift will mean to you both. Describe how it will make you both feel too. We all know that it’s much more fun to give gifts that are truly wanted and appreciated. A recent wedding guest said that using Patchwork felt like “putting money towards something tangible and that’s really wanted, rather than just giving cash!”


Think about it like this: your family aren’t just giving you £100 for your honeymoon… They’re giving you a romantic dinner for two on the beach with a sunset, rolling waves and the smell of frangipani trees and coconut oil. They’re not just giving you £50 towards a new sofa… They’re giving you time together for cosy movie nights, lazy Sunday morning snuggles and mornings spent with friends visiting for catch-ups.

Explaining Cash Gifts to Family and Friends

There’s still a bit of an idea around that asking for money needs to be apologised for – that it is, in itself, an embarrassing request. There’s an easy solution to that! If you have cash contributions “wrapped up” like a gift and you’re open about how much it means to you, there’s no reason to feel shy or awkward. In fact, you and your partner should be proud of your plans together – so let everyone know!

Of course, you can begin by saying that you don’t expect gifts and you already have all the “stuff” you need… But the fact is, people want to treat you – so you might as well let them enjoy the experience! Try something like this to introduce the idea of a honeymoon fund:

We’ve been asked what we’d like for a gift and our answer is simple: you, at our wedding, having a great time! We’re incredibly thankful that we already have everything we need. But if you insist, what we’d love is for you to help us create some new experiences to treasure together.

Or how about this, from a couple who asked for money to put towards a year of dates:

New plates and saucepans won’t help keep a marriage alive, but the gift of time will. We hope you enjoy looking through some of our ideas for special date nights together. All contributions large or small will mean so much to us – and we’ll cheers you when enjoying our night out!

And Finally…

Don’t forget to include a wide range of price points when setting up your cash gift registry. You’ll make guests feel more comfortable if you present them with an inclusive (but not overwhelming!) choice. For one thing, they’ll also be grateful to not have to make all the decisions. If £10 for sunset beers on a Mexican beach or £5 for a couple of ice creams in Italy would make you happy, tell them! When you give your guests really meaningful ways of gifting cash, they’ll appreciate it as much as you do. Plus, even those on smaller budgets can feel like their contribution is making a real difference to your happiness – and that’s a gift from you to them!

This article was created in partnership with Patchwork Wedding Registry.

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Wedding Speech Examples

Wedding speeches are a super important part of a wedding reception. They let the couple, family members and friends express their love, gratitude and well-wishes for the newlyweds. But if you’re not a confident public speaker, giving a wedding speech can be nerve-wracking for many people, which is why having a few examples up your sleeve can be a great starting-point. 

Here are some simple wedding speech examples that can help you deliver a heartfelt, memorable and enjoyable wedding speech. Feel free to use them as a template to inspire your own writing. 

And remember that these are just samples. Be sure to incorporate your own unique elements to personalise your speeches, which might mean having more gender-equal speeches compared to the traditional wedding speech line-up

Groom’s Speech & Bride’s Speech

Photo © Benjamin Toms Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The groom’s speech and bride’s speech is a chance for the couple to thank their families, friends and wedding party for their support and to share their love for each other. Here’s a sample of a shared groom and bride speech:

“Good evening everyone, we are [bride’s name and groom’s name], the newlyweds. We want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for being here to celebrate this special day with us. Our families, friends and wedding party have made this day truly unforgettable, and we are so grateful for your love and support.

We also want to thank our parents for their love and guidance, and for raising us to be the people we are today. We are honoured to have both of our families come together to celebrate this special day with us.

And last but not least, we want to express our love for each other. [Groom’s name], you are my best friend, my soulmate, and my partner in life. I am so grateful to have you by my side, and I look forward to a lifetime of love, adventure and happiness with you. [Bride’s name], you are beautiful, kind, and loving, and I feel so lucky to be able to call you my wife. I promise to always cherish and love you, no matter what life brings our way.

To our friends and family, thank you again for being here to share this special day with us. We are so grateful for your love and support, and we look forward to the memories we will create together.

Cheers to love, laughter and happily ever after. Cheers to all of us!”

Check out our top 10 groom speech examples and top 10 bride speech examples for more inspiration if you’re each giving individual speeches rather than a shared one. 

Father of the Bride Speech:

Photo © James Merrick Photography | See their Bridebook profile

A father of the bride speech is one of the most traditional and emotional speeches of the wedding. The father of the bride has the chance to both reflect on the love and relationship he has with his daughter and to welcome her new spouse into the family. Here’s a sample to inspire you:

“Good evening, everyone. Today is a very special day for me, as I stand here to give away my beautiful daughter [bride’s name]. She has grown into an amazing young woman, and I am so proud of the person she has become. [Groom’s name], I couldn’t have asked for a better match for my daughter. You are kind, caring and loving, and I am honoured to welcome you into our family. [Bride’s name], [groom’s name], I wish you a lifetime of happiness, love and adventure. To the newlyweds!”

Check out our top 10 father of the bride speech examples for more inspiration. 

Best Man Speech:

Photo © Take Two Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The best man speech is a fun and light-hearted speech that’s often filled with anecdotes and humour. The best man has the chance to pay tribute to the groom and to share some memorable moments from their friendship. Here’s a sample:

“Good evening everyone, I am [your name], the best man, and the groom’s closest friend. I have known [groom’s name] for [number of years], and it has been an honour to stand by his side today as he marries the love of his life, [bride’s name]. [Groom’s name], you are one of the kindest, funniest and most genuine people I know, and I am so grateful to have you as my friend. [Bride’s name], you bring out the best in [groom’s name], and I know you will have a lifetime of happiness together. To the newlyweds, congratulations, and here’s to a lifetime of love and laughter!”

Check out our top 10 best man speech examples for more inspiration. 

Maid of Honour Speech:

Photo © Memories & Milestones Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The maid of honour speech is usually given by the bride’s closest friend or sister, and can be a combination of humour and sentimentality. Here’s sample:

“Good evening everyone, I am [your name], the maid of honour and [bride’s name]’s best friend. I have known [bride’s name] since we were [age], and I have never seen her as happy as she is today. [Groom’s name], you have brought so much joy into [bride’s name]’s life, and I am grateful to have you as my friend as well. To the newlyweds, may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations and best wishes!”

Check out our top 10 maid of honour examples for more inspiration. 

Mother of the Bride Speech:

Photo © Eyeshine Photography | See their Bridebook profile

A mother of the bride speech, while not always a traditional element in the order of wedding speeches, is becoming gaining increasing popularity in modern celebrations. This beautiful moment lets the mother share her heartfelt sentiments, commemorate her daughter’s journey and extend a warm welcome to her daughter’s new spouse. Here’s a sample:

“Good evening everyone. Today holds great significance for me, as I stand before you to celebrate the union of my beloved daughter [bride’s name]. Watching her blossom into the remarkable woman she is today fills my heart with immense joy. [Groom’s name], from the moment you entered our lives, you’ve shown remarkable qualities of kindness, compassion and love. Welcoming you into our family is an honour beyond words. [Bride’s name], [groom’s name], may your lives be filled with boundless joy, enduring love and remarkable journeys together. To the newlyweds!”

Check out our top 10 mother of the bride speech examples for more inspiration. 

Plan your dream wedding on Bridebook

These are just a few examples of the different types of wedding speeches you may give on a wedding day. No matter what type of speech you choose, the most important thing is to be yourself, speak from the heart and let your love for the newlyweds shine through. Best of luck and have a wonderful time celebrating the love and happiness of the newlyweds.

Be sure to also check out our top tips from former actress and wedding speech writer Naomi Marghaleet, based on 30 years’ experience in the industry. 

And for even more wedding tips and tricks, sign up to Bridebook today. We’ve got plenty of articles to help you with your wedding planning and celebrations. 

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Happy Planning!

Meghann & Joseph – Real Wedding (Garden + Outdoor)

Faye and Adam Hughes in the church getting married

Meghan and Joseph’s stunning romantic and intimate wedding at Oldwalls Gower was simple, clean and Classic. What makes this wedding special? Oldwalls has such a special and wonderful look. The standard that everything is done to, from the rooms to their the Rustic Retreat cottages, there is such attention to detail. You really feel the luxury.

Videographer: Break every chain productions

Florist: Ruth Milton Jones|Catering: Oldwalls Weddings|Wedding Dress Designer: Eddy K and Riki Dalal (two dresses from Eva Ashley bridal)|Wedding Cake: Bella cakes|Stationery Provider: Brogan Evans|Hairdresser: Kristin Davis|Make-up artist: Louise Williams|Menswear Provider:Moss Bros

Colours: Green, White & Black| Styles: Classic, Traditional, Formal & Luxury

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Adam and his best man standing outside the wedding venue in their wedding suits
Faye smiling on her wedding day
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Could this luxury Welsh countryside venue be the venue for you? Click here to find out more about Oldwalls Gower!

Have a look at some more beautiful real weddings here:

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Venue Showcase: Applewood Hall

Situated in the quaint village of Banham, one of Norfolk’s best-kept secrets Applewood Hall offers an undeniably unique wedding venue for your special day.

Once the grounds of the Grove Farm orchard, Applewood Hall served as the store during the harvest season. Now an elegantly decorated entertaining space, it offers a licensed bar, dance floor, stage and seating for up to 200 guests. Applewood Hall is a harmonious combination of rustic charm and contemporary style.

We talked to Kiera Goymour , Wedding Executive at Applewood Hall

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Tell us a little bit about yourself

Hello I’m Kiera…
I’m a lover of gin and our unofficial wedding cake taster. I always enjoy a piece of cake with my morning coffee the day after a wedding! I’m also the owner of resident hound and team mascot, Frankie Sausage. You’ll usually find me dashing about in flats, there’s a reason I wear a step counter! And one thing you might not know, I have locked myself in the wedding garden at least 5 times (just this year!), which has meant having to climb over a very tall gate to get out!

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Credit to @jackboskett

What drew you to the wedding world?

Having worked in the corporate events world in London for 10 years, I felt the pull to return to Norfolk where I grew up. I missed the drive and challenge of being involved in the family business. Due to my events background, my Dad asked me to take on the management of Applewood Hall and its sister business, Applewood Countryside Park (family camping and glamping). Four years on and I haven’t quite found the work/ life balance I was hoping for but I wouldn’t change it. Helping couples plan the wedding day of their dreams and seeing it all come together is so rewarding. There’s no job quite like it!

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What do you think makes Applewood Hall unique?

Applewood Hall is located right next to the award-winning family attraction Banham Zoo. So if couples fancy something a little bit different, whether it’s a giraffe feeding experience, private Bird of Prey display, a ceremony within the zoo grounds or photos with some of the stunning animals – anything is possible!

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

When couples make a booking with us, we start with a planning meeting as it really helps us get to know our couples; along with their style, how they picture their perfect day and what we can do to make it happen. This process really helps to pinpoint the small things that will make their day feel extra special and unique to them. For example, we have recently introduced bespoke cocktails and mocktails, offering couples the opportunity to choose seasonal flavours, favourite ingredients and personalise the cocktail names so they tie into their theme or tell a story!

What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Fun, laughter and a tipple or two. It’s that simple!

Photography credit @meganduffieldphotography
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Photography credit @photographyby_lucy.s

Why should a couple book Applewood Hall?

Applewood Hall is a proudly family run business, offering a personal and friendly service. Our aim is to ensure that every couple is able to bring to life the day of their dreams no matter their budget. We achieve this by going above and beyond, getting creative with ideas, ingredients and scale to ensure we can give each couple a unique experience.

