If you’re planning your wedding in the Cotswolds then make sure you get a copy of the 2018/19 edition of Cotswold Bride which is now out for the year.
http://www.bridemagazine.co.uk/articles/order-your-copy-of-cotswold-bride-2018-2019
Get your Wedmin in to action!
The current back to school vibe always makes me feel a little sad and melancholy. It’s the end of the summer and the seasons are beginning to change. It is back to work and back to reality, after a summer of fun. The lyrics of ‘Zorbing’ by Stornoway sum up what this time of year makes me think about
Conkers shining on the ground, The air is cooler. And I feel like I just started Uni.
But the exciting news from Pantone® ahead of New York Fashion Week about the Spring 2019 colours has certainly lifted my mood.
The colours for next Spring certainly make a huge bold statement. They are rich, vibrant and indulgent yet not over powering. They are like a ray of golden light on a colourful kaleidoscope.
You’d be forgiven in thinking that this is the fall report and not the spring one. There seems to be quite a lot of crossover with the current Fall/Winter 2018/19 colour palette with some rich earthy tones, though by Spring 2019 we will have lost the purples (and the Colour of the Year), neons and silver grey.
It is great to see such earthy colours featuring in Spring 2019 and hardly a pastel shade in there! These are all great transitional colours to take us in and out of seasons.
The abundance of red related colours is over whelming and runs in to the oranges, yellows and pinks too. This set of colours are empowering, confident, bold, uplifting, fun, playful, cheerful and joyful. Plus I can’t fail to see the energy, passion and excitement that these colours evoke.
My best friend always advises to wear red to an interview or an important date (even if it’s just your underwear!) so that you feel strong and confident. There will be lots around next Spring to feel like you can rule the world.
That warm feeling is translated in the addition of the deep greens that conjure up a terrarium full of succulents and foliage. Continuing that sense of bringing nature inside.
The top twelve colours for Spring 2019 are:
Plus a couple of paler substitutes of yellow (instead of Aspen Gold) and pink (instead of Sweet Lilac) from London Fashion Week round off the colours for Spring 2019:
Pantone® have also updated the Classic Colour Palette. These are a group of neutrals that are core basics in the form of a taupe, navy blue, cream and brown.
The bonus classic neutral colours for Spring 2019 are:
It’ll be great to see how couples incorporate these colours in to their weddings later this year. I can see how the classic neutrals will play a big part in coupling up with some of the more vibrant choices.
Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Color of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.
See some of my trend predictions for weddings in 2018 and look out for my report when the 2019 colour of the year is released later in the year.
So sporting my new statement red jeggings I feel not only empowered but raring to go for the new season.
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Last month marked two years since my wedding Twitter networking hour started.
#UKWedLunch was born to cater for couples planning a wedding in their lunch break. It was designed to connect brides and grooms looking for recommendations with UK based wedding professionals networking in their lunch break.
It has around 1700 followers and counting; a different discussion topic (currently on the second and third week of the month); lively interaction; and lots of connections and new contacts have been formed as a result of #UKWedLunch.
However in the quieter networking times (which typically seem to coincide with school holidays and half terms), I question whether twitter networking hours have run their course in today’s busy and ever changing social media platforms.
The purpose of twitter networking hours (topics or conversation typically grouped together by a common hashtag at a regular time/day) has commonly been to find new contacts, discuss topics, gain more followers, share other people’s content, increase sales and primarily have a conversation with others (this is ‘social’ media after all!)
For me, twitter networking hours should be about contributing and participating in a conversation. The old saying ‘you get out what you put in’ is often true in any form of networking and more so when you’re online. After all, if you just tweet and run then how do you know if what you are saying is on message with the week’s current topic?
All networking is a huge time commitment. Nowadays, it seems that the twitter forum is saturated with networking hours and new ones pop up all the time. Within each networking hour, there are also an increasing number of sales tweets rather than quality advice or conversation. Rather than spreading a marketing message wide, it is often better to be selective with the networking you choose so you can be more focused and have a personal approach.
Additionally, the users of these hours is changing to become more about supplier relationships rather than couples searching for answers.
So I’m left wondering whether twitter networking hours have had their day, who participates in them and what is the purpose of them now.
I feel that #UKWedLunch is at a crossroads and I’d like it to evolve to the next stage. It was one of the first wedding twitter hours to focus on a separate topic each week with top tips and advice. Now is the time for a new format in twitter networking.
You can help shape the future of wedding twitter networking hours by completing this short survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8C7CLK6
I’m looking forward to how things develop and the next year of networking. Please spread the word so others can join us on Wednesdays 1-2pm on Twitter.
Merriscourt wedding venue reviewMerriscourt is one of my favourite barn wedding venues in the heart of the Cotswolds. A vast expanse of space and possibilities; complete with modern facilities, accommodation and in house catering options.
It is a ‘one stop shop’ of a wedding venue which offers freedom, creativity, transparent pricing, and above all lots of space.
There’s a real sense of calm and peacefulness about the surroundings and it feels very homely. You have full reign of the whole place during the event and can also stay over in one of it’s many accommodation options.
The venue is actually 3 interlinking converted barns around a beautiful central courtyard with a picturesque tree, giving a wonderful focal point from each of the surrounding barns.
This wedding venue is blessed with high beamed ceilings, Cotswold stone walls adorned with subtle tapestries, and oodles of light.
Much more than just a blank canvas, this converted barn looks like a home from home. It’s your own house party for the weekend.
With space for a ceremony, drinks reception, sit down meal and dance floor without having to turn each space around; it rightly boasts lots of space. Plus there’s no need to relocate for any element of your special day with accommodation on site too.
ServiceI don’t think I’ve ever heard a bad comment about Merriscourt. Couples have all said how great it is and that everything is clear so there’s no second guessing when wedding planning.
It would seem that Merriscourt can’t do enough for couples and go out of their way to ensure the day couples desire.
Plus from a wedding guest point of view, the staff seamlessly usher you through each aspect of the day from room to room.
This wedding venue is a real home from home that can be adapted just how you want it with an abundance of space and options. See an inspirational French foodie’s fête wedding at Merriscourt.
WEDDING VENUE FACTS
Type of venue: barn
Find out more: http://merriscourt.com/
Location: Merriscourt, Sarsden, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6QX
Wedding season: year round
Guests: 150
Marquee option: n/a
Ceremony: Licensed Stone Barn
Venue hire: from £3480
Nearest church: All Saints Church, Church Road, Churchill, Chipping Norton OX7 6NU
Wedding breakfast: packages for canapes, sharing boards and bbqs. Three course meals from £36pp.
Accommodation: luxury accommodation in grounds sleeps total of 26
Wedding fairs: Wedding Fair around March/April time
Other things worth a mention: beautiful Bentley for hire as well
On average, wedding guest numbers are decreasing and micro weddings are on the rise; with couples wishing to keep things small, personal and more meaningful. Not quite on the extremes of eloping, as the nuptials are far from secret, but a step away from traditions and expectations. Making the day a real lavish experience for everyone and good value for money. It’s like having a dinner party in a private room for your close friends and family.
This intimate castle wedding (of less than 30 guests) was a luxurious affair with a rich, dark colour scheme of navy blue and emerald green. With lush tactile elements of velvet bridesmaid dresses, satin ribbons and faux fur wraps.
The couple chose Thornbury Castle for their wedding as the bride loves history and castles, whilst the groom loves fine food and wine. It was also a special venue where they had stayed together before.
The bride and bridesmaids got ready in the Henry VIII suite with it’s spectacular full length windows. She wore a stunning dress from Pronovias with a huge statement bow and accessorised with a custom-made ivory faux-fur wrap to bare the wintry elements of the day.
To set the scene, the couple sent out navy invitations with a green satin ribbon (to match the bride’s bouquet) and a crest from the county of the bride’s place of birth. The heraldry was a lovely nod to the décor that guests would see inside the venue. The traditional invites had handwritten names, a personal note and a copy of the menu.
Place settings were individually quilled, glued and sprayed to look like chess pieces, with names written on cards by the bride.
Minimal décor was required in the Tudor Hall and they choose not to add anything to the Lounge or Boyling House as they let the impressive venue do all the talking.
The wedding ceremony took place in the lounge at Thornbury Castle where guests sat on comfortable settees and arm chairs. Photographs then followed around the castle and in the gorgeous grounds.
Their drinks reception took place in the Boyling House where they enjoyed canapés, fizz and a caricaturist and close-up magician for entertainment.
The wedding breakfast took place in the Tudor Hall where all 27 guests sat around one table with an open fire and enjoyed a 5 course dinner service with a break in the middle for a magical parlour show.
The lavish five tier cake was decorated a sumptuous navy blue colour and adorned with edible pearls. It stood decadently, mirroring its surroundings and the hidden grandeur inside. Each tier revealing different delicious flavours of chocolate with chocolate and cherry ganache, lemon with white chocolate ganache, and a traditional fruit cake.
Despite there being a small number of attending guests, this was a cake to feed many more. The couple had little cake boxes at the ready with coordinating ribbons and napkins for the mother of the bride to give to local friends and family who didn’t attend.
AccommodationGuests stayed over at the hotel in the exquisite bedrooms and in the morning they enjoyed breakfast together in the Baron’s Sitting Room. Meanwhile the Bride and Groom stayed in the Tower Suite (one room at the top of the tower with around 70 steps to reach it) in the golden four-poster bed.
Venue | Thornbury Castle | www.thornburycastle.co.uk
Photography | Alice Morgan Photography | www.alicemorganphotography.com
Hair and make-up | Katherine Jennings | www.bridalhairstylingandmakeup.co.uk
Cake | Dee’s Cakes | www.dees-cakes.co.uk
Candelabras | supplied by venue
Dress | Miss – Bridal Gowns of Hungerford | www.missbridalgownsofhungerford.com
Flowers | T&J Owen Florist | www.tandjowenflorist.co.uk
Place settings | handmade by bride’s sister
Personalised matchboxes | Etsy
Huge congratulations if you’re currently planning your forthcoming wedding. Whilst organising a wedding is incredibly exciting, it can sometimes be a daunting challenge too. Especially as you’ve possibly never organised an event of this scale or importance before, you’re trying to please lots of people and everyone seems to have an opinion on it. So it would be understandable if you find that you can’t keep calm and are sometimes stressing over the small stuff.
Here are top tips from Stephanie Varda Bridal Coach on staying calm and dealing with stress during the wedding planning process and build up. Considering how to deal with conflict, compromise and comments from other parties.
Ten things to remember when (not if!) you get stressed while planning your wedding
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What a day for celebration the fourth of July is: Independence Day, Alice Day and today is the 4th birthday of Hanami Dream weddings and special occasions!
Yes, today marks four years since I published my first styled photo shoot under the umbrella of Hanami Dream. After that Alice in Wonderland shoot in 2014, came the Wizard of Oz, followed by a Wind in the Willows wedding in 2016. Last year saw the addition of 3 more styled bridal shoots: a modern Edwardian Secret Garden themed wedding, a real break from tradition with a Festival style wedding and also a lovely winter Journey to the Centre of the Earth themed wedding. I’m enjoying working with some amazing local suppliers!
From my first tweet in 2014, to a steadily increasing readership (and social media following) with around 1,100 unique page views a month on average. Plus a combined social media network of over 5,400 followers and ongoing promotion and networking means this is ever growing.
It’s crazy to think how much has evolved over the past four years; now 310 blog posts later and this year I won the Event and Wedding category at the UK Blog Awards after being a finalist for the previous two years running, I’m now a Certified Wedding and Event Planner, and have recently had one of my shoots featured in Your Glos & Wilts Wedding magazine.
I’m really pleased to continue to add to my honoured collection of accolades, which include #QueenOf Wedding Inspiration by The Royal Connection, the #SmartSocial award from Marketme, #BrightPig’s Business of the Week, WOW Winner picked by Jacqueline Gold CBE. As well as winning Theo Paphitis’s #SBS (Small Business Sunday).
I am an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a Certified Wedding and Event Planner with the UKAWEP.
Plus I launched #UKWedLunch nearly 2 years ago, as well as being a guest host on #BrideHour.
My focus has been on developing the blog commercially, as well as providing inspiration to brides and grooms in the Cotswolds. Plus I’ve continued to combine my previous 13 years of marketing experience, with my local knowledge, in the scope of the wedding industry. It has been great to provide marketing consultation to some local, independent wedding businesses in and around Witney, Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. I’ve been affectionately titled the Wedding Inspector – a bit like the Alex Polizzi of the local wedding industry!
I look forward to working with more local wedding professionals, services and venues #keepitlocal. And I can’t wait to produce more styled photo shoots and have more opportunities to collaborate with local suppliers.
Please get in touch if you’d like to advertise on the blog, submit your own wedding details, would like to collaborate on a shoot, write a guest post or need some marketing advice and guidance. Together we can build the local wedding industry and inspire brides and grooms for their special day.
Happy birthday to Hanami Dream – definitely time for cake now!
See more images in our gallery and the amazing local suppliers who came together to make this shoot possible in this blog post.
Photography by Cat Stephens Photography
Here are some insights from the Wedding Insurance Group – they discuss what wedding insurance is, what it covers, how much it costs as well as some tips on selecting the best wedding insurance policy and what are the risks of an uninsured wedding.
The majority of couples will tie the knot this year without wedding insurance. The last time a study was conducted in 2010, Datamonitor estimated 3 out of 4 weddings in the UK go-ahead uninsured. We don’t have any recent national data, however, our friends over at the Wedding Insurance Group have reported an increase in the number of couples taking out wedding insurance in the last year. It is still arguable that the majority of wedding days and receptions go on uninsured. To understand more, we first have to look at how much weddings cost on average.
It’s no secret that the average cost of a UK wedding has increased over the years. In 2017, various sources reported different averages:
• £27,161 – Hitched
• £30,111 – Brides Magazine
• £17,000 to £27,000 – Bridebook
It’s understandable that many couples will be aiming for a cheaper wedding but at the end of the day, weddings usually are expensive and therefore may require insurance for the couple’s peace of mind. Here’s a scenario to put this in perspective.
Imagine you bought an expensive piece of jewellery that was not covered by your contents insurance. Would you be comfortable leaving your property knowing that if something went wrong, you would not be able to recover its value? Chances are, you’ll ensure that such an asset is appropriately insured, just like your car and property. So why should a wedding be any different?
A good policy will protect your wedding ceremony and reception. Many top providers offer different levels of cover as packages. In this article, we will be using the various packages provided by the Wedding Insurance Group as examples. The following key covers are typical of a wedding insurance policy, however you should always read the Policy Wording to ensure the cover meets your needs.
This protects irrecoverable deposits or fees paid up front if the wedding reception or ceremony was unavoidably cancelled due to reasons such as family or the couple falling unexpectedly ill, the venue experiencing a disaster such as fire or flood or the inability of the couple and majority of the guests to reach the wedding ceremony or reception due to adverse weather conditions.
Imagine the couple paid £5,000 for a wedding venue, which then experiences a disaster such as a fire or flood. As a result, the wedding is moved to an alternative venue that costs £2,000 more. The cancellation cover protects the initial £5,000 cost whilst the additional cost of rearrangement cover protects the extra £2,000 to move the wedding in the event of a valid claim.
