Top Tips For Your Destination Wedding

A destination wedding can be a memorable and unique way to celebrate your special day with your friends and family. But planning one can be a daunting task! There are so many decisions to make and details consider. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips for planning a destination wedding. They’ll help you make your big day a success, no matter where you are in the world. From choosing the perfect wedding venue, to being aware of the legalities, we’ve got you covered.

1. Choose the right location

Photo © The Art of Now | See their Bridebook profile

The location you choose for your destination wedding is crucial. Consider factors like climate, accessibility, price and venue availability. You may want to choose a place that has a special meaning to you and your partner. How about where you first went on holiday together? Or somewhere with stunning, picture-perfect scenery for your wedding photos?

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our handy guide on the top 10 destination wedding locations. From a romantic Mediterranean beach wedding on a Greek island to a cosmopolitan urban getaway in New York, the world is your oyster!

2. Give your guests plenty of notice and information

Photo © Papier | See their Bridebook profile

When planning a destination wedding, give your guests plenty of advance notice. This will allow them to make travel arrangements and organise their holiday time accordingly (particularly important for very far-flung locations). Send out save-the-date cards at least 6-8 months before the wedding to give your guests plenty of time to plan, and the invitations 3-4 months in advance.

Be sure to include all the important details on a separate information card along with the invitations themselves. We recommend the following as a bare minimum:

  • How to reach your destination and where to stay (include your venue’s address)
  • Information on the weather at the time of year (so your guests can plan their outfits)
  • Tips for places to visit and eat in the area (ask your venue for recommendations)

We recommend listing any extra wedding-related activities, like dinner the day before, or lunch the next day, on your RSVP card. That way, your guests can tick off which ones they’ll be attending.

3. Hire a specialist local wedding planner

Photo © Angela Salzano Destination Wedding Planner | See their Bridebook profile

Hiring a local wedding planner can be a game-changer when planning a wedding abroad. They’ll help you create the perfect wedding itinerary and handle all the necessary logistics, so you can focus on simply enjoying your big day and being present in the moment.

A local wedding planner will have specialist knowledge of the area and wedding suppliers, and can help you navigate any language or cultural barriers. Let them serve as your personal directory of recommendations, from accommodations and restaurants, to activities and attractions.

4. Choose the right wedding dress and attire

Photo © HEMYCA | See their Bridebook profile

When it comes to deciding on your dress code, be sure to consider both the location and nature of your wedding. Depending on the destination, you might need to choose materials that are comfortable in the heat or cold, and shoes that are suitable for the terrain.

If you’re getting married on the beach or very hot country, consider wearing slip-on sandals or going barefoot for a more relaxed feel. If you’re getting married somewhere cold like Iceland, think long sleeves and plenty of warm layers you can change into if necessary.

5. Plan group and honeymoon activities

Photo © FICO by Betty | See their Bridebook profile

An overseas wedding is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your guests. You can organise a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding lunch to extend the celebration and make a holiday of it. Plan group activities to create fun, memorable experiences. We recommend beach bonfires, water sports like snorkelling, hikes and day trips, or food and wine tastings.

Or plan activities for your honeymoon, to make the most of your flight tickets and journey! In fact, with honeymoons being a top splurge for newlyweds, combining your destination wedding with your honeymoon can be a great way to optimise both your budget and your time.

6. Don’t forget the legal details

Photo © Chloe Palmer Photography | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re hoping to tie the knot in a foreign country, be prepared to navigate some legal requirements that might be different from what you’re used to in your home country.

  • Make sure your marriage or civil partnership is recognised by the law back home. This might involve getting certain licenses or translations of documents (for example, if you’re a Brit marrying abroad, a certificate of no impediment (CNI) from the UK government).
  • Make sure you follow all the necessary procedures in the country where you’re planning to get married abroad. You’ll need to reach out to the local authorities to learn what to do.

The bottom line is that you don’t want to get caught out by any legal technicalities that could put a damper on your big day. So be thorough with your research!

Planning a destination wedding requires a bit more effort than a traditional wedding at home, but the results can absolutely be worth it. By following these top tips, you’ll be well on your way to planning the destination wedding of your dreams with all of the joy and none of the stress.

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Happy Planning!

How Much Does a Wedding Cost? The 2023 UK Average

Want to know how much the average wedding costs this year? Introducing our UK Wedding Report 2023: our annual wedding industry study revealing year-on-year changes. This year, we surveyed almost 4,000 married and engaged couples, representing a mix of regions and demographics, to find out what couples like you are spending on. Time to start planning your own wedding budget

Average Cost of a Wedding in the UK

2022 was the year of the Corona Comeback. The lifting of pandemic restrictions saw the highest wedding spend ever! Average wedding spend grew by 15% to an all-time high, rising by £2,500 year-on-year to £19,184 (£24,069 including the ring and honeymoon). It goes to show that couples are prioritising their marriage, and not letting the economic climate impact their wedding spending.

Average Wedding Costs by Supplier Category

Average wedding spend increased in almost every category between 2021 and 2022. The most significant increase was in venue cost (£7,944 average, an increase of 20% vs 2021). We’ve put together a wedding cost breakdown below! These are the average supplier costs for UK weddings:

  • Average cost of a wedding venue – £7,944
  • Average cost of catering – £5,103 (with an average of 88 guests)
  • Average cost of a photographer – £1,357
  • Average cost of a videographer – £1,354
  • Average cost of hair and makeup – £657
  • Average cost of a florist – £1,114
  • Average cost of a wedding cake – £376
  • Average cost of a wedding dress – £1,424

If you’re looking to save money on your suppliers, savvy wedding planning is a must! Our top tip is to enquire to several suppliers to do more price comparisons.

Total Wedding Costs by Region

Couples spent nearly £10K (or 50%) more to marry in London (£29,085) compared to the national average (£19,184). That’s even more than marrying outside the UK, where the average cost is £25,525. Yorkshire and the Humber is the region with the lowest cost (£16,103), making it the most budget-friendly option. So, if you’re looking to save money, the location of your wedding matters!

