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Your wedding florals are so much more than bunches of flowers. They are the fragrant focal point of your wedding style; a source of scent that will evoke memories of your wedding for years to come and a symbolic accessory enriched with personal significance – whatever your flowers mean to you, they’re sure to be a key feature of your wedding day.
This is going to be the best day of your lives, however, I remember only too well when I was getting married and I kept saying “I’ve never planned a wedding before…” because I honestly had no idea what I was supposed to be doing! Just remember there’s no right or wrong way.
When it comes to choosing your wedding flowers, most couples will have an idea of colours, but perhaps not the flower names or even what will work at your venue. It’s OK to be unsure… Having a floral expert on your team will make your life a little easier and that’s where a trained professional like myself can help!
As a wedding and event floral designer, I meet couples every day who come to me for advice on how to use flowers to leave a lasting impact, what flowers are in season around their chosen date, how to achieve their desired look and fragrance, and what it will all cost. It’s a big subject that I have dedicated many years to understanding but to sum up, here are my 7 top tips to help you.
YOU are the secret ingredient, so be confident, authentic and weave your personality into your florals. Identify your style, are you free and spontaneous or are you neat and orderly? Thinking outside the vase by allowing your wedding flowers to mimic your passions and loves in life. Create purpose within your flowers e.g. Do you have memories of your fiancé bringing you roses? Does your grandmother grow hydrangea in her garden? Do you have a hobby or interest you want to show off? You can collect inspirational images of flowers, bouquets, table centrepieces you love by using Instagram and Pinterest as a source of ideas to create style boards to help illustrate your vision to your florist or floral designer (Do you want to know the difference between a florist and a floral designer? Read HERE)
Flowers bloom naturally at different times of the year; some cut flowers will be readily available in specific months or only under certain weather conditions and will be the best quality in their natural growing season. For example, peonies look their best in May. You should also consider calendar events such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Christmas. Across the world, generally, prices rise due to the demand for flowers, so bear that in mind. There are usually too many buyers and too few flowers. Weather conditions can also cause shortfalls in certain types so it’s always good to be flexible with varieties. This does not mean you personally need to be an expert but if you want a particular flower, think about the time of year you choose to get married and ask the experts for advice.
Credit: Emmy Shoots
Caring for our planet is all our ‘blooming responsibility’. At Jacqui O, we try to help and support our couples to get the best value from their ceremony flowers and create ways for them to be repurposed so that you and your guests can enjoy the beauty of your wedding flowers for longer whilst reducing the environmental impact on our world. Some of our couples chose to place the ceremony arch behind the reception top table to frame them whilst others use it as a photo booth for their guests to enjoy. There are so many possibilities but asking your floral designer is a great way to see what is possible with your scheme. Also, if you choose Cheshire or British grown blooms (available Apr-Oct), you are preserving our planet; flowers that are grown not flown have a reduced carbon footprint and may have provided food and habitat to a huge variety of wildlife before being cut. Alternatively, see what props and accessories the florist has in stock by embracing recycled vessels and containers; every beautiful thing has a story along with a few dents and scratches.
Your florals should work with the surroundings of your chosen venue, not against them. If it’s a country estate venue, consider romantic and elegant with romantic garden flowers like roses, delphiniums, and dahlias. If it’s a rustic barn, try going organic and wild with the florals. If a wedding venue has high ceilings this offers the perfect opportunity to complement the reception room by using tall table arrangements. Combermere Abbey has so many possibilities for you to make the venue truly yours for the day, in the Glasshouse, I often suggest creating florals around the central column to ‘wow’ guests as they enter. And you have to say ‘I do’ in style by dressing the ceremony doorway that leads to the beautiful orchid maze leaving both you and your guests with treasured memories forever.
Credit: Emmy Shoots
I like to remind my brides that your bouquet is your ultimate wedding accessory and should complement the beautiful detail on your dress. Our top tip is don’t hold your bouquet too high. It will hide you and your stunning dress; and after all, you are the real centrepiece of your wedding. Instead, carrying the flowers at hip height captures you at your best in your photographs.
Recently a bride remarked “I could go to a supermarket and buy flowers for a lot less”, I agreed she could but I asked would it achieve the look she wanted on her special day? There was a pause, the answer was “no”. There is a misconception that you put the word ‘wedding’ in front of flowers and you will be charged a fortune. I went on to explain that if you bought a pack of roses would they open up into beautiful large, ruffled heads? No, well that’s because I am selective in the ingredients that go into your floral creations and work with the best growers and suppliers. Be open and share your budget with your florist, and if you have no idea just say. At Jacqui O, we often tell our clients the average budget for flowers at the venue as this provides a guide. Some couples will spend less, some will spend more depending on how important the floral aesthetics are to them. I personally recommend having a ‘must have’ list e.g., brides bouquet and buttonholes and ‘a nice to have’ e.g., welcome flower arrangements. Also, if a florist comes back and their quote is too high, give them a chance to rework it for you when you’ve decided what you want to remove or ask them for ideas particularly if they have worked at your venue before… They are an expert in the field after all. If the quote is very low, it doesn’t always mean it’s the best value!
