Wed Magazine Cornwall issue 69

Dreamy ideas for a wow-worthy wedding on Cornish shores

PARADISE FOUND

Wed in the warmth of the Mediterranean and discover an Eden that is exclusively yours. Say ‘I do’ in a tropical paradise and host your reception beneath a tree canopy lit by a thousand stars.

time to party.

What makes a great party? Marshmallows around the firepit and dancing under the stars? Signature cocktails, a killer soundtrack and fireworks display? Or a full festival extravanganza of live music, food trucks and glittered guests? Whatever your party dreams are made of, we have inspiration galore in this issue.

The entertainment is a key ingredient of a party to remember. You’ll find expert advice for delighting your guests during each stage of your day, from the ceremony to the small hours, in Never a Dull Moment. Ensuring your guests are well fed and watered is also crucial for creating a fun-filled atmosphere. We serve up the latest food and drink trends, from sharing menus to champagne towers, in Good Taste alongside crowd-pleasing cocktails and delicious local drinks ideas. And, as every good party includes cake, you’ll find some seriously decadent inspiration in Sweet Art.

Of course, throwing a wedding under canvas is the ultimate way to create your dream party space and you’ll find some stunning ideas for a wow-worthy tented celebration in Pitch Perfect.

As if that wasn’t enough to fuel your party appetite, Got Wed features a host of inspiring and beautifully individual real weddings across Cornwall. From Fliss and Max’s epic New Year’s Eve festivities and Nicca and Michael’s fun-filled spring wedding in St Ives to Christina and Noah’s gorgeous three-day celebration on the south coast, these heart-melting love stories round off the issue in joyful style. What’s more, each wedding echoes the importance of throwing a party that celebrates your personalities. Let that mantra guide your choices and get set for a sensational, so-you celebration - one that your guests will be talking about long after the last espresso martinis have been supped.

Rebecca

LOVE IN CORNWALL

Dreamy ideas for a wow-worthy wedding on Cornish shores

Photography Rebecca Hook Photography Dress Wilden London Veil

bridalbuzz

Editor Rebecca Matthews

Deputy editor

Lucy Lawrence

Chief features writer

Hannah May

Contributors

Jess Baber, Natalie Blake, Becci Clubb, Laura Dalton, Hazel Parsons, Nikki Sherriff, Maria Taylor, Sophie Walker

Design Matt Sanwell, Design UNLTD

Advertising and Management

Brendan Sleeman

Website management

Jenna Matthews

Finance Morwenna Matthews

Publisher

Wed Magazine

28 Reens Crescent Heamoor Penzance Cornwall

TR18 3HW 01736 331456

wed@wedmagazine.co.uk wedmagazine.co.uk

Print

Deltor Communications Ltd

Cover image

Photography

Nick Walker Photography nickwphotography.com

Venue & styling

Carbis Bay Estate carbisbayhotel.co.uk

Flowers

Wedding Flowers in Cornwall weddingflowersincornwall.co.uk

Dress St Ives Bridal Boutique stivesbridalboutique.co.uk

REVEL IN THE HAPPINESS

If you feel awkward in front of the lens then fret not, for Maryann Morris from The Menagerie Lifestyle Photography feels exactly the same. “I hate having my photo taken,” she admits. However, with a passion for photography combined with a plethora of training and experience, she’ll ensure you feel comfortable and confident while she captures your day with dazzling ease. Armed with a Master’s degree in Photography, along with an ARPS distinction from the Royal Photographic Society, Maryann brings a honed eye and sensitive approach for a documentary-style album that’s honest, unique and utterly stunning.

“Weddings are not just about the love felt between the happy couple, but also the love that emanates from parents giving away their kids, extended family who are brought together for a special event and friends having the chance to revel in the happiness

of the day,” she says. “That is what I want to capture.” Her love of the great outdoors matches her passion for photography and, having recently moved to Cornwall, Maryann is looking forward to shooting personality-packed weddings amidst the beauty of the Cornish landscape.

Offering a range of packages, her services range from engagement shoots and micro weddings to multi-day events and more extensive options including consultations, hours of coverage, an unlimited collection of hand-finished images, a password-protected private online gallery, digital download of all images and print release for all images. You can also arrange extras such as albums and printed products to ensure a beautifully creative record of your love story, which will stir the emotions of the day for many years to come.

themenagerielifestylephotography.co.uk

WORDS OF LOVE…

“All I ever wanted was to sit by a fire with someone who wanted me in measure the same to my wanting. To want to make a fire with someone, with you, was all” Katie Ford

SMALL WEDDINGS OF DREAMS

If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding in a tucked-away corner of Cornwall, then Tredudwell Manor is the picturesque place to be. Comprising a luxurious barn and 18th century country manor house in Lanteglos-by-Fowey, the venue is set amidst tranquil gardens and woodlands that slip down to the south coast. Complete with stylish B&B accommodation, the venue can host up to 200 guests for both ceremonies and receptions. However, for those seeking something more low key, Tredudwell’s new intimate package caters for up to 20 guests and offers a host of benefits for a fuss-free and remarkably atmospheric celebration.

Enjoy arrival bubbly, full and exclusive use of the all-weather, all-season manor house, reception barn and grounds, three nights B&B stay for you and your guests, all meals for the three-night stay by renowned chef Richard McGeown and floristry by The Garden Gate Flower Company. Specialising in tailored events to ensure every wedding meets the individual requirements of the couple, Tredudwell Manor’s top-notch facilities, stunning surrounds and stellar service combines for a wedding as memorable as it is magical. With availability for August, September and October 2025, couples can book their dream summer or autumn date and look forward to an enchanting wedding immersed in the beauty of the Cornish countryside and coastline.

tredudwell.co.uk

STYLE

14. INTO THE BLUE

Ocean-inspired details for a wedding inspired by the sea

16. PURE SHORES

Dreamy styling for a water’s edge wedding at Carbis Bay Estate

22. SPRING FLING

A romantic celebration of spring at Enys

28. WED’S WISH LIST

Our edit of the latest bridal must-haves

32. DOUBLE THE FUN

How to change your W-day look, from multiple dresses to convertible gowns

41. PEARLY QUEEN

Lust-have pearl jewellery for brides

44. CORNISH CREATIONS

Wedding jewellery inspired by the Cornish landscape

46. GETTING PERSONAL

Inspiration for adding a so-you twist to your wedding bands

50. THE ACCESSORIES EDIT

Got the suit? Trending pieces to complete the groom’s big day ensemble

58. PARADISE FOUND

Mediterranean vibes meet pared-back styling at the Eden Project

65. CLEAN LINES

Crisp white and blue for a modern elegant country house

wedding

71. THE COLOUR OF LOVE

A joy-filled spring scene styled with vibrant blooms and décor

FEATURES

54. HERE COME THE GUYS

Recent grooms share their W-day highlights

77. DREAM SCENES

The experts share their styling trend predictions

84. GOOD TASTE

The latest food and drink trends for a full-of-flavour wedding feast

89. GOOD MIXERS

Top cocktails for wowing your wedding crowd

92. LIQUID GOLD

Top-tasting tipples for a drinks menu with a local flavour

95. SWEET ART

The latest wedding cake trends, from artful florals to vintage confections

100. PITCH PERFECT

Gorgeous ideas for elevating your wedding under canvas

106. NEVER A DULL MOMENT

Wow-worthy entertainment inspiration for each stage of the celebrations

111. ORDER OF THE DAY

Top tips for organising your W-day timings

115. DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Feeling overwhelmend? Here’s how to avoid decision fatigue

REGULARS

6. BRIDAL BUZZ

What’s new, what’s hot, what’s on

38. WED’S BOUDOIR

Bridal beauty tips and trends

57. WED’S HIP LIST

Fabulous ways to add a unique touch to your day

119. WED’S VENUES GUIDE

The ultimate guide to Cornwall’s finest wedding venues

153. GOT WED

Newly-weds share a glimpse of their day

194. NOTES ON A WEDDING

Top tips for your planning pleasure

Grant

Lampard

Photography

bridalbuzz

THE LOOK OF LOVE

For ‘fine art storytelling’ wedding photography with a luxury touch, look no further than byLumiere. “We know how important it is to choose the right people to capture and preserve the moments that will become cherished memories,” says the photographic team, which comprises two married couples: Kate and Brent Kirkman, and Elizabeth Keates and Mark Rawlings. With photographer Kate’s high-profile history of clients including FIFA, O2 and the BBC, combined with a passion for photography and pushing the boundaries of perfection, nearlyweds can expect both quality service and incredible images. Both Kate and husband (and filmmaker) Brent are Sony European Imaging Ambassadors and Rotolight Masters of Light and, with Brent’s extensive cinematography experience, your wedding film will look as professional and polished as your wedding album.

Meanwhile, photographer Elizabeth and filmmaker Mark’s story takes them from the stage to behind the lens for the BBC, where they worked with some of the most influential directors in the TV industry. Striving “to tell authentic stories with a perfect balance of honesty, truth and creativity, bringing aspects of direction, presence and vocal technique to each shoot and immediately putting those who feel uncomfortable in front of the camera at ease”, Elizabeth and Mark are on hand to make you feel comfortable while capturing the moments and details of your day in stunning style.

Having photographed many breathtaking weddings, including actor David Tennant’s wedding, the byLumiere team is excited to start shooting love stories across the South-west. They offer a range of packages, from photography and cinematography only to combined packages, as well as a host of extras including engagement shoots, ceremony and speeches audio and footage, luxury framing and fine art albums.

bylumiere.co.uk

WEDDING SUPERSTITION

You’ll have heard the ‘something old, something new’ tradition, and the ‘something borrowed’ element of the rhyme is actually quite specific. Borrowing something from a happily married woman to wear on your wedding day is thought to transfer some of that ‘marital success’ to you as a new bride. So choose who you borrow from wisely!

GREEN DAY

Whether you’re in the initial planning stages or perfecting the finishing touches of your wedding, there’s one small item that will help create a high-impact scene. Hiring succulents for every type of event, Peng Succulents will add to a wow-worthy backdrop courtesy of its locally cultivated collection of plants.

A sustainable way to inject extra colour, texture, vibrancy and greenery into all styles of celebration – whether you want a few potted succulents scattered on your tablescapes, a plethora of plants throughout your venue or to purchase a selection to gift as favours to guests and adorn your home with after the event – the west Cornwall-based business will design a package to suit. Picture everything from mini succulent gardens and bridal bouquets to succulent arches, statement reception arrangements and potted entrance trees, all guaranteed to add a beautiful botanical feel to your wedding.

pengsucculents.com

Toby Lowe Photography

bridalbuzz

KITCHEN PARTY

Situated on the North coast just in land from Port Isaac, Cornish Tipi Weddings offers a wildly romantic backdrop for a wedding with its canvas of ancient woodland, a picturesque lake and meadows carpeted with wildflowers. Renowned for its brilliantly individual weddings, the venue has now opened a funky little café featuring timber, bamboo and a cosy polytunnel decked out with hessian swags and upcycled furniture to create a colourful, charm-packed space.

The Tipi Kitchen can cater for a bespoke wedding feast for up to 50 people dining inside the polytunnel or more in the café garden outside. It also makes an ideal spot for a pre-wedding feast and breakfast on the big day and morning after. The menu changes daily, serving up the likes of woodfired pizzas, surf ‘n’ turf and Thai dishes alongside homemade brownies, local ice cream and sorbets. Breakfast comprises a series of classics including homemade granola, berries and yoghurt, bacon and egg focaccia rolls and smashed avocado on toast, while the drinks menu features organic wines, Cornish farm cider, local beer on top, alcohol-free favourites and delectable cocktails.

Imagine beginning your first day of married life with a dip in the freshwater lake followed by a delicious brunch at this cute café with your family and friends – the perfect finale to a wonderful wedding weekend!

cornishtipiweddings.co.uk

RAISING THE BAR

Elevate your event with a pop-up bar guaranteed to inject the wow factor into your wedding, from JRO Bar & Events. Stocked with a selection of draft and bottled beers along with a host of classic shots such as baby Guinness, sambuca and Jägerbombs, expect a lip-smacking drinks menu designed to dazzle your guests. Or for a jazzed-up cocktail hour, pick from the luscious likes of an elderflower fizz, gin bramble, fruitizzi punch, kir royale and minty mojito, all of which are freshly made using the highest-quality ingredients.

Tailored to your requirements, pick from basic to deluxe bar hire options that include a stylish bar set-up, drinks supplies and professional bartender service, whether you opt for ‘pop & serve’, dry bar, twin bar set-up or full bar hire. “Our skilled bartenders are experienced in crafting a wide range of drinks, from classic cocktails to bespoke creations tailored to your event’s theme,” says owner Jessica Owen. “Professional and courteous, our staff are dedicated to providing seamless service, ensuring that your guests are well taken care of throughout the event.” From front of house to bar staff, manager and events coordinator, JRO’s roster of services will ensure a stress-free experience for you and your guests. You might even book a cocktail masterclass for your hen do or for a prewedding warm up as guests gather at your venue the night before W-day.

jrobarevents.co.uk

WORDS OF LOVE…

“I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death” Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Love Wins At Lusty

PT Creative

Sofie Michelle

Albion Row

Yeah Mike

Yeah Mike

bridalbuzz

A BURST OF FLAVOUR

Treat your guests to delectable wedding food they will be talking about long after the last crumbs have been devoured by choosing the new Boujee Buffet Range from Ausel Cakes & Catering. “It is an exclusive collection designed to bring a touch of sophistication and a burst of flavour to your wedding, making every moment unforgettable,” explains owner Louise Roach. With keynotes of luxury and indulgence, she has carefully curated a selection of gourmet dishes that both look and taste stunning, from tantalising canapés such as tiny burgers with a mini beer and chilli beef tacos with a shot of tequila to gourmet mains featuring artisanal cheeses, charcuterie boards and fresh, vibrant salads all crafted with the finest ingredients. Then there’s the sweet finale courtesy of beautifully artful signature cakes, tarts and pastries.

Creating customised catering packages matched to the requirements and preferences of each couple, Louise prides herself not only on providing a personalised service, but focusing on the presentation for an incredible visual feast too. And the service is second to none. From set-up to clean up, Louise will ensure that your event runs smoothly, allowing you to relish a stress-free and seamless catering experience.

auselcakes.co.uk

AN EVENT TO REMEMBER

Armed with more than 35 years of industry experience, Abbotts Event Hire offers a top-notch equipment hire service for a wedding with maximum style and memorability. Supplying its spectacular catalogue of tableware, furniture and event equipment across the South-west, Abbotts works closely with venues and couples to achieve their vision with professional flair and ease.

The team can tailor a plan to suit your individual needs, whether you require guidance on what to select or simply to supply your equipment list – from crockery, cake stands and outdoor cooking equipment to furniture, fridge trailers and luxury toilets. Their collection offers a choice of style-forward finishing touches including tablecloths in a range of shades, crisp white Bamboo crockery and elegantly muted Storm crockery. Rent your pick of items for a period of your choosing and the team will take care of all the details to ensure a fuss-free nextday delivery, with even a ‘return dirty’ service available.

Visit the Redruth showroom, peruse collections online or get in touch directly to discuss how Abbotts Event Hire can help make your W-day scenario a stunning and stress-free reality.

abbottseventhire.co.uk

WORDS OF LOVE…

“There is no remedy for love but to love more” Henry David Thoreau

Katie Goff Photography

Unearthed Creative

Lizzie Churchill Photography

Jamie Mitchell Photography

into the blue

Let ocean hues and sea foam jewels inspire a wildly romantic wedding on the Cornish coast

compiled by Rebecca Matthews

1. Available from St Ives Bridal Boutique, Goldie by Grace Loves Lace combines a halter neck cut, open low back and lustrous satin for fashion-forward shoreline style. stivesbridalboutique.co.uk

2. The ocean hues, the mussel shells, the sea spray texture – this confection by Ausel Cakes & Catering positively sings of the sea. auselcakes.co.uk

3. Inspired by the textures and colours of the tideline, these Coastal Cluster Drops by Emily Nixon glitter with sapphires in shades of teal, rockpool green and cornflower blue. emilynixon.com

4. Handmade by Naomi Lewis of Found Treasure, the smooth, wave-like shape of the Coastline and Mermaid Curve rings makes for a dream oceanic pairing. foundtreasurejewellery.com

5. These handwritten mussel shell place names by The Whole Caboodle will bring an oceanic touch to your tabletops. caboodle.wedding

6. From the ethereal shade of barely-there blue to the chic one-shoulder silhouette, we love everything about this bridesmaid dress by Watters. watters.com

7. Made from cyanotype impressions of pressed seaweed, the fronds, frills and deep indigo hue of these Coastal Invitations by Paper Birch set the mood for a seaside celebration. paperbirch.co.uk

8. This silver pendant is fresh from Justin Duance’s new sea foam inspired collection. justind.co.uk

pure shores

Perched within pebble-hurling distance of the ocean, the Beach Promenade at Carbis Bay Estate sets the dreamy scene for an elegant water’s edge wedding

photography Nick Walker Photography styling Carbis Bay Estate

Bringing the outdoors in to beautiful effect, sandcoloured textiles provide a contrast to the palette of purples, creams, whites and deep greens in this styled shoot at Carbis Bay Estate’s breathtaking new wedding space: the Beach Promenade.

The clear roof marquee on the promenade showcases a sand-between-the-toes party replete with wow-worthy romance. Affording jaw-dropping views of the beach and St Ives Bay-wide seascapes beyond, the marquee is pitched on a prime waterfront position, blending the beautiful outdoors with a stunning indoor area, to highimpact effect.

An abundance of blooms adorns the marquee’s interiors, ranging from palms and festooned foliage to dramatic centrepieces that spill from the tabletops. Tall, tapered arrangements draw the eye upward towards the light, where chandeliers – along with silver candelabras – lend a decadent look to the vintage-feel scene. Clear glassware completes the look, comprising mini vases, votives and beaded charger plates: the epitome of elegance.

The bride conveys the scene’s overarching classic look with an off-the-shoulder sweetheart gown given a modern edge with a side slit and strappy gold heels. The groom, meanwhile, oozes timeless dapper style in a velvet tux and patent leather brogues.

As dusk settles, the newlyweds toast their nuptials at the decadent Walter’s Cocktail Bar and Restaurant, returning to find the marquee transformed by twinkling fairy lights and flickering candles. We’re ushered into a party mood of relaxed glamour and magical ambience while awaiting the stars to pulse into view above the ocean.

Photography Nick Walker Photography nickwphotography.com

Venue, styling & chandeliers Carbis Bay Estate carbisbayhotel.co.uk

Marquee Absolute Canvas absolutecanvas.co.uk

Flowers Wedding Flowers in Cornwall weddingflowersincornwall.co.uk

Dress St Ives Bridal Boutique stivesbridalboutique.co.uk

Charger plates & candleholders Emily Rose Weddings and Events emilyroseweddingsandevents.co.uk

Linen Abbotts Event Hire abbottseventhire.co.uk

THEMenagerie WEDDING

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hi! I’m Maryann, an award wining photographer based in Cornwall with a love for adventure, romance and nature. I capture unique natural moments in stunning settings. Forget akward poses - I focus on candid relaxed shots that tell your love story.

spring fling

The charm-filled setting of Enys’ Mansion House and its wildflower-speckled gardens make the dreamiest canvas for a romantic celebration of spring

Inspired by her love of spring and the romanticism of the season, photographer Rebecca Hook dreamed up the concept for this beautiful shoot at Enys, with its Mansion House and historic gardens. “Romanticism and femininity generally go hand in hand, and I wanted to capture that through the softness of the fabrics, the delicate bouquet of sweet peas and the all-female owned suppliers used,” she explains.

The florals are key to creating the dreamy spring scene. “We used small bowls and created a playful balance of interesting and classic blooms,” she says. “This adds depth and complexity as well as providing visual beauty; the ribbons introduce a bit of fun and texture.”

At once timeless and modern, the dresses carry the aesthetic of romanticism via soft silhouettes and sheer details. From the silk organza dress layered over a satin slip to the sculptural tiered dress combining a delicate bodice and pretty spaghetti straps, the bridal ensembles are given an ethereal edge with sheer bows and embellished veils.

Vibrant artwork, playful stationery and a strawberrydotted cake with wavy piping bring joyful – and artfully crafted – character to the venue. “The house is filled with so much charm, with its exposed plaster and impressive sash windows. The possibilities are endless when considering how to style the space as it offers a blank canvas but with bags of character,” says Rebecca. “Around every corner there is something new to discover and different seasons will provide their own benefits. For me, however, spring is when Enys comes alive with its abundant florals.” And this shoot illustrates the enchantment of the season beautifully.

Photography & concept Rebecca Hook

Photography rebeccahookphotography.com

Venue Enys enysgardens.org.uk

Table styling Sophie Walker Weddings sophiewalkerweddings.co.uk

Dresses Wilden London wildenlondon.com

Story Of My Dress storyofmydress.com

Veils SEWNbyM.E sewnbymebridal.com

Hair Olivia Freelance Bridal Stylist instagram.com/hairbylivbridal

Make-up Georgina Markham cornwallmakeup.co.uk

Flowers Love & Honor loveandhonor.co.uk

Cake The Imaginary Bakery theimaginarybakery.com

Rings Found Treasure foundtreasurejewellery.com

Stationery Gaudeo Paper Co instagram.com/gaudeopaperco

Artwork Lucy Innes Williams lucyinneswilliams.com

Models Isabella Lilley instagram.com/isabellalilley

Erin Patten instagram.com/erinpatten

Dermot Gray instagram.com/_.dermotgray

wed’s wish list

MODERN LOVE

From dreamy dresses to seriously chic veils, here’s our pick of the latest bridal must-haves

words Hannah May, Lucy Lawrence & Rebecca Matthews

Prepare to swoon at the new and show-stealing collections landing at St Ives Bridal Boutique. Home to a series of in demand designers including Hera Couture, Jesus Peiro, & For Love, Rue de Seine and The Little White Dress Edit, expect extensive and fashion-forward choice when looking for ‘the one’. Welcoming a spellbinding selection from Australian label, Grace Loves Lace, the boutique is awash with its signature cool and laidback styles such as sultry mermaids, figure-hugging fit-and-flares and uber-seductive cuts including splits and plunging necklines – all finished with delicate detailing.

Offering high-octane romance with a couture edge, Made With Love’s latest creations are also sure to inspire. Take Celine, for example – whose voluminous pleated Mikado skirt, dropped waist and boned bodice oozes modern opulence – while Winnie’s Chantilly lace corset gown with sheer removable sleeves is nothing short of screen siren spectacular. Or for brides seeking something modern-whimsical, Cooper’s illusion tulle side cut-outs, plunging neckline and flowing skirt adorned with eye-catching 3D florals is just the magical design. Then there’s Jenny Yoo’s most recent catwalk outing, which covers everything from Luciana’s stunning satin cowl neck gown to the classic ballgown of Marisol modernised with a side slit, detachable puff sleeves and chic draped bodice. The drapery of Sandra smacks of old school allure, while brides with a penchant for drama will be drawn to the striking silhouette of Michele’s floral jacquard frock, which comes with detachable offthe-shoulder sleeves for a gorgeously transformational look. stivesbridalboutique.co.uk

TRUE ROMANCE

Coastal Bridal in Mevagissey not only boasts a prime location on Cornwall’s south coast, but gorgeous bridal collections to pore over. Take the hand-picked selection of gowns by Tres Chic where brides are presented with a host of styles within the label’s ‘classic, beautiful and romantic’ collection. From full-sleeved lace bodices, deep V sheer pleated tulle tops and halters with demure cut-outs to glamorous ballgowns, flattering A-lines and minimalist columns (with an array of on-trend finishes and embellishments), the designer delivers head-turning designs that’ll make you look and feel a million dollars.