Photo © Babb Photo | See their Bridebook profile

Total Wedding Costs by Day of the Week

Weekend weddings are the most expensive, with Saturday weddings costing £20,141 on average. Tuesday is the least costly option (costing £16,804 on average). So, if you’re on a budget and looking for a cheaper alternative, consider a midweek wedding. This can make a huge difference!

  • Monday – £17,327
  • Tuesday – £16,804
  • Wednesday – £17,505
  • Thursday – £17,898
  • Friday – £18,401
  • Saturday – £20,141
  • Sunday – £19,715
Photo © Harry Richards Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Total Wedding Costs by Month of the Year

Wedding costs tend to be higher in the from June through September, with June weddings costing the most (£21,287). Costs are lowest in the winter, with February being the cheapest month to get married (£15,826), which is ideal if you’re trying to save on your wedding spending.

  • January – £16,179
  • February – £15,826
  • March – £19,200
  • April – £18,733
  • May – £18,174
  • June – £21,287
  • July – £20,369
  • August – £19,403
  • September – £20,620
  • October – £18,913
  • November – £17,270
  • December – £17,659
Photo © Marta Demartini Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Total Wedding Costs by Guest Count

It probably comes as no surprise that wedding spending is heavily influenced by the number of guests attending. The more guests you invite, the more your wedding will cost. Catering accounts for just over 1/5 of this. So, if you’re looking to cut costs, consider having fewer guests to feed!

  • 50 or fewer guests – £12,757
  • 51-100 guests – £18,757
  • 101-150 guests – £23,308
  • 151 or more guests – £29,709
Photo © Queen Bea Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Top Wedding Spending Splurges

We found that couples are most likely to splurge on their honeymoon, followed by the wedding dress, venue and photographer. With beach honeymoons remaining the most popular honeymoon style (47% of couples married in 2022 chose a beach honeymoon), this is hardly surprising. The honeymoon splurge is heavily linked to the post-pandemic wedding boom and the fact that travel is back on the map. 2/3 of couples married in 2022 planned a honeymoon abroad, which represents a significant jump from 2021, when only 1/4 planned to go abroad.

Photo © Alexandria Hall Photography | See their Bridebook profile

So, if you’re hoping to have a wedding in 2023, you’re looking at an average spend of £19,184, up £2,500 year-on-year. The average cost may be more or less depending on the region, day of the week, month of the year, and any optional splurges (for example, on a honeymoon overseas). For a more thorough category-by-category breakdown of the cost of UK wedding suppliers, check out our article on the ultimate wedding budget breakdown. And for a budget breakdown that’s tailored for you, look no further than Bridebook’s one-of-a-kind personalised wedding budget planner.

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Happy Planning!

Venue ‘Platinum’ Best of Bridebook Winners 2023

The Best of Bridebook 2023 winners have been announced! This list showcases UK venues with the most 5-star reviews from 2022. Have a peek at the venues in your area below:

North West

North East

Yorkshire and The Humber

West Midlands

East Midlands

East of England

South West

London

South East

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

“The UK’s greatest wedding businesses have been chosen! We are so proud of the 450+ winners, especially after a difficult few years for the industry. We are excited to recommend the best wedding services. Huge congratulations to this year’s winners”. – Hamish Shephard, CEO & Founder, Bridebook.

Supplier Showcase: Veganuary Edition

Sustainable and ethical weddings are on the rise. Back in the day, very few venues and suppliers would cater for such requirements, or when they did, would do so with little creativity (cue sad stuffed mushroom and limp lettuce leaf). But now, there’s a demand amongst today’s couples for more locally sourced, ethical menus, as well as vegan and cruelty-free wedding choices. And so, celebrate the month of Veganuary, we’re showcasing our favourite vegan venues and suppliers.

1. The Wellbeing Farm

Photo © The Wellbeing Farm | See their Bridebook profile

The Wellbeing Farm is one of our favourite sustainable wedding venues…period. It offers a fun, unique farm-based barn experience, is the first B Corp certified venue in the UK, and has just become members of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (which you can’t enter if you haven’t got sufficient vegan and other dietary credentials). Their general ethos is around wellbeing, and minimising stress for its couples. And ensuring every single one of your guests has a creative and tasty meal – whether they’re vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free – is a huge part of that. Their innovative Head Chef sources natural, local produce to create vegetarian and vegan menus that are big in both quality and taste, and even went on a course specialising in vegan desserts (so no more lonely fresh fruit salads!). A lot of venues may offer a single vegan option, but this vegan-friendly venue prides itself on offering a range – a range of starters, a range of mains, a range of desserts. So you’ll be spoilt for choice! For the meat lovers out there, they use Meatless Farm and Beyond Burger as meal substitutes, so you’ll hardly notice the difference.

2. Wilderness Weddings

Photo © Wilderness Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

Stylish and sustainable, relaxed and boho, there’s so much to love about Wilderness Weddings. Set in a protected nature reserve, it features woodlands, giant tipi tents, and a lakeside boathouse. Their seven accredited caterers provide a wealth of dining options, catering for all tastes and budgets. For vegetarians and vegans in particular, choose Scott Anderson catering, who pride themselves on designing bespoke menus around each couple’s requirements. Look no further for creative canapés, scrumptious sharing wedding breakfasts, and exquisite evening platters!

3. Lettice Events

Photo © Lettice Events | See their Bridebook profile

Lettice Events is one of the country’s leading names in luxury catering, known for its innovative and creative food design, cutting-edge presentation and stylish service. Their team of talented chefs can cater to specific dietary restrictions, including a completely vegan menu. From vegan cream cheese and smoked carrot ribbons on light rye wafers, to roast pumpkin skewers, you and your guests are sure to be delighted. With pre-event tastings available, you can effortlessly sample different flavours and select your favourite dishes ahead of your big day.

4. The Hogless Roast

Photo © The Hogless Roast | See their Bridebook profile

Two veggies unable to stomach another bean burger, Matt and Ross, a.k.a. The Hogless Roast, have reimagined the traditional hog roast for a new generation, whether you’re a vegan or simply trying to reduce your meat consumption. Their smoky BBQ vegan burgers use the best plant protein out there – lathered in apple sauce, topped with homemade stuffing, and loaded into a toasted vegan brioche bun. They’re packed with protein and fibre, gluten-free, and, most importantly, keep pigs off plates! Plus, they only use eco-friendly packaging, and are members of the NCASS.