Sometimes less is more. A few larger focal designs will make much more of an impact on you and your guests than lots of small flower arrangements spread through the ceremony and reception.
A floral wedding on average takes over a week to plan, prep and deliver, you’re not just paying for the final product—you’re paying for the talent, vision, creative expertise and service of a floral designer or florist. I have had clients in the past who allowed a friend or family member who is ‘creative’ to make the bridal party flowers or table flowers as a gift. On reflection, these clients often say they wish they had got a professional to create their florals. Although it’s a lovely gesture, will you be talking about the flowers for the wrong reasons in years to come or not be talking about them at all? If you want sensational flowers, hire the expertise of a trained floral designer who is skilled in the art of floristry to bring your vision to life!
Jacqui O is one of Combermere’s trusted and recommended wedding florists and is based in Cheshire.
This guest blog was written by Doug Krier, one of Combermere Abbey’s recommended wedding photographers. Below, Doug talks through his 8 wedding photo tips for getting the best images, and what you should look out for when choosing a supplier.
Your wedding day is perhaps the most important day of your life, a wedding photographer has a monumental responsibility in capturing your special moments so that you can remember them forever. It’s often said that the day itself goes by very quickly, so wedding photography and videography means you can relive your day over and over again with your loved ones. It’s as if you’re experiencing it for the first time all over again.
This means, as photographers, we have a lot of pressure to capture your wedding photographs exactly how you’d like them. We’re not just taking photos; we’re capturing memories and emotions from your wedding day and placing them in a capsule to be cherished forever. We’re experts in our trade and often come with years of experience, but to get the most out of your photographer; it’s a good idea to understand and be able to convey what you’re expecting too. Here are my top 8 wedding photo tips for capturing the best memories possible.
A big mistake that couples make when choosing their wedding photographer, is trying to join their styles together when, like a disjointed puzzle, the pieces don’t fit. My recommendation would be to think about the kind of photography you want (posed, candid, maybe a bit of both…?) and then work from there. You should research photographers who offer the kind of style that you are looking for. Trying to change a photographer’s unique way of photographing means you could end up getting pictures that neither of you are truly happy with. This would be my number one piece of advice. Instagram and Pinterest are two great sources of inspiration, and it’s better to start researching sooner rather than later.
Most couples tend to opt for relaxed and candid photography that captures the raw emotions of their wedding day. However, we do understand that it can be hard not to but try not to overthink your photography when the camera is on you. Wedding photographers like myself like to work with natural reactions and emotions, so this works best when you aren’t focusing on the photography. Remember this. Of course, there’s always the opportunity for a few more artsy shots too – down by the Combermere mere is one of my favourite spots – but for the most part, it’s all about capturing the atmosphere of the day.
If you have a burning desire to recreate a certain wedding photograph that you’ve seen or have a quirky idea that you’d like to try out, then please tell us. We’ll always do our best to accommodate your requests. I’ve had couples try out all sorts of fun poses on their wedding day, and these end up being some of the best as they capture your own individual personalities. If there are also certain poses or angles that you’d like to avoid, then be sure to let your photographer know as early as you can. It’s not a good outcome for either of you if you’re uncomfortable with certain photographs being taken, so communication is key.
Morning jitters might be kicking in on your wedding day, and you might be in a hurry to get dressed and out the door as soon as possible but savour the experience and let us capture it for you. Shots such as tying ties, getting the dress on, having your hair and makeup done or even having a cheeky tipple with your groomsmen are all cherished moments that you’ll look back on and be glad that you didn’t rush through. Pre-ceremony photography also captures the final moments before you become a married couple, so give us the chance to take those photographs for you and help you remember those moments forever.
Your wedding day can be a very busy affair, meeting and talking with a whole host of guests, and generally just having a great time. It’s sometimes described as a whirlwind. Due to this, we often find that couples don’t actually spend all that much time together on their big day. To combat this, try and take 5-10 minutes out of each hour to go for a quiet stroll with your partner and catch up on the day. Not only does this help bring you both back to reality, but those quiet moments also make for some of the most beautiful and intimate wedding photos. In a venue like Combermere, there are many locations that are just perfect for this kind of photography, I’ve found. Whether it’s along the walled gardens, down by the mere or through the woodlands – there’s plenty of space for quiet reflection and gorgeous photographs.
If I’m being honest, there is often a lot of pressure on getting your first kiss as a married couple right. All eyes will be on you, and it’s also often one of the best photo opportunities too. But… Try and keep calm. From years of experience, I’d say to not overthink it, keep it short and sweet but also meaningful. It’s easier said than done but try to imagine it’s just you and your partner in the room. The raw, honest, and intimate shots are often the best. Don’t try and change anything or be too posey – as the photo will only end up looking insincere and perhaps even a little forced.
