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There’s no way around it, 2020 has absolutely devastated the wedding industry. Every day, our heart goes out to suppliers in the sector who’re battling copious cancellations and rigid restrictions. We firmly stand by the #WhatAboutWeddings campaign, which calls for more clarification from the Government on financial support and outlined time frames. Many of our bridal couples want to know if their wedding dates are safe for this year and next and we want clarity for them too. Wanting to remain positive, as we look to 2021 and 2022 wedding venues such as Combermere might be thinking about what the future holds.
The future may be uncertain, however, looking ahead can help you to keep positive – knowing that better days are coming can always have a good impact on your perspective. The current situation has certainly changed how many weddings are taking place, with the marriage ceremony becoming the focus, and it’s likely they’ll have long-lasting effects into the future too. Here are some of our positive ideas and predictions.
Currently, weddings can accommodate up to 15 people but are strictly ceremony-only. Naturally, we hope that this will change soon, however in the future, it might be the case that once large guest lists are cut down considerably. There are many benefits to an intimate wedding, such as only inviting those closest and most important to you and of course, lower costs. We wrote a blog on the benefits of these smaller celebrations, you can read it here.
Photography: Toni Darcy Wedding Photography
Our wedding planning team think that we might see a change in the structure of your wedding day in the future, with some evening parties being replaced by an act, a presenter or entertainer or an earlier wedding breakfast, or lunch celebration, We host most of our meals in our Pavilion and think it’s a lovely idea to make this the focal point of your special day. Quite a unique and different experience, and perfect for those who prefer quieter occasions.
Travel disruptions have been commonplace, which mean some couples might choose a wedding venue that’s closer to home. Or, if guests are spread out across the country, it’s worth looking at a central location that has accommodation on site. We’re conveniently located on the Cheshire & Shropshire border and can sleep up to 49 guests in our luxurious self-catering cottages with our North Wing bridal wing exclusively for the bride and groom
Photography: Saint Wedding Photography
As there have been quite a few restrictions on overseas travel since the Covid-19 outbreak, we think that there may be a shift of focus on destination weddings in the future back towards the UK. Instead of heading overseas to exchange your vows, couples will consider the UK as their preferred destination instead. This country has much to offer, from the gorgeous green spaces in the summer to the rich autumnal colours as we head through into September, October and November – we might be biased but we love the idea of a ‘destination UK’ wedding for 2021, 2022 and beyond.
Finally, weddings that have postponed from this year, and have moved to 2021 and 2022, means less availability if you’re yet to find your dream venue, but want to get married within the next year or two. As such, we could potentially see a heightened interest in midweek weddings. Though they’re considered a little harder to organise and often require guests to book time off work, midweek weddings can really pay off from a budget point of view. Plus, it means you have a much better chance of securing a date in your preferred season. Would you go for a midweek wedding? Why not let us know by tweeting us on @combermereabbey?
We’re rather booked up in 2021, with just a few dates remaining for autumn and winter next year. As far as 2022 wedding venues go, though, we still have spaces in our diary for your happily ever afters. If you’re thinking about the future and planning for your 2022 wedding, then why not pay our friendly wedding planning team a visit by booking a venue show round?
Ideally located in Cheshire, were a 2022 wedding venue that’s a central point that’s easy to travel to, Combermere Abbey encompasses luxury within a natural space. With accommodation on site for your wedding guests too, we’re popular with brides and grooms both up and down the country, as well as overseas. Situated in the heart of the countryside, the estate has a rich and colourful history which leaves a special mark on your big day. A venue quite unlike any other, couples can also say their vows outdoors in the world’s only fruit tree maze, or in the Glasshouse that’s nestled at its heart. We typically host wedding breakfasts, meals and receptions in the Pavilion – a neutral entertaining space that you can design to suit your style. One thing that never changes though, is the enchanting ceiling which makes you feel like your first dance is taken under the stars.
We could talk all day about our venue, but really, you need to see it for yourself. You can do that right now by booking a show round online or by speaking to our wedding team on 01948 838 391. We are experienced in hosting intimate weddings following the Covid-19 outbreak, and we’ve definitely had a whole host of larger celebrations in the past too. Whether your plans have changed or not, you can rest assured we’ll cater to them.
Photography: Paul Joseph Photography
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Intimate weddings could well be a thing of the future. After Coronavirus has postponed a number of events this year, it seems likely that the first ceremonies allowed to resume will be small, intimate celebrations, even outdoor weddings.
Currently, wedding receptions of up to 30 people can take place.
As the country eases out of lockdown, it could very well be the case that the first types of celebrations permitted will be intimate weddings for small groups of friends and family.