The boutique has recently taken stock of new gowns from True Bride, who are renowned for blending luxe materials and contemporary, clean-lined designs for fashion-forward yet effortlessly timeless bridal wear. Brides looking for a frock with a unique boho vibe will fall for the charms of Loren, where a pleated bodice, V-neck and beaded tulle back are paired with a floaty chiffon skirt and elegant satin belt. Alternatively, Olsen’s Mikado ballgown epitomises Hollywood glamour at its modern best courtesy of a sweetheart neckline, concealed side split, large pockets and curved, buttoneddown back.

coastalbridal.co.uk

BLACK MAGIC

Rebecca Anne Designs is passionate about the power of the veil. “Your veil should be an extension of your personality, your style and your story that elevates and celebrates you and your dress,” says the designer, who crafts her luxury embroidered veils from her Somerset studio. Her latest collection – The Black Edit – offers brides the opportunity to make a particularly bold and beautifully ‘you’ statement on W-day. From striking script and florals to poetry verse and ruffles, the statement black thread is available on any of her bespoke designs, including bows and luxe velvet ribbons, adding a high-fashion edge to your bridal ensemble.

rebeccaannedesigns.co.uk

SEAMLESS STYLE

Tights are all the rage – and, before you wince at the thought of wearing restrictive, easily laddered hosiery on W-day, let us introduce you to Heist Studios, whose tights are as comfortable, supportive and sustainable as they are stylish. Combining its signature adaptive waistband and seamless design, the hosiery is available in a range of shades, from brights to skin tones. Whether you opt for the bare nude sheer tights, which give your legs a flawless, luminous finish, or the double diamond fishnet tights made from eco-friendly fibres, you’ll be stepping down the aisle in style –and supreme comfort.

heist-studios.com

Emma

Pilkington Photography

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Located on the edge of Newquay, Bliss Bridal Gowns is home to some head-turning collections by the likes of Rebecca Ingram, Ella Rosa and Abella by Allure. Whether you’re planning a whirlwind wedding and wish to take a frock home on the day, seeking a classic look for your upcoming nuptials or fancying a contemporary gown for your grand entrance, you’ll find something for every bridal whim amongst the rails.

Expect ready-to-wear offerings starting from just £499 from the Love Me Now collection and a contemporary reworking of timeless styles as a result of Ella Rosa’s understated allure and flattering fits. A selection of gowns from the new Abella by Allure collection has just landed, which oozes modern seduction; think sultry bodices, luxury fabrics, figure-flaunting cuts and demure drapery all celebrating the female form. From sexy draped satin dresses to dimensional dresses, ballgowns and fit-and-flares, the collection is awash with striking silhouettes and extravagant detail.

If that’s not enough to pore over, a selection of new Rebecca Ingram dresses has also arrived. With playful accents, feminine features and stunning shapes, brides will lavish in the likes of oversized bows, seductive slits, floral details and gorgeous lace. Plus, for every bride who purchases a dress from Bliss Bridal Gowns, a Cornish oak tree will be planted courtesy of the boutique’s partnership with Plant One Cornwall, making an earth-friendly legacy of your dress-shopping experience. blissbridalgowns.co.uk

NEW ROMANTICS

Situated in the heart of Truro, Frocks & Frills offers one of the largest selections of gowns in Cornwall, with more than 400 wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses to try on, as well as a huge selection of accessories and mother of the bride/ groom outfits.

Providing a relaxed and stress-free environment, it’s the ideal spot to gather your bride squad and try on the latest dresses from designers such as Morilee, Pure by Romantica, Silhouette by Romantica, Sonsie and Jennifer Wren. The latest gowns by Romantica are perfect for brides seeking classic romance. Choose from the sophisticated cut of Miley, with its elegant sleeves and beaded lace, the off-theshoulder glamour of Marnie, with its organza skirt and sheer lace back, and the fit-andflare skirt and stunning lace train of Maria.

Also from Romantica, the latest dance floor-ready bridesmaids’ dresses in-store are awash with flattering silhouettes and gorgeous hues, with detailing ranging from leg slits and layered ruffle sleeves to back bows. frocksfrills.co.uk

DOUBLE THE FUN DOUBLE THE FUN

Struggling to whittle down the dress to just one? Embrace the trend of multiple looks or convertible bridalwear

words Hannah May

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Whether you want to refresh your ensemble for the evening reception, swap attire after the vows or opt for three separate looks for the ceremony, wedding breakfast, and after-party, it’s easier than ever to explore different bridalwear options come the wedding day.

From layering and accessorising to two-look frocks and complete dress changes, brides are expressing their individual style with a personalised approach to their wedding wardrobe. We look at the ways to achieve a multi-look wedding, along with the latest lust-have bridal collections to choose from...

Two-in-one gowns

Modern collections are creatively merging aesthetics to present gowns that fall into more than one style genre, allowing brides to nod to two or more eras, trends and fashions. For example, think vintage silk slips with deep plunging necklines, floral print ballgowns, strapless satin A-lines with detachable puff sleeves, minimalist columns with side cut-outs and fitted off-the-shoulder frocks with XXL back bows. Modernise a classic with a column featuring intricate beadwork, or a scooped bodice atop a dramatic ruffled skirt – or lend a seductive edge to a boho lace gown with matching sleeves and a sculpted boned bodice.

Bridal separates are another brilliant way to flaunt two-looks-in-one, allowing you to curate an ensemble that’s also utterly ‘you’ – and primed for a dress change later in the day. Think pearl toppers, silk bralettes, botanical lace tops, satin trousers, bridal capes, taffeta skirts, backless bodysuits and feather jackets. Pair a corset bodice with crepe pants or a crop top with a chiffon skirt. Whether built into the dress design, achieved by layering pieces or customisable via the details (such as belts, bows, corsages, capes, tops, shoulder streamers), two-look gowns are just the ticket for brides seeking something ‘more’.

Abella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Morilee, Frocks & Frills

Abella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Tres Chic, Coastal Bridal

Rue de Seine, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Abella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Morilee, Frocks & Frills

Morilee, Frocks & Frills

Total change

To achieve the ultimate in multiple bridal looks, schedule a complete outfit change. You’ll have to consider your budget, along with the fact that you’ll be dipping out of the celebrations, but a quick dress change with minimal disruption can allow you to totally transform your look.

Most brides who choose to do so tend to gravitate toward a more traditional look for the ceremony, such as with a classic ballgown, fit-andflare or A-line, with the dress change largely depending on the venue and theme of your wedding. For example, a garden party ceremony might call for a botanical lace gown followed by a colourful print dress, blush-coloured skirt or 3D rosebud bodice and micro mini. Meanwhile, a boho-styled beach shindig is the perfect opportunity to reveal a body-hugging, plunging lace gown beneath a tulle topper and matching sleeves.

Convertible bridalwear

Otherwise known as transitional gowns, any outfit that can be instantly adapted is part of the convertible trend. For the most part, this involves detachable elements, such as underskirts and overskirts, sleeves, trains, straps, veils, overlays and toppers. Add sheer bishop or spotted tulle sleeves, a Chantilly lace or tiered tulle skirt, sequin studded jacket, beaded bodysuit, diaphanous floral crop top or detachable off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves. Alternatively, pick a playsuit and layer with a frothy overskirt, throw a sweeping cape over a mini dress, or attach a flowing tulle train or cascading sleeves to your dress for a modern-romantic finish.

Rebecca Ingram, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Rebecca Ingram, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Rue de Seine, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Jenny Yoo, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Tres Chic, Coastal Bridal

Tres Chic, Coastal Bridal

Morilee, Frocks & Frills

Tres Chic, Coastal Bridal

Morilee, Frocks & Frills

Situated on the prestigious Nansledan development on the outskirts of Newquay, Cornwall, we are a wedding dress boutique that makes every bride feel special and looked after. Our boutique houses a curated range of stunning dresses that will make you feel beautiful in your

Authorised stockist of: • ROMANTICA • JENNIFER WREN • PURE • SILHOUETTE • SONSIE • MORILEE

Available to order in sizes 4 to 32+

Large selection of ‘off the rail’ ex-sample dresses at massively reduced prices in sizes 8 to 28. Bridesmaids dresses available to order in a wide range of colours and sizes as well as mother of the bride, groom, prom, evening and cocktail dresses off the peg. OVER 400 DRESSES TO CHOOSE FROM. By appointment only. www.frocksfrills.co.uk 01872 713824

Photo: Kirstin Prisk Photography for Wed Magazine

Party-ready wear

You might start with your party look and layer over the top to create your ceremony style – adding or removing items as the day progresses to reveal a new feature or appearance. Or you may choose to switch to something more dance floor-ready post-ceremony. It’s important to consider how your ensemble will evolve to allow you to maximise every section of your day; this might simply mean donning more comfortable footwear, ditching your bridal jacket or peeling away the train and veil.

You might want to surprise your beau with a classy ‘striptease’ during your first dance by pirouetting out of your overskirt or whipping off your top; or you may nip out after the golden hour photo shoot and change into a sequin mini dress. Otherwise, it’s all about the details that the party space and scene will capture to full effect. Consider everything from micro and short skirts to jumpsuits, colourful frocks and form-fitting or body-con silhouettes including mermaids, fit-and-flares and slips. Then there’s embellishments like metallic accents, Art Deco beadwork, and glitterball-esque features such as mirror embellishments and jumbo paillette sequins.

Accessorise and personalise

If you can’t be doing with the faff of a dress change or substantial alterations midway through proceedings, focus on the minutiae instead. A look can be totally transformed via the details, which is where a carefully selected accessory or two can help you to create multiple looks-in-one.

Think floral crowns and elaborate headwear, jaw-dropping footwear, detachable tulle streamers, bespoke or statement jewellery, billowing shoulder bows and veils (especially short and embroidered, long and lace fringed, or scallop edged), long pearl-encrusted sheer bridal gloves and the accessory du jour: capes. The runways are awash with a variety of styles, most notably sheer organza capes with appliqués, puff sleeves in canopy taffeta and detachable watteau (attached at the shoulders or back of the dress) chiffon capes. Select an item from bodices and veils to trains and overskirts, including handstitched accents such as floral detailing on straps, bodice and skirt, metallic thread-work, glittery accents, and celestial and botanical embroideries.

Jenny Yoo, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Jenny Yoo, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Watters, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique

True Bride, Coastal Bridal

Morilee, Frocks & Frills

Frocks & Frills, Morilee

wed’s boudoir

Tips, trends and top products for beauty junkie brides

words Lucy Lawrence, Rebecca Matthews

scent with love

If you’re a fan of floral scents, the limited-edition Bridgerton-inspired perfume by Lush is a veritable bouquet of garden favourites perfect for hopeless romantics. Ylang ylang, jasmine and rose meets refreshing notes of mint, sage and rosemary to create a sweet, light and heady floral fragrance. And thanks to its bijou design, it’s small enough to pop in your wedding dress pocket or clutch, and then straight into your honeymoon hand luggage. lush.com

the cheek of it

Dreamily blushed cheeks are just a swipe away with the new Blurring Blush Sticks by Iconic London. Choose from the subtle petal-pink of Daiquiri, the bright and versatile peachy-coral of Mimosa and the suits-everyone rose of Cosmo. Transforming from a buttery cream to a silky-soft powder as it effortlessly glides across your cheeks, it’s infused with nourishing avocado oil and smoothing African yellow wood bark extract to leave your skin looking supple and blush-beautiful. iconiclondoninc.com

lip service

Founded by make-up artist Gabriella Elio, Sweed’s vegan and clean beauty products are beloved by make-up artists and celebrities alike for their innovative formulas with staying power – and we’re big fans. Now the brand has teamed up with fashion and beauty icon Lydia Millen to launch the Eternal Bloom collection. Choose from two shades of Le Lipstick – the soft peach of Holly Hock or warm nude of Wild Rose – and two shades of lip liners: Rose Thorn and Rose Petal. Inspired by nature’s palette, the lipsticks and liners create a gorgeously elegant look in beautifully flattering tones.

sweedbeauty.com

sweet dreams

A restful night’s sleep can be elusive in the run-up to W-day thanks to the wedmin list continually running through your mind. The answer to nearlyweds’ dreams, the Night Drink from TenPM is made with a powerful blend of seven vitamins, minerals and adaptogens – including L-Glycine, L-Theanine and magnesium – to help you fall asleep faster and promote a deeper sleep. Not only does this low-calorie, all-natural hot chocolate drink really work, it also tastes delicious – the perfect addition to your winddown evening routine. tenpm.co

glow getter

2.

Our love for beauty brand Merit shows no signs of waning. The blissfully fuss-free collection of easy-to-use vegan products is full of everyday staples, including the Instant Glow Serum. Packed with skin-loving ingredients (brightening niacinamide, no less than four types of deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, plumping cacao seed extract and soothing Japanese goldthread root), lavish your skin with this lightweight marvel before applying The Minimalist for a glowing and flawless complexion. meritbeauty.com

Credit: Katie Goff Photography

PEARLY QUEEN

From dainty earrings to showstopping necklaces, be inspired by lustrous pearls for a timelessly chic accent to your wedding dress

compiled by Rebecca Matthews

Olegs & Rita Photography

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Allum & Sidaway allumandsidaway.co.uk

Grace Loves Lace graceloveslace.co.uk

Michael Spiers michaelspiers.co.uk

The Lucky Sixpence theluckysixpence.co.uk

1. Beaded Bow Earrings and Statement Vintage Bow Necklace (previous page) by The Lucky Sixpence

2. Jersey Pearl Silver and Rose Gold Plated Camrose Drop Necklace with White Topaz by Allum & Sidaway

3. Cubic Zirconia and Freshwater Pearl Silver Leaf Earrings by Allum & Sidaway

Lucine Backpiece by Grace Loves Lace

Bubble 18ct White Gold Akoya Pearl Earrings by Mikimoto at Michael Spiers

Chara Anklets by Grace Loves Lace

Akoya Pearl Necklace by Mikimoto at Michael Spiers

Morning Dew Akoya Pearl and Diamond Ring by Mikimoto at Michael Spiers

9. Bubble Akoya Pearl Necklace by Mikimoto at Michael Spiers

Pearl Headband by The Lucky Sixpence

Layered Drop Earrings by The Lucky Sixpence

12. 9ct Yellow Gold Pearl Hoop Earrings by Allum & Sidaway

Ryan Murrant Photography

Melanie Barnfield

Photography

CORNISH CREATIONS

Aisle-ready jewellery inspired by Cornwall’s countryside and coastline

words Hannah May

EARTHLY DELIGHTS

Renowned for creating distinctive contemporary jewellery, west Cornwall-based designer-maker Justin Duance has unveiled a new collection of wood and sandcast signet rings. Each ring combines Justin’s signature techniques of casting precious metal in sand and inlaying with a solid piece of hardwood to create a palpable and personalised piece to treasure.

Unisex and made-to-order in a range of metals including recycled silver and gold, examples from the collection include a silver ring cast in sand from the cove of Gunwalloe and inlaid with whiskey barrel oak, and a recycled 9ct yellow gold band cast in sand from Newlyn and inlaid with oak from a 1905 lugger boat.

The rugged nature of the design alludes to the ancient origins of signet rings, which have been around since 3500 BC and would be unique to each person. “We were inspired by the idea of a ring that’s impossible to replicate exactly, jewellery that is incredibly personal to the individual, once seen as an extension of one’s self,” explains the team. “By casting each ring in beach sand, no two are the same. The beach sand not only creates the texture you see on the ring, but tiny grains are captured in the gold too. By choosing the sand your ring is cast in, you can carry a piece of your favourite place with you everywhere you go. The wood inlay replaces classic coats of arms and – as with the sand – you are encouraged to choose a wood that holds meaning to you.” justind.co.uk

A PERSONAL TOUCH

For meaningful jewellery handcrafted in Cornwall, Stephanie Stevens’ collection of ready-made and bespoke pieces combine design with symbolism to stunning effect. Whether you wish to gift an item to your bridesmaids or mums, or complete your bridal ensemble with a special ‘something new’ such as a pearl or raw Ocean Diamond necklace, heart bracelet or Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearl earrings, Stephanie’s creations promise to have hearts fluttering. Alternatively, if you’re seeking the perfect wedding rings, then you have the option of commissioning and co-designing your own, selecting a band from her collection (think Montana sapphires, diamonds, blue topaz and your pick of coloured gems) – or her latest venture: cast wedding rings.

Having made a wax ring whose mould can be cast multiple times, Stephanie can produce plain bands that can then be easily personalised through shaping and texture. “It’s not too much of a difference to the way I work now as clients can still choose their personal designs,” she explains. “It means there’s more of a range for clients as the timeframes are shorter at two-to-three weeks and the prices start from £479,” she elaborates. For unique wedding rings and jewellery that will make you look and feel a million dollars, Stephanie’s lovingly handcrafted designs are a head-turning choice. stephaniestevensjewellery.co.uk

TRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY

Working closely with couples to design their dream wedding rings, Naomi Lewis from Found Treasure delights in creating one-off pieces of wearable art.

“I aim to take the stress out of the design work by working visually and collaboratively,” she explains.

“I design wedding rings that fit around antique engagement rings and unique shapes as well as my signature style wave-like sets. I enjoy making each set individually and getting to know my clients; most couples have a connection to Cornwall or to coastal living. They may be surfers, sailors or enjoy being by the ocean, so I try to bring a piece of Cornish magic to each design, adding a subtle wave shape, sea-coloured precious stones or personalised engravings.”

Her bespoke process aims to “represent your style and love story” through tailoring the various options to suit.

The result is a pair of exquisite wedding rings handmade in Cornwall using the finest metals (including yellow gold, white gold and platinum) with Naomi’s signature coastal style.

Pick a design from her collection including the organically shaped Tidal ring, smooth Mermaid Curve design, undulating Wave ring and minimalist Coastline bands, and add a customised flourish such as an engraving. There’s also the new Dew Drop collection: designed to resemble water droplets, these look stunning paired with a Mermaid Curve band and set with a sparkling aquamarine if you are looking for something blue. Complete your bridal look with a pair of Naomi’s Fragment shell earrings and Seaweed necklace for an oceanic – and oh-so covetable – finish to your ensemble. foundtreasurejewellery.com

getting personal

words Hannah May

Justin Duance

Although the personalisation trend isn’t exactly new, it is finding original and evocative form through wedding bands. From engraving to gemstones, metals and design, there is a plethora of ways to make your rings entirely and uniquely your own.

Perhaps you’ll pick a piece from your favourite jeweller and customise a couple of elements to make it as oneof-a-kind as your love, or co-design (and even handmake) every aspect of your bands from scratch. However involved you want to be, today’s wedding ring collections and designer-maker collaborations allow couples to beautifully up the ante when it comes to the personalisation factor…

Engraving

One of the easiest ways to literally stamp some individual meaning and design onto your rings is by engraving them. Imprinting and inscribing personal sweet somethings, hand-drawn pictures, fingerprints, motifs, names and dates instantly bolsters the bespoke impact. Pick monograms, a poignant line of poetry, emblem, hidden diamond or place name to adorn the inside – or even exterior – curves of your bands to ultra memorable effect.

Gemstones

You might wish to select a ring with your favourite stone, customise your bands with a gem of your choosing or ice your design with a smattering of diamonds. Consider colour, cut, size, source and placing to perfect your personalisation. From single stones set in the centre of your band to giant, attention-grabbing rocks, glamorous halos, canyon and eternity rings, the options are practically endless. Think ocean-blue sapphires, forest-green emeralds and blood-red rubies along with more unusual coloured and shaped gemstones made even more personal by picking your birthstone, repurposing family treasures or a gem with symbolic meaning such as garnet for loyalty and passion.

Metal

Depending on your budget, personal preferences and whether you’ll be pairing your wedding band with your engagement ring, the metal you choose can lend an array of looks, textures and significance to the overall design. From rose, white and yellow gold to silver, platinum, palladium and titanium, there are plenty of options with various properties, so discuss them with your favourite jeweller during the whittling

down and design phases. Mix metals, recycle heirloom pieces and sentimental gold, and select your own materials to ensure they’re crafted in the most hyper-personalised way possible.

Design

Both the main design elements and final flourishes can characterise your wedding rings, and range from shape and texture to pattern and finish. ‘Making methods’ such as sandcast and lost-wax cast rings can create unique pieces that merge the jeweller’s signature style with your chosen aesthetic, while additional materials such as wood and gemstones can individualise everything from texture to shape. Pattern can also be achieved through the use of different tools and markmaking techniques such as Japanese kinks which – when combined with the minutiae such as profile, width and finish – will result in tailor-made rings gorgeously reflective of you both.

3. Found Treasure foundtreasurejewellery.com

4. Stephanie Stevens stephaniestevensjewellery.co.uk 5. Svendsen Jewellery svendsenjewellery.com

1. Justin Duance justind.co.uk 2. Becca Williams beccawilliams.co.uk

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Whether you cast your rings in the sand from the beach of your proposal or use the wood from the cherry tree of your childhood home, Justin Duance offers some wonderful ways of adding a personal touch to your wedding rings. A series of heirloom diamonds were used in these striking sandcast designs.

From meaningful gemstones to remodelling sentimental pieces, Becca Williams loves to make rings personal to her clients. Scattered with stars and diamonds, this ring is engraved with love-filled words along the inside of the band for a hidden and heartwarming finish.

Naomi Lewis at Found Treasure has a passion for creating bespoke bands. Designed to fit perfectly as a set, the distinctive wave-live shaping of these rings makes them perfect for sea-loving souls.

Stephanie Stevens crafts customised wedding bands from her St Ives studio, often drawing inspiration from the sea. This striking pair feature a wave design and channel set aquamarines to convey a love of the ocean.

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THE ACCESSORIES EDIT

You have the suit – now complete your wedding outfit with on-trend and unique pieces to complement your big day style

words Hannah May

CUFFLINKS

One of the easiest ways to personalise your ensemble is by picking or commissioning a pair of cufflinks to individually suit. From monogrammed and motifs to gemstones and unique shapes, allow your fancies to be your sartorial guide. Available from Michael Spiers, Montblanc’s aviator-inspired Le Petit Prince cufflinks represent mentoring and father-son relationships, while Deakin & Francis’ cool blue golf bag cufflinks inject a sense of fun. Then there’s Tateossian’s unique blend of pattern, shape and design, courtesy of everything from moonstone cufflinks in rhodium silver to sharp geometric and ammonite designs. Nomination’s classic cufflinks from Allum & Sidaway bring a simple, statement-making charm, while Erin Cox’s textured creations lend a lust-have dimension to your look. Marrying near the sea? Opt for Justin Duance’s sandcast cufflinks; alternatively, choose the wood inlay for his square cufflinks, with options ranging from larburnum, mahogany and Dartmoor oak to a piece of your own.