After the ceremony, confetti moments are a must. Not only is it traditional to have your guests (supposedly a way to say ‘congratulations’ to a couple and wish a lifetime of luck, fertility, prosperity, and happiness upon them) throw confetti, but it also creates the best wedding photos. The post-vow shot that guests (so kindly for us) decorate with confetti and laugh is often one of the most emotional and enthusiastic photos in any wedding photographer’s portfolio. There’s no happiness quite like it. Though confetti throwing is not as traditional as it once was, we urge you not to forget about it – the photos are just so fantastic. There are more sustainable routes for your confetti moments now than traditional paper confetti, that have entirely the same effect (both on the camera and in real life). As part of its sustainability promise, Combermere Abbey does not permit paper confetti but does encourage throwing petals or rice to celebrate the newlyweds’ happiness.
Finally, don’t overlook both your surroundings and the assets of your wedding day as fantastic photo backdrops. I do many shots alongside the famous Combermere Abbey Crossley car, these make for some of the best wedding photos. Many couples also love to have their picture taken with the Abbey in the background; it ends up being a very unique and stylish shot. One of my top pieces of advice for your wedding photos would be to make use of absolutely everything around you. Woodland and garden shots are very popular, as they should be, but there are so many other opportunities available too. The more the better.
If you have any further tips that you’d add for getting the best wedding photos, feel free to reach out to Combermere Abbey on social media.
Doug Krier is one of Combermere Abbey’s top recommended suppliers and has photographed many weddings over the years here. His contemporary approach when shooting weddings evokes the true emotion and narrative of the day. The classical approach is timeless, and he works tirelessly in an unobtrusive, friendly, and relaxed manner on the day. There are no bells and whistles, no over the top filters or moody backgrounds, just pure, elegant, delightful wedding photos.
Your wedding day is a day full of excitement and intrigue, not just for you and your partner, but for your guests too. Many couples want their day to be talked about for years to come, and one way to ensure this is to surprise your guests during your ceremony. Make your wedding day one to remember with these tips from our wedding planning team. From Combermere Abbey to you, here are eight ways to surprise your wedding guests.
A day to remember is the dream of most couples, even those who opt for low-key, intimate weddings. When your wedding day is often talked about, it helps you and your spouse relive those special moments all over again, meaning the memories will never fade. Including a surprise moment in your ceremony is easy and there are many ways to do it.
For couples who aren’t keen on a traditional first dance, why not surprise your guests with a routine instead? Made popular in recent years by viral social media videos, quirky co-ordinated dances to replace the more traditional options are a great way to make sure your guests never forget your first dance as a married couple. Plus, learning the routines together as fiancés is a great way to spend time together and have some fun.
Credit: Jordanna Marston Photography
Whether it’s bride or groom, a quirky arrival to your wedding day will be sure to a statement. If not the happy couple, then why not give your bridal party an interesting entrance? We’ve seen guests dancing up the aisle in the past (another trend made viral by social media), as well as all sorts of interesting transport such as decorated wagons, horseback, helicopters and even a vintage fire truck. Or you could simply consider our classic wedding car, the Crossley car is perfectly tasteful and is much loved by our couples and wedding guests alike for creating a showstopping entrance.
We love embracing all kinds of backgrounds and histories at Combermere Abbey, and we fully recommend incorporating them into your wedding day… Especially if this would come as a surprise to guests. We recently hosted a Chinese/traditional wedding, and it was simply wonderful, or how about rocking up in a kilt in a nod to a Scottish heritage? We find this is a surprise that goes down particularly well with parents, and there’s nothing better than making your loved ones proud, is there?
Credit: Sarah Beth Photography
A flash mob is the epitome of a total surprise and is one of the most recommended ways of how to surprise your wedding guests in the industry. If you aren’t familiar, a flash mob is seen as an impromptu dance… It looks random, but tends to be planned by a handful of people who then inspire others to join in too. Why don’t you and your inner wedding circle surprise your guests with a good old dance off and get them involved too to put a smile on everyone’s face. Often seen in the streets of major cities, flash mobs are renowned for bringing the feel-good factor and are becoming more and more popular on wedding days too.
A perfect way to surprise your loved ones is to keep your first dance song a secret, and then make it one that’s special to more people than just you. Perhaps you could opt for a song that holds a deeper meaning for your parents, or perhaps even the favourite song of a loved one who’s no longer here? The first dance is an ‘all eyes on you’ moment so make it one to remember with a beautifully chosen song.
Wedding performances are becoming more and more common, from live music to amazing firework displays. How about you keep your entertainment on the hush to surprise your wedding guests, and incorporate a little magic into your big day? Magicians are famed for putting on a fantastic show. Ideal for keeping guests entertained between the wedding breakfast and the evening party, or for some light table-to-table entertainment throughout the day. Here’s some recommended magicians nearby to Combermere Abbey in Cheshire if you’re considering this. Be sure to chat to our team too about how we can integrate your chosen entertainment into your wedding day.