Intimate weddings are very small celebrations that we would define as having around 50 guests.
The average wedding has 82 day guests and 103 evening guests, so this is quite a difference. The wedding day usually includes all of the usual components, the vows, ceremony and celebrations – just with fewer people than usual, typically just close friends and family.
Intimate weddings still have to take place in a licensed venue, such as our Edwardian Glasshouse, for example.
Intimate weddings have been a growing trend, even before the Coronavirus outbreak. More and more bridal parties are opting for these smaller gatherings, as an alternative to a more traditional larger celebration. There are many reasons why you might want to consider an intimate wedding…
Intimate weddings don’t have to look any different from a typical wedding day. Many are still hosted in venues and can be dressed the same. The only real difference is the number of guests.
We’ve hosted many large celebrations here at Combermere Abbey, but we’ve also had some intimate weddings here too. There is nothing you need to do differently to have a smaller wedding, you can still plan it as though you were having a bigger wedding, but just to plan for fewer guests. You may want to have more guest involvement for catering and music choices, for example, but this, of course, is entirely up to you.
Here’s some inspiration from past Combermere Abbey weddings, to inspire you for planning your own intimate wedding.
If you’re interested in an intimate wedding at our Cheshire wedding venue, Combermere Abbey, then why not get in touch with our wedding planning team? You can discuss your ideas for your big day, and enquire about date availability via our contact form. Remember we’re offering a fantastic package deal for weddings in September, October, November and December in 2021.
With thanks for the lovely images: Doug Krier, Saint Wedding Photography, Declan West Wedding Photography, PB Artworks & Steeve Rooney 💕
Getting married outside is a unique and vibrant experience that we are proud to offer at our magical Cheshire wedding venue, Combermere Abbey. Throughout the pandemic, special rules were created that allowed couples to tie the knot in the great outdoors. And the great news is these rules are here to stay. In this article, we’ll break down the new legalities surrounding outdoor ceremonies as well as offer some inspiration and tips for an outdoor wedding to remember.
Parts of our ancient wedding laws date back to the 1830s, so it’s no wonder they don’t reflect the needs of society today. Whilst they’ve been incrementally updated throughout the years, they can still be difficult to navigate and complex to understand.
Under previous laws, couples could legally marry in any licensed venue. The majority of the ceremony could be completed in an open space, however, the signing of the register had to take place indoors or under a structure.
In July 2021, temporary measures were introduced that allowed couples to wed outdoors in a wider range of venues. This was originally to help stop the spread of COVID-19 but it also tied in with a long-running review into the buildings-based system for civil weddings.
The temporary measures were due to expire in April 2022, but following public consultation, they have now been made permanent. Religious venues will also be able to open up their outdoor spaces for legally binding weddings.
This means that any wedding venue that is already able to legally hold wedding ceremonies can hold ceremonies outside as well without a separate civil ceremony licence.
To find out more about the legalities of outdoor weddings, take a look at the government guidance here.
Here at Combermere, we’re well-versed in hosting the most beautiful weddings both inside and out. And our outdoor weddings are one of the things that makes a wedding at Combermere Abbey so special.
Many of our couples choose to make use of our lovingly restored walled gardens which are exclusively yours for your wedding day. You’ll be surrounded by the romance and charm of nature and the stunning gardens making the perfect backdrop to your day.
Many couples choose to get married in the Edwardian Glasshouse, surrounded by the enchanting fruit tree maze that stretches for half a mile. In fact, many of our couples choose to get married inside the Glasshouse with the doors open, gazing out into the maze and surrounding gardens.
Natural décor
Outdoor weddings are uniquely charming in many ways. Picture this, your wedding day surrounded by luscious greens, a dreamy sunset with a soft breeze around you whilst you exchange your vows. That sounds perfect, right? Outdoor ceremonies draw on the natural beauty of the outdoors without you having to stress about coordinating perfect décor.
Whether you keep things natural and minimal, or bring in colours from bright spring flowers or warm autumnal hues, you’re sure to have a stunning wedding.
Fantastic photo opportunities
Outdoor weddings also mean that you can have unique photography that focuses on the beautiful scenery of your wedding day. The photographer will be able to take limitless shots filled with natural sunlight and effortless scenery.
Outdoor weddings also provide so much more space for photographers and videographers to move around and capture the best shots of your big day.
Full of opportunity
With outdoor wedding comes the opportunity to create an intimate and romantic day with just your nearest and dearest around you. Equally, if you’re wanting to throw the party of the year, the right venue can provide the perfect setting.
Outdoor weddings combine the perfect combination of fresh air, scenic views and plenty of space to dance the night away.
