Wedding Expert Advice Guides

31 Inspirational Blank Canvas Wedding Venues

Don’t deny it – you’ve dreamt up your perfect wedding and you’ve gone a little OTT on the theme! Instead of starting all over again, why not simply choose a blank canvas venue from Bridebook.co.uk and make your visions come true?

Whether you want a stripped back ‘no-frills’ kind of day, or you’re after something a little more extravagant, we’ve found some blank canvas venues that can be completely tailored to you and your day.

And if you want to carry on the search after seeing these 31 stunning venues, head over to Bridebook.co.uk’s Wedding Venue Search! Enjoy!

1. That Amazing Place, Essex Wedding Venues

The beautifully decorated That Amazing Place is set in the glorious Essex countryside and offers neutral tones as a blank canvas wedding backdrop. With a lush outdoor space and garden pagoda, this country house will accent any theme, no matter how bold or subtle.

2. Marwell Hotel, Hampshire Wedding Venues

This safari lodge-style country hotel boasts a spa, golf course, 5-star service and sumptuous cuisine. At Marwell Hotel, you can expect high ceilings, fresh interiors and a luxurious sheen, making it an ideal blank canvas setting on the edge of Hampshire’s South Downs National Park.

3. Shoreditch Studios, Greater London Wedding Venues

The UK’s capital city is home to Shoreditch Studios, a flexible warehouse and studio space based inside a railway arch. With Victorian brickwork on show and a romantic mezzanine overlooking the main space, you’ll be able to make your biggest dreams become reality.

4. The Outdoor Party Company, West Berkshire

Bridebook.co.uk The Outdoor Party Company

The natural beauty-style blank canvas backdrop at The Outdoor Party Company really is unique. Including camping paddock, fire pit and a small rustic barn, you can create your bespoke wedding in this endless woodland setting of Berkshire.

5. The Granary Hotel & Wedding Venue, Northamptonshire Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk The Granary Hotel & Wedding Venue

Enter the private Fawsley Estate and you will find The Granary Hotel, where converted Grade II-listed barns and a luxury marquee form the beautiful wedding backdrop. This venue has a modern finish but lets rustic features shine through – making the perfect blank canvas on which to paint your ideas.

6. Bashall Barn, Lancashire Wedding Venues

Spectacular views over Lancashire and a fresh quirky interior means you have arrived at Bashall Barn. This totally bespoke venue offers home-made food, a bakery, ice cream parlour and blank but rustic décor, so you can do exactly what you want on your wedding day.

7. Goosedale, Nottinghamshire Wedding Venues

Nottinghamshire’s Goosedale warmly invites you with exposed brick, dramatic high ceilings and statement lighting set within 100 acres of gardens. Dating back to the 17th Century, this exclusive-use venue will allow you to put your very own spin on the look and feel of your celebrations.

8. Merriscourt, Oxfordshire Wedding Venues

Nestled in the glorious Cotswolds, Merriscourt is an unrivalled barn setting with beautiful brick and plenty of opportunity to decorate as you wish. The interconnecting barns offer natural light, a spacious ambience and tonnes of character to add to your day.

9. Furtho Manor Farm, Northamptonshire Wedding Venues

Furtho Manor Farm combines lush fields, a rustic barn and a nearby Church to suit all tastes for your wedding celebrations. This rural Northamptonshire backdrop can be transformed with a bold and colourful theme, or will be equally as beautiful with raw farm-style look.

10. Sunbeam Studios, Greater London Wedding Venues

The Grade II-listed Sunbeam Studios offers plenty of history, fresh white décor and an ideal blank canvas venue for your grand theme. Once the showroom to the Talbot Sunbeam car, this London gem would be the ultimate venue for couples fanatic about classic cars!

11. Gaynes Park, Essex Wedding Venues

In the Essex countryside lies the spectacular blank canvas venue Gaynes Park, comprised of a gorgeous rustic barn, an outdoor barn and a sun-filled Orangery. Oak beams, modern glass and stunning parkland surroundings make this venue an incredible choice.

12. Tadley Venue, Hampshire Wedding Venues

Hampshire’s Tadley Venue is situated at the Herb Farm, where lush fields and tree-lined paths lead you to a festival wonderland. The 4 acres of natural beauty are all yours for the day (or the weekend!), so you can choose suppliers as you wish and create your dream day.

13. Turner Contemporary, Kent Wedding Venues

David Chipperfield is the award-winning architect who designed Turner Contemporary, a luxury blank canvas venue to die for! Taking advantage of Kent’s seaside town of Margate and it’s coastal views, this venue combines full length windows and gorgeous neutral palettes.

14. Stirk House Hotel, Lancashire Wedding Venues

Whether you’re after a simple, intimate ceremony or a grand celebration (or a mixture of the two!), Stirk House Hotel can cater for your every need. The 16th Century manor house in Lancashire offers lots of original features and some modern touches to suit your theme.

15. Upthorpe Wood, Suffolk Wedding Venues

Fancy tying the knot in a magnificent woodland setting on the border of Suffolk and Norfolk? At Upthorpe Wood, you can expect a rustic woodland barn and infinite gardens in which to mingle with your loved ones – a venue with natural beauty as your backdrop.

16. Applewood Hall, Norfolk Wedding Venues

Contemporary class and raw character are combined at Applewood Hall to create the ultimate blank canvas setting. This Norfolk gem is set on the grounds of an orchard, with luxury glamping pods and camping space too, so you can celebrate your day your way.

17. Northease Manor, East Sussex Wedding Venues

Northease Manor warmly welcomes you to East Sussex, where the rolling hills of the South Downs can be enjoyed from all around the venue. Including a thatched roof and rustic beams, this 17th Century backdrop will look stunning in your wedding photos – just simply beautiful.

18. Alpheton Hall Barns, Suffolk Wedding Venues

History and character await you at Alpheton Hall Barns, where you can celebrate your wedding in unique style. With a wide choice of ceremony and reception spaces available, you can be flexible with your day and create exactly what you dreamt of.

19. Old Bridge, Somerset Wedding Venues

This Elizabethan manor house dates back to the 16th Century, and totally encompasses it’s history plus a touch of luxuriousness. Somerset’s Old Bridge is the answer if you’re craving a warm and inviting setting with a plain canvas to plant your ideas upon.

20. Swallows Nest Barn, Warwickshire Wedding Venues

The idyllic rural farm setting of Swallows Nest Barn is located in the Warwickshire countryside. This family run farm venue puts emphasis on helping couples create a bespoke day that echoes their personalities – meaning you can both put your own spin on things!

21. Victoria Warehouse, Greater Manchester Wedding Venues

Exposed rustic walls and an urban warehouse theme can be found in Manchester at Victoria Warehouse. With a 100-year history as an industrial charm of the city, you’ll be surprised how much you can do with the innovative space of this dramatic venue.

22. Westmead Events, Surrey Wedding Venues

Westmead Events boasts 11 acres of glorious outdoor space that you can use as you wish – having a simply beautiful ceremony in the sunshine, before moving to your marquee set up in the lakeside meadow and orchard. Perfect for a blank canvas ‘WedFest’ celebration!

23. Nineteen 32, Tyne & Wear Wedding Venues

This former school near Newcastle is now the vintage-style venue of Nineteen 32. The experienced team here are on hand to make sure your wedding planning is personal, bespoke and goes without a hitch. Here you will find vintage décor and unique charm with an ‘old skool’ vibe!

24. Riverview Manor, Kent Wedding Venues

Overlooking the picturesque river and offering panoramic views of Kent, Riverview Manor is home to a luxury marquee with elegant hanging chandeliers. The neutral background here provides the perfect blank canvas to inject your own colourful theme or ideas!

25. King’s Chapel, Buckinghamshire Wedding Venues

Steeped in years of history, King’s Chapel is nestled within the Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire and instantly makes a statement with it’s domed hall. Arched windows and spectacularly elegant chandeliers are the basis to this blank canvas venue, where anything goes!

26. Newhall Estate, Midlothian Wedding Venues

Newhall Estate is a private and exclusive venue in which Newhall House stands – a Baronial Scottish home. On the edge of Edinburgh, this fairy-tale castle venue offers a mixture of plain canvas and bold historical rooms to suit whichever theme you would prefer.

27. Rich Mix, Greater London Wedding Venues

Calling all film fanatics! London’s Rich Mix cinema can play your favourite film at your wedding, with all of your guests in the audience. The indoor spaces of this boutique cinema are vibrant and full of character, while the urban-style garden makes a great mingling point.

28. Darwin Lake, Derbyshire Wedding Venues

The natural beauty of Darwin Lake in Derbyshire‘s breath-taking countryside is an unbelievable blank canvas setting. Celebrate in the Darwin Hall or go alfresco with an outdoor marquee, before retiring to your honeymoon cottage. Not the mention – the lake!

29. Rosewood Pavilion, Cambridgeshire Wedding Venues

Rosewood Pavilion allows you to create your bespoke day within the natural setting of the Cambridgeshire countryside. Enjoy tree-lined pathways and surprises around every corner at this venue – and don’t forget to grab that photo against the stunning sunset backdrop!

30. Fison Barn, Oxfordshire Wedding Venues

Fison Barn - Blank canvas wedding venues

Organise every aspect of your day at Fison Barn, including the decoration and all-important catering. The 19th Century structure, along with the herb-scented courtyard, is an idyllic location to make your dreams become a reality in a secluded rural setting.

31. Brogdale Collections, Kent Wedding Venues

Surrounded by orchards, Brogdale Collections is an inspiring venue with a meadow marquee, rustic interiors and plenty of charm with the chance to tour the orchard by tractor! Utilising suppliers local to the venue and with a miniature railway to keep the kids entertained, this blank canvas is sure to be fruitful!

If you’ve fallen for one of these gorgeous blank canvas settings, make sure you contact the venue through their Bridebook.co.uk profile and book in a viewing (that’s where all your visions can finally start being reality!)

But also not to worry if none of our picks took your fancy – browse through some amazing wedding venues in the UK and simply click ‘blank canvas’ in the filters. Be sure to sign up to Bridebook first.

Still can’t find your dream wedding venue? Have a look at thousands of wedding venues all over the UK:

Don’t forget you can also use other great features on the site to keep track of your wedding planning too – fill in your wedding budget planner, wedding checklist, wedding guest list and read some of our brilliant wedding advice from wedding experts!

Happy planning!

29 Scenic Wedding Venues With Stunning Views

Wherever we go or whatever we do, it’s always nice to have a room with a view – right? Why not have a wedding with an incredible view too by choosing one of these scenic wedding venues with breath-taking backdrops?!

Try your own Wedding Venue Search on Bridebook.co.uk and be sure to click the filter ‘scenic views’ if you’re after a stunning wedding venue with an equally stunning panoramic setting.

Bridebook.co.uk has done some of the hard work for you and brought together the best of the best venues with a view, so sit back and admire the surroundings at these special settings across the UK.

1. Searcys at The Gherkin, Greater London Wedding Venues

As one of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks, The Gherkin would definitely make a statement wedding venue! But how about enjoy fine dining with your loved ones while overlooking the views of London as the sun sets? Searcys at The Gherkin has one of the most scenic views you’ll find.

2. The Horn of Plenty Country House Hotel, Devon Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk The Horn of Plenty Country House Hotel

A Devonshire gem The Horn of Plenty Country House Hotel will take your breath away as you admire the views over the South West of the country. This award-winning venue is in an idyllic location and is sure to make an impression on all of your guests! Beautiful.

3. Flanesford, Herefordshire Wedding Venues

Choose an outdoor ceremony at Flanesford and you can expect glorious 360-degree views of your scenic surrounds throughout. With a 14th Century Monastery on-site and stunning panoramic lake views at the heart, this picturesque wedding venue is a real contender if you’re planning to marry in Herefordshire!

4. Ocean View Windmill Gower, Swansea Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Ocean View Windmill Gower

Swansea is proud to be home to Ocean View Windmill Gower, a spectacular setting that boasts views out across the countryside and, of course, the ocean! Set on a rural working farm and with the luxury marquee available for your wedding, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic views.

5. The Beacon Kitchen Ltd, Kent Wedding Venues

Offering splendid views over rural Kent, The Beacon Kitchen is a one-of-a-kind venue that showcases luxury décor for a special wedding day. Situated near Tunbridge Wells, this setting is within easy access to transport links, while keeping an air of privacy.

6. Little Quarme Cottages, Somerset Wedding Venues

Nestled in the centre of Exmoor National Park, Little Quarme Cottages offer lush outdoor space and dramatic backdrops of the landscape. Turn your wedding day into a 3-day retreat as you relax in beautiful accommodation while overlooking the Quarme Valley. Could one of the most stunning wedding venues in the UK be the one for you?

7. Leathes Head, Cumbria Wedding Venues

At Cumbria’s Leathes Head, you can expect to find an Edwardian country house hotel, boasting 11 bedrooms, 3 acres of grounds and unrivalled views over the Valley. The interior has been newly refurbished if you wish to marry indoors, or why not take advantage of the lush lawns?!

8. Barns at Llyn Gwynant Campsite, Gwynedd Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Barns at Llyn Gwynant Campsite

This Welsh gem is a rustic campsite setting surrounded by unspoilt natural beauty. Barns at Llyn Gwynant Campsite offers a more raw and simple approach to your wedding day, where you and your guests can camp overnight – waking up to incredible scenic views.

9. The Compasses at Pattiswick, Essex Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk The Compasses at Pattiswick

Making the most of the glorious Essex countryside right from the entrance gate, The Compasses at Pattiswick helps to create your bespoke day right from the word go. With an interior that echoes rustic-contemporary, this is definitely a stunning wedding venue!

10. Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Hampshire Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Emirates Spinnaker Tower

Right near Portsmouth Harbour stands the Emirates Spinnaker Tower…we can’t believe you can tie the knot up there either! So if you fancy taking your marriage to new heights (105 metres high to be exact), you can experience jaw-dropping views across 23 miles. Wow!

11. The Hayloft, Cumbria Wedding Venues

The next Cumbrian oasis comes in the form of The Hayloft, a warm and inviting farmhouse with open fires and cosy bedrooms. The venue is circled by The Lakeland Fells and overlooking Lorton Valley – which would make a stunning backdrop to your wedding photos!

12. Skylark Weddings, Northamptonshire Wedding Venues

It’s too easy to fall in love with Skylark Weddings. Set on the rolling hills of Northamptonshire, this exclusive us wooden farm is the depiction of elegant charm. Picture perfect during the day and night, the scenery really does set the scene for an unforgettable wedding day. The scenery AND the luxury glamping domes for you and your guests.

13. Cranberries Hideaway, Devon Wedding Venues

This former dairy farm is the ultimate rustic venue set in 100 acres of farmland. Cranberries Hideaway lies on the Jurassic Coastline and boasts views across Devon and the nearby sea – which can be enjoyed while playing outdoor games in the glorious garden area.

14. Tree Top Weddings, Devon Wedding Venues

Why not step your wedding up a notch and get wed among the trees? Tree Top Weddings helps you create your very own intimate nest in which to celebrate your marriage, as well as showing off some of the best views that Devon has to offer…AND from a hot tub!

15. The Longhouse at Mill on the Brue, Somerset Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk The Longhouse at Mill on the Brue

Within 25 acres of lush greenery nearby to Brue Valley, this Somerset setting really is a picturesque wedding venue dream. The Longhouse at Mill on the Brue is based on a farm and is a family-run venue – who believes that every wedding is special and unique. We love the gardens!

16. Barn Drift, Norfolk Wedding Venues

Barn Drift is an award-winning barn conversion and spectacular outdoor space in which to get hitched. The 18th Century barn is surrounded by endless gardens where you can admire views of Blakeney Point and even sand dunes! Let your imagination wander at every turn.

17. The Boathouse on Priory Bay, Isle of Wight Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk The Boathouse on Priory Bay

If you were hoping for a beach wedding, The Boathouse on Priory Bay is the scenic wonderland of the IOW. This picturesque wedding venue is set up in the trees, just metres away from the water’s edge. Venture down to the beach for some photos or view the scenery from above.

18. Greetham Valley, Rutland Wedding Venues

Greetham Valley is set within dramatic landscapes in Central England, where the Lakeview Suite offers uninterrupted views over the golf course and lovely lakes. It’s flawless classic style ultimately compliments the natural beauty it is nestled within and it’s spectacular scenic views.

19. Bowhayes Farm, Devon Wedding Venues

bowhayes farm wedding party rolling in on moterbikes, with bride in the sidecar

We absolutely love this blank canvas venue. Bowhayes Farm offers incredible views and sunsets, allowing you to put together the most magical wedding day for you and your guests!

20. Pentillie Castle & Estate, Cornwall Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Pentillie Castle & Estate

This Cornish getaway is not one to miss! Pentillie Castle & Estate offers elegant reception rooms, beautiful lawns and the opportunity for a luxury marquee set up in the lush grounds – meaning you can overlook the glorious scenic views as you celebrate!

21. The Devonshire Fell, North Yorkshire Wedding Venues

The Yorkshire Dales is home to The Devonshire Fell, an exclusive-use country house and hotel sat amongst some spectacular countryside views. With a warm atmosphere and staff on hand to help you create your dream day, you can sit back, relax and admire the views!

22. Hugh McCann’s, County Down Wedding Venues

This Northern Irish oasis is Hugh McCann’s, which dates back 200 years and is sat next to the dramatic Mourne Mountains. If you fancy the sea and a mountain backdrop during your ceremony, wander into the Secret Garden where you can have a super romantic ceremony. This is truly one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the UK!

23. China Fleet Country Club, Cornwall Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk China Fleet Country Club

Sat upon the banks of the river, China Fleet Country Club is one of the most picturesque wedding venues in Cornwall. Have a relaxed drinks reception in the stone-walled farmhouse, or take advantage of the surrounding natural beauty right on the venue’s doorstep.

24. Sandburn Hall, North Yorkshire Wedding Venues

Step into the romantic Grand Hall, where oak beam frames and glass panelling create a spacious and dramatic function room. But don’t forget about those all-important scenic views – gorgeous gardens, lakes and golf courses which you can admire right from your seat at Sandburn Hall.

25. Nettle Hill, Warwickshire Wedding Venues

Warwickshire’s Nettle Hill boasts 7 acres of incredible grounds surrounding its 17th Century farmhouse. With period features and a light-filled conservatory area, this venue is set against unspoilt scenic views to make your day truly unforgettable.

26. Bwyty Mawddach Restaurant, Gwynedd Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Bwyty Mawddach Restaurant

Adjacent to a majestic mountain range and picturesque estuary, Bwyty Mawddach Restaurant is the place to go if you’re after fine dining and scenic views in Snowdonia National Park. This recently converted barn offers contemporary décor and makes a perfect viewpoint of Wales.

27. The Bear of Rodborough, Gloucestershire Wedding Venues

Located on National Trust land in the countryside of Gloucestershire, The Bear of Rodborough provides a modern yet cosy atmosphere for your unforgettable day. The Terrace Room is the perfect ceremony setting, overlooking the gardens and rolling hills.

28. Greenwich Yacht Club, London Wedding Venues

Greenwich Yacht Club boasts some fantastic views of Central London while sited on the edge of the Capital’s River Thames. Perfect for a nautical theme, this venue hosts some excellent photo opportunities – you can even see the iconic O2 building from it!

29. Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, North Yorkshire Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Dalbby Forest Visitor Centre

Fancy being at one with nature while tying the knot? At Dalby Forest Visitor Centre you can do just that as your guests look on and experience the panoramic views over The Great Yorkshire Forest. Support the local forestry organisation by having a woodland wedding here!

We can’t believe the incredible views surrounding these venues! If, like us, you can’t get enough of these potential scenic views on your wedding day, head over to Bridebook.co.uk and start a Wedding Venue Search where there will be plenty more venues you’ll fall in love with. Use the ‘scenic views’ filter and type in your preferred location for more refined results.

Click here to see all the scenic wedding venues in the UK!

Remember to use Bridebook.co.uk’s other helpful features, such as the wedding guestlist, wedding checklist and wedding budget that can be completely tailored to you and your dream wedding.

Did you enjoy this article? Check out these similar ones:

The 23 Best UK Country Wedding Venues

25 Cheap Wedding Venues in the UK

20 Best UK Castle Wedding Venues

20 Hotel Wedding Venues in the UK

Have a browse at some incredible wedding venues all over the UK:

Happy planning!

31 Romantic Wedding Venues in the UK

Are you a pair of lovebirds waiting to swoon over an ultimately romantic wedding venue? If so, you’re in the right place! We’ve dug through our extensive list of venues and picked out some of the most romantic settings of all time where you can tie the knot.

And remember, these are only a few of Bridebook.co.uk’s incredible venues, so if none of these is the one for you, simply start a Wedding Venue Search and click ‘romantic‘ in the filters. Good luck!

Now, let the romance commence…

The best venues in the UK for a romantic wedding

In this video, we show you five of the most romantic UK wedding venues out there – and walk you through what to look for if romance is top of your list when you’re finding your own wedding venue. We’ve even snuck in some tips and tricks to help you make your wedding the most romantic it can be, whether you’ll be splashing the cash or planning a wedding on a budget!

1. High House, Essex Wedding Venues

The High House wedding venue, a married couple walk over a small white bridge in Essex

Dating back to 1750 and having been lovingly restored, High House‘s red brick barn boasts exposed oak beams and a nearby luxurious Bride’s Cottage – not to mention the Monet-inspired bridge over the pond and lush English country gardens. You won’t find a more romantic setting anywhere else in the Essex countryside!

2. Chippenham Park, Cambridgeshire Wedding Venues

a couple kiss on a wooden bridge outside Chippenham Park wedding venue, in Cambridgeshire

The Grade II listed house and surrounding gardens of Chippenham Park are what dreams are made of! Say your vows in front of the castle-like structure, or beside the lake for a waterside ceremony. Then sip bubbly while you stroll the extensive gardens – so romantic!

3. Lusty Glaze Beach, Cornwall Wedding Venues

married couple kiss on Lusty Glaze Beach, a wedding venue in Cornwall

Did your partner propose on the beach? If so, you may be fantasizing about an intimate beach wedding! Lusty Glaze Beach combines golden sand and an indoor cove looking out over gorgeous Cornish views, so you can plan your idyllic barefoot ceremony on the shore.

Explore the UK’s best beach wedding venues here!

4. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Dorset Wedding Venues

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Dorset

This dramatic Victorian villa from 1901 not only has splendid views over Bournemouth from the cliff-top, but also houses a great collection of British art that has taken years to gather. The fantasy-filled Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is brimming with lavish character for a dreamy wedding day.

5. Old Court Chapel Weddings, County Down Wedding Venues

Old Court Chapel Weddings, a nicely illuminated wedding venue in County Down

Old Court Chapel Weddings has a lot to offer a pair of lovebirds! The 19th Century chapel structure is just a short walk from the local church, and also has a glorious yurt-inspired marquee attached!

Add restored stables and natural gardens into the mix, and you’re onto a winner with this romantic Northern Irish setting! It’s without a doubt one of the most romantic wedding venues in the UK!

6. Cambo Estate, Fife Wedding Venues

Aside from the grand house of Cambo Estate, this venue hides something incredible. Explore deeper into the grounds and find the super romantic woodland retreat, where you can set up your perfect day in the forest! The nearby tattie barn will add a touch of rustic to this magical setting.

7. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, West Midlands Wedding Venues

Birmingham Botanical Gardens wedding venue in the West Midlands

Birmingham Botanical Gardens are the epitome of romance! Boasting three event suites and a glorious outdoor backdrop for drinks and canapes, this venue has created the ultimate ‘Love Birds Package’ for any special botany-loving couples!

8. Gileston Manor, Vale of Glamorgan Wedding Venues

Gileston Manor an outdoor wedding venue in Vale of Glamorgan

The wondrous Gileston Manor is a Georgian House with nearby Mughal Marquee set in a glorious landscape of lush lawns. It hides it’s own intimate church, gorgeous Secret Garden Room and the charming Cheese House – so many romantic settings to explore once you’ve tied the knot!

9. Pendrell Hall, West Midlands Wedding Venues

Pendrell Hall a wedding venue in west midlands

Among 6 acres of lush gardens is the exclusive use venue Pendrell Hall. It has plenty of exterior Victorian character and a mixture of classic features with some contemporary decor inside – meaning every room is stunning and can suit any romantic theme!

10. The Coach House – Marks Hall Estate, Essex Wedding Venues

The Coach House - Marks Hall Estate in essex - wedding venue

The romantically-lit Coach House at Marks Hall Estate plays host to exposed brick, iron chandeliers and original wooden frames. Dating back to the 18th Century, this arboretum venue is as rustic as it is romantic – you’ll be sure to get amazing wedding photos here!

11. Olde England Kiosk, Lancashire Wedding Venues

Olde England Kiosk wedding venue in Lancashire

Olde England Kiosk is a unique setting that your guests will swoon over as soon as they arrive. This Tudor-style woodland retreat emphasises a traditional theme while oozing idyllic romance. Get lost in the grounds of this charming wedding venue with your loved one!

12. Crook Hall, County Durham Wedding Venues

Crook Hall wedding venue in County Durham

If you’re dreaming about a quaint English garden afternoon tea affair, Crook Hall is the venue. Beautiful gardens will surround you as you sip on bubbly and enjoy your special day – but of course if the British weather gets in the way, you can also have exclusive use of the historic Medieval hall.

13. Dunadry Hotel & Country Club, County Antrim Wedding Venues

The professional staff here at Dunadry Hotel & Country Club have over 40 years of wedding experience – not to mention the most dreamy of venues to help sway you! Wood-panelled rooms and cosy interiors invite you inside, where you’ll find a whole world of romance in one place.

See more hotel wedding venues in the UK

14. The Royal Pavilion, East Sussex Wedding Venues

The Royal Pavilion wedding venue in East Sussex

If you’ve ever been to Brighton, you’ll surely have seen the Indian architecture of The Royal Pavilion. What’s inside is even more spectacular though, as this Regency Palace houses extravagant Chinese-inspired interiors and grand splendour dating back to 1823. Let this dreamy wedding venue completely sweep you off your feet!

15. Winters Barns, Kent Wedding Venues

Winters Barns boasts two fabulous L-shaped barns that can each be easily transformed into ceremony and reception venues in the one building. Set in the outstanding backdrop of the Kent countryside, this is the place to be if you’re looking for a little bit of secluded luxury with your partner to be.

16. Pencarrow, Cornwall Wedding Venues

The Georgian stately home of Pencarrow stands in Cornish countryside with panoramic landscape views. This uniquely restored setting offers a dramatic comparison to the traditional look of Pencarrow House, with stunning gardens adjoining. Enjoy the best of both worlds at this romantic venue!

17. Larchfield Estate, County Antrim Wedding Venues

Larchfield Estate a wedding venue in Antrim

Irish charm Larchfield Estate is one of a kind for an utterly romantic day! A 19th Century Barn, Orangery and Stables are possibilities for your big day, along with jaw-dropping Walled Gardens. You might have trouble deciding on the most romantic ceremony setting here!

Discover more beautiful outdoor wedding venues in the UK

18. Howsham Hall, North Yorkshire Wedding Venues

Howsham Hall wedding venue in North Yorkshire

Howsham Hall offers incredible historic features and luxurious decor within the Grade I listed Jacobean building. This private home will become yours for the weekend, where you can have super romantic photos near the dramatic staircase!

19. Gate Street Barn, Surrey Wedding Venues

Gate Street Barn romantic wedding venue in Surrey

Nestled in the hills of Surrey is Gate Street Barn, a structure erected from oak trees that were lost to a hurricane. The Granary’s woodburning stove and picturesque views of the working farm will totally sweep you off your feet in this romantic setting.

20. Crabwall Manor Hotel & Spa, Cheshire Wedding Venues

Crabwell Manor Hotel & Spa a castle like wedding venue in Cheshire

Crabwall Manor Hotel & Spa is a Cheshire gem with a romantic castle-like exterior. With history going back as far as the 11th Century, the versatile function spaces within the venue help you to feel like a Prince or Princess for one day only!

21. Blakelands Country House, Staffordshire Wedding Venues

Blakelands Country House romantic wedding venue in Staffordshire

The family-run country house of Blakelands allows you to completely design your romantic day from scratch. On-site, there is a fishing lake and 15 uniquely-designed rooms that add not only a spin of class but also a totally personal touch.

A great DIY venue with little restrictions, which means you and your partner can turn it into one of the most charming wedding venues in the UK!

22. Pennard House, Somerset Wedding Venues

Pennard House a dreamy wedding venue in Somerset

Pennard House is a dreamy location full to the brim with magical gardens, woodlands and interiors oozing romance. Across the lawn sits the 14th Century village church, so if you’ve got your heart set on a church wedding followed by a quaint reception – this is the place!

23. The Talbot – Ripley, Surrey Wedding Venues

This recently renovated historic coaching inn is The Talbot. The new contemporary look offers the ultimate romantic backdrop, where exposed beams are weaved with elegant fairy lights. It still retains original features though, including cosy fireplaces and traditional entrance gates. It’s a charming wedding venue!

24. Lains Barn, Oxfordshire Wedding Venues

Lains Barn romantic wedding venue in Oxfordshire

Lains Barn boasts a majestic celebration area in the main barn, where sweeping decorations from the exposed wood can make this space into a rustic yet romantic venue. The barn doors open up onto the courtyard, where you can have an al fresco experience on the lawns.

See our favourite barn wedding venues in the UK

25. Talhenbont Hall, Gwynedd Wedding Venues

Talhenbont Hall is a wonderfully romantic wedding setting with a boudoir to match! The Bridal Suite is furnished exquisitely, so you can feel like royalty with a four poster bed – and therefore have the wedding night of your life at this private country estate.

26. The Lodore Falls Hotel, Cumbria Wedding Venues

Married couple pose outside The Lodore Falls Hotel a wedding venue in Cumbria

The Lodore Falls Hotel is one of Cumbria’s finest venues with stunning natural backdrops. Named after the Lodore Waterfalls, it offers lake views and, of course, the most incredible photo opportunities you could ever hope for!

27. Busbridge Lakes, Surrey Wedding Venues

This is Busbridge Lakes- an exclusive family run marquee wedding venue in Surrey. Set in the grounds of a beautiful garden with 3 lakes, uniquely hidden in its own private valley. How romantic is this? We love it.

28. Eastwood Park, Gloucestershire Wedding Venues

Eastwood Park a wedding venue in Gloucestershire

Another fairytale venue for romantic couples is Eastwood Park. In 200 acres of meadows and gorgeous landscapes, this 18th Century charm has a choice of flexible function spaces where you can play out your ideal romantic day the way you’ve always wanted. It’s a dreamy wedding venue, perfect to celebrate your love!

29. Askham Hall, Cumbria Wedding Venues

Your romantic wedding venue search is not complete until you’ve seen Askham Hall. Rustic oak ceilings and gorgeous exposed stone walls are on the menu at this stunning setting, along with a touch of contemporary decor and romantic lighting. Sweet!

30. Stanton Manor Hall, Wiltshire Wedding Venues

Stanton Manor House wedding venue in Wiltshire

Stanton Manor House boasts an idyllic orchard, rose gardens and a 12th Century church close by! Situated on the border of the Cotswolds, this Wiltshire countryside gem caters for any size of romantic celebration, in whatever way you want to make memories.

31. Cote How Late District Weddings, Cumbria Wedding Venues

Last but not by any means least, we present to you the glorious Cote How Lake District Weddings! Naturally secluded by woodland and river fell, set amongst the most stunning scenery in the UK, this venue screams romance to every couple that walks through the lush grounds.

If these romantic settings have inspired you to find your ultimate wedding venue, try a Wedding Venue Search over at Bridebook.co.uk and select ‘romantic’ along with any other filters you fancy!

Don’t forget, Bridebook.co.uk have plenty more features for you to use in your wedding planning. Add your wedding guest list, wedding budget planner and personalised wedding checklist to your online planner – and throw away those hundreds of dogeared pages that you continue to lose!

Not the wedding venues you were looking for? Check out these locations:

Wedding Venues in Northern Ireland

Wedding Venues in Lincolnshire

Wedding Venues in North East England

Wedding Venues in Essex

Wedding Venues in Birmingham

Happy planning everyone!

How reviews help wedding planners generate bookings

Soniamarie Loves has been announced as Bridebook’s Wedding Planner of the Year.

With over l0 years in wedding and event planning, owner Soniamarie has worked with couples from all walks of life – planning, managing and coordinating weddings of all types and budgets both in the UK and abroad.

Soniamarie really does love everything to do with weddings; that much is clear from the fantastic reviews we’ve seen on her website and on her Bridebook profile.

“I love to make my clients happy, to give them the wedding that they have dreamed of and to treat it as if it were my own by giving every detail of your day the care and attention that it deserves.”

Reviews may have gotten Soniamarie noticed and helped her win this prestigious wedding planner award but we wanted to know in her own words just how powerful she feels reviews are in helping Soniamarie Loves grow as a business.

We asked Soniamarie, what are the top 3 benefits to having reviews in your personal experience?

Benefit 1 – reviews help to sell a service. Being a wedding planner can sometimes be difficult to “sell” as it is an intangible service and not something which you can demonstrate to a client or show them before they buy. This is where reviews come into play and they have really helped me win new business.

Reviews are the undiluted words of a couple, their friends and family from the weddings that I have planned, managed or coordinated and they are based on personal, first hand experiences of my work. I think that it is pretty hard to ignore how a service has made someone feel.

That is what people relate to and it has meant that prospective clients do not have to solely rely on my own words about how I can add value to their wedding day, they can read my reviews.

Benefit 2 – reviews never expire. Once someone has provided me with a review or testimonial, it is there and can be reused and promoted at any time without limit. That is a free and invaluable advertising tool for my social media, website, brochure and any other marketing tool I want to use them for. Oh, did I mention that they are FREE forever?!

Benefit 3 – reviews help to increase your credibility. When couples are searching for a supplier on a directory for example, they do not know that supplier personally and so have to rely on the content they find on their profile page.

Being a supplier with a number of reviews will make you stand out from the crowd and give weight to the services you provide. For me, reviews show that I know what I am doing and that I am an experienced planner.

If you think about it, not all of the people who have left a review can be wrong and there must be some truth in what they have said. I personally think that my reviews have worked wonders for me, they are as good as word of mouth and I have definitely gotten business from them.

In your experience as a top wedding planner, do you often receive rave reviews without having to ask for them?

I would say that it is 50/50. I tend to get reviews by way of ongoing feedback during the planning process from my clients and even suppliers that I work with, without asking. It can be a simple as a “Thank you, that was really helpful” or “You are a star!” I class these comments as reviews too as it is all feedback on my work and I am so grateful and humbled for all feedback.

I have been pleasantly surprised by some of the reviews that I have received from couples who were so happy with my service that they have sent me videos while on honeymoon! I couldn’t ask for more than that!

There are of course times when I have had to follow up with a client for a review which I do not mind doing and equally they have not minded supplying for me. I try not to be pushy with it as I am dealing with newlyweds so sending me a review is not at the top of their priority list immediately after their wedding day.

Patience is key. I believe in the service that I provide and because of that, I am confident that my clients will not mind sharing that experience with others to help me promote my business.

That’s so great to hear! And we completely agree that every kind word should be considered a review. Do you think it takes a lot of time and discipline to successfully manage the review process for your business; from requesting a review right through to posting it?

Yes, I do. You need to be on top of it and it definitely does require time and discipline to obtain reviews and then use them most effectively.

I can honestly say that I am not always the best at doing this and I know that I could use them a lot more than I do. It is so easy to be so engrossed in my client’s “wedmin” that I forget to make enough time to work on this is important part of my business.

I think that it is really important to capture raw emotion and feelings while it is still fresh in the minds of the couples you work with, so seeking the reviews as soon as possible is key. Snooze and you will lose.

——————————————————————————

That’s certainly given us food for thought with regards to just how impactful reviews and recommendations are in the wedding planning industry.

Do you have any comments to add about your experience of the power of reviews as a UK wedding planner?

For more information and interviews with award-winning UK wedding suppliers, check out our Review Series.

John Nassari – the story behind the man, the photographer and the artist

“I’m a photographer – but I’m also a storyteller.” John Nassari

John Nassari certainly is the storyteller he proclaims to be; as much is evident in his incredible work which has won numerous accolades, and in his desire to continue to change the future of photography with the help of immersive technologies.

But what about the story behind the storyteller?

How did John Nassari get to be one of the most recognised and appreciated photographers in London today?

We met up with him to find out.

This is the story of John Nassari.

How it all began

At the tender age of 13, Cypriot born John was handed a Zenith VM by his stepfather. It was a Russian film camera and it was the best birthday present he’d ever received. Over the next few months (and as it turned out, years) John experimented with this camera and learnt all about the basics of photography with the help of his devoted parents.

“My father had this magical way of discussing aperture and shutter speed. I remember I just got it…it just made sense to me.”

John would write down the F stops and shutter speeds that he used for each photograph. He’d take the same picture but in different ways; changing how he exposed images and noting the different effects these changes had.

“Most of it was rubbish but my mum pulled a few aside and questioned why I’d photograph that particular shape or shadow. I used to say I don’t know – it just caught my eye. And that’s when I started to play around with form.”

John knew from very early on that this was what he wanted to do. He’d been captured by the art of photography.

Nurturing his passion

Within the next 12 months, John had joined a local camera club and found himself developing real photography skills alongside a group of older gentlemen – all of whom were hobbyist photographers. It soon became clear to the club members that this 14-year-old boy had a very special talent for photography that reached far beyond the realms of a hobby.

A member of the camera club donated a darkroom to John and other members began to lend him equipment and teach him things that they themselves had learnt about photography.

“They were so kind to me” says John. “ I was so shy at the time. And then I started entering these competitions and actually winning them. Everyone was really thrilled for me.”

John went back to the camera club that helped him perfect his craft 10 years later to teach photography, and to his joy, some of the original members were still there.

Carving a niche

John was always interested in form, and particularly in shadows, colours and textures. John would photograph objects and landscapes more than he would people early on in his photographic journey.

Still life was John’s first love, and it is a love that has stayed with him throughout his career.

“When I shoot table decorations for weddings – that’s still life – so of course, I’m still shooting what I love to shoot most. I really enjoy it. It’s a technical process rather than the process of shooting a person. People came into my work later on.”

John pursued an academic career at the University of Arts in Rochester, and it was during this more practical period of his education that he began to shoot people.

By the time John reached 28 years of age he had completed his MA in Visual Culture (which was more theory than practical) and chose to undertake his dissertation on people, which is ultimately where some of his finest work begun to materialise.

“I think at some point or another, most photographers turn the camera on themselves. Maybe not directly on themselves but on their family. And that’s what I did.

“I began to think about ‘the self’ and about family, and I managed to take around 2,000 pictures in 2 years with my 35mm lens. In those days, everything I shot was with a 35mm. I’d photograph all kinds of occasions.”

“I went to see a curator with this collection of family photos and they asked me: “what’s the story?” I couldn’t really answer. As a body of work it just didn’t fit. So finding the story and meaning behind me and my family was a journey of exploration which involved me digging deeper to discover as much as I could about my background.”

At this stage of his career, John begun to explore emotion, family and relationships through the lens.

“I became focused on the subject of belonging and in turn, I rejected objects and aesthetics in favour of emotion.

“Emotion is a hard thing to capture. It’s not just about someone laughing. To capture raw emotion in a beautiful moment demands something more than a smile. The most powerful images – whether they include a touch, a look or a smile – capture an isolated moment; perhaps between a newly married couple whilst they’re surrounded by relatives dancing.

“How you convey that emotion within an aesthetic frame is what makes a photograph truly powerful.”

A defining moment that changed you…

Dad and Me is one of John’s most recognised and best-loved photographs. It won the Taylor West Award at the National Portrait Gallery in 1999 / 2000 and is one of the defining shots that signalled a shift in John’s career. He was officially on the map.

So how was the idea executed?

“Well I asked dad to go shopping – I gave him a budget and asked him to buy himself something and to also buy me the identical outfit. He asked me what it was all about – he didn’t get it but he participated and did it, and came back with these two matching outfits – one for each of us.

And so we put on our outfits and I set the timer on my camera for this self-portrait.”

“The outcome is a photograph about ambivalence. It’s about the relationship I have with my father and possibly the ambivalent relationship that many men have with their fathers.

“Conflict and contradiction are key – this photo suggests imitation and me wanting to be like my father; of course I admire him and look up to him, but there’s this tension about not wanting to actually become him.

“You admire your father but you don’t want to become him. We’re holding hands which implies intimacy but there’s also this distance between us – we’re not smiling.”

A defining moment in wedding photography…

The Cyclist is an iconic piece from John’s wedding collection and has won awards for its metaphorical display of two lives and two journeys intersecting at a pivotal moment.

“I had everything planned out perfectly. I was in position; I’d stopped traffic temporarily and guests were preparing to throw confetti as the couple emerged from the church. And then just as the sky exploded with colour a cyclist tears through the shot… I was so angry at the time but somehow had the presence of mind to keep shooting despite the interference of the cyclist.”

When John explained what had happened to the newlyweds they just smiled and said: “typically Cambridge”.

In the days that followed the wedding, John became more and more intrigued about this man – the cyclist. He wanted to enter the photo into a competition but needed permission from him. Plus he wanted to find this mystery man from a human interest perspective and enlist the help of others to create a bit of a buzz.

John reached out to the Cambridge News and they loved the story. It soon made it into the Metro and people everywhere started talking about the photograph and ‘the man’.

Eventually, Archie Wood – a Cambridge student – came forward as the mystery cyclist. In fact, he was late for his physics exam because he was speaking to John! John made it up to him and sent Archie a signed, framed copy of the photograph that had made him one of the most famed cyclist in the photography world.

What’s next for John Nassari…

As someone who doesn’t like to sit still for very long, it was to be expected that we’d soon see something groundbreaking from John.

Nassari 360 is an immersive, interactive, explorable 360 digital experience, which layers content in the form of a curated gallery of senses and environments.

People are able to view photographs, scroll around to see what lies beyond the frame, and hear the sounds of people and their surroundings.

Nassari 360 is to be launched at The Photography Show on 17th March at NEC Birmingham.

John is also close to completing an online wedding photography course which is designed for both aspiring photographers and established photographers outside of wedding industry.

Stay tuned for more from John Nassari and the latest in wedding photography news.

Looking for more wedding industry trends and couple insights? Head to the Bridebook Business Hub, the home of wedding industry knowledge.

Welcome to The Great British Royal Wedding Quiz!

Didn’t get an invite to the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? No problem! Bridebook.co.uk, the UK’s No. 1 Wedding Planning App, doesn’t want anyone to miss out on the fun.

Cast your predictions on the most gripping Royal Wedding details and find out which guest you would be if you were to attend the wedding of the century! Could you be Queen Elizabeth? Or perhaps one of her adored Corgis!

START THE QUIZ!

Come May 19th, who will the winner be? Share this quiz with your friends and colleagues, and challenge them to play!

Copy this link to share the quiz: bit.ly/The-RoyalWedding-Quiz

Download a printable version of the Royal Wedding quiz HERE to share around your office and with your friends and family.

Need some help with your predictions? Bridebook has broken down the costs of the biggest wedding of the year. From the bespoke silver plated trumpets to the “drone destroyer” to 16,000 glasses of champagne! For a little extra help, find out where Harry and Meghan should be at with their planning.

Share your results with us on Social! Use the hashtag #BBRoyalWeddingQuiz and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Are you planning your wedding?

Bridebook.co.uk is the free wedding planning app helping 1 in 3 engaged couples plan their wedding the smart way! Find out how!

Find your dream wedding team!

See the most extensive selection of the UK’s best venue & suppliers here!

Here’s some wedding advice we know you’ll love:

The Ultimate Wedding Budget Breakdown

Hidden Wedding Costs Every Couple Needs to Know About

21 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Venue

How Penton Park transformed into a wedding venue

Welcome to this Bridebook interview, featuring Danielle Rolfe of Penton Park.

This piece is designed to inspire other wedding suppliers – budding or current – and help them to realise that they can do something as wonderful and as huge as turning a beloved home into a UK renowned wedding venue.

Penton Park – the story

Danielle Rolfe traded in a career as a London Insurance Broker for a new life as Lead Events Manager at the glorious Penton Park.

Oh, and did we mention that this wedding venue also happens to be her family home?

As we introduce ourselves to Danielle it becomes clear that she’s a very busy woman indeed. We’re on loudspeaker as Danielle drives into her estate and just as our interview gets going, we’re interrupted by a fallen tree.

“Do you mind terribly if we pick this back up in half an hour?” she says. “I’m going to have to drag this tree out of the road”.

What a wonderful, real-life example of the multifarious nature of wedding venue management!

And by her own admission, despite the long hours and hard work involved in managing a wedding venue, Danielle loves her new life in wedding venue management and would never look back.

Bridebook: Danielle, do you remember how you and your family first came up with the idea of turning your home into a wedding venue? Tell us your story…

Yes, I remember it well!

In 2011, myself and my husband married in the local church and held a traditional wedding reception at our home in Penton Park.

I think it was only then that we realised what an amazing wedding venue it was and our guests said exactly the same. It had the real wow factor and made for such a memorable day.

We started hosting birthday parties, anniversaries and charity events at first, and we found that we really enjoyed it and that the house was well suited to catering to such events.

We soon began to think about weddings at Penton Park. We wanted to find a way to use the property as a self-generating revenue stream and to future-proof our income – a big house requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep after all.

In 2013 we decided to officially go for it with weddings!

I spent a lot of time learning the ropes and deciding on how we’d integrate weddings into family life, and vice versa. We decided to make Penton Park an exclusive venue, hosting only 20 Saturday weddings per year. This ensures that we never fall short on customer service and that we keep some weekends free for family life.

After a prolonged wait for approval of an on-site wedding licence, we finally began hosting wedding ceremonies at Penton Park in 2016 – having already dipped our toes in the ‘wedding reception only’ field.

What our guests love about Penton Park is that they really are hosted by a family here, and in turn, my family and myself live and breathe the venue.

Bridebook: Were all family members in equal agreeance when you suggested the idea of turning your family home into a wedding venue?

Absolutely yes. Everyone was fully in agreement and excited to get stuck in.