A wonderful way of capturing memories of all your guests having a good time is to hire a photobooth, and even better if this comes as a surprise to them. Photo booths mean that couples get to enjoy seeing all of the memories made after the event too.
Credit: Steve Rooney Photography
Finally, we love fireworks here at Combermere Abbey – so why not surprise your guests by putting on a display for them? Even better if you can combine this with some wonderful music to create a lasting memory. Fireworks are just beautiful when released over the mere or our grounds, and are the perfect way to keep guests talking about your special day for years to come. Not to mention, firework displays create gorgeous photographs too!
Credit: Yana Photography
Many couples now want to surprise their guests on their wedding day, and we hope this inspiration from our team helps. For more advice on planning your special day, and exploring Combermere Abbey as a venue, please get in touch with our team by clicking here.
Nobody knows how long the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to impact our lives, but we remain hopeful that we’ll see a return of wedding celebrations this spring or summer. However, we ought to be mindful that even when ceremonies can return, they are likely to look a little different. Here at Combermere Abbey, we’ve been thinking about what weddings might look like in 2021, and our wedding planning experts are here to talk about how to approach your wedding day with Covid-19 in mind.
Image credit: Cat Lane photography
One thing is for certain, when Covid-19 comes to an end, we’ll certainly appreciate the little things more. Whether your wedding date has changed from last year, or your original date is coming closer and you’re feeling unsure, if Covid-19 has impacted your big day, there’s no doubt that when it finally arrives, it will be extra special. We remain positive that larger weddings will make a return this year and you’ll cherish your wedding day with all the worries and concerns behind you after overcoming all the obstacles to get there surrounded by family and loved ones
We have to accept that Spring 2021 weddings may well have to be treated differently.. Prior to the latest lockdowns in England, some celebrations were permitted, but limited to 15 people only. Should we see a similar rule in place as restrictions begin to ease, then you might consider a double wedding day. One where you enjoy the ceremony as planned with a select number of people, and then return later in the year to celebrate in style with more guests. Combermere is ideal for occasions such as this, and this is definitely an option we can discuss with our 2021 brides and grooms.
If you’ve had to change your wedding day, and the new date this year could mean your celebration is now taking place in a different season. For example, you might have postponed an autumn 2020 wedding, to a summer 2021 wedding.,The challenge will be to adapt and update your venue dressing to suit the new season. You can read our advice on a change of wedding season on our blog, or why not get in touch with one of our suggested venue dressers for advice?
In the interest of reducing travel for your wedding guests, opting for a wedding venue with accommodation within its grounds is a perfect idea. Keeping your loved ones close by reduces their contact in hotels away from the venue, plus there are many perks for guests staying overnight at your wedding venue such as getting to spend the most time with them that you can.
We have been avid supporters of the #WhatAboutWeddings campaign at Combermere Abbey as it’s not just venues that have been impacted by the lockdowns – it’s suppliers too. A change in wedding date might mean that as your new date draws closer, you’ve had to look at other suppliers. Please consider supporting the smaller local businesses, often a one man band, you can find our list by clicking here. And for those who haven’t changed suppliers, make sure you’re in touch as your wedding day nears to find out what their Covid-19 policies are.
To find out more about our wedding venue please contact [email protected]. Or, you can keep up to date with us and get inspired o our social media channels. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
Picking your wedding venue can be one of the hardest parts of your wedding planning journey, you have to factor in location, capacity and often somewhere that’s suitable for your guests, as well as yourselves. Not to mention that you’re going to want to opt for a venue that you’ve truly fallen in love with. Ticking all of those boxes can be difficult. This is why many couples are now leaning towards a wedding venue with accommodation onsite, like we have here at Combermere Abbey.
Why? Well, there’s a whole host of reasons.
Below, our wedding planning team are going to tell you a little more about our Cheshire-based wedding venue, and the accommodation options offered to couples who marry here. They’re also going to reveal the perks and benefits of choosing a location and venue that has accommodation for your friends and family too.
Combermere Abbey is a unique and stunning wedding venue with accommodation, located in the heart of the countryside on the Cheshire/Shropshire border. We have been hosting wedding celebrations here for many years and of all sizes. From smaller weddings, to large celebrations.
Perhaps one of our most attractive offerings, is that everything you could ever need for your special day is right here on the estate.
Our brides spend the night prior to their wedding in our bridal preparation cottage, Stone Lodge.
The estate’s Crossley car will then escort the bride to her wedding ceremony, which is held in the Glasshouse or fruit tree maze. From there, the Pavilion is just a short walk away, where most wedding parties tend to have their wedding breakfast and evening celebrations. Then, the North Wing of the abbey is transformed into the bridal suite for the newlyweds.
Scenic backdrops encompass the abbey, from the six acres of walled gardens, mere and the woodlands. All wedding photography is completed on site. Then, the icing on the cake? We have 9 self-catering holiday cottages which can sleep up to 49 of your friends and family just yards from the event.