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Styling by @ido_photography_norwich

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

It’s YOUR day, so don’t be afraid to be a bit selfish when it comes to things like your menu choices, drink selection and seating plans. Prefer to have canapés during your drinks reception rather than a starter, why not! If you want an indulgent, gooey chocolate dessert, go for it! If you’d prefer to have a classic G&T rather than bubbles for the toast, do it! If you want the seating to be more informal with no seating plan, be bold! These small things will help your day feel special and unique to you.

What’s the best photo spot at Applewood Hall?

Our wedding garden! This beautifully landscaped space features a stunning gazebo, contemporary outdoor furniture, lots of lush greenery, fire pit tables and festoon lighting. The perfect backdrop for wedding photos and alfresco drinks in the sunshine!

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Photography credit @dblakephotography111

What part of your business are you most proud of? 

Our team! We have a small, dedicated team, which means our couples experience a friendly, hands-on approach from their initial enquiry and showround appointment to their menu tasting, planning meetings and of course, the big day itself.

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Couples are planning their weddings online more than ever before. We have been making use of Facebook Live to host virtual tours and hosting monthly #wedminwednesday sessions to help couples along their wedding planning journey.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

We are in this together and and we will all get through this together. If you’ve had to postpone, it must be heartbreaking to move from your original date and to have to wait a bit longer for your wedding, but it will be so worth it. We want your day to be a day of celebration, love and special memories; focused on you (not coronavirus, that’s had enough attention!).

What do you love about Bridebook?

It’s great to be able to showcase everything we offer all in one place; from pricing and photos to reviews and offers. Tracking enquiries and following our analytics is super simple too.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]. Also, if you enjoyed this article, see more here.

Venue Showcase: The Manor House

Nestled within Castle Combe village in the wooded Bybrook Valley lies the 14th century Manor House and there is no more idyllic or romantic a setting in which to celebrate your marriage.

We talked to Jennifer, Wedding and Events Manager at The Manor House and Cassie the Wedding Executive at The Manor House.

Tell us about yourself!

We have both worked in weddings for a couple of years now but have been in the hospitality industry our whole careers. In our free time, we love to read, go for walks and bake sweet treats!

What drew you to the wedding world?

There is something incredibly rewarding about making someone’s big day go smoothly. Seeing the happiness on the couples faces on the day when all of the planning comes together, knowing we contributed to that, it’s a great feeling.

An archway that is part of the building serves as a place for the ceremony.

What do you think make The Manor House unique?

We are so blessed to have the beautiful hotel and grounds that we do, but what makes us unique is our people. From housekeeping preparing the bedrooms to our chefs creating the perfect wedding breakfast, the whole team has a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. Our couples will not only be provided with the highest level of service and great attention to detail, but character, passion and laughter along the way.

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

We make sure we always take time to get to know our couples from the very beginning of their enquiry. It’s all about them. Taking the time to sit, have a coffee and a chat and learn about their story is so important. It also makes it so much more enjoyable along the way- it’s as if we are helping friends plan their wedding!

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

A beautiful location, with delicious food in a room filled with great company, love and laughter.

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What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

It’s all about you! Make sure that every decision you make is what you both want, try not to think about other people’s opinions too much. Enjoy the experience building up to the big day! It can pass by you in a flash so enjoy every single moment including all the planning.

What do you love about Bridebook?

All of it! It’s incredibly handy and easy to use. It helps us communicate effectively with all enquiries and helps the couples keep on track with their planning!

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at The Manor House?

A summer wedding had a family fun day including dodgems and a carousel on our lawns – it was amazing!

Why should a couple book The Manor House?

Why not?! We have the most stunning location, amazing food and exceptional service so it really will be the best day of their lives.

What’s the best photo spot at The Manor House?

We have so many beautiful spots but our favourite is our entrance bridge over the Bybrook river that has a gorgeous shot of the whole of the Manor in the background.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

Definitely the people, we are like one big family. Everyone works incredibly hard and always supports each other.

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How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

In terms of wedding planning, it is a game changer! There are so many apps, websites and companies that can help you now, it’s great! It takes away a lot of the stress.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Firstly, I hope you are ok! We have seen first hand how the pandemic has affected couples, and made what should be a really enjoyable time, really stressful. Please just know we will be here to support you the whole way, and do whatever we can to help make it easier and as special as it can be.  

A huge thank you to Jennifer and Cassie for answering our questions. Check out The Manor House on Bridebook!

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Looking for more venues in Wiltshire? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

Venue Showcase: Lainston House

Lainston House is a 17th-Century luxury hotel. Set in 63 acres of gorgeous Hampshire countryside, five-star Lainston House could be the perfect setting for the wedding of your dreams.

We talked to Sophie Mitchell-Bird, Wedding Executive at Lainston House.

Tell us about yourself!

I’ve been very lucky to have worked in the wedding world for almost 3 years and have enjoyed every second. I have a miniature dachshund called Rolo and a cat named Tabitha. I’m a massive foodie so enjoy going out for dinner and trying new places… I’m a sucker for a good cocktail too!

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What drew you to the wedding world?

Honestly, I think the wedding world found me! My background has always been theatre and this is what I graduated from uni in, so I’d always expected to go straight into something related to this instead. After university, I worked as a comedy producer, organising monthly charity stand-up comedy nights. That was great fun and where my love for events planning begun — and shortly after, I found my passion… Weddings!

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What do you think makes your venue unique?

For a start, the grounds of Lainston House are breathtaking… The photo opportunities are endless! The venue is rich with history too, with so many interesting facts and stories. What makes our space even more unique is the people. The team is made up of the most hardworking, dedicated and passionate individuals I’ve met… We’re like one big family!

How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

I will be in touch regularly, either by phone or email, and I love it when my couples do the same. I love to hear all about what you’ve both been up too, your holidays, you name it! It’s also great to see my couples in person and enjoy a cup of coffee together in the lead up to the wedding.

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Picking things you both like, not just what you think others will like! After all, it’s your special day and you only do it once!

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Begin thinking about your table plan early as this can sometimes be the hardest part to figure out, so this will take pressure off you… But most importantly, enjoy it!

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What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had?

We recently had a stunning tipi on our South Lawn which was breathtaking… The South Lawn is perfect for it! We’ve had a few singing waiters over the summer which are also so fun and a real surprise to all your guests.

Why should a couple book Lainston House?

We’re a beautiful, luxury, five-star manor house where dream days happen. By hiring out the venue exclusively, you can feel like royalty for the day, with your nearest and dearest around you. Local produce is super important to us so the majority of our suppliers will be local to either Winchester or Hampshire, with our onsite Kitchen Garden also growing our own produce. With 63 acres, the photo opportunities are endless — adding that “wow” factor for your guests and creating memories to cherish forever!

What is the best photo spot at Lainston House?

This is a tricky one as there are so many stunning photo spots… But outside on the terrace with the beautiful avenue of lime trees is a must!

What part of your business are you most proud of?

I couldn’t pick just one part as I’m proud of all departments at Lainston House who all help achieve dream wedding days!

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How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Technology is making it easier for couples to plan, especially wonderful platforms like Bridebook where you can plan your whole day. Wedding websites where your guests can RSVP and let you know dietaries and you can to give information quickly… What a great idea!

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Everything will come together in the end. After all, nothing can stop love! If you’re struggling at the moment, please do reach out to your venue or suppliers so they can help. You’re not alone.

A huge thank you to Sophie Mitchell-Bird for answering our questions. Check out Lainston House on Bridebook!

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Looking for more venues in Hampshire? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

Venue Showcase: Pennyhill Park

Pennyhill Park is a 19th century Mansion House that is surrounded by lily ponds, landscaped gardens and plenty of greenery whereas the inside of the hotel also provides stunning architecture.

We talked to Jodey Hatch, Wedding Manager at Pennyhill Park to find out more about this stunning venue.

Tell us about yourself!

I have been in the wedding industry for 9 years, pretty much my whole career. I love spending time with friends and family as much as I can, going out for meals, travelling and exploring anything new. I have one gorgeous black cat but if I had my way I would have many more and dogs too!

What drew you to the wedding world?

After leaving school I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do, I thought some customer service experience would be a good start so I got a job waitressing at a hotel which included working at weddings. After a while I began running them operationally and knew I loved them and had to continue this as my career.  I finally got a role as a wedding coordinator and it has just snowballed from there.

What do you think makes Pennyhill Park unique?

Pennyhill Park is unique in many ways; however I do feel the people that work here is what stands us out from the crowd. We take time to get to know our couples, we understand this is the biggest day of our couple’s lives and when they spend months or even years planning this they expect the best.  We welcome our guests on that first showaround with a glass of bubbles and personalised sweet treats just to get started!

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

Every couple is unique, which is one thing that makes me love my job so much! I find it’s important to listen to each couples needs and get to know them as an individual. They then get the chance to build trust with their dedicated event coordinator; this might be done with many visits to our bar over a cup of coffee or even when it comes to meeting the head chef to discuss their menus. 

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

For me I think that a wedding that shows the couples personality have been the most perfect. Ultimately this day is about the two of you, so to put on little touches that represent you, are the perfect Weddings. You’re guests will absolutely love this as they are here to share this special day with you.

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Try and keep it fun, it’s easy to feel stressed about the planning but this really should be the most enjoyable part! When it’s all over you will want to do it all over again and wish you had enjoyed it more.

What do you love about Bridebook?

It’s a really good tool to help us know what our couples are looking for before they have even come to see us. It’s also a great platform to let couples know about us as a venue and really showcase ourselves.

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Pennyhill Park?

One bride at Pennyhill Park did trust me with planning a very special surprise for the Groom; it was a group of storm troopers that were going to walk don the aisle! The Groom of course was a massive star wars fan and this was a complete surprise to him and all the guests. Everyone loved it and it was so memorable even all the team here wanted to come out and watch as when do you ever have a wedding with storm troopers walking down the aisle! All the guest were there waiting for photos with them, star wars fans or not it was a great talking point for the guests for the rest of the day.

Why should a couple book Pennyhill Park?

We have something for everyone, if it being fantastic food you are looking for then come meet our Michelin star chef and discuss your menus with our amazing team at the Latymer restaurant. If its luxury accommodation we have 124 individually designed bedrooms that will give all your guests that wow factor. Not to mention our stunning 120 acres of Parkland with ample photo opportunities for our couples to remember and look back on for years to come.

What’s the best photo spot at Pennyhill Park?

This is hard as there are so many good ones! But I have to say our secret garden is just wonderful photo opportunity for our couples. With its a running waterfall and wild flowers surrounding, it makes it feel like a bit of fairytale, which I think is what most couples are looking for on their big day.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

Another tough one, but we have an amazing team here who all strive on wanting the same thing of creating happiness in an amazing place. I honestly feel this is what our couples comment on most after their wedding day is how well they felt looked after, from the very first step through the door by our reception team, to meeting the chef at their menu tasting and to the fantastic team who personally look after their big day for them.

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

I think the last 18 months have defiantly taught us a lot, opening us up to Zoom show rounds in times when we couldn’t see each other in person has been so beneficial for businesses and couples. It meant that wedding planning could still go ahead; giving couples something to look forward too.  I do find mainly we all much prefer to see each other in person, but this has given us the chance to even plan a few destination weddings now we are all up to speed with different technology tools available to us.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Keep going, I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for couples but just keep planning. Keep in touch with your suppliers so they know your concerns so they know how to help you.