This provides cover if suppliers have gone out of business due to bankruptcy or liquidation. For example, the cake maker or photographer end up closing their business and are unable to deliver their services. Irrecoverable deposits and the additional costs of arranging alternative suppliers are covered even if the deposit was paid before you bought the policy. Certain wedding insurance policies also contain a specific cover for wedding cars and transport in the instance of breakdowns or accidents.
The policies provided by the Wedding Insurance Group also cover additional important aspects of the wedding such as:
This is essentially public liability for the couple that covers accidental injury to third parties or accidental loss of or accidental damage to third party property. Certain policies such as those provided by the Wedding Insurance Group offer the option to increase public liability to cover all guests. Certain venues will not take on a wedding booking unless the couple has public liability cover of £2 million or more. Some insurance providers do offer the option of liability cover only.
As with most insurance policies, there are optional covers to ensure any bespoke preferences are protected such as:
Overseas wedding insuranceMany wedding insurance providers offer overseas wedding insurance containing the key covers detailed above with additional cover for essential documents such as passports, birth certificates and visas.
Some wedding insurance providers like the Wedding Insurance Group do not require excesses on any of their policies. It’s always a good idea to read your policy wordings so that you are clear on the exact cover you are purchasing and any additional costs. You may wish to avoid a policy with complicated wordings. Certain providers use ‘Plain English’ and shorter wordings which make it a lot easier for you to understand.
The accepted period of time between purchasing wedding insurance and the big day itself varies amongst providers although you can purchase a policy up to 2 years before the wedding. It’s a good idea to get cover in place once you start paying deposits and making arrangements. There may also be limits between the date of the ceremony and reception. For example, non-Asian Weddings and Civil partnership ceremonies and receptions insured by the Wedding Insurance Group are required to occur within a 21-day period. There are policies for Asian weddings detailed below.
There are specialist policies available that are specifically designed for Asian weddings or Shaadi. These policies cover up to 6 events over a period of 94 days and are also delivered as different packages that include the key covers detailed above.
The Wedding Insurance Group offer policies specifically designed for Honeymoons offering single or annual multi trips and long stays. In addition to the usual covers such as emergency medical expenses and cancellation, features such as no age limits or discounts for families (kids go free) are available on single trip policies.
Costs do vary amongst providers but typically you can arrange cover for less than the price of a bottle of champagne. You can pick up a policy starting from as little as £25 for wedding insurance or £59 for Asian wedding insurance. Naturally, you will want to shop around and you’ll notice many providers display convenient tables that compare different levels of cover. Again, we recommend you read the policy wordings that may contain clauses not displayed in the summarised tables so you are clear about the insurance you are purchasing.
This is solely dependent on the ceremony and reception plan. As detailed above, tables that compare different packages and optional extras make it easier for you to find a level of cover suitable for your wedding and planned expenditure. It’s best to finalise all plans, ensure all suppliers are booked and have an idea of your total costs before purchasing wedding insurance so you are not spending more than you need on a policy.
Without insurance, the possibility of suppliers failing to deliver their services, the venue going out of business or burning down and the probability of family or the couple falling ill all threaten the harmonious running of a wedding. There are many news stories online about cancelled weddings and other wedding-related disasters that serve as examples of how things can go wrong. Likewise it’s just as important to make sure you are adequately covered and don’t leave yourself underinsured.
As detailed in the introduction, the number of couples taking out wedding insurance is increasing due to greater awareness and recommendations from wedding professionals. Planning a wedding already requires a lot of focus and attention, therefore, it makes sense to ensure all that hard work and financial outlay is protected so you can get on and enjoy one of the happiest days of your life.
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Whilst I’m blowing my own trumpet, I thought I’d share this little beauty…
Still pretty darn chuffed to have won the individual events and wedding category in 2018 at the UK Blog Awards!
Thanks for all your ongoing support.