We’ve taken the best plant based protein out there, infused it with smoky BBQ flavours, lathered it in apple sauce, topped it with homemade stuffing and packed it into a toasted vegan brioche bun. Then we’ve thrown in some naughty vegan crackling for good measure!

5. Bee Vegan Bakery

Photo © Bee Vegan Bakery | See their Bridebook profile

For bespoke wedding cakes made vegan, look no further than Bee Vegan Bakery – whether you’re vegan yourself, want a more inclusive option for all of your guests, or have allergies or dietary requirements. There are also plenty of other sweet and savoury vegan treats available, from meatless carrot ‘bacon’ and almond ‘feta’ canapés, and bitesize vegan pastries.

6. Bakehouse Revolution

Photo ©Bakehouse Revolution | See their Bridebook profile

From cute cupcake favours to magnificent multi-tiered showstoppers, Bakehouse Revolution works with you to personally design, bake and create stunning wedding cakes for your special day. Everything is 100% vegan, and will leave a smile on everyone’s faces, whether vegan or not.

7. Tanya Westley Vegan Hair & Makeup Artist

Photo ©Tanya Westley Vegan Hair & Makeup Artist | See their Bridebook profile

Tanya Westley is a vegan wedding hair & makeup specialist based in Oxfordshire. Her kit consists of a carefully curated list of cruelty-free, vegan products, from brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Cover FX, Face Atelier and Illamasqua, to Kenra, Paul Mitchell, Moroccan Oil, Living Proof and more.

8. Becx Beauty – Makeup Artist & Beautician

Photo ©Becx Beauty – Makeup Artist & Beautician | See their Bridebook profile

Becx Beauty offers a bespoke makeup service for your special day, to ensure you look incredible while everyone looks on in awe. She is fully qualified, insured and accredited by BABTAC (The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology), and also Barbicide certified. All of the products are vegan and cruelty-free. As a makeup artist, she has built up a strong reputation and portfolio, becoming one of the most sought after vegan and cruelty-Free MUA in the North East.

9. Lauren Marie Studio

Photo © Lauren Marie Studio | See their Bridebook profile

Lauren Marie Studio creates hand-painted, bespoke, eco-friendly wedding stationery that tells your own unique love story, with lots of detail. She is passionate about providing conscious and sustainable stationery, and uses a gorgeous range of eco-friendly papers, sourcing ethical, vegan-friendly materials wherever possible in her exquisite designs.

10. Vegan Wedding Photography

Photo © Vegan Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re a vegan, and keen to choose a wedding photographer whose personal values and lifestyle align with your own, be sure to check out Vegan Wedding Photography. Denis is passionate about the environment, nature and sustainability and follows a vegan lifestyle.

Whether you’re a vegan yourself, want to create a more inclusive wedding for your guests, or simply want to reduce the impact of your wedding, the vegan-friendly venues and suppliers above are a great place to start . If any caught your eye, be sure to check out their Bridebook profiles!

Venues’ Top Tips for Engaged Couples

Congratulations on your engagement! Your wedding planning journey awaits! To help you get started, we reached out to our venues, and asked them to share their top tip for newly engaged couples. From choosing your wedding venue, and knowing what to look for, to checking venue availability and dates, we’ve rounded up all their expert advice to share with you.

1. Remember that it’s your big day

Photo © The Duke of Cornwall Hotel

“Our top tip when you’re planning your big day is to remember that it is YOUR day. So decide together what you both want, agree a budget, and then make a list. Aside from saying I do, choosing your venue is also a big decision. So do your research and make appointments with the wedding managers for viewings early in your planning. Make sure your quotation covers everything you need and that there are no hidden costs. And have fun with it, it is YOUR big day!” – Rebecca Prust & Kim Downer, The Duke of Cornwall Hotel

2. Book your show round in early

Photo © Offley Place County House

“Our top tip for newly engaged couples is to get your show round booked in. By seeing lots of different types of venue, you’ll be able to narrow down the one that’s just perfect for you.” – Hayley, Offley Place County House

3. Think about what’s important to you

Photo © Larchfield Estate

“So, first of all, congratulations! One of my top tips for newly engaged couples would be to sit down and have a think about what it really important for you for the day when it comes to looking at venues – how you want it to feel, how you want it to flow. And when you start to enquire with venues, and when you start to visit them, discuss those things with the team. It will give you a very good sense of whether it’s the right place for you – if their vibe matches yours, and also if their values as a company match up with your values as a couple as well.” – Hannah Watson, Larchfield Estate

4. Look for a venue’s unique features

Photo © Deer Park Weddings

“Congratulations – you’re newly engaged! When you’re looking around wedding venues, my top tip is to always look for the unique features of a wedding venue. Some will be really obvious – otherwise the event manager or wedding coordinator can talk to you about them. So have a look for them and find out what they are. It’s so important – not only for you, because it’ll make your day so special, but also for your guests to talk about for years and years to come. And also, the people behind the venue, supplier or service are so important. They will be such a big part of the day, so get to know them and ensure their style of working is right for you.” – Harry South, Deer Park Weddings

5. Know what your personal requirements are

Photo © Roundwood Function Centre

“My number once top tip for selecting your venue would be to make sure you find somewhere that has the flexibility and scope to make sure they give you the day that you’re after, making sure to take into account all your ideas and your own personal requirements. Don’t rush any decisions and always have a notebook for any questions to ask people – otherwise you will forget!” – Luke Howard, Roundwood Function Centre

6. Take lots of notes

Photo © The Keddleston Country House

“The one thing I would recommend is having a wedding planning book, to bring with you when you have your planning meetings and appointments. Then you can make notes as well, as sometimes it can be overwhelming when there’s lots of information to go through. You can ask any questions and not feel as though it’s all in you’re head, because you’ll have it all written down. That will really help you stay organised. It’s also a great thing to keep with you forever. You can get them off Etsy or Amazon – they have lots of different prices, whether £10 or £18.” – Sarita Toor, The Keddleston Country House

With these top tips in mind, you’ll be planning the wedding of your dreams in no time! Keep on top of it all with our free wedding planning checklist – here to guide you every step of the way to ‘I do’.

Henrietta and Thomas – Real Wedding (Vintage, Antique & Stylish)

Henrietta and Thomas had a Vintage, antique & stylish wedding at Howsham Hall in Yorkshire, it was a day filled with glamour and luxury. 

Henrietta and Thomas wedding was held in early March.  This wedding has lots to love! With a groom dressed in his military uniform, a bride with a two designer wedding dresses and their love of vintage, this was a great choice!

Howsham Hall offered the couple the perfect setting for their vintage wedding day, the couples choose colour theme of blue and golds was classic and elegant. 

Catering: Dine Catering events Instagram @dine.co.uk, @dinevenues @howshamhall

Wedding Dress Designer: Day Dress – Rasha rashalondon.com/ Instagram @rashalondon

Evening Dress – Jenny Packham – jennypackham.com/bridal-collections/ Instagram @jennypackham

Bridesmaid Dress Provider: JJ’s House jjshouse.co.uk / Instagram @jjhouseoffical

Cake Provider: Poppy Pickering Cakes – poppypickering.co.uk/ Instagram @poppypickeringcakes

Makeup Artist: Charlotte Elizabeth – charlotteelizabeth.com /Instagram @makeupbycharlotteelizabeth

Florist: Twig and Twine – www.twigandtwine.co.uk/ Instagram  @twigandtwinehelmsley / Facebook – @twig&twine

Colours: Blue and Gold| Styles: Luxurious, Classic, Vintage, Formal, Military and Glamourous 

 

Could this beautiful luxury exclusive use wedding venue be the venue for you? Click here to find out more about Howsham 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:

Venue Showcase: Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant


Built in 1633 this venue is a four star family owned hotel, packed full of character and history. They have been hosting weddings for 60 years and know how to make your day perfect. You’ll find open fires, cosy lounges, fine antiques and tapestries that together create a sense of history, calm and comfort

We talked to Claire Nicholl, the Wedding and Events Manager at Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant to find out more this award winning restaurant and historic venue.

Tell us about yourself!

I’ve worked at Holdsworth House for almost 25 years, so in that time I’ve helped arrange probably 3000 weddings. We ‘re exclusive – we only allow one wedding per day, but we average around 120 weddings per year. I love dogs, so when I’m not working, I’m walking my dog.

Venue Showcase: Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant

What drew you to the wedding world?

25 years ago, I suppose the job really suited me. I’m a stickler for detail and people joke that I have a photographic memory, as I do tend to retain facts, figures, couples’ names and all their wedding details! Today, I can’t imagine doing anything else. After 25 years there’s very little that can catch met out or no problem that can’t be resolved. Weddings provide a very happy working environment: it’s a nice, feel-good job to be involved in. It’s not just an office job, I’m often on my feet too meeting people and walking them round the venue.

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What do you think makes your venue unique?

The hotel sells itself from a physical standpoint: it’s a beautiful, historic building in three acres of well-kept gardens. But I don’t think you can put a price on experience. It’s not just me that’s been here a long time. Many of us in the wedding team have built a career at Holdsworth House. Tracy, our Master of Ceremonies, has been here over 30 years, our General Manager around 10 years. When you have such a consistent, experienced team the confidence rubs off on guests and couples; they can relax fully and enjoy their day knowing they’re in safe hands. I also believe that because Holdsworth House is independent (owned by the same family since 1962), there’s a level of care, love and attention that you feel compelled to give; you truly go out of your way because its personal. We really are a family at the hotel.

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

We have an initial meeting, and we discuss lots of ideas. Essentially, we listen first. We need to understand the couple’s needs, expectations and their personal touches/requirements. We then invite them in for a series of meetings or wedding menu tastings. By the time the wedding comes, it’s like we’re close friends! I’m really proud that people open up to me but it’s important that I remain professional – in the run up to a wedding, many people want to be given clear, detailed advice, and they look to me as the provider of that assurance. In many cases I’m holding couples’ secrets too, whether that be a surprise element of the day or some deeply personal information that they don’t want to reveal to guests. I must always remain completely discreet and supportive. Throughout the lead-up to their big day, our coupes will meet all the team within Holdsworth House. When they come for their wedding tasting, they’ll get to know the award-winning kitchen and restaurant team. When they select their accommodation, they’ll bump into our fantastic housekeepers. And, of course, everyone is always warmly greeted by our reception staff who have incredible knowledge and a can-do attitude. By the day of the wedding, our operations team has already been fully briefed and is ready to spring into action – it’s like watching all the cogs of a well-oiled machine working together.

 

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

For the couple it’s when you can completely let go and be in the moment. Inevitably things will change because people – like the weather – are unpredictable. But when you can truly trust the team around you to deliver, and you can look back on your wedding day with multiple ‘wow’ moments, then that’s when you’ve had the perfect wedding. It’s not about quantity, it’s 100% about quality.

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Make sure you book your venue and registrar (if applicable) early. Once that’s in place everything else can follow on in due course.

What do you love about Bridebook?

We meet so many amazing couples through Bridebook. Each has a unique story and it’s a privilege to be part of such personal events. Bridebook is excellent for helping guide couples and help them plan, it’s very much in line with our ethos.

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

I love it when couples bring their dogs to weddings to as ring-bearers. We also get Eric our resident cat photo-bombing some wedding pictures. Whilst most of our weddings are for 80 – 100 guests, we have some absolutely stunning small and intimate weddings. Our Stone Gazebo, in the hotel gardens, is the smallest licensed venue in England and only accommodates 10 people, so super-romantic ceremonies in here are just gorgeous. Most weddings here are traditional white weddings, but we also enjoy seeing the alternative events. From outdoor garden ceremonies to super-cosy winter weddings, vintage or Steam Punk dress codes to kilts and swords and military events – every wedding is different. In October 2021, we hosted the wedding of a couple who had met at a literary event we’d held at the hotel the previous year. There were so many poignant moments, you couldn’t help getting sucked into the fairy tale. Our couple had been inspired by the TV Show ‘Gentleman Jack’, which was filmed nearby in Halifax. Not only did the true story of Anne Lister inspire them, but they were able to track down suppliers that the TV show had used – like the jeweller who made the costume jewellery for the actors. They were an incredible, fun couple and they just celebrated what the essence of being married was all about – LOVE!!

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Why should a couple book Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant?

Honestly? You can relax completely here. We’ve been hosting weddings for over 50 years, not many venues can say that and we’re not going anywhere; we’re a very robust business. We’re flexible, knowledgeable and great with people obviously! At the end of the day, as beautiful as a venue is it’s the people – the interaction between the guests and the team – that make the difference. The fact that we have stunning photo backdrops and gardens is of course a huge bonus! The other reason is that we make hosting your wedding so easy. Some venues are forever putting in barriers, saying what you can’t do. We say what you CAN do, and we’ll pull out the stops to make your dream wedding happen. We really do take care of everything, with genuine care and attention. The whole team is involved so you’re not rely on one person for everything – what if you can’t get hold of that one person?

What’s the best photo spot at Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant?

There are lots of Insta-friendly spots at Holdsworth House. If you’ve got a dress with a train, then a photo going down the stairs is beautiful. Our restaurant and halls have been called a ‘photographer’s dream’ by a well-known Insta photographer (for its natural light and character). But my favourite spot is out the front of the hotel in the gardens with the historic facade behind you – it’s completely timeless.

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What part of your business are you most proud of?

The team, without a doubt and our honesty and integrity. We’re a friendly bunch and we do have a laugh. Everyone is very professional, truly cares and takes things personally.

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

It really helped during the pandemic when couples were restricted on numbers of guests. We had live-stream weddings, which meant people who couldn’t be there in person could still witness the event. Technology has changed how some couples use suppliers, we see lots of people designing and printing their own stationery, people discussing their flower arrangements over Zoom or email, and looking for inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest.

Any final advice for a couple?

Food is a very important part of your day, so be sure your venue includes menu tastings. Ask your venue if it runs a ‘fresh banqueting service’ like we do at Holdsworth House i.e., do they cook your wedding breakfast fresh rather than plating and reheating? It’s surprising what a difference it can make to the taste and quality. If the last 50 years has taught us anything, it’s how to turn out the kind of food served in our fine-dining restaurant on a large scale.

A huge thank you to Claire Nicholl for answering our questions. Check out Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant on Bridebook!

Looking for more venues in West Yorkshire? 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 business@bridebook.co.uk

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!

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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 business@bridebook.co.uk

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 business@bridebook.co.uk

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 business@bridebook.co.uk

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 business@bridebook.co.uk

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 business@bridebook.co.uk

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 business@bridebook.co.uk

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 business@bridebook.co.uk

Venue Showcase: The Petersham Hotel

The Petersham Hotel boasts magnificent views of the River Thames and surrounding meadows. This historic hotel provides the most wonderful backdrop for an intimate wedding.

We talked to Terence Filipe-O’Neill, the Events Manager at The Petersham Hotel, to find out more about this stunning venue.

Tell us about yourself!

I have been in the wedding planning industry for 8 years at The Petersham Hotel. I live with my husband and dog Chica.

Venue Showcase: The Petersham Hotel

What drew you to the wedding world?

Having worked in the hospitality industry for over 29 years I take great pleasure in meeting couples and making their dreams come true.

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

What do you think makes The Petersham Hotel unique?

The location perched overlooking The River Thames. We also have a Portland Staircase perfect for wedding photos.

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

We meet in person at The Petersham over a coffee or a glass of bubbles and they will also be invited for a menu tasting where I meet and greet them.

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Being surrounded by your close family and friends to celebrate your love.

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What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Involve your significant other in the planning.

What do you love about Bridebook?

The dedicated team behind the scenes helping venues maximise their return.

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

We had a Phantom of The Opera style wedding and the couple sang their vows.

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Why should a couple book The Petersham Hotel?

The Petersham has got a resounding reputation and every care is taken to guide the couples from enquiry stage through to the big day and beyond with an experienced team.

What’s the best photo spot at The Petersham Hotel?

On the Terrace overlooking The River Thames and the meadows.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

The location and spectacular views.

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How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Communication is made easier and more accessible by digital means.

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

To be confident knowing that our wedding venue has their best interest at heart.

A huge thank you to Terence for answering our questions. Check out The Petersham Hotel 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 business@bridebook.co.uk

Venue Showcase: Ashmolean Museum

Set amongst the cityscape of Oxford’s dreaming spires, the Ashmolean Museum is a magnificent venue for your wedding, civil partnership or celebration.

A wedding venue like no other. Founded in 1683 the Ashmolean is the oldest public Museum in the world. Displaying half a million years of art and history, the spaces provide a stunning backdrop for a very special occasion. All our galleries are licenced which means we can offer intimate ceremonies at any time through to impressive evening receptions, dinners and dances combined with outstanding hospitality and entertainment.

Venue Showcase: Ashmolean Museum

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I love everything about weddings, and I am currently planning my own special day, so I can empathise with couples in a very real way. I realised my passion for event and wedding planning very early on when I helped four of my older siblings plan their weddings. Coming from an Asian cultural background I grew up surrounded by the excitement and buzz of large family gatherings and weddings, involving a series of celebratory events that can sometimes stretch out for a period of two weeks before the actual wedding day!

Weddings are such incredible events, from the moment we first connect with couples, to when they make their vows and onto the reception – there is just nothing like them.

What an emotional rollercoaster this past year has been! I have had to postpone our wedding date three times now and I know first-hand how overwhelming this feels. Not only have couples had to navigate through the financial implications on paid deposits, they’ve had all their enjoyment curtailed by all the stops and starts with (re)arranging. It also became very clear that couples were not only having to process their own emotions but were also having to manage questions and disappointment from families and friends.