A huge thank you to Jodey Hatch for answering our questions. Check out Pennyhill Park on Bridebook!

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Looking for more venues in Surrey? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

Venue Showcase: Fanhams Hall

Fanhams Hall is a luxury and unique wedding venue with outstanding warming open fires in winter, tumbling waterfalls in summer and beautiful private rooms. With stunning features of the original Grade II listed Jacobean manor house all year round.

We talked to Symphonie Wolzak, Wedding Manager/ Executive at Fanhams Hall to find out more about this stunning venue.

Tell us about yourself!

Fun fact: I was named after the Hershey’s Chocolate candy bar- hehe! I was born in San Antonio, Texas so am in love with and super proud of my Tex-Mex culture (Texas-Mexican). I consider myself to make the best homemade tortillas in England, as have yet to come across a Mexican restaurant where they are as good as mine! I love to cook, if you haven’t guessed already and my favourite cuisine is my home-land original Tex-Mex of course…very different from Cali-Mex! I’m super blessed my husband loves his spicy food, because to be honest I really don’t know how to not have a bit of chilli in any of my dishes.

What drew you to the wedding world?

The wedding world found me! A friend of mine was working in events and I just graduated university. Lost, confused, and no work family to tag onto in the big city (NYC), she rung me and said, “Hey come try this!”. My first day helping run a wedding with her, I was sold! The excitement and love in the air was so addicting, like sweet cotton candy; you couldn’t leave the room in fear you’d miss out. The adrenaline you get when something goes wrong last minute like the father of bride is running late, or the zip of one of the bridesmaid’s dresses broke just minutes before announcing them into the room! I love having to think in seconds on how to fix it or stall the wedding without the couple finding out or having enough time to worry; these are the moments I live for! Knowing you fixed it and helped make the couples day absolutely perfect without them realising the storm the team went through to get there. What a buzz!

What do you think makes Fanhams Hall unique?

Our team honestly. We all genuinely want the best day for our couples and understand that every wedding is unique, so we really do our best to be flexible and deliver any of their special requests they may have.

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

Once booked with us, we usually know a bit about our couples already. We like to “Sit and Love” with our couples when they first come to meet with us and see the venue, before they even book with us. Listening to the couple about what is important to them and connecting through their excitement and anticipation of one of the most important days of their lives. We believe that a connection before booking with your couple is so important, because it really helps set up the trust relationship between us and the couple, so they have the best planning experience with us. We also do little check ins with our couples to see if they want a coffee catch up to discuss any questions or a zoom call if they can’t make it all the way back to us (like my fellow American couples!).

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Hmmm…perfect wedding? I’m a cheese ball…I have to say the couple themselves. They are what make the day perfect because they are starting an amazing journey together that is a life changer. I mean what’s more perfect then marrying your best friend? If I have to be choose a materialistic idea…having everything in one place to help make it easier for you and your guests. Accommodation, ceremony, reception, things like this, even the rehearsal dinner if you can. It just make it less complicated in planning, because then you know that the venue you are with (who you choose in the first place!) will be doing their best to make sure you have the perfect wedding celebration whilst there!

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

When looking for your venue, be sure either to visit it on a rainy day or at least envision the venue in the rain…because if you love it when it’s raining, you’ll love it even more when the suns out and not be too disappointed if it does rain. Let’s be honest we live in England, so better to prepare from the beginning! Oh, and also clear umbrellas. …these are the best for photos on our grounds or wherever you end up choosing. It will still get you outside for gorgeous photos on our grounds and capture the beauty surrounded by you.

What do you love about Bridebook?

How easy it is to use for both couples and us as a venue! Love the little blogs they write and tips they give out. So easy for couples to organise themselves using their nifty tools from guest lists to gift lists, hehe!

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Fanhams Hall?

Being a hairdresser for the little flower girls, minutes before they walked down the aisle. This involved me taking out my own hair and using hair pins on them, because the bride totally forgot about their hair and was running out of time! Also, another time was sewing up the bridesmaid in her dress (I might have mentioned this before!). Her dress split just before we were to announce them into the reception, and here I am with another colleague just sewing her in completely. I think I even ended up using a stapler at one point, because I didn’t have enough thread! Oh and another time was me having to go under the brides dress to adjust her because she felt something rip…it was minutes before she had to walk down the aisle, so had to go under and quickly see what ripped…was just a simple button that needed re-buttoning. Done it and she was off! There’s more of course, but too many to share. Ahhh… just love the whole thrill of being able to help make their day absolutely perfect!

Why should a couple book Fanhams Hall?

A couple should choose Fanhams Hall because not only are we a beautiful 17th Century Jacobean mansion with gorgeous unique Japanese style gardens and an authentic Japanese Tea house! What wedding venue in England can say they have authentic Japanese style gardens?! Another reason why couples should book us is that we love weddings! We love weddings so much we really try to meet our couples unique requirement to make their day that more special. We’ve been flexible from our menus (Asian- English infusion anyone?) to creating a couple’s signature cocktail for the day for their guests to order from the bar. We love being apart of our couples special day from beginning to end, and genuinely want to help make it a day they wont forget, so the little unique requests we can do, we will!

What’s the best photo spot at Fanhams Hall?

Ohhhhh there are so many!!!! I have to say two if that’s okay?! First one is in the main grounds outside our formal gardens with Fanhams Hall in the background. Second one is in the fields near the main entrance, surprising I know! Lots of people think I would have said our Wisteria walk or near the rose garden, which are both really beautiful, but I do love the fields in August and September where the grass is over grown and you get these really beautiful rustic and dreamy photos…you could be anywhere in the world, but it’s so gorgeous!!! Makes me want to put on my wedding dress and take photos there! Haha!

What part of your business are you most proud of?

Fanhams Hall, which is part of the Exclusive Collection Group, has become the first ever hospitality business to receive a B-Corp accreditation. This means being recognised as a sustainable business. B-Corp will improve the value we create for our customers through the service we give, and help improve our impact on the planet by learning how to practise environmental stewardship. It really is a fantastic accomplishment and am super proud to be apart of this milestone.

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

For couples, technology allows people to shop in the comfort of their own homes! It’s easy access for them. It really give them the chance to really search what they are looking for and not  waste time visiting venues face to face, or having in person meetings with loads of different suppliers trying to decide what is right for them. Social media especially helps them “stalk-shop”- Instagram is great for this! For us as suppliers, it helps us reach more potential couples looking for support on their wedding. We can have all of our information readily available for them to see and even experience for themselves. We can reach a whole other country even, like America or South Africa! We currently have American couples getting married here who have found us online and loved our photos and videos on our Instagram page. Technology has helped us get them to see the venue, book and plan their wedding with us here at Fanhams Hall. We are not just focusing on one country; we are able to reach the whole world this way, which is really amazing!

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Talk to each other. Communication is so important, you may both find you two are feeling the exact same way about things. If you are both are struggling, then find a professional to talk to together to help you both overcome this struggle together. It’s not a bad thing to find a un-bias mind out there to help guide you through these trying times, because fact is, this is not normal and its okay to struggle with it all. Find peace and reassurance in the fact that if you two can get through this together, you two can make it through anything. Keep each other positive about the wedding. If one of you starts feeling upset or down about the wedding plans, pick each other up. Have a fun distraction like date night, or start making the wedding favours together and imagining how the day will go.

What is your favourite part of the wedding day?

If you haven’t guessed already, we love weddings! My favourite part of a wedding day is when I get to fluff the brides dress before she walks down the aisle. Goosebumps every time watching them take those final steps to marry their best friend!

A huge thank you to Symphonie Wolzak for answering our questions. Check out Fanhams Hall on Bridebook!

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Looking for more venues in Hertfordshire? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

Venue Showcase: Black Horse Beamish (Red Row Estate)

Featuring one of the only lavender fields in the North East with panoramic views of the Beamish Valley countryside. The Black Horse Beamish and Orchard Marquee is set in 37 acres on Red Row Estate, featuring stunning lavender fields, woodland, filled with wildlife and farmyard antiques.

We talked to Grace Fountain, the Venue Manager at Black Horse Beamish (Red Row Estate) to find out more this unique and contemporary venue.

Tell us about yourself!

We are a family owned business and have been proudly welcoming our guests for over 20 years. Although the original 300 year old pub has been in my family for over 20 years and I’ve grown up listening to conversations about it around the dinner table, I officially started working for the company 10 years ago. Since then the business and building have undergone an extensive refurbishment, expansion and development programme. In my free time I love to walk my dog around our glorious 40 acre sprawl, the stunning lavender field is one of the only in the North East, we have woodland riddled with wildlife and lots of farmyard antiques!

What drew you to the wedding world?

I always had a passion for hospitality and once I completed my degree there was no question where I was going to work. I’ve had the privilege of working in numerous different roles including wedding coordinator and have been able to grow as the business has grown, which I think has been a fantastic and unique experience. Red Row Estate is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful areas of the North East so being able to market that and convert ideas into a reality is something I love.

What do you think makes your venue unique?

My colleagues are undoubtedly what makes our venue so special, we are a small close-knit team. The key to our success is planning, planning, planning! You have to be extremely organised, passionate, and have a keen attention to detail. One of the most important skills, which isn’t often taught in this industry, is to be an unofficial therapist, councillor and shoulder to cry on when needed. Weddings can be very emotional and stressful, and I pride myself on doing my upmost to put everyone’s mind at ease. Every wedding and special occasion is unique, and therefore every client relationship deserves as much time, attention and passion as possible so we can work together to make the big day perfect.

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

Our coordinators have their own mobile and are on hand to call/text/whatsapp/email at anytime during your wedding journey with us, we feel this gives a lot of comfort to couples. By the end of the wedding journey we really feel like we have made lasting relationships with our brides and grooms. We seem to have the most wonderful couples that come back to visit time and time again.

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Amazing food, an open bar tab, memorable entertainment and of course a beautiful ceremony where you are surrounded by your family, friends and loved ones.

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

It’s your day, so don’t be afraid to be a bit selfish when it comes to the guestlist, things like your menu choices, drink selection and seating plans.

What do you love about Bridebook?

I love how easy it is to navigate, shortlist and contact suppliers and venues. It really is like your own little black book!

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had?

Our first wedding was in July 2012 and since then enquiries have never stopped rolling in! Every wedding has its own special moment so it’s difficult to single out a particular wedding. Most recently being a part my sisters wedding in The Orchard Marquee was very special. It was lovely to be a guest for the day and it’s safe to say she went all out making good use of our extensive list of local supplier contacts.

Why should a couple book Red Row Estate?

As a unique venue with extensive grounds and panoramic views over our peaceful valley, the setting could hardly be more idyllic. We provide an unforgettable setting for all styles of celebration, grand or intimate, indoors or out…it will be a unique and memorable celebration.

What’s the best photo spot at Red Row Estate?

Definitely the beautiful lavender fields in full bloom.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

Our customer service to couples and guests. We pride ourselves in investing in our team to make sure we have only the best set of people to look after you on your journey with us. Our wedding team have a wealth of experience hosting weddings meaning you’re in very capable hands.

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Technology has transformed how we now work and we have had to fully embrace new technology during the past 18 months of Covid. It has been an essential part of improving and streamlining our customer journey from the initial enquiry to ease of booking venue viewings. Zoom calls and facetime have enabled us to continue showing couples our beautiful venue and even resulted in couples booking from as far field as Dubai after only viewing on facetime.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Have faith, your dream day will happen despite all the setbacks and remember why you are getting married.

A huge thank you to Grace Fountain for answering our questions. Check out Red Row Estate on Bridebook!

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Looking for more venues in County Durham? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

Venue Showcase: 41 Portland Place

In the heart of stylish Marylebone, 41 Portland Place is beautiful Grade II* listed Georgian Townhouse. The perfect setting for an intimate and exclusive Central London wedding. The fantastic location, sophisticated rooms, excellent food, and dedicated event management team will ensure you leave with treasured, everlasting memories.

We talked to Olivia Parrott, Sales & Marketing Manager at 41 Portland Place to find out more this grand and elegant venue, set at in the heart of London.

Tell us about yourself!

I have been in the weddings world for over 5 years! In my spare time I love to binge watch my favourite series on Netflix (I may or may not be able to re-enact every episode of friends… oooops!) I love socializing with friends & family, hitting the best brunch spots and exploring new places.

What drew you to the wedding world?

How personal it is! The feeling of making couples dream wedding days a reality is what sold it. Seeing the look on a couple’s face when they walk into the venue will never ever get old.

What do you think makes 41 Portland Place unique?

Our approach is to adaptable and flexible, we know each and every couple is different which means our approach is different. 41 Portland Place is one of London’s finest exclusive Georgian Townhouses. It is surrounded by elegant grandeur and in the heart of Marylebone, the Grade II* listed Georgian Townhouse is the ideal setting for a stylish, exclusive and chic London wedding. We are with our couples every step of the way and the relationship doesn’t end after their wedding day at RSA, we have created real amazing friendship with alot of our couples

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

We get to know them as people! Regular drink catch ups, video calls, venue visits, supplier visits! Getting to know the family is also a big thing for us too!

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Personality! Having seen more marvellous weddings than we can mention, the team here at 41 Portland Place know a thing or two about personalizing weddings so if you’re looking to put your own stamp on your big day, you’re sure to find some inspiration, or a little extra confidence to do your own thing, right here!

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Trust your venue and your suppliers, they are experts and will go above and beyond to create the most incredible day for you!

What do you love about Bridebook?

The support from the incredible team, they are always so lovely and will go above and beyond always!

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at 41 Portland Place?

This is a hard one as we have seen so many memorable weddings! I remember a summer wedding which was hosted on the tranquil terrace which just oozes sophistication and is the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing summer cocktail with friends & family shaded from the sun by gorgeous olive and eucalyptus trees. By night, the space transforms into a fairy light lit oasis in the city. The client opted with a relaxed family feasting BBQ style menu followed by an interactive dessert station, a chef’s favourite!

Why should a couple book 41 Portland Place?

For this, I would say actions speak louder than words and have a look at testimonials! However, knowing their wedding contributes to the Academy of Medical Sciences charity which is funded research to improve health which is more important now than ever, is an incredible thing to know. Booking 41 Portland Place means you are in for a fun and memorable time planning the most incredible day of your lives and that we promise.

What’s the best photo spot at 41 Portland Place?

The Terrace!

What part of your business are you most proud of?

Our incredible behind the scene team, the people who make dreams a reality and it wouldn’t be possible without every single one of the team

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

In an amazing way! Virtual tours, Instagram, wedding videos and galleries of images allow couples to imagine their day even more

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

If your wedding cannot go ahead postpone do not cancel, we are all in this together and talk to your loved ones. We will get through this and your wedding celebrations will be more amazing than ever before!

A huge thank you to Olivia Parrott for answering our questions. Check out 41 Portland Place on Bridebook!

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Looking for more venues in London? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

Venue Showcase: Plas Dinam Country House

Plas Dinam Country House is a truly beautiful historic mansion set in the hills of Wales. Exclusive use, DIY, with amazing glass roof Stables for your evening party and exclusively yours for at least 2 days.

We talked to Louise Edmunds, the Wedding Coordinator at Plas Dinam Country House to find out more this unique and amazing venue, set at the foot of glorious Welsh hills with spectacular views

Tell us about yourself!

I am relatively new to the Wedding Industry but my previous experience was working in Hospitality in the UK and France. I have had a great summer with Plas Dinam as wedding coordinator, loved every minute of it, and can’t wait for next year. I am a big outdoor lover and when possible will be out running, mountain biking or trying new wild swimming spots. During the winter I try to fit in a ski trip, and get back out in the snow. A few years ago I also joined the Army Reserves, so throughout the year I spend a few weekends training with them. I am expecting my first child in a few weeks, so trying to get ready for the next life adventure!

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What drew you to the wedding world?

I absolutely love the creativity of the wedding world, and I was lucky enough to find a job at a venue that is unique in what it offers to couples as well as being a beautiful place to work. It is great to work with couples from day 1, from when we show them around to their wedding day. It is such an exciting time for them and all the positive energy is in abundant on the day, you can’t not be happy doing this job. I love to the see the flower creations, the food menu choices and especially the chosen wedding dress and outfits. Every wedding is different.

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What do you think makes Plas Dinam Country House unique?

It is a family business and we want every couple to make it their own. We encourage them to use all the grounds and space at Plas Dinam, from the beautiful glass roof stables to the tennis courts and the secret lake for wild swimming. It is like renting a big home for a family holiday as well as getting married at the same time. We have fire pits, a pizza oven and BBQ, to croquet on the lawn. There is plenty of space for the couples and guests to explore and really settle into the house for a few days. From Day 1 of showing the couples around our venue I work with them to help with the planning of their day. I am there on the day to make sure it all goes smoothly, they don’t have to think about anything, and just enjoy it.

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

I love getting to know the couples and their families, and we love to show them around as much as possible. I am always on hand via emails and zoom calls. We will do a planning meeting at Plas Dinam a few months prior to their wedding day so they get to look around a final time before coming back to get married. This can normally be combined with their food tastings which happens in the Stables, and is a great time for them to really feel like their wedding is happening.

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

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Having all your friends and family together to celebrate.

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Wedding planning is fun, please don’t stress over it. It will all come together on the day with our support.

What do you love about Bridebook?

Bridebook have been great throughout covid-19, thinking of new ways to advertise and help us, with monthly phone calls and assistance looking at our listing to make it couple friendly. Bridebook are a great way to start the planning process for your day.

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What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Plas Dinam Country House?

The couples getting married make it memorable. Their personalities and their ideas that they put into the day really make it for me. Our first wedding in June this year was very memorable, they had postponed 3 times due to covid and we were so excited for them to be getting married. They were such a fun couple, they had great friends and family with good chat, and all loved to party.

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Why should a couple book Plas Dinam Country House?

So the couples can spend a few days with their friends and family staying in a large Country House, relaxing, eating, drinking and getting married. They have the whole grounds exclusively to themselves and a beautiful glass roof stables to hold their wedding meal and party. They can arrive and completely make it their own. No pressure from anyone, it is their day and they can have it how they want.

What’s the best photo spot at Plas Dinam Country House?

In the Wild Flower meadow or the old greenhouse

What part of your business are you most proud of?

All of it, we have a great team that work super hard to make sure everything is perfect.

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How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

We have seen the increase of virtual tours since covid-19, but it is a positive- being able to offer a tour over zoom from the couples comfort of their lounge has been wonderful. We have been able to give them a real view of the venue and grounds, they can ask all the questions and still come away wanting to book with us.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

It is super tough having to postpone or not know if it will go ahead, but we are on hand to support you. We can help with any suppliers, and assist in finding new dates. It is still your wedding day so we want it to be special, and being able to spend it with family and friends is so important. Do not take too much stress on, relax, and it will happen.

A huge thank you to Louise Edmunds for answering our questions. Check out Plas Dinam Country House on Bridebook!

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Looking for more venues in Wales? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

Venue Showcase: Tudor Barn Eltham

Tudor Barn Eltham is Set in acres of beautiful Instagrammable parkland and gardens, and dating back to 1525, the Tudor Barn is the perfect place for special celebrations. We’re ready to host your wedding.

We talked to Jade Hayward at Tudor Barn Eltham the to find out more about this hidden gem of a venue.

Tell us about yourself!

I have been in the wedding industry since I was 17 years old! Approaching 8 years now. I have a beautiful little girl who gave birth to during the pandemic and in my free time I love to design posters, birthday cards, photobooks as well as photography.

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What drew you to the wedding world?

Simply by chance! I worked in central london for 2 years and could no longer deal with the constant bad energy and the need to get everywhere 100 miles an hour! A friend of mine actually asked me to do some photography for her sons holy communion at Tudor Barn Eltham and I fell in love with the building. Such a beautiful little gem right around the corner from where I live.

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What do you think makes Tudor Barn Eltham unique?

I find some venues are like a conveyer belt whereby they just want 7 weddings a week sometimes more than 1 a day and that is just simply not what we are about. Tudor Barn Eltham is a family run business and each and every wedding is unique and becomes a part of history as Tudor Barn Eltham is the last remaining Tudor Barn in London dating back to 1525. We want to be a part of our couple’s planning process, we want to help them decide which table plans will work best, which colour schemes work beautifully with the barn and all the little bits in between. We have found this approach not only puts our couples minds at ease but makes what can be a very difficult planning process so much easier and dare I say it… lot’s of fun!! We want them to not only remember the big day but remember just how exciting it was to plan with our team.

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

Our events team offer 4 meetings with our clients, on the viewing we are able to understand who they are and what they want which really helps us begin our planning process, after they are invited to a tasting which again helps us understand what type of food and drinks they like and offer our advice to what we think could work for their big day. We then offer a planning meeting where the clients have access to their function sheet and it’s almost a step by step checklist of what they need to do, this allows us to understand exactly what they want from their big day in terms of decor, entertainment, timings etc and again we can focus in on these areas. Finally, at the final meeting we can look at all the tiny little details which we know our client’s would love to have as we have built a relationship with them for on average 9 – 18 months! On the day of the wedding we will know everything we need to know about our couples to ensure their day is perfect.

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

I think everyone’s idea of perfect is unique and that’s what makes a wedding perfect, your own very unique, different ideas coming together to create a day that truly represents you and your partner.

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What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Be prepared for anything to happen! Sometimes the best things can come from it

What do you love about Bridebook?

How we can show off our venue as the unique wedding venue as it is with ease!

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What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at The Petersham Hotel?

We held a wedding a few years ago and the groom was a firefighter who actually attended the grenfell tower tragedy – he was a real life hero! Seeing him and his colleagues in their dress uniform’s it was truly something special.

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Why should a couple book Tudor Barn Eltham?

To become a part of history in a beautiful unique 16th century barn

What’s the best photo spot at Tudor Barn Eltham?

Within the stunning gardens by the Moat Bridge

What part of your business are you most proud of?

The staff

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How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

I feel that everything is becoming more digital! We totally expected this change and we are moving with it and taking it all in our stride! We will continue to have a personal 1 to 1 approach for some parts of the planning as we believe this is really important.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Love conquers all! You will have your perfect day and your family will be so excited to be able to celebrate an amazing milestone in your life with you.

A huge thank you to Jade for answering our questions. Check out Tudor Barn Eltham on Bridebook!

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Looking for more venues in Kent? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

50 Creative Wedding Favour Ideas

Show your guests how much you love and appreciate them on your big day by offering them a small wedding token or favour. They’re a great way to add some beauty or fun to your tables, while also giving your friends and family a little something to remember the day by.

While, favours were limited to almonds for centuries, there are so many more options nowadays. Wedding favours come in all shapes and sizes, ready to match your unique theme, personality, or love story. You can have anything from cake pops and chocolate moustaches to succulents and wooden hearts. 

Whatever your theme and budget, we’ve got plenty of ideas that your guests will love. Keep reading for 50 unique wedding favour ideas, including suggestions for DIY favour options, couples on a budget, or even something a little more bougie!

What are wedding favours?

Wedding favours are small gifts from you and your partner for your wedding guests to thank them for coming. The favours tend to be placed next to each guest’s placemat at the wedding reception, but can also be given at any other time you’d prefer during the reception. 

Traditionally – and for many years – wedding favours were sugared almonds. Nowadays, these lovely little gifts can take on a variety of forms. However, they’re usually something small, edible, or practical that guests can enjoy and remember your special day by. Think little biscuits, bubble blowers, seed packets, or tealights. 

How much do wedding favours cost?

The cost of wedding favours entirely depends on what you pick. For example, you can find bubble blowers for as little as £1, while custom macaroons or decorated cake pops may be pricier. 

Generally speaking, you can expect to spend £2 to £5 on each wedding favour. Consider the size of your guest list and your overall wedding budget when trying to decide how much to spend. Naturally, the more guests you invite, the more your favours will cost in total. So for 100 guests, you’re looking at £200-£500. 

Does everyone have wedding favours?

No, not everyone has wedding favours. This is your day, and it’s totally up to you whether you provide them! Most guests will be thrilled to be invited to your wedding without receiving gifts and won’t expect it by any means. They’re a lovely touch, but don’t feel your guests will miss out if you don’t provide them. 

If you’re desperate to include favours but want to limit your spending, be sure to check out our dedicated post on how to save money on wedding favours.

50 great ideas for wedding favours

Check out this list of 50 unique, fun, and quirky wedding favour ideas. Whatever vibe you’re trying to create, there’s something for every couple and every budget on this list. 

DIY wedding favour ideas

1) Handwritten letters or thank you notes

Handwritten letters or thank you notes to each guest are personal, heartwarming, and inexpensive. These wedding favours allow you to express your gratitude to your guests in a unique way, all without breaking the bank.

  • Materials needed: Small envelopes, small pieces of paper, a pen. 
  • Cost: £0.50 a piece. 

2) Pressed flower bookmarks

Pressed flower bookmarks are another inexpensive DIY wedding favour idea. You can either press the flowers yourself or purchase pre-dried flowers online. Then, arrange the flowers on cardstock, laminate them, and cut them into bookmarks. These delicate and beautiful keepsakes are perfect for guests who love to read.

  • Materials needed: Cardstock, pressed flowers, laminating sheets, scissors.
  • Cost: Around £0.75 a piece, depending on whether you buy flowers or press your own wildflowers.

3) Personalised champagne bottles

This option is beautiful and personal, but it is one of the pricier options on this list simply due to the cost of champagne. However, mini bottles of champagne with custom labels or paint can make a sparkling statement as a wedding favour. You’ll need the bottle of champagne (obviously), glass paint, and paint brushes. Try painting each bottle with polka dots, guests’ names, flowers, or any other motif that suits your wedding theme. Give them plenty of time to dry, then place them on the tables next to guests’ place settings. 

  • Materials needed: Mini champagne bottles, glass paint, paint brushes, custom labels, ribbon.
  • Cost: £5-£25 a piece, depending on the brand of champagne.

4) Clay ornaments

Clay ornaments are a sweet and inexpensive option for wedding favours. You’ll need some air-dry clay, play stamps, something to cut the shapes out with (like a butter knife), and some string. You’ll also need a little water for smoothing edges, which we haven’t included in the cost below. 

Simply roll out the clay, cut out shapes like hearts or stars, and use stamps to imprint initials, dates, or designs. Let them dry completely, then thread a piece of string through each one for hanging.

  • Materials needed: Air-dry clay, stamps, knife or cookie cutters, string.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece.

5) Message in a bottle

Message-in-a-bottle wedding favours are perfect for a quick thank you at a beach, outdoor, or whimsical themed weddings. You’ll need small glass bottles with corks, paper for the message, and a bit of twine or ribbon. Write a heartfelt thank you note, roll it up, and place it inside the bottle. Tie a small piece of twine or ribbon around the bottle neck for a charming touch.

  • Materials needed: Small glass bottles with corks, paper, twine or ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece.

6) Friendship bracelets

Friendship bracelets are a sweet and nostalgic wedding favour that guests will cherish. You can make them in your wedding colours or incorporate beads with initials or small charms that match your wedding theme. You can either buy pre-made friendship bracelet kits or visit a haberdashery for a selection of beads, strings, and clasps. Either way, this is an inexpensive choice for DIY wedding favours. 

  • Materials needed: Beads, string, lobster claw clasps. 
  • Cost: Around £1.75 a piece.

7) Painted plant pots

Purchase some small terracotta plant pots from your local garden centre and some clay paint and paint brushes from a craft shop. Then, sit down with your soon-to-be-spouse, wedding party, or family and get painting! You’ll have fun creating unique designs, and your guests will love taking home a little piece of your creativity. Once the paint is dry, pop it next to guests’ place names for a sweet DIY wedding favour. 

  • Materials needed: Plant pots, paint, and paint brushes. 
  • Cost: Around £3 a piece.

8) Embroidered napkins

You can easily DIY these wedding favours if you have an embroidery machine or a passion for needlepoint. However, just note that it may be a little time-consuming. Embroider each napkin with your wedding date, a small design, or your guests’ initials. These personalised napkins will be a beautiful and practical keepsake for your guests to remember your special day by. 

  • Materials needed: Plain napkins, embroidery thread, embroidery hoop, needle or embroidery machine.
  • Cost: Around £2.50 a piece.

9) DIY lip balm

This DIY craft will need basic ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils for scent. Melt the beeswax and coconut oil together, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil, and pour the mixture into small lip balm containers. Let them cool and solidify, then add personalised labels or decorate the containers with ribbons. These homemade lip balms are not only practical, but also a lovely way to pamper your guests.

  • Materials needed: Beeswax, coconut oil, essential oils, small lip balm containers, labels, ribbons.
  • Cost: Around £2.50 each 

10) Aromatherapy spray

Although it might seem complicated, it’s easy to DIY your own aromatherapy spray. Bulk-buy some spray bottles online, then combine your favourite essential oil with some tap water for a refreshing room spritz. You’ll need around 10 drops per 200ml to make an impact. Try peppermint oil for an energising spray, lemon balm and lavender for a relaxing scent, or eucalyptus for a fresh, clean aroma. 

Add a personalised label and a ribbon to each bottle for an extra special touch. Your guests will love having a little piece of tranquillity to take home with them.

  • Materials needed: Spray bottles, essential oils, tap water, personalised labels, ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £1.75 a piece.

Budget-friendly wedding favour ideas

11) Hand-painted stones

Collect pebbles and stones of different shapes and sizes from your local river or beach. Then, you’ll need some acrylic paint, brushes, and a little creativity. Sit down with your soon-to-be spouse or your wedding party, and have fun painting designs, quotes, or even your wedding date on each stone. These can be used as paperweights, garden decorations, or just a lovely keepsake for your guests.

  • Materials needed: Pebbles or stones, acrylic paint, paint brushes, clear sealant like PVA glue.
  • Cost: Around £0.50 a piece.

12) Scratch cards

You can’t go wrong with a £1 scratch card for a cheap and fun wedding favour. Pop each scratch card into a small envelope or wrap it with a pretty ribbon and a note wishing your guests good luck. It adds a little excitement to the festivities, and who knows, maybe one of your guests will win big!

  • Materials needed: £1 scratch cards, small envelopes or ribbon, note cards.
  • Cost: Around £1.15 a piece.

13) Charity donations

Give £1 (or however much you’d like) in the name of each of your guests to a charity of your choice. Simply print out small cards explaining that a donation has been made on their behalf and place them at each table setting. This thoughtful favour not only shows your appreciation, but also supports a good cause.

  • Materials needed: Donation, small cards, printer or calligraphy pen.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece.

14) Love Hearts

Love Hearts are a nostalgic sweet treat that everyone will enjoy. Buy them in bulk and package a few in small organza bags or boxes. Add a personalised tag with a thank you message and your wedding date. These sweets are not only affordable but also bring happy memories to your special day.

  • Materials needed: Love Heart sweets, organza bags or small boxes, personalised tags.
  • Cost: Around £0.50 a piece.

15) Bubble blowers

You can buy bubble blowers in bulk and personalise them with custom labels or ribbons. Place them at each table setting for a whimsical touch. Your guests will love creating a sea of bubbles, adding fun and magic to your celebration. Plus, they look great in photographs!

  • Materials needed: Bubble blowers, custom labels or ribbons.
  • Cost: Around £0.75 a piece.

16) Recipe cards

Share the love by sharing your favourite recipes. Print or handwrite your favourite recipes on decorative cardstock, and tie them together with a ribbon. Your guests will appreciate this personal touch and may even try out your special dishes at home.

  • Materials needed: Decorative cardstock, printer or pens, ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £0.30 a piece.

17) Flower seed paper

Flower seed paper is biodegradable paper with dried flower seeds embedded in it. When re-hydrated, the flowers will grow wherever the paper is planted. You can buy this paper online in bulk, or make your own using paper pulp and dried flower seeds. In this case, it’s much cheaper and easier to buy it online. 

Cut the paper into hearts, flowers, or any shape that matches your wedding theme, and write a note explaining how to plant it. When guests plant the paper, it will sprout into beautiful flowers, reminding them of your special day.

  • Materials needed: Flower seed paper, scissors, pens or printer for instructions.
  • Cost: Around £0.60 a piece.

18) Fortune tellers

Remember those fun fortune tellers you made in primary school? Well, now they’re a fun and interactive wedding favour! Create customised fortune tellers with fun predictions or sweet messages for your guests. You can use colourful paper and add little decorations to make them even more special. Place them at each table setting for a delightful trip down memory lane.

  • Materials needed: Colourful paper, pens, decorations like stickers or stamps.
  • Cost: Around £0.20 a piece.

19) Soap curls

Making soap curls is a great way to make a few bars of soap stretch to many guests. You’ll need some bars of soap, a vegetable peeler, organza bag, and some ribbon. Try buying a few different scented soaps to create a lovely mix of gorgeous fragrances. Use the peeler to create curls from the soap bars, and fill each organza bag with a handful of curls. Tie with a ribbon and add a personalised tag for a low-cost wedding favour. 

  • Materials needed: Bars of soap, vegetable peeler, organza bags, ribbon, personalised tags.
  • Cost: Around £0.50 a piece depending on the soap you buy.  

20) Extra confetti

If you still have a lot of confetti left over, consider bagging up the confetti in organza bags and giving it to your guests as an extra little treat. This is a simple and inexpensive way to repurpose your leftover wedding supplies. Your guests can take the confetti home as a keepsake or use it to celebrate another special occasion. Plus, it adds a touch of fun and festivity to your wedding favours.

  • Materials needed: Confetti, organza bags, ribbon.
  • Cost: Minimal, since you’re repurposing leftover supplies.

Edible wedding favour ideas

21) Fortune cookies

Fortune cookies are a fun and delicious wedding favour. You can buy them online or from your local Asian food shop for as little as £1 per cookie — you may even be able to get them for less than this if you bulk buy! Set one down in front of each guest’s place settings. Not only will they tide your guests over before their starter, but they’ll also add an element of surprise and fun to your wedding. 