This inclusive offering is why so many choose Combermere for their wedding day.
There are many reasons why couples will seek out wedding venues with accommodation; they include…
1. Travel
Being a great option for friends and family who live up and down the country, or even who are travelling from overseas.
2. Extended Celebrations
You can transform your wedding day, into a weekend of celebrations. In the off-season, wedding parties can stay for multiple nights. Otherwise, one night stays in the main season give you plenty of time to enjoy lots of time with your loved ones.
3. Time Together
Friends and family feel more involved in the day and can enjoy more special memories with you and at your venue.
4. Stress-Free
Worries melt away and there’s no need to leave the party early or think about driving home.
5. Relive Memories
You can come back and visit time and time again to relive special memories, as well as make more.
6. Exclusivity
The entire venue is yours, and what better place to call your own for the night than a 900-year old abbey steeped in history and class?
7. Easy Planning
Wedding planning is far less stressful, when you know everything is encompassed in one space.
8. Deals Available
You can often get deals when you book a venue, and accommodation together, such as our offering for Autumn 2021 weddings that we’ll detail below.
Our Venue-Accommodation Package Deal For 2021 Weddings
As mentioned above, we are currently offering a fantastic venue and accommodation package deal for 2021 weddings for the little availability we have left. This is ideal in particular for intimate weddings. We’re fully booked for the summer, but have a few dates remaining in October, November and December where you can benefit from great rates on the onsite accommodation for your friends and family, as well as the venue of your dreams.
This offer is exclusively for Autumn 2021 weddings, a season we love so very much, and think you will too. If you’re planning a late wedding for next year, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on our website, or by calling 01948 838 391, to find out more about the package deal that we are offering. There’s a whole host of reasons as to why you should choose a wedding venue with accommodation, so don’t miss out on these dates.
With thanks for the lovely images: Paul Marbrook, Ronnie Lee Hill, Doug Krier & Lets Get It Shot
We’re all becoming a little more conscious with our daily routines and are trying to become more environmentally friendly. So why should your wedding day be any different? Ethical weddings are a growing trend, and one that we love here at Combermere Abbey. Coupled with an idyllic countryside setting, we have the perfect wedding venue for an eco-friendly celebration.
Wedding ceremonies come by in their thousands and thousands every year, big celebrations have the potential to produce major waste – so if you like the idea of hosting a celebration that’s a little bit different, an eco-friendly wedding is a favourable route to take.
Research from 77 Diamonds suggests that…
There’s no such thing as a perfectly ethical wedding, but even making small changes to your special day can have a big impact. Here’s some advice from our wedding planning team on how to have a sustainable wedding.
If you’re fortunate to have family that live nearby, choosing a local wedding venue will reduce the Co2 emissions required to travel. If your family live further afield, why not encourage them to stay onsite (if they can) or close to your venue the night before so they can choose an ethical way of travelling.
One of the most important things to do when planning a sustainable wedding, is to pick an eco-friendly venue. Do you know Combermere Abbey was named one of the UK’s top eco-friendly venues by Wedding Ideas Magazine? If you chose an ethical venue, they will help you tick all the boxes on your ‘sustainable wedding’ checklist. Be sure to visit your venue before booking to ask them these questions, you can now book a personalised venue showround with us to find out how we can support your sustainable wedding day.
Now’s a great time to make your own wedding invites at home, is there a way you can make them sustainably? You could either use recycled paper, or even get super creative by creating invitations from other materials you have at your disposal – such as wood. Remember to try and use plant-based inks if you can.
Of course, if you want to have a sustainable wedding, you should try and incorporate eco-awareness into as many parts of your big day as you can. Perhaps you could opt for a vintage or ethical wedding dress designer? You’d be sure to get a gown that is truly unique and unforgettable.
We work with many local and regional florists at Combermere Abbey such as Red Floral, consider choosing one for your special day. As well as making an eco-friendly and sustainable choice, you’re also helping to support a smaller, independent business – which is ethical in itself.
Could you talk with your guests before your wedding to develop a dinner menu that incorporates dietary needs, but that is also eco-friendly? Vegan foods are a popular choice for being sustainable, so it could be worth exploring your plant-based options if this is an avenue that you wish to explore.
A sustainable wedding can still be a beautiful one. We have seen many brides and grooms who’ve had rustic, sustainable wedding décor which has made their special day really unique, as well as having benefits for the environment. Could you upcycle wedding decorations from pre-loved items? Make sure you opt for a venue that offers you a blank canvas (similar to ours) so that you can style your special day any way you choose.
As mentioned previously, there has never been a better time to get creative with your wedding day – you have time to plan and create now. There are so many homemade wedding favours that you could make, some ideas that we’ve seen from previous weddings – and that we love – include: succulents to take home, pic n’ mix sweetie bags, wildflower seed packets (or seed bombs), homemade soaps and birdseed feeders.
The wedding confetti throwing after you’ve exchanged your vows is a wonderful memory to treasure and it creates a fantastic photograph opportunity too. Why not make this important part of your ceremony eco-friendly too? You can use bio-degradable wedding confetti, or real flower confetti (take a look at Shropshire Petals for inspiration), and if you want to be really unique, we love the idea of using birdseed.
If you’re hosting an outdoors wedding in particular, you might be thinking about disposable cups for your guests’ drinks. We have a better idea. Why not opt for a recyclable glass bottle that they can reuse throughout the day (and night)? It’s not only more eco-friendly, but also looks great too and fits perfectly with a rustic countryside wedding theme.
Once you’ve said your ‘I dos’, perhaps you’d like to give something back to the environment and create a wedding that you can cherish forever. At Combermere Abbey, for every wedding party, we plant a tree in our bridal grove; many of our past brides and grooms come back to visit it, a symbol of how their love has grown and blossomed.
Many wedding celebrations end in the giving of a gift to the newlyweds. Sometimes, people ask for charitable donations as an alternative. You could select multiple charities who support the environment and use your wedding as the perfect opportunity to make a difference.
Finally, your honeymoon is an experience that you’ll never forget – could you make it all the more unique by choosing something different and original? We love UK staycations, and one way to have a sustainable wedding would be to end your celebrations with an eco-friendly trip closer to home instead of jetting of on a plane. There’s a whole world right on your doorstep – you can explore it together. If your wedding venue provides accommodation, why not extend your stay after your wedding day? At Combermere Abbey, we often find our couples like to stay another night at our honeymoon suite in the North Wing.
Do you have any eco-friendly recommendations? Let us know your ideas for how to have a sustainable wedding, on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.
With thanks for the photographs: The Crawleys, The Minimalist Vegan, Rock My Wedding, Ronnie Lee Hill and Jason Mark Harris 💕
The current situation may mean that unfortunately, some brides and grooms who were due to have a spring or early summer wedding, have had to postpone them. While a number of wedding parties may have chosen a spring 2021 wedding instead, others may have opted for a change of season so that they can still marry the love of their life in 2020 after all.
We won’t let Coronavirus cancel our wedding days; this is merely a postponement and we still intend to marry all of our lovely brides and grooms, albeit perhaps a little later than originally planned.
The impact that Coronavirus has had on weddings means that we’re seeing an increase in brides and grooms now interested in autumn and winter 2020 weddings. There’s an abundance of reasons as to why we love later weddings: the warm, rich autumn colours, the fresh cool air and the earlier, darker nights which create the perfect backdrop for ‘just married’ fireworks.
Due to the Coronavirus situation, it may be the case that you have had to postpone your spring wedding to the autumn or winter months. A change of season for your wedding day presents a challenge, but one that you can absolutely take in your stride and embrace.
Our wedding team has put together a few tips and pointers for changing the date of your wedding day…
Upcycle Your Wedding Décor
There’s a good chance that if you were due to get married in spring 2020, you may have already bought some – if not most – of your wedding decorations. That doesn’t mean anything has to go to waste. Why don’t you have a go at upcycling, you can spray paint décor in a lovely gold, or another autumnal colour. Here’s some more tips from Country Living on how you can make wedding decorations at home, there’s plenty of time now to experiment.
Write Down The Things To Appreciate About Your New Date
It can be difficult to grasp the concept that you’re not going to get married as soon as you thought you were; understandably leaving you with a mix of emotions. To help come to terms with your new wedding date, why not try jotting down everything there is to appreciate about it. First on the list should be that you are still going to be marrying the love of your life, as this is not a cancellation – merely a postponement.
Create Mood Boards & Get Inspirational
A new wedding date means more time to plan if nothing else. We have a lot more free time at the moment, so why not put some of that time into scrapbooking and creating mood boards for your new wedding date. Allow yourself to become excited with it all over again. We love Pinterest for creating themed mood boards, you can find our boards here to kickstart your inspiration.
If your new date means you’re now set for an autumn/winter wedding, there’s plenty to daydream about…
Autumn weddings are often decorated with vibrant, rich and romantic colours. The deep reds and browns of the falling leaves make for fantastic wedding photographs. With winter weddings, you can be treated to a crisp, clear sky and possibly even a blanket of snow to create a fairytale setting for your special day.
Here’s some of our autumn and winter inspiration that you can use for your own wedding day.
Autumn & Winter Wedding Décor
The promise of autumn brings with it an array of beautiful natural décor, as does winter. Tumbling leaves and deep, idylic colours are a common backdrop for Autumn weddings, whereas in the winter – you might get snow. Support the beautiful setting that nature offers with your own autumn and winter wedding décor. Here are some of our favourite décor ideas for tablescapes, your wedding ceremony and everything in between…
Wedding Favours
Now’s the perfect time to start re-thinking and possibly even creating, your wedding favours. Can you make them suit the theme of your autumn/winter wedding?
We love this idea of having blankets available to your guests if the weather is a little chilly.
What about this fantastic idea of gifting your guests an autumn-themed succulent so they can remember your special day forever by ‘letting love grow’?
Golden Hour Wedding Photographs
With autumn and winter weddings, we often find, always have a great ‘golden hour’ photo opportunity as the sun begins to set. We have a number of picture-perfect locations throughout the Combermere Abbey grounds, so if you’re now set for an autumn or winter wedding, make sure you seize the opportunity to capture a truly magical moment. Here are some of our favourite autumn and winter golden hour wedding photographs…
If you’re still looking for a wedding venue, don’t forget that in light of the Coronavirus restrictions, Combermere is offering virtual wedding showrounds. You’ll get to explore everything that our countryside wedding venue has to offer from the comfort of your own home, and what’s more – you’ll also get to speak to one of our fantastic wedding team who can help you plan your special day. We’re also offering a no-strings-attached reservation deal because we’re so confident you’ll simply love Combermere Abbey. To find out more about our virtual wedding venue tours, contact us on [email protected].
Remember to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see what we’re up to.
Special thank you for the fantastic photography: Gingerbeard Weddings, Jess Yarwood Photography, Adam Lowndes, Style Me Pretty, Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, Mark Tattersall Photography, PB Artworks & David Stubbs Photography 💕
Your Cheshire wedding doesn’t have to come with a price tag to rival a prize collection of diamonds. Use these top wedding planning tips to manage your wedding budget wisely.
How do you even begin to work out the spend for your big day if you don’t know what each element will cost? Contact suppliers for quotes as soon as you begin to think about wedding planning to get ballpark figures.
Most wedding planners recommend taking 10-15% off your absolute maximum wedding budget and planning to spend the 85% you’re left with. That way, you’ve left yourself some wiggle room for unexpected costs.
Once you’ve got an idea of your priorities and the elements you’ll need to pay for, you’re ready to set a budget. The key is to be realistic from the outset: you don’t want financial worries to spoil the run up to your wedding day. If you need a year to save up, that will affect when you set your wedding date. Alternatively, if you want to get married sooner, you may need to find areas you’re happy to scale back.
This should be included as standard, but always check whether supplier quotes include VAT when wedding planning. An extra 20% here and there will soon wreak havoc with your wedding budget.
Part of successfully staying within your wedding budget is spreading out your spend. If you’ve given yourselves a year to save up, you could still find yourselves falling short financially if you haven’t got the funds available when they’re due.
When it comes to getting hitched, civil ceremony and registrar fees are typically in the region of £500. Talk to your wedding venue and local registrar to establish an accurate number to factor into your wedding budget.
Traditionally, the father of the bride funded the entire wedding. And while the fact that’s no longer expected probably brings sighs of relief to many fathers, parents on both sides often still like to contribute. Have a chat with family early in your wedding planning process to establish what help, if any, you may receive.
If family aren’t able to contribute, they could still help you save in other ways that can help your wedding budget. Could they help grow flowers for your table arrangements? Bake your wedding cake? Design your stationery? There are more ways to create value than money alone.
Check with your venue exactly what is included in your hire fee. Do you get access to accommodation, like Combermere Abbey’s idyllic North Wing? Are table linens and servingware for dinner included, or will you need to hire those in? How about the smaller details, like the garden games Combermere Abbey provides?
Little costs soon add up and can be the difference that make a venue look affordable at first glance, before then blowing your wedding budget through the roof. At Combermere Abbey, you can check out our pricing and our wedding coordinators will be happy to talk you through exactly what’s included.
Inevitably, at some point during your wedding planning you may need to rein in your expenses. The trick is to do this in places that you and your guests won’t notice.
Ideas for this include leaving out wedding favours, which when multiplied by your guest list numbers rack up a hefty total, or by choosing two courses for dinner rather than three. Your cake could even become dessert to make your wedding budget go further without compromising on the party.
If your venue already offers stunning views and beautiful interiors, the amount you’ll spend on styling dramatically reduces. Our Edwardian Glasshouse is framed by a magical fruit-tree maze, so no decoration is required! Likewise, our Garden Pavilion for your reception features airy drapes, romantic chandeliers and a chic bar area, so all you need are a few finishing touches to add a personal stamp.
Find out more about weddings at Combermere Abbey and what you’ll get for your budget here.
Congratulations on your engagement! The road from your ‘yes’ day to your best day is an exciting one, but there’s also a lot to think about and plan. We’ve put our heads together to bring you seven top tips to ensure your wedding planning is stress-free from start to finish. Happy planning!
Before you dive straight into wedding planning, it’s time to treat yourselves. Getting engaged is a massive milestone in your relationship and one you should treasure. Give yourselves as long as you both want to simply enjoy your engagement, then when you’re ready, you can start to make plans.
The best starting point for your big day is to establish what both of you are hoping to get from it. Sit down with a bottle of bubbly and work through the bigger decisions. What types of venues do you want to consider? Would you prefer a religious or civil ceremony, and do you want them to all happen in one place or even outdoors? Does your venue need to offer on-site accommodation?