In my spare time, I love to travel and read up on the latest archaeological discoveries! I studied Archaeology so any chance I get to visit and immerse myself into different cultures, I just have to grab it! I am a big foodie and I love experimenting with our in-house chefs on how we can push the boundaries to create an exceptional new culinary experience.

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What drew you to the wedding world?

My role at the Ashmolean combines two of my passions; history and delivering incredible bespoke events to each couple. When I moved back to the UK from Israel and had the opportunity to return to the museum it was a dream come true. I was in awe of the weddings hosted at the Ashmolean so when there was an opening in the team I jumped at the chance. To me there is something absolutely enchanting about getting married in a city like Oxford, so steeped in tradition, and there is something even more magical about getting married amongst half a million years of human history.

No two couples are the same and so none of the Ashmolean’s weddings are the same either. The team and I pride ourselves in carefully curating each wedding so it is a truly unique reflection of each couple. My favourite part of being a wedding event manager is getting to know the couple and finding elements from our enriching and stunning art and archaeology collections that can be incorporated to personalise their day. The team and I strive to carefully tailor each wedding so that guests feel every element is a reflection of the couple’s love story, from the galleries we use through to the catering that reflects their backgrounds, flavours and favourite dishes from their childhood.

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What do you think makes The Ashmolean Museum unique?

The Ashmolean is the oldest public museum in the world. Displaying half a million years of art and history, the spaces provide a stunning backdrop for a very special occasion. All our galleries are licensed which means we can offer intimate ceremonies at any time through to impressive evening receptions, dinners and dances combined with outstanding hospitality and entertainment.

What sets us above and beyond other venues is our exceptional attention to the guests’ experience. Our friendly and professional team of wedding event assistants have been trained to deliver the highest quality of customer service, so wedding guests feel special and well looked-after by our team during their time with us. The team are also knowledgeable about our world-class collections and are able to entertain guests on the incredible objects and pieces of art around them. They are great at revealing the sensational and fun or quirky facts not mentioned on the labels!

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times in a couple’s life. As the dedicated wedding manager, I work with the couple and their family to make the experience stress-free and enjoyable. I support them through the emotions they feel during the process and offer them my professional experience and practical guidance to help plan their special day.

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

The Ashmolean boasts a team of passionate and experienced event and wedding managers. They are dedicated to playing their part in making your wedding or celebration truly memorable.

We have regular meetings with our couples so we know what makes them tick; this is vital so we can ensure that weddings go smoothly. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to listen to what couples envision for their day. It is only through listening that we are able to pick up on a common thread or theme and get to the heart of the emotion and aesthetics they are trying to portray for their day. Once we have that we can suggest creative ideas and themes that incorporate this beautifully.

My favourite part is getting to know the couple and their unique love story and weaving in galleries and collections that are relevant to their story. With a treasure trove of the most beautiful old master paintings and ancient objects we are spoiled with choice. For example, we had one couple where the groom had a Scottish background and the bride a Coptic Egyptian background. To make the day unique to them we incorporated a blessing ceremony in the Egyptian galleries followed by a bagpiper leading guests from the ceremony gallery, all the way up to the wedding breakfast via the museum’s impressive cascading staircase! We also worked closely with the couple to offer a tantalising menu that reflected the couple’s favourite Scottish and Egyptian dishes. In the past we have offered ‘night at the museum’ tours, taking guests to view collections from areas of the world the couple had travelled to.

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Chemistry. Chemistry between the couple of course, but also between the guests and all the different suppliers. There are so many moving parts that need to be on point on your special day and having suppliers that have great rapport with one another makes everything work smoothly.

Over the years we have developed relationships with trusted suppliers to support events at the museum. This means we can offer our clients a curated list of suppliers and creatives who share our values and meet our high standards. Their familiarity with our event spaces means they can work with your ideas and bring them to life in the museum.

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What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Ashmolean Museum?

We had a couple where the groom’s family were from Germany and the bride’s were from Japan. Both families flew in for the occasion and arrived in the city of Oxford for the week of the wedding. As this was the first time many of the extended families had met, we thought what better way to introduce their guests to one another and ‘break the ice,’ than to host an informal rehearsal dinner in our rooftop dining room. We treated the group to a fun and engaging ‘night at the museum’ tour, incorporating highlights from our Germanic and Japanese collections. Later that week for the actual wedding day, both couples incorporated traditional wedding customs from both sides including having a Japanese tea ceremony in the museum’s very own Japanese tea house.

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Why should a couple book Ashmolean Museum?

The Ashmolean has been telling stories since 1683 and we want you to add yours to our collection. We understand that every wedding is different which is why our expert team are on hand to tailor your day. An experienced team supported by an exclusive catering partner and handpicked suppliers will bring your dream celebration to life. Whether you decide to make a grand entrance, have an intimate exchange of vows in the presence of a few loved ones, dine like royalty or party the night away, the Ashmolean offers the most magnificent backdrop to your occasion.

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What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Stay true and authentic to who you both are and trust your instinct! Just because something looks incredible and is currently in vogue doesn’t mean it is right for you. Each couple is different and what may suit one will not be appropriate for another. So, as much as someone tries to convince you that you ‘need’ a particular wedding item, theme, dress, flowers etc., remember to check in with yourself on whether that actually is your taste and a reflection of you. In a world of Instagram, Pinterest boards and wedding blogs, it is easy to get carried away with following the latest trend and before you know it, your wedding starts to look like someone else’s day. Social media platforms and blogs can be great to get a feel for what you resonate with and it’s fantastic to find wedding suppliers that match your tastes. It is also very easy to fall down an endless rabbit hole and lose a sense of what is most important about your special day. Which is the both of you, who you are and celebrating your love and commitment to one another, in a fashion that is true to your union.

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What’s the best photo spot at Ashmolean Museum?

The Forecourt – The imposing façade will not fail to impress your guests as they arrive at the museum. The iconic portico and neo classical architecture offer a fantastic opportunity for photographs. It’s also a great space for a welcome drinks reception on a summer evening and is one of the few historic venues in Oxford to permit biodegradable confetti outside. All under the watchful eye of the Greek god Apollo, who perches on the centre of the pediment of the entrance. It is only fitting that wedding guests are welcomed beneath a statue of Apollo as the western tradition of having a wedding band placed on the left hand ring finger came from the Romans, who inherited it from the ancient Greeks. This finger was referred to as Apollo’s finger as he was associated with marriage. The Greeks believed there was a vein that ran from this finger straight to the heart.