Each guest can break open their cookie to reveal a unique fortune or a sweet message, making it a great icebreaker and conversation starter.

  • Materials needed: Fortune cookies.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece.

22) Homemade jam 

Feel like getting your Betty Crocker on? Consider making your guests some delicious homemade jam. Choose your favourite fruit, or even a combination of fruits, and spend an afternoon cooking up a batch. 

Pour the jam into small jars and add a personalised label with your names and wedding date. Tie a pretty ribbon around each jar for a charming, rustic touch. Your guests will love this sweet and thoughtful treat, which they can then enjoy at home long after your special day.

Pro tip: Don’t expect your jam to be perfect the first time. You’ll need to practise your jam making before making your wedding favours to ensure you get the recipe just right. 

  • Materials needed: Fresh fruit, sugar, pectin, small jars, labels, ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece if you use your own fruit.

23) Homemade biscuits

Again, if you’re a bit of a baking whizz, consider baking homemade biscuits for your guests. Choose a classic recipe like shortbread or chocolate chip, or get creative with your favourite flavours. Package the biscuits in small bags or boxes, and add a personalised label with a thank you message. Your guests will appreciate the homemade touch and enjoy these tasty treats.

Pro tip: Bake a test batch before the big day to make sure they turn out just right, and enlist some help for the baking marathon closer to the wedding date.

  • Materials needed: Baking ingredients, bags or boxes, personalised labels.
  • Cost: Around £0.75 a piece.

24) Cake pops

You can easily make cake pops at home, once you have the know-how. You’ll need to either buy a box cake mix or make a cake from scratch;. Bake as usual, then once cooled, crumble into fine crumbs. 

Mix the crumbs with ready-made buttercream icing until you get a dough-like consistency, then roll into small balls. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball and dip them into melted chocolate or candy coating. 

Decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or drizzle with more chocolate. Let them set, and package them in clear bags tied with a ribbon. They’re tasty, cute, and easy to personalise — perfect for a whimsical or garden party themed wedding!

  • Materials needed: Cake mix or ingredients for a cake, frosting, lollipop sticks, melted chocolate or candy coating, sprinkles or nuts, clear bags, ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £0.75 a piece.

25) Popcorn bags

Popcorn is delicious, filling, and cheap to make. All you’ll need are some popcorn kernels, a neutral cooking oil, and a bit of salt. Pop the kernels in a large pot or popcorn maker, then season to taste. You can also get creative with flavours —think caramel, cinnamon sugar, cheese, or even a spicy mix. 

Once your popcorn is ready, fill small paper bags or boxes with the tasty treat. Add a personalised label or tag, and you’ve got a fun and crunchy wedding favour that guests will love.

  • Materials needed: Popcorn kernels, cooking oil, seasoning, small paper bags or boxes, labels or tags.
  • Cost: Around £0.30 a piece.

26) Your favourite sweets

Your wedding day is all about you and your soon-to-be spouse, so the natural

choice for a wedding favour is your favourite sweet treat. Whether they’re M&Ms, seaside rock, or cinder toffee, it’s easy (and cheap) to share these little bites of joy with your guests. 

Buy your favourite sweets in bulk and package them in small bags or jars. Add a personalised label or tag with a thank you message and your wedding date. This sweet and simple favour will be a hit with everyone.

  • Materials needed: Favourite sweets, small bags or jars, labels or tags.
  • Cost: Varies depending on the sweet, but typically around £0.50-£1 a piece.

27) S’mores kits

Although s’mores are a traditionally American snack, they’re gaining popularity across the pond. Create individual s’mores kits for your guests by packaging digestive biscuits, chocolate squares, and marshmallows in small boxes or bags. Add a personalised tag with a fun message like “S’more love to you!” or “A ‘roast’ to our love!”.

These kits are perfect for a cosy, rustic wedding, and can be enjoyed around a bonfire or at home.

  • Materials needed: Digestive biscuits, chocolate squares, marshmallows, small boxes or bags, labels or tags.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece. 

28) Macarons

Macarons are a sweet, elegant treat that can add a touch of sophistication to your wedding favours. These delicate French cookies come in a variety of flavours and colours, making them easy to match with your wedding theme.

You can, of course, make your own if you fancy yourself a bit of a pastry chef. We recommend practising beforehand to ensure they turn out just right. Making macarons can be a bit tricky, but with some patience and a few trial runs, you can master the art.

Once baked or bought, package a few macarons in a small box or bag, and add a personalised tag or label to make them extra special. They are sure to be a hit with your guests, offering a delightful taste of luxury.

  • Materials needed: Macarons, small boxes or bags, labels or tags.
  • Cost: Around £2 a piece.

29) Tea blends

Whether you’re a fan of a classic cuppa, prefer a fruity blend, or enjoy the fresh taste of a peppermint tea, custom tea blends can make for a wonderful wedding favour. You could either keep it classic or buy a variety of loose leaf teas and mix your own special blends. 

Package the tea in small tins or sachets, and add a personalised label with brewing instructions and a thank you message. Your guests will love this thoughtful and soothing gift, perfect for relaxing and remembering your special day.

Bear in mind that loose leaf tea is typically cheaper and fresher than tea bags, but not all your guests will have a tea strainer. 

  • Materials needed: Loose leaf tea, small tins or sachets, labels or tags.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece.

30) Mini olive oil bottles

Little bottles of olive oil will add a Mediterranean touch to your wedding favours. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and pour it into small glass bottles. You can infuse the oil with herbs like rosemary or garlic for added flavour. 

Add a personalised label and tie a sprig of fresh herbs around the neck of each bottle with a ribbon. These elegant and practical favours will remind your guests of your beautiful day every time they cook.

  • Materials needed: Extra virgin olive oil, small glass bottles, herbs for infusion, labels, ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £3.50 a piece.

Keepsake wedding favour ideas

31) Custom fridge magnets

Have custom fridge magnets made with the date of your wedding, your shared initials, or a sweet snap from your engagement shoot. Every time your guests open their fridge, they’ll be reminded of the wonderful time they had at your wedding. 

You can find plenty of online services that create personalised magnets, or if you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own with magnet sheets and a bit of creativity. These magnets are not only practical, but also a lovely way for your guests to remember your special day.

  • Materials needed: Custom fridge magnets.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece if ordered online, less if DIY.

32) Custom keyrings

Similarly to the custom fridge magnets, you can have custom keyrings made with your wedding date, initials, or a meaningful symbol. Keyrings are something your guests can carry with them daily, keeping the memory of your special day close at hand. 

You can choose from a variety of materials like metal, wood, or acrylic, and there are many online services that offer custom designs. If you enjoy DIY projects, you can create your own keyrings with a personal touch, but it’s usually easier and cheaper to purchase these online. 

  • Materials needed: Custom keyrings.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece.

33) Custom plant markers

If you’re expecting some green-fingered guests, consider offering custom plant markers as your wedding favours. Plant markers are designed to help gardeners remember what they planted where. 

You can either have these made online or make them yourself out of lollipop sticks and waterproof paint pens. Add a personal touch by including your names and wedding date, or a cute garden-related pun. 

  • Materials needed: Plant markers or lollipop sticks, waterproof pens.
  • Cost: Around £0.50 a piece if DIY, more if purchased online.

34) Engraved compacts

Engraving your guest’s names on compact mirrors is a chic and personal way to thank them for being a part of your special day. These small mirrors are not only practical, but also make for a beautiful keepsake. 

You can find services online that offer engraving, or if you’re into DIY projects, you can buy an engraving tool and do it yourself. This is a perfect favour for a glamorous or vintage-themed wedding.

  • Materials needed: Compact mirrors, engraving service or tool.
  • Cost: Around £3 a piece.

35) Personalised trinket tray

You can make personalised trinket trays out of air-dry clay, acrylic paint, and simple glaze like PVA glue. Consider engraving the clay dishes with your initials, the date of your wedding, or a small design that fits your theme. Keep the design simple to ensure you can recreate it a number of times. 

Once the clay has dried and set, paint and glaze the trays for a polished look. These trinket trays are perfect for holding jewellery or small keepsakes and will be a delightful reminder of your special day for your guests.

  • Materials needed: Air-dry clay, acrylic paint, PVA glue or glaze, engraving tools.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece if DIY, more if purchased.

36) Leather wrist bands

Leather wrist bands are ideal for outdoor, rustic, or boho-themed weddings. You can personalise these bands with your wedding date, initials, or a short yet meaningful phrase. There are kits available for DIY leather stamping, or you can find online services that will customise them for you. These stylish and functional favours will be a hit with your guests and can be worn as a memento of your special day.

  • Materials needed: Leather strips, stamping tools, or custom service.
  • Cost: Around £2 a piece.

37) Personalised fans

If you’re getting married on the beach, abroad, or in the height of summer, personalised fans are a fantastic and practical wedding favour idea. You can have them customised with your wedding date, names, or a sweet message. 

Not only will they help keep your guests cool, but they’ll also serve as a lovely keepsake from your special day. Choose from a variety of styles and materials, such as paper, silk, or bamboo, to match your wedding theme.

  • Materials needed: Fans, custom printing service.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece.

38) Burnt wooden discs

These wedding favours are natural, rustic, and will double as place settings. Use small wooden discs and burn your guests’ names, your wedding date, or a meaningful symbol onto them. You can use a wood-burning tool for this DIY project, or find a service that will do the custom burning for you. These discs can be used as coasters, ornaments, or keepsakes, adding a warm, personal touch to your celebration.

  • Materials needed: Wooden discs, wood-burning tool, or customisation service.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece if DIY, more if purchased.

39) Acrylic paperweights

You can either make your own acrylic paperweights by purchasing clear acrylic moulds and casting resin, or buy custom-made ones online. Personalise them with your wedding date, initials, or a small decorative item embedded inside. These paperweights are practical, stylish, and make for a beautiful keepsake that your guests will appreciate.

  • Materials needed: Acrylic moulds, casting resin, decorative items, customisation service.
  • Cost: Around £2 a piece if DIY, more if purchased.

40) Personalised travel mugs

This wedding favour is a little pricier compared to the other options on our list,  but they’re a practical and memorable gift that your guests will use daily. Personalised travel mugs can be customised with your wedding date, names, or a special message. They’re perfect for both eco-conscious guests and those who are always on the go. 

It’s likely these personalised wedding favours will need to be created online (unless you have some very specialist equipment hanging around!). Choose from a variety of styles, colours, and materials to match your wedding theme. These mugs will keep your guests’ beverages hot or cold while reminding them of your special day.

  • Materials needed: Travel mugs, custom printing service.
  • Cost: Around £15 a piece.

Nature-themed wedding favours

41) Mini succulents

If you want to give your guests something different but still cute and memorable, mini succulents could be right up your street. They’re easy to care for, will bring a pop of colour to your big day, and are a quirky option for wedding favours. Plus, they symbolise growth and new beginnings, which is perfect for a wedding celebration. 

You can personalise the pots with your names, wedding date, or a sweet message, and add a decorative touch with some colourful ribbon or paint. 

  • Materials needed: Mini succulents, small pots, paint or ribbons, tags.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece.