We host a plethora of outdoor weddings here at Combermere Abbey, and they’re always distinctly beautiful throughout every season.
The obvious choice for a season for an outdoor wedding is summer, of course! The weather is warmer, our stunning gardens are in full bloom and you’re more likely to get sunshine (although it’s never guaranteed here in the UK!).
Outdoor spring weddings also bring the promise of blossoms and birdsong, creating a gorgeous natural backdrop for exchanging your vows and summer brings us rich colours in the gardens and fantastic clear blue skies.
However, autumn weddings can also be fairly mild and on a clear day the warm hues can really add a beautiful backdrop to your wedding day. You can always provide your guests with some cosy blankets to snuggle up with whilst they watch you tie the knot.
And although you may not want to brave the outdoors in the winter, our Glasshouse means that you’ll always feel as though you’re surrounded by nature and fantastic garden backdrops, no matter how cold it is outside.
If the idea of an outdoor wedding has got your heart racing, why not contact a member of our team to find out more. We can always make your day bespoke to you and tailor each detail perfectly to make sure you have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.
Welcome to the world of wedding planning! Whether you’re feeling excited by wedding ideas and inspiration or a little overwhelmed, try these top tips from Combermere couples and celebrate the best day ever.
Have you thought about having your Cheshire wedding on a weekday? The immediate thought for many couples is to choose a Saturday in the summer, but inevitably, there are only so many each year. Choosing a weekday wedding has plenty of perks too, as Rachael and Thomas tell us:
“We had a weekday wedding at Combermere Abbey and I was worried that people wouldn’t party as hard. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Although it meant some people taking time off work, your true friends and family don’t mind and the money you save on a mid-week package means you can put more into the wedding itself. If anything, I think people enjoy it more as they should be at work and aren’t!”
Pinterest can be an amazing source of wedding ideas, but it can also create unrealistic expectations. Use the wedding ideas you find as a starting point, then scale them up or back to suit your own vision, venue and investment.
“We live in a generation where there is a lot of pressure for everything to be perfect. It can be easy to get carried away with trying to make your wedding unique. However, the main thing is that you invite guests who love and support you,” say Hayley and Umesh. “This is what will make your day special.”
“My top tip for any bride-to-be is to focus on getting the venue right,” adds Hayley. “I think this is the most important aspect of any wedding. Looking back, I was always worrying that suppliers were getting booked up so early, but this was unnecessary as there are so many good options out there.”
Find out how Hayley and Umesh made Combermere Abbey their own with a team of talented suppliers in their real wedding.
After hour upon hour of planning, from the colours of your table linen to your bouquet, it’s easy to get hung up on your carefully chosen wedding ideas. But Combermere couple Helen and Sam urge you not to.
“It’s your wedding – the one day especially for you and your partner – so make sure it’s the day you want it to be. Nothing else really matters – the day is about you and your partner getting married. Everything that goes along with the day is just an added niceness. So, don’t worry about everything going to plan. Things will get forgotten, people will do things wrong, someone might not turn up but it really doesn’t matter and you probably won’t notice!”
We’ve featured a lot of real weddings and hosted hundreds more. One of the trends we’ve noticed among them is to have plenty of ideas to make your wedding morning special (think Champagne in Stone Cottage and matching silk robes), but a less than polished approach to the timing. This is something real bride Natasha urges you to get right:
“I would set an alarm for getting my dress on in the morning. This part went too quickly because I left this a little late.” You’d never know it from Natasha and Brett’s beautiful real wedding photos, though!
From the moment you walk hand-in-hand back up the aisle as newlyweds, to the toasts, the banquet, the dancing… Your Cheshire wedding will be a whirlwind of excitement, but that also means it can fly by. Luckily for us, Combermere couple Zoe and Junior have some great advice.
“If we could do it again, we would talk to more to people and make time to take things in. Your wedding is such a blur and goes by so fast!”
“We didn’t plan too many wedding photos, just our immediate family and bridal party because we didn’t want many posed pictures,” explains Combermere couple Scott and Kate. “But the one picture we wished we had got was a group one of all the guests.”
You can still add an informal twist to group photos. Try group shots taken from above by drone as you mingle in the Walled Garden or fruit tree maze. Alternatively, you could channel the excitement with a Champagne toast en masse.
“Make sure you book a videographer as well as a photographer,” advises Natasha. “Our videographer – Appleyard Productions – captured every little detail that we didn’t have time to see on the day.”
Managing your big day budget is important, but invest in a real wedding video and the results will last long after your big day.
With these top tips and wedding ideas in mind, you’re ready to plan to perfection. Check out our ultimate guide to wedding planning to tick off the right wedmin tasks at the right time.