Deakin & Francis at Michael Spiers

Justin Duance

Justin Duance

Nomination at Allum & Sidaway

Tateossian

Nomination at Allum & Sidaway

Tateossian

Tateossian

Erin Cox

Montblanc at Michael Spiers

TIMEPIECES

Whatever your timepiece preference, wear it with idiosyncratic panache. Available at Michael Spiers, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is an ideal choice for style-forward grooms where 1970s inspired design meets contemporary features. Meanwhile, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300 is a striking and pragmatic choice for ocean-loving grooms, with its robust design for marine adventures. At Allum & Sidaway, you’ll discover a curated collection of Boss watches to complete any ensemble, including the Admiral green chronograph quartz watch alongside Elliot Brown’s Bloxworth heritage quartz watch, all of which ooze distinctly dapper style.

JEWELLERY

A bit of bling is no longer the sole reserve of the bride, with more grooms opting to wear wedding jewellery. The Gucci interlocking silver pendant is a luxe choice for wedding day wear, while the Unica 18ct white gold bracelet from Fope features the brand’s elegant signature mesh design - both are available from Michael Spiers. Nomination (available at Allum & Sidaway) maximises wearability with the likes of its stainless steel lava stone Instinct bracelet and cross necklace with black diamonds. For grooms seeking something with an organic, handmade feel, Justin Duance’s collection of wood and sandcast pendants, rings and cufflinks evoke au natural style. Meanwhile, Corrinne Eira Evans’ distinctive chainmail jewellery is inspired by the landscapes of Dartmoor and designed with touch and tactility in mind.

Omega at Michael Spiers

Tissot at Michael Spiers

Elliot Brown at Allum & Sidaway

Boss at Allum & Sidaway TAG Heuer at Michael Spiers

Justin Duance

Gucci at Michael Spiers Justin Duance

Corrinne Eira Evans

Corrinne Eira Evans

Corrinne Eira Evans

Nomination at Allum & Sidaway

Tateossian

Fope at Michael Spiers

Tateossian

Justin Duance

Corrinne Eira Evans

Beth Cath Key Photography

Tateossian

SHOES

Comfort remains king – so pick your footwear first to feel good, then to look good. That might mean customised Converse or your best worn-in dress shoes. Luckily for grooms the world over, Manolo Blahnik accomplishes function, fit and form with its renowned individual flair. From its Agasio sleek black suede loafers to Randy’s black calf leather penny loafers and Sparto’s low cut black or navy blue and red slippers, the collection is awash with high-fashion options. Alternatively, don a pair of Duke + Dexter’s fashion-forward penny loafersyou can even customise a hand-painted pair - and dance the night away in style.

STYLISH STORAGE

TIES & POCKET SQUARES

One of the easiest ways to inject additional personality into your outfit is through your choice of tie, bow tie or pocket square. Combine colour, pattern and texture for a multi-layered look or opt for pared-back, premiumquality items for more understated allure. Favourbrook’s honey douppion silk bow tie (and matching handkerchief) will spruce up a black tie or complement a summer shindig, but anything from its extensive accessory range will fit the debonair bill, from spot grey pocket squares in 100% silk or linen to ties in paisley prints, geometric designs, micro dots and floral motifs. Add a printed scarf for boho dandy, braces for preppy pizzazz or a cravat and cummerbund for a sense of occasion. For a contemporary take on pattern, Francis + Louise’s eye-catching wedding tie collection will elevate every ensemble. Colour block with Hackett’s linen asymmetric dot handkerchief or tone it down with its striped seersucker version paired with a tie from its range of plain, striped, polka dot and checkerboard in an assortment of fabrics and hues.

House your finishing touches in suitably chic style. Made with faux leather and velvet, Stackers has some stylish options to keep your jewellery, watches and accessories protected. Choose from a watch wrap, watch and cufflink box or suit bag, which conveniently doubles as a weekend holdall, for an inspired gift idea for your groomsmen.

Allum & Sidaway allumandsidaway.co.uk

Corrinne Eira Evans corrinneeiraevans.com

Duke + Dexter dukeanddexter.com

Erin Cox

erincox.co.uk

Favourbrook favourbrook.com

Francis + Louise francis-louise.com

Hackett hackett.com

Justin Duance justind.co.uk

Manolo Blahnik manoloblahnik.com

Michael Spiers michaelspiers.co.uk

Stackers stackers.com

Tateossian tateossian.com

Duke + Dexter Duke + Dexter Duke + Dexter

Manolo Blahnik Manolo Blahnik Manolo Blahnik Manolo Blahnik

Favourbrook Favourbrook Favourbrook Favourbrook

Favourbrook Francis + Louise Francis + Louise

Francis + Louise

Francis + Louise Hackett Hackett Hackett

Chloe Ely

Photography

HERE COME THE GUYS

It’s not just about the brides! We hear from grooms about which part of the wedding day really stood out for them…

words Lucy Lawrence

Whether your groom is a Chilled-out Charlie who is breezing his way through wedding planning, a Nervous Norman who is anxiously counting down the days or a Hands-off Harry who’s leaving it all to you, chances are there will be a part of the day he’s really looking forward to. And whatever you may think, he may just surprise you with what his standout moment is. We hear from some grooms about the aspects of the wedding that made them laugh and cry. Share them with your grooms to get the excitement building, or just revel in the romance of it all to come…

Emily Jayne

Weddings

“I couldn’t wait to see Lyra walk down the aisle towards me. The moment itself took my breath away. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live.”

Chris

“Turning round to see Gabriella walking down the aisle was the happiest moment of my life, she looked beautiful. Our entrance to the marquee was also spectacular – our friends and family were absolutely going for it; some were even on the chairs. It was pretty special!”

Will

“My favourite moment was when we all sat down to dinner. I looked around the room and soaked it all up. I remember thinking how lovely that all the people Chelse and I know and love are in one place and we’ll likely never have everyone together again like this.”

Lee

“Unquestionably the best part of our wedding was seeing Eve beside me. About a minute before everything started, I got very emotional and couldn’t trust myself not to crumble if I watched her walk down the aisle, so I waited for her to appear beside me. I turned and saw her looking so perfect… It was all so perfect. It sounds like a cliché but at that very point it all clicked into place and she was everything I’d ever wanted, and it was all so perfect. It hit me like an absolute lightning bolt.”

Tom

“I enjoyed my groom’s speech! I just really enjoyed being able to tell everyone how much I loved Laura and to put the whole day into some kind of perspective. At the end of the night, I sobered up enough to enjoy a moment in the day where I realised she was my wife for life. I’ll never forget it. I kissed her on the head and called her my wife.”

Dave

“I really wanted a first dance and chose Elton John’s I’m Still Standing, which our band very kindly learnt for us.”

Ben

“The best bit? The first dance with my one true love, even though partway through I forgot what I was doing and danced off solo into the night.”

James

“Our ceremony was amazing and everything we wanted. Siobhan walked in to the sound of a live violin, which I had surprised her with.”

James

“I was feeling really nervous as our ceremony started, but when our niece was carried down the aisle throwing big fistfuls of confetti, it made me laugh and I felt like I could relax.”

Chris

“My favourite moment was sitting down to a glass of wine with my new wife Daisy; the speeches were over, and we were ready to just enjoy the next few hours.”

Andy

“I loved our first dance to John Denver’s Annie’s song. Sabrina and I absolutely love it and always said it was going to be the song we dance to.”

Giles

“Before the ceremony, Ana and I did a ‘first touch’. We stood at either side of a door, without seeing each other, and held hands while reading a card that we wrote to each other.”

Andy

“I have two favourite moments. Firstly, and most importantly, trying to memorise every aspect of Sammy walking down the aisle. I’m so happy I listened when friends and family advised me to watch her walk towards me and commit it to memory – overwhelmed doesn’t begin to describe how I felt! Secondly, I thought that we absolutely nailed the prep and execution for our bridal party marquee entrances.”

Will

“Some of my favourite parts of the wedding were when things didn’t go to plan. I found it funny and started to relax when I couldn’t get Clare’s ring on her finger. The Krispy Kreme tower was an absolute hit but over time got a bit wonky, so everyone was taking the doughnuts off it like a game of Jenga. All those stories made the day feel like ‘us’.”

Chris

wed’s HIP LIST

SUNNY DELIGHTS

Having brought the wow – and fun – factor to many a wedding with their pink VW campervan, which combines wedding transport with a brilliant photo booth, the team at Birdie & Co. has launched a hire service for couples wanting to add a super-chic touch to their summer wedding. Birdie Rental is home to a gorgeous range of luxury parasols and deckchairs available in matching retro paisley, stripes and floral prints through to dreamy sorbet shades. Together with their vintage-inspired ice boxes, they make the perfect set-up for a summer drinks reception alongside their baby pink mini ice cream parlour. instagram.com/birdierental

HATS ON

Fresh, fun and fabulous ways to add a unique touch to your day words Lucy

Lawrence & Rebecca Matthews

PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE

Adding some retro glamour to any wedding day, Audio Guest Book - the founders of the original Audio Guest Book concept - offers a super-fun alternative to a traditional wedding guestbook. A restored rotary telephone, available in a choice of five colours, will be delivered to plug in at the wedding (no Wi-Fi or phone line required). Guests will simply listen to a short greeting from the couple and record a message – it could be a memory, some well wishes or marriage advice. Once the phone is returned, the couple will receive a unique USB message in a bottle with all the recorded messages. This memorable and interactive element adds a brilliant record of the voices and characters that made the day special. Additionally, Audio Guest Book offers a service to get messages cut to 12” vinyl records, providing a unique keepsake of the wedding memories. audioguestbook.co.uk

TIME FOR TEA

Looking for a natural and delicious alcoholfree alternative to champagne? Perfect for summer weddings and balmy evenings, JING Tea’s Jasmine Pearls Sparkling Tea offers sophistication in every sip. Made using spring green tea buds hand-rolled into pearls and hand-scented with jasmine flowers, the gently sparkling delight tastes delicious chilled with its heady aromas, smooth green tea, subtle fruit notes and hints of honey. Also offering a fine range of single origin and single garden teas from Asia’s best tea regions, serve JING Tea in vintage teapots and mismatched teacups to bring English garden party vibes to your tablescapes or include them as iced teas at a hydration station. jingtea.com

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Putting a fun and engaging twist on the traditional order of service, a wedding newspaper from The Crafty Lab promises a top quality and personality-packed read for your guests. From your love story, proposal story and fun facts about you as a couple to your menu, order of the day and thank you messages, you’ll be surprised at how quickly those column inches will be filled – and you can make it as personal, creative and quirky as you wish. Pop them on each seat at the ceremony or gift them in goody bags for a covetable keepsake for your guests. thecraftylab.co.uk

Louise

Eleanor Photography

Jo Torres

Photography

Amy Katherine Photography

PARADISE FOUND

Styled with soft blues and pared-back blooms, the Eden Project’s Mediterranean biome makes a dreamily romantic setting for a wedding immersed in natural beauty

photography John Hersey Studio styling & concept Rebel & Anchor

Requiring little introduction, the spectacular sight of the Eden Project makes for a dramatic celebratory backdrop. The towering curves of the biomes and sprawling botanical gardens ooze beauty and romance, here showcased to spellbinding effect.

Tablescapes featuring clear glassware, minimalist floral arrangements and tapered candles set the scene of understated elegance. Place settings with white linen napkins, silver flatware and chic grey-blue rimmed charger plates achieve a strikingly simple aesthetic, the crisp white tablecloths contrasting with the bare wooden chairs.

The tiered cake carries the colour scheme and incorporates intricate ruffle icing for a regal-like finish, while the stationery continues the modern minimalist theme through its monochrome design. The details are decidedly spare, allowing the architecture and plant-life to assume centre stage.

The wow factor doesn’t stop with the venue, as the bridal wear screams contemporary haute couture with a daring edge. A deep-plunging strapless gown with ruffled accents, side slit and sweeping floral embroidered skirt smacks of modern seduction, free-flowing locks accentuating the au naturel make-up. Then there’s the equally-as-enticing satin gown with a deep V-neck and chic, bow-clad updo, later swapped for a screen siren scooped sweetheart with glamorous centre slit, high chignon and chapel-length veil. The groom’s debonair nut-brown three-piece is replaced with a suave black tux complete with boutonniere come evening, the couple dressed from day to night to voguish perfection.

Photography John Hersey Studio johnherseystudio.com

Creative direction, styling & planning Rebel & Anchor rebelandanchor.co.uk

Venue, crockery, glassware & tables Eden Project edenproject.com

Dresses St Ives Bridal Boutique stivesbridalboutique.co.uk

Jewellery Una Wild unawildjewellery.com

Hair Zebrafinch instagram.com/zebrafinchhair

Make-up Georgina Yates georginayatesmakeupartist.com

Flowers Floral Creations floral-creations-cornwall.co.uk

Stationery The Dairy Studio thedairystudiodesign.co.uk

Cakes Polly Webb pollywebbcakes.co.uk

Chairs, tablecloths & coupes Abbotts Event Hire abbottseventhire.co.uk

Napkins & runners The Knotted Napkin Co theknottednapkinco.com

Candles Ester & Erik ester-erik.dk

Event support Sam Brenchley

Models Gabrielle Antonia instagram.com/antonialovell_ Sam Stone instagram.com/samstone2468

Land Rover Hire

clean lines

A blend of crisp whites and blue floral accents sets the scene for a modern elegant wedding at Roswarne

photography Charlotte Sams

styling Sophie Walker Weddings

Blue and white take centre stage in this fresh and inviting styled shoot at Roswarne. Complementing the period features and charm of the historic house, the styling draws upon and accentuates the building’s lightfilled spaces and elegant interiors. Blooms in varying shades of blue are scattered throughout the venue and tabletops, blending the inside with the scenic outdoors, the blossomy motifs carried everywhere from the stationery to the charger plates and napkins. Clear glassware with tapered textured candlesticks, small vases of blue and white buds and ornate silver flatware blend simple styling with an edge of opulence, lending the scene multiple layers of interest.

The grand staircase is adorned with flowers and drapes that enhance the sense of romance, while the cake continues the botanical theme: a four-tiered extravaganza adorned with blue ruffles and 3D petals reminiscent of a bridal gown. Floral arrangements take eclectic form and range from petite posies in vases and atop wooden flower stands to small troughs spilling blooms onto the floor.

Not to be overshadowed by the décor, the bride and groom are the picture of modern style. His navy blue three-piece suit, floral print tie and matching pocket square, with brown leather loafers, ooze laidback chic, while her strapless sweetheart gown with centre split is the epitome of classicmeets-contemporary glamour. A sweeping train, curly chignon, pearl jewellery and butterfly heels complete the en vogue ensemble. Her second look strikes a more nostalgic tone courtesy of a classic sheer-sleeved V-neck gown with elaborate embroideries. A lariat pearl necklace dangles over the open back and is complemented by pearl drop earrings as the groom swaps his pocket square for a buttonhole of fresh white snowdrops – the treescapes and lush green foliage making a beautiful backdrop to their newlywed embrace.

Photography Charlotte Sams

Photography charlottesams.com

Venue Roswarne roswarne.co.uk

Styling

Sophie Walker Weddings sophiewalkerweddings.co.uk

Dress Frocks & Frills frocksfrills.co.uk

Hair

Melody-Rose Hair & Weddings instagram.com/melody_ hair_weddings

Make-up Abi Murray abimurraymakeup.co.uk

Flowers Perdie’s Flowers perdiesflowers.co.uk

Jewellery Bish Bosh Becca bishboshbecca.co.uk

Suit Cornwall Suit Room cornwallsuitroom.com

Cake White Peony Cake Co. whitepeonycakes.co.uk

Décor

Stargazey Décor Hire stargazeydecor.co.uk

Stationery Stone Barton Studio stonebarton.studio

Videography Lucy Lloyd-Jones lucylloydjones.co.uk

Models Jo Rozak instagram.com/_ginger_ valentine_

Toby Ellis instagram.com/tobyellis__

One day, one love, and memories to last a lifetime.

Join us in the heart of Cornwall for an unforgettable day of love and celebration, with a perfectly-tailored One-Day Wedding experience at Kilminorth.

Our aim is for you to say goodbye to stress and hello to a seamless, joy-filled journey, bringing your wedding dreams to life.

Our One-Day Wedding experience includes a dedicated wedding planner to liaise and manage your suppliers, caterers and set up, a choice of ceremony location from our Wild Meadow, Clear Top Marquee, or our Chy Hos Altar. Choose from our Clear Top Marquee or Wild Meadow for your reception, suitable for up to 250 guests, and you have a choice of three gorgeous menu choices that will truly wow your guests! Additionally, one night accommodation is included, in two stunning yurts, sleeping up to 8 guests.

Don’t wait any longer to plan the wedding you have always dreamt of. Contact us today and let’s begin this exciting new chapter.

thecolouroflove

Bright blooms and vibrant décor pop against the rustic setting of Tregedna Weddings in this colourful celebration of spring

photography Thomas Hare Photography | styling Emily Rose Event Hire coordination The Wedding Day Coordinator

Embracing a relaxed vibe while celebrating the vibrant, joy-filled feel of spring, this styled shoot at Tregedna Weddings showcases the spectacular setting of the south Cornwall venue.

The ceremony space, The Loft, is a light-filled vision of romance courtesy of festooned fairy lights wrapped around the exposed beams, a gorgeous floral arch and pew end arrangements with asymmetric sashes adorned by bright posies. Tall glass hurricane candlestick holders provide another focal point while completing the scene of understated elegance.

The bright and bloomy theme continues in the reception area of The Barn, where trestle tables are decorated with colourful textured glassware, miniature vases of mixed petals and a rainbow of tapered candles atop luxe gold candlesticks. Table settings with fuchsia pink napkins and floral stationery lie upon glass beaded charger plates, blending natural styling with modern opulence, while fabrics draped from the wooden beams and tabletops lend another layer of light to the space. The cake is a contemporary piece of floral art, its three tiers of hand-painted buttercream botanical detail merging texture, pattern and colour whilst beautifully reflecting the shoot’s seasonal theme.

Mirroring her surrounds to showstopping effect, the bride dons a fitted frock with draping shoulder streamer and cowl back, and a ruched, illusionpanelled back bodice with floral, sequin-studded embroidery. Free-flowing curls and a statement floral crown completes the ethereal look. The groom’s slate grey three-piece with textured brogues, floral print tie and floral buttonhole perfectly pairs with his botanical-inspired bride. With colour reigning supreme through the shoot, the contrast of the clean lines of the couple allows the décor to pop and the effect to enchant.

Photography Thomas Hare Photography thomasharephotography.com

Venue

Tregedna Weddings tregednaweddings.co.uk

Coordination

The Wedding Day Coordinator theweddingdaycoordinator.co.uk

Styling Emily Rose Events Hire emilyroseeventshire.co.uk

Dresses Frocks & Frills frocksfrills.co.uk

Suit Cornwall Suit Room cornwallsuitroom.com

Hair

Marie Bray cornwallbridalhair.co.uk

Make-up

Georgina Markham cornwallmakeup.co.uk

Flowers The Flower Press Shop theflowerpressshop.co.uk

Bouquet & headdress Roots & Wild rootsandwildcornwall.co.uk

Bar JRO Bar & Events jrobarevents.co.uk

Cake Red Robin Pantry redrobinpantry.co.uk

Celebrant

Cornish Celebrants cornishcelebrants.co.uk

Models Harry King & Zoe Parkin

Your coastal wedding

With breathtaking panoramic sea views, Polurrian on the Lizard offers a stunning location to make your dream wedding come true.

the Lizard

Perched on the gently sloping cliffs above Falmouth Bay, our wonderful venue offers a relaxed space for you to gather your favourite people for a full day of unforgettable wedding celebrations abovethebay co uk @abovethebayweddingevents events@abovethebay co uk 01326314296

DREAM SCENES

Inspiration for how to style your wedding, from the latest trends and those in the know

While 2024 is treating us to so many wow-worthy weddings, we’re looking to décor styles that are set to be seen in weddings next year and beyond. “2025 wedding styles are all about embracing individuality in your wedding look, with an emphasis on breaking tradition and opting for something a little different,” says Hazels Parsons of Out of the Ordinary Weddings (outoftheordinaryweddings. com). We’ve asked some of the region’s wedding stylists and planners for their input on the top style trends, so you can use their guidance to inspire and shape the look and feel of your big day…

SOPHIE WALKER

Sophie Walker Weddings

sophiewalkerweddings.co.uk

Vintage

Vintage patterns are going to make a comeback – blues and whites, reds and whites, the vintage French pattern and lace tablecloths may make an appearance. It’s vintage but with a modern, elegant twist.

[Top & bottom left image: Photography Charlotte Sams, styling Sophie Walker Weddings]

Candles

Candles never really went away but think ‘too many’ candles – they’re going to be a big thing in weddings in the next year or two. Rooms lit only by candlelight, creating cosy, intimate atmospheres, will be a beautiful way to showcase the trend.

[Photography Dominic Carter, Styling Sophie Walker Weddings, Cake White Peony Cake Co.]

Mustard yellows

Mustard yellow is a great way of using an autumnal colour palette but keeping the sun shining all at the same time! This looks incredible in a room lit only by candlelight too… It really gives it such a warm feeling.

[Photography Dominic Carter, Styling Sophie Walker Weddings, Cake White Peony Cake Co.]

Dusky blues

Blue is always a popular colour and dusky blues are set to be a big one. I love it when people use an unusual second colour within their palette, such as dusky blues with coral orange! Dreamy!

[Photography Alex Miller, styling Sophie Walker Weddings, Flowers Flowers from Bruallen]

HAZEL PARSONS Out of the Ordinary Weddings outoftheordinaryweddings.com

Soft pastels

Dusty blue and pinks with soft fabrics, textured napkins or table runners will make for a relaxed romantic vibe complemented by fine dining touches. Think crystal glassware, delicate candlelight, vintage tableware, understated stationery with script fonts and gentle flushes of colour. Draped ceilings with plentiful layers of white fabric will bring a romantic, timeless feel

[Photography Checkered Photography, Styling & event hire Out of The Ordinary Weddings, Flowers Perdie’s Flowers]

Vibrant hues

We’ll see a bright burst of sunny colours, like orange and hot pink, mixed into the stationery, bridesmaids’ dresses, ceremony flowers and wedding tablescapes. This look works beautifully for flower installations, bud-heavy table flowers and bold ceremony backdrops.

[Photography Paul Keppel, Styling & event hire Out of the Ordinary Weddings, Stationery Rocha Designs, Flowers Sweet Pea Floral Studio]

Sage and rose

A twist on a more traditional wedding style, this look has an English country garden feel to it. It works well on full-length luxe table linen or rustic wooden tables paired with a sage table runner, brass candlesticks, rattan charger plates, white crockery and oversized vintage rose napkins. It’s such a versatile style you can choose minimalistic décor with accents of colour or opt for a fuller look with layered fabrics, tall candlesticks and sculpted flower arrangements.

[Photography Katie Goff, Styling Out of The Ordinary Weddings, Flowers Wheal Sara Flowers]

White and green

From layers of colour to layers of texture throughout the wedding look, incorporate shades of green into your wedding attire, invitations and stationery and continue it through to your flowers and table décor. This look can have a contemporary feel to it: sophisticated, glamorous and elegant.