42) Lavender sachets

You can easily create your own calming lavender sachets by filling some organza bags with dried or fresh lavender petals. Simply collect some lavender flowers, rub them between your hands to help the petals fall off, and collect them into little bags or pouches. Tie each one with a ribbon and a personalised note for the perfect DIY wedding favour. 

  • Materials needed: Lavender flowers, organza bag, ribbons.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece.

43) Pinecone bird feeders

Head to your local forest and collect some large pinecones. You’ll need to do this in the late summer or early autumn, so this DIY wedding favour idea is best for those planning an autumn or winter wedding.

Once you’ve collected the pinecones, coat them with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. Tie a loop of string around the top so your guests can easily hang them in their gardens. Not only do these bird feeders look charming, but they also help local wildlife.

  • Materials needed: Pinecones, peanut butter, birdseed, string.
  • Cost: Around £0.50 a piece.

44) Bee-friendly flower bombs

Similar to dried flower seeds, bee-friendly flower bombs are a fun way to give back to nature. These small balls of seed and soil can be tossed into a garden or plant pot to grow flowers for a pop of colour and to support bee populations.

To make them, mix soil and wildflower seeds, add a bit of clay to hold the mixture together, and form into small balls. Let them dry, and package in a cute bag or box with planting instructions. 

  • Materials needed: Wildflower seeds, soil, clay, bags or boxes.
  • Cost: Around £0.75 a piece.

45) Bamboo straws

Reusable straws are an eco-friendly and practical wedding favour that your guests can get to using straight away. They’re perfect for reducing plastic waste and are a fun addition to your wedding day. You can find bamboo straws online for a small cost and either leave them plain or personalise them with some ribbon or engravings. 

It’s worth noting you probably won’t be able to DIY these unless you have highly specialised equipment. It’s best to just buy them! 

  • Materials needed: Bamboo straws.
  • Cost: Around £1 each depending on the store.

46) Beeswax wraps

Beeswax wraps are an eco-friendly alternative to cling film, allowing guests to keep their food fresh while protecting the environment. You can either make these yourself using cotton fabric, beeswax pellets, and an iron, or buy pre-made ones and personalise them with your wedding details. 

These wraps are reusable and washable, making them a practical and sustainable gift. Package them with a small tag explaining how to use and care for the wraps, and your guests will appreciate the thoughtful and green gesture.

  • Materials needed: Cotton fabric, beeswax pellets, iron (if DIY), tags.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece if DIY, more if purchased.

47) Homemade clay plant pots

We spoke earlier about painting your own plant pots, but what about making your own plant pots for a truly unique wedding favour? Start with air-dry clay, which is easy to mould and doesn’t require a kiln. Shape the clay into small pots and personalise them by engraving your initials, wedding date, or a special design while the clay is still soft. Once the pots have dried, you can paint them in your wedding colours or leave them with a natural, rustic look. 

  • Materials needed: Air-dry clay, clay tools for shaping and engraving, paint (optional), small succulents or herbs.
  • Cost: Around £2 a piece if DIY.

48) Pressed flower coasters

Buy pre-pressed flowers online or collect rural wildflowers for hand pressing if you’re feeling crafty. You’ll also need to buy some cork coaster bottoms online. If you do choose to hand-press your flowers, make sure they’re completely dried out before proceeding to the next step!

You can then arrange the pressed flowers on the coasters in beautiful patterns and seal them with a clear, heat-resistant resin. This will not only protect the flowers but also give the coasters a glossy, professional finish. Add a personalised touch by including your names and wedding date on each coaster. 

  • Materials needed: Pressed flowers, cork coaster bottoms, clear resin, personalised labels or markers.
  • Cost: Around £2.50 a piece if DIY. Slightly more if you purchase flowers, slightly less if you collect and press your own. 

49) Wooden utensil sets

You can find reusable wooden cutlery and utensils online, making them a practical and eco-friendly wedding favour. Look for sets that include a spoon, fork, knife, and perhaps even a set of chopsticks. These utensils can be personalised with your wedding date, names, or a short message. 

To make the gift even more special, package each set in a cloth bag or wrap them with a ribbon. Your guests will appreciate this thoughtful and sustainable favour that they can use for picnics, camping trips, or everyday meals.

  • Materials needed: Wooden utensil sets, cloth bags or ribbons, personalised tags or engraving tools.
  • Cost: Around £4 a piece if purchased in bulk.

50) Shell jewellery

Throwing a beach wedding, summer wedding, or otherwise love the ocean? Consider offering shell jewellery as a unique and beautiful wedding favour. You can create stunning pieces using shells collected from your favourite beach or purchased online. 

Make necklaces, bracelets, or earrings by attaching the shells to simple chains, cords, or earring hooks. Personalise each piece with a small tag that includes your wedding date and a heartfelt message. They’re super cute, super personal, and carry all the charm of the sea. 

  • Materials needed: Shells, chains, cords, earring hooks, PVA glue or gloss.
  • Cost: Around £4 a piece if you collect the shells. The cost will largely depend on the quality of the metal used.

The bottom line on wedding favours

Wedding favours are a fun way to let your guests know how much you appreciate their presence on your big day. While they’re not expected, they are traditional, and they add a personal touch that can make your celebration even more memorable. Whether you choose DIY options or purchase them, the key is to select favours that reflect your personality and the theme of your big day. 

There are a ton of wedding favour options on this list to suit every wedding theme, colour scheme, and budget. Whatever you choose to do, have fun with it, get creative, and enjoy the process of giving a little something back to your friends and family. Oh, and be sure to track the cost on Bridebook’s handy budget tool. You wouldn’t want to get carried away, after all!

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Happy Planning!

100+ Inspiring Love Quotes for Your Wedding Day

A wedding speech, or wedding message, should always be written from the heart and in your own words. However, if you’re struggling for some inspiration or your words are playing hard-to-get, there’s nothing wrong with taking a few snippets of genius from someone else. You can do this by infusing your speech or message with love quotes or wedding day quotes. 

Love and marriage quotes give ​​profound insights into the beauty and complexities of relationships. They add a touch of timeless wisdom and eloquence to your speech or message, acting as the cherry on top of the cake.

Ready for some inspiration? Check out this post of 110 love quotes for your wedding day. Whether you’re looking for some general love quotes, a heartwarming Disney quote, a quote from a song, or one from a specific book or film — we’ve got you covered.

What makes a good love quote?

A good love quote is anything that touches your heart. If it resonates with your love story, has a specific significance to you and your partner, or simply summarises how you feel perfectly, then it’s a good love quote. 

Our advice is to read lots of different love quotes from different sources. There will be one or two that fill your heart with love or just capture your feelings perfectly. You’ll know them when you read them, and they’re the ones you should pick. 

How can I incorporate quotes about love in my speech or message?

We recommend that you pepper love quotes into your wedding speech, vows, or readings. Due to the short nature of most quotes, they’re not suitable to take the place of wedding vows or readings like love poems can. However, you can sprinkle them throughout a pre-written wedding speech or vows.

Try opening or closing your wedding message with a quote for maximum impact. For example, you could end with something like: “Thank you for listening to my speech today. I’d like to sum everything up with the immortal words of Nicholas Sparks, ‘I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had’. Thank you.”

General love quotes

  1. “Love is friendship that has caught on fire” — Ann Lander
  2. “Love is a force more formidable than any other” — Barbara de Angelis
  3. “Love is bigger than a tsunami, stronger than any fear” — Bethany Hamilto
  4. “Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze” — Elinor Glyn
  5. “You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back” — Barbara de Angelis
  6. “To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven” — Karen Sunde
  7. “I love you” begins by I, but it ends up by you — Charles de Leusse
  8. “To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life” — Elizabeth Gilbert
  9. “For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love” — Carl Sagan
  10. “Our love cannot be measured, it just is” — John Paul Stevens

Inspirational love quotes

  1. “Where there is love there is life” — Mahatma Gandhi
  2. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope” — Maya Angelou
  3. “Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet” — Plato
  4. “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies” — Aristotle
  5. “The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart” — Helen Keller
  6. “Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction” -— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  7. “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend” — Martin Luther King Jr.
  8. “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” — Audrey Hepburn
  9. “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive” — Dalai Lama
  10. “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage” — Lao Tzu

Love quotes by famous people

  1. “I would rather spend one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone” — J.R.R. Tolkien
  2. “The real lover is a man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space” — Marilyn Monroe
  3. “You know it’s love when all you want is that person to be happy, even if you’re not part of their happiness” — Julia Roberts
  4. “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” — Audrey Hepburn
  5. “My blind eyes are desperately waiting for the sight of you” — Richard Burton, in a letter to Elizabeth Taylor
  6. “I would find you in any lifetime” — Kanye West
  7. “My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me” — Winston Churchill
  8. “I think the perfection of love is that it’s not perfect.” — Emma Stone
  9. “Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear” — John Lennon
  10. “Love is a verb. It’s an action requiring your involvement and your active participation” — John Legend

Love quotes from Disney films

  1. “I’d rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you” — John Smith, Pocahontas
  2. “It’s there, I know it is, because when I look at you, I can feel it. And I look at you, and I’m home” — Dory, Finding Nemo
  3. “Some people are worth melting for” — Olaf, Frozen
  4. “All at once everything looks different, now that I see you” — Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Tangled
  5. “People do crazy things when they’re in love.” — Meg, Hercules
  6. “You are my greatest adventure.” — Mr. Incredible, The Incredibles
  7. “To infinity and beyond!” — Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story
  8. “Love is not an emotion, it’s a choice” — Maui, Moana
  9. “I wouldn’t have nothing if I didn’t have you.” — Mike Wazowski, Monsters, Inc. 
  10. My dream wouldn’t be complete without you in it” – Princess Tiana, The Princess and the Frog

Love quotes from songs

  1. “Love is old, love is new. Love is all, love is you” — The Beatles, Because
  2. “With our love, we could save the world, if they only knew” — The Beatles, Within You Without You
  3. “I could make you happy, make your dreams come true. Nothing that I wouldn’t do. Go to the ends of the Earth for you” — Adele, Make You Feel My Love
  4. “You’re still the one I run to, the one that I belong to, you’re still the one I want for life” — Shania Twain, You’re Still The One
  5. “Cause all you need is love, love. Love is all you need” — The Beatles, Love Is All You Need
  6. “I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart” — The Lumineers, Ho Hey
  7. “You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be, and I don’t wanna go home right now.” — Goo Goo Dolls, Iris
  8. “Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can’t help falling in love with you” — Elvis Presley, Can’t Help Falling in Love
  9. “You’re my end and my beginning, even when I lose, I’m winning” — John Legend, All of Me
  10. “And isn’t it just so pretty to think all along there was some invisible string tying you to me?” —  Taylor Swift, Invisible String

Love quotes from plays, theatre shows, and musicals 

  1. “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none” — William Shakespeare, All’s Well That Ends Well
  2. “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind”  — William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  3. “Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime. Let me lead you from your solitude. Say you need me with you, here beside you. Anywhere you go, let me go too” — The Phantom (Erik), The Phantom of the Opera
  4. “She loves me and to my amazement, I love it, knowing that she loves me” — Georg Nowack, She Loves Me
  5. “Tonight, tonight, I’ll see my love tonight. And for us, stars will stop where they are” — Tony, West Side Story
  6. “Love will stand when all else falls” — Moses, The Prince of Egypt
  7. “Love is like oxygen. Love is a many-splendored thing. Love lifts us up where we belong” — Christian, Moulin Rouge
  8. “I saw you and the world went away” — Tony, West Side Story
  9. “When someone needs you, you love them so” — Nancy, Oliver!
  10. “Can it be us and only us? And what came before won’t count anymore or matter” — Evan Hansen, Dear Evan Hansen