We all have separate wings in the house and there’s a separate exit and entrance for family and for events, so it works really well.

The grandparents sometimes treat themselves to a night away when we host weddings, and at other times they love being around to soak up the atmosphere – albeit from the comfort of their own quarters!

Our children are completely used to it and it doesn’t faze them at all. I like to hope that they’ll be the next generation of wedding planners and I know for sure that they’ll someday, not too far away, be an imperative source of market research for us! They’ll be telling us how we should be doing weddings to suit their generation, and they’ll help us keep evolving and stay current as a wedding business.

Bridebook: What was it like to go from family home to wedding venue!?

Well, I guess one of the challenges was making sure that we’re presentable at all times – that is, the house and everyone in it!

We have three girls so it’s inevitable that a stray Barbie will make it in the shot at occasional meetings.

We just assure couples that on the day, there will be a professional clean and that they have nothing to worry about as far as Barbie is concerned.

Turning our home into a wedding venue hasn’t really disrupted life at all. We started gradually and have grown into it.

The concept grew with our experience and the number of weddings we host.

The first wedding we held was really emotional. My husband and I were so proud of everything we’d managed to do, and it also brought back memories of own wedding day.

Everyone’s in such a great mood at weddings it’s impossible not to feel elated at each and every wedding we host at Penton Park.

Bridebook: Do the family cats and dogs stay to help out at Penton Park weddings?

They do. We try to hide the dog away as he’s a huge friendly giant but he has been known to make some guest appearances at the couple’s request!

We have two cats and they’re slightly more difficult to hide. They often make guest appearances and actually once joined a group of guests in the photo booth!

It’s these kinds of things that make it feel like a family home and that’s what Penton Park is all about. We want to keep that feel of a family home, not fall into hosting cookie cutter weddings.

Bridebook: What does a typical day of wedding prep look like at Penton Park?

We always set up the day before and aim to have everything done by 2pm. The couple have complete freedom to visit us the day before for peace of mind, and then we wave them off and tell them we’ll take care of everything.

Weddings at Penton Park finish at midnight. We clear up for them the next day and they then return to pick up their stuff.

Bridebook: Are couples able to personalise their wedding day entirely at Penton Park or are there limitations as to what they can / cannot do?

Couples are free to personalise their day almost exclusively. We are happy for them to take down pictures and most decorations, but we cannot move any of the larger wall hangings. That’s purely logistics as some are pretty huge!

But we always say this is a country house and so couples choosing Penton Park will do so because they love the charm and character that comes with that.

That being said, couples are welcome to put their own pictures and decorations up.

We’re very much present as background staff to help bring wedding themes to life. We’ve had formal and informal, inside and outside.

Bridebook: Have you ever had to step in and stop any bad behaviour at a wedding? Is security something you manage yourselves?

We sometimes have to reign it in slightly as things can get a bit raucous toward the end of a wedding, as we all know.

We had all guests around the pool table with sambuca in their hand recently so had to politely request that they step away! But people are so respectable because they know it’s a family home.

If we host a wedding of over 100 guests we do insist that they hire security, just for peace of mind.

Bridebook: What advice would you give others looking to start a wedding business like yours?

Network

I’d say it’s really important to network with other venues – whether they’re similar to your venue or completely different.

We’re part of the Historic Houses network and I attended a lot of seminars at Hodsock Priory and some at Iscoyd Park, where I received lots of support and advice.

You do have to be a member but any country house hosting events of 100+ people are eligible and it’s really great for networking.

I’d say my strongest advice with regards to networking is don’t be afraid to pick up the phone to venues nearby. I contacted a barn style wedding venue near me and because we’re really different we may be able to help each other out. If I meet a couple who are looking for more of a barn style wedding, I’ll recommend them.

Be supportive and work together. If you only have similar style wedding venues nearby, pick up the phone and ask; how do we stand apart from each other? Identify what it is that each of you does differently as it will work in both of your interests.

Find out first hand what running a wedding venue involves before you take the leap.

Shadow weddings at other venues to see what it’s like before you transform your home into a wedding venue. It’s hard work. You’ll work harder than you ever imagined but if you’re anything like me, you’ll find it so rewarding.

I must say that you can’t quite comprehend what 120 drunk people are like until you see them with your own eyes.

Invest in your team

Invest in your team because they represent you from start to finish – they’re an extension of your in-house family.

We have an in-house event manager and she’s fantastic. We also use preferred suppliers as we like to recommend wedding professionals who we know can do the job well, first hand.

Bridebook: Do you think more families are choosing to turn their homes into wedding venues or is it still an unusual concept?

I see and hear of a lot more people doing it now.

Some mistake it as being an easy route to making money but we know first hand that it’s hard work but also a lot of fun.

It’s a lifestyle. It will, of course, impact your weekends. We only host 20 weddings per year but we also offer viewings at weekends which take up a considerable amount of time.

Bridebook: Have you noticed any changes within the wedding industry of late?

I’ve been surprised in the past 18 months how many people will come and view your home/venue at a weekend and you’ll never hear from them again.

They never get back in touch.

It just didn’t happen in the beginning when we were first starting out.

People seem a little more blase about the whole experience and I think perhaps they forget that we’re real people and we invest ourselves emotionally in their journey too.

Are you considering starting your own wedding venue?

Have you any similar experiences to Danielle at Penton Park that you’d like to share? Please get in touch or leave your comments below.

32 Classic Venues For A Fairytale Wedding

Are you waiting to find your fairytale castle in which to marry your Prince or Princess? Well look no further, as Bridebook.co.uk have put together a list of the top classic venues so you go ahead with planning your traditional wedding.

If you want more choice than our top 32, use our Wedding Venue Search and click the ‘Classic’ filter to find plenty more gorgeous settings that you are sure to fall in love with!

1.Carlton Towers, North Yorkshire Wedding Venues

Carlton Towers is the most perfect venue to start off our ‘classic’ search with! This Yorkshire beauty is truly what dreams are made of, as Gothic architecture, high ceilings and 250 acres of land will surround you during your celebrations. So romantic!

2. All Saints Chapel, East Sussex Wedding Venues

You can’t get much more traditional than a church wedding, and All Saints Chapel is a spectacular choice! Guaranteed to make the hairs on your arms stand up, the Belgian altar and unique stained-glass windows of this Grade I listed building will be simply unforgettable.

3. Missenden Abbey, Buckinghamshire Wedding Venues

This Medieval abbey has a classic castle exterior and boasts 10 acres of gorgeous grounds, with stunningly romantic decor and stained glass windows. Whether you choose to tie the knot in the Garden Room or the Library, your classic venue search is not complete without a trip to Missenden Abbey.

4. Clearwell Castle, Gloucestershire Wedding Venues

Every Princess has their Knight in shining armour, and Clearwell Castle is the place to live out that dream! In the depths of an enchanted forest, you will find this fairytale venue oozing with exquisite interiors and plenty of splendour. Make this exclusive setting all yours for your magical wedding day.

5. The Elvetham, Hampshire Wedding Venues

The Elvetham mansion house is definitely an unforgettable one, steeped in historic charm and grandeur. The impressive exterior gives the ‘wow’ factor, while luxurious furnishings make your classic wedding as comfortable (and as stylish!) as possible.

6. East Dene, Isle of Wight Wedding Venues

The Victorian mansion house of East Dene has nearly 200 years of history, 10 acres of gorgeous woodland and a totally bespoke service in which you can design your perfect day. Wood panelled rooms and original features will make you swoon over this classic venue!

7. Tor House, Cornwall Wedding Venues

This Cornish gem is Tor House, a classy Grade II listed building with bright and spacious rooms. As well as exclusive use of the beautiful gardens and luxurious accommodation, this simple venue is quite simply a fabulous stately home.

8. Thornton Manor, Cheshire Wedding Venues

Built in the 19th Century and oozing with ornate decor, Thornton Manor offers an array of settings for your classic wedding. Whether you choose the gorgeous ceremony room or the secret garden’s Waterside Pavilion, you’ll be in the perfect place to live out your dream.

9. Pitcalzean House, Highland Wedding Venues

If you’re after a small and sophisticated celebration, Pitcalzean House may be the venue for you. This classic Georgian country house offers 33 acres of land, a croquet lawn and endless traditional charm for the most perfect Scottish wedding!

10. Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa

Lucknam Park not only boasts ultimately romantic rooms and luxury decor, but also delectable dining, beautiful bedrooms and a spa for a relaxing retreat. Make your classic wedding as intimate or as grand as you like with this picture postcard backdrop – you can thank us later!

11. Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Edinburgh Napier University

Ramp up the tradition with a ceremony in the Siegfried Room at Edinburgh Napier University, followed by a classy wedding breakfast in the impressive 20th Century chapel. Filled with period features and plenty of character, this building could be the place to make your vision a reality.

12. Ivy Hill Hotel, Essex Wedding Venues

Nestled in the Essex countryside is Ivy Hill Hotel, a marvellous venue offering function rooms with a touch of splendour and quintessential charm. Spill out onto the beautiful landscaped gardens for your drinks reception before sitting down to a classic wedding breakfast in this venue of bliss.

13. Burrows Lea Country House, Surrey Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Burrows Lea Country House

Ride up to the entrance of Lea Burrows Country House by horse and carriage or vintage car to start your classic wedding in style. This gorgeous traditional venue has 30 acres of gardens and woodlands for you to explore throughout the day, until you step inside to enjoy unique fireplaces and detailed decor. And all of this in the picturesque setting of the Surrey Hills!

14. Trereife Park, Cornwall Wedding Venues

This Georgian estate is a family-run wedding venue with incredible style. Offering traditional and luxurious rooms and apartments for you and your entourage to stay in, Trereife Park can cater for small and large weddings – not forgetting the simply stunning backdrop of the surrounding gardens.

15. Melville Castle, Edinburgh Wedding Venues

If you’ve always dreamed of a fairytale castle wedding, Melville Castle is the one! Ornate State Rooms and The Ballroom are just some of the classic settings on offer for your wedding – high ceilings, period features and glorious landscapes will make you pinch yourself!

16. Kippilaw House, Scottish Borders Wedding Venues

Whether you fancy an intimate feast, a grand party in the Ballroom or simple ceremony in the private gardens, Kippilaw House has it all. The ethos here at this beautiful country house is to create what you want without loads of restrictions, so you can really plan your classic wedding day the way you dreamt it.

17. Innes House, Moray Wedding Venues

Nestled in the Scottish countryside, this 17th Century country house is as traditonal as you can get. The gardens of Innes House make the perfect backdrop for you to say your ‘I do’s, before dining in the unique marquee that brings the outdoors in. Finish your day by dancing away in the formal Ballroom!

18. The Bull Hotel, Northamptonshire Wedding Venues

In the heart of Peterborough city lies The Bull Hotel, a Grade II listed venue with heaps of character and charm. Combining historic features, gorgeous lighting and timeless furnishings, this classic hotel might just steal your heart.

19. Durker Roods Hotel, West Yorkshire Wedding Venues

This stunning manor house was transformed into Durker Roods Hotel in 1975, where the staff welcome whatever wedding ideas you have! After admiring the classic exterior, take a peek inside the hotel and find a fairytale staircase, alongside plenty of beautiful rooms in which to host your special day.

20. Landguard Manor, Isle of Wight Wedding Venues

Oozing endless amounts of history and charm, Landguard Manor is an Isle of Wight gem. Surrounded by gorgeous grounds and picturesque landscapes, this manor house venue plays host to an array of stunning formal rooms for your traditional wedding.

21. Langrish House, Hampshire Wedding Venues

Whether you’re after a gorgeous summer ceremony in the gardens or you’d prefer a more cosy affair next to the fireplace in the colder months, Langrish House can accommodate you. It’s wood-panelled room is the hub of this classic venue, while also offering spectacular views over the Hampshire countryside.

22. Hadlow Manor Hotel, Kent Wedding Venues

This Georgian manor house dates back to the 18th Century, where each of the reception rooms – The Goldings Room, The Hadlow Suite, and The Garden Room – take on slightly different styles of timeless class. Backing onto Hadlow Manor House are the stunning lawns, providing an utterly romantic scene in which to set your day.

23. Coombe Trenchard, Devon Wedding Venues

The Edwardian house of Coombe Trenchard offers an oasis of woodlands, streams and gardens for you and your other half to explore after you’ve tied the knot. Have a formal feast in the Grand Hall or a more relaxed ceremony under the Tower- but we know one thing is for certain: this classic venue is what dreams are made of!

24. The Ivory Pavilion, County Antrim Wedding Venues

The Ivory Pavilion is the clean-cut and traditional juxtaposition to next-door Galgorm Castle. Enjoy the fabulous grounds with rustic walls and lush flowers, before spending quality time with friends and family in the pavilion underneath luxurious ivory ceiling drapes. Even more classic rooms can be sought out in the 17th Century castle!

25. Ripley Arts Centre, Greater London Wedding Venues

Ripley‘s Victorian country house has plentiful period features, and one room that stands out is the Hampton Court Palace-inspired Music Room. Complete with grand piano and views out to the Sensory Garden, this is the place to celebrate for a classic feel.

26. Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa, Berkshire Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa

The 4-star hotel of Donnington Valley overlooks the picture-perfect Berkshire countryside. Stylish chandeliers hang above the timeless reception room, letting tons of natural light in – not to mention the relaxing spa facilities and luxurious bedrooms. You can’t go wrong with this elegant venue!

27. Corse Lawn House Hotel, Gloucestershire Wedding Venues

The Georgian Corse Lawn House Hotel sums up ‘classic’ in a nutshell. With a traditional exterior and fronted by it’s own pond, the style continues indoors with formal dining rooms and bedroom suites with a period feel. Be a Prince and Princess for the day here!

28. The Rembrandt Hotel, Greater London Wedding Venues

A historic Edwardian building with luxurious reception suites in the hustle and bustle of Knightsbridge – this is The Rembrandt Hotel! Enjoy a relaxing massage or treatment in the health & fitness club, and rest your head after a busy wedding day in an elegant bedroom with views of the Victoria & Albert Museum. If you’re looking for somewhere classy where you can indulge, this is it!

29. Warbrook House, Hampshire Wedding Venues

130 acres of gardens surround the Grade I listed Warbrook House, which has an exterior oozing grandeur. Stepping inside, you’ll find elegant lighting, ornate decor and romantic drapes, making it a fab traditional venue choice. It even has it’s own canal – so romantic!

30. Cantley House Hotel, Berkshire Wedding Venues

Among the Berkshire countryside lies Cantley House Hotel, a magnificent red-brick country house that takes you right back to a true classic feel. Filled with period features and furnishings, this venue has surprises round every corner – and for us this was the stunning Oak Room. Imagine walking down the aisle here!

31. Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa, Northamptonshire Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa

Feel like royalty at Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa as you make a grand entrance down the long, winding driveway and receive a spectacular red carpet reception. This lovely building seeps tradition on the inside and out, and will make the ultimate quintessential backdrop.

32. The Kia Oval, Greater London Wedding Venues

As one of the Capital’s oldest sporting venues, this classic Victorian style building is steeped in history. The Kia Oval offers the Pavilion’s Long Room where walls are lined with charming artwork and ceilings are decorated with stylish chandeliers. But most importantly, let the experienced staff do all the hard work while you enjoy your memorable day.

These are only a few of our gorgeous traditional venues, but be sure to peruse our Wedding Venue Search and click the ‘Classic’ filter to find the perfect wedding venue for you!

Don’t forget, Bridebook.co.uk isn’t just for venues! We’re here to help you with the rest of your wedding planning too – add your own wedding guestlist, wedding checklist and wedding budget so you can keep on top of things easily.

Happy planning!

36 Best UK Unique Wedding Venues

It really can be hard to find a venue that sticks out from the rest – trust us! From barns to manor houses to mills to the truly weird and wonderful – we’ve found all the most unique wedding venues – all to make your wedding day planning a little bit easier. You want unique? You’ve got it!

And if you fancy searching some more, head over to our Wedding Venue Search and click ‘Unique’ in the filters for some more one-of-a-kind venues!

1. Weddings at QMUL, London Wedding Venues

Weddings at QMUL is a book lover’s dream! The Octagon’s stunning backdrop consists of seemingly infinite shelves of colourful books and unique high ceilings for a spacious and inspiring wedding day. If you are looking for a unique wedding venue, this could be the one!

2. Shoreditch Studios, London Wedding Venues

If you are looking for a city wedding in a contemporary venue, Shoreditch Studios is the perfect place. This Warehouse is totally unique, and you will fall in love with the design of the place.

3.The Wellbeing Farm, Greater Manchester Wedding Venues

One of our favourite rustic venues is a totally unique llama farm! The Wellbeing Farm is an eco-friendly and animal-focused setting where your guests sit on hay bales and llamas with bow ties feature in your wedding photos – what else could you want for a more memorable day?

4. Marleybrook House, Kent Wedding Venues

Not only is Marleybrook House a beautiful 17th Century farmhouse, but it holds an incredibly unique secret – it’s own vintage fayre! You and your guests can be transported back in time by enjoying classic fairground rides in the most gorgeous countryside setting.

5. South Farm, Cambridgeshire Wedding Venues

Unique UK Wedding Venues with Bridebook — Photo credit to Lina and Tom Wedding Photography

Alongside South Farm‘s rustic barn buildings and Grade II listed farmhouse lies quirky Romany caravans and plenty of camping space for any adventurous guests! Throw cute piglets and a ride on a rickshaw in the mix, and you’re sure to be celebrating in the most unique way possible!

Check out more lovely farm wedding venues in the UK!

6. RSA House, London Wedding Venues

Nothing can rival the elegance of this totally unique venue – the RSA House oozes a combination of Georgian luxury and contemporary features with stunning artwork. You almost won’t believe that this gem is situated in the midst of the Capital’s West End!

7. Busbridge Lakes, Surrey Wedding Venues

Boasting it’s own valley, 3 lakes and an array of venues, Busbridge Lakes is one-of-a-kind. It is home to one of the largest collections of water birds and plenty of gorgeous gardens to explore in this countryside oasis.

8. The Lowry, Greater Manchester Wedding Venues

This contemporary arts venue stands tall with incredible views over Manchester and is definitely a wow factor wedding venue. The Lowry contains a circular Compass Room, so no view is obscured during your day. It really is an architectural wonder of the North!

9. SIREN Liverpool, Merseyside Wedding Venues

This unique city venue in the heart of Liverpool is another of our favourite’s at Bridebook.co.uk! SIREN is a cool, contemporary setting perfect for your wedding reception with magnificent views over the hustle and bustle, while the adjacent outdoor area is ideal for a casual celebration.

10. East Quay Venue, Kent Wedding Venues

This rustic seaside wedding venue, neighboured by it’s own private shingle beach, is a totally unique choice. East Quay Venue produces their own fresh oysters that you and your guests can enjoy, before taking to the dancefloor alongside the fish tank DJ booth!

11. Le Petit Chateau, Northumberland Wedding Venues

Want a little Meditteranean in your UK wedding? Le Petit Chateau is a French-inspired country manor that really gives a meaning to ‘unique’ with a ceremony in the Belle Epoque room, followed by sipping bubbly in the secret Meditteranean Garden. If this has awakened your interest in Manor House Wedding Venues, look here!

12. Achnagairn Castle, Highland Wedding Venues

Scotland’s Achnagairn Castle boasts a stunning ballroom with vaulted ceilings, beautifully designed bedrooms and a totally exclusive experience with a magical backdrop. The mantra here is ‘Escape the ordinary’, so you’re in for a super unique wedding venue here.

Discover more royalty-worthy castle wedding venues here.

13. The Little Theatre Cinema, Somerset Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk The Little Theatre Cinema

Gather round film-lovers and cinema fanatics! Believe it or not, you can actually get married at The Little Theatre Cinema in Bath, while your guests watch a bespoke film of the happy couple on the big screen! This is the venue for you if you want to inject some retro cinema vibes into your special day.

14. London Rowing Club, London Wedding Venues

Quite possibly a rower’s dream – As the oldest club in the world and dating back to 1856, London Rowing Club sure is a quirky choice of wedding venue. Expect magnificent views over the River Thames and even a rowing boat on the ceiling!

Looking for something even more original? Check out some of our top unusual wedding venues here!

15. Cley Windmill, Norfolk Wedding Venues

If you’re after a one-of-a-kind intimate wedding in an idyllic location, Norfolk’s Cley Windmill may be just the thing! With magnificent views from the circular sitting room, access to the nearby self-catering cottage and full use of the gorgeous grounds, we’re sure you’ll love this venue!

16. Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, Worcestershire Wedding Venues

Among the special features of Stanbrook Abbey Hotel are boutique rooms, grand architecture and a spectacular lake. But there’s no doubt that the main attraction at this unique venue is the incredible Callow Great Hall with stained glass windows and glorious high ceilings.

17. The Enchanted Manor, Isle of Wight Wedding Venues

This is the ultimate fairytale venue for anyone who has dreamt of being a prince or princess! The Enchanted Manor offers a Dining Room or Garden ceremony, after which you can play out the rest of your dream day in this quirky setting.

18. Maunsel House, Somerset Wedding Venues

Breathtaking, romantic and full of character – Maunsel House is one you won’t forget. Acres of parkland, lakes and orchards greet you to this Somerset beauty, while the interiors ooze historic charm and 13th Century inspiration.

19. Chateau Rhianfa, Isle of Anglesey Wedding Venues

With panoramic views over the Welsh Snowdonian mountains, the Grade II listed Chateau Rhianfa is an architectural wonder. Offering a unique Wine Cave, glorious Banqueting Hall and endless lavish interiors, this is a venue with the ‘wow’ factor!

20. The Battleaxes, Somerset Wedding Venues

The Gothic revival style of this spectacularly unique venue dates back to 1838. The Battleaxes hosts gorgeous chandeliers, mismatched chairs and original wood panels for a homely setting with a difference.

21. Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green, London Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green

Paradise is a chic and trendy venue with quirky decor and an ambience to match in London’s ‘cool’ Kensal Green area. We’re sure you’ll be pleased with every nook and cranny you explore within this splendid city space!

22. The Cloisters, Hertfordshire Wedding Venues

Built as an open air school in 1907, the Grade II listed Cloisters structure is an incredible one. Say your vows in the stunning Temple before enjoying a feast in the Banqueting Hall for a distinctive wedding day that will stay in your guest’s memories for years to come.

23. Sopley Mill, Dorset Wedding Venues

What could make a more idyllic setting than the picturesque surroundings of Sopley Mill? Sat above the Avon Millstream and spread across 3 floors with original windmill features still present, this unique venue gives out a rustic yet simply stunning feel.

24. Pheasantry Brewery, Nottinghamshire Wedding Venues

Listen up, beer lovers! On a rustic farm setting lives the super modern micro-brewery of Pheasantry Brewery. Exposed brick interiors, a stunning outdoor ceremony set up and of course traditionally brewed beers lay in wait if you choose this distinct venue for your celebrations.

25. The Ravenswood, West Sussex Wedding Venues

The Ravenswood, the gorgeous countryside venue of Sussex, boasts an impressive manor house, 18 acres of stunning landscape and even a unique outdoor pavilion in which you can tie the knot! This 15th Century gem will definitely set your wedding day apart from anyone else’s.

See more breathtaking outdoor wedding venues in the UK!

26. Aikwood Tower, Scottish Borders Wedding Venues

Oozing medieval charm with over 500 years of history, Aikwood Tower also ties in a contemporary style with the classic castle look. This intimate Scottish venue features rustic stone walls beside modern white staircases and romantic fairy lights to give you the unique feel you’re looking for.

27. Tall John’s House, Powys Wedding Venues

This gorgeous manor house in the rolling countryside of Wales is definitely a memorable venue! Tall John’s House combines rustic original features with 21st-century fittings, plus the rear courtyard houses ‘The Coachman’s’ – a unique place for you and your partner to spend your wedding night.

28. The Fan Museum, London Wedding Venues

Greenwich’s Fan Museum is as distinctive as you can possibly get! Go oh-so-British with an intimate afternoon tea in the airy Orangery, where Georgian architecture and elegant decor is at it’s finest. Not forgetting the gardens, where you can peruse the fan-shaped flowerbeds!

29. Brickwall House, East Sussex Wedding Venues

First opened in 1666, Brickwall House prides itself on it’s period features, a distinct exterior look and gorgeously preened grounds. From an intimate celebration to an extravagant marquee bash with 300 guests, this one-of-a-kind venue is sure to please whatever your plans are.

30. De Vere Tortworth Court, Gloucestershire Wedding Venues

Bridebook.co.uk De Vere Tortworth Estate

Your fairytale wedding day wouldn’t be complete without having considered De Vere Tortworth Estate. This magical, grade II-listed set of buildings are truly a sight to behold – the light-filled Orangery dates back to 1874 and offers a spacious feel for your ever-important aisle walk.

31. Bembridge Sailing Club, Isle of Wight Wedding Venues

Picturesque Bembridge Harbour is home to this wonderfully unique, waterside venue. Sailors, this is one for you! Founded in 1886, Bembridge Sailing Club boasts panoramic views of the surrounding Isle of Wight, interiors flooded with daylight and perfect boardwalk photo opportunities.

32. Hillbark Hotel, Cheshire Wedding Venues

Named the UK’s smallest 5-star hotel, Hillbark Hotel is somewhat a Tardis of venues! It’s distinct exterior will impress, but as you walk inside and experience the Grand Hall, you’ll realise it’s a lot more spacious than you ever thought. Add on a glorious marquee and plenty more rooms filled with historic charm – and you’re set for your unique wedding day!

33. Tullyglass House Hotel, County Antrim Wedding Venues

This Northern Irish gem is steeped in local history and has close connections with horse racing and the production of Whiskey (you can even sample some at the venue!) With a new luxurious wedding suite opening this spring, Tullyglass House Hotel is definitely the place to be if you want that little bit of lush in your life.

Are you dreaming of getting married in a venue like this? Check out more hotel wedding venues in the UK!

34. Tuddenham Mill, Suffolk Wedding Venues

This eye-catching venue was built in 1775 and has truly seen its share of changes. Originally a working Mill, it is now a stunning 4-star boutique hotel with a 3aa rosette restaurant AND a wedding venue that has been kept as close to its original state as possible, whilst being taken into the modern day. Running water and natural vibrancy are the order of the day at Suffolk’s Tuddenham Mill.

35. Wold Top Brewery, East Riding Of Yorkshire Wedding Venues

At Wold Top Brewery, you can make your wedding day into anything that sparks your creativity. With stunning gardens and two sites for your marquee, tipi or yurt, this unique setting is the perfect backdrop to your wedding! And the funnest part? You will have your own beer label and clip pump! You and your guests will have the best time if you chose this venue.

36.National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool Wedding Venues

Newlyweds inside a ship at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

If you’re looking for a one of kind place to tie the knot, the National Museum of The Royal Navy is a great choice! With gorgeous spaces, you can have your ceremony and seamlessly move on to your party. This venue is also quite flexible, and you will be able to add your unique touches to the decor. You and your guests will have an unforgettable day at this beautiful venue.

So there are our top 33 unique venues – we sure have fallen in love with them all! Don’t worry if you’re not the biggest fan – head over to our Wedding Venue Search and click ‘Unique’ in the filters for some more distinct venues.

Once you’ve got your venue down, don’t forget to plan the rest of your day the simple way – through Bridebook.co.uk! Use our following features so all of your plans are in one place:

Happy planning!

10 Essential Wedding Photography Tips from a Famed Photographer

John Nassari shares his top 10 tips for professional wedding photographers

Whether you’re an established wedding photographer or are just considering leaping lens first into the world of wedding photography, you understand the value of expert advice.

John Nassari is an award-winning London photographer with a diverse career and considerable academic experience. We’ve met up with him to ask for a few lessons in wedding photography.

Meet John, your expert for the next 10 minutes.

John Nassari’s Top Ten from Behind the Lens.

1.Turn the camera on yourself

“I think at some point or another, a lot of photographers turn the camera on themselves. Maybe not directly on themselves but on their family. That’s what I did.” John Nassari.

Practice at every possible occasion. Take loads of photographs and get used to shooting people and searching for those decisive, emotional moments.

Emotion is a hard thing to capture and it’s not necessarily about capturing someone laughing. There’s something more than a smile that makes a powerful image. A touch, a look… an isolating moment between the couple as they stand amongst the crowd – that’s how you capture a beautiful moment.

Practice and develop your eye for capturing these moments within your own life.

2.Study other photographers that inspire you

By studying the work of photographers you admire – whether inside or outside of the wedding industry – you challenge yourself to continually improve and you can more easily carve out a style for yourself.

Some of the photographers that inspired John include:

Richard Avedon – a portrait photographer well known for shooting against white backgrounds.
Robert Frank – a documentary photographer and filmmaker
Nan Goldin
Cindy Sherman
Henri Cartier-Bresson

3.Know that wedding photography is different.

If you have experience in photography outside of the wedding industry, prepare for the difference!

When shooting weddings you’re reacting, not planning.

You have to react to the story as it happens and unravels because it’s a live event that you’re there to capture. There’s always a beginning, a middle and an end but it’s always a different story. You don’t know what’s going to happen and that makes wedding photography both fun and challenging. Listen to what’s going on around you and react.

Top tip: Always use multiple backup SD cards – never rely on just one. You can’t ask for a couple to re-enact their wedding – it’s very different to a studio shoot in this way!

4.Become the invisible guest.

When photographing a wedding you become an “intimate stranger”.

“There’s a kind of unspoken agreement that I could block someone’s view but it’s ok because I’m the photographer, and although I don’t know anyone I’m allowed to move around freely.”

Wedding photographers are allowed to have so much power and space.

Attempting to capture all aspects and every moment of the weddings you shoot is a skill in itself. You’ll need to invisibly and seamlessly glide around the ceremonies you shoot and this is something that comes with practice.

“The bombastic, “can we have the bride’s parents now” cliche of a wedding photographer is now a thing of the past. We’re more adept and agile now as photographers.”

Forging a good relationship with the couple you’re shooting is really important as they have to trust you not notice you. If they’re worried about your ability, professionalism and whether you’re capturing everything, you’ll be in their focus.

5.Promote yourself properly

John believes that photographers must embrace blogging to raise awareness of their brand. John himself shares regular news and photography tips on his website and he believes it’s imperative to ensuring one is highly commended within the photographer community and subsequently recommended to newly engaged couples.

Keep your Bridebook profile up to date because this is where your audience is. Be where engaged couples are and make sure the photographs and information you present are relevant, current and representative of how talented you really are.

You will, of course, need a website – but how do you have a website if you’ve never shot a wedding?

“Photograph family and friends…offer to photograph their weddings and if you’re not experienced or confident enough yet, shoot them for free and possibly even in addition to a ‘pro’ wedding photographer.”

You could also try working with venues and doing style shoots for free so that you have industry related work to show.

6.Network

“Networking is imperative,” says John “and there are different kinds of education when it comes to learning how to be a successful wedding photographer”.

Joining a group of photographers that meet every month and talk about their portfolio is classed as education and development.

You could become part of a community like SNAP Photo Festival which is aimed at wedding and lifestyle photographers and includes workshops and activities which will inspire you and help you to develop your wedding business. This too is education.

Building relationships with other suppliers is important for your professional development and for business.

7.Make the couple feel comfortable

John believes that a pre-wedding shoot is really important in making the couple you’re working with feel comfortable.

“They get to see your style and pictures first hand before their wedding. Plus they have the chance to meet you and have a few practice shots in front of the camera. A relaxed couple that trusts you is so important in wedding photography.”

Meeting a couple when they first book your services and keeping in good contact with them throughout their wedding planning journey is also imperative.

Couples are looking for a sidekick, not a colleague.

8.Tips for shooting in low lighting

It’s impossible to give a one size fits all answer to the problem of low lighting.

Many weddings happen in churches or moodily lit rooms and as a photographer, you’ll need to manage the lighting available to you without the support of flash.

“I go up to ISO 3200 if I really need to but I try to use fast lenses to overcome the issue of low lighting. Obviously, you can’t use flash at weddings so I would say the best advice is to look for low noise, high ISO cameras. If you pick the right camera and invest in fast lenses, you’ll be amazed at the difference in low light photo quality.”

9.Shooting cultural weddings

In 2009, John shot his first Jewish wedding and became slightly stuck on a few references to tradition, such as the use of the word “Bedeken”.

To ensure you’re fully prepared to shoot cultural weddings you’re unfamiliar with it’s imperative that you do your research beforehand.

“Just do your due diligence as a photographer. I Googled the term Bedeken and found a resource for Jewish weddings. Then I’d keep in good contact with the couple to make sure I’d interpreted my research correctly and that what I knew about their culture fit the reality of their wedding.”

10.Prepare a winning portfolio

To prepare a winning wedding photography portfolio you have to first identify what it is you want to specialise in and be clear about your photographic style.

Are you a slightly overexposed, ethereal style wedding photographer who specialises in outdoor weddings and posed shots? Or perhaps your style includes shadow and drama, and you specialise in documentary style castle weddings.

Whatever your style and substance, keep pushing your work to the next level. Shoot more weddings and every year, update your portfolio in line with improvements in your work.

“Get rid of last year’s wedding shots because you should have better samples from this year. Your work is going to get better and better, and you may find that you’re shooting more barn weddings now and therefore that’s what you want to specialise in. Show more of these. And let your style adapt to the jobs you take on.”

Top tip: Keep your Bridebook profile packed full with your most up to date photography. With 1 in 2 couples now planning their wedding with Bridebook, your work is always being seen. You want to make sure that it’s your best and most recent work.

Thanks to John Nassari for his top 10 tips for wedding photographers

If you’d like to learn more from John Nassari, purchase ‘The 10 Essential Steps to Wedding Photography Success‘ – with over two hours of online tutorials, this course offers everything you need to supercharge your wedding photography business. (Full course information in the video below).

Use Discount Code: “bridebook” and get 50% off until 31st March 2018!!

Looking for more top tips and industry insights? Head to the Bridebook Business Hub now. The wedding industry professional’s one-stop shop for the all the latest news and top tips to power your wedding business.

Expert Tips On Battling Wedding Anxiety

Let’s face it, we all know planning a wedding can be stressful. While we know having your Bridebook app certainly helps organise your planning, nothing beats a little self pampering to make sure all those big decisions aren’t getting you down or keeping you up at night.

And who better to guide us through the best ways to battle any niggling anxiety and help you sleep better at night than the experts from Aromatherapy Associates. Terrence the Teacher, Aromatherapy Associates Mindfulness Expert, is here to impart his words of wisdom… here’s to a happy, healthy and stress-free engagement!

bridebook.co.uk aromatherapy associates oils

How To Reduce Anxiety:

CHANGE YOUR FOCUS

I would tell my client to change their whole focus for the upcoming day – let them remind themselves continuously that the day is about celebrating their love for another person. Plus sharing it with their family and friends. The only important thing to focus on. Could anything really change that? This should put the day in perspective and often makes them look forward to it more.

PLAY THE MIND GAME

Rehearse the day in your mind for a few minutes a day. Use your imagination to envision everything going perfectly. Create a really colourful movie. Add to the movie, seeing yourself being calm and happy. (Research has shown that this mind game, used by top athletes, actors and world leaders really works.) It is as if the brain does not distinguish between real or imagined. So, on the day, your rehearsal will pay off, as the mind will go “I have done this before, and it all will go well”.

MINDFULNESS IS KEY

A powerful Mindfulness exercise for stress is the 7/11 breathing. This breathing exercise is used by therapists all over the world to help with anxiety, stress and even panic attacks. It is known to relax down the whole body, including the parasympathetic nervous system, so really creating calm. Do as follows: Breathe in for 7 counts and breathe out for 11 counts. Do a few of these a day as often as you want. On the special day you can use it whenever needed.

How To Get A Better Night’s Sleep:

BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT & RELAX

The first thing that needs to be done to get to sleep, is to relax. Stressing about not sleeping will just keep you awake. Let it go and know that the body is perfectly created to get the amount of sleep you need. By relaxing about it you might find sleep comes easier.

SET THE SCENE

Make sure that your sleep environment is geared for a good night’s sleep. Tech free, dark, the right temperature and the bed comfortable.

SET A ROUTINE

Last but not the least, create a night time routine that tells your mind that you are preparing for sleep. From an aromatherapy bath, beauty routine to undressing and getting ready for sleep. The connection your brain makes to the above actions will help the body and mind to start switching off in recognition of the routine.

Aromatherapy Associates Recommend:

Bathing – Bathing is proven to ease muscular tension and calm a wired mind. Use DeStress Mind Bath & Shower Oil to help clear the mind with Petitgrain, camomile to calm and soothe as well as Frankincense to focus the mind on the moment.
Keep a roller ball by your bed – for those nights that you may wake up in a panic Deep Relax roller ball with the sedating powers of vetiver will ensure you fall right back off to sleep.
Keep an essential oil in your handbag – We recommend Lavender which is a great tool for getting rid of any niggly headaches during the day. Place a couple of drops of the oil onto the tips of your fingers, and push into your forehead.

bridebook.co.uk pair of aromatherapy associates oils

Now you’ve got your relaxation routine sorted, how about perfecting the rest of your wedding planning? Be sure you’re on track, without the piles of brochures and endless spreadsheets with these top wedding planning tools!

Find Your Dream Venue & Suppliers

Start Your Month-by-Month Checklist

Discover Your Budget Planner & Tracker

Play With Your On-the-go Guestlist Manager

Visual trends influencing wedding photography in 2018

The new year is well underway and we’re already looking forward to wedding season 2018. Based on predicted trends it’s going to be a bold and beautiful year.

A few teasers have already landed on our desks with regards to popular wedding photography styles and wedding themes thanks to brave couples choosing to marry in January! And so we’ve gathered trends from the hottest wedding photos we’ve seen in this chilly month so far.

We’ve also scoured leading design publications to see which visual trends are leading the way in photography now, and how colour and artistic themes could influence the wedding photography landscape this year.

Here goes…

Wanderlust – documenting our great escape

When does a trend stop being “trendy” and become a way of life?

Wanderlust = life, right?

Wanderlust travel photography will of course continue its upward trend as the need for silence, solitude and wellness dominates trends for 2018. And with overseas weddings now more popular than ever before it’s no surprise that destination wedding photographers with a diverse geographic wedding portfolio are hot property.

Wedding photographers can inspire 2018 couples by showcasing shoots from beaches, countryside, mountain tops and more. It’s a great way to leave potential new clients with a lasting memory of your wonderful wanderlust-inducing work.

Portraying a carefree lifestyle, escaping the grind and ‘telling your own story’ is set to remain a popular theme amongst smartphone photographers and Instagrammers.

The irony of travelling to remote places to escape whilst documenting that solitude on social media does not elude us, however it demands behavioural psychology investigative work than we’re not qualified to provide at this stage.

Conceptual realism and surrealism

A preference for the surreal over reality is a trend that’s set to continue from last year into this, and it serves as a means of escape from political, economic and environmental world concerns.

However the desire for realistic, authentic and believable images in a world where media content is freely invented and shared is more important for both photographers and consumers now than ever before.

2018 photography is about blending incredible experiences with raw, uncut nature and adding a dose of human imagination to the mix to provide people with the escape they’re so looking for.

Be creative with your wedding photography but ‘keep it real’. We’re fortunate to work in an industry designed for capturing raw emotion from real subjects in photographs. With skill and experience, wedding photographers can create dreamy wedding stories within the realm of reality.

Banishing stereotypes

Male stereotypes are being challenged and many brands are looking to tackle overt masculinity by introducing more complex, gentle and emotionally astute representations of the gender.

As wedding photographers, you have an advantage here. You’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to capture these kinds of raw emotions in a pleasing, gentle and natural way…

“Accept me for who I am” is a visual trend based on challenging stereotypes. Expect to see photographers inside and outside of the wedding industry capturing women and men as ‘their true selves’. The interchanging roles of genders will also be a focal theme for many creatives.

And it was all…purple

This year’s must-know (and must include) colour is ultra-violet purple.

Pantone has officially named it colour of the year for 2018, and describe it as “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”

This colour inspires and represents the exploration of new technologies, the cosmos, artistic expression and spiritual reflection.

It is a colour that we often associate with mindfulness and meditation; offering an escape for those seeking refuge in an over-stimulated world.

We’re expecting all shades of lavender, plum and other purples to be popular too, not only in design, branding and photography but in homewares and fashion too.

Wedding photographers…if life gives you lavender fields, you’re one lucky shooter.

However you can still show that you’re at the cutting edge of photography trends by making sure that any wedding you shoot that does incorporate this colour is featured at the top of your portfolio and on your homepage.

Incorporating this Pantone is good for securing bookings from style conscious couples and great for getting you noticed prior to wedding awards in 2018.

Bold and brave colours in general are “in” this year, leaning away from the more natural palette of 2017. However a great way to make ultra violet purple less brash and more crowd pleasing is to combine it with greenery (Pantone’s 2017 colour of the year), greys and more neutral tones for a pared back yet on trend wedding look.

Space is ace

In keeping with our ultra-violet year, fantasy and space are set to grow in popularity across all consumer based industries, including photography. Shutterstock has seen a massive increase in search demands for fantasy characters and the most savvy photographers and videographers are already honing in on space-themed conceptual realism by enhancing an already starry night sky, for example.

Conceptual realism can be best described as imagery that looks real, even if the idea does not seem to be so.

This fantasy theme will continue to be seen in branding developments, including the use of vivid colours, creating a sense of escapism from reality.

#nofilter

Unfiltered images are expected to enjoy a long awaited revival after what we’re now creatively calling “the age of the #filter”. This style is also known as Dead Pan and was popular in the 50s, and it involves subjects represented as they are – raw and ready.

You’re ready to visually delight the critics of 2018

Wedding photographers – it’s time to develop your photographic style and more so, your portfolio, in keeping with this years hot visual trends.

Stay relevant, stay popular and earn critical acclaim.

Looking for more wedding industry trends and couple insights? Head to the Bridebook Business Hub, the home of wedding industry knowledge.

Introduction: Your Wedding Legalities

Marriage ceremonies can come in so many different and amazing forms. Whether it’s at a temple, mosque, synagogue, church or a registry office, a marriage partnership is one of the oldest traditions in many cultures. It can be difficult knowing exactly which wedding legalities each ceremony requires, both in terms of legal documents and religious proceedings.

We’re here to help with all those tiny details so that whichever ceremony you choose goes flawlessly. You can even filter our massive venue directory search to only include venues that have a license.

Good, huh?

For Civil Ceremonies:

The first step you have to take for a civil ceremony is giving notice. You should give notice at least 28 days before the marriage is due to take place. If you live in a different location to where the ceremony will occur, you are also expected to notify the local register. The notice needs to be given by the couple in person.

For a civil ceremony, you will also want to make sure that the venue where you choose to get married is licensed to register marriages. Most venues that host weddings are properly licensed, but it is worth checking with them just in case! You will want to make sure the person marrying you is also properly authorised and that you have two competent witnesses who will sign the marriage register.

For Religious Ceremonies:

Church of England ceremonies

All British citizens have the option of getting married in the Church of England, providing the church is local to where they are registered. Otherwise, it needs to be the couple’s chosen place of worship or the bride and groom must be listed on the church’s electoral poll.

Although new same-sex marriage legislation is now in force, it remains the case that it is not legally possible for same-sex couples to marry in the Church of England. Exceptions to these rules can be made if you speak directly to the religious authority presiding in the church, who will be more than happy to help you with any of your queries.

To get married in a church you must partake in the reading of the banns – basically a public announcement of your upcoming marriage! The banns are read on three consecutive Sundays within three months in the run-up to the wedding (the banns aren’t a requirement in Scotland). The couple should try to attend at least one of the readings and sometimes a number of Sunday services.

More information can be found here: http://www.yourchurchwedding.org/

Roman Catholic ceremonies

For a Roman Catholic ceremony, you will need to bring your baptism and confirmation certificates to the meeting with your priest, at least six months before the ceremony. If one of you is unbaptised, you will need to seek permission from your chosen Church and the priest. You may sometimes be required to attend marriage preparation talks and Mass for six weeks before your wedding day.

Jewish and Quaker ceremonies

While you still need to give notice to the register office a minimum of 28 days prior to the ceremony, the officials performing the ceremony will be able to register the marriage for you.

All other religious ceremonies

For all other religious ceremonies, we advise you to contact your place of worship for information, as they will be able to advise you if you require a superintendent registrar to be present at your wedding or if the ministers or priests can register the marriage for you. If you do need a superintendent registrar to register your marriage, you should book them as soon as possible, as they will have to be present at your ceremony. You will be required to give the 28-day notice at your local register office.

Additional Details:

Documentation

Once you have given notice (at least 28 days before the wedding), forms will be sent to you for you to fill in. You should include all relevant documentation, like birth certificates, death certificates and divorce certificates for those widowed/divorced, as well as proof of identity and nationality.

Time

In England, marriages used to be limited to the times between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., excluding Muslim and Jewish weddings. However, the law has been changed and it is possible to get married at a later time, but we do strongly advise you check with your venue, as some will still have time limitations.

Payments

You and your partner will each be required to pay £35 when giving notice. You will need to pay £45 if you have the ceremony at a registry office and more at other venues. The marriage certificate will cost you £4 on the day of the wedding and £10 after.

Wedding Insurance

Insurance is a wedding essential you should really not forget about. As soon as you establish a budget, start shopping around for insurance, it can realistically cost you anything between £20-£200. It will cover you in most eventualities, so nothing can deter you from having the best day of your life.

Immigration

If you or your partner is subject to immigration laws, there may be other legalities for you to consider and we recommend you seek advice from https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships/religious-ceremonies.

Useful Contacts for Religious Ceremonies:

Baptist Union: 01235517700; baptist.org.uk

British Humanist Association: 02070793580; humanism.org.uk

Catholic Church: 02079014863; catholicchurch.org.uk

Catholic Marriage Care: 02073711341, marriagecare.org.uk

Church of England: 02078981000, cofe.anglican.org

Church of England Faculty Office: 02072225381; facultyoffice.org.uk

Church of Scotland: 01312255722; churchofscotland.org.uk

General Register Office for England and Wales: 08456037788, direct.gov.uk

General Register Office for Scotland: 01313144447; gro-scotland.gov.uk

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese: 02077234787; thyateira.org.uk

Humanist Society of Scotland: 08708749002; humanism-scotland.org.uk

Jewish Marriage Council: 02082036311, jmc-uk.org

The Methodist Church: 02074865502; methodist.org.uk

The United Reformed Church: 02079162020, urc.org.uk

Happy Planning!

If you enjoyed that article, here a few we suggest:

Tips To The Groom: Writing Your Wedding Speech

8 Things To Do Now That You’re Engaged

The Easiest and Smartest Way to Send Your Save the Dates

Bridal Makeup by Bobbi Brown

Bridebook was lucky enough to have Bobbi Brown herself spill all her wedding beauty secrets…she reveals all below:

bridebook.co.uk bobbi brown portrait — The gorgeous and inspirational Bobbi Brown herself

No matter your age, bridal makeup should be special. On your wedding day, you should look like yourself at your most beautiful. However, it’s not a time to try a look that is very trendy or radically different from your usual style. Wedding makeup should be long lasting, look amazing in photographs, and be timeless.

When you look at your wedding pictures ten years from now, you should still love the way you looked.

bridebook.co.uk bobbi brown shimmer brick — The Bobbi Brown Shimmer Block, perfect for giving your cheeks some colour for your wedding day.

Bridal makeup needs to have enough colour to compensate for the whiteness of the dress. Remember, there’s a big difference between everyday clothes and a wedding dress, so there should be difference in your makeup, too.

Start by making sure your skin looks even and smooth, and then add colour to your cheeks and lips to give them a glow. Finish with eye makeup that defines your eyes but doesn’t look overdone. To avoid feeling rushed, allow 45 minutes to an hour for makeup application on the wedding day.

Bridebook.co.uk-Bobbi Brown Concealer — Bobbi Brown’s concealer to cover dark circles under your eyes.

A few wedding beauty tips:

Emphasise your eyes by brightening any darkness under them with corrector and concealer.

Set concealer and foundation with a sheer loose powder. Powder applied with a powder puff assures amazing wearability and reduces unwanted shine – a must-have look for pictures.

Neutral, brown, and pale lip colours can look washed out in photographs, so choose a lipstick that’s one or two shades brighter than what you normally wear. If you usually wear a neutral hue, it should be worn as a base, with a pink or rose colour on top. If you typically wear dark lipstick, use that as the base, and apply a brighter pink on top to give the colour a lift. Pinks, roses and plums are all great, classic choices for brides.

Define your eyes by applying colour in the crease, but avoid using a shade that’s too dense or dark, as it can detract from the eyes themselves.

Use a water-resistant liner that can withstand tears! If you prefer to line with shadow, make it last longer by applying it with a slightly damp eyeliner brush.

After applying all your makeup, finish with a highlighter shade on the brow bone to make the eyes pop. Rub your finger in a light matte shade, and pat lightly on the outer corner of the brow bone.

Bridebook.co.uk-Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color — Bobbi Brown’s Luxe Lip Colour, Pinks, roses and plums are all great classic lip colours for brides

And of course, make sure to take care of yourself on the inside too – eat well in the weeks leading up to your wedding, and try to exercise a few times a week. Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated and refreshed, and take a relaxing bath the night before.

Most of all, be present! Slow down and appreciate what’s around you rather than rushing to get from start to finish.

Bridebook.co.uk-Bobbi Brown Foundation Sticks — Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Sticks

Happy Planning!

Ready to book your make – up artist for your big day? Have a read of our useful article ‘15 Questions To Ask Your Make-Up Artist‘

Browse other similar articles:

Wedding Stationery Solved

Bridal Musings’ Expert Tips For Wowing Your Guests On Your Wedding Day

Wedding Cake Tips by Mary Berry

Etsy Spill Top Decorating Tips To Bridebook

Q & A With Celebrity Hairdresser Daniel Galvin

Hidden Wedding Costs Every Couple Needs To Know About

Hidden wedding costs can sneak up on even the most diligent of couples. It’s easy to forget to check whether a supplier’s service charge is included, for example… Only to find out a week before your wedding that you need to cough up an extra few hundred pounds! Nightmare.

So what should you look out for? Well, luckily for you, we’ve asked our experts and got the inside scoop. Read on to find out the hidden wedding costs you’d never think the budget for. We promise your wallet will thank you!

Psst! If you want to make even bigger savings, Bridebook is home to the most powerful wedding budget planner available. Simply enter your total wedding funds and in just one click, you’ll have your personalised wedding budget breakdown. Wave goodbye to spreadsheets and penny-pinching!

1. If you’re getting married in a church and want an organist, bellringer or choir, check if it’s included. It rarely is, meaning you’ll need to budget extra for the add-on.

2. Watch out for where you’re getting married when estimating costs! An off-site civil ceremony tends to cost more than a ceremony at a registry office.

3. Remember that you’ll rarely pay the base rate for your wedding dress. Wedding dress prices often don’t include the cost of any potential alterations – and you’ll usually need around three fittings to get it just right!

4. Don’t forget any delivery costs that come as extra. Many suppliers, from florists and cakemakers to hair and makeup artists, will charge a premium when delivering from a certain distance.

Bridebook.co.uk wedding stationary tips and prices

5. It’s a sneaky one, but check whether or not envelopes are included in the price of your wedding stationery. Can you believe they sometimes aren’t?!

Want even more wedding tips, tricks and inspiration? Check out our Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

6. Another stationery-related one for you: consider the cost of stamps – especially if you have family abroad! Depending on the weight of your invitations and how far they’ll have to travel, stamps can rack up fast.

Bridebook.co.uk wedding catering hidden costs

7. Feeling peckish? Plan in advance what you and your wedding party will snack on while you’re getting ready on the big day, even if it’s just some homemade sandwiches. Remember, you’ll probably be nervous. You might also have had a little something to drink… And we all know how easy it is to spend a small fortune on takeout when hunger strikes!

8. While reusing flowers from your ceremony at your reception can be a quick way to save a few bucks, you’ll need to check beforehand if you’re travelling between venues that it’s actually as cost-effective as you think. Your florist may well charge a fee for the extra work they’ll do to relocate displays between different locations.

9. If you’re filming your wedding, some musicians may charge a fee to have their performance filmed. Ask in advance so you’re not surprised on the day!

10. Don’t forget to tip! Make sure your wedding venue (or caterer) includes any compulsory service charges in their bill from the start. It can be an unpleasant (and costly!) surprise to have another 12.5% added to your bill at the last minute.

11. Something many couples forget is that their wedding team (think your photographer, videographer, entertainer, band or DJ, etc.) – may well be expecting to be fed. They won’t necessarily expect the same meal you’re serving your guests – although this can be an easy way to kill two birds with one stone – but do check their contracts, as some will stipulate hot meals be provided. Whether it’s part of their contract or not, we’d always advise that best practice is to make sure your suppliers are provided for.

12. Definitely don’t forget about corkage fees. This is a charge many venues will add onto alcohol bought elsewhere – and it can add up fast. This means that even if you found alcohol for sale at bargain prices, it might no longer be cheaper than buying from the venue once you consider how much the venue will charge you to serve it.

13. If you’re having a marquee at your wedding, make sure to take out insurance to cover any potential damage. It’s not worth the risk of going without!

14. One detail it’s easy to forget – but impossible to avoid – is transport! How are you getting to your ceremony, from there to your reception, and finally back to your accommodation? Whether you need a car, a tractor or a horse, factor the cost of that wedding transport in.

15. We know, we know – we sound like a broken record. But don’t forget about VAT! Check whether or not it’s included and read the small print to avoid any surprises.

16. Your main focus might be on your wedding day but it’s important to budget for any post-wedding spending, as these costs can be significant. For example, you might need to dry clean clothing, buy thank you notes for your guests, and so on.

While we can’t guarantee that covers absolutely everything, those are the top things we’d look out for – and even they could save you hundreds of pounds! One final tip is to make sure you note everything down in one place and make sure the terms of all your arrangements are crystal clear to both parties. That way, you’re on top of everything – and you won’t need to worry about any unexpected surprises!

How Much Does a Wedding Venue Cost? The Average 2024 Revealed

When it comes to planning your wedding, there will be plenty of important choices to make – ranging from the enormous to the teeny tiny. Many of these choices will be optional, but one of the biggest will be making sure you choose the right venue. After all, it’s where you and your guests will spend the entire day and can’t be changed once the big day arrives.

As you work out your wedding budget, you’ll need to make sure you dedicate enough toward your ideal venue. Whether it’s a hotel, a golf course, a vineyard, a village hall, or anywhere else you want to marry that special someone, you’ll need to budget accordingly.

Below, we’re going to take a look at the average cost of a wedding venue, what’s included in that cost, and any unexpected fees you should look out for.

How much does the average wedding venue cost?

Photo © Dorfold Hall | See their Bridebook profile

With the average total cost of a wedding in the UK rising to £20,775, over a third of that cost is likely to go towards the venue. In 2024, the average cost of a wedding venue is around £8,000-£10,000 (£9,877 to be exact). Of course, this figure can vary dramatically depending on different factors, including the type of venue and where in the country the venue is located.

For example, our 2024 UK Wedding Report found that couples in London pay an average of £14,357 for their venue, compared to Wales where the average is £7,641. However, that’s not to say that one is better than the other – it’s all a matter of taste, what’s right for you, and how far you and your guests want to travel.

It’s also important to remember that you won’t necessarily have to travel great distances to find a venue that works for your budget. For instance, venue prices at London Shenley Club, found in beautiful Hertfordshire, start from as low as £550.

How can the cost of a wedding venue vary?

Costs taken from our 2024 UK Wedding Report, based on data gathered from ~6,000 married and engaged couples, representing an average for venue types across the UK

There’s a range of wedding venues available across the UK, so whatever your budget you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something to your taste:

Affordable – £3,000 – £5,000
Moderate – £5,000 – £10,000
Luxury – £10,000 – £15,000
Super luxury – £15,000+

How does the type of venue affect the cost?

The type of wedding venue you choose affects the price, with certain types of venue costing significantly more than others on average. According to our 2024 UK Wedding Report, couples are more likely to spend the most on venues for weddings at castles, stately homes and country houses, and the least on registry offices, places of worship and restaurants.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost depending on the venue type, based on data gathered from almost 4,000 couples married and engaged in 2024:

Castle – £12,454
Stately home – £10,716
Country house – £9,700
Golf course – £8,792
Event venue – £7,422
Hotel – £7,324
Barn – £6,897
Outdoor – £6,800
City venue – £6,717
Restaurant – £5,526
Place of worship – £5,480
Registry office – £1,342

What does the cost of a wedding venue include?

Photo © Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa | See their Bridebook profile

The cost of the venue will include rental of the space itself, however, it can also include additions and the use of certain facilities, such as:

Tables and chairs
Linens, such as tablecloths, napkins and chair covers
Lighting and sound
Wine and bubbles for the tables
Bar services
Catering
Coordination and setup

Exactly what’s included in the cost of the venue is something that you’ll need to confirm with the venue. For example, some venues won’t have catering facilities and will require you to arrange your own vendors. For more information check out our post featuring questions to ask your wedding venue.

Why are wedding venues so expensive?

Photo © Brookfield Barn | See their Bridebook profile

Mark Dawson, the former owner and operator of Brookfield Barn and expert on all things venue-related, explains why wedding venues are often so expensive:

“Couples benefit from being “one-time customers” that venues are trying to attract and therefore price is a key lever. The venue market has become extremely competitive with diminishing margins. So many features at the top of couples’ lists come with high maintenance costs. For example, listed and historic buildings, extensive grounds. Remember you are paying such that the venue is maintained in a way to be at its best on your big day – and every other couple has the same expectation.”
“Exclusivity on your day means you are the sole revenue stream for the venue. So when faced with budget challenges, take time to prioritise what is most important. Is it exclusivity on the day for your wedding, is it the historic setting, is it the extensive grounds, is it having it for multiple days to set up and clear up, is it having lots of staff support from the venue for planning it all – they all drive the price point that the venue needs to continue to operate.”

What factors can affect the cost of a wedding venue?

Photo © Beamish Hall | See their Bridebook profile

We’ve already highlighted how the type and location can affect the cost of a venue, but there are plenty of factors that can contribute towards how much you might pay for your dream venue.

Size

Naturally, the higher the number of guests you’d like to invite, the larger the venue will need to be. Of course, it makes sense that a venue with a 30-person capacity will usually be more affordable than one that can accommodate several hundred.

Region

Where you are in the UK plays a huge part in how much you’ll pay for a venue. For instance, couples in London will pay around 50% more than the national average.

Dates

As you might imagine, venue prices vary depending on the season. When it comes to choosing a wedding date, spring, summer, and even autumn dates are more popular than winter. As a result, you’ll likely find that it’s more affordable to secure a date in January or February than it is in July or August.

Similarly, Fridays and the weekend – particularly Saturday – are more expensive than weekdays, as well as specific dates like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve.

It may be possible to grab a bargain if you’re open to a last-minute booking during off-peak times or based on a cancellation – though this risks you missing out by catching vendors and guests off-guard. Here at Bridebook, we offer late availability deals at many of our partner venues – just filter by ‘Special Offers’ when searching for a wedding venue.

Packages

The majority of wedding venues will have packages that can include anything from a glass of bubbly for the guests on arrival to a free stay for the newlyweds on the night. If you definitely don’t want one of these, you can ask your chosen venue if they can exclude some items to give you a lower price.

Catering

According to our 2024 UK Wedding Report, two thirds of couples choose venues that include catering in their offering. However, couples also spend almost £4,000 more on average for venues that include catering, making venues that don’t include catering the cheaper option when considering just the venue alone.

Average wedding venue cost without catering – £6,084
Average wedding venue cost with catering – £9,877

Exclusive use

Exclusive use of the wedding venue means that you and your guests will be the only ones on the premises during your special day, so you don’t need to worry about anybody accidentally stumbling in and helping themselves to the buffet. Normally, venues that offer exclusivity will charge slightly more, but it’s definitely worth it.

What are some unexpected costs or fees at a venue?

Photo © Hedingham Castle | See their Bridebook profile

When speaking with the venue, you should clarify early on what is and isn’t covered, otherwise you may find yourselves being hit with one or two (or six or seven!) surprise costs that can cause your budget to spiral.

Some potential hidden fees to be mindful of include:

Taxes
Gratuities
Security deposit to cover loss and damages
Cleaning fees
Insurance
Overtime fees
Corkage fees

How much does it cost to decorate a wedding venue?

Photo © Parley Manor | See their Bridebook profile

Once you’ve chosen your venue and signed on the dotted line, there may be additional costs to bear in mind to make sure it’s decorated to perfectly match your tastes. Decoration hire, such as unique lighting and features, may not be included in the cost and is another cost to factor into your budget.

Have you discovered your dream venue?

Are you planning your wedding and umming and ahhing over the perfect venue Bridebook’s wedding planning tools provide you with everything you need to find your venues, caterers, photographers, music and more!

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding venue, we’ve got plenty of money-saving tips to help you stay firmly within your budget.

Happy Planning!

Hot wedding trend 2018 – let the purple reign

We’d like to introduce all UK wedding suppliers to ultra violet purple – your Pantone colour of the year.

Last year’s colour theme of the year was Greenery and we definitely saw a surge in brides and grooms opting for green decor and garland style floral installations.

The Pantone colour of the year is always a strong indicator of wedding trends to come so expect to find couples requesting fifty shades of purple this year!