[Photography Wild Ivy Photography, Event hire Out of the Ordinary Weddings, Flowers Flower Scene]

NATALIE BLAKE

Natalie

Blake Wedding & Event Design nblakeweddingdesign.com

Big, bold florals

Start with a ceremony jam-packed with all things floral! Goodbye standalone floral arrangements and traditional arches, and hello grand flower installations that line the aisle taking centre stage. When following trends, sometimes it’s easy to get lost in what’s in keeping to you, but that’s what we love most here –you can change it up to suit your style, colour scheme and, of course, your favourite florals. Flower power at its best!

[Photography Lyra & Moth, Styling Natalie Blake Wedding & Event Design, Flowers Twigs & Greens]

Jewel tones

In 2025 we’ll be seeing some bold, fun and vibrant shades popping up. Be bold and beautiful by selecting jewel tones for your day: think rich shades of emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red and amethyst purple. Carry these across your table linen, flower arrangements, glassware and much more. Have fun and don’t be afraid to be playful with it as this is a great way to add energy and personality to your day.

[Photography Victoria Walker, Styling Natalie Blake Wedding & Event Design, Flowers Hayley Scott Blooms]

Shimmer

If you’re looking to incorporate a touch of sophistication and luxury to your big day, consider adding in some gold, rose gold and copper for those metallic accents. This can be across your tablescapes, your stationery or even bring in some shimmer through your bridesmaids’ dresses. Introduce a sense of opulence with the use of these metallics and create a chic and contemporary feel to your wedding day.

[Photography Victoria Walker, Styling Natalie Blake Wedding & Event Design, Flowers Hayley Scott Blooms]

All natural

We will also be seeing a nature-inspired trend in 2025 as the use of foliage-heavy styling returns, while adding in some warm terracotta, earthy greens and soft blues across the décor and florals. The lush greenery and earthy-toned blooms are perfect for outdoor ceremonies and rustic-inspired weddings.

[Photography Victoria Walker, Styling Natalie Blake Wedding & Event Design, Flowers Wheal Sara Flowers]

Nestled

Cornish

rustic charm

Albion Row Photography

NIKKI SHERRIFF

Knots & Kisses

knotsandkisses.co.uk

Mismatched patterns

As with trends in interiors, clashing and mismatched patterns and a maximalist feel has been making its way into wedding trends too. The best way to go about this is to choose a colour scheme. In the case of our Amalfi Summer look (left), it’s varying shades of blues, yellows and whites; clash patterns within that colour scheme so it doesn’t look too much. For the Amalfi shoot I clashed a blue and white stripe, blue chintz floral and a Mediterranean tile pattern also in blues.

[Photography Maxi Photography, Styling & Stationery Knots & Kisses, Flowers Brompton Buds]

Fabric displays

Fabric is back in a big way. But rather than fussylooking swags of material or a ruched marquee ceiling, think more about elegant drapes, either hung from the ceiling or a backdrop and in a variety of colours rather than just ivory or white! Lots of venues, especially barns and tents, will have opportunities to create hanging displays that can help bridge the gap between your table décor and the ceiling height, making spaces feel more intimate and cosy.

[Photography Mimosa Photography, Styling Knots & Kisses, Flowers Poppys Flower Studio]

Bright colour pops

Colour is back and, going forward for 2025, we’re going to see even more bright pops of colour – the brighter the better! Don’t think anything of combining hot pinks, mustards and oranges with pale pinks and golds like we did for the Summer Punch styled shoot (bottom left).

The trick is to not feel afraid of lots of colour; it works in so many spaces. Just because you’re getting married in a manor house doesn’t mean your wedding has to be neutrals and blend into the walls. The trick to using lots of colour is the same principle as always: pick a couple of shades as a base colour palette that you’ll use more often and then add two or three accent colours which will just pop throughout the scheme.

[Photography Mimosa Photography, Styling Knots & Kisses, Flowers Holly Bee Flowers]

Statement table plans

Rather than just a simple printed board, think outside the box when it comes to your seating plan for 2025! Use old shutters, like we did at Hayley & Mike’s wedding (left) to hang individual tables on, or create bespoke displays on plinths, hang fabric table plans from frames or create a large escort card display rather than a single table plan. We’re doing several plans this year with escort cards tied to champagne glasses and displayed on shelving and bespoke units.

[Photography Virginia Photography, Styling Knots & Kisses, Flowers Holly Bee Flowers]

GOOD TASTE

From mocktails to food stations, we’re serving up the latest food and drink must-haves for a wedding feast full of top-trending flavour

words Hannah May

When all is said and done at your wedding, there’s one part that will linger in the minds and mouths of your guests: the food and drink. Every other aspect may be a well considered and spoilsome affair, but if you don’t serve up something of a storm, your celebrations may run the risk of falling flat when it comes to flavour.

Having nailed the entertainment, originally styled the venue and timed every event to perfection, give your guests the best belly-fill that your budget and creativity can buy. Today’s catering trends allow couples the chance to design a menu that not only individually suits them, but also satisfies their guests, from the first morsel of the canapés to the main event of the wedding breakfast and the finale of the evening food…

Restaurant receptions

Whether you wish to relocate post-ceremony to your favourite foodie haunt, ask its chef to do the catering or take inspiration from the setting or menu – restaurant receptions are all the rage. Many hotels boast their own fine dining eateries to allow couples to stage the ceremony and sit-down meal at the same venue, while other venues either have their own in-house catering team or require outsourcing, allowing you to bring the restaurant experience directly to them. Many restaurants and venues are flexible with their hire options, whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or elopement and only require a few tables, or are keen to exclusively book the entire restaurant for your reception.

Non-formal menus

If you don’t fancy a traditional three-course meal and want to treat yourselves and your guests to a different dining experience, then personalised, non-formal menus are a must. Rather than picking a pre-set catering package, consider weaving a story

into your gastronomy. In particular, family recipes, comfort foods, dishes laden with meaning and memories (such as from your childhoods and travels together), and more personalised ways of presenting and serving tailor-made menus are part of the growing trend toward informality. Think giant self-serve pans of your mum’s paella, mobile food and drinks vans scattered throughout your venue, sushi bars, live cooking and open kitchen theatres, DIY barbecues or carveries, or a 10-course tasting menu designed from your first date through to your engagement party.

Sharing menus and grazing tables

As part of the informal dining movement, the craze for sharing platters and grazing tables is not only a fabulous way to inject some extra fun, flavour and personality into your food – it will get your guests mingling and create a relaxed, festival-feel wedding. Charcuterie and butter boards, fresh seafood, flame-grilled barbecued meat and veg, fruit platters, pastry plates and grazing tables crammed with goodies (dried fruit and nuts, mezze, freshly picked seasonal fruit) will ensure a feast for all the senses while celebrating the act and art of eating en masse.

Non-boozy drinks

Whether you’re catering to the kids, older guests, designated drivers or simply wanting to spruce up your drinks menu, non-alcoholic beverages are enjoying a moment. Thankfully, sober guests are no longer proffered only a jug of water or bottle of lemonade, as today’s drinks lists are reflecting the menu when it comes to creativity and flavour. Engaging all the senses, modern non-alcoholic drinks look, taste and smell delicious, and can range from health-boosting kombucha and iced herbal teas to vitamin drinks and cordials laced with botanicals. Depending on the season and venue, you might want to feature everything from specialist coffees, booze-free mulled wine and a hot chocolate bar to a mocktail list, non-alcoholic wine, bubbly and spirits, ‘pimp your drink’ stations (a fun addition for kids and

Ausel Cakes & Catering

Chris Armstrong Photography

Abi Neda Riley Photography

Beautiful and the Feast

adults), and an array of local or exotic juices. Hire a mixologist and stock the bar with plenty of non-alcoholic options, add a separate 0% drinks table or plant booze-free bottles onto each table for guests to sample.

Interactive food stations

Food stations add another sensorial dimension to weddings, allowing guests to roam and graze at whim. Hire a few street food vans for outside your venue, arrange bespoke cocktail experiences, pop-up food tents or enhance the experience with an interactive food station for a more immersive feel. Think Korean-style barbecues set into the tables, hot rock courses, wine blending and build-your-own dessert bars (including milkshake stands, ice cream trikes, brownies and pancakes with various toppings). Combining a sense of spectacle with personal choice, interactive stations with a fiery element are one of the hottest trends du jour. Anything from barbecues to order and firepit toasted s’mores to elaborate hog roasts and grills (with griddled vegetables, chicken kebabs, prawn skewers, burnt aubergine and cheese toasties) will instantly elevate the epicurean element of your day.

Champagne towers

Blending flavour and form, champagne towers lend a beautifully architectural and artistic edge for the ultimate sense of occasion. You might want to stick with traditional flutes or coupes, source vintage tulips or opt for colourful wine glasses in different hues. Add a sweet or savoury food pairing station including the likes of white truffle, oysters, octopus, crab cakes, popcorn and strawberries. Offer multiple towers of sweet, dry and rosé –or replace the champagne with your favourite tipple such as prosecco, Aperol, whisky or espresso martini. Alternatively, add a customised champagne wall for a statement twist on welcome or toast drinks – and prepare to watch the delight-filled faces of your guests.

Dessert bars

One of the easiest ways to mix things up and score extra points with your guests is to incorporate a dessert bar. You could ask guests to BYO, send requests with their RSVPs and cater accordingly or stock a bar based on your own favourite sweet treats. The options are practically endless and nothing is, quite literally, off the table. Tarts, doughnut towers, cookies, pies, cakes, trifles, cupcakes, jellies, macarons, churros, cake pops and sweeties will ensure a lip-smacking centrepiece. Add a delectable global element with traditional wedding desserts from across the world with the likes of croquembouche, Mexican wedding cookies, bem casados, zuppa inglese or kransekake for a crowd-pleasing endnote to your wedding breakfast.

Local produce and plant-based menus

The sustainability movement is, quite rightly, going nowhere. Couples keen to host an eco-friendly and conscientious event continue to lean towards local produce, particularly with an emphasis on a plant-based menu. Regional flavours, seasonal produce and farm-to-table dishes all form part of the movement, and could feature small additions such as local jams, pickles, ice cream trikes and edible favours – or a feast sourced entirely from within a 50-mile radius. An increasing number of venues locally source or grow their own produce, while others will work with suppliers and couples to design menus inspired by the season and locale, created using sustainable practices. Minimal or zero food waste is another factor to consider and discuss with your venue and suppliers; this could involve everything from composting organic waste to donating leftovers to guests, shelters and charities.

Peboryon

I Do Film & Photos

Red Robin Pantry

Beautiful and the Feast

Beautiful and the Feast

Danielle Veitch

Photography

Arianna

Fenton

Photography

GOOD MIXERS

Cocktails are a great way to add a signature element to your reception while kick-starting the party. Jo Fitch of The Buffalo shares her top five for a modern wedding

words Rebecca Matthews

There’s nothing quite like a cocktail menu for stirring the party spirit, as Jo Fitch of The Buffalo (thebuffalo.co.uk) – Cornwall’s wow-worthy mobile Airstream bars – can testify. “We serve a fully stocked bar with wine, beer, bubbles, spirits, cider and soft drinks but the cocktails are by far the most popular when we rock up!” she says. “Guests have been waiting a long time for this day to come around and they are delighted when there is a whole host of great drinks available rather than just wine and beer options.”

Recent years have seen a cocktail renaissance, resulting in more people recognising great cocktails and being willing to try something new. “Trusting your bar company is essential,” asserts Jo. “Have a chat with them to let them know what cocktails or spirits you both like so they can tailor a cocktail menu specific to what you and your guests will love.”

From retro favourites with a modern spin to bubbly cocktails, bitter concoctions and non-alcoholic sips, there’s a dizzying choice of cocktails out there. To help you narrow down a crowd-pleasing selection for your menu, we’ve asked Jo to pick out some favourites for a modern wedding or, as she says: “Some which we have tried and tested and enjoyed so much that people keep coming back for more”.

Negroni

It might be over 100 years old, but today the negroni is all the rage everywhere from hip bars to coolly contemporary weddings. “It’s not to everyone’s taste, but those who appreciate it won’t be disappointed,” comments Jo. “Quality ingredients are particularly key when there are few ingredients in a cocktail and when it comes to the negroni this is essential. Use a great gin, vermouth and Campari, stir well and garnish with an expressed slice of orange peel rubbed round the rim.”

The Buffalo

Hurricane

Invented in a pub in New Orleans during the second world war and made famous by the song It’s Five O’clock Somewhere, a hurricane is a long, fruity and super popular cocktail. “This is sunshine in a glass!” says Jo. “Rum-based with plenty of sweetness, it ticks a lot of boxes for a great cocktail experience and is a brilliant all-rounder for those who may be cocktail shy.”

Elderflower collins

The drinking usually begins soon after your guests arrive from the ceremony, so consider your welcome cocktail carefully and start with something to set the tone of your reception. “All our cocktails are a double measure of spirit but for a welcome drink we suggest you take it easy and offer something refreshing, light and fantastically delicious,” advises Jo. “Elderflower collins does this very well. If you’d prefer something bubbly, make it a bellini.”

Espresso martini

A delicious pick-me-up, the espresso martini is fast becoming a key ingredient of a modern wedding and works particularly well after the meal to ward off the post-feasting slump. “It’s a classic but can be done so badly,” warns Jo. “When I go to a cocktail bar, the espresso martini is a good tester of how great their cocktails are. The key to this, again, is quality ingredients as, with only three ingredients, there’s not much to hide behind: you’ll need good vodka, real Kahlua and, most essential of all, awesome espresso.”

Whisky sour

Light and refreshing with delightful citrus notes, the whisky sour is another cocktail which is sure to wow the crowds. “At first, the word whisky may put people off, but hang on,” says Jo. “This is bourbon, our American friend with a sweeter finish than the Scotch whisky you may be familiar with. Tempered with lemon and sugar, it is much easier to drink than you would assume and, once tried, guests just can’t get enough.”

liquid gold

words Hannah May

Pentire

Pack a premium and flavoursome punch with Pentire’s assortment of alcohol-free offerings specially produced alongside botanists, distillers and brewers. Distilling native north Cornwall botanicals with sustainably sourced ingredients, the result is a plant-based, low-calorie and utterly delectable drinks range. Its signature spirits comprise Adrift (rock samphire, sage, Pentire plant blend, lemon citrus and Cornish sea salt), Seaward (pink grapefruit, sea rosemary, woodruff, sea buckthorn and wild seaweed), Coastal Spritz (blood orange, sea rosemary and oakwood) and Margarita (lime, agave, sea salt and Mexican chilli). Available in bottles or pre-mixed cans, the Cornish coastline is deliciously palatable in every zesty and refreshing sip. For a fresh, healthy and restorative alternative to alcohol, Pentire presents the perfect-tasting solution. pentiredrinks.com

Wild Life Botanicals

Wild Life Botanicals’ innovative, vegan sparkling wine combines an elixir of vitamins, minerals and botanicals for a drink that does, tastes and looks supremely good. Low in calories but replete with flavour, the wine comes in Nude and Blush (with just 0.5% ABV) in full-sized 75cl or mini 20cl bottles. Crafted through the collaboration between a wine maker, taste developer, naturopath, medical herbalist and master brewer, founder Ellie Bradshaw created a gorgeously tasting recipe harnessing the power of botanicals. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mood-boosting damask rose, lemon balm, rosemary and ashwagandha blends with energy tonic and aphrodisiac, damiana: the perfect W-day blend. What’s more, with no fewer than eight active vitamins and minerals ranging from immunesupporting zinc to fatigue-busting niacin – you and your guests can enjoy a fabulously health-boosting drinking experience, minus the hangover. wildlifebotanicals.co.uk

Firebrand Brewing Co

These Cornish craft brewers bring a brilliantly unique flavour with some of the most quaffable beers on the market. Combining Cornish spring water, American hops and all-natural ingredients in a range of flavours and styles – from its hazy pale ale and complex stout to its floral and spiced lager and refreshing IPA – the Launcestonbased company is passionate about producing the highest quality and most lip-smacking beers possible. Sample its creations at the Firebrand Taproom with a brewery tour or special event such as live music, quiz and food truck nights. You and your guests can enjoy its alcohol-free selection in the form of low-calorie, vegan and gluten-free brews: Shorebreak (a hoppy, smooth and light mix) and Little Wave (a clean and crisp lager), which pack a flavourful punch without the heady after-effects.

firebrandbrewing.co.uk

Aval Dor Vodka and Gin

Cornwall’s first plough-to-bottle distillery has created the most mouth-watering spirits for an utter taste sensation. Bagging double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition makes Aval Dor Vodka (meaning ‘potato’ in Cornish) a standout choice for couples wanting to serve the cream of the crop of Cornish tipples. As one of only a few distilleries in the country that makes its spirits entirely from scratch via handmade copper pot stills, Colwith Farm Distillery uses potatoes grown from its fifth-generation family farm alongside water sourced from its aquifer deep beneath their distillery. What’s more, it’s powered by 100% renewable energy, employs a no-waste-production cycle, uses recyclable packaging and engages in a host of sustainable farming practices to reduce its environmental impact. The end products are bottled perfection in a range of flavours that taste incredible. Pick from the original vodka blend, as well as Cornish Seaberry, Rose & Hibiscus, Barrel Aged, Vanilla, Cornish Rosemary & Bay and the limited edition Emily Scott Citrus Vodka. The dizzying array of taste notes range from sweet, floral, fruity and citrus to earthy, peppery, spicy and oak-infused. Add the gin to your drinks menu for double the flavour courtesy of its Dry, Original, Barrel Aged Spiced, Rhubarb and Ginger, and Spiced gins. Should you wish to sample the spoils ahead of the main event, then sign up to a guided distillery tour and tutored tasting session.

colwithfarmdistillery.co.uk

WEDDING & EVENTS CATERING

From sharing-style feasts, smokey summer BBQs and decadent tables laden with beautiful food, we cater for all gatherings, big or small. Celebrating local Cornish produce and seasonality, everything we serve is made by our own hands, pairing modern flavours with traditional techniques

sweet art

From artful florals to perfectly piped vintage confections, the latest wedding cake trends will ensure a wow-worthy centrepiece for your celebrations

words Rebecca Matthews

VINTAGE VIBES

Whether you’re drawn to Victorian elegance or retro ’70s and ’80s vibes, vintage-inspired cakes are everywhere right now – and we’re here for it. From petite to grand tiered confections, this trend is all about maximalist flourishes, dreamy pastel palettes and pristine vintage piping – Lambeth piping, in particular, is having a moment. A heart-shaped cake offers a cute take on the trend, while lace, pearls, bows or cherries add a kitsch and sweetly nostalgic finish.

Ausel Cakes & Catering

Lyra & Moth

Ausel Cakes & Catering

Chris Armstrong Photography

Ausel Cakes & Catering

Lyra & Moth

Lyra & Moth

The Imaginary Bakery

The Imaginary Bakery

FLOWER POWER

A cake decorated with flowers is nothing new, but the latest trends lean towards an organic approach to floral decoration. It might be hand-painted and texture-rich buttercream blooms, edible pressed petals, a sprinkle of delicate sugar petals, an elaborate flower crown hugging the cake or an array of flowers layered to look like they’ve grown out of it. Think abstract and playful with a sprinkle of cottagecore whimsy.

SEASIDE DREAMS

With so many couples choosing to marry on the Cornish coast, it’s only natural ocean-loving souls should wish to stamp their love of the sea onto their sweet centrepiece. You might choose a palette of sea-inspired hues, scale or wave-like texture, shoreline-inspired detailing such as shells and starfish, or a beachy vibe incorporating surfboards and beach huts.

BESPOKE BAKES

Your wedding cake offers the perfect canvas for personalisation. Cake designer Louise Roach from Ausel Cakes & Catering shares her top five tips for customising your cake...

Incorporate your story. Use design elements that reflect your relationship. This could include symbols of shared hobbies, places you’ve travelled together or significant dates. Customised cake toppers that resemble you as a couple or include pets can add a personal touch.

Match the theme. Ensure the cake aligns with the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding. Whether it’s rustic, vintage, modern or beachthemed, the cake should complement the décor and atmosphere.

Flavour variety. Offer a variety of flavours that reflect your and your partner’s tastes. Consider having different layers with different flavours or a tiered cake with a different flavour for each tier.

Custom decorations. Add unique decorations like edible flowers, intricate lace patterns or hand-painted designs. Monograms, quotes or lyrics from your favourite song can also be incorporated.

Cake stands and displays. Personalise the presentation of your cake by using a customised cake stand or display. Adding flowers and candles to your table can give a luxurious look.

Peboryon Peboryon

Jeff Oliver Photography

Crafty Cakehole

Chris Armstrong Photography

Red Robin Pantry

Red Robin Pantry Ausel Cakes & Catering Craftycakehole Craftycakehole

Ausel Cakes & Catering

Pink Wave Photography

Red Robin Pantry

Red Robin Pantry

Thomas Frost Photography

Craftycakehole

Ausel Cakes & Catering

Katie Goff Photography

Ausel Cakes & Catering

Charlotte Ellis Photography

Red Robin Pantry

Katie Goff Photography

TEXTURED TIERS

Couples are increasingly rejecting a perfectly smooth finish to their cake in favour of a more textured aesthetic. Ruffles, ridges, waves or a lace-inspired design will make your cake a tactile delight as well as a striking visual element of your reception. You might opt for a palette knife painted buttercream design for an artful, one-of-a-kind statement, while chocolate lovers will find it hard to resist a tiered cake adorned with elaborate ruffles of the sweet stuff.

SUPER NATURAL

Add a touch of natural beauty to your day. Whether it’s foliage cascading down the tiers, sprigs of eucalyptus or a mix of aromatic herbs, greenery brings a garden-like feel to your celebrations. For a wildly romantic look, create a ‘wedding cake meadow’ by displaying your cake amidst a whimsical arrangement of flowers and foliage – perhaps by repurposing your ceremony flowers.

SWEET STYLING

Wedding stylist Sophie Walker from Sophie Walker Weddings and cake designer Gemma Thomas from White Peony Cake Co. share their styling tips to help you elevate your cake to top tier...

Show it off. Don’t put the most expensive cake you’re ever likely to buy in the corner. Make it stand out as a key feature of your reception. It doesn’t have to be displayed on a table –think creatively and consider other options such as a dressing table, piano, bookshelf or ladder.

Consider your cake stand. Think about what your cake is going to sit on. Have you chosen a petite confection that would benefit from a tall stand? Or perhaps your cake has a gold leaf finish and a matching gold stand would set it off perfectly? Don’t be afraid to ask your cake designer for advice.

Standout styling. Don’t leave your cake table empty. Flowers around your cake can look incredible or opt for a hanging installation above to draw focus to it. Fill it with textures, arrange different fabrics around it, add a funky tablecloth or fill it with a variety of candles and candlesticks. If you want your cake table to look as amazing as your cake, consider hiring a stylist.

Wait until the sun is done. Don’t put your cake in the window. As beautiful as it may look with the scenery behind it, cakes are made from butter, and butter and sunshine are a bad combination!

Snap away. Make sure your photographer gets lots of photos of the cake before you cut it. Your wedding day is over in a blink of an eye and it’s hard to remember every detail.