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What part of your business are you most proud of? 

Our ability to adapt. We were one of the first venues in the UK to be COVID-secure and offer hybrid weddings. Not only offering live streaming but embracing the challenges presented by social restrictions, looking at creative ways to work with suppliers and couples on how to re-imagine their wedding whilst keeping it special and memorable, within the guidelines.

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How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

It is a very innovative and exciting time to be an event professional and we love to be the first to incorporate new technologies to enhance our clients’ experience. At the Ashmolean we know how important your wedding is and understand that for many reasons some guests may not be able to be with you on the day. Now everyone can take part. We can help you to share this special time with your friends and family, wherever they are in the world. Our discrete and professional live streaming service is the perfect way to include all your loved ones and to ensure that they don’t miss a moment. They can join in the excitement and emotion as if they were with you in the room. The final bonus is that couples get a copy of the stream to keep forever; a wonderful way to save the memory of your perfect day! We have the experience, so leave it to us to arrange it with our technology partner.

Hybrid weddings are definitely here to stay! We have worked with our couples to consider how they can enhance the experience of their guests who are tuning into the live stream so they feel involved in the day. Our caterers can even arrange to send virtual guests a wedding meal, bottle of fizz or slice of wedding cake to enjoy during the ceremony to enhance their interaction with the couple and attending wedding guests, even sharing messages and photos with the couple live during the reception.

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

Keep the faith. The recent announcements on the easing of lockdown measures are very encouraging. As a bride-to-be I have experienced the stress, random panic attacks and the worry that important family members won’t be able to take part in the day, but I am hopeful that normality is coming back very soon.

It is very easy to get swept away with all the wedding planning and trying to make your wedding day reflect a certain vision you have always had. But it is important to remember that just because you always thought you wanted a certain type of wedding years ago, once you strip all of that back, the only thing that really matters is that you get to express your love and enduring commitment to the one you love.

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What do you love about Bridebook?

Bridebook have been fantastic to us – they named us as one of Britain’s top venues which gave a welcome boost to the team. Their account management has been second to none. Kane, who is our main contact, has been very supportive during this period.

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Final Comments

If you want to experience the magic that the Ashmolean has to offer, we would love to hear from you. We will also be hosting future virtual wedding fairs, where our most trusted and hand-picked wedding suppliers will be giving you their top tips when planning a wedding. Our first one was a huge success; you can watch the highlight video here.

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Suppliers: Wedding Hair Stylist: @oxfordshire_bridal_hair_|Wedding Make Up Artists: @phoebehaytermua|Wedding Gowns & Shoes: @Cotswoldfrockshopbridalgallery | Event Styling: @etiquetteeventstyling |Lighting: @tec_oxford |Wedding Cake: @cherrytreecakerie |Photographer: @mtstudio_weddings |Filmmaker/Videographer: @oojamaflick |Florist: @fabulousweddingflowers |Jewish Groom Wear: @Contemporary Judaica |Smashing the Glass Pouch: @smashingtheglass |Ketubah: @byLivandLuc | Celebrant: @perfectwordsceremonies

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Looking for more venues in Oxfordshire? 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 business@bridebook.co.uk

Venue Showcase: Ashridge House

Searching for a dream wedding venue? Look no further! Take advantage of what this stunning historic venue has to offer, from beautiful views to a magnificent sweeping staircase.

We talked to Natalie, the Events Marketing Manager at Ashridge House, to find out more about this magical venue.

Tell us about yourself!

I am a mum to two boys (my main job!), I have worked in the wedding business for five years and in my free time I like to be creative and bake brownies. I have started writing a children’s book, and am going to try and illustrate it when the story is finished. If it’s terrible I will put it in a drawer and never show anyone!

What drew you to the wedding world?

It happened by accident! I was working in the events industry with corporate clients and when I joined the Ashridge House team, weddings are a key part of the Ashridge DNA. The whole team loves the wedding industry and it is easy to see why, it’s wonderful to work with our lovely couples and create a bespoke day filled with forever memories. It truly is an honour to be part of such a special moment at the beginning of our couples married life.

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

What do you think makes Ashridge House unique?

Ashridge House is very special, the site dates back to 1283 and Ashridge was a former royal residence to King Henry VIII and home to his daughter Princess Elizabeth. However what makes Ashridge House truly special is the dedicated team here and our ethos to welcome our couples and make them feel comfortable so they feel Ashridge House is their home away from home. The beautiful gardens and grounds at Ashridge House are the jewel of the estate and gives our couples a sense of serenity (we have 190 acres of private gardens for our couples to explore!), and no matter what the season, the grounds always look spectacular thanks to our dedicated gardens team. We have a fantastic food and beverage team who work closely with our couples to ensure they have the perfect wedding breakfast with their family and loved ones to enjoy, the team here also love a challenge and will find a solution for any requests. Every wedding is different and the team here love to be as creative as possible to deliver the most beautiful and bespoke day for our couples.

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

After the initial show arounds, we invite our couples to visit Ashridge House to meet their wedding coordinator and start planning their day. Couples will also meet their suppliers onsite and have their menu tasting here so ideally they will have visited Ashridge House many times before their big day, and will feel at home and relaxed before their wedding day.

What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

When everyone is smiling and your couple are lost in the moment together.

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Try and make the planning fun and part of your wedding journey, get your girlfriends involved and make your planning days a celebration, and enjoy some fizz afterwards!

What do you love about Bridebook?

I love their personal service, J’uanita has helped Ashridge House navigate through these challenging times and is a font of all knowledge!

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

Every wedding is memorable and each couple becomes part of our history and DNA. We had a beautiful Russian ballerina bride and she arranged for ballet dancers to perform on the staircase in the Grand Hall during the ceremony, that was magical and breath-taking!

Why should a couple book Ashridge House?