At Combermere Abbey, the Edwardian Glasshouse sets the scene for a magical civil ceremony in the heart of a maze that you won’t find anywhere else. Then it’s time for a romantic stroll through the Walled Garden and into the contemporary Pavilion, ready to party!
The average cost of a wedding is spiralling up and up, so to ensure your big day doesn’t do the same, work out how much you have to spend as soon as possible. This can include any savings you have or will accrue before the big day and any contributions from friends and family. You shouldn’t end up footing a surprise bill if you sort your finances from the start.
Remember that there are ways to plan your dream wedding for less – booking off-peak or last-minute dates will often mean you can bag a discount or enjoy something extra thrown in for free. In the wedding world, last-minute typically counts for dates within six months or less.
Using the priorities you’ve set in the previous step, draw up a shortlist of wedding venues that will accommodate all or most of those things. Don’t be afraid to compromise – budget constraints, significant dates and all manner of finer details may demand a bit of flexibility, but in the end, everything will work out perfectly.
When you’ve found wedding venues that could be ‘the one’, book a show-around or visit their open day to experience the setting first-hand.
Booking your venue should be the first step you make wedding planning. Then, once you’ve got your wedding date and booked a ceremony time with the local registrar, you’re ready to secure the other two key suppliers – your photographer and caterer.
This trio tends to be the wedding suppliers that book up the furthest in advance – often up to one year – so it pays to get your booking in as soon as you can. At Combermere Abbey, we work with trusted catering partners to provide a huge range of wedding day feasts, taking the legwork out of planning the perfect menu.
From your wedding dress to your wedding decor, once you’ve got your date set the fun wedding planning can begin! Now is the time to max out your wedding Pinterest boards with ideas and inspiration to share with florists, cake designers and decor hire companies to bring your vision to life.
Combermere Abbey’s Pavilion promises a luxe blank canvas for your celebrations. It’s been styled with everything from blossom trees to bunting, enabling you to personalise the space to your own theme.
Plus, the enchanting reveal curtain makes it simple to conceal your dance floor and band during dinner, before opening up the room to get the party started.
Weddings are often the biggest event of a couple’s lives to date, so it’s no wonder that wedding planning can feel a little overwhelming at times. That’s where delegating comes in!
Ask your mum to help you coordinate RSVPs. Let your bridesmaids help you sort the seating plan. Ask the ushers to show guests to their seats in the ceremony. On the day, let your venue’s coordinators step in to perfect the finishing touches. At Combermere Abbey, the wedding team are here to help every step of the way.
To find more ideas and inspiration for your wedding at Combermere Abbey, take a look at our glittering wedding gallery.
The country has recently been celebrating British Food Fortnight, honouring the wide variety of flavours, produce and culinary innovation we’re so incredibly lucky to enjoy here in Britain. When you think of foodie hot spots, minds tend to turn towards the big cities with famous restaurants and the latest up-and-coming trends, but did you know that here at Combermere Abbey we have our own foodie haven?
Great British produce starts right here on the estate: we grow our own fruit in the Maze and Walled Gardens, which we then collect and turn into delicious juices, jams and chutneys with the help of our friends at Berry Fresh Bakery. Each and every guest who stays with us is able to sample the fresh taste of Combermere with a bottle of Combermere freshly pressed apple juice and jar of jam – the perfect accompaniment to you locally sourced breakfast, with Oxtail & Trotter bacon and sausage, Pimhill muesli and Chatwin’s bread. And what’s a holiday without ice cream? We offer treats from the renowned local Cheshire Farm Ice Cream to purchase at our shop!
Venturing a little further out of the estate gates, we have an almost mind-boggling choice of top notch eateries to choose from. There’s no need to wait for months to finally get a table at an award-winning big city restaurant when you can simply dine with Michelin-starred chef Stuart Collins at Docket No. 33 right here in Whitchurch. Infusing classic British with international flavours – we’d seriously recommend indulging in the Tasting Menu to sample everything from house smoked rainbow trout to rose veal fillet with Wagyu potato terrine, divine!
If you were planning an adventure-packed holiday brimming with activities, you might find yourselves a little too weary to head out for dinner. Never fear, if you’re staying in one of our luxury self-catering cottages, the term ‘self-catering’ is pretty flexible – you don’t necessarily have to do the cooking; why not book a professional caterer to come in to whip you up a spectacular meal whilst you relax on the sofa with a glass of wine? Our wonderful catering partners Olive Tree, Pickled Walnut, Wumpy Hunter and Sophie Fearnall can take the stress out of the kitchen by, well, taking you out of the kitchen! Kick back, relax, then tuck into a veritable feast, without ever having to take off your slippers.
A foodie haven without the busy streets and polluted air of the city – what’s not to love? Take the first step in your country foodie adventure and book your stay now!
Psst… If you book a mid-week stay with us in this month, you’ll receive 15% off your booking – we all know last-minute breaks are the most fun!