Ausel Cakes & Catering auselcakes.co.uk

Craftycakehole craftycakehole.co.uk

The Natural Cake Company thenaturalcakecompany.com

Peboryon peboryon.com

Red Robin Pantry redrobinpantry.co.uk

The Imaginary Bakery theimaginarybakery.com

Sophie Walker Weddings sophiewalkerweddings.co.uk

White Peony Cake Co. whitepeonycakes.co.uk

Peboryon Red Robin Pantry

Red Robin Pantry

The Natural Cake Company

The Natural Cake Company

The Natural Cake Company

Ausel Cakes & Catering

The Natural Cake Company

Red Robin Pantry

Lyra & Moth

Ausel Cakes & Catering

Mark Shaw Photography

White Peony Cake Co.

Ellen Sear

Photography

Peboryon

Norsworthy Photography

The Natural Cake Company

Thomas Frost Photography

Taylor & Porter

PITCH PERFECT

Celebrating under canvas makes for the ultimate personalised party space. Here are some dazzling ideas for creating an unforgettable setting for a wedding

words Rebecca Matthews

Light up the night

If you’re planning on celebrating into the small hours, it’s important to carefully consider your lighting throughout your tent. Whether it’s uplighters, fairy lights or festoon lights, create a magical feel at nightfall.

Tipi Spaces / Photography Luna Wedding Photography Flowers Brompton Buds / Plants & trees Fuss Pots

Absolute Canvas / Photography Thomas Frost

Hatch Marquee Hire / Photography Maxi Photography

Fill your wedding with florals

Whether you’re envisioning a sophisticated scene, styled with an abundance of white roses, or a wildflower meadow feel, with colourful stems dotted everywhere in mismatched vessels, flowers are key in creating a so-you space. We love how these tree centrepieces create height and a gorgeous statement in this marquee.

Go all-out for greenery

From a back-to-nature vibe to high-octane glamour, foliage is as versatile as it is impactful. The combination of fresh greens and crisp white florals look particularly striking against the ivory canvas of this Tipi Spaces’ tipi.

Draw the eye up

Hanging floral installations are trending – and it’s not difficult to see why. Not only do they look beautiful, hanging pieces create a sense of height and can free up space on your tables. Think dreamily romantic clouds of gypsophila, dried flowers for a boho feel or foliage dotted with blooms and suspended with floating tea lights.

Choose a beautiful location

Whether you’re drawn to rolling countryside, wooded glades or sweeping views across the ocean, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to naturally stunning locations here in the South-west.

Set up your tent in a sublime spot, like this stretch tent from Skybar Weddings, perched within touching distance of the sea in West Cornwall.

Hatch Marquee Hire / Photography Lee Maxwell / Flowers Unique Designs by Tina World Inspired Tents / Photography Lyra & Moth

Photography Hannah Wilde / Flowers Fare of the Field

World Inspired Tents / Photography Yeti Photography / Flowers Emma Hewlett Floral Design

Hatch Marquee Hire / Photography Nova Wedding Photography / Flowers Simon Nickell Design Sunset Tipis

World Inspired Tents / Photography Kirstin Prisk

Skybar Weddings/ Photography WSD Productions

Tipi Spaces/ Photography Luna Wedding Photography / Flowers Brompton Buds / Plants & trees Fuss Pots

Photography Laura Dean Flowers Emma Hewlett Floral Design

Create a festival feel

If you have plenty of space and a large guest list, then a series of structuresperhaps including a bar, chill-out tent and kids’ tent - will create a festival vibe where guests can mingle and roam throughout the course of the celebrations. Add colourful flags, a glitter bar and live music for a party to remember - and how about a naked tipi for the ceremony?

Prettify the poles

Don’t overlook your tentpoles. Make them part of the design by decorating them with foliage, flowers, fairy lights, ribbons – or you might even make them look like trees by adding branches.

Work with nature’s palette

Embrace the natural beauty of your location. This foliage-filled installation picks up on the lush colours of the rural surroundings while the hues of this tipi wedding blend beautifully with its south coast location.

Think about your seating

Your choice of seating can have a big impact on the way your wedding looks as well as how it feels for your guests. Wooden crossback chairs blend effortlessly into a range of styling schemes and benches bring a laidback vibe. We love these stylish seating booths from Skybar Weddings, while these striped deckchairs are ideal for a seaside celebration.

Add fun touches

Inject fun into your party space with playful details. These colourful paper lanterns pop against the canvas of this Tipi Spaces’ tipi, while these combinations of streamers, lanterns and glitterballs scream party!

Sunset Tipis / Photography Katie Goff Skybar Weddings

Skybar Weddings Skybar Weddings

Sunset Tipis / Photography Katie Goff Sunset Tipis / Photography Katie Goff

Absolute Canvas

Absolute Canvas / Photography Taylor & Porter

Tipi Spaces / Photography Emma Stoner

Hatch Marquee Hire Photography Maxi Photography

The Cornish Tent Co. / Photography Yeah Mike

The Cornish Tent Co. / Photography Jessica Apps / Flowers Anna’s Flower Barn / Styling Rebel + Anchor

World Inspired Tents / Photography Kirstin Prisk

Create chill-out spaces

Your guests will thank you for creating a comfortable zone to take some timeout during the celebrations. Consider snug sofas draped with cosy throws and piled with plump cushions, add tables and potted plants for a relaxed living room vibe.

Up

the elegance

Choosing a tipi wedding doesn’t mean you have to opt for pared-back styling. You can still embrace an elegant aesthetic as this styled shoot illustrates with its crystal glassware, tapered candles and romantic florals.

Dress your space with drapes

Play with soft draping to add instant luxe to your tent, while making it feel intimate and cosy. Whether you opt for swathes of sheer white fabric or colourful draping to enhance your palette, it can be used anywhere in a range of styles to create the aesthetic you’re seeking, from ethereal to glamorous.

TYPES OF TENTS

From stretch tent to tipi, we’re crushing on these cool canvas options…

Traditional marquees

It’s difficult to resist the elegance of a traditional marquee. Its classic style combines wooden poles, natural canvas and large Georgian arch windows to usher in views across the countryside for a timelessly beautiful celebration.

Stretch tent

Versatile, contemporary and super-stylish, stretch tents are made from an incredibly strong and stretchy waterproof material to give a fabulously freestyle structure that can be erected in a variety of locations and spaces.

Clear span marquees

Offering brilliant flexibility, the clear-span is a top choice for hard ground and trickierto-get-to locations. Its framework of aluminium poles and white PVC presents unrestricted space inside, as well as strong weatherproof credentials to boot.

Tipis

As visually stunning as they are brilliantly flexible, tipis can be linked together to create the perfect sized space for your event. You can lift the sides on a summer’s day for an open-air celebration or cosy up amidst firepits and fairy lights in the winter.

World Inspired Tents / Photography Clare Kinchin Styling Knots & Kisses / Flowers Brompton Buds

World Inspired Tents / Photography Yeti Photography / Styling Knots & Kisses

Tipi Spaces / Photography Luna Wedding Photography / Plants Fuss Pots

Tipi Spaces / Photography Luna Wedding Photography / Plants Fuss Pots

World Inspired Tents / Photography Maxi Photography / Styling Knots & Kisses Flowers Brompton Buds

Photography Nina Wernicke Styling Rebecca Marie Weddings & Events

Sub-tropical Celebrations

More than just a venue

Photography: Arianna Fenton Photography

NEVER A DULL MOMENT

When it comes to planning a guestpleasing wedding, there’s one aspect that guarantees the most memorable party: the entertainment

words Hannah May

The cringe-worthy DJ from many a wedding past is long gone as today’s couples can freely present the most personalised and eclectic schedule of entertainment to their guests.

The trick is to cover all bases by arranging something for each guest and section of the day. From the pre-wedding warm-up to the after-party, timing and atmosphere is everything. Whether you wish to prime your guests for the main event, create a soundtrack while you steal away for newlywed photos, foster a relaxed ambience for some downtime between events or ramp up the party feel for the evening’s dance-filled finale, entertainment is key to the most raved-about wedding.

We’ve asked wedding planner Laura Dalton from Kept Weddings (keptweddings.co.uk) for her advice on how to plan a day that spectacularly entertains from start to finish...

Pre-wedding party

“The pre-wedding party is the perfect opportunity to get people on the wedding day together,” says Laura. “Getting familiar with one another and settling in helps make everyone feel more comfortable. It also allows you to spend more time with your guests so you can focus on being together on the wedding day itself. Most couples typically opt for a more relaxed affair with casual drinks and music to help manage people’s excitement before the big day. But it is becoming more popular to entertain guests beforehand to extend the celebrations. Think tacos and a mariachi band, ballgowns and casino night, casuals and quiz, or you can split the party with a pamper or pub.”

Depending on the type, venue and time restraints of your day, the opportunities before the main event can vary from a family meal at home the night before to an extended day of preparations mixed in with

early celebrations. Couples opting for an elopement or intimate wedding could host a small drinks soirée, while a weekend marquee wedding may call for a daylong festival-style party to extend the mood. Discuss your ideas with your planner, venue and suppliers and work within your budget and time frames to create a pre-wedding party to match.

Pre-ceremony

It’s becoming increasingly common for ‘first look’ scenarios whereby the couple sneak a peek of each other ahead of the vows, as well as mingling with guests either together or separately as part of a more casual welcoming event. Preambles provide a brilliant way for everyone to officially say hello, share a drink, lend support and relax in each other’s company before the more formal proceedings begin. These can take the form of canapés and drinks outside the ceremony venue, a family brunch or lunch at or near the venue (your favourite restaurant, a laidback picnic, food vans or beach barbecue) or even a wedding breakfast ahead of a sunset ceremony. You can make food a particular

focal point and feature of entertainment (mixologist, live cooking station, interactive elements) or prioritise the entertainment itself such as with a saxophonist, vocalist or a live portrait or landscape artist.

“As guests arrive for the ceremony it’s always nice to set the tone of the day,” advises Laura of the importance of establishing atmosphere early on. “Romantic ambient music is a lovely touch to serenade the audience. String quartets, singers and pianists are a staple for entry music, but we are seeing more cellists, loop pedal guitarists and harpists emerging as an alternative. If you are looking for something a bit different, but with great impact, consider a choir. The many voices add another level to your setting that will impress and captivate your guests” – priming them for the ceremony and building anticipation for the bride’s grand entrance.

Ceremony

The nuptials need not follow a formula when it comes to the entertainment factor. From the flower girls’

Louise Eleanor Photography Grant Lampard Photography

and bride’s entrance to the spaces between the vows, readings, signing of the register and exit, allow your creativity as much free rein as you fancy.

“Tradition always has its place during the ceremony, but you could always be ‘extra’ and have a dance performance before your big reveal,” suggests Laura. “Perhaps ballet dancers leading the procession or an aerialist to wow your guests? You could even make an entrance via helicopter (if the venue allows)! Nothing is too much, right?”

Pepper proceedings with some personalised entertainment, from a live singing duo or musical performance to mini theatrical interludes and aisle dance outros. Bring the unusual into the traditional with an owl ring-bearer or singing celebrant. By incorporating your passions and personalities into each part of the ceremony and splicing entertainment into traditional elements, you’ll create a beautifully bespoke and highly engaging affair.

Drinks reception

Get the party started in inimitable style with a drinks reception designed to surprise, enthral and amuse your guests. Kick off with a cocktail hour, circus act, soul singer, fairground rides or garden games – and don’t forget to make the food and drink a sensorial feast too courtesy of towering champagne fountains, pimp-your-drink stands and colourful grazing stations complete with statement floral design.

“Bring the good vibes with more music, like a saxophonist, roaming band or brass band,” says Laura of some of the best party starters. “A live painter, illustrator or caricaturist are lovely additions for your guests to receive personal keepsakes, but you could also have roaming artists like magicians, tarot readers or jugglers to keep your guests entertained while you are having your photos taken. For longer drinks receptions, food carts such as ice cream, popcorn or doughnuts are a nice treat that we are seeing more of – especially at summer weddings.”

Don’t forget to cater to all ages too. Set up a kids’ corner or crèche area where you can arrange toys, arts and crafts stations, a bouncy castle, Punch and Judy show, balloon artist or face painters – or employ

a kids’ entertainer to occupy younger guests without the need for parental presence.

It’s also worth having a chill-out tent or area for older guests complete with a snug, tea and coffee bar, books or magazines, and laidback soundtrack (jazz pianist, Ibiza lounge-inspired playlist) – which can be adapted as the day progresses to accommodate anyone wanting a post-feast siesta or lazy evening sundowner.

Wedding breakfast

“The wedding breakfast is certainly an awaited affair by guests, but once they’re all fed and watered, you could surprise them with singing waiters or an impersonator to prevent the after-dinner slump and elevate the day going into the night,” suggests Laura. “They help the transition from romance to fun as guests put on their dancing shoes for the evening reception.”

Entertaining guests during the wedding breakfast again depends on the format and layout. A three-course sitdown menu might warrant a harpist, while a selection of street food stations could be flanked by a glitter bar, stilt walkers and aerial acrobats.

The speeches are the traditional means of entertainment and can be delivered before, during or after the meal, with many couples scattering

them throughout courses. Mix this up by playing videos (marryoke, recordings or live feeds from guests unable to attend, vintage footage from the newlyweds’ childhoods), audio or voice notes, and even organising sketches by child guests or performance artists. Host a Mr & Mrs Quiz, table games or hire an actor such as a celebrity lookalike to fit with your theme. Conversation and guest interaction tends to dominate the wedding breakfast, which can be accentuated by interactive catering options like sharing platters, self-serve stations, table chefs and DIY options (build your own dessert, barbecues). Anything from a playlist packed with guest requests to a live band, cellist or steel band could provide the upbeat soundtrack.

Evening reception

When day turns to night, the sense of abandon and celebration is usually revved up, so you’ll want to plan your evening entertainment accordingly. Most couples start with something energised – a live band or specially curated playlist for leading into the first dance that then transitions into a group dance of some kind. Remember: there are no rules when it comes to how and when you decide to don your dancing shoes (if at all!)

“DJs and bands are always the main event when it comes to entertainment on your wedding day and are a must-have to keep the dance floor pumping and energy high,” says Laura, who recommends plumping for personal choice when it comes to genre, such as Motown, party hits, dance or ’80s. “Change it up with a barn dance or even a bandeoke whereby people get the opportunity to feel like a superstar performing with their own band on stage,” she adds.

In short, a plethora of entertainment awaits you and your evening guests to match all moods and party spaces, from silent discos and casino tables to drag performers, s’mores around the firepit, smoke bombs, stand-up comedians, fire breathers, dance troupes, laser shows and pyrotechnics. Go en masse with a ceilidh, line dancing or groomsmen and bridal party dance-off, or arrange splinter areas of entertainment with a photo booth, petting zoo, pamper tent, escape room experience or virtual reality party arcade. No end to the fun!

Olivia Rossi Photography

Claire Rivers Photography

Photography by Grant Lampard

Photography by Joseph Allen-Keys

From when to start getting ready to how long to allow for the wedding breakfast, here are some top tips for organising your timeline so you can relax and enjoy the day

words Becci Clubb

With so much going on and so many people to please, planning your wedding day timeline can feel confusing or overwhelming. Naturally, every wedding is slightly different, with couples omitting certain elements or including something unique – like surprise singing waiters or spectacular fireworks! But many elements of a wedding day are almost always included, such as the drinks reception and wedding breakfast. Based on 60 day guests, we’ve plotted a guide on wedding day timings to help you plan the flow of your special day, from dawn until dusk…

Bridal beauty

Start your day bright and early, giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy the morning with your best friends. The timings for hair and make-up should be confirmed with your stylists, but generally, you should allow at least an hour per person for make-up and the same for hair, depending on the complexity of the styles. Decide in advance the order each member of the bridal party will sit in the make-up chair so that you all know who should be where and when, ending with the bride. Factor in some extra time for unexpected delays, exchanging gifts, photographs and keeping the morning stress-free.

Groom’s preparations

While the bridal party is often the focus, the groom and his groomsmen also need time to dress, style and enjoy a bit of camaraderie. This typically takes less time than the bridal preparations. The boys need to ensure there is a schedule for showers, shaving, dressing and adding finishing touches like cufflinks and buttonholes. Usually, the groom and groomsmen are dressed and at the venue before the guests start to arrive.

Guest arrival

Guests should begin arriving at least 30 minutes before the ceremony start time. This window gives them ample time to briefly say hello to one another, find their seats and settle down before the bridal party arrive.

Wedding ceremony

In your order of events, plan an accurate amount of time for your wedding ceremony. Civil ceremonies often last around 30 minutes, with a maximum of three readings. Religious ceremonies generally last an hour as they also include prayers and hymns.

Confetti moment

After the ceremony, allocate 10 minutes for the confetti throw. It takes a few minutes to get everyone into place before you walk through an aisle of confetti. Your photographer might capture a big group photograph of all your guests and possibly a few family photographs straight after the confetti moment before guests disperse too. This quick session captures the joy of the moment without keeping guests waiting too long before the reception.

Quiet time

Schedule 10 minutes away from the crowd as newlyweds immediately after the confetti moment.

Thomas Frost Photography

Taking this time allows you to absorb the joy of your nuptials privately – accompanied by some refreshments and canapés!

Drinks reception

Start this at the same time you have your quiet moment. Allow between an hour-and-a-half to two hours for the drinks reception. This part of your day might include welcome drinks, canapés, more group photographs, couple’s portraits and mingling with your guests. Entertainment such as music, garden games or a magician can create a fun atmosphere and keep guests engaged.

Take a seat

When inviting guests to take their seats for the wedding breakfast, decide in advance if you would prefer a formal greeting line or a direct call to take their seats. A greeting line can take about 30 minutes and allows you to say hello to each guest individually. Alternatively, guests can be invited to take their seats without a greeting, which takes around 15 minutes. With both options, the couple is formally announced into the room once everyone else has sat down.

Wedding breakfast

For a traditional plated wedding breakfast, estimate around two hours for a three-course meal to be served and enjoyed. Two hours allows time for everyone to finish each course before the plates are cleared, ensuring everyone savours the dining experience without feeling rushed.

The speeches

Speeches usually round off the wedding breakfast. If those making a speech are particularly nervous, you might opt for the speeches to start before the meal. Bear in mind, that you will need to give your caterers an exact guide on the timings to avoid overcooked dishes or a delay in food service. Typically, speeches last for about 30 minutes. The traditional line-up includes the father of the bride, the groom and the best man, who should each speak for roughly

10 minutes. Nowadays, the ladies are taking to the microphone, too. So if you, your mum or your maid of honour want to say a few words, adjust the timings accordingly.

Cutting the cake

Deciding when to cut the cake will depend on the structure of your day. Some prefer doing it immediately after the speeches, announcing it during the last speech. Others choose a later time during the evening reception, particularly if you want evening guests to join you for this celebration.

Evening guest arrival

As evening guests start to arrive, leave yourselves a half-hour break in your timeline to greet them. Whether it’s a formal or informal greeting, welcoming evening guests usually coincides with a drink and leads nicely into the evening reception.

Bouquet throw

This tradition can be a fun moment to capture on camera. Gather your guests to watch the bouquet toss before the dancing begins. Consider if you have people in the crowd who will be willing to catch the bouquet; if most of your guests are already married, you might be short on participants.

First dance

Whether you choose a slow dance or a choreographed routine, the first dance is a spotlight moment when the newlyweds take to the dance floor and kick off the party. Decide if you want to include a formal fatherdaughter dance or a mother-son dance at this time, too.

Party time

The band or DJ will keep the music pumping from the first dance, with guests throwing shapes on the dance floor. During the evening reception, there are plenty of extra entertainment options. From casino tables to a photo booth, treat guests to a night of fun once all the formalities have finished.

Evening food

After an hour or so of dancing, top up everyone’s energy levels by serving the evening food. Whether you opt for a grazing table, pizza slices or fish and chip cones, keep your guests fed and watered to keep the party lively.

Time to sparkle

Once darkness falls, ask your guests to join you outside for a sparkler moment. Walk hand in hand as newlyweds under an arch of twinkling sparklers for romantic photographs.

Carriages

Finally, designate an end time for the celebration. Setting a clear time for carriages or transport arrangements helps ensure that the day concludes smoothly without any confusion.

8am - Bridal preparations begin 11am - Groom preparations begin 1pm - Guests arrive 1:30pm - Ceremony 2pm - Confetti

2:10pm - Quiet moment

2:10pm - Drinks reception

4pm - Seating

4:15pm - Wedding breakfast

6:15pm - Speeches

6:45pm - Cut the cake

7pm - Evening guests arrive

7:30pm - Bouquet throw

7:40pm - First dance

9pm - Evening buffet

10pm - Sparklers

12am - Carriages

Nova Wedding Photography

Verity Westcott Photography

Clare Kinchin Photography

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Wedding planner Laura Dalton of Kept Weddings reveals her top tips for avoiding decision fatigue

words Lucy Lawrence illustrations Maria Taylor

Once the initial engagement euphoria has passed and you get stuck into planning your wedding, it’s only a matter of time before you realise all the possibilities that are available to you – the options really do seem endless. Before you get lost in Pinterest, wedding planner Laura Dalton of Kept Weddings (keptweddings.co.uk) shares her expert tips to help you stay on track and avoid decision fatigue, so you can say yes to the dress (and the venue, décor and everything else).

Create a mood board

Starting off with a mood board is a great way to define what you envisage for your wedding day. Add pictures, colours and words that describe how you want to feel and how you want your wedding to look. This will create an aesthetic that is authentically you and your partner to help determine which suppliers you book. For example, if you envision a fairytale wedding, you might opt for words like whimsical, romantic, elegant and traditional and include soft shades and sparkle.

Then (this is the important bit), when it comes to reaching out to suppliers, refer to your mood board to check they match the aesthetic you are going for. This will help to eliminate any options that just don’t work for your style.

Create a brief for each supplier

Before you search for your perfect supplier, write down a brief that describes what it is you want from them. For example, if you are looking for a cake artist, you might want to go with someone who can provide three of your favourite flavours, can make a cake with royal icing and can offer doughnuts, macaroons or popsicles alongside the cake. Define your checklist and consider this when requesting further information from your options.

Allow yourself a break

When it feels like decision fatigue is setting in, allow yourself to take a break from wedding planning or look into another aspect of your wedding plans instead. Taking a step back and revisiting what you are looking for with fresh eyes will help you to think more clearly about your decision. You can always revert to your initial supplier brief to remind yourself what it was you wanted in the first place. Considering whether that has changed will help you to make the right decision.

Keep it local

Start local before looking further afield. When you open your search outside of your county or region, you will be inundated with even more options to consider. These

supplier, stop looking!

Often weddings are booked in advance and the leadtime until the big day will see the industry move and trends change. This may lead you to question your decisions. Unfollow any accounts you began following at the start of your supplier research journey and avoid looking for more inspiration or at previous options. Refer to your mood board and brief, remembering why you chose the words and pictures to describe your aesthetic and requirements in the first place.

Book a wedding planner

A wedding planner is a fantastic support if you have decision fatigue. Their logistical and practical nature combined with experience and knowledge will help provide independent and honest advice to enable you to make informed choices. They will listen and understand you and your aesthetic, which will enable them to propose a reasonable amount of options that they feel suit you best.

Having worked with many suppliers in the industry, a planner will take real life experience into account that will provide clarity and logic to your decisions. If booking a full wedding planning package is not an option for you, most wedding planners offer one-off virtual planning consultations to discuss a specific area you are experiencing decision fatigue with.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Finally, if you’re still umming and aahing, learn from real bride Sophie’s advice, after she and Henry planned their wedding in four months. “We just had to make decisions quickly and go for it – procrastination just causes more stress and sometimes the most spontaneous decisions are the best ones!”

Imogen & Josh by Megan Hemsworth Photography

wed’s VENUES GUIDE

Choosing a wedding venue is usually the first stop on the planning checklist. From country houses to beach-chic party spots, wed reveals Cornwall’s standout settings for a wow-worthy wedding

BEACH & WATERSIDE

When you think of Cornwall, you think of the coast –and, from luxe hotel soirées to laidback sand-between-your-toes celebrations, the county has it all

Lusty Glaze

Tie the knot with the sand between your toes at this sublime cove on the edge of Newquay.

Crowned the UK’s Best Coastal Wedding Venue in the 2019 UK Wedding Awards, the beach venue is available to hire on an exclusive-use basis. The venue, of course, comes with uninterrupted ocean views and, with fiery sunsets and dramatic cliffs – plus the option for a midcelebration surf and dancing in the sand under the stars – this little cove offers romance in spades for sealoving souls.

lustyglaze.co.uk

Total capacity: 120 day, 200 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 30

Dog-friendly: Yes

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate

Perched on the edge of its own Blue Flag beach overlooking St Ives Bay, Carbis Bay Estate offers a dream destination wedding setting on Cornish shores. Set amidst subtropical gardens, the 125-acre estate comprises a hotel, spa, pool, beach club, myriad accommodation options – and a choice of wedding venues depending on the style of celebration you’re seeking. Choose Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling for breathtaking panoramas across the sea alongside stunning seasonal menus or The Wedding Hut for ceremonies on the sand and celebrations in a chic coastal setting. The light-filled Godrevy Room also comes with dreamy views, while The Gannet Inn offers a cosy space for intimate weddings with boutique accommodation. carbisbayhotel.co.uk

Total capacity: The Godrevy Room: 40

The Wedding Hut: 120

Ugly Butterfly: 150

The Gannet: 50

Spa Pavilion: 10

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 36 rooms in Main House, 8 suites, 8 luxury lodges, 4 valley cottages, 6 valley apartments & coastal properties

Dog-friendly: Yes, in The Wedding Hut

Dan Ward

Photography Alexa Poppe

Photography

St Michaels Resort

Located within pebble-hurling distance of Falmouth’s Gyllyngvase Beach, St Michael’s Resort presents a dream setting for a coastal wedding. Beyond the silken sands and sea views, the venue offers idyllic subtropical gardens, contemporary interiors and delicious menus featuring the finest seasonal ingredients. Take your vows in The Bay, where floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a private balcony gazing out to the gardens and ocean beyond. The award-winning spa is the perfect spot for unwinding with its hydrotherapy pool, hydrothermal experiences and spa garden featuring an outdoor hot tub, cold plunge pool and barrel sauna. Complete with luxe accommodation, you’ll be tempted to extend your festivities by the sea. stmichaelsresort.com

Total capacity: 70 day, more in the evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 92 rooms, 4 luxury lodges, 24 self-catering apartments

Dog-friendly: Yes

Caerhays

Rich in romance and natural beauty, the dreamlike Caerhays Estate sits in a secluded Cornish cove, hugged by acres of beautiful woodland gardens. Perched on a headland with far-reaching views out to sea, the Coastguards Lookout makes an intimate and magical setting to take your vows, while Beach Meadow, perched just above the sands, and Castle Field, located beneath Caerhays Castle, offer dreamy backdrops for a marquee reception with coastal and castle views. Then there’s The Vean, a private and elegant country house, which makes a luxurious retreat to stay for the duration of the celebrations. caerhays.co.uk

Total capacity: Beach Meadow 250, Castle Field 250, Coastguards Lookout 20 inside, The Vean 18

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 63 across the estate

Dog-friendly: Yes on leads (please ask in advance)

Polhawn Fort

Nestled in a tucked-away corner of the Rame Peninsula with soul-stirring sea views, Polhawn Fort really is the stuff of dreams. The Napoleonic Fort sits on a Cornish clifftop with rolling lawns and wildflower-filled gardens slipping down to the sea and a private beach for loved up wanders at the water’s edge. Available for two, three or four day weddings, take your vows beneath the vaulted ceilings and twinkling lights of the grand Napoleonic hall or head outside for a sun-kissed garden ceremony in the summerhouse or open air on the main lawn. Whether you’re dreaming of frolics on the sands and sundowners on the Mediterranean-inspired roof terrace or cosy candlelit celebrations with the waves crashing at the shore below, this captivating exclusive-use venue offers an extraordinary setting to begin married life. polhawnfort.com

Total capacity: 100

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 16

Dog-friendly: Yes

Polurrian on the Lizard

Perched on the clifftops gazing over Mounts Bay, the Polurrian has entertained guests for over 100 years. Rebranded as ‘Polurrian on the Lizard’ in 2019, this stunning Edwardian property has been fused with a fresh modern atmosphere, where classic architecture and history meets contemporary comfort and local excellence. Say “I do” with views, stretching from Mullion to St Michael’s Mount and beyond, set in 12 acres of mature gardens with its own secluded beach. There are a variety of packages ranging from day-use weddings to exclusive events, and a choice of three rooms for your ceremony and wedding breakfast. Every Polurrian wedding is given the utmost care and attention, allowing the bride and groom the freedom to be unique and personal while creating their special day.

polurrianhotel.com

Total capacity: 90

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 41 rooms

Dog-friendly: Yes

Arianna Fenton Photography

Jessica Apps Photography

Atlantic Hotel

Seemingly perched on the edge of the world, the Atlantic Hotel offers enchanting panoramic views across the North coast. Inside, elegant details including Art Deco designs, marble floors and crystal chandeliers all marry together to create refined opulence on your big day. Drinks on the front lawn is the perfect spot to watch the fiery sun sink into the ocean at sunset, before dancing the night away in the Grand Ballroom, large enough for 500 guests. Boasting luxurious accommodation, spa and pools - and located just a stone’s throw from Newquay’s best beaches - the Atlantic offers a place of romance as unique as your love story. atlantichotelnewquay.co.uk

Total capacity: 500

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 91 rooms and suites

Dog-friendly: Yes

Harbour Hotel St Ives

Boasting a picture-perfect position overlooking Porthminster Beach and the fresh-from-a-painting seascape of St Ives Bay, Harbour Hotel St Ives hosts grand-scale weddings through to more intimate affairs in its gorgeously designed interiors. There’s a choice of suites for ceremonies and celebrations, a superbly positioned terrace, beautiful intertwined jasmine arches and manicured gardens offering scenic spots for your guests to take in the views. And, of course, the sands of Porthminster Beach make the perfect backdrop for those just-married photos. Your guests will love waking to a sweep of blue sea and white sands in the boutique bedrooms and unwinding in the spa, which offers a tempting selection of treatments.

harbourhotels.co.uk/hotels/st-ives

Total capacity: 200

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 50 rooms

Dog-friendly: Yes

Beachside

Overlooking St Ives Bay midway along Hayle’s three glorious miles of golden sands, Beachside is perfectly positioned for a scenic and beautifully individual wedding on the Cornish coast. One of only a small cluster of licensed beach ceremony venues in the county, the venue presents couples with a sandy space beside the sea to say “I do” as well as an indoor setting for ceremonies and receptions in Coast, a modern and versatile restaurant with sweeping views across the bay. From intimate celebrations to exclusive hire, you can spend the day or entire weekend hosting friends and family, thanks to the plentiful accommodation options on-site as well as camping and caravan pitches. weddingsbeachside.co.uk

Total capacity: 100 day, 180 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 113 units (6-berth) & 87 pitches

Dog-friendly: No

Hotel Meudon

Hidden in a lush valley between Falmouth and The Helford, Hotel Meudon is a veritable subtropical paradise by the sea. Boasting exotic gardens, a secluded beach and luxe interiors, weddings here are steeped in style and natural beauty. Exclusive venue hire allows couples full and private roam of the hotel and grounds, including the bedrooms, drawing room, restaurant, The Lookout and Freddie’s Bar. Food is a swoon-worthy affair, with a team of award-winning chefs cooking up a seasonal and homegrown feast tailored to your tastes. Imagine spending your first moments as a married couple walking amongst giant flora from across the globe and strolling across the sands of Bream Cove. You might choose to spend a blissful few days relaxing in the gardens, enjoying treatments in the Sanctuary Suite and supping al fresco drinks at Freddie’s Bar in this sublime secret spot. meudon.co.uk

Total capacity: 150 exclusive-use

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 150 on an exclusive-use basis

Dog-friendly: Yes

Thomas Frost Photography

Beacon Crag

Just a stone’s throw from the harbour town of Porthleven you’ll find Beacon Crag, a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast perched on the cliffs.

Set within five acres of private grounds and terraced gardens, the venue boasts staggering views across the sea and rugged cliffscape with its own access to the rocky coves below. Catering for elopements and intimate weddings through to large-scale marquee receptions, it’s a wildly romantic place to wed, whether the stormy seas are crashing below or the sun is glinting on the calm waters. And with luxurious accommodation on-site, you can sink into a super-comfortable bed when the party’s over – and wake to those awe-inspiring sea views. beaconcrag.com

Total capacity: 15 inside, 300 with marquee

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 10; 4 rooms plus apartment Dog-friendly: Yes

Land’s End Hotel

With the Atlantic Ocean as your breathtaking backdrop, a wedding at the award-winning Land’s End Hotel offers an irresistible blend of drama, romance and a stirring sense of place. Set atop 200ft cliffs at the western tip of the country, the Victorian hotel blends traditional charm and modern touches. From elopements and intimate gatherings to celebrations for up to 120, you can look forward to a bespoke menu of the finest local flavours served alongside mesmerising ocean views. Complete with accommodation in the form of newly refurbished en suite bedrooms, the elegant Penwith Studios and a luxe honeymoon suite, you’ll be tempted to stay awhile and savour your newlywed bubble on the clifftops of this extraordinary place. landsendhotel.co.uk

Total capacity: 120

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 35 en suite bedrooms, 4 Penwith Studios, 1 Saddle Apartment & 3 Stable Rooms

Dog-friendly: Yes

The Gannet

Located in Carbis Bay, The Gannet lies a short distance from awardwinning Blue Flag Carbis Bay Beach and just a mile from St Ives. As the sister hotel to Carbis Bay Estate, ceremony and photo opportunities on Carbis Bay Beach are just some of the attractions of marrying at The Gannet. A spacious and stylish space for taking your vows and celebrating, the lounge, restaurant and cocktail bar area is styled with luxe furnishings, chesterfield sofas and quirky accents. A delicious menu will be designed around your tastes: think hearty dishes packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients and washed down with fine wines and local ales and spirits. The 16 individually designed bedrooms offer a blend of coastal hues, bold décor and elevated sea views. With exclusive hire options available, you can enjoy a private party at the venue, making cherished memories on the beach as well as in the versatile and characterful climes of this boutique retreat. gannetstives.co.uk

Total capacity: 50

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 16 rooms

Dog-friendly: Yes

Oceanside Hotel

Located conveniently close to Fistral Beach on Newquay’s north coast, Oceanside Hotel is a relaxed, contemporary and comfortable beachside retreat, where couples can say “I do” within touching distance of the ocean. Choose from the indoor wedding marquee, a glamorous silk draped space, or the Surfrider, a light and airy setting with views across the rolling waves of the Atlantic as well as its own bar and outdoor terrace. From elopements to evening receptions for up to 200 guests, from laidback beachside barbecues to sit-down dinners, this versatile venue combines a relaxed vibe with top-notch service for a so-you wedding by the sea. oceansidehotel.co.uk

Total capacity: 140 day, 200 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 27 rooms for up to 65 guests

Dog-friendly: Yes

Katie Goff Photography

historic family home in the heart of Cornwall where weddings can unfold in a truly magical setting. ancient parkland and gardens, Scorrier affords complete fairytale wedding tailored to your every whim. www.scorrierhouse.co.uk

Images (from top): Paul Keppel Photography and Mollie McAusland Photography

The Greenbank

Perched on a harbour with breathtaking views across the River Fal, The Greenbank Hotel sets the scene for a stylish waterside wedding. Dating back to the 17th century, the four-star hotel’s historic character has been brilliantly blended with plush modern comforts and luxe accents. Food is a key focus and bespoke menus are brimming with fine local produce: think fresh seafood washed down with hand-picked wines, artisan spirits and Cornish craft beers. Guests can mingle on the terrace with cocktails or even head to the private sandy beach. And the bridal suite has a rolltop bathtub, huge bed and private balcony – the perfect spot for a sundowner as you watch the boats chug by. greenbank-hotel.co.uk

Total capacity: 100 day, 120 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 120

Dog-friendly: Yes

The Old Quay House Hotel

Nestled amidst the buildings on the banks of Fowey estuary, The Old Quay House Hotel was formerly a refuge for seamen – today, it’s a sanctuary of luxury and tranquillity where mesmerising views across the water come with elegantly styled interiors and fine food. Available for exclusive-use weddings, marry on the water’s edge terrace where the sea air, call of seabirds, and fishing boats bobbing by promise a ceremony to remember. Indoor options comprise the Penthouse Suite and waterfront restaurant, which also makes a gorgeous setting to dine on a bespoke menu brimming with local delicacies – think Fowey River oysters and local scallops washed down with champagne. theoldquayhouse.com

Total capacity: 70

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 13 rooms

Dog-friendly: On terrace only

Fowey Hall Hotel

Sitting high above Fowey, Fowey Hall Hotel boasts awe-inspiring panoramas across the waters of the estuary and the ocean beyond. Thought to be the inspiration for Toad Hall in Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, the Victorian mansion is rich in opulent features, bringing a sense of relaxed grandeur to your day. Drinks on the croquet lawn while the sun shimmers on the sea offer heady romance during spring and summer, while festivities amidst crackling fires and vistas across white-tipped oceans are equally soul-stirring in winter. There’s also a sumptuous selection of bedrooms, a crèche, cinema room and spa with an outdoor hot tub – a dreamy spot for toasting your nuptials. foweyhallhotel.co.uk

Total capacity: 120

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 72, plus children

Dog-friendly: Yes

Una St Ives

Nestled in a leafy setting close to Carbis Bay and St Ives, Una St Ives offers rural seclusion within touching distance of the beach. The resort comprises a series of architect-designed lodges and villas, a light-filled restaurant, which opens onto a sunny terrace and kitchen garden, and impressive leisure facilities including an infinity pool, gym, sauna, steam room and spa treatments, as well as a stunning outdoor lido. You can look forward to a relaxed event tailored to your vision, whether it’s signature cocktails or toasting marshmallows around the firepit. A feast of Mediterranean flavours inspired by the wood-fired Gozney oven promises to be a highlight, while the fabulous facilities will ensure an extended celebration to remember. unastives.co.uk

Total capacity: minimum 40 - maximum 70 adults. Up to 20 additional evening guests

Civil ceremonies licence: No

Guest accommodation: Individual lodges & villas can be booked

Dog-friendly: Yes

Nick Bailey Photography

The Driftwood Spars

Perched on the edge of Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes, The Driftwood Spars is rich in the atmosphere of the Cornish coast. Dating back to the 1650s, the building has been a tin mining warehouse, sail-making loft and fish cellar – now a cosy pub, this seaside treasure offers charm-packed spaces for a relaxed and sustainable beachside wedding. There’s a Cliffside Garden for drinks receptions served with salty air, sea views and a huge choice of hand-picked ales, ciders, wines and spirits as well as handcrafted beers from the venue’s own brewery. Add feasts rich in locally sourced produce and you have all the ingredients for a laidback coastal celebration. driftwoodspars.co.uk

Total capacity: 83 day, 120 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 37

Dog-friendly: Yes

The Rosevine

Located within pebble-hurling distance of the shore on the edge of the Roseland Peninsula, this home-from-home Georgian house has cosy lounges, an indoor pool, a restaurant and 15 apartments. Blending its 18th century elegance with contemporary seaside style, the ‘Big House by the Sea’ is ideal for a relaxed coastal celebration. Host a gorgeously intimate ceremony and feast inside the house for up to 65 or throw a dazzling tipi reception on the lawn with views across Gerrans Bay for larger numbers. Draw the day to a close with toasting marshmallows under the stars to the whisper of the sea. Dreamy. rosevine.co.uk

Total capacity: 65, plus extra with marquee

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 15 apartments, sleeps 30

Dog-friendly: Yes

Above the Bay

Above the Bay offers a relaxed and contemporary setting for a wedding complete with mesmerising sea views. Flanked by Falmouth Golf Course, the venue is a sun-soaked spot where you can spill onto the terrace for drinks and take in the coastal panoramas during the warmer months. Similarly romantic during the winter, enjoy epic photographs against stormy skies and return to your magically lit party space to enjoy festivities before views across rolling waves. A light-filled blank canvas for styling to your taste, choose from a selection of menus or design a bespoke feast of locally sourced ingredients. With a dedicated wedding coordinator on hand, you can relax and savour every moment of your celebrations above this special stretch of Cornwall’s coastline. abovethebay.co.uk

Total capacity: 80 ceremony, 100 wedding breakfast, 180 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: No

Dog-friendly: Only during the ceremony

The Llawnroc

Nestled in the fishing village of Gorran Haven on Cornwall’s south coast, The Llawnroc Hotel is an away-from-it-all sanctuary where you can combine a sand-and-sea celebration with the luxuries and comforts of a boutique hotel. The venue offers a choice of rooms for ceremonies and celebrations with views across the gardens and the ocean beyond, and 18 individually styled bedrooms for your guests to enjoy the venue’s sumptuous brand of seaside style a little longer. Take the path down to the beach climb to the clifftops for photographs and magical moments at the water’s edge, or drink in the ocean vibes and delicious cocktails on the sun-trap terrace. thellawnroc.co.uk

Total capacity: 80 day, 200 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 18 rooms

Dog-friendly: No

Lee Maxwell Photography

RUSTIC & COUNTRYSIDE

From rustic barns to modern spaces flanked by wooded valleys and rural panoramas, throw your dream wedding in the Cornish countryside

Kilminorth

A sprawling 32-acre country estate set in a hidden valley on Cornwall’s south coast, Kilminorth is a veritable wedding village, marrying wild meadows, majestic woodland and landscaped gardens with a cluster of beautifully restored Cornish cottages. The perfect setting for an extended celebration with all the special people in your lives, the cottages accommodate up to 63 people and offer a blend of original features, modern, open-plan layouts and luxe touches alongside hot tubs, a tennis court and outdoor swimming pool. Whether you envision an intimate gathering in one of the cottages or a weekend extravaganza with vows in the paddock and a tailormade reception in the marquee, it’s an idyllic and gorgeously secluded setting to create the celebration of your wildest dreams. kilminorthcottages.co.uk

Total capacity: 250

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 63 across 14 cottages

Dog-friendly: Yes

This rural treasure sits amidst 142 acres of countryside where the Tor-dotted horizons of Bodmin Moor meet sprawling expanses and wooded valleys. Bespoke weddings are a speciality; the historic cluster of barns offers exclusive-use of the facilities and accommodation for a one, two or threenight hire. Kick off the fun with a welcome meal in the farmhouse and drinks at the bar stocked with local craft beers, spirits and wines. Get married in the restored Threshing Barn or the Garden Venue, a light and versatile space overlooking the garden meadow across to Berry Tor. Or marry outdoors beneath the handcrafted arbour with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Dinner will be a treat – look forward to a seriously good feast of local flavours from Trevenna’s Event Kitchen. trevenna.co.uk

Total capacity: 120 day, 150 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 40

Dog-friendly: Yes

Trevenna

Nancarrow Farm

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Cornwall, this picturesque venue provides a naturally beautiful setting for weddings and events. Set against a backdrop of idyllic meadows, fruit orchards and rambling roses, this organic working farm offers the dream countryside location. Settle into their lovingly converted barns and accommodation for up to 30 guests in a mixture of rustic yet luxurious bedrooms before holding your ceremony amidst the rustic charm of the restored hay barn. Enjoy a delicious feast in the Oak Barn situated overlooking the millpond and flooded with natural light. Your feast will include the very best seasonal produce from the Kitchen Garden alongside their very own organic beef and lamb, cooked over woodfire and their home-produced Wilder Wood’s Charcoal. nancarrowfarm.co.uk

Total capacity: 130 day, 160 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 26

Dog-friendly: No

Stennack Farm

This family-run working farm is home to an exclusive and secluded wedding venue, set amidst acres of meadows and woodland just a short drive from St Ives and Godrevy. A beautifully renovated cow barn sets the scene for the country celebration of your dreams, thanks to its contemporary design and blank canvas aesthetic. With a cluster of luxury barn conversions on the doorstep, the wedding party can stay on-site and enjoy snug beds, hot tubs and al fresco dining amidst the Cornish countryside. stennackfarm.com

Total capacity: 150

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 20

Dog-friendly: Yes

Pengenna Manor

Flanked by a wooded valley, this 800-year-old estate lies amidst 300 acres of countryside close to the north coast. Weddings are private, exclusive affairs with a range of stunning spots to take your vows. There’s the summerhouse, with its valley views while guests watch from an avenue of apple and cherry blossom trees, and the former cow shed, which has been converted for rustic-chic ceremonies and wedding receptions for up to 100 guests. Then there’s the Grade II manor house itself, where you can say “I do” in the archway of the 450-year-old front door or the drawing room. As well as plentiful accommodation you’ll find gorgeous celebration spaces galore, from the former cowyard for fizz-fuelled mingling to the marquee garden for festival-style celebrations where marquees can be erected to host up to 350 guests.

pengennamanor.co.uk

Total capacity: 100 in barn, 350 with marquee

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 18

Dog-friendly: Yes

Trenderway

Gaze out across a gorgeous sweep of Cornish countryside, scattered with lakes and woodland, as you get wed at Trenderway, where there’s a choice of four licensed locations for ceremonies. Choose from the historic restored barns – all exposed stone and aged beams woven with twinkling lights – or outdoors with meadow views. The 200-year-old Cornish granite Linhay Barn, with its oak floors, whitewashed walls and cosy bar, is an atmospheric space for feasting and partying, while the cobbled courtyard is just the spot for gathering in the sunshine. What’s more, the accommodation comes complete with a five-star Cornish breakfast served in the garden – if the weather permits! trenderwayweddings.co.uk

Total capacity: 150 day, 250 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 14

Dog-friendly: Yes

The Green

This former dairy farm is now a ready-made wedding village set amidst meadows and rolling woodland on the edge of Bodmin Moor. From a cosy do for two to a big bash for 140, there’s a choice of settings to exchange vows, from the house and country-chic wedding barn to the lake arbour in the woods and the oak arbour with views across the valley. A former cow shed, the Red Brick Barn is a perfect party space with its characterful brick walls and beams, while the Really Rustic Barn offers an industrial style backdrop. And the cottage accommodation is pretty special too! thegreencornwall.co.uk

Total capacity: 140

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 42

Dog-friendly: Yes

Tredudwell Manor

There’s so much that makes Tredudwell Manor spinetinglingly romantic, from the picture-perfect country location just 10 minutes from the secret coves and sparkling seas of the south coast to the 18th-century manor house and ceremony temple flanked by a Roman folly, pond and natural amphitheatre. A purpose-built pavilion offers a brilliantly flexible blank canvas space for celebrations all year round thanks to its light, airy climes in summer and snug underfloor heating in winter. There’s also accommodation in the manor house and parkland and gardens entwined with climbing roses – perfect for lawn games and ice creams bathed in Cornish sunshine.

tredudwell.co.uk

Total capacity: 220

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 18

Dog-friendly: Yes

Where the only limit is your imagination

Coastal Barn wedding reception and ceremony for up to 220 guests

Luxury B&B accommodation

Stunning outdoor ceremony temples

Wild flower meadows

The Barn at Pengelly

Set amidst 500 acres of scenic farmland on the edge of Truro, The Barn at Pengelly offers a purpose-built wedding space overlooking rolling hills and serene lakes. Bathed in natural light, marry inside the glass-fronted barn, with its lofty ceilings, bi-folding doors and sweeping views, or venture outside for vows on the terrace. With blank canvas interiors and a wellstocked bar (including Pimm’s on tap!), the barn can be styled according to your vision for a beautifully individual celebration. Imagine drifting onto the terrace for sun-drenched drinks and games while soaking up the panoramas across the surrounding meadows. Spend your first night as a married couple in the luxurious eco cabin, gazing at the stars from your lakeside hammock and waking to views across the tranquil waters. pengellyweddings.com

Total capacity: 150 day, 300 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: Honeymoon cabin for newlyweds plus cottage accommodation for 21

Dog-friendly: Yes

Knightor

Hugged by traditional Cornish hedges in a picture-perfect corner of the countryside, Knightor comprises four acres of vineyards, pastures and orchard with a courtyard and 18th century threshing barn at its heart. Marry amidst the stone walls and twinkling beams of the barn or beneath the arbour overlooking the pond. Delight your guests with carefully curated menus brimming with local produce and Knightor’s exceptional collection of wines. Spend your wedding night in Orchard Barn, a modern studio barn nestled amidst the meadow grass and apple and pear trees of the orchard, while 12 guests can savour the comforts of Knightor Manor. knightor.com

Total capacity: 90 ceremony, 150 evening reception

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 14, plus two bell tents

Dog-friendly: Yes

Tregedna Weddings

Steal away to the south coast where Tregedna Farm offers a choice of two character-filled settings for intimate weddings through to large-scale celebrations in a secluded rural idyll. Marry in The Loft, a traditional barn setting with rustic beams, or The Barn, a blank canvas backdrop for styling as you wish, before heading to nearby Maenporth beach for photos and just-married moments on the sands. With accommodation for 24, you’ll be tempted to extend the festivities and soak up the scenery and romance of this enchanting corner of Cornwall. tregednaweddings.co.uk

Total capacity: 100 seated, 150 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 24

Dog-friendly: Yes (but not permitted in bedrooms)

Calloose

Situated in 15 acres of picturesque countryside in West Cornwall, Calloose specialises in two-day wedding experiences where bespoke and versatile are the keynotes. Licensed for indoor and outdoor ceremonies, the choice of spaces – including a giant tipi, white marquee and cosy bar – adapts to all budgets and styles of wedding in any season, whether you picture a winter elopement or big summer party. Meanwhile, the dining options range from relaxed buffets, barbecues, hog roasts and pizzas to three-course feasts and food vans. With a choice of holiday homes, lodges and camping and touring pitches on-site, turn your wedding into a mini holiday, starting with a pool party and ending with a lazy brunch and stroll across a nearby beach. callooseweddings.co.uk

Total capacity: 100 day, 150 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 32 holiday homes & lodges, 100 camping & touring pitches

Dog-friendly: Yes

VENUES GUIDE: MANOR HOUSES & CASTLES

Live out your very own fairytale in one of Cornwall’s elegant country houses or majestic castles

Scorrier House

Situated at the heart of 400 acres of magnificent parkland, Scorrier House sets the dreamy scene for an exclusive wedding for up to 160 guests. The jewel in the crown of the historic manor house is the Grand Hall with its lofty ceilings, elegant architectural features and idyllic views across the grounds –hold your ceremony here, or, for something more intimate, there’s the gilded Drawing Room or the gazebo in the pool garden. There’s also a classical orangery, the Blue Library – a cosy spot for unwinding during the celebrations – and accommodation in the house as well as the Stable House across the courtyard.

scorrierhouse.co.uk

Total capacity: 160

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 20

Dog-friendly: By arrangement

Trelowarren

Described as “a jewel in the palm of your hand” (by Daphne Du Maurier, no less!), Trelowarren has a palpable sense of romance. Hugged by ancient woodland in a tucked-away corner of the Lizard peninsula, the open parkland, breathtaking views and beautiful house make a stirring setting for a wedding. The 15th Century, Grade I listed manor house can seat up to 100 guests in its historic Gothic chapel. From the elegance of the Drawing Room to the rustic charm of the Stable Event Space, you can design a reception to suit your vision and may be tempted by the delicious, seasonal food from the on-site New Yard Restaurant. There’s five-star accommodation on the Estate, while The Walled Garden Spa makes the perfect spot for some pampering. trelowarren.com

Total capacity: 120

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 3 rooms in the main house & 20 cottages around the estate

Dog-friendly: Yes

Tim Woolcock Photography

Boconnoc

One of the most beautiful private hire estates in the South West, Boconnoc offers luxuriously appointed guest accommodation, multiple ceremony and celebration spaces and award-winning architectural renovation. Secluded in 100s of acres of Cornish countryside, anything is possible, from a church ceremony followed by a wedding breakfast in elegant Georgian reception rooms to a rustic Stable Yard ceremony, followed by drinks at the Fernery and dining in the Dorothy Garden. Every Boconnoc wedding is different, but the one thread that runs throughout them all is that the outside world disappears, giving you and your guests a truly unique experience to remember for a lifetime. Exclusive hire of the entire Boconnoc Estate is available for one, two and three-night weddings with accommodation for up to 54 people. Also available for luxurious, intimate weddings. boconnoc.com

Total capacity: 100 & up to 240 with a marquee extension

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes, multiple locations & church on-site

Guest accommodation: Up to 54 across the estate Dog-friendly: Yes

Pencarrow

Pencarrow is the beautiful Georgian home of the Molesworth-St Aubyn family. Lying at the foot of a sweeping valley, the venue offers everything from intimate weddings to grand affairs for 250+ guests. Ceremonies can take place in the historic house or one of the licensed outdoor spaces, the wisteria-clad arbour on the lawn being a firm favourite. A purposebuilt seasonal marquee in the walled gardens, staffed wedding bar and children’s entertainment all on hand as well as lots of optional add-ons, the venue delivers a truly unique and charming wedding experience, combining the beautiful traditional backdrop of Pencarrow House with a versatile contemporary venue. You and your guests can stay in a yurt, bell tent or shepherd’s hut and wake to a breakfast hamper delivered with an optional Bloody Mary or glass of Prosecco alongside a cooked breakfast. weddingsatpencarrow.com

Total capacity: 250+

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 2 yurts, pod, 2 shepherd’s huts, bell tents Dog-friendly: Yes, except in house

Emily Jayne Weddings

Nick Walker Photography

The Curries Taylor & Porter

Mark Shaw Photography

Carwinion House

Located in a tucked-away spot in Mawnan Smith on Cornwall’s south coast, Carwinion House offers a dream blend of stunning gardens and a country house setting. Enjoy the peace and privacy of this exclusive-use venue, where you can take your vows in the charming 18th century house or amidst the flower-filled gardens. A beautiful Raj tent in the walled garden makes a breathtaking canvas for a personality-packed reception, overlooking a carnival of wildflowers, lakes and mature trees beyond.

Complete with accommodation for up to six in the heart of the gardens, prepare to fall in love with this captivating country idyll.

carwinionhouse.co.uk

Total capacity: 80

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 6

Dog-friendly: No

Burncoose House

The woodland gardens of Burncoose House make for a captivating carnival of colour in the spring and early summer – all camellias, magnolias and hydrangeas framed by blossomcloaked trees. Then there’s the house itself: the Grade II listed Jacobean and Georgian gem has been renovated to create a luxurious retreat, which sleeps up to 14 in seven en suite bedrooms.

From snug celebrations in rooms warmed by roaring fires to al fresco celebrations under the stars, this year-round venue offers small-scale weddings in the house to large marquee receptions on the lawn. Extend the festivities for a few days with lazy barbecues and long soaks in the hot tub.

burncoosehouse.co.uk

Total capacity: 250 with marquee

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 14

Dog-friendly: Yes

Katie Goff

Photography

Lizzie

Churchill Photography

 Dan Ward

WOW FACTOR

We’ve rounded up some of Cornwall’s most incredible settings for a standout celebration

Eden Project

The Eden Project offers the balmy temperatures and vibrant atmosphere of a destination wedding – without having to leave Cornwall! Take your vows amidst the scents and colours of the Mediterranean Biome or the lush foliage of the Rainforest Biome. Hold an after-dark reception in the Mediterranean Biome and make merry beneath the illusion of a starry night sky. There’s also The Gallery, which offers panoramic views of the biomes and space for a whopping 500 people, with the Kitchen building having space for 1,000 at a drinks reception! With sustainability at the heart of the venue’s ethos, your carefully sourced feast might be served with exclusive Eden Project wine. Guests can be transported by a decorated land train and those keen to make a showstopping arrival can abseil into the biome or fly down the SkyWire! edenproject.com

Total capacity: 1,000

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 58 bedrooms

Dog-friendly: Couple’s dog welcome for ceremony and reception only

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Beautiful, unique and enchanting, The Lost Gardens of Heligan offers an extraordinarily romantic setting for your wedding, whichever season you choose to marry in. Located close to Cornwall’s south coast, the awardwinning 200-acre site is an earthly paradise where bamboo meets majestic tree ferns, meandering pathways weave through camellias and rhododendrons, the historical walled gardens, lamb-filled paddocks and the sound of birdsong. Hosting intimate ceremonies and receptions for up to 60 guests in a choice of indoor and outdoor event spaces, your wedding day can play out in the most beautiful of settings. What’s more, with approximately 85% of the produce used in Heligan’s menus sourced directly from the estate, you’re assured a feast of fresh, seasonal ingredients with a minimal carbon footprint. heligan.com

Total capacity: 60 daytime, 90 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: No, but plentiful accommodation nearby Dog-friendly: Yes

Nick Walker

Photography

Photography: Chris Goodman, Brian Robinson

Cornish Tipi Weddings

Dreaming of a wildly romantic wedding? Prepare to find it at Cornish Tipi Weddings, a secret glade of ancient woodland with carpets of wildflowers and a glorious lake at its heart. A gorgeous canvas for a relaxed, backto-nature wedding, take your vows to the sound of birdsong in the willow and canvas pavilion or opt for a dreamy ceremony beside the lake. Throw the ultimate festival wedding in the marquee meadow, which can be styled according to your vision, whether it’s pared-back pretty or full-blown boho. And sprinkle the celebrations with the romance of rowing across the lake, gathering round the firepit for marshmallows and stargazing, and, of course, spending your wedding night in a tipi! cornishtipiweddings.co.uk

Total capacity: 300

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 300

Dog-friendly: Couple’s dog welcome for ceremony and photos only

The Alverton

There’s much to wow at The Alverton, an elegant hotel nestled in the heart of Truro, but the Great Hall must be its most breathtaking feature. Dating back to 1830, the spectacular vaulted ceiling, balcony and marble staging make it a grand and incredibly romantic backdrop for ceremonies and receptions for up to 140 guests with an exquisite bespoke menu by the hotel’s talented two AA Rosette chefs to match. Flanked by gardens and terraces, there are gorgeous outdoor spaces galore, and a choice of more intimate settings for ceremonies. The bedrooms, meanwhile, are the epitome of luxury with their brand of sumptuous styling, original features and modern touches. Spend your wedding night in stately style in the Bishop Suite with its lavish super-king bed and double roll-top bathtubs. thealverton.co.uk

Total capacity: 150 ceremony, 180 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 110

Dog-friendly: Yes

Debs Alexander Photography

Olivia Rossi Photography

Olivia Rossi Photography

Steven Prebble Photography

SMALL & INTIMATE

Dreaming of stealing away for a small wedding in a beautiful corner of Cornwall? These gorgeous spots specialise in intimate weddings

Charlestown Harbour

Located on the picturesque south coast, this small, privately owned Grade II listed Georgian harbour is one of Cornwall’s most iconic locations and offers romance and character in spine-tingling abundance. Steeped in maritime history and home to a fleet of striking classic tall ships, couples can marry in the intimate climes of The Round House, which can be found at the end of the east side of the harbour, offering sweeping views across St Austell Bay. Built in the late 1800s, the atmospheric space can host ceremonies with up to eight guests in attendance, while larger receptions can take place in the heart of the inner harbour on board the tall ship, Kajsamoor. Create a tailored package to suit your requirements, from a drinks reception on the open deck space to a three-course meal for up to 32 seated guests (or 50 standing) provided by popular local restaurant, The Longstore. charlestownharbour.com

Total capacity: 30 in Round House, more for harbour reception

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: Available on classic ships, capacity dependent on time of year and vessel Dog-friendly: Yes, but not on ships

St Nectan’s Glen

As well as being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this utterly enchanting corner of north Cornwall is thought to be one of the UK’s most spiritual sites. The otherworldly beauty of St Nectan’s Glen is undeniable, from the magnificent 60-foot waterfall cascading into an idyllic valley to the acres of ancient woodland where ivy-clad trees line the banks of the River Trevillet. Secluded, tranquil and truly away-from-it-all, this hidden Cornish valley is a dreamlike setting for a wedding immersed in nature. With the focus very much on each couple’s individual vision for their day, the friendly and flexible team will help you to design the celebration of your wildly beautiful dreams, whether you choose a hand fasting, an elopement or intimate ceremony. st-nectansglen.co.uk

Total capacity: 20

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 15 Dog-friendly: Yes

Treseren

Treseren is a Georgian gem with beautiful light and proportions, a former Mine Captain’s residence, rich in history and architectural features. Specialising in small weddings, Treseren is an award-winning wedding venue that offers beauty, romance and a real sense of occasion, all within just a 10-minute drive of some of North Cornwall’s most iconic beaches. The beauty of the house is matched by its private and generous grounds, creating a truly peaceful retreat to relax and immerse yourselves in a bespoke wedding experience, enjoying fine dining, bespoke cocktails and luxury accommodation all under the magic of a Cornish sky. Weddings at Treseren are much more than a one-day affair, with weekend weddings for up to 22 including a three-night stay, providing quality time together to celebrate such a special moment. Offering a unique blend of five-star service in a home from home atmosphere, Treseren weddings are small in scale but big on style. treseren.co.uk

Total capacity: 22

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 12

Dog-friendly: Yes

Lower Barns

Bursting with colour and personality, this brilliantly characterful elopement venue sits in a tucked-away spot close to the south coast, offering privacy, style and romance by the bucketload. Specialising in elopements and intimate weddings, there’s plenty of special spaces to say “I do”, including the Wed Shed – a vibrant wedding ‘chapel’ in the gardens –and the gorgeous Lounge with its open fire, as well as The Shack, with its cosy fire and twinkling lights overlooking the garden. Tuck into a barbecue in the bloom-filled garden, a sit-down dinner in the Lounge or a relaxed feast in The Party Shed where you can sink into a sofa by the wood burner and toast your union with ‘bring your own’ tipples. Spend the night in one of the cosy and creatively designed suites and reflect on your big day while stargazing in the hot tub. lowerbarnswedding.co.uk

Total capacity: 20

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 18

Dog-friendly: Yes

Ash Powell Photography

Ash Powell

Paul Massey

Verity Westcott Photography

MARQUEES & TIPIS

Dreaming of a so-you wedding under canvas? Be inspired by these fabulous outdoor wedding specialists

Absolute Canvas

Absolute Canvas is a family-run marquee hire company based in Cornwall with over 30 years of experience. Absolute Canvas offers a range of beautiful marquees, from elegant beautiful traditional canvas, to stunning clear span marquees. Each marquee is a blank canvas and can be styled to your individual taste; from rustic English fete, to your lavish modern finish. The team pride themselves on their attentive and personal approach to your planning and can be involved as little or as much as you would like. They are on hand to offer advice, chat and discuss your vision. They understand that this is the biggest day of your life and love nothing more than to take your big ideas and make them happen. absolutecanvas.co.uk

Skybar Weddings

Seeking a wow-worthy space to stage your celebrations? Skybar Weddings’ collection of top-of-the-range stretch marquees will suit weddings of any size and style. Couples can hire a range of lighting, flooring and furnishings such as tables, chairs and Chesterfield sofas, along with a bespoke bar (with setup and service), plus various staging, sound and entertainment options too. The company even offers stylish wedding transportation in the form of a Land Rover. From finding the perfect party spot to the full hire and styling package, look forward to a brilliantly personalised service from this highly experience team of event organisersand a marquee wedding to remember. skybarweddings.com

Freckle

Photography

Taylor & Porter

Kirstin Prisk Photography

Sunset Tipis

Sunset Tipis brings the wow factor in spades with their giant big hat kata tipis as well as their own locations for hire spanning spots with coastal, valley and countryside views, including the iconic St Agnes Beacon. Roll up the sides and savour the Cornish views and warm sunshine or take them down to create a snug and cosy vibe by the fire, the exposed poles woven with fairy lights adding to the magic. Every element of your tipi wedding can be looked after by the team. sunsettipis.com

Tipi Spaces

Tipi Spaces’ ivory white canvas Nordic tipis provide a versatile and truly enchanting blank canvas. Manufactured in Sweden, each tipi is designed to offer maximum durability and protection from the elements to give a fabulously flexible solution for any setting or style of event. Their striking structure ensures a wow-worthy centrepiece, while inside, the conical shape sculpts a more intimate space for your celebrations. And, boasting almost 50 years combined experience of project and luxury event management, the team is enthusiastically primed to achieve your vision by attending to all the details. tipispaces.co.uk

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR VENUE

Before you fall for the first venue you visit, get clued up on the essential questions...

Choosing your wedding venue is a huge decision, and one from which many of your other decisions will follow. It’s oh-so easy to set your heart on the first country pile you visit but, before you make a decision, consider these key questions from wedding planner, Jenny Granlund of Jenny Wren Weddings & Events (jennywrens.com).

Then go ahead and make that all-important booking – safe in the knowledge that you’re prepped on the party-planning essentials.

• What is the capacity for a ceremony and reception?

• Does the venue have a ceremony licence?

• What ceremony locations are there, both inside and outside?

• Is the venue exclusive use?

• What is their availability like?

• What is included in the price?

• Look at the rooms and discuss whether room turnarounds will need to take place (for example, if the dinner is in the same room as the ceremony).

If so, who will take care of this?

• Are there any break-out rooms away from the party for older guests or babies?

• Will there be a wedding coordinator on-site on the wedding day? What will they be taking care of in the lead up and on the day?

• Is furniture provided?

• Is tableware provided?

• Can you bring in your own suppliers and catering company?

• Are toilets provided?

• What time do the licenses for music and alcohol run until?

• Are there restrictions concerning music?

• Is there the option to provide your own alcohol? Do they charge corkage?

• What day and time can you have access from?

• Is there accommodation on-site or close by?

• Do they allow fireworks?

• Do they allow confetti?

• Do they allow firepits?

• Are there dos and don’ts concerning decoration?

• What time does the hire end?

• Who does the clean up afterwards?

• Who takes away the recycling and rubbish?

Venetia Norrington Photography

Photos: Louise Eleanor photography

Photo Paul Keppel photography

www.thevelvetdaisy.co.uk

helen@thevelvetdaisy.co.uk

07790692221

Photography

Accessories

Tiaras and Vines 07581 414920 tiarasandvines.co.uk

Beauty

Lauren Bramble Hair laurenbramblehair.co.uk

Bridal wear

Bliss Bridal Gowns 01637 851163 blissbridalgowns.co.uk

Coastal Bridal 07476 099959 coastalbridal.co.uk

Frocks & Frills 01872 713824 frocksfrills.co.uk

St Ives Bridal Boutique 01736 695775 stivesbridalboutique.co.uk

Two For Joy Bridal 07767 646337 twoforjoybridal.co.uk

Catering, cakes & bars

Ausel Cakes & Catering 07590 610128 auselcakes.co.uk

Beautiful and the Feast beautifulandthefeast.com

Beetham Food 07790 640610 beethamfood.co.uk

Crafty Cakehole 07948 206639 craftycakehole.co.uk

The Good Food Catering Company 01840 211118 thegoodfoodcateringco.co.uk

JRO Bar & Events 07938 839313 jrobarevents.co.uk Kernowforno 07437 530509 kernowforno.co.uk

Peboryon 07534 617059 peboryon.com

Red Robin Pantry 07446 030259 redrobinpantry.co.uk

The Buffalo 07931 266900 thebuffalo.co.uk

The Natural Cake Company 07411 919218 thenaturalcakecompany.com

Celebrants

Cornish Celebrants 07716 992526 cornishcelebrants.co.uk

Fiona Solomon 07527 081872 fionasolomoncelebrant.com

Perfect Day Ceremonies 07977 561450 perfectdayceremonies.co.uk

Childcare

Cornwall Childcare 07592 676259 cornwallchildcare.com

Décor

Abbotts Event Hire 01209 212794 abbottseventhire.co.uk

Out of the Ordinary Event Hire 01209 203291 outoftheordinaryeventhire.com

Peng Succulents 07584 55522 pengsucculents.com/weddings

Stargazey Décor Hire 07731 378469 stargazeydecor.co.uk

Trevarno Event Hire 01209 831333 trevarnoeventhire.co.uk

Entertainment

Classical Strings 01736 719342 classicalstrings.co.uk

Fistral Stereo 07808 588705 fistralstereo.com

Fireworks

Celebration Pyrotechnics 01208 78790 / 07814 014233 celebrationpyro.com

Sonic Fireworks 01884 849222 sonicfireworks.co.uk

Flowers

Fleurtations 01208 78555 fleurtationscornwall.com

George Mackay Flowers 07852 405311 georgemackayflowers.com

Perdie’s Flowers 07792 924212 perdiesflowers.co.uk

Toots & Blooms 07891 492944 instagram.com/tootsandblooms_florals

Marquees

Absolute Canvas 01326 375747 absolutecanvas.co.uk

Skybar Weddings skybarweddings.com

Sunset Tipis sunsettipis.com

Tipi Spaces 01884 277306 tipispaces.co.uk

Trevarno Marquees & Event Hire 01209 831333 trevarnomarquees.co.uk

Menswear

Cornwall Suit Room 07886 424113 cornwallsuitroom.com

Photography

Alan Law Photography 07594 847422 alanlawphotography.co.uk

Andy Holter Photography 07738 599001 andyholterphotography.com

ByLumiere 07725 233247 bylumiere.co.uk

Hannah Wilde Photography 07508 596322 hannah-wilde.com

I Do Film + Photos 07535 440807 idofilmandphotos.co.uk

Nick Bailey 07816 251838 photobailey.com

Olivia Rossi Photography 07470 056050 oliviarossiphotography.com

Ross Talling Photography 07525 781128 rosstalling.co.uk

The Menagerie Lifestyle Photography 07943 551687 themenagerielifestylephotography.co.uk

Thomas Frost Photography 07584 906088 thomasfrostphotography.com

Thomas Hare Photography 07572 232315 thomasharephotography.com

Toby Lowe Photography 07800 805081 tobylowephotography.co.uk

Verity Westcott Photography 07412 364197 veritywestcottphotography.com

Rings & jewellery

Becca Williams 07845 579377 beccawilliams.co.uk

Emily Nixon 01736 887599 emilynixon.com

Found Treasure foundtreasurejewellery.com

Justin Duance 01736 367254 justind.co.uk

Michael Spiers 01872 272264 michaelspiers.co.uk

Stephanie Stevens 07817 239895 stephaniestevensjewellery.co.uk

Svendsen Jewellery svendsenjewellery.com

Transport

Honeybugs Cornwall 07981 166098 honeybugscornwall.co.uk

Vintage Dream Rides vintagedreamrides.com Venues

Above the Bay abovethebay.co.uk

Atlantic Hotel 01637 872244

atlantichotelnewquay.co.uk

Beachside 01736 800490 weddingsbeachside.co.uk

Beacon Crag 07815 311291 beaconcrag.com

Boconnoc 01208 872507 boconnoc.com

Caerhays 01872 501310 caerhays.co.uk

Calloose 01736 850431 calloose.co.uk

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate 01736 795311 carbisbayhotel.co.uk

Carwinion House 01326 653212 carwinionhouse.co.uk

Charlestown Harbour 01726 70241 charlestownharbour.com

Cornish Tipi Weddings 01208 880781 cornishtipiweddings.co.uk

The Driftwood Spars 01872 552428 driftwoodspars.com

Eden Project 01726 811911 edenproject.com

Fowey Hall 01726 833866 foweyhallhotel.co.uk

The Gannet 01736 795651 gannetstives.co.uk

The Green 01579 362253 thegreencornwall.co.uk

Harbour Hotel St Ives 01736 795221 harbourhotels.co.uk

Hotel Meudon 01326 250541 meudon.co.uk

Kilminorth 07850 553280 kilminorth.co.uk

Knightor 01726 851101 knightor.com

Land’s End Hotel 01736 871844 landsendhotel.co.uk

The Llawnroc Hotel 01726 844155 thellawnrochotel.co.uk

The Lost Gardens of Heligan 01726 845100 heligan.com

Lower Barns 01726 844881 lowerbarnswedding.co.uk

Lusty Glaze 01637 872444 lustyglaze.co.uk

Nancarrow 01872 487099 nancarrowfarm.co.uk

Oceanside 01637 872519 oceansidehotel.co.uk

The Old Quay House Hotel 01726 833302 theoldquayhouse.com

Pencarrow 01840 250118 weddingsatpencarrow.com

Pengenna Manor 01208 612221 pengennamanor.co.uk

Polhawn Fort 01752 822864 polhawnfort.com

Polurrian on the Lizard 01326 240421 polurrianhotel.com

The Rosevine 01872 580206 rosevine.co.uk

Scorrier House 01209 820264 scorrierhouse.co.uk

Stennack Farm stennackfarm.com

St Michaels Resort 01326 312707 stmichaelsresort.com

The Barn at Pengelly 01872 229842 pengellyweddings.com

The Alverton 01872 276633 thealverton.co.uk

The Greenbank 01326 312440 greenbank-hotel.co.uk

Tredudwell Manor 01726 870226 tredudwell.co.uk

Tregedna Weddings 07979 645946 tregednaweddings.co.uk

Trelowarren 01326 221224 trelowarren.com

Trenderway 01503 272214 trenderwayweddings.co.uk

Treseren 01872 719654 treseren.co.uk

Trevenna 01579 320013 trevennaweddings.co.uk

Una St Ives 01736 257000 unastives.co.uk

Wedding planners

Situ Weddings & Events situweddings.co.uk

Out of the Ordinary Weddings 07900 954051 outoftheordinaryweddings.com

Rebel & Anchor 07815 151010 rebelandanchor.co.uk

Sophie Walker Weddings 07824 887338 sophiewalkerweddings.co.uk

Tide the Knot Wedding & Event Planning tidetheknot.net

got wed

Beautiful love stories from across Cornwall

Still Into You

Nicca and Michael brought Filipino traditions to their Cornish coastal wedding

Meeting while working as nurses in a hospital in the Philippines in 2014, what started as a friendship between Nicca and Michael blossomed into a beautiful relationship. In 2017, the couple were living in the UK but holidaying back home in the Philippines when Michael proposed. “Amid the chaos of packing up to check out of our hotel, he popped the question,” smiles Nicca. “Laughter and tears followed!”

Guests travelled from the USA, Canada and beyond to St Ives for the couple’s dreamy spring wedding. Blooms and pew bows in the prettiest pastel shades added elegance to the Sacred Heart and St Ia Catholic Church, while a scattering of flowers, candles and a cherry blossom tree made for a romantic scene at Tregenna Castle Resort.

Arriving in a white Jaguar to the ceremony, the couple – being the first Filipinos to wed in the church – presented their wedding traditions of their arrhae, candles, rope and veil to symbolise prosperity, light, and unity in marriage. “The ceremony was truly heartfelt. Happy tears were shed and giddy laughter echoed all throughout the church,” says Nicca. “The readings were all about different kinds of love – love for the family, love for God, love for the couple. That’s what this wedding was about: a celebration of love!”

Travelling in red buses to Tregenna Castle Resort, the newlyweds and their guests were greeted with welcome drinks and canapés to the soundtrack of a pianist playing love songs. A buffet of banana blossom, chicken skewers, shrimp skewers, pulled pork, rump steak and sea bass was followed by Moomaid ice cream and heartwarming speeches. “There were no dry eyes,” says Nicca. “Filipinos are emotional and sensitive people and when they love you, they love hard. The love shared among us and our families was very palpable that day... It made the wedding day extra special!”

The dance floor was heating up when the couple began their first dance to Isabella Kensington’s version of Still into You. “Michael and I have been together for nine years; we’ve seen each other’s best and worst and as the song goes: ‘I should be over all the butterflies, but… after all this time, I’m still into you.’ The song really spoke to what we feel for each other,” says Nicca. “By the end of the dance, we included our daughter. It was so touching to have our own little family having fun like we do at home.”

A surprise came in the form of a ‘money capes’ dance, a Filipino tradition that saw families, friends and guests pinning money to the couple’s clothing as they danced. And the entertainment didn’t stop there, with games including scratch cards, a ‘ping pong twerk’, bouquet toss and thread the coin, with non-stop dancing and singing ensuring it was “a party all night long!”. Fuelled by pasties and halloumi burgers, Nicca remembers her guests all having so much fun. “To see genuine smiles and laughter was something else; all the moments of happiness, no matter how small, were my favourite!” she says.

When it comes to the planning, her advice is simple. “Choose your guests wisely. Only invite those who are close to your heart,” she asserts. “And enjoy it! Breathe in, breathe out. All your loved ones will be present. You’re marrying your soulmate; it will be your very best day!”

Photography Little Forest Studio littleforeststudio.co.uk

Venue Tregenna Castle Resort tregenna-castle.co.uk

Styling & décor Emily Rose Events Hire instagram.com/emilyroseeventshire

Dress Marina Bridal marinabridal.co.uk

Hair piece Ivory & Co ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk

Shoes Rainbow Club rainbowclub.co.uk

Hair Simply Bridal Hair simplybridalhair.co.uk

Make-up Georgina Yates georginayatesmakeupartist.com

Suit Moss moss.co.uk

Flowers Twigs & Greens twigsandgreens.co.uk

Cake Craftycakehole craftycakehole.co.uk

Transport Elegant Arrivals elegantarrivals.uk

Royal Buses royalbuses.co.uk

Entertainment Route One routeonepartyband.co.uk

“ There were no dry eyes. The love shared between us and our families was palpable ”

By The Sea

Tredudwell Manor set the picturesque scene for Briony and Greg’s summer wedding

The attraction was instant when Briony and Greg met in a Birmingham boxing gym in 2015. Starring in a promotional gym video together, Briony joked to her friends at the time: “You can play this at my wedding, because that’s the man I’m going to marry!” she says. “Nine years later, that’s exactly what I did!”

The couple were holidaying in Cornwall in 2022 when Greg suggested pasties and a walk from St Agnes to Porthtowan. “We stopped at Wheal Coates to eat our pasties and admire the coastal view,” says Briony. “Greg took a picture of me looking out over the sea and, as I turned around, he was down on one knee and asked if I would marry him.”

With its sweeping views across the south coast, Tredudwell Manor was the perfect venue for the couple. “We felt the views perfectly captured the Cornish coastline that we were so in love with and wanted to share with all of our friends and family,” explains Briony, who drew on the coast for styling inspiration. “I chose a satin blue and greeny teal for my bridesmaids’ dresses and Greg’s groomsmen’s suits, and used lots of local suppliers,” she says.

Thanks to glorious weather, the couple were able to get married in the gardens to the sounds of a live saxophonist. “I was really worried about walking down the aisle and standing up in front of everyone, but actually, it was so romantic and affirmed our commitment to each other,” says Briony, citing the ceremony as the couple’s favourite part of the day. “It was incredibly moving and the best moment of our lives.”

After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed bubbly and canapés in the sun-drenched grounds before a wedding breakfast that included charcuterie boards, Cornish seafood paella, chilli, nachos and tartiflette.

The speeches and cutting of the cake provided some heartfelt moments before the couple took to the dance floor for their first dance to This Will Be (Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole. “We felt the song encapsulates how we feel about each other. It’s fun, everyone can dance to it and the message is all about everlasting love,” explains Briony. “We decided to just go for it! You only get married once and the first dance is your one opportunity to dance in front of your family and friends with the person that you love.” The evening celebrations saw live band The Nashville Heat filling the dance floor into the small hours, with Briony and Greg making the most of every moment. “We adopted a ‘what will be, will be’ mindset,” she reflects. “All your planning leads to one day and it really is gone in a flash. You need to enjoy it and be present!”

Her other piece of advice to others is to trust your suppliers. “Make an effort to form relationships with them before the big day,” she recommends. “I would encourage you to do the make-up trial, the hair trial and tasting menu. Go for a coffee with your florist, photographer and celebrant. It’s great to firm plans with suppliers and make sure they know your vision. However, the real benefit is having experts around you that can support you and put you at ease – let someone else sweat the small things on the day!”

Photography & videography Thomas Frost Photography thomasfrostphotography.com

Venue Tredudwell Manor tredudwell.co.uk

Dress Caroline Castigliano carolinecastigliano.com

Bridesmaids’ dresses David’s Bridal davidsbridal.co.uk

Flower girl’s dress Monsoon monsoon.co.uk

Suit Gieves & Hawkes gievesandhawkes.com

Groomsmen’s outfits Slater Menswear slaters.co.uk

Hair Ro Hair rohair.co.uk

Make-up Sonia Allen MUA soniaallenmua.co.uk

Celebrant Ceremonies by Amanda ceremoniesbyamanda.com

Flowers The Flower Press Shop theflowerpressshop.co.uk

Catering Big Pan Parties bigpanparties.co.uk

Cake Kiara Rae Cakes instagram.com/kiararaecakes

Décor & tableware hire Abbotts Event Hire abbottseventhire.co.uk

Stationery Yellowstone Paper Works yellowstonepaperworks.co.uk

Entertainment Paul Haywood Music paulhaywoodmusic.com

The Nashville Heat thenashvilleheat.co.uk

“It was so romantic and affirmed our commitment to each other”

Briony and Greg basked in the sunshine and beauty of the south coast in the picturesque setting of Tredudwell Manor BRIONY

Boho Chic

Chelse and Lee basked in relaxed festival vibes at their Cornish countryside wedding

Meeting via Tinder, Chelse and Lee “went on a lot of dates, had many drunken nights out and laughed until our bellies hurt”, she reminisces. “We knew we’d found something special.” A surprise trip to Dubai for her 30th birthday led to a “very romantic” proposal on the Burj Khalifa Lake, while the couple watched the fountain display from a boat.

Both Chelse and Lee wanted to get married outside and decided on the luxe countryside venue of Camel Studio. “We had a festival-style, boho garden theme, with natural colours and boho-chic style décor,” she says. “There were lots of neutrals and pampas grass, dried daisies and old-style candleholders. Lee and I opted for big peacock chairs, which made us feel ultra-special.”

The sun-drenched summer’s day meant the couple could take their vows in the idyllic grounds. “I walked out of the big barn doors, down the aisle and we married under the blue summer skies, with the rolling hills of the Camel Valley as our backdrop,” she reminisces. “Lee’s 10-year daughter wrote her own poem, from the heart, and read it out during our ceremony. The poem she wrote was all about our family becoming one and starting a new chapter.”

While the tears were dried, canapés and prosecco were served in the courtyard as a musician serenaded the 30 guests. After lawn games and photographs, dinner was served in the beautifully decorated studio.

A Moroccan theme incorporated sharing plates of bahrat spiced chicken skewers, harissa meatballs with whipped feta along with beetroot salad, chickpea salad and flatbreads with dips, and mains of butterflied Moroccan spiced lamb with a bulgur herb salad. “I looked around the room as we all sat down to dinner and soaked it all up,” says Lee. “I remember thinking how lovely that all the people we know and love are in one place and we’ll likely never have everyone together again like this.”

Making the most of the surroundings, the wedding moved outside for dessert served from a vintage ice cream trike. “Lee and I picked our favourite ice cream flavours, including lemon ripple, After Eight choc mint, and mango and passionfruit,” says Chelse. “They went down a treat!” Everyone gathered around the firepit to toast marshmallows as the sun began to set; the evening saw a DJ filling the dance floor, while Krispy Kreme doughnuts and pizzas fuelled the revelry.

Meanwhile, Chelse and Lee were whisked away by their photographer for photos in the field next door, which proved to be one of her favourite memories of the day. “The sun was just going down and it was stunning. The colours, the peace, the warmth,” she reflects. “We could hear everyone laughing and dancing in the background. Lee and I had a special little moment together, lots of giggling and it gave us a few moments to appreciate being with each other.”

Looking back, Chelse and Lee’s advice is pertinent to those choosing where to wed. “Pick a venue with hosts who feel like family, like they’ll go above and beyond to make you feel special,” she recommends. “That level of trust meant we could enjoy everything from planning and choosing through to the very last minute of the day.”

Photography & videography Yeah Mike yeahmikephotovideo.com

Venue Camel Studio camelstudio.co.uk

Coordination Piccolo Weddings piccoloweddings.com

Dress Kiva & Zen kivaandzenbridalcornwall.co.uk

Seamstress Honey Bee Alterations honeybeealterations.co.uk

Suit Moss moss.co.uk

Bridesmaids’ dresses Six Stories sixstories.co.uk

Flower girl’s dress Etsy etsy.com/uk

Hair KJR Hair and Make Up instagram.com/kjrhairandmakeup

Catering Lanie Calvert, Punnets Gourmet Catering

Flowers Cornish Dried Flowers cornishdriedflowers.co.uk

Décor & games Out of the Ordinary Event Hire outoftheordinaryeventhire.com

Tableware Abbotts Event Hire abbottseventhire.co.uk

Ice cream trike Proper Vintage Cornwall propervintagecornwall.co.uk

Entertainment Fistral Stereo fistralstereo.com

Tom Corneill tomcorneill.com

“We could hear everyone laughing and dancing”

The colourful smoke bomb photos with Chelse and Lee’s wedding party made for a memorable moment – and their favourite photos of the day

Party Time!

Fliss and Max celebrated their marriage with a dazzling New Year’s Eve party

When Fliss was handed a little box by her grandmother on Christmas Day, she turned around to see Max – who she’d met eight years earlier at university – down on one knee. “It was the biggest surprise for me and the rest of the family, and very emotional,” she reminisces.

Deciding to marry at Kenwyn Church and hold their reception in a tipi at Fliss’ parents’ home, the couple had only one date in mind: New Year’s Eve. “The theme was black tie with elegant and classy vibes,” she says. “We knew it would be a cold time of year so we went for a winter wonderland look with lots of fairy lights, candles, sheepskin and fire.” Lots of foliage dotted with pine cones and gypsophila added to the magical scene.

New Year’s Eve dawned and the morning of preparations “was filled with lots of drinking, music and photos”, says Fliss. “We both felt that this was one of the most special parts of the day.”

Embracing a monochrome theme, the bridesmaids all donned black dresses in different styles with a faux fur shawl and black gloves, while the groomsmen were all in black tie with maroon pocket squares that matched the bow ties. Fliss’ long-sleeved waterfall gown was complemented by an elegant updo and a bouquet of white alstroemeria. “It’s my gran’s favourite flower,” she explains.

The “absolutely magical” ceremony at Kenwyn Church “couldn’t have been more lovely”, says Fliss. “It was tailored perfectly to us and everyone got involved with the songs. There were lots of laughs and many tears shed. The bells rang all morning for us; it was just incredible.”

Heading across the road to the tipi, Fliss and Max enjoyed canapés and cocktail hour – “We had created a couple of cocktails and named one after my gran” – while a saxophonist played. Sitting down for the six “emotional and funny” speeches, the newlyweds and their guests then enjoyed a hog roast and a giant cake of cheese.

The couple’s first dance – to Dancing in the Moonlight by Thin Lizzy, which is Max’s go-to karaoke song – was played by live band Resident Heroes, who continued to play until 1am. “Dancing all night to the band with all our friends and family, including the midnight countdown, is truly something we can’t imagine will ever happen again,” says Fliss. “When the band finished, a few of our friends DJed until about 4.30am when my dad turned off the generator – which was a slight shock to everyone but probably the best thing he could have done!” she laughs.

Fliss and Max’s tips for others in the midst of wedding planning comes down to choosing the right suppliers. “Get a good wedding planner!” says Fliss. “Our planner Jen was incredible; she helped us ensure we had everything we wanted and needed, with lots of suggestions and advice in the lead-up to the wedding, and then ensured the day ran absolutely perfectly. We wouldn’t have had such a perfect day without her.”

Photography, videography & photo booth I Do Film and Photos idofilmandphotos.co.uk

Tipi & décor Sunset Tipis sunsettipis.uk

Planning Weddings Made in Cornwall weddingsmadeincornwall.co.uk

Dress Elaine Rawlings Bridal Boutique elainerawlings.co.uk

Hair Anna Ingram annaingramhairstylist.com

Make-up Balance of Beautee balanceofbeautee-makeupartistry.co.uk

Catering The Spitting Pig Co. spittingpigcornwall.co.uk

Philps philpspasties.co.uk

Cheese cake Barber’s barbers.co.uk

Flowers Stephanie Aldworth

Tableware Abbotts Event Hire abbottseventhire.co.uk

Entertainment Resident Heroes residentheroesband.co.uk

George Comer encoremusicians.com

“There were lots of laughs and many tears shed”

Their New Year’s Eve date meant everyone was in the party mood at

Fliss and Max’s chic and fun-filled wedding

Wildest Dreams

Laura and Sam revelled in the rural charm of Trevenna during their autumn wedding

Connecting online in 2011, Laura and Sam chatted on the phone for hours before meeting for their first date – and they clicked straight away. “I knew Sam was my soulmate – even laughing with my mum that I would marry him and have his children!” says Laura.

Seven years later, the couple were living in Cornwall and expecting their first child when Sam proposed on Christmas Day. “He told me to close my eyes and said that he had one last gift for me,” she says. “When I opened my eyes, he was on one knee with a beautiful ring. I couldn’t believe it!”

It didn’t take long for the couple to succumb to the romance of Trevenna. “We loved the natural rustic charm, the beautiful barns with so much character, an abundance of views and soft twinkly lights,” says Laura, who decided on a colour scheme of soft blush tones and greens to tie in with the beautiful Cornish countryside. “As we were getting married in October, we wanted it to feel cosy and autumnal yet still light and bright, and I think the pink touches helped to do this.”

Donning her romantic gown with its gorgeous floral detailing, Laura’s favourite memory took place just before the ceremony. “My wonderful dad and nannie came to have a first look at me in my wedding dress,” she says. “This meant the absolute world to me and our family, and I am forever grateful for this memory and the beautiful photographs that we have of this moment.”

The light and airy Garden Venue, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, allowed the couple to enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings without worrying about the weather as they exchanged vows. “I walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of Wildest Dreams by Duomo,” says Laura. “I had been listening to this song in the months leading up to the big day, picturing our wedding, and it really helped to calm my butterflies. The sun dappled the room and clouds gently rolled across the moors outside; it was very picturesque and the most perfect backdrop.”

Everyone spilled outside into the crisp, autumnal sunshine for a confetti toss, canapés and drinks. “A few speeches later and we all tucked into our glorious wedding feast – Trevenna really know the way to your heart with their food and generous portions!” says Laura. A menu featuring duck and orange salad, Cornish cured deli meats, classic lamb roast, chicken with crispy Cornish pancetta, warm pear and almond tart and triple chocolate brownie went down a treat.

Changing into her second wedding dress, Laura and Sam danced to L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole. “It was lovely to be surrounded by family and friends, celebrating our love and marriage,” she reflects. “Everyone danced the night away and it really was the most perfect day from start to finish. We went to bed buzzing from so much love and laughter!”

Alongside the wedding excitement, Laura and Sam also had the joy of a second child to look forward to. “Only a handful of family and friends at our wedding knew that we were expecting our second baby and it was so exciting knowing that I was walking down the aisle with our little Rose in my tummy!” She concludes with some sage advice for couples in the midst of planning: “Take your time and decide on what look you really want for your day before committing to any purchases.”

Photography Clare Kinchin Photography clarekinchinphotography.co.uk

Venue Trevenna trevenna.co.uk

Dresses Olivia Bottega oliviabottega.com ASOS asos.com

Wedding cape & veil Kit & The Bobbin kitandthebobbin.com

Shoes Bella Belles Shoes bellabelleshoes.com

Bridesmaids’ dresses H&M hm.com

Flower girl’s dress Monsoon monsoon.co.uk

Suits Next next.co.uk

Hair Hannah Woodgates Hair Design hannahwoodgateshairdesign.com

Make-up Stacey Louise staceylouisemakeupartist.co.uk

Preserved & faux flowers Hidden Botanics hiddenbotanicsweddings.com

Buttonholes & corsages Kochetova Flowers kochetovaflowers.com

Dog chaperone A Pad 4 Paws & Co padforpaws.co.uk

Cake Trevenna trevenna.co.uk

Props Luck and Luck luckandluck.co.uk

Videography Charlotte Dart charlottedart.co.uk

Entertainment DG Events dg-events.co.uk

“The sun dappled the room and clouds gently rolled across the moors outside”

Marrying at Trevenna meant Laura and Sam made the most of a rustic-luxe indoor setting surrounded by stunning grounds

White Wedding

Christina and Noah celebrated their marriage in style over a weekend at Carlyon Bay Hotel

A comment by Christina on Noah’s Instagram post led to the pair – who lived in Devon and Cornwall respectively – deciding to meet for a drink in Exeter. “There was an instant connection,” says Christina. After a four-year relationship, the couple celebrated buying their first home together by taking a walk to Gribbin Head Daymark with a picnic. “When we were at the top, I peered over to spot ‘marry me’ made out of shells on the ground below,” she says. “Noah got down on one knee and presented the most beautiful ring.”

Planning a summer wedding for the following year, the couple chose to marry in Fowey Church, as Noah’s parents had done. “Noah’s father even wore the same suit to our wedding!” she says. Belonging to Christina’s family, Carlyon Bay Hotel made the perfect coastal setting for the weekendlong celebrations, which kicked off with a Friday golf competition, beauