Dream Weddings Magazine - Bristol, Somerset & Wiltshire - iss.34
Planning your wedding starts here and now and in Dream Weddings you will find tips and hints on every aspect of your big day, from the latest collections of gowns to transport, from wedding day etiquette to up-todate fashions in flowers. You’ll also find advertisements from a whole army of local businesses, all with plenty of experience to call on. They will work with your ideas, offer creative suggestions of their own and find solutions to match every budget. They know the shortcuts and the pitfalls - and they’re fully aware of how important it is to you that everything runs smoothly. So start planning your big day. And enjoy every minute of it!
Planning your wedding starts here and now and in Dream Weddings you will find tips and hints on every aspect of your big day, from the latest collections of gowns to transport, from wedding day etiquette to up-todate fashions in flowers. You’ll also find advertisements from a whole army of local businesses, all with plenty of experience to call on. They will work with your ideas, offer creative suggestions of their own and find solutions to match every budget. They know the shortcuts and the pitfalls - and they’re fully aware of how important it is to you that everything runs smoothly. So start planning your big day. And enjoy every minute of it!
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a class brides
www.aclassbrides.co.uk
27 Brislington Hill, Brislington Bristol - Tel: 0117 919 3007
congratulations...
You’ve dreamt of your wedding day since you were a little
girl – the fabulous dress, the handsome groom, the
flowers, the music, the blissful romance of it all. And now
you’ve organised the handsome groom, it’s time to get
down to the rest of the planning, so your wedding day is as
magical as you always dreamed.
However daunting the whole prospect seems at the outset,
this is one celebration everyone wants to be a
spectacular success and you will find good
wishes and friendly faces wherever you turn for
help. Planning your wedding starts here and now
and in this issue of Dream Weddings you will
find tips and hints on every aspect of your
big day. You’ll also find advertisements
from a whole army of local businesses,
all with plenty of experience to call on.
They will work with your ideas, offer
creative suggestions of their own and
find solutions to match every budget.
They know the shortcuts and pitfalls –
and they’re fully aware of how important
it is to you that everything runs
smoothly. So turn the page, start
planning your big day.
contents
WINTER 2016 / SPRING 2017 • ISSUE 34
p38-39 - BLACK & WHITE... IT’S THE NEW COLOUR
And enjoy every minute of it!
p2-15 - DESIGNER
DAZZLE
COVER PICTURE BY ROSIE CUTBILL PHOTOGRAPHY
TEL: 07958 984554 • WWW.ROSIECUTBILLPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK
DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of
advertisements and editorial in this publication, County Magazines Ltd cannot
accept responsibility for loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the
contents of this magazine. The views expressed are not necessarily those of
the publisher or editor. While every care is taken with material submitted
for publication, no liability for loss or damage can be accepted by the
publisher or its agents.
FOLLOW
US ON:
EDITOR
ADVERTISING
ACCOUNTS
DESIGN
DISTRIBUTION
JULIA SNOW
HELEN JOHNSON
EVE SZEREMETA
MADELINE RIGGS
TOM HUTTON
JANE GREY
PUBLISHER COUNTY MAGAZINES LTD,
THE GRANGE, STOKEINTEIGNHEAD,
NEWTON ABBOT, DEVON TQ12 4QH.
TELEPHONE: 01626 873364
EMAIL: ENQUIRIES@COUNTYMAGAZINES.CO.UK
www.dream-weddings-magazine.co.uk
Log on to our website at
www.dream-weddings-magazine.co.uk
2-15 Designer dazzle ’em
Check out the latest designer styles
for tomorrow’s beautiful brides
16-19 Blooming amazing
Make the most of your budget – and see
how a florist decorates a family wedding
20 Inviting prospect
It’s easy to overlook your stationery, but
it’s a prime style setter for your big day
21-25 Let them eat cake!
Traditional, vintage, contemporary or
funky: you’ll have so much fun deciding
26 Listen up, hens & stags
Top tips for bridesmaids & best men on
planning successful hen & stag parties
27-33 Now here’s the plan...
Get the lowdown on producing a
wedding day to remember for ever
p16-19 - BLOOMING GORGEOUS
35-37 My fair lady
Find the region’s top wedding fairs with
everything you need under one roof
38-39 Black & white magic
Capture those informal moments in
retro black & white photographs
40-43 Hair, make-up & Mums
Look your gorgeous best – and make
sure your Mum steps out in style too
44-45 Transport of bliss
Arrive in style - whether you choose a
luxury car or horse & carriage
46-55 It’s party time!
Fabulous venues, advice on decor and
entertainment to keep your guests happy
56 Dates for your diary
Advertisers’ index plus our handy roundup
of Spring wedding fairs near you
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 1
Sleek
chic...
PICTURED & RIGHT:
RONALD JOYCE AT KRYSTLE
BRIDES IN BATH
Bridal style is all about expressing your
personality, wherever it is on the spectrum
between frivolous, frilly and feminine and sleek,
subtle and sultry.
Lace is still king when it comes to fabric, but silky satins
and understated brocades are just beginning to make a
significant comeback.
So, whether your style is sophisticated glamour girl,
fairytale princess or daring drama queen, you’ll find it all at
a bridal shop right here in Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire.
What’s more, you’ll find friendly and experienced staff who
will spend time talking over your ideas, getting to know you
and helping you achieve that perfect look right down to the
smallest detail.
KENNETH WINSTON AT
A CLASS BRIDES IN BRISTOL
2 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
PICTURED & BELOW:
KENNETH WINSTON
AT A CLASS BRIDES
IN BRISTOL
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 3
THIS ONE OK
MAIN PIC LEFT & INSET:
MORI LEE AT SPECIAL DAY &
APPLETONS IN KEYNSHAM
...or frills
andfolderols?
4 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
MORI LEE AT SPECIAL DAY &
APPLETONS IN KEYNSHAM
STELLA YORK
AT A CLASS
BRIDES IN
BRISTOL
WTOO AT LACE &
GRACE IN KEYNSHAM
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 5
Cutting
From the cutest, cheekiest micro mini to the most
elegant floating ballerina-length, short wedding
dresses are taking the bridal fashion business by
storm.
It all began when hems started to rise on bridesmaid
dresses, and it wasn’t long before up-to-the-minute
brides wanted to share the fun a tea-length (or shorter)
wedding dress provides.
Some come with detachable trains or overskirts, so you
can enjoy all the glamour of a traditional bridal look for
the formal part of the day, before partying the night
away with complete freedom.
NEED this pic
higher res
MARK LESLEY AT THE BRIDAL LOUNGE
IN TROWBRIDGE AND SPECIAL DAY
& APPLETONS IN KEYNSHAM
MARK LESLEY AT THE BRIDAL LOUNGE
IN TROWBRIDGE AND SPECIAL DAY
& APPLETONS IN KEYNSHAM
TRUE BRIDE AT THE BRIDAL
LOUNGE IN TROWBRIDGE AND
A CLASS BRIDES IN BRISTOL
6 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
it short...
LADYBIRD AT SPECIAL DAY &
APPLETONS IN KEYNSHAM
LA SPOSA AT
BRIDE AT HOME
IN BRISTOL
STELLA YORK
AT A CLASS
BRIDES IN
BRISTOL
ESSENSE AT ANNE
HARDING IN BRISTOL
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 7
...or
loving
it long?
LEFT & RIGHT:
LUSAN MANDONGUS AT
LACE & GRACE
IN KEYNSHAM
8 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
ABOVE: LUSAN
MANDONGUS AT LACE
& GRACE IN KEYNSHAM
LEFT & ABOVE:
ENZOANI AT KRYSTLE
BRIDES IN BATH
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 9
A luxury bridal
boutique, offering
an exquisite
selection of bridal
gowns from leading
international
designers, shoes,
accessories and
a bespoke
design service.
Visit our beautiful
boutique or
contact us for an
appointment.
7 M A R K E T WA L K ,
K E Y N S H A M ,
B R I S T O L B S 3 1 1 F S
Tel: 01179 868911
info@laceandgracebridal.co.uk
www.laceandgracebridal.co.uk
Solitaire Brides
E S T A B L I S H E D 2 0 0 1
Colour
Bridesmaid dresses, Menswear
Hire & Bridal Accessories
69, High Street, Midsomer Norton, Somerset BA3 2QD
Tel: 01761 416699
www.solitairebrides.co.uk
Delicate shades of champagne
and light gold, tea rose and
blush pink, embellished with
sparkling Swarovski crystals
and delicate lace overlays and jackets
give tomorrow’s brides the authentic
up-to-date look.
Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon,
Jessica Biel, Gwen Stefani and Anne
Hathaway were all blushing brides in
rose-tinted hues and their choice
is amply reflected in the 2017
collections.
You might think the trend towards
colour was popular for older brides
embarking on second marriages, but,
interestingly, a recent survey found
that over a quarter of younger brides
would choose pink, blue or even
red rather than white for their
wedding day.
And it makes sense, because true white and even some ivories
can be harsh against many skin tones, while pink and champagne
- playful, fun, romantic and ultra feminine - complement and
enhance a wide range of skin colours.
1 0 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
BELOW & LEFT: MON CHERI AT SOLITAIRE
BRIDES IN MIDSOMER NORTON
MAGGIE SOTTERO
AT KRYSTLE
BRIDES IN BATH
me
beautiful
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 1 1
B R I D A L • B R I D E S M A I D S • A C C E S S O R I E S
A stunning
collection
of new,
ex-catwalk &
one off bridal
gowns
UP TO
50% OFF
RRP
Also stockists of True Bride,
Mark Lesley and Rainbow Club
Tel: 01225 776354 • www.bridal-lounge.co.uk
Stone Mill, Court St. Trowbridge
Back
ABOVE & BELOW:
MARK LESLEY AT
SPECIAL DAY &
APPLETONS IN
KEYNSHAM AND THE
BRIDAL LOUNGE IN
TROWBRIDGE
to the
future...
Everything you’ve ever read about
the importance of the back of
your dress is true. That’s what
your guests will be looking at all
through the ceremony. A built-in train
will give you a slimmer outline while
you’re standing at the altar and lend a
special dignity to the occasion. Yes,
they’re more difficult to handle but think
of the fun you’ll have practising in front
of the mirror at home. You’ll soon work
out how to walk and turn gracefully and
don’t forget your chief bridesmaid will be
there to ensure your train falls properly
on the day.
1 2 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
Special Day & Appletons
Fabulous wedding gowns from leading Designers
including Mori Lee (premier stockist) Sottero &
Midgley, Mark Lesley, Essense of Australia, Ladybird,
White Rose, Rebecca Ingram, Diane Legrand Donna
Salado, Lou Lou and for our curvaceous Brides -
Julietta by Mori Lee and White Rose Graceful
Over 500 Bridesmaid dresses in stock including
Mori Lee, Mark Lesley, Ebony Rose and
the largest range in the South West of the
award winning Dessy collection
Huge range of Mother of the Bride/Groom outfits
Cabotine, Zelia, Mascara & L’Atelier
D E S I G N E R B R I D A L W E A R
MOTHER OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM
BRIDESMAIDS / MEN’S FORMAL HIRE
Exclusively offered by RBA Members, the RBA Brides'
Protection Scheme guarantees to each RBA Bride the peace of
mind that the dress she buys will be safe for her day - Special
Day & Appletons are the only RBA members in Bristol & Bath.
12 HIGH STREET, KEYNSHAM, BS31 1DQ - Tel: 0117 9860303 or 9863582
email: special.day@btconnect.com • www.specialdayandappletons.co.uk
Now celebrating 25 years in business,
Jan Wright of Bride at Home in Bristol
is dressing the daughters of her
original brides.
She said: 'It's both a compliment and a real
pleasure to see former brides coming back with
their daughters to choose prom dresses and
wedding gowns.'
A trained designer and seamstress herself, Jan
has an eagle eye for style and finish, so the
collections she chooses for Bride at Home must
meet stringent criteria when it comes to
reliability, detail and value for money.
And there’s the added bonus of being able to
have bespoke alterations done by an expert.
PICTURED: LA SPOSA AT
BRIDE AT HOME IN BRISTOL
Stylishly
individual
Jan said: ‘We often reshape dresses to fit the bride’s different circumstances
and we can customise each gown by adding or removing straps, making a
matching bolero or adding extra beadwork.’
The stunning collections at Bride at Home include La Sposa, Jasmine
Eternity, Bonny Bridal and Allure and there’s also a small but select collection
of Mother of the Bride outfits, complete with matching accessories.
For more details, call 0117 956 8068 or visit the website at
www.brideathome.co.uk.
1 4 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
MAGGIE SOTTERO
TRUNK SHOW ON
7th AND 8th APRIL
Beautiful wedding gowns
from international
designers....
• Augusta Jones
• Ellis Bridals
• Enzoani
• Maggie Sottero
• Ronald Joyce
• Victoria Jane
• Rita Mae
Bridesmaids by
Kelsey Rose
Mark Lesley
Ronald Joyce
Shoes • Accessories
1 1 , S T J A M E S P A R A D E , B A T H B A 1 1 U L • T E L E P H O N E : 0 1 2 2 5 4 4 6 8 4 4
W W W . K R Y S T L E B R I D E S . C O . U K • E M A I L : I N F O @ K R Y S T L E B R I D E S . C O . U K
PHOTO BY PHOTOGRAPHS BY NIK
A bed of
When it comes to your wedding flowers, you set the style. Classic
whites and delicate pinks? Rich crimson reds, passionate deep
purples or blazing blues? Set them all off with luscious green
foliage.
Creative & individual flowers
for your special day
From her chic boutique florist in the heart of
Clifton Village, Lisa and her creative team will
design gorgeous wedding flowers to enhance
your perfect day – from beautiful bridal bouquets
to fabulous floral decorations.
lisa elliott
floral design
Bristol 0117 9732440
1 waterloo street, clifton village
Bristol BS8 4BT
email: lisa@lisa-elliott.co.uk
www.lisa-elliott.co.uk
Your wedding flowers should mirror the style of your wedding: pure and
virginal, bright and contemporary, rustic and boho, chic and minimalistic,
a riot of colour.
For a really stunning effect, pick a simple floral theme using just one colour –
or shades of one colour – and let your imagination run riot. Roses are a
perennial favourite, but you can always add flowers with special meanings.
Remember Kate Middleton had Sweet William in her bouquet when she married
Prince William.
If you’re looking for a wonderful scent, think of delicate freesias, sweet peas,
lilies of the valley and if you want a trailing cascade bouquet, think Singapore
orchids or scented jasmine.
Do book your florist early. Good florists often take just one wedding per day so
you need to book nine months to a year in advance. You won’t actually have to
choose your flowers at this point, so don’t panic!
Around three months before the wedding, make an appointment with your
florist to go into detail and make some definite decisions.
To help your florist get an
idea of the style of your PHOTO BY ROSIE CUTBILL PHOTOGRAPHY
wedding, take with you:
• Swatches of material
from your dress and your
bridesmaids’ outfits
• Photographs or sketches
of the style of your
dresses
• Photographs you have
cut out of magazines of
arrangements you like
And work out your budget in
advance so your florist can
advise on the most effective
way to use it.
1 6 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
BELOW: FLOWERS BY LISA ELLIOT FLORAL DESIGN,
STYLING BY OLIVIA MILLS AT HOST EVENT MANAGEMENT,
PHOTOS BY STEVE SAYERS
roses...
PHOTO BY JACKY BADENHORST
PHOTOGRAPHY
Boutique florist Lisa Elliott, based in the
heart of Clifton Village, specialises in
wedding floristry, creating beautiful
bridal bouquets and stunning
decorations to adorn the church and reception
venue. Lisa and her team bring a chic,
contemporary touch and can offer advice and
solutions to suit all styles, venues and budgets.
For details, call 0117 973 2440 or visit
www.lisa-elliott.co.uk.
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 1 7
An abundance of amazing flowers greeted bride Zoe
Fear on her wedding day – because this was a very
special wedding for her florist. Zoe is the daughter of
Kim of Kimberley’s the Florist in Congresbury and
her Mum pulled out all the stops for the big day.
Zoe and Ben tied the knot on September 3 and phalaenopsis
orchids and David Austin roses complemented the beauty of All
Saints Church, Long Ashton. What a picture!
At the reception, tipis and bell tents were the wedding theme,
with beautiful lanterns and olive trees adorning the walkway,
running into a combination of breathtaking tipis and stunning
floral creations to wow the wedding breakfast guests.
Caterers Parsnip Mash provided an abundance of canapes and
Champagne, followed by a superb wedding breakfast.
You can see more pictures at Kimberley’s the Florist
Facebook page – and if you’re looking for inspiration for your
own wedding, give Kim a call on 01934 253554.
What you get if your
FLOWERS BY KIMBERLEY’S THE FLORIST
PHOTOS BY KEVIN BELSON PHOTOGRAPHY
AND ANDREW FEAR
1 8 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
Mum’s a florist...
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 1 9
‘ S O M E R S E T ’ S P R E M I E R
W E D D I N G P H O T O G R A P H E R ’
Phone 01278 732439
07720 613724
www.benarrigoniphotography.com
Inviting
designs...
WEDDING STATIONERY
BY TOPIKKI
BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE WEDDING STATIONERY
Weddings • Special Occasions •
Bespoke • Designer Range
DIY workshops available for couples
who would like to make their own.
07771 61 33 75 • topikki@blueyonder.co.uk
TopikkiStationery @Topikki1 www.topikki.co.uk
2 0 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
Spend time choosing your
stationery. Your wedding
invitations are the first hint
your guests will have of what
to expect on the day, so they should
reflect your personalities and set the
style for your wedding.
Whatever you choose, do insist on
good quality card. You’re spending a
small fortune on your wedding, and
you want your stationery to show
what an important event it is.
Make your stationery an early priority.
It isn’t unusual for invitations to be
sent out more than three months
before the wedding (Save the Date
cards, if you’re having them, go even
earlier) and you need to allow time for
them to be hand-made and printed.
Order your stationery six to eight
months before the wedding –
possibly longer if you are having it
handmade.
Some stationers will visit you in the comfort of your own home, where you
can put forward your ideas and with guidance, and in consultation your
design will come to life.
Exquisite, handmade wedding stationery is the speciality of Gaynor Page,
of Bristol-based Topikki. Gaynor not only has a portfolio of exclusive
designs, she will also create bespoke stationery individually for you – or, if
you prefer to do it yourself, she runs DIY workshops to give you that
professional touch.
For details, or to book a free no-obligation consultation, call 07771
613375 or visit www.topikki.co.uk.
.
...and
designer
cakes
Based in the heart of beautiful Somerset,
Sunflower Bakery, specialises in vintage
style wedding cakes, cupcakes, cookies and
dessert tables.
The bakery was established in 2013 by Kelly Days and
has been so successful that last year she
opened a brand new cake studio after outgrowing her
home kitchen.
This new space means she can offer wedding
consultations to her clients, providing a bespoke service
and creating a beautiful cake for your big day.
For details, call 07883 400765 or visit www.sunflowerbakery.com.
Award-winning cake makers Minky
Kitten Cakes are known for their
unique, funky, quirky and personalised
cakes. The Somerset bakers are proud
of their home baking style, attention to detail and
insistence that the best quality ingredients make
the highest quality cakes. They specialise
in unique wedding cakes and in modelling
characters.
For details, call 07801 511274 or visit
www.minkykittencakes.co.uk
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 2 1
HANDMADE CONTEMPORARY &
CLASSICAL WEDDING CAKES
Tel: 07801 511274
www.minkykittencakes.co.uk
Planning your
Special Day?
Creating The Perfect Cake For Your Perfect Day
Visit www.icingcentre.co.uk for inspiration or to e-mail your own ideas
Tel: 01934 624565
dream
wEDDINGS
Follow
...what more
could you want?
us on:
www.dream-weddings-magazine.co.uk
2 2 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
Wedding Cakes, Celebration Cakes and Cupcakes
Handmade, contemporary & classical wedding cakes
All made to order and are one off original designs.
Tel: 07768 165792
e: sarah@carefreecakes.co.uk • www.carefreecakes.co.uk
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 2 3
Sraditional, contemporary,
fantasy or fun; single or
five-tier, mini or cupcakes:
Ann Pickard at the Icing
Centre in Weston super Mare
has the whole range in her
extensive armoury. With
over 20 years’ experience
making and decorating
amazing cakes, Ann
will provide a unique
centrepiece for your
special occasion.
For details, call
01934 624565 or
visit www.icing
centre.co.uk.
Happily
Somerset-based Creative Cakes by
Vickie is a family-run business
specialising in bespoke wedding
cakes which provide a stunning
centrepiece for your wedding reception.
For details, call 07816 875517.
2 4 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
ever afters...
Sarah
Cakes by Elan specialises in
wedding cakes that will be a
showstopping centrepiece on your
special day. Elan offers a no
obligation design consultation and tasting
to create your own bespoke wedding cake.
Various flavours are available including an
indulgent Belgian chocolate cake with a
ganache filling and delicious lemon sponge
with butter cream and lemon curd filling.
Your cake will taste as good as it looks.
For more information, call 01275 399858
or visit www.cakesbyelan.co.uk.
PHOTOS BY JD PHOTOGRAPHY
Wring-Nash at Carefree
Cakes specialises in hand-made
contemporary and classical wedding
cakes, all of them in one-off original
designs and all made to order.
She also makes individual cupcakes and – the
latest thing in edible favours – cakepops tailored
to your wedding theme.
For a free consultation, where you can see
some of her work and taste some of the
flavours available, call 07768 165792 or visit
the website at www.carefreecakes.co.uk.
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 2 5
Action-packed
hen & stag parties
MAKE YOURS A
MEMORABLE ONE AND
AT A GREAT PRICE
FANCY AN
ACTION
PACKED
HEN OR
STAG PARTY?