The weddings and events team at Ashridge House go above and beyond to help our couples achieve the wedding of their dreams. We work together with our couples and build trust so that on the day, they can relax and enjoy one of the most important days of their life.

What’s the best photo spot at Ashridge House?

That’s a difficult question as all the grounds are lovely, I love Laburnum Walk, Rhododendron Walk and The Rosary!

What part of your business are you most proud of?

I am really proud of the events team and how they have adapted over the last 12 months, for example we now have personalised virtual showarounds and are hosting a virtual wedding showcase on Sunday 21st March 2021. The team have adapted and pivoted in response to the ever changing times.

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Technology has been vital to the weddings industry especially over the pandemic, we have been able to stay in touch with all our couples over Zoom and reassure them we are still here and will help them move their date if needed.

Natalie featured second left with the Events Team at Ashridge House

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

Share moments of joy. And even in the hard times, try and find reasons to laugh together. Love wins always!

A huge thank you to Natalie for answering our questions. Check out Ashridge House on Bridebook! They have an exciting Virtual Wedding Fair coming up soon click ‘here‘ to find out more.

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 business@bridebook.co.uk

Bridebook is proud to announce their partnership with Papier, one of the leading wedding stationery brands in the UK

Bridebook is proud to announce their partnership with Papier, one of the leading wedding stationery brands in the UK

Let’s talk wedding stationery – the perfect way to set the tone of your special day, get creative and, most importantly, let your loved ones know that your wedding is soon approaching!

Bridebook is excited to announce we have partnered with Papier, one of the leading wedding stationery brands in the industry, to help our couples design their perfect stationery.

Papier is unique as they collaborate with talented artists and illustrators to bring our couples all the designs they will need for their big (or little) day – from save the dates & invitations to menus, guest books, thank you cards & more. 

Sophie Agar, Brand Director at Papier comments, “At Papier, we believe that stationery is a very special part of your wedding story. We’re so excited to be working with Bridebook to share our collections with you all.

Wedding stationery can be personalised at Papier and is expertly printed on sustainably sourced paper in England. Choose from different paper thicknesses, finishes such as gold or silver foiling, and order samples to see how your designs look and feel. Papier’s friendly experts are on hand to help with any questions.  

Browse Papier’s wedding stationery options:  

Save the Dates

Set the tone for your wedding with Papier’s save the dates. Illustrated, foiled and photo designs can be paired with matching invitations and are available with or without envelopes. Prefer to send a digital save the date? Papier can help with that too.

Wedding Invitations

Calligraphy, floral, classic, modern – Papier has invitations to suit every couple’s style. All sets come with optional matching info cards, RSVP cards, pre-addressed RSVP envelopes & you can also get all your guests’ addresses printed on the envelopes to save you valuable time!

On the Day Designs

Add the finishing touches with orders of service, table plans, guest books, menus and place names. They’ll tie the details of your day together and give your guests little keepsakes to hold onto after the event.  

Happy Planning!

Ready to order your wedding stationery for your big day? Send your request to Papier ‘Wedding stationery

If you’d like more advice on wedding stationery, below are some useful articles:

 

Venue Showcase: Saltcote Place

Thinking about the wedding of your dreams? This magical venue has far reaching views, formal gardens, and exclusive use.

We talked to Paul, the Owner at Saltcote Place, to find out more about this unique venue.

Tell us about yourself!

We have over 10 years experience of planning both exceptional and intimate Celebrations. Weddings are an indulgent hobby we really enjoy. We choose to host enough Celebrations to keep the building well maintained and not so many that it loses the magic. We never do back to back and rarely do a wedding a week preferring to enjoy the engagement with our couples. It takes on average 18 months from initial enquiry to the big day, this gives us all time to enjoy pizzas and a few glasses of wine as we get to know each other as well as the inlaws and outlaws. The end result we often hear is “it’s like getting married at our mates place” that’s the objective, as a result we have made some wonderful friendships. In our private lives have other interests in property, commerce and software.

Saltcote Place

What drew you to the wedding world?

It’s amazing that anyone can have this much fun at your own home.

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

What do you think makes Saltcote Place unique?

It’s personal, we don’t pay sales people to be nice to our Guests, we take that pleasure ourselves.

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

Pizza, Pasta, meals out and the occasional glass of wine. It’s not a conference or a works party – a Wedding is a Celebration of two families seeing the ones they love step out on a magical journey. We make sure in-laws and out-laws also come and see the venue so they feel as comfortable as the couple. This approach ensures everyone feels comfortable, these feelings end up with all of the guests knowing they are not attending a faceless hotel, the owners are engaged and it’s personal with nothing too much trouble. This personal approach is reflected in our TripAdvisor reviews where we have been Number 1 in the UK, No3 in the World and Number 1 locally for 11 years.

What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Respect, great communications, a detailed plan that’s shared and understood by all parties including suppliers with regard to setup and exit times.

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Relax – if you write down your plan in a shared space it will be perfect.

What do you love about Bridebook?

We recommend all of our couples use the app to simplify the planning process.

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Leez Priory?

A Princess from Ghana, the cultural differences, the colours and music and two wonderful families focussed on a magical celebration. Another equally magical celebration involved Aunty Vera who corralled the bridesmaids for a few days before the big day using prosecco and music to get the party started, from the after party brunch the day after and a few days staying locally made these Weddings memorable for the best possible reasons.

Why should a couple book Saltcote Place?

Bespoke Celebrations without a package in sight. Packages belong to the post office.

What’s the best photo spot at Saltcote Place?

At the end of the garden you can see the curve of the earth and see for about 30 unobstructed miles.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

The friendships we have as a result of Weddings.

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Collaboration tools ensure there is only one Hymn sheet lead by the Couple guided by a partner and involving all suppliers.

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

Never lose sight of what brought you together, be prepared to be flexible and to roll over if needed. We have rolled one couple over since 2018 and hope to see them get married in 2021. We have not increased their price.

A huge thank you to Paul for answering our questions. Check out Saltcote Place on Bridebook!

Looking for more venues in East Sussex? 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 business@bridebook.co.uk