We think it’s the most beautiful colour for weddings – adding a calm sophistication and often regal touch to any tableware, flowers or decor, and there are a lot of ways to incorporate accents of this colour in a wedding theme or to go all out and let the purple reign.

Now is the time to start thinking about designs, decorations and photographs that incorporate ultra violet purple to ensure that you position your wedding business as relevant and on trend in time for peak wedding season.

Here are a few ideas to inspire you to incorporate this 2018 wedding trend in your wedding supplier collection…

Purple wedding flowers

Perhaps your clients will want to really embrace the ultra violet vibes…

Or perhaps they’d prefer to mix ultra violet with more subtle lavender tones…

Will the newly engaged couples you work with opt for strong purples and deep velvet ribbons…

Or splash the brightest purples across garlands and amongst greenery for a bold look that builds on last years hot trend…

Keep it simple for couples who don’t want to spend a fortune on purple centrepieces…

And why not recommend that couples use lavender as a cost effective way to add a bohemian edge (and a beautiful scent) to a purple wedding theme. They’ll appreciate your advice and will trust you more for it.

Purple wedding cake

Design beautiful wedding cakes that combine deep purple with a marbled effect – another hot trend of 2018…

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/AUxEgaLTZSLTYAYkvfRhtHJERqW7apjH1nNE02MLOTS8eqjlVU7-u8k/

For more traditional wedding cakes add a textured mauve layer…

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/300052393913944633/

Or opt for a naked wedding cake and use purple fruits and flowers to decorate. Simple yet effective…

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/55591376624187653/

Swot up on these types of dessert table delights. The “help yourself” dessert table is set to replace traditional wedding breakfast desserts in 2018…

Purple wedding decorations

Feature photographs of an elegant, purple themed wedding breakfast table on your wedding website to capture the hearts and minds of trendy 2018 couples…

Include purple paper lanterns in your product portfolio for couples wanting accents of colour rather than swathes of it…

Or be very clever and show couples how effective purple lighting can look alongside sophisticated whites and crystal table decorations…

We just love these lavender mason jars…

Purple wedding stationery

Showcase bright and elegant wedding invitations on your website that incorporate purples but remain traditional in style…

Show 2018 couples that you also cater to contemporary stationery themes with this bold, dramatic and stylish purple invitation…

And add beautiful botanical wedding invitations to your purple collection – always a crowd pleaser…

Ultra violet purple and gold – the edit

Purple and gold look so great together. We wouldn’t be surprised if Harry and Meghan opt for a similar dramatic yet expensive-looking theme.

For a truly regal look add elaborate gold metals to your wedding collection…

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/AelJe2icBWc7A8v3Q-XfuKFDyeU6mNu7NUQZT7XcQefI5WnXbWhvOB0/

Gold cutlery is hot stuff and we’ve seen a rise in requests for it over the past year or so. With the arrival of purple as a key colour of 2018, expect a surge in requests for gold tableware and purple glassware and chargers – this style of table setting is going to be hot property…

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/318911217354416861/

Or prepare for couples to flip the colour scheme around and opt for purple tablecloths and gold chargers. We love this look for a winter wedding whereas the above could work all year round.

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/338121884516529722/

This beautiful wedding cake uses just a touch of purple with the subtle focus being the gold leaf detail and drops of liquid gold…

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/522910206719079412/

It’s time to stock up on colourful ideas for your wedding business

We have it on good authority that ultra violet purple will be making an appearance on engaged couples Pinterest boards any day now – and it should certainly be splashed across yours too if you want to be seen as a hot and relevant wedding supplier this year.

We guarantee that your competitors will be considering when to place their first order of purple flowers now, as well as researching where best to source ultra violet purple table decorations like napkins, plates, tablecloths, glassware and chargers. And we’ll soon see the leading stationery companies showcasing purple themed wedding invites.

Get ahead of the game and start investing in ultra violet wedding decorations and ideas now to luxe up your portfolio and win the hearts (and bookings) of couples this year.

Looking for more wedding industry trends and couple insights? Head to the Bridebook Business Hub, the home of wedding industry knowledge.

How to become a winning wedding supplier in 2018

All those things you promised yourself you’d do differently last year can finally be put into practice and you could make 2018 your best year of weddings yet.

That is, as long as you’re prepared to make positive changes now.

Here are 3 things that the most successful wedding suppliers of 2018 will be doing right now and throughout 2018. If you want to have a winning year too, you’d best get started…

1. Be stringent with time management and communications

Think back to how busy you were during peak wedding season 2017. Wouldn’t it be incredible if you could be equally as busy this year but without the added stress of feeling like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day?

Streamline your communications now and you’ll soon notice how much more efficiently you’re managing your time, and how much more you’re able to get done. We strongly recommend that you write down a basic communication plan and stick to it as closely as you can. It could look something like this:

Enquiry: respond via email within 24 hours (tip – prepare a template and include personalisation fields)
Follow up email / phone call: if you haven’t heard back since the initial enquiry, schedule a follow up email and / or phone call 5-7 days later.
First meeting: organise a first meeting to discuss ideas and secure the booking. At this meeting, inform your clients of how you prefer to work in terms of ongoing communication between now and their wedding day. Perhaps you could share a Google document with the couple and ask them to input all of their ideas and requests there, and let them know that you’ll be free to discuss all ideas exactly 12, 10 or 8 months before their wedding day – whichever schedule works for both you as the wedding supplier and for the couple in question.
Ongoing communication: set your second meeting (whether face to face, skype or phone call) and schedule a final pre-wedding meeting with the couple so that they feel comfortable knowing that you’re in control of things. This also helps you better manage your time.

Prepare for ad hoc email communications and phone calls but try to keep all communications direct and concise – it’s simply a better use of everyone’s time.

2. Be clear on your goals

What do you hope to achieve in 2018, both personally and professionally? It’s important to consider what a better wedding business and a better life means to you, and to think about how these elements tie together.

If you’re challenging yourself to generate more revenue and more bookings but are also determined to secure a better work-life balance this year, you’ll have to consider building a bigger team to free up your time. Is this financially feasible?

Carefully consider your objectives for this year and document three clear goals for you to work towards and remind yourself of regularly. Checking in monthly will provide reflection; enabling you to see how you’re progressing and helping you stay on track.

Tip: you’re much more likely to do something if you write it down so even if you work alone, note down your goals and display them in your office so they’re clear for you to see!

3. Build your online presence

It is getting more and more difficult to get noticed online but it’s absolutely essential that you try and that you’re consistently dedicating a fair proportion of your time to doing so.

Consistently produce and upload fresh, new, high quality content and stay abreast of new developments in SEO. If you’ve already got a great website and are present on social channels and online wedding planning tools like Bridebook, consider working with a local SEO consultant or digital marketing specialist to boost your presence and further build authority in search results.

Local pros can be found on Linked In and on specialist freelance sites like UpWork, but be careful to ask for examples of work and demonstrable experience before engaging a freelancer as specialist sites don’t always mean specialist services!

We’ll be sharing our top SEO tips right here, at Bridebook Business Hub, throughout the year so if you’re keen to have a go at becoming an online marketing pro yourself, stay tuned for hot new tips and tricks.

It’s time to change the game

To make a positive long-term impact on your business it’s essential that you focus on making small changes today. These super achievable game changing tips will make your life easier and your business better. Start today and become this year’s winning wedding supplier.

Looking for more wedding industry trends and couple insights? Head to the Bridebook Business Hub, the home of wedding industry knowledge.

26 Best Asian Wedding Venues in London

If you are looking for an Asian wedding venue in London, you’ve come to the right place!

Wedding planning is a very exciting time, but with so many amazing wedding venues out there how do you know how to choose the right one? A brilliant place to start (if we do say so ourselves) is Bridebook’s wedding venue search – it’s the biggest in the UK.

There, you can search all of our venues and filter the results to meet your wedding needs. You can set your capacity, and tick other requirements such as “Asian” or “Exclusive Use” to help find the venues that are right for you! We’ve compiled some of our top picks available through the directory below, because we’re lovely like that.

bridebook.co.uk wedding venue search filter

Bridebook.co.uk asian wedding venues london

5 Star Venues

For the most discerning bride and groom, you can’t go wrong with this selection of top-notch wedding venues.

1. Hilton Park Lane, capacity 250

Located in the heart of one of London’s most flourishing areas, this Hilton Park Lane is the perfect Asian wedding venue for city lovers.

2. Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel, capacity 300

This 5-star luxury hotel wedding venue, with both modern and classic Victorian interiors, promises to take your breath away.

3. Sheraton Park Tower, capacity 80

Celebrate your wedding day with confidence, as the team at Sheraton Park Tower take care of all your needs! This beautiful Asian wedding venue in London is located in the heart of the city, perfect for you and your guests.

4. The Grosvenor Hotel, capacity 150

This remarkable Grade II Victorian hotel is famous for its glamour and beauty, and it’s a truly perfect wedding venue for your Asian wedding.

5. The Dorchester, capacity 500

If you want to throw a luxurious wedding, The Dorchester is a great choice! Located on Park Lane, this venue will wow your guests with its elegance and luxe!

Unusual Venues

If you’re looking to wow your guests with something different then these wedding venues are for you.

6. Natural History Museum, capacity 1200

What best way to throw a memorable wedding than to host yours at the Natural History Museum? Knows for its amazing atmosphere, this is one of our favourites on the list!

7. The Landmark London, capacity 750

The Landmark in an absolutely gorgeous wedding venue. With high ceilings and banquet rooms boasting with natural light, this could be the one and only place for you to tie the knot.

8. Eltham Lodge at Royal Blackheath Golf club, capacity 200

110 acres of landscaped golf course and wedding team like no other, this could be the perfect backdrop to your wedding album.

9. London Eye, capacity 71

Enjoy the best views of the city in this unique wedding setting! The London eye will certainly take your breath away.

Venue/ Hall

These two venues offer great event spaces for large weddings.

10. Grand Connaught Rooms, capacity 1000

If you’re throwing a grand scale celebration, this wedding venue can cater to it. Located right next to Convent Garden, your London wedding awaits!

11. Porchester Hall, capacity 630

Classic art deco design, and understated elegance make this one of London’s most sought-after wedding venues.

Marquee (outdoor wedding)

A blank canvas for you to create the wedding of your dreams.

12. Addington Palace, capacity 800

Impeccably decorated, and with enough space to host a large wedding, Addington Palace is an idyllic wedding venue in London.

13. Oakley Court, capacity 150

This gorgeous country house hotel will leave your guests with the unforgettable memory of the greastest party they even attended.

14. De Vere Devonport House, capacity 100

The perfect escape from London is only a stone’s throw away. De Vere Devonport House is one of favourite wedding venues in the UK, and we’re sure you and your guests will love it!

Golf Clubs

You don’t have to be a golf lover to host your wedding at one of these two gorgeous venues.

15. C and L Country Club, capacity 500

Your dream wedding should be put together by a dream team. C and L Country Club specialise in hospitality and decorations, so you can rest assured you and your guests will be happy.

16. Woolston Manor Golf and Country Club, capacity 500

Featuring a lake and 200 acres of lovely grounds, this wedding venue can most certainly host the wedding of your dreams!

Near the Airport

Convenient for your wedding guests travelling far and wide.

17. Sofitel Terminal 5, capacity 900

If you have family travelling from a long way, why not host your wedding at Sofitel Terminal 5? It’s luxurious and it’s grand, so your wedding party will surely be a memorable one.

18. Sheraton Hilton Hotel, capacity 1400

This splendid building with modern interiors is an ideal setting for your big London wedding.

19. Park Inn by Raddison, capacity 700

A red carpet reception with a beautiful Bridal suite. The Park Inn by Raddison is a great setting to throw an epic wedding party.

20. Marriott, capacity 480

Get your guests from the plane to the party by hosting your wedding at the Heathrow Marriott Hotel! Elegant and spacious, your party will be one for the books!

Country Houses

Get married in style at one of these beautiful wedding venues just outside London.

21. Newland Manor, capacity 140

Situated in Buckighamshire’s stunning countryside, this is the perfect wedding venue for couples looking for elegance and romance.

22. Woburn Abbey, capacity 300

The Georgian town of Bedfordshire, where Woburn Abbey is located, only a stone’s throw away from London, is the perfect backdrop for your wedding day.

Race Courses

Provide a beautiful backdrop for your wedding day.

23. Ascot Race Course, capacity 3000

Enjoy the magnificent views over the recourses in the alternative wedding venue! Your family and friends will love spending the day at Ascot.

24. Windsor Race Course, capacity 300

Set on the Island surrounded by the river Thames, this is truly a magical place to tie the knot and celebrate your love.

Purpose built wedding venues

Dedicated wedding venues equipped with everything you’ll need.

25. Cavendish Banqueting Suite, capacity 400

For small or big parties, the Cavendish Banqueting site is a perfect place for your Asian Wedding Venue!

26. Laguna Banqueting Suite, capacity 300

One the UK’s finest Asian cuisine specialists… Need we say more? The Laguna the perfect for your celebration!

Looking for some more venues?

Have a browse at some of the best wedding venues in London.

Are you planning your wedding?

Get it done the simple way with our award-winning tool!

Found this article helpful? Check out these:

25 Asian Wedding Venues in The UK!

21 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venue

73 Must-See Wedding Venues in The UK

Wedding Prices: Venue

Hidden Wedding Costs Every Couple Should Know About

Introduction: Your Wedding Guest List

Bridebook.co.uk BRide and groom laughing with guests

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and your guests are an integral part of what makes the day so special. Selecting your guests is such a fun process – when else do you get a day filled with all your favourite people!? Don’t get overwhelmed by all the people you want or all the people you feel you have to invite… we’re going to help you nail your guest list, which you can then keep track of with our handy Guest List tool. You’re welcome!

Venue

Where do you want to get married? If your event is a lavish affair in a massive venue, then go crazy on numbers. If you only want your nearest and dearest at a smaller venue, then that will give you an indication of how many people you can invite. Your budget will also play a big role in the decision making process, but tricks like opting to hold a buffet or a cocktail party instead of a sit down meal will give your budget room for manoeuvre (yay!).

Divide the guest list

Set aside a cosy evening to sit down with your loved one and write down everyone you might want to invite: family, friends and optional guests. The optional guests will probably include work colleagues, distant relatives, or the potential plus ones of family or friends. The best way to decide on the optional guests is to ask yourself: would I be offended if I wasn’t invited to their wedding? If the answer is yes, then it’s best you include them on the guest list! Bonus: if you suddenly need to cut down on the guest list, you will know which group to start with! And if some of your friends and family can’t come, you can start inviting some of those optional extras.

Families

Consider how many guests you are allocating to each of the families. When previously the bride’s family paid for everything, they got the upper hand in deciding whom to invite. Now, some couples pay for their own weddings, or both families contribute, so think about how to have this conversation with your parents. Similarly, families may be expecting to bring their children along to your wedding and if this isn’t something you want, think about letting them know in advance, so that they can organise babysitters.

Timings

Play around with your timings. You could invite immediate family and friends to the ceremony and reception and then invite a load more for the food and dancing – or the other way round. Or you could invite more people after the wedding breakfast for cocktails and grooving. Play with the timings and numbers to suit you and your budget! Remember, that on average, 20% of your invited guests may decline, allowing you more room for manoeuvre. However, don’t hold out for this exact number to decline! In fact, it is always worth asking your caterer the cost of last minute changes, just in case someone turns up or drops out!

Don’t forget the bride and groom

Final point: Once you’ve made the perfect guest list, don’t forget to put your own names on the list, you would be surprised how many couples don’t do that and are amazed to find the caterer short of two plates!