Just 20 minutes from Bristol!
Call 01275 842225 or 07770 688918
www.westonlodgeshootingground.co.uk
So you’re the Best Man or the Chief
Bridesmaid, congratulations! You
might think that the pressure on the
big day is going to be enormous... but it’s
nothing compared with the headaches
(both literally and figuratively) that the stag
and hen parties can throw up.
So what should you bear in mind?
First, it’s about the bride or groom: Choose
the sort of party you know they will enjoy and involve them in the planning.
Second, consider everybody’s budget: You may have money to burn, but other
potential attendees may be on limited budgets for any number of reasons. If you
ask them to spend more than they can afford, it will ruin their enjoyment and
consequently that of the rest of the party.
Third, set your date and location far enough in advance to ensure the maximum
chance of attendees having the date free.
David Down, who runs the hugely popular Weston Lodge Shooting Ground just 20
minutes from Bristol city centre, has been providing activity-packed hen and stag
parties for 24 years.
Somewhere in the region of 5,000 people a year try their hands at clay pigeon
shooting, off road karting and quad biking - in any combination they choose.
There are experienced staff to help everyone get the most out of the day and
competitions with Olympic-style medals for the winners. David said: ‘We’re already
getting enquiries for 2017!
‘We’re in a beautiful woodland setting which is part of a working 200 acre farm and
have 12 karts, six quad bikes and highly experienced clay pigeon instructors.
‘We have around 500 groups every year, but we never mix the groups, so all our
parties have exclusive use of the facilities they book.
‘I think we’re so popular because Bristol is so easily accessible from all corners of
the country, there’s lots of accommodation, tons of nightlife - and we make sure
everyone has a great time.’
There’s food on site, but many parties choose to do one or two activities in the
morning, head off to one of eight lovely country pubs within easy reach for lunch
and return in the afternoon for another activity.
David said: ‘Lots of the groups get right into the spirit of the day by dressing up
as country ladies or gentlemen and, even if they’ve never tried any of the
activities before, they always have an
action-packed day, which everyone
really enjoys.’
For more information, call 01275 842
225 or 07770 688 918 or visit the
website at www.westonlodge
shootingground.co.uk.
2 6 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
cut out and keep
The Engagement
Traditionally, the first thing to do after telling
your family and close friends about your
forthcoming marriage is to announce your
engagement in your local and/or a national
newspaper. Do check how much it will cost
before you place the announcement.
It will usually read:
The engagement is announced between Michael,
elder son of Mr and Mrs David Jones, of
Downend, Bristol and Jennifer Anne, only
daughter of Mr and Mrs Simon Hayes, of
Marlborough, Wiltshire.
Though the habit of giving engagement presents
has now fallen somewhat into disuse, if you are
lucky enough to receive some, don’t forget to
write and thank the senders.
Getting down
to Business
The very first things you must decide about
your wedding are where, when - and how
much. The most popular days for weddings
are Saturdays and the most popular months are
from May right through to September. If your
plans follow that pattern, be aware that the most
popular venues get booked up very early, so set
the date and book the venues as soon as
possible after your engagement.
Talk to both sets of parents about setting
budgets and who is going to pay for what.
It is increasingly common for bridesmaids to pay
for their own dresses, but if they do you should
allow them some say in what they are going to
wear. If you plan to pay for them yourself, you
can choose their outfits.
Your wedding will probably be the biggest
party you ever throw - which means it will
probably also be the most expensive. So it’s
vital that you set your budget and stick to it.
Nowadays it’s becoming much more common
for the bride and groom themselves and even
the groom’s parents to contribute towards the
cost. Again, whoever is contributing to the
cost should have some say in how the money
is spent.
INSURANCE
Much though we hate to say it, things
can go wrong at a wedding and it’s
some consolation to know that you
won’t lose out financially if they do.
Insurance policies on offer cover everything
from damage to your wedding dress to loss
of deposits due to cancellation of the
Plan ahead for
your perfect day
So how much is it all
going to cost?
Basically, the answer is as much or as little
as you want it to. An intimate ceremony
with lunch in your favourite pub for your
closest family and friends can be every bit as
special as a huge event at a top venue for
hundreds of guests.
If you’re working on a limited budget, decide
what’s most important to you and spend your
money on that. Maybe you want a really
spectacular dress and are prepared to do without
a flashy car to take you to the reception. Or
perhaps you’ve always wanted to arrive at your
wedding in a pony and trap, and will settle for
fewer guests.
Whatever you decide, do remember that many
guests may be coming a long way and spending
a lot of money simply to attend your wedding, so
it’s often better to look after a small number of
people well than to invite more than you can
comfortably cater for.
The important thing is that it’s your day and the
last thing you want to be worrying about is how
you’re going to find the money to pay for it. So
be realistic when you’re setting your budget -
and remember that, with a little imagination, you
can make your money go a lot further.
Your budget will need to cover:
• Wedding ring(s)
• Wedding dress
• Bridesmaids’ and attendants’ outfits
• Groom’s suit
• Stationery
• Flowers
• Fees for the ceremony
• Reception venue, food and drink
• Wedding cake
• Photographs/video
• Wedding transport
• Thank you gifts for best man and attendants
• Going away outfits
• Honeymoon
wedding and theft of wedding presents. Do
get quotes before you decide which one to
take out - and do read the small print to see
exactly what each policy covers.
Should unforeseen circumstances mean the
postponment or cancellation of your
wedding, guests can either be notified by
telephone or by a personal or printed
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
TO ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
- AND THEN SOME...
TRADITIONALLY,
the bride’s parents pay for:
• Announcements in the newspapers
• All the wedding stationery
• Bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses
• Transport for the bridal party to the
ceremony and from the ceremony
to the reception
• Flowers for the church and the reception
• The reception itself
• The wedding cake
The groom
traditionally pays for:
• All the fees - whether for church
officials (including vicar, organist,
choir, bellringers) or for the registrar
and civil licence.
• Bouquets for the bride and
bridesmaids, sprays of flowers for the
bride’s mother and his own mother and
buttonholes for himself, the best man
and the ushers.
• Engagement and wedding rings for the
bride.
• Presents for the best man and the
bride’s attendants.
• Transport to the ceremony for himself
and the best man and to the reception for
himself and the bride
• The honeymoon.
note saying:
Mr and Mrs Simon Hayes announce that the
wedding of their daughter Jennifer Anne to
Mr Michael Jones will be postponed until
(date)/will not now take place. If you have
announced the engagement in the
newspaper, it would be appropriate to place a
similarly worded notice there too.
Planning Makes Perfect
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 2 7
Planning Makes Perfect
The invitations...
Your wedding stationery is the first clue
your guests will have about the style of
your wedding, so it’s worth taking time to
choose something appropriate.
If you’re planning a big formal affair, stiff cards and
high quality envelopes will sing and dance
traditional glamour.
If your wedding theme is vintage or rustic,
you can go for floral decoration or vintage
lace embellishments. Chic and classical?
Try contemporary stripes or bold colours. Going
for a theme? Then match your stationery to it.
Once you’re chosen the style, all your wedding
stationery should be in keeping,
English Rose
The traditional invitation, with the
bride’s mother and father acting as
hosts, is worded as follows:
Mr and Mrs Simon Hayes request the
pleasure of your company at the marriage
of their daughter Jennifer Anne to Mr
Michael Jones at St Benedict’s Church,
Bristol on Saturday August 19th at 2pm
and afterwards at The County Hotel, Bristol
RSVP 10 Marigold Gardens, Bristol
In this form, the names of the guests
are handwritten in the top left hand
corner of the invitation.
Alternatively a space is left in the invitation
for the guests’ names:
presenting a unified theme for the
whole day.
Invitations should be sent out six
weeks before the wedding (see panel
for suggested wording), but many
couples now use an early warning
system in the form of a Save the
Date card – particularly useful if
your wedding is planned for the
busy summer months when some
of your most desired guests are likely to be taking
holidays.
Allow your stationer or printer about three months
to complete your order.
Apart from Save the Date and invitation cards,
you’re going to need order of service sheets (one
for each guest plus a few spares), menus for the
reception, place cards, perhaps a table plan.
It’s always a good idea to include maps with your
invitations to help guests find their way easily, plus
details of where guests can park and, for those
who are coming long distances, a selection of
recommended accommodation.
For guests of the groom’s family, the groom’s
mother should send a list of names and addresses
...and what they should say
Mr and Mrs Simon Hayes request the
pleasure of the company of
........................................................
at the marriage of their daughter
Jennifer Anne (etc)
Invitations for civil ceremonies and
partnerships follow the same pattern.
Make it clear precisely who is being
invited. For a married couple, Mr and
Mrs John Jeffries; for a family, Mr and
Mrs John Jeffries, Jeremy and Jemima.
If you’re hosting the wedding
yourselves, change the
wording accordingly.
BELOW: Invitations by Hand
to the bride’s mother so she can issue the
invitations.
As a matter of courtesy, an invitation should be
sent to the groom’s parents and to the minister
and his wife. When ordering your invitations,
remember you’ll only need one for each family,
plus a few spares for emergencies.
“...It’s always a
good idea to
include maps with
your invitations to
help guests find
their way easily...”
LEFT: English Rose Wedding Stationery
BELOW: Coral Wedding Invitations
Invitations to the evening reception
only should be worded as follows:
Mr and Mrs Simon Hayes request the
pleasure of your company at an
evening reception to celebrate the
marriage of their daughter Jennifer
Anne to Mr Michael Jones at The
County Hotel, Bristol on Saturday
August 19th at 8pm
RSVP 10 Marigold Gardens,
Bristol
2 82 8 • • D RD ER AE M A M W WE DE D IDN I GN SG SI N I N B RB IRS ITS OT L O, L , S OS MO EM RE SR ES T E T & & W IW L ITLS THS IHR IER E
cut out and keep
cut out and keep
REGISTER OFFICE
To marry at a register office or building approved
for civil ceremonies, your first step is to contact
the registrar and/or venue to confirm registrar
and date are available.
Then both bride and groom must each give
notice of the wedding in person at the register
office covering the area where they live (and
where they must have been in residence for at
least seven days).
If you both live in the same district you should
attend the register office together - but whether
you do or not, ring your local office first as many
now operate appointment systems.
Each of you will have to produce evidence of your
name, age, marital status and nationality - for
example, a current valid full passport. If you
don’t have one, you’ll need two documents - for
example a birth certificate and utility bill.
If you have been married before, you’ll need
evidence that you are now free to marry - for
instance a decree absolute or former spouse’s
death certificate.
Photocopies of any documents are not normally
acceptable.
The fee for giving notice is £35.00 each and you
must wait 15 clear days before the wedding.
In exceptional circumstances the Registrar
General may consider waiving the waiting period.
A notice of marriage is valid for 12 months.