Love quotes from books

  1. “I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul” — Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
  2. “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you” — A. A. Milne, Winnie The Pooh
  3. “I know I am in love with you because my reality is finally better than my dreams” — Dr. Seuss
  4. “You don’t love someone because they’re perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they’re not” — Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper
  5. “I love her, and that’s the beginning and end of everything” — F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
  6. “I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once” — John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
  7. “I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had” — Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
  8. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same” — Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
  9. “You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought” — Arthur Conan Doyle, The White Company
  10. “Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone” — Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

Love quotes from poetry

  1. “To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides” — David Viscott
  2. “Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired” — Robert Frost
  3. “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning
  4. “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride” — Pablo Neruda
  5. “If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever” — Alfred Lord Tennyson
  6. “Love is an endless mystery, for it has nothing else to explain it” — Rabindranath Tagore
  7. “You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars” — E.E. Cummings
  8. “If my lover were a comet hung in air, I would braid my leaping body in his hair” — Djuna Barnes
  9. “Love is not consolation. It is light” — Friedrich Nietzsche
  10. “Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation” — Rabindranath Tagore

Love quotes from films

  1. “You had me at ‘hello'” — Dorothy Boyd, Jerry Maguire
  2. “Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide, but I love you until the end of time” — Christian, Moulin Rouge
  3. “What I’m trying to say, very inarticulately, is that, um, in fact, perhaps despite appearances, I like you, very much. Just as you are” — Mark Darcy, Bridget Jones’s Diary
  4. “To me, you are perfect” — Mark, Love Actually
  5. “I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is” — Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump
  6. “I think I’d miss you even if we never met” — Kat Ellis, The Wedding Date
  7. “A marriage is a promise. With the ceremony and ring, you’re saying to one another, ‘Every experience I am going to have, I want to experience with you'” — Diane Keaton, The Big Wedding
  8. “You’re my air” — Dre, Brown Sugar
  9. “So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard, and we’re gonna have to work at this every day. But I wanna do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever. You and me. Every day” — Noah Calhoun, The Notebook

Love quotes from TV shows

  1. “It’s you. It’s always been you” — Fitz Grant, Scandal
  2. “You make me happier than I ever thought I could be, and if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way” — Chandler Bing, Friends
  3. “You’re my one in five billion” — Fox Mulder, The X-Files
  4. “Some love stories aren’t epic novels. Some are short stories, but that doesn’t make them any less filled with love” — Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City
  5. “I love our story. Sure, it’s messy, but it’s the story that got us here” — Ted Mosby, How I Met Your Mother
  6. “I love you, in a really, really big pretend-to-like-your-taste-in-music, let-you-eat-the-last-piece-of-cheesecake, hold-a-radio-over-my-head-outside-your-window, unfortunate way that makes me hate you, love you” -— Meredith Grey, Grey’s Anatomy
  7. “I love you and I like you” — Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation
  8. “I love you more than words, and I am a big fan of words” — Buffy Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
  9. “You are the love of my life. Everything I have and everything I am is yours” — Chuck Bass, Gossip Girl
  10. “I love you even when you’re sick and look disgusting” — Jim Halpert, The Office

Love quotes from the Bible

  1. “We love because He first loved us” — 1 John 4:19
  2. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves” — Romans 12:10
  3. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
  4. “Let all that you do be done in love” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
  5. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” — 1 Peter 4:8
  6. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” — 1 John 4:16-18
  7. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love” — John 15:9-10
  8. Do everything in love” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
  9. Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly” — Colossians 3:14
  10. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves” — Romans 12:9-10

The bottom line on wedding love quotes 

Love quotes are a timeless way to express your feelings and show your partner what your big day means to you. Or, if you’re a guest, they’re a lovely way to share well-wishes with the couple and inspire them about their marriage. 

Don’t think you’re being un-original or cliché by using these quotes. Instead, use them to inspire your wedding speech or message and connect your personal vows to a broader, shared understanding of love. Everyone loves hearing familiar quotes in a speech, and you could even use it as an inside joke with your new spouse or guests. For example, using a quote from your favourite book, film, or TV show will no doubt put a smile on their face. 

So, feel free to use love and marriage quotes in your wedding speech or message. Embrace the timeless nature of the phrases and pepper them throughout your speech or message like the seasoning in a good dish.

If you need some more guidance, read our post featuring 15 romantic and inspiring love poems, or browse our wedding speech examples to help you craft the perfect wedding speech. 

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Happy Planning!

Venue Showcase: Woodlands Park

Woodlands Park is a magnificent mansion, set in beautiful landscaped grounds provides the perfect venue for your wedding reception. Frequented at the turn of the century by the then Prince of Wales and the famous actress Lillie Langtry, Woodlands Park continues to radiate a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We talked to Cheyenne Crombie the Events Manager at Woodlands Park to find out more about this stunning venue.

Tell us about yourself!

I have worked at Woodlands for about 3 years now. I do not have any human children but I do have a fur baby called Duchess who is a cat and my best friend, I am a bit of a crazy cat lady. I enjoy travelling, I lived in Australia for a year on the Gold Coast and I also volunteered in South Africa at and elephant reserve which was incredible, highly recommend.

What drew you to the wedding world?

I have always loved customer service and weddings take that to a whole new level. There is nothing more exciting than planning a wedding day, it’s the best event to plan because the client is always excited and you can get excited with them and I love that. As weddings take a while to plan, I get a longer period of time to build a relationship with my couples so then it’s so rewarding to see the final event on the day.

What do you think makes Woodlands Park special?

I think the people we have here at Woodlands Park make our venue unique, they really care about delivering a flawless day for our couples so everyone’s attentiveness is amazing. Not to toot my own horn but I am a bit of a perfectionist and I think that is really important for couples as they know they will have someone who is going to ensure all the finer details are correct. I have to mention the building itself – the first sight of Woodlands Park is always a ‘wow’ moment. The venue is beautiful both inside and outside with extensive gardens and grounds. The history of the building is also something which our couples love to hear about, it dates back to 1885. Lastly, we do operate on a one bride policy because we believe that full attention should be solely on that wedding. Our focus for the day is to deliver a completely personal experience from the get go.

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

Nothing beats meeting people in person, it’s always nice to put a face to a name. With weddings I get to meet with my couples regularly but there are also lots and lots of emails and phone calls that go back and forth. I just try to make them a bit more relaxed as opposed to formal emails but it all depends on how my couples want to communicate. The first stage is upon enquiry from the couple, my response always mirrors their initial enquiry which is usually via email. At this point I will encourage couples to book an appointment straight away so I get to chat with them as early as possible. At the first appointment I run through all the most important information and show the couple around the wedding spaces. We will talk about package inclusions that are available or discuss a more bespoke package if that is what the couple prefer. Once we have agreed on all the details we will get everything signed off and provide the couple with their wedding handbook. I love this document as it details the timeline for planning and helps couples when thinking of things they need to do before the big day. It becomes their wedding bible! I will also invite my couples to visit their venue as much as possible by attending showcase events. This is so couples can come and see the rooms set up for inspiration. We post all of our showcase dates on Facebook. When it starts to get close to the date of the wedding the couple will attend their menu tasting and meet with the Chef to ensure everything is perfect for their wedding meal. Couples really enjoy this part as it’s a little preview of part of their day and they can even make a night of it by staying with us too.

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

I think a lot of people forget that a wedding isn’t just about the partying, it is ultimately about the couple getting married and as long as you are able to do that surrounded by the people you love, you’ll have the best day! My best advice would be to make your day as personal as you want to – it’s a day all about you and it is a day where all the people you both love are celebrating you. The best weddings are the ones where everyone enjoys themselves so I tell my couples to try to keep things relaxed and not to over-plan and aim for a day that flows, even with the photos, moments captured are often the nicest.

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What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Most importantly, remember that it is your wedding day so choose the things that you like and which are important to you. And create a couple’s email address just for the wedding!! It will help you keep track of everything and allow you to keep your wedding planning in one place.

What do you love about Bridebook?

Many of our wedding couples find us via Bridebook. I think it’s great that this platform gives couples so much relevant information in a clear way but for me I think the reviews are really important. For us as venue it’s lovely to read such happy words from newlyweds and for potential couples I think it builds real excitement about their own day.

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What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Woodlands Park?

This is a very hard question to answer as every wedding is completely different and they are all memorable in their own way. It’s not always the biggest weddings with lots of embellishments which are the most memorable – intimate and really special ceremonies can be very emotional, in a good way! One wedding that we are fond of was an Exclusive use wedding at Christmas time. The couple had a gingerbread house which was actually a replica of Woodlands Park and it almost filled a 5ft table! The wedding was a winter wonderland theme so this focal piece was a spectacular addition.

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Why should a couple book Woodlands Park?

There are plenty of reasons why Woodlands Park is an amazing wedding venue. We offer exclusive use which means you can take the whole hotel, the grounds, the bedrooms, the restaurant – everything – as your own for the duration of your wedding. We also offer non-exclusive options too so we are flexible to give couples the day they are dreaming of. We have a one wedding policy which means no other wedding will take place at the same time so couples can be sure they have our undivided attention on the day. The feedback we regularly receive from our wedding couples and their guests is that they experienced brilliant service from all staff. We pride ourselves on being a team of people who are professional and friendly which will make all the difference to your day. Plus we have great relationships with recommended suppliers which all our couples have access to. Not only that, the extensive ground and gardens provide an amazing backdrop for wedding photos during all seasons. Woodlands Park is located in Surrey so the surrounding countryside is spectacular. The venue is close to the M25 and airports which means guests who are travelling can reach the venue easily. All your guests are welcome to stay with us during the period of your wedding, whether that is the night before to be prepared for an early start or the night of your wedding.

What’s the best photo spot at Woodlands Park?

I will have to give an indoor and outdoor spot in order to cater for all seasons… The love seat swing in the garden which hangs from one of the large oak trees is beautiful for an intimate picture of the newlyweds. Inside, the Grand Hall balcony has our stained glass ceiling in the background and this is truly special to capture.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

I’m really proud to be a part of the Woodlands Park team and I believe the service we deliver as a team is impeccable. We all have a vital part to play in every wedding that takes place here and without everyone doing their bit it just would not be the same. Being part of a team of people who all love what they do and who are experts in their roles makes me proud.

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How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

I think the wedding industry has adapted alongside technology however I feel every venue or wedding professional experiences it differently. For our venue we find that couples still choose to visit the venue in person as they want to spend as much time here as possible. Virtual appointments are available and are key at certain times but nothing beats seeing something or someone in real life. We don’t currently instant message with our couples are we practice a more personal approach. Obviously technology has had the biggest impact online as couples are now able to search far and wide for venues in a really short space of time and watch online tours, read reviews and look through pictures on Instagram or Pinterest to make their own opinion on whether the venue is what they are looking for before even making an enquiry.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Continue to plan your wedding! Don’t get disenchanted and push things to the sidelines if your date has been postponed. Time flies by and the last thing you want to do is rush when you get closer to the day. The process of planning a wedding can be stressful but it should be enjoyable and even though your wedding day may not be happening when you thought it would be you should still make the most of the process and focus on the good things that come with it.

A huge thank you to Cheyenne Crombie for answering our questions. Check out Woodlands Park on Bridebook!

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