So after months of stressing, planning and stressing about planning, the big day has finally arrived! You’ve no doubt had a lot of help from your friends and family to get to this stage and you’re sure to want to thank those who have pitched in with their time and effort. With that in mind, we take a look at 13 brilliant bridesmaid gift ideas so you can show your appreciation for all their help!
Say a big thank you with a piece of jewellery that’s unique to each bridesmaid. We’re thinking earrings that come with a message of appreciation, a monogrammed bracelet, or something different with a special meaning to you and your bridesmaid. We recommend checking out all the great options on Etsy and Not On the High Street.
Image Courtesy of Not on the High Street
With all the excitement (and nerves) you and your entourage are probably not going to get much sleep the night before your wedding day. Caffeine is most likely a necessity so supply your bridesmaids with these cool little personalised mugs by Sophia Victoria Joy and get the coffee flowing while you prep.
Image Courtesy of Not on the High Street
In many ways, a clutch bag makes the perfect gift for bridesmaids. They can be stylish and practical AND can match your wedding colour scheme too! They’ll last for years as well and your bridesmaids can reminisce about your big day every time they use it.
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Another great opportunity to do a spot of colour scheme enhancing and give your bridesmaids something they’ll love at the same time. A gift of an upmarket nail polish is always welcome, and your squad can make a real statement of solidarity with their fabulous matching nails.
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The ever-popular charm bracelet provides an excellent opportunity to give your bridesmaids a gift they’ll cherish for a long time to come. Whether you choose to gift the same charm to all of them as a reminder of your day, or one that’s unique to each bridesmaid, they are sure to love this thoughtful present to add to their collection.
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Nothing marks a celebration quite like champagne! Pick out something nice and present it to your bridesmaids as a thank you for all their hard work and support on your wedding day.
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Whether you decide to give this pre- or post-wedding it’s sure to go down a treat. Give the gift of pampering to your bridesmaids to show your appreciation with a trip to a spa or nail salon or what about all going together for a great day out with your friends?
Image Courtesy of Beaver Brook Spa
This heartfelt bridesmaid gift is guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings! Take a trip down memory lane and celebrate all the fun you’ve had together over the years with a collage of photos from throughout your friendship. You’re sure to enjoy putting them together just as much as your bridesmaids will enjoy receiving it.
Image Courtesy of Not on the High Street
This cute little gift idea adds a bit of personality to the prep room on the morning of the wedding and will also be a wonderful memento from your wedding day. As an added bonus, the dresses on hangers shot makes a nice photo for the wedding album!
Image Courtesy of Not on the High Street
Following on with the pre-wedding prep theme, why not provide your bridesmaids with a personalised compact mirror? It’s thoughtful and practical and makes for a wonderful reminder of your wedding every time they need to touch up their make-up.
Image Courtesy of Kimberley Rose Studio
Depending on what look you go for, this bridesmaid gift can provide style or bit of humour on your wedding day. Make it personal by having your bridesmaid’s name printed on them and prepare yourself for lots of summery, ‘shades-on’ selfies.
Image Courtesy of Etsy
Making your own box of goodies is a great way to ensure your bridesmaids have everything they need on your big day. Personalise the box with whatever message you want and start getting creative with the contents of your bridesmaid survival kit.
Image Courtesy of Posh Totty Design Creates
Think transfer tattoos are just for kids? Think again! You can buy some seriously cool temporary tattoos, like these transfers from DaydreamPrints on Etsy, which make an awesome little bridesmaid gift for that edgy look on your wedding day.
With so many great ways to thank you, treat your bride tribe to some of these amazing bridesmaid gift ideas and they’re sure to be delighted!
Image Courtesy of Etsy
Looking for gift ideas for the groom? Then you’re in luck! Have a read of 13 Gift Ideas for the Groom and get inspired!
9 Wonderful Wedding Gift Ideas for the Mums July 17, 2016She’s been your sounding board, shopping partner, a voice of reason and quite possibly a financial backer for your wedding day. It goes without saying that mum has probably played a huge part in the lead up to your wedding day, and has no doubt found it as much of an emotional rollercoaster as you have! Why not say thank you for all her support and buy her a special present to give her on your wedding day? We take a look at nine wonderful wedding gifts for mums that are sure to put even more of a smile on her face.
It’s a classic gift for mums and a beautiful way to say thank you for all her help. Pick a bouquet that holds some of her favourite flowers and she’ll have a bright and fresh floral present from your special day.
Image Courtesy of Frances Sales Photography
If your mum loves being out in the garden, then why not switch out the bouquet of flowers for something that she can plant in the garden? A young tree or bush would make a lovely wedding gift and will last for years too.
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Another timeless way to give your mother a special treat on your wedding day! Buy her a new piece of jewellery to celebrate everything that she’s done for you or maybe even gift something from your own collection that she’s always liked to show just how much she means to you.
Image Courtesy of Lowery Jewelers
Mum’s always love a good candle! Why not treat her to a one that’s a bit special and fill her home with wonderful scents that will bring back memories of your wedding day? Jo Malone and Diptyque are a great place to start your search.
Image Courtesy of The Beauty Lookbook
A personalised photo frame makes a wonderful wedding gift for mums and a lovely memento of your wedding day. What you fill it with can be special too so why not ask your photographer to capture some pictures of you and your mum? Then when your wedding photos are ready, you can pop it in the frame so she can enjoy that moment forever.
Image Courtesy of Shabby Chic Personalised
While your mum has no doubt been a great help in the build up to your wedding, she’ll most likely have been a huge part of your whole life. Celebrate the special moments over the years by collecting them all together in a photo album that’s sure to bring a smile to her face, and maybe a tear to her eye too.
Image Courtesy of Not on the High Street
With all the pre-wedding stress and wedding day nerves, your mum is certain to need a break after it’s all over. Provide her with some R & R after you’ve tied the knot by booking a night away in a luxurious hotel. She can unwind in comfort and reminisce about your big day.
Image Courtesy of Andrew Twort Photography
After a wedding day full of decadence and delicious food, it’s easy to get a taste for the finer things in life. Provide your mum with a trip to a fancy restaurant and help her keep living the high life for a little while longer!
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A spa day would be the perfect way to de-stress after the whirlwind of emotion that was your wedding day. Say thank you by ensuring your mum is fully pampered, it’s no less than she deserves after all her help!
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Whatever wedding gift you choose for your mum, make it thoughtful and special and she’s sure to love it! Need some inspiration for gifts for your dad? Check out our guide to 8 Father of the Bride Gift Ideas.
13 Wedding Gift Ideas: For the Groom July 3, 2016Buying each other gifts for your wedding is an optional tradition and many couples see it as a great excuse to buy their betrothed a thoughtful extra present on the special day. Men are notoriously hard to buy for though, so what exactly can you get to show you’re thinking of them? We take a look at 13 amazing gift ideas for grooms so they can feel the love on the morning of your wedding day.
Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day so make sure your groom and his entourage are well fed and watered by taking care of the catering in the morning. Why not send room service to his hotel room or order a breakfast hamper to his door to ensure that he doesn’t take on the day on an empty stomach?
Image Courtesy of Mowie Kay
It’s a classic wedding gift and one that will always be welcome, especially if you’re husband-to-be has any pre-wedding jitters! Make it special by getting it engraved with a personalised message or filling it with his favourite tipple for a spot of Dutch courage.
Image Courtesy of David-Louis Design
A pair of cufflinks are a must-have for a wedding and can quite often get forgotten in all the preparations! It’s easy to get a bespoke set too, complete with the date of your wedding or both your initials for a sentimental touch.
Image Courtesy of The Reason Photography
Sometimes the most thoughtful gifts don’t cost a thing. Show your fiancée just how much he means to you by writing him a letter to open on the morning of your wedding. It will set the mood for your romantic day and make him feel truly special.
Image Courtesy of westsheridan on Instagram
Looking for more of a saucy gift for your groom? Why not show off your sexy side by posing for some boudoir photography? Give it to him in the morning before your wedding and show him how lucky he really is! For Your Eyes Only offer special packages for brides to give to their grooms which make for a unique and certainly private present.
A personalised print is a wonderful gift for him that will mark the special occasion nicely. Use a quote, lyrics from a favourite song or an image that demonstrates your love for each other. Whatever you choose, it’ll be sure to strike a chord and bring back memories of your wedding day every time you see it.
Image Courtesy of Old English Company
The sense of smell is said to be the strongest so why not make a new scent your present for the groom on your wedding day? Go for something that’s classy and sophisticated to help him feel suave when you tie the knot.
Image Courtesy of Floris London
Sunglasses can be both a stylish and practical gift for a groom. For one reason or another, he probably won’t have slept much the night before so a pair of designer sunglasses might be just the trick. They’ll add an extra element of class to his outfit too so he’s bound to love them.
Image Courtesy of Glass Jar Photography
Always a popular gift for the groom, a watch is a great way to treat him to something a little extravagant and he’ll have no excuse for being late in the future too! Make it extra-special by engraving the back with a little personal message. Christopher Ward offers some amazing dress watches that are just perfect for a big occasion like your wedding day.
Image Courtesy of Christopher Ward
Want to ensure that your husband-to-be looks well-groomed on your big day? Why not send him a personal barber for a last minute trim or even a cut-throat shave so he looks smooth and sophisticated.
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This is a great homemade gift for grooms and will make sure he has everything he could possibly need for your wedding. Make a box full of essentials: hair gel, deodorant, tissues, etc. so that he’s completely covered for any eventuality. Don’t forget the paracetamol for the morning after too!
Image Courtesy of The Brilliant Gift Shop
Another sentimental touch which is becoming more and more popular. This gift idea for grooms is basically a record of all the things that he has done (no matter how small) which have made you smile, laugh and just generally be grateful that he is in your life.
Image Courtesy of Oh So Cherished
For a light-hearted groom’s present idea, why not try a handy ‘how-to’ guide so he knows exactly how he should behave on your wedding day and for the years to come. The informative and entertaining ‘How to be a Good Husband’ was written in the 1930s and is a wonderfully outdated book full of “tips” for your fiancée to follow in order to keep you happy.
Image Courtesy of Waterstones
Looking for more present-buying help? Take a look at 8 Father of the Bride Gift Ideas and get the other man in your life something special to say thank you on your wedding day.
Non-Traditional Wedding Cakes – Drip Cakes June 30, 2016We love an excuse to talk about cake and the hottest trend for wedding cakes right now is one that you definitely have to see. Drip cakes might not sound instantly appealing, but when you see them, you’re sure to want one as your wedding cake!
They come in all styles; from brightly coloured statements with caramel drips to a naked sponge cake that’s oozing white chocolate ganache. The possibilities are limitless, making drip wedding cakes the perfect choice for an on trend wedding.
Add an extra dash of decoration and decadence with ganache drips. Use either milk or white chocolate, whichever suits your colour scheme (or taste buds) the best.
Image Courtesy of Erin Gardner and The Cake Blog
Image Courtesy of Unbirthday Bakery
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Why not mix it up a bit and go for gorgeously gooey caramel or toffee sauce instead?
Image Courtesy of Petra Veikkola Photography
Image Courtesy of Scarlet O’Neill Photography
You don’t have to stick to plain sponge or frosting either if you decide on a drip cake for your wedding. Incorporate your colour scheme into your sweet showstopper for maximum effect.
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Looking for a wedding cake that’s seriously cool and bang on trend at the moment? Metallic colour schemes are all the rage and your cake can be part of it too.
Image Courtesy of Bobbette and Belle
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When it comes to adding to your drip wedding cake, nothing is off limits! Flowers, fruit, chocolates, pretty much anything you like will be right at home on a drip cake.
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You can really let your imagination run wild on these mouth-watering drip wedding cakes. With so many fantastical creations to choose from, we did struggle to pick our favourites. Eventually though, after much deliberation we narrowed it down to these three which look amazing and demonstrate what’s possible when you choose a drip cake for your wedding.
This three-tiered drip cake extravaganza combines an ombré white chocolate ganache, multi-coloured ganache drips, sugar flowers AND meringue kisses. It’s more like a work of art than a cake! It’s even finished off with the couple’s initials and some miniature bunting on top.
Image Courtesy of Bunty’s Wedding Cakes
For the graffiti fans among you, this two-tiered treasure of a drip cake is spectacularly decorated with edible watercolour paint for that street-art style. We love how different it is; you could even get your guests to do they own tagging!
Image Courtesy of Kara’s Couture Cakes
This magnificent monument to drip cakes boasts countless layers of chocolates, dried raspberries, popcorn and shards of white chocolate bark on top. It’s then generously doused with caramel sauce to finish it all off. It’s a truly decadent and delicious drip wedding cake that’s the perfect way to celebrate on your special day.
Looking for a wedding cake that won’t cost you a fortune? Check out our guide Supermarket Sweep – Wedding Cakes to see the best high street wedding cakes that will save your serious money!
A Rustic DIY Wedding at Curradine Barns June 21, 2016A beautiful barn wedding venue lends itself to a wide range of styles and themes that you can choose from. A rustic wedding theme that ties in wonderfully with the exposed brick and timber that most barns offer is possibly the most fitting though, and the best way to style a truly rustic wedding is to get creative and add a bit of DIY to your big day. We speak to a couple of brides who took a hands-on approach to their wedding at Curradine Barns in Worcestershire and created their perfect, individual day while saving more than a few pounds in the process!
Nicola and Will recently tied the knot at Curradine Barns and the newlyweds crafted a great deal of their copper and purple wedding themselves.
“The favour jars were just drinking glasses that I added copper leaf to and then filled with sand and stones from DIY shops and garden centres,” explains Nicola. The succulents were from Etsy, and these cost around £1.20 per pot to make. I ordered 50 hyacinth bulbs in purple from my florist around ten days before the wedding so that they opened up the right amount for the wedding! I put them into cardboard pots from Wilkinson’s, wrapped white tissue paper around and raffia string to secure.
The couple got crafty with their decorations for their DIY wedding too and extended their colour throughout the venue. “I decorated the initials and guest book with copper leaf that I bought from eBay. It was so cheap and fairly easy to apply – I just watched a YouTube video for how to do it,” says Nicola.
“I had lavender running through my theme, so I wrapped copper wire around candles and popped a few lavender stems into the wire. I wanted copper bunting but couldn’t find any, so I bought white hessian to make my own, then painted the words ‘JUST MARRIED’ and ‘CARDS’ in copper paint onto it.”
“The menus and name places were just done on Photoshop at home. I purchased a good quality printer for £100 as it was much cheaper than getting them printed professionally,” explains Nicola. “I picked up logs from my local park and got my dad to chop them up into chunks to use as place card holders.
Nicola even got creative with her wedding shoes to make sure she had exactly the look she wanted. She managed to save a small fortune in the process too! “My shoes were just simple rose gold heels from ASOS that I put big white ribbons on the back,” says Nicola. “I always wanted the ribbon bows on the back, but I didn’t really like traditional wedding shoes so decided to do my own. I used beaded trim to decorate the toe strap on the shoes, and one of my best friends got me as a gift a lucky sixpence and the words ‘I do’ in gems, which I glued to the base of my shoes.”
With so many handmade touches to Nicola and Will’s wedding, they managed to make Curradine Barns completely their own on their special day. The creative approach certainly is a great way to get that truly rustic feel to your wedding day.
Images © Kayleigh Pope Photography
If you would like to find out more about Curradine Barns then click here or give our wedding venue specialists a call on 01905 670039.
Looking for some beautiful bridesmaid dresses for your wedding but don’t want to break the bank? We’ve scoured the high street to find some amazing dresses for your bridesmaids in a range of styles and colours which won’t cost the earth and still look amazing.
Pastel bridesmaid dresses are a great choice for a summer wedding and with so many on offer at some really great prices, you’re sure to find one that you love while keeping to your budget.
Our favourite four pastel bridesmaid dresses right now are:
1. Aurora Maxi Multiway Dress – Monsoon £119
Image courtesy of Monsoon
2. Chi Chi London Sheer Beaded Panel Maxi Dress – House of Fraser £63
Image courtesy of House of Fraser
3. TFNC WEDDING Pleated Embellished Maxi Dress – ASOS £70
Image courtesy of ASOS
4. TFNC Wedding Bow Back Embellished Maxi Dress – ASOS £62
Image courtesy of ASOS
For those looking for something with a bit more sparkle to it or more formal dresses for their bridesmaids, going down the glam route is always a good choice. With plenty of embellishment and shimmer, a glitzy bridesmaid dress is the perfect to make your entourage feel special.
Try these four fantastic frocks for some inspiration:
1. Maya Petite Sleeveless Maxi Dress with Embellished Bodice and Ruffle Skirt – ASOS – £120
Image courtesy of ASOS
2. Maddie Pale Mauve Sequin Skater Dress by Frock and Frill – Not On the High Street £115
Image courtesy of Not on the High Street
3. Debut Rose Sequin Embellished Maxi Dress – Debenhams £160
Image courtesy of Debenhams
4. Scarlet Embellished Gold Maxi Dress – Frock and Frill £145
Image courtesy of Frock and Frill
Jewel tone bridesmaid dresses are a popular choice at the moment and give your bridesmaids a sophisticated look on your big day. The deep, rich colours on offer are perfect for a winter wedding or a summer wedding that’s using darker colours.
Here’s our favourite four, gemstone coloured beauties:
1. Laila Dress Green – Virgos Lounge £75
Image courtesy of Virgos Lounge
2. Multiway Knee Length Dress – In One Clothing £89
Image courtesy of Not on the High Street
3. Giugla Dress – Coast £95
Image courtesy of Debenhams
4. Rayne Dress – Monsoon £139
Image courtesy of Monsoon
For the real bargain hunters among you, we’ve compiled our four amazing and cheap bridesmaid dresses that all cost under £50. Remember, a low price doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style!
1. Strappy Pleated Plunge Maxi Dress Nude – Missguided £45
Image courtesy of Misguided
2. Low Back Maxi Dress Grey – Missguided £35
Image courtesy of Misguided
3. Cowl Back Maxi Dress Navy – Missguided £40
Image courtesy of Misguided
4. Bardot Maxi Dress Blue – Missguided £35
Image courtesy of Misguided
So there you have it. A whole load of bridesmaid dresses for amazing prices! Your bridesmaids can look fabulous on your big day and you won’t have to break the bank either.
Already chosen your colour scheme? Take a look at our Pastel Blue Bridesmaid Dress article to see how your bridesmaids can look beautiful in blue.
Arrive in Style – Summer Wedding Transport June 12, 2016Everybody wants to arrive in style for their wedding and the sunny summer months provide the perfect opportunity to go for something a little bit unconventional. We explore some great ways to make an entrance and enjoy the weather on your special day.
Feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair (not too much though) as you arrive at your venue with the top down of your wedding car. From an elegant British Aston Martin or Bentley to an all-American Cadillac, you’ll be spoilt for choice on your big day.
Image Courtesy of Rock n Roll Bride
Image Courtesy of Colin Cowie Weddings
Image Courtesy of Bella Chauffeurs
The classic Volkswagen Campervan is all the rage at the moment and provides that laid-back, summer vibe that so many couples desire. Match the van to your colour scheme to make a real statement and relax as you make your way to the venue at a leisurely pace.
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For those looking for that fairy-tale wedding, a horse and carriage arrival should definitely be considered. It’s guaranteed to turn heads on your way to the venue, and your friends and family will love seeing you make your grand entrance.
Image Courtesy of Rock My Wedding
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Image Courtesy of Bobtale Photography – West Tower
For the boho couple, why not try turning up to your wedding on a seriously retro scooter? Great for the groom and groomsmen or bride and groom to arrive together. Just be prepared for a tiny bit of emergency hairstyling after your ride!
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If you’re looking for a quirky way to arrive at your special day, then a tuk-tuk is definitely the answer! Get creative and decorate your ride in your wedding colours, flowers, ribbons, the lot. You’re sure to draw some attention as you move from house to venue, and the little three-wheeler is guaranteed to provide you with a memorable entrance for your wedding.
Image Courtesy of Rock My Wedding
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What could be better than taking a short stroll in the sun to your venue surrounded by your friends and family? Whether in a bustling city or the idyllic countryside, it’s a wonderfully informal way to arrive at your venue to begin the celebrations. Just make sure that you plan your route first so that no one gets lost on the way!
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Think outside the box when it comes to your wedding day and find a way to enjoy the summer as you arrive, it’ll make for some great photos and, most importantly, great memories. Looking for some more inspiration? Hear what the experts have to say in our Five Wedding Transport Tips article.
Drink Me – Summer Wedding Cocktails June 11, 2016Tired of the usual reception drinks cropping up at weddings time after time? Mix it up (pun intended) on your special day by serving your guests up a summer cocktail that gets their taste buds tingling while they soak up the sun. We’ve put together a list of our favourite classic cocktails, as well as some modern and alcohol-free drinks that are sure to go down a treat!
Pimm’s
The Pimm’s Cup cocktail is the liquid embodiment of an English summer! It’s as fruity and refreshing as it is tasty and the perfect way to celebrate in the sun. Simple to make and easy to drink, this just might be the ultimate summer drink.
Image courtesy of Julia Frey
Bellini
First created at the world-renowned Harry’s Bar in Venice, this beautiful blend of prosecco and peach puree is served in a champagne flute and is a classy and elegant addition to a summer wedding drinks reception.
Image courtesy of London Cocktails Scholars
Margarita
It’s tequila time! One of the all-time classic cocktail recipes, this citrusy and sour summer drink looks and tastes great. Salt the rim of the glass and serve with a wedge of lime for maximum effect.
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Mojito
Who doesn’t love a mojito? On a hot summer’s day, it’s the perfect choice for a wedding cocktail. With its unique flavour combinations of brown sugar, mint, lime, and of course white rum, it’s sure to keep your guests refreshed.
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Sangria
The classic Spanish cocktail recipe has many variations, but the original consists of good red wine, brandy, orange juice and soda water. It’s topped off with a generous helping of sliced fruit for an added burst of flavour and colour.
Image courtesy of Jessica Knott
Mint Julep
For the whisky lovers among you, this classic cocktail muddles Bourbon, sugar and mint together into something wonderful! A great summer cocktail for sipping as the sun sets and the evening party gets underway.
Image courtesy of Renee Nicole’s Kitchen
Old Fashioned
Unleash your inner- Don Draper for your wedding drinks reception and keep your guests refreshed and seriously cool with the world’s first classic cocktail. This simple blend of whisky, bitters, sugar and a twisted citrus rind is the ideal choice for those looking for a touch of traditional class with their drinks reception.
Image courtesy of Honestly YUM
Cosmopolitan
The tipple of choice for the Sex and the City squad, this summery cocktail looks and tastes sublime. Serve in a cocktail or martini glass for that elegant look and even use the distinct shade of pink to tie into your colour scheme!
Image courtesy of Kitchen Swagger
Blushing Bride
If you’re looking for the ultimate wedding cocktail, then surely this has to be a contender. A simple blend of peach schnapps, grenadine and champagne, this beautifully coloured cocktail is one that everyone will enjoy, not just the bride!
Image courtesy of Happy Wedd
English Garden
Sweet, fruity and refreshing, this cucumber gin-based cocktail is ideal for an al fresco, summer wedding reception. The mint and cucumber garnish really make this wedding drink stand out!
The Firecracker
Watermelon, lime and cucumber vodka are all refreshing on their own, but combined they reach new heights of cocktail refreshment. Perfect for a summer wedding and something unique for your special day!
Image courtesy of Creative Culinary
Strawberry Basil Bourbon Lemonade
This unconventional flavour combination is a real treat for your wedding guests. Bourbon is blended with strawberry and basil for a wonderfully summery concoction that will be a sure-fire hit.
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Coconut Lavender Lemonade
You don’t need alcohol to make an amazing wedding cocktail, and this homemade lemonade proves it! The flavours combine to make a truly refreshing drink, and the colour really makes this non-alcoholic stand out.
Image courtesy of Confectionalism
Cranberry Rosemary Refresher
This cooling combo of blitzed cranberries and apples is flavoured with a hint of rosemary to give it a refreshing and different taste. Replace the fruit with juice to make the whole thing easier and then sit back and enjoy your beautiful non-alcoholic cocktail.
Image courtesy of For the Love of Food Blog
Pomegranate Mojito Mocktail
Take the mint and lime from a mojito and combine it with pomegranate juice for a grown up but alcohol-free mocktail recipe. This both looks and tastes divine and is a great alternative drink for your guests to enjoy.
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Bonny Lassi
Lassi is a refreshing and traditional Indian drink, and this version combines mango sorbet and natural yoghurt to create a real alternative to your usual glass of fizz. Bordering on frozen yoghurt, it’s a great way for your friends and family to keep cool on those hot summer days!
Image courtesy of Babble
With so much variety and so many amazing flavour combinations to choose from, finding the perfect cocktail for your summer wedding drinks reception has never been so much fun! If you’re looking for the ultimate spot to enjoy your wedding cocktails, take a look at our 15 Stunning Summer Settings for your special day.
5 fantastic ideas for a French themed wedding June 9, 2016With the Euros kicking off in France in a matter of days, it feels like the perfect time to compile a list of five different ways you can hold the perfect French themed wedding. Full of elegance and charm, a Paris wedding theme is a great way to add a touch of class to your special day and incorporate all the chic style that Parisians are renowned for.
A French style wedding dress normally means a simple, elegant and bohemian look. Traditionally, these effortlessly classy dresses are floor length, although a bride looking for something more modern or slightly different could try going for something slightly shorter. Designers such as Laure De Sagazan and Margaux Tardits are all the rage at the moment with Parisian brides.
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Your feet may thank you for choosing a French style for your wedding day as it is quite common for French brides to ditch the heels and opt for a strappy sandal or ballet flat. Add a touch of comfort without sacrificing any style with a pair of Christian Louboutin flats or a simple lace ballerina style shoe.
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Add a dash of French flair and use flowers where you can! A floral crown is a very popular boho addition to any brides’ look and the bridal bouquet, table decorations and cake can all be used to add some colour and floral notes to your special day.
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Speaking of cake, why not break from tradition and incorporate a little bit of patisserie magic by choosing a colourful macaron tower or spectacular croquembouche instead? Great for sharing and as fantastic looking as they are tasting, these incredible sweet treats are a great way to make a statement!
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We’ve touched on the floral aspect of your French theme, but there are so many little decorative touches you can use to create that perfect Paris wedding. Incorporate some of the elements that the Capital of Love is famous for, such as Eiffel Tower table decorations and your own take on the romantic ‘love locks’ of the Pont des Arts. Think outside the box with bicycles or add a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ by using the French language.
Image courtesy of www.modwedding.com
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Image courtesy of www.stylemepretty.com
So there you have it. Our five fantastic French themed wedding tips to make sure your special day is full of style and elegance. For some French honeymoon inspiration, why not check out our post about some of the most beautiful locations that France has to offer.
20 Spectacular Venues for an Outdoor Wedding June 3, 2016The weather is getting warmer and what better way to make the most of the often short-lived British summer than by holding your wedding outdoors! We’ve put together a list of our 20 favourite wedding venues that make it possible for you to tie the knot al fresco, creating a truly unforgettable day for all your guests.
A beautiful destination wedding venue in the heart of the North West, West Tower is an incredible country house with glorious gardens and stunning views. The grounds are home to a delightful white wooden pagoda which is the perfect location for an outside wedding. Guests can take their seats on the manicured lawn and enjoy the British summertime while you say ‘I do’ al fresco.
Easily one of Shropshire’s finest wedding venues, this stunning manor house provides an incredible setting for both indoor and outdoor weddings. The Garden Pagoda, set on the edge of the hall’s very own lake, is a beautiful oak structure where you can tie the knot while embracing the sunshine. Flanked by traditional walls and verdant foliage, the Pagoda at Delbury Hall offers a spectacular location for your rustic and relaxed ceremony.
Boasting a charming summery garden and wonderful views of the rolling countryside, this barn wedding venue is the perfect choice for indoor or outdoor weddings. The garden gazebo at Mythe Barn provides an ideal, secluded spot to say your vows while your guests soak up the sun on the lawn. After the ceremony, the sheltered courtyard is a beautiful setting to celebrate with your friends and family while enjoying the weather.
This idyllic barn wedding venue has really raised the bar when it comes to an outside wedding location. Couples can exchange vows at The Clock Tower, located on the shores of the lake with views of the stunning Cheshire countryside as your backdrop. With plenty of space for seating and for guests to enjoy the sun afterwards, Sandhole Oak Barn really is the perfect choice for a romantic, waterside wedding.
The breath-taking ruins of a Grade II Listed Elizabethan house provide a truly unique and unforgettable setting for your big day. Slaugham Place boasts an array of stunning locations where you can tie the knot and capture some great photographs of your big day. The bridge over the river that runs through the 12-acre grounds is the perfect spot for those more intimate and relaxed shots.
South Farm‘s Summer Garden creates one of the most picturesque outdoor wedding venues that we know of. Couples will exchange vows at The Summerhouse, which hovers above the delightful lily pond, while their guests will look on from the lawn on the opposite bank. The Garden in full bloom provides an exquisite backdrop for your special day and arriving on South Farm’s very own Tuk-Tuk is sure to make your wedding day stand out!
A remarkable manor house wedding venue set in the Bedfordshire countryside, Tofte Manor offers something incredibly unique when it comes to outdoor wedding options. Their gardens are home to a magical labyrinth, providing a peaceful and enjoyable location for your guests to enjoy. The labyrinth can also be used as the setting for a blessing ceremony and is a perfect representation of intertwining lives and the unity of marriage.
The unspoilt landscape and remarkable gardens set Mapperton apart when it comes to wedding venues in Dorset. The Garden Pavilion provides the perfect spot for an outdoor wedding too, with the happy couple tying the knot in the heart of the exquisite grounds. Enjoy your drinks reception in the sun and take advantage of all the magical spots for photographs.
This beautiful venue’s name says it all. Couples can choose to say their vows under the Victorian Pavilion on the edge of the delightful lake. Guests will love making the most of the sunshine with champagne and games on the lawn with the incredible backdrop of the Manor by the Lake and its grounds.
This Grade II Listed venue is perfect for a country wedding and is home to fabulous grounds that make summer weddings truly special. Outdoor ceremonies at Oxnead Hall can be held in the gardens on the edge of the River Bure and guests are free to while away the sunny afternoon enjoying all that the Tudor garden has to offer.
Romantic and charming, the Victorian Summerhouse at Wasing Park is the perfect summer setting for an outdoor wedding. The manicured green lawns that surround it offer breath-taking views of the grounds for you and your guests to enjoy throughout the day and night and provide a stunning and memorable location for you to tie the knot.
Relaxed and romantic, the luxurious Walled Garden at Upton Barn is a wonderfully peaceful and idyllic setting for an outside wedding. The lavender and bay tree lined path leads to a hand-crafted, oak arbour where the happy couple can exchange vows. The venue comes to life in the evening with romantic outside lighting, while fire pits provide a cosy focal point under the stars.
Famous due to the ever popular Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s television show, River Cottage also provides a rustic and quirky venue for your special day. Ceremonies can be held outside in the organic vegetable garden to create a truly different and memorable wedding day. Exchange vows under a hazel archway before heading to the amazing Mongolian yurt for your drinks reception.
Gaynes Park proudly offers The Gather Barn for outdoor weddings. An attractive open-sided listed building surrounded by elegant planters and foliage, it is a perfect way to enjoy the English summertime, and with sweeping views of the London skyline and delightful countryside, farmland and woodland, it’s easy to see why it is such a popular choice.
Nestled in the unspoilt South Downs, an impressive half-mile long sweeping driveway leads to this stunning stately home. Bignor Park is home to a wealth of wonderful outdoor locations with the cobbled courtyard and walled Quadrangle providing some excellent opportunities for you and your guests to enjoy the sun. The Greek Loggia provides a beautiful spot for exchanging vows while guests can enjoy the show from the lawn.
This castle venue’s amazing grounds cover 35 acres and include sweeping lawns, a lake with a footbridge to the nearby village, a fragrant rose garden and extensive woodland. Catering for outdoor weddings too, you can tie the knot with these exquisite surroundings as your backdrop and take full advantage of the numerous idyllic settings for photographs at Chiddingstone Castle.
The delightful arbour, decorated with intertwining bunting and wisteria, creates a wonderfully rustic setting for you to tie the knot. Hyde Barn is surrounded by natural parkland with spectacular views over the Cotswolds countryside and is an incredible location for enjoying the best of the British summer. Canapés and drinks al fresco are a must!
The stunning landscaped gardens and meadowland provide an idyllic backdrop for both indoor and outdoor weddings at this Grade II Listed barn venue. The ceremony can be held under the beautiful, thatched gazebo with views over the lake and barn, as well as the picture-perfect, Monet-inspired bridge and pond. High House Weddings truly is a wonderful place for a wedding.
Complete with idyllic walled gardens, picturesque views and peaceful surroundings, this barn venue in Kent is one of the most popular in the area. The outdoor Pavilion at Cooling Castle Barn is the perfect spot to say ‘I do’ and bask in the summer sun, or to celebrate with drinks and canapés with your nearest and dearest.
With idyllic scenery forming a stunning backdrop, Millbridge Court is a spectacular country venue. A pretty stone pathway leads to the arbour; a sensational setting to exchange vows and a popular choice for couples looking for something different on their wedding day. There are also plenty of photography opportunities, including a gorgeous meadow, a lovely little river and the relaxing wildflower meadow.
So with such a wide choice of outstanding outdoor wedding venues on offer, all you have to do is pick your favourite and enjoy your special day in the sun!