THE NORMAL ORDER
OF SERVICE FOR A
CHURCH WEDDING IS:
Entrance of the bride •
Hymn • The marriage • Prayers
Hymn or psalm • Blessing
Signing of the register • Recessional
LICENSED VENUES
Over the past few years since a change
in the law some 2,000 venues
throughout the country have become
licensed to hold civil weddings. They range
from hotels to stately homes, zoos to football
clubs. You still have to give notice of your
intention to marry in the same way as you do
for register office weddings and, in the same
way, you can personalise the ceremony to
suit yourselves although no religious music
is allowed. Though this option costs more
than a register office ceremony - you will
have to pay for the hire of the room and it
costs more to have the registrar travel to you
- it is becoming increasingly popular as the
trend away from church weddings
continues.
The Ceremony
church or civil
Religious or civil, register office or one of the new approved
venues, a wedding can take place on any day of the week
between 8am and 6pm. While most still take place on Saturdays,
Fridays are gaining in popularity allowing guests travelling a fair
distance to make a long weekend of the celebrations.
Church Weddings
The Church of England welcomes couples
who want to marry in church whatever
their beliefs, whether or not they are
christened and whether or not they are regular
churchgoers, though same sex couples are
currently limited to civil ceremonies.
A marriage conducted in church will include
asking for God’s guidance and blessing,
adding a spiritual dimension to the ceremony
which many couples find particularly special
and moving.
Your first step is to find a church, which need
not necessarily be your local one, and arrange
an appointment with the vicar so you can get
to know him or her and complete some forms.
The vicar will explain the church fees and the
system of reading the banns.
Banns are the public announcement of your
marriage and legally must be called in church
for three Sundays during the three months
before the wedding. They have to be read in
the parish where each of you lives and also
in the church where you will marry, if
this is different.
Although the vows you make to each
other in church are those which have
been handed down through
generations, you still have a huge
amount of influence over the service.
You can choose your hymns and
music, readings and what prayers
you would like and family and
friends can contribute to the service.
It’s important to establish early on
what the church’s policy is on
photographs or video being taken
during the service, whether
any secular music is allowed and on
the throwing of confetti within the
church grounds.
Marrying abroad
Combining your wedding with the holiday of a lifetime is gaining in popularity with exotic destinations
luring an increasing number of couples. The sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean, the Maldives and
Bali are among the most popular choices and many tour operators now offer all-inclusive packages.
The legal requirements for each country may differ but generally if a marriage is recognised as legally binding
in the country in which it takes place, it will be recognised in the UK as well. Consult your tour operator and
allow at least three months for all the paperwork to be properly processed.
Second
Marriages
Though the Roman Catholic Church does
not condone divorce, there are some
circumstances in which the Church of
England will marry divorced people, so it’s
worth consulting your vicar. Even if you are
limited to a civil ceremony, some ministers
will offer a Service of Blessing afterwards.
Ask too about other couples marrying on the
same day as it may be possible to share
the cost of the church flowers.
Religious services in churches outside the
established Church of England require a
licence from the authorised registrar of your
area and will have different requirements, so
see your priest or minister as early as possible.
PHOTO BY ROSIE CUTBILL PHOTOGRAPHY
Planning Makes Perfect
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 2 9
Planning Makes Perfect
The Best Man
If the bride is the star of the wedding show, the
best man is the kingpin of a successful wedding
day, so make sure your groom chooses him with
care. However tempting it might be to choose the
joker who’s the life and soul of every party, you’re
far better off with someone who will take
his responsibilities seriously, keep all the
organisation under control and leave you
to enjoy your day without any niggling
worries about how many guests have
been stranded at the church. The part that
worries most best men is the speech, but
that should be the least of their problems.
The best man’s job, in a nutshell, is to
support the groom both in the run-up to
the wedding and on the day itself.
Before the wedding,
the best man should:
• Make sure he keeps himself up to date with all the
arrangements, liaising regularly with the groom and
the bride’s family
• Check the hiring, cleaning or collecting of suits for
himself and the groom
• Check the ordering of the flowers for the bride and
her attendants, sprays for the two mothers and
buttonholes for himself, the groom and other
immediate members of the families
• Check the printing and collection of order of service
sheets and make sure that the ushers know what
their duties are
• Check arrangements for the first night and
honeymoon are in place and that necessary
passports and visas are in order
• Organise the groom’s stag night - preferably some
days in advance of the wedding - and make sure the
groom gets home safely afterwards
• Check the rings have been collected
• Check the transport for the bridal party both to the
ceremony and from there to the reception
• Organise accommodation for the groom and
himself the night before the wedding
• He might also be asked to help with
accommodation for guests and to liaise with
live musicians or disco both before and during
the reception.
PHOTO BY BRUNEL PHOTOGRAPHY BRISTOL
On the day
• Take the groom’s going away clothes to the
reception venue
• Check the service sheets are delivered to the church
for the ushers to hand out to guests as they arrive
• Make sure the groom arrives for the ceremony in
good time
• Hold the ring(s) until the appropriate moment in the
ceremony when they should be handed to the
groom or the minister
• Pay all the church fees on the groom’s behalf before
the ceremony
• Sign the register as a witness to the marriage
• Get the bridal party together for photographs
• Make sure the ushers arrange lifts to the reception
for any guests who need them
• Escort the bride and groom to the bridal
car and then escort the bridesmaids to
the reception
• Liaise with the toastmaster or, if there isn’t
one, assume those duties himself - these
include announcing the speeches and the
cutting of the cake
• Reply to the groom’s toast to the bridesmaids
with a brief, polite and - if possible - funny
speech before reading out the cards and
telegrams
• Announce the newlyweds’
departure from the reception and
ensure they have all their tickets and
luggage
• Make sure all the guests have
transport to their accommodation
• Arrange for any wedding presents
taken to the reception to be taken
home
• Take the groom’s wedding clothes
from the reception and, if necessary,
return hired suits.
The speech
When it comes to the speech, all the
advice is: Resist the temptation to tell any juicy
stories whatsoever from the couple’s past. The
escapades may have been hilarious, but now is not
the time for embarrassing reminders about past
romances or past quarrels between the happy pair.
Because the best man’s speech is generally
regarded as the prime entertainment at the
reception, getting it together can be a daunting
prospect - but don’t panic. If you can tell jokes -
clean ones, please - that’s fine, but a short, polite
and sincere speech wishing the couple every
happiness will fit the bill just as well.
Unless you’re experienced at this sort of thing, write
down exactly what you want to say and practise it.
Don’t be tempted to wing it onthe day.
The three essential parts of the speech are to
thank the groom on behalf of the bridesmaids for
his kind words about them, to read the cards and
telegrams that have arrived and to announce the
cutting of the cake.
The chief bridesmaid
The bride’s equivalent of a best man also needs to be chosen with care as it is she who will support the bride
in the run-up to the ceremony and on the day itself. Though her duties aren’t as arduous as those of her male
equivalent, they’re every bit as important in ensuring the bride has a worry-free day.
THE CHIEF BRIDESMAID:
• Arranges the hen
night and make
sure the bride gets
home safely
• Arranges for the
bride’s going away
outfit and
honeymoon luggage
to be taken to the
reception venue
• Helps the bride to
dress for the
ceremony
• Makes sure the flowers and bouquets have arrived
on schedule
• Supervises the other bridesmaids and attendants
and assembles
them at the church ready for the
arrival of the bride
• Arranges the bride’s dress and
veil before the
procession down the aisle
• Takes the bride’s bouquet at
the start of the wedding
service
and carries it to the vestry
ready to give back to the bride
after the signing of the
register
• Keeps an eye on young attendants during the reception
• Helps the bride change from her wedding dress into
her going away outfit
• Arranges for the wedding dress to be returned
home
PHOTO BY PHOTOGRAPHS BY NIK
3 0 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
THE USHERS
Church weddings normally have three
ushers who should arrive at the
church about 40 minutes before the
wedding is due to start.
Their principal job is to hand out the order
of service sheets to guests as they arrive
and show them to their seats - friends and
family of the bride on the left of the aisle,
friends and family of the groom on
the right.
They should make sure one of them pays
special attention to the groom’s parents and
the bride’s mother as they arrive and
escorts them to their places.
They should also help the best man
organise lifts to the reception for guests
who may need them.
Planning Makes Perfect
cut out and keep
cut out and keep
Who does what
- and when...
If you think military precision takes the fun out of a
wedding, you’d be wrong. The essence of a trouble-free
day is that everyone knows where they’re supposed
to be and what they’re supposed to be doing.
Your civil
ceremony explained
Gone are the days when a civil marriage was a
hasty 15-minute affair, conducted in a small
room at the register office. Nowadays many
register offices have light, spacious ceremony
rooms or suites accommodating reasonably large
wedding parties and even a separate bride’s
waiting room and garden for photographs.
A large number of venues are now also licensed
for civil ceremonies and the only major restriction
is that no religious music or reading may be used.
Otherwise, you may personalise your ceremony in
terms of vows, readings, music, dedicating
candles and lots more. The registrar will offer help
and advice in planning your ceremony and will
normally meet you a few weeks in advance to go
over the format which could be:
• Pre-arrival music
• Entrance music
• Welcome by the registrar
• Reading
• Legal declarations and vows
• Promises and exchange of rings
• Signing the register
• Reading or music
• Presentation of the certificate
• Leaving music
You can also have a ‘dual’ ceremony – after a
short ceremony at the register office to fulfil the
legal requirements, you can have a further
ceremony of your choosing in front of family and
friends on the beach or in a woodland glade, for
instance.
Most registrars will try to be as flexible as
possible to accommodate individual requests
and they will lead you through your declarations,
vows and promises.
The one thing you must do is agree all of your
selections in advance to ensure they comply with
the law.
GOODBYE AND
GOOD LUCK
The bride and groom should always be
the first to leave the reception.
The best man announces their
departure after they have changed into
their going away clothes and, if the
bride is going to throw her bouquet,
she should do so just before she
leaves for her honeymoon.
At the Reception
The formal receiving line at the reception should take
the following order:
Bride’s parents
Groom’s parents
Bride and Groom
Chief bridesmaid
and best man
After the meal, the best man (or toastmaster, if
you have one) introduces the speeches in the
following order:
The bride’s father (or an old family friend)
always speaks first, welcoming the guests to the
reception and his new son-in-law to the family.
He will complement the bride and often thanks
her mother for their many happy years together.
He ends by proposing the toast to the bride and
groom.
The groom replies to his father-in-law’s toast, thanking
him and the bride’s mother for their daughter, for their
welcome into the family and for the reception (the
wording can be discreetly changed here if the
newlyweds and/or the groom’s parents have contributed
to the expense).
He thanks the guests for coming to celebrate the day
and for the presents they have given. He thanks his best
man and the bride’s attendants for the help they have
given to the bride. He then proposes the toast to the
bridesmaids.
Now girl power is more firmly established, it is not
uncommon now for the bride to say a few words
and if she chooses to do so, she should speak after
her new husband. This is a good opportunity for her
Order of service
The order of service is variable and your
minister or priest will advise you. Often a
hymn is sung after the bride’s procession,
followed by readings and an address by the
minister.
The marriage itself follows. The minister asks:
“Who giveth this woman to be married to this
man?” and the bride’s father silently gives his
daughter’s right hand to the minister, who passes
it to the groom.
The bride’s father takes his seat beside the bride’s
mother.
The vows are made and the best man may either
pass the ring(s) to the groom or they may be
placed on the minister’s prayer book before he
passes them to the groom.
Arrival at the
church
The ushers should arrive about 40 minutes before
the ceremony is due to begin
The groom and best man should arrive about 15
minutes before the ceremony is due to begin
The bridesmaids and attendants should arrive about
five minutes before the ceremony is due to begin
The bride’s mother should be the last to arrive before
the bride - when she is shown to her seat that is a signal
to the congregation that the wedding is about to start
The bride will be met on her arrival at the church by the
minister, who precedes the bride and her father down
the aisle As the congregation rises, the groom and best
man take their places at the chancel steps. The order of
the bride’s procession is: Minister, Bride on her father’s
right arm, Attendants.
PHOTO BY JACKY BADENHORST
PHOTOGRAPHY
to thank all the people who have helped her plan the
big day, to thank her own parents for all their support
and to thank the groom’s parents for welcoming her
into their family.
Last of the speeches is always the best man, who
replies to the groom’s toast to the bridesmaids,
wishes the happy couple well, read the cards and
telegrams and announces the cutting of the cake.
Many weddings now include an evening dance or
disco. Before it begins, the best man should make
sure the bride and groom are ready to take the floor
first, followed by the bride’s parents, the groom’s
parents, the best man and chief bridesmaid.
The best man then returns to his seat.
After the ceremony, the minister leads the
couple to the altar for prayers, possibly a hymn
or psalm and a final blessing. The minister then
leads the couple to the vestry to sign the register
and they are usually joined by their parents, the
best man and the chief bridesmaid. The signing
of the register must be witnessed by two adults
and it is at this point that the bride raises her veil.
While this is taking place, the choir may sing or
the organist play a piece of music.
The bridal procession then leaves the church in
the following order:
Bride and groom
Young attendants
Chief bridesmaid with the best man
Bride’s mother with the groom’s father
Groom’s mother with the bride’s father.
If you are having bells, they will peal out at
this point.
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 3 1
Planning Makes Perfect
Those all-important
The Photographs
If you’re anything like most brides, your
wedding day will fly by all too quickly and the
best way of reliving it in the months and years
to come will be through your photographs.
Though lots of your friends and family will take
pictures on the day, it’s always a good idea to
book a professional photographer for shots you
can look back on with pleasure.
Your choice of photographer should be based on
whether you like the type of work he or she does.
Visit a selection and ask to see examples of their
work from recent weddings. See how the
photographer has chosen his settings and make
sure there’s a mixture of different types of shots.
If the firm you visit employs several
photographers, find out who has taken the
pictures you like best and make sure you book
that specific photographer for your day - and
find out what happens if that photographer is
suddenly not available.
Discuss whether you want formally posed shots,
or whether you would like the photographer to
take informal pictures as they happen. Find out
whether proofs will be available at the reception.
Your photographer may well know the church
and the reception venue you have chosen, but if
he doesn’t, check he will visit both before the
day so he can choose the best locations.
Make sure you get a written quotation which
specifies exactly how many
photographs will be taken, at
what points during the day and
how much extra prints
will cost.
If you want photographs taken
in the church, check that the
priest is happy for this to
happen and at what points
during the service.
details
The Cake
Ideally your cake should be ordered at least
three months before the wedding. Though
the tradition is for a multi-tiered fruit cake,
the rich variety of styles and designs now
means you can have anything from
profiteroles to a rich chocolate fudge. The
only thing to remember is that it will have to
be big enough to give everyone a slice at the
reception and to send slices to absent friends.
Traditionally the top tier of a wedding cake
was kept for the christening of the first child -
if you want to follow that tradition, you’ll have
to opt for a cake that will last that long. Ask to
see designs of wedding cake and find out
whether bakers will create one to your own
specifications. Try to match the style of cake
to the style of your wedding - and remember
The Transport
It’s lovely to have a luxury chauffeur-driven
limousine to drive you to the ceremony - and
it’s also a practical choice. You can be sure
you’ll arrive on time and with all that room in the
car, you won’t have to worry about your dress
getting creased.
The Video
Much the same advice applies to choosing a videographer as to
choosing a photographer. Make sure you see samples of recent work,
make sure the videographer you get is the one whose work you like
best. Again check with the priest first whether he is prepared to give
permission for filming during the ceremony.
PHOTO BY JACKY
BADENHORST PHOTOGRAPHY
that you can save money on the reception by
choosing a wedding cake which will double as
a dessert. If you do this, you might want to
cut your cake early at the reception, so it can
be cut up ready to serve at the appropriate
time. You will need the cake to be delivered to
the reception venue on the morning of the
wedding - and don’t forget to check that the
venue has a cake stand and knife you can use.
Normally the best man drives the groom to the
ceremony and then takes the car to the reception.
But you will need transport for the bride’s mother
and bridesmaids (who usually travel together)
and for the bride and her father to the ceremony
and for the principals from the ceremony to the
reception. Whether you want a traditional Rolls
Royce, a classic Daimler, a convertible Cadillac,
a stretch limo or even a horse and carriage,
contact a variety of companies in your
area and ask to see the cars themselves,
not just pictures of them. Some
companies offer a service which
includes flowers in the cars and a glass
of champagne for the bride and groom
on their way to the reception.
Check exactly what’s included in the
price and get a written quotation.
The Flowers
PHOTO BY
BRUNEL PHOTOGRAPHY BRISTOL
The cost of your flowers depends very much on the time of year, so if you want a huge display
don’t choose the middle of winter when you’ll have to pay a fortune for sufficient blooms.
Spring and early summer are when the biggest choice of blooms is available - it’s something of
a myth that flowers are easy to come by in the height of summer - though at other times of year
dramatic effects can be achieved with foliage.
Your florist will help you match both the colours and the arrangement of your flowers to the style of
the wedding, teasing out the shades of your bridesmaids’ dresses, matching the men’s buttonholes
and styling the arrangements for both church and reception to help you create an atmosphere which
may be country style, dreamily romantic, classically elegant or even based on a theme.
cut out and keep
3 2 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
cut out and keep
As this is likely to be the most expensive
part of your wedding day, it’s important
to set the standard early on in your
planning. Popular venues get booked up
well in advance, particularly on Saturdays during
the peak wedding months so make sure of your
choice by booking as early as you can. Do also
make sure you confirm all the details with the
venue in writing, paying
particular attention to what
is included in the price.
Depending on your budget,
you can have anything from
a buffet catered for at home
by family and friends to
hiring outside caterers for a
church or village hall to a
formal sit-down meal at a
hotel followed by an evening
dance.
A sit-down meal is obviously
the most expensive option,
but there are all sorts of
alternatives from drinks and
canapes to a buffet or even a
barbecue. Whichever you
choose, do make sure there are plenty of chairs for
people to sit down while they’re eating - standing up
balancing a drink and a plate while trying to eat is
virtually never comfortable for guests.
If you choose a hotel, do try to eat there and sample
the food before making your booking. Check such
details as corkage, parking space and whether the
hotel will offer a cake stand and knife and a room for
the bride and groom to change into their going away
outfits. Many hotels offer a package which includes
the services of a toastmaster and a complimentary
room for the first night of the honeymoon. Once you
have chosen your venue, confirm in writing what you
understand is included in the price.
Drinks for your guests will take up a large
part of your budget. It’s reasonable to
assume each will drink one or two glasses
on arrival at the reception, three or four
glasses with their meal and another glass
with the toasts.
A right royal reception
Whether it’s a small buffet for a few close family and friends or a lavish do at the
smartest of venues, your reception is the big celebration of your wedding - a
chance for people to share your happiness and an opportunity for you to thank
them for their presents and for coming to see you married.
PHOTO BY
PAT COOPER
PHOTOGRAPHY
Though champagne is the traditional
wedding drink, you can offer sherry,
Pimms or Bucks Fizz on arrival and wine
with the meal, saving the champagne - or,
indeed a good sparkling wine - for the
toasts. For reference, you will get between
Chief bridesmaid
10 and 12 glasses of sherry to each bottle and
between six and eight glasses of wine or champagne
per bottle. Do remember to provide plenty of soft
drinks for children and adults who prefer them or
who may be driving. Allow between half and one
litre per person.
There can be a long break between ceremony and
reception while photographs are being taken and
some couples are now offering a glass of sherry
outside the church and perhaps live music to
entertain guests as they arrive at the reception.
The usual order of events at the reception is:
The receiving line
The meal
Speeches and toasts
Cutting of the cake (though some couples prefer to
do this before the speeches to allow it to be cut and
served)
Departure of bride and groom
If you are having a sit-down meal, it is essential to
Top Table Seating Plan
Groom’s father
Bride’s mother
Groom
Bride
Bride’s father
Groom’s mother
Best Man
have a seating plan. Try to put together tables of
people who you think will get on well together. The
top table seating plan for a sit-down meal is shown
below.
Don’t feel hidebound by what you think a traditional
wedding breakfast should consists of - nowadays
anything goes, from bangers and mash and jam
roly-poly to pasta with wedding cake for dessert.
of love poems.
It’s also worth remembering
you may need to cater for
vegetarians or guests on
special diets.
Do give considerable thought
to the room and table
decorations and the lighting at
your reception. Flowers
should match the theme
colours of the wedding and
a little money spent
on atmospheric lighting
can make an enormous
difference.
Favours for guests range from
the traditional small baskets
of sugared almonds or
fortune cookies to little books
Crackers and balloons always help create an
atmosphere and many couple now put a disposable
camera on each table, so guests can record for you
the parts of your reception that you missed on the
day!
If you are having a number of small children at your
wedding, it’s worth giving some thought as to
whether you can organise a creche - both to stop
the youngsters getting bored and to give their
parents a chance to enjoy themselves without
worrying about what their offspring are up to.
WHATEVER THE SIZE OF
YOUR RECEPTION, it’s always nice to
have a formal or semi-formal receiving
line to welcome your guests. This
ensures that you get the chance to
meet everybody and accept their
congratulations.
The bride’s parents, as the hosts are
usually first in the receiving line,
followed by the groom’s parents, the
bride and groom and then the
bridesmaids and attendants.
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 3 3
Planning Makes Perfect
Photo by www.PhotographsbyNik.co.uk
Brides!
Last chance
to vote..!
supporting The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation,
which funds and organises weddings for couples
affected by terminal and life-limiting illnesses
WEDDING SUPPLIERS...
Last chance to register!
The Bristol and Somerset Awards are free to enter, and open to
all wedding suppliers. Simply fill out the entry form on the
awards website, let your couples know that you are registered,
and prepare to receive those votes.
For full details, visit
www.bristolandsomersetweddingawards.co.uk
Sponsored by:
wEDDINGS
dream
Closing date for entries
31st December, 2016
magazine
3 4 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
Did your wedding suppliers go the extra
mile for your big day? Well, there’s no
better way to thank them than giving
them your vote in the Bristol & Somerset
Wedding Awards. Visit the website and
you can vote in as many categories as
you like. Your votes will form the basis
of the judges final decisions.
...but Hurry!
Voting closes on January 17th, 2017
SUNDAY 22nd JANUARY 2017 THE WELLSWAY
Harptree Hill, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6EJ - 1 until 4pm
The Wellsway is a bygone somerset cider house and wayside Inn
ideally located for Bath and North East Somerset, on the edge of the Mendip Hills,
above Chew Valley, near West Harptree, and close to Wells, Bath, and
Bristol. It's a Somerset countryside venue available for exclusive hire.
www.thewellsway.co.uk
SUNDAY 26th FEBRUARY AND 17th SEPTEMBER 2017 FUTURE INN
Cabot Circus, Bond St S, Bristol BS1 3EN - 11 until 2 pm
Future Inn is a bright contemporary hotel located in the heart of Bristol
right next to Cabot Circus. This hotel is a hidden gem and offers a huge
wedding space and this will be a really super fair
www.futureinns.co.uk/bristol
SUNDAY 19TH MARCH 2017 HOLIDAY INN BRISTOL CITY CENTRE
Bond Street, Bristol, BRISTOL, BS1 3LE - 11 until 2 pm
This four star hotel is a five minute walk from Cabot Circus and offers an
excellent location for brides on a budget.
www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/bristol/brscc/hoteldetail
SUNDAY 23rd APRIL HUNTSHAM COURT
Huntsham, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7NA - 2 until 6 pm
This is a high end, luxury, exclusive wedding venue set in the Devonshire
countryside. This grade 2 listed Victorian Gothic mansion is beautifully
decorated and is an internationally renowned wedding destination
www.huntshamcourt.co.uk
Wedding Exhibition
Sunday 15th January 2017
at The Bristol Marriott Royal,
College Green 11am – 3pm
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
CATWALK SHOWS AT 12 and 2pm
For FREE TICKETS, please visit
www.weddingworldexhibitions.co.uk
e: sandra@weddingworldexhibitions.co.uk
Our Wedding Shows...
08/01/17, Chiseldon House, 12noon to 4pm
08/01/17, The Royal Agricultural University
(Cirencester), 11am to 3pm
15/01/17, The Crown of Crucis, 11am to 3pm
22/01/17, Westonbirt School, 11am to 3pm
29/01/17, Marsh Farm Hotel, 11am to 3pm
05/02/17, Wellington Barn, 11am to 3pm
12/02/17, Swindon Marriott Hotel, 11am to 3pm
12/02/17, The Neeld (Chippenham), 11am to 3pm
19/02/17, Village Urban Resort, 11am to 3pm
19/02/17, The Manor Barn (Winterbourne Stoke) 11am to 3pm
05/03/17, Wrag Barn, 11am to 3pm
Tel: 01793 238921
e: hello@whitewed.co.uk • www.whitewed.directory
3 6 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
11am - 3pm, unless specified
FREE BUCKS FIZZ • FREE GIFT BAGS • FREE ADMISSION
Christmas Special
Bristol Zoo Clifton Pavilion
Sunday 4th December 2016
Hilton Swindon
Sunday 15th January 2017
Tithe Barn, Dunster
Sunday 22nd January 2017
*Brand New Venue*
Bristol Harbour Hotel
Sunday 29th January 2017
Cheltenham Park Hotel
Sunday 5th February 2017
Cotswold Water Park Hotel
Near Cirencester / Swindon
Sunday 19th February 2017
Farrington Park, Somerset
Sunday 26th February 2017
Tortworth Court Hotel
Near Bristol / Gloucester
Sunday 5th March 2017
The Bishops
Palace, Wells
Sunday 12th March 2017
M Shed, Bristol
Sunday 19th March 2017
Charlton House,
Shepton Mallet
Sunday 2nd April 2017
The Bristol Golf Club
Sunday 9th April 2017
For more information about all other events, please visit:
PHOTO BY ROSIE CUTBILL PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY PHOTOGRAPHS BY NIK
Get it in black &white
PHOTO BY PAT COOPER
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY BRUNEL
PHOTOGRAPHY BRISTOL
PHOTO BY
ROSIE CUTBILL
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY
JACKY BADENHORST
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY
BEN ARRIGONI
PHOTOGRAPHY
3 8 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
PHOTO BY PAT COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY PHOTOGRAPHS BY NIK
PHOTO BY BEN ARRIGONI PHOTOGRAPHY
It’s the new colour!
PHOTO BY BRUNEL PHOTOGRAPHY BRISTOL
PHOTO BY
PHOTOGRAPHS
BY NIK
PHOTO BY
ROSIE CUTBILL
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY BRUNEL
PHOTOGRAPHY BRISTOL
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 3 9
‘For a
hairstyle
that’s as
individual
as you...’
Call Nicole: 07817914679
e: hairbooknicole@hotmail.com
www.facebook.com/
HairbookNicoleStephanie
Tel: 07880 541894
www.sallysmakeup.co.uk
4 0 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
BELOW & RIGHT:
HAIR BY NICOLE STEPHANIE AT THE HAIRBOOK
Hey, good
looking!
BELOW: MAKE-UP BY SALLY BRACEY MAKE-UP ARTIST
Your hair and make-up artists can only work
with what you present them with, so start
your pre-wedding beauty regime as soon as
you’ve set the date. You are what you eat, so
eat properly, make sure you get your five portions a
day of fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water.
Set aside a night a week to pamper yourself.
Thoroughly cleanse, tone and moisturise your face,
using an exfoliator to clear away the dead skin cells.
Soak in a relaxing bath and use a body brush or scrub.
Wash your hair in a good shampoo and, if necessary,
give it a conditioning treatment.
Give yourself a pedicure and a manicure. And
moisturise!
Once you’ve chosen your perfume for the big day,
treat yourself to all the accessories. Soap or gel, body
lotion, talc and deodorant with the same scent layers
the perfume on your skin and ensures your fragrance
lasts the whole day.
And on the big day, give your Mum or chief
bridesmaid your perfume, powder, lipstick and a
small can of hairspray to carry with them so you can
make any minor repairs necessary.
BELOW: HAIR BY KIRSTY AT DESIRE
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 4 1
Mother of the Bride
& Groom specialist
• Mature Brides
• Bridesmaids
• Prom & Evening Wear
• Accessories
• Hats to buy or hire
Tel: 0117 9504909
50, High Street,
Westbury On Trym, Bristol BS9 3DZ
www.ladiesdaybristol.co.uk
Release
your
www.rosiecutbillphotography.co.uk
07958 984554 | 01672 540520
info@rosiecutbillphotography.co.uk
She’s the second most important lady of
the day and at a formal wedding she’s
the hostess, so the Mother of the Bride
can have almost as much fun choosing
her outfit as the bride herself. Mums look, feel
and act much younger than they used to – they
may be Mums, but they don’t want to look
mumsy. And when it comes to dressing for your
daughter’s (or your son’s) wedding there are
only a few rules to bear in mind.
CO-ORDINATE YOUR COLOURS:
with the bridesmaids’ outfits and with the
Mother of the Groom – you don’t want to stick
out like a sore thumb in the photographs.
BE YOURSELF:
Buy an outfit that makes you feel like a million
dollars, but that you’re comfortable wearing.
Traditional tailored Mother of the Bride outfits
are stunning, but if they’re not you, go for
something that is.
4 2 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
LEFT, RIGHT
& BELOW:
VENI INFANTINO AT
LADIES DAY IN
WESTBURY ON TRYM
inner
Yummy
Mummy
If you’re happiest in trousers, top them with an
elegant, floaty coat and choose a fabulous top to
change into for the evening reception.
ACCESSORISE CAREFULLY:
The most beautiful outfits can be completely spoiled
by the wrong accessories. When you go to choose
your hat, bag and shoes, take your outfit with you
and try the whole ensemble together so you can see
the full effect.
WHAT ABOUT A HAT?
It’s the finishing touch to your outfit, but if it’s an
informal wedding or you just don’t feel right, try the
wonderful feather fascinators which are so popular
and so easy to wear. If you’ve spent a fortune on
your outfit and can’t justify buying a hat, think about
hiring one.
CABOTINE AT
SPECIAL DAY &
APPLETONS IN
KEYNSHAM
WEAR IN YOUR SHOES:
You’re going to be doing a lot of standing on the day
and, if you’re feet are hurting, it’s going to show on
your face.
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 4 3
Ben Ford Carriages
C A R S O F C L A S S
AS SEEN IN POLDARK!
Special cars for
special occasions
Providing you with professional
chauffeur-driven cars
Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Mercedes
4 & 6 door Limousines
Covering the Southwest
Tel: 01823 480898 or 07733 362762
www.carsofclass.co.uk
Established 1965
Specialising in high quality
horse drawn turnouts.
Selection of traditional carriages and
glass coaches complete with
matching pairs of beautiful horses.
Telephone 01278 652498
Mobile 07831 517097
www.benfordcarriages.co.uk
4 4 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
BEN FORD CARRIAGES
Making
an entrance...
CARS OF CLASS
Loving the BBC’s Poldark series? Now you
can feel like Demelza or Elizabeth Poldark
on your wedding day by travelling in one
of their carriages. Somerset-based Ben Ford,
regularly used by television and film
companies, supplied all the immaculate horsedrawn
carriages for the series
The family-run business was launched in 1965
by Ben Ford after he retired from the Royal
Horse Artillery and is now run by his niece
Maria Bisset.
The carriages are pulled by a matching pair of
horses - either greys or blacks. All the turnouts
come complete with a driver and groom in
matching livery consisting of top hat, livery
jackets, breeches and long black boots.
For more details, call 01278 652498 or visit
www.benfordcarriages.co.uk.
Agrand occasion needs to be approached in grand style - and
there’s no more luxurious wedding transport than a British
classic Rolls Royce. Taunton-based Cars of Class offers two
immaculate Rolls Royces, two stunning Mercedes and a stylish Jaguar
to choose from for your wedding transport.
Contact them to see how they can add those finishing touches to make
your wedding transport as individual as you are.
For details, call 01823 480898 or visit the website at
www.carsofclass.co.uk.
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 4 5
▼ Haselbury Mill, near Crewkerne
The Great Tithe Barn is one of Somerset’s most inspiring
wedding venues and best keep secrets, but it’s far from
the only option for couples planning to tie the knot at
Haselbury Mill.
This unique venue is set in 17 acres of magnificently tended
gardens and grounds and surrounded by well established trees
and lakes.
And it offers the complete answer for a traditional country wedding,
whether you’re planning a discreet celebration or a huge party
with 500 guests.
The mill’s civil ceremony licence means you can be married in the
spectacular Lakeside Room, outdoors in the beautiful Belvedere or
in the Great Tithe Barn. The barn is built to a traditional plan and
offers a unique and truly individual location for your special day.
Follow the ceremony with a meal in the galleried restaurant or a
wedding breakfast and evening party or hog roast in the Tithe Barn.
The award winning head chef and his team, complemented by
enthusiastic management and waiting teams, will ensure your day
passes smoothly and without drama.
And afterwards, Haselbury Mill offers a total of 21 individually
styled bedrooms – including a bridal suite.
Haselbury is just seconds from the A30 near Crewkerne.
Special packages are availalbe for intimate or midweek weddings.
For further details call 01460 77095 or visit the website at
www.haselburymill.co.uk.
4 6 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
▼ Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh
dreamvenues
▼ Clifton College, Bristol
Leigh Court is one of the south west’s most
prestigious wedding venues: a Grade II* listed
mansion house, set in 25 acres of stunning
private parkland, providing the perfect backdrop to
your day.
The impressive interior boasts a bold Greek revival
style with stylish and striking 19th century decor.
Traditional original features, such as the grand
double staircase in the Great Hall, create a
showstopping bridal entrance – especially when
accompanied by the beautiful resonance of the
original pipe organ.
At Leigh Court, the service is as unique as the
venue. With only one wedding per day, you are
assured undivided attention and their wedding coordinator
will work with you to ensure all your
wishes are catered for so you can relax and enjoy
your day.
Depending on your wishes, and the number of
guests, Leigh Court offers a choice of intimate or
spacious suites, or total exclusivity of the entire
ground floor. Alternatively, receptions can be held in
a marquee in the grounds.
In-house award winning caterers Berry Blue will
help you plan the wedding menu and their culinary
artists will create a winning combination of fresh,
local ingredients and tried and tested (by you)
recipes.
Leigh Court offers a variety of wedding packages for
any budget and style, providing truly affordable
luxury, in the heart of the Westcountry and within
easy reach of Bristol city centre and the M4 and M5
motorways.
To find out more and arrange a visit, call 0844 704
6961, email enquiry@leighcourt.co.uk or visit
www.leighcourt.co.uk.
Clifton College offers a uniquely beautiful
and prestigious setting in the heart of
the Georgian splendour of Bristol. With
the spectacular backdrop of the school
buildings and large green Close, it is hard to
find a more beautiful venue that offers you
picturesque space in a city centre location.
From the moment you make your first enquiry,
right up to the special day, they will ensure that
you receive the best service catered to your
individual needs, and make your celebration
exactly how you imagined it to be.
For more details, or to fully appreciate
the service, setting and surroundings
that Clifton College has to offer, call
0117 315 7669 or visit the website at
www.eventsatclifton.com.
▼ Westonbirt House, near Tetbury
Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, in 210 acres
of perfect parkland, Westonbirt House is a
stunning venue for weddings.
The Grade I listed building can comfortably seat up
to 120 in the Great Hall or Dining Room.
For larger celebrations, a marquee can be erected
on the extensive level terrace, next to the
main house.
Smaller parties revel in the intimacy of the Reading
Room or the delightful Camellia House, next to the
Italian Gardens.
Westonbirt hosts only one wedding per day, so you
and your guests have the exclusive use of all of the
function rooms and access to the beautifully
landscaped grounds, which provide stunning
locations for your photographs.
Westonbirt aims to take care of all your requests
during the planning and lead up to your wedding so
that you and your guests can relax and enjoy the
day.
For more details or to book a viewing, call 01666
881338 or visit www.westonbirtweddings.com.
PHOTO BY BRUNEL
PHOTOGRAPHY BRISTOL
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 4 7
The World Heritage City of Bath is the
perfect setting to celebrate the most
important day of your life.
Weston Super Mare
Register office
Our Registration Team will help you create a
beautiful and meaningful ceremony to help
you celebrate your special day.
For all enquires please call 01225 477234 or
e: register_office@bathnes.gov.uk
www.bathweddings.co.uk
Choice of ceremony rooms
Courtyard garden for photographs
Bookings can be made a year in advance
Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road,
Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ
;Tel: 01934 427552 • www.n-somerset.gov.uk
4 8 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 4 9
E S T A B L I S H E D O V E R 1 5 Y E A R S
GIVE YOUR WEDDING THE WOW FACTOR!
Marquees * Chairs and Furniture * Dance Floors
Lighting * Heating * Catering Equipment
For a personal plan and quotation please contact us
01666 577500
www.richardsonmarquees.co.uk
hire@richardsonmarquees.co.uk
• Balloon & Flower
Decorations
• Chair cover and sash hire
• Starlight Backdrop hire
• Ceiling Drapery
• Candy Buffet
• Table centrepieces for hire
• Stationery & favours
SHOP 67, SANDY PARK ROAD, BRISLINGTON BS4 3PQ
Tel: 0117 966 9990
www.enchantedweddingsbristol.com
Brunel Photography
Bristol
Contact Kirsty on 07776 071702 • www.brunelphotographybristol.co.uk
5 0 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
MARQUEES BY RICHARDSON MARQUEES
Adding the
Wow! factor
There’s something special about a
wedding reception in a marquee.
Perhaps it’s the feeling of being
outdoors, indoors. Or the
atmosphere generated by softly draped
walls and ceilings. Perhaps it’s the fact
that the bride can choose the whole decor
to match her bridal colours. Or simply that
the whole occasion is so different.
Marquees are now so popular that you
must book at least six months in advance
to guarantee your chosen date. And don’t
think that’s restricted to summer. Modern heating is
so efficient, it can keep a marquee warm on the
coldest of days.
Team ivory wall and ceiling linings with coloured
swags, curtains and overlays in your wedding
colours and echo the colours in your table settings
and chair covers.
Creative lighting can range from chandeliers and
soft uplighters to disco balls and blackout linings
with twinkle lights.
Carpeted flooring, a wooden dance floor, fully
equipped bar – and separate catering tent and
luxury loos – complete the individual picture.
And the joy of a marquee doesn’t end until you want
it to. You have total freedom over the timings, the
drinks, the entertainment – and if the mood takes
you, you can party away well into the small hours.
Acomplete venue decoration service,
incorporating everything from balloons
and flowers to stationery, chair cover hire
to a candy buffet and all manner of special
touches from starlight backdrops to ceiling
draping, candelabras and ostrich feathers to
wishing well hire: Enchanted Weddings offers a
personal and completely flexible service.
Run by the appropriately-named Carollyn Magic, the
Bristol-based company can transform your venue,
working with you to create a personal and unique
atmosphere.
Carollyn said: ‘We know
that the small things make
a big difference, so our
attention to detail is
second to none. We will
meet you at the venue or at
our home office, when
we can discuss your
requirements and you
can browse through our
portfolio.
‘We can do as much or as
little decoration as you
choose and on the day
itself, we’ll ensure that all
the decorating is picture
perfect, so you can relax and enjoy yourself.’
Enchanted Weddings also specialises in Asian
wedding decor.
For more information, call 0117 966 9990
or visit the website at
www.enchantedweddingsbristol.com.
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 5 1
The Royal Hotel
Our Bimbeck Suite, with its sweeping bay
windows, boasts idyllic sea views across
Weston Bay and our extensive lawns, making
it the perfect setting for your special day
We hold a Civil Wedding & Civil
Partnership licence, enabling you to
simplify your arrangements, by holding
all aspects of your special day in one ven
Midweek All Inclusive Weddings
now available for only £1995
Every wedding is inclusive of:
Red carpet arrival
Table linen
Coloured napkins
Table scatter crystals
Dressed top table & cake table
Cake stand and cake knife hire
Ambient lighting
Master of ceremonies
Background music
Private lounge and bar area
Preferential accommodation rates
Complimentary Bridal suite
1 South Parade, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS23 1JP 01934 423100
reservations@royalhotelweston.com • www.royalhotelweston.com
▼ Kingswood, Bath
With magnificent views over
the city, Kingswood
venues are among Bath’s
best kept secrets – and you can
have exclusive use of this tranquil,
completely private setting for your
wedding reception.
Smaller celebrations for 60 to 100
guests choose the pretty Georgian
Summerhill House, where the
wedding breakfast is served in the
Lower Hall and the Upper Gallery
opened for dancing afterwards.
For larger gatherings of up to 160
people there’s the beautiful Gothic
dining hall, with its wood panelling
and stained glass windows.
A professional team of caterers and
an extensive range of menus, mean
many different tastes and
requirements can easily be accommodated.
PHOTO BY JACKY BADENHORST PHOTOGRAPHY
Your guests can enjoy drinks on the beautiful terrace or take a stroll around
the extensive grounds, admiring the breathtaking views of the city, while you
have your photographs taken against the stunning backdrops.
Kingswood has a licence for serving alcohol, but, if you choose, you can
provide your own table wine, which they will serve for a corkage fee and a
cash bar can be provided for the evening.
With exclusive use for your special day, you can truly make Kingswood your
own, enabling you to have the most magical and memorable day.
For more details, call 01225 734340 or email
catering@kingswood.bath.sch.uk.
5 2 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
dreamvenues
▼ Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars
Hotel, near Cirencester
With no fewer than seven beautiful rooms licensed for civil
ceremonies and two glorious suites for wedding receptions, the
lovely Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel makes the perfect
venue for your wedding and/or reception.
Conveniently situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, yet close to Bristol and
easily accessed from both M4 and M5 motorways, this luxury four
star hotel combines a beautiful setting and spectacular views with
state-of-the-art facilities.
All of the ceremony rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake
and both suites – which accommodate up to 200 and up to 360 people
respectively – also have spectacular views over the lake.
There are also rooms perfect for more intimate weddings – and grand, formal
events for up to 500 people can be accommodated in a marquee.
Expert chefs have devised a mouth-watering selection of dishes using only
the finest ingredients – but will also be happy to cater for special requests if
you want particular favourites included on your menu.
From the moment of your first enquiry to the end of your special day you will
have the personal attention of an experienced wedding co-ordinator, who will
offer all the help and advice you need.
And with 328 luxurious bedrooms and suites, find out about special
accommodation rates for your guests.
For more details, call 01285 864333 or visit the website at
www.cotswoldwaterparkhotel.co.uk.
For more information call our Wedding
Co-ordinator on 01285 864333
Exclusively yours
A stunning location in Lansdown,
with beautiful views over the city of Bath.
* Our large outdoor terraces and gardens provide
the perfect extension to your wedding reception.
* First class food, fine wines, beautiful period settings.
* Wedding Coordinator on site to help with all arrangements.
For more information and a
wedding brochure please contact:
Catering Manager & Wedding Coordinator, Sharon Traylor
T: 01225 734340/430 or
email: catering@kingswood.bath.sch.uk
www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 5 3
Swindon
R E G I S T E R O F F I C E
Swindon's Register
Office has moved to
beautiful new facilities
at the Civic Offices
For the first time, there is
a choice of three rooms
where marriages and civil
partnership ceremonies
can be performed.
A specially-designed
attractive photography
area has been set up
within the gardens
We cater for wedding
parties up to 60 Monday
to Saturday.
Swindon Register Office,
Civic Offices,
Euclid Street
Swindon
SN1 2JH
Tel: 01793 521734
www.swindon.gov.uk
5 4 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
Get the party
started!
With photo booth hire, karaoke and
professional DJ and disco, Bristol-based
Hotshots Entertainment offers packages
which will get your guests laughing, singing,
dancing and swearing they have never had a
better night.
The company was established in 2001 by DJ Morf,
who works closely with other well-known DJs and
has recently upgraded both sound and light
equipment. The soft ambient lighting can transform
any venue, helping to create the perfect atmosphere
and you can choose uplighting and mood lighting to
blend in with your chosen colour scheme.
There’s a huge range of sounds from the Fifties to
the present day, so guests of all ages can join the
fun and Hotshots Entertainment operates within a
100 mile radius of Bristol centre.
For more details, call 07811 275527 or visit
www.hotshotsentertainment.co.uk.
Off with
a bang!
Astunning firework display can provide a
magical end to your perfect day – and
you can either go the whole hog and
employ professional firework experts
or ask them to put together a special
DIY pack for you. The sky is literally the limit when
it comes to fireworks – you can have displays set to
music, displays in your bridal colours, fabulous
special effects from hearts and flowers to your
names in lights. It makes sense to employ a
professional company – they will custom-design a
display uniquely for you and be acutely safetyconscious,
something your best man might not be
after celebrating all day.
Celebration Pyrotechnics has over 15 years
experience in creating individual displays for
events and celebrations throughout the region.
They offer a free site inspection to advise on the
suitability of the venue and all safety issues and
to discuss your individual requirements.
Call 01208 78790 or visit
www.celebrationpyro.com
Bristol Register Office
Weddings, Civil Partnerships,
Renewal of Vows and Naming Ceremonies
Open Monday - Friday 9 am - 4 pm
Wednesdays 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday mornings by appointment only
The Old Council House, Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JG • Tel: 0117 922 2800
For a full list list of our
licensed venues visit
www.bristol.gov.uk
D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E • 5 5
dates for your diary
NOVEMBER 6: Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh (11am to 3pm,
contact www.the-bridal-suite.co.uk)
NOVEMBER 10: Rookery Manor, Edingworth (5pm to 8pm,
contact 01934 750200 or www.rookery-manor.co.uk)
NOVEMBER 13: Mercure Bristol North The Grange,
Winterbourne (11am to 3pm, contact 01454 771423)
NOVEMBER 23: Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath (5.30pm to
8.30pm, contact www.bailbrookhouse.co.uk)
NOVEMBER 24: Thornbury Castle, Thornbury (5pm to 8pm,
contact 01454 281182 or www.thornburycastle.co.uk)
DECEMBER 4: Clifton Pavilion, Bristol Zoo (11am to 3pm,
contact www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
JANUARY 8: Double Tree by Hilton, Congresbury (11am to
3pm, contact 01934 834343)
JANUARY 8: Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath (11.30am to 3pm,
contact www.bailbrookhouse.co.uk)
JANUARY 8: Chiseldon House, Chiseldon (12 to 4pm,
contact 01793 238921 or www.whitewed.directory)
JANUARY 8: Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester (12
to 4pm, contact 01793 238921 or www.whitewed.directory)
JANUARY 15: Cheese & Grain, Frome (11am to 2.30pm,
contact www.the-wedding-emporium.com)
JANUARY 15: Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, College Green
(11am to 3pm, contact
www.weddingworldexhibitions.co.uk)
JANUARY 15: Crown of Crucis, Cirencester (11am to 3pm,
contact 01793 238921 or www.whitewed.directory)
JANUARY 15: Hilton Hotel, Swindon (11am to 3pm, see
www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
JANUARY 22: The Canalside, Bridgwater (11am to 2.30pm,
contact www.the-wedding-emporium.com)
JANUARY 22: Westonbirt House, Tetbury (12 to 4pm,
contact 01793 238921 or www.whitewed.directory)
JANUARY 22: Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton
Mallet (11am to 3pm, contact 01202 741650 or
www.weddingdaze.co.uk)
JANUARY 22: Rookery Manor, Edingworth (10.30am to
4.30pm, contact 01934 750200 or www.rookerymanor.co.uk)
JANUARY 22: The Wellsway, West Harptree (1 to 4pm,
contact www.thewellsway.co.uk
JANUARY 22: Old Down Manor, near Tockington (12 to
3pm, contact 01454 414081 or www.olddownmanor.co.uk)
JANUARY 22: Civic Centre, Trowbridge (10.30am to 2pm,
contact info@cow-parsley.co.uk)
JANUARY 22: Tithe Barn, Dunster (11am to 3pm, see
www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
JANUARY 29: Marsh Farm Hotel, Royal Wootton Bassett
(11am to 3pm, contact 01793 238921 or
www.whitewed.directory)
JANUARY 29: Bath MacDonald Spa Hotel (11am to 2.30pm,
contact www.the-wedding-emporium.com)
calling wedding fair organisers
5 6 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B R I S T O L , S O M E R S E T & W I L T S H I R E
Wedding fairs are a great source of ideas for brides as well as a
way of finding everything you need under one roof - and there’s
bound to be one near you soon. So make a note of these dates,
but do check locally nearer the time as they may change.
JANUARY 29: Corn Exchange, Devizes (10.30am to 2pm,
contact info@cow-parsley.co.uk)
JANUARY 29: Bristol Harbour Hotel (11am to 3pm, see
www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
FEBRUARY 5: Wellington Barn, Calstone (11am to 3pm,
contact 01793 238921 or www.whitewed.directory)
FEBRUARY 5: Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford (11am to
2.30pm, contact www.the-wedding-emporium.com)
FEBRUARY 5: Holiday Inn, Taunton (11am to 3pm, contact
01202 741650 or www.weddingdaze.co.uk)
FEBRUARY 5: Cheltenham Park Hotel, Charlton Kings
(11am to 3pm, see www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
FEBRUARY 12: The Neeld, Chippenham (12 to 4pm, contact
01793 238921 or www.whitewed.directory)
FEBRUARY 12: Swindon Marriott Hotel (11am to 3pm,
contact 01793 238921 or www.whitewed.directory)
FEBRUARY 19: Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel,
South Cerney (11am to 3pm, see
www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
FEBRUARY 19: Ashton Court Mansion, Bristol (11am to
3.30pm, contact www.thebristolweddingshow.co.uk)
FEBRUARY 19: The Manor Barn, Winterbourne (11am to
3pm, contact 01793 238921 or www.whitewed.directory)
FEBRUARY 19: Bowood Hotel, Calne (11am to 2.30pm,
contact 01249 822228 or www.bowood.org)
FEBRUARY 19: Village Urban Resort, Swindon (11am to
3pm, contact 01793 238921 or www.whitewed.directory)
FEBRUARY 26: Somerset County Cricket Club, Taunton
(11am to 3pm, contact www.byinvitationevents.co.uk)
FEBRUARY 26: Future Inns, Cabot Circus, Bristol (11am to
2pm, contact www.futureinns.co.uk/bristol
FEBRUARY 26: Farrington Park, Farrington Gurney (11am
to 3pm, see www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
MARCH 4 & 5: Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton
Mallet (10am to 4pm both days, contact www.weddingshowcase.com)
MARCH 5: The Wrag Barn, Highworth (11am to 3pm,
contact 01793 238921 or www.whitewed.directory)
MARCH 5: Tortworth Court,Wotton-under-Edge (11am to
3pm, see www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
MARCH 9: Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath (5.30pm to 8.30pm,
contact www.bailbrookhouse.co.uk)
MARCH 12: Crowcombe Court, Taunton (11am to 3pm,
contact 01984 618752 or www.crowcombecourt.co.uk)
MARCH 12: Bishop’s Palace, Wells (11am to 3pm, contact
www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
MARCH 19: Holiday Inn, Bristol City Centre (11am to 2pm,
contact www.thewordbristol.com)
MARCH 19: M-Shed, Princes Wharf, Bristol (11am to 3pm,
contact www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
APRIL 1 & 2: Three Counties Showground, Malvern (10am
to 4pm, contact www.weddingshowcase.com)
APRIL 2: Charlton House, Shepton Mallet (11am to 3pm,
see www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
APRIL 9: Bristol Golf Club, Almondsbury (11am to 3pm,
see www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk)
Organisers of Autumn 2017 wedding fairs who would like to have their
dates included in the next issue of Dream Weddings should call 01626
873364 or email editorial@countymagazines.co.uk by April 2, 2017.
Please mention Dream Weddings magazine when replying to advertisements
Check out our great website www.dream-weddings-magazine.co.uk
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BRIDAL ACCESSORIES
Tessa’s Tiaras....................................12
BRIDAL FASHION
A Class Brides..................................IFC
The Bridal Lounge.............................12
Bride at Home...................................14
Krystle Brides....................................15
Lace & Grace ....................................10
Solitaire Brides..................................10
Special Day & Appletons ..................13
CAKES
Cakes by Elan....................................22
Carefree Cakes..................................23
Creative Cakes by Vickie...................23
The Icing Centre................................22
Minky Kitten Cakes ...........................22
Sunflower Bakery..............................23
FIREWORKS
Celebration Pyrotechnics..................54
FLOWERS
Kimberleys .......................................16
Lisa Elliott Floral Design ...................16
HAIR & BEAUTY
Creative Bridal Services....................40
Desire................................................40
The Hair Book ...................................40
Sally Bracey Make-Up Artist .............40
HEN & STAG
Weston Lodge Shooting Ground......26
MARQUEES
Richardson Marquees.......................50
MOTHER OF THE BRIDE
Ladies Day ........................................42
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Hotshots Entertainment....................54
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ben Arrigoni Photography ................20
Brunel Photography Bristol ..............50
Jacky Badenhorst Photography........44
Pat Cooper Photography ..................14
Photographs by Nik ..........................26
Rosie Cutbill Photography................42
REGISTER OFFICES
Bath Guildhall....................................48
Bristol Register Office.......................55
Swindon Register Office ...................54
Weston Super Mare Register Office ....48
STATIONERY
Topikki...............................................20
TRANSPORT
Ben Ford Carriages ...........................44
Cars of Class.....................................44
VENUE DECOR
Enchanted Weddings ........................50
VENUES
The Bristol Hotel..............................IBC
Bristol Pavilion..................................52
Clifton College................................OBC
Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel....53
Eastwood Park..................................49
Haselbury Mill...................................46
Kingswood........................................53
Leigh Court .......................................46
Old Bridge.........................................49
Priston Mill .......................................48
Royal Hotel .......................................52
Westonbirt House ...........................IBC
WEDDING FAIRS
Cow Parsley......................................36
Love Actually.....................................37
Wedding Showcase ..........................35
Wedding World.................................36
White Wed Directory.........................36
The Word on Weddings....................36
TEL: 01666 881338
email: weddings@westonbirtweddings.com
www.westonbirtweddings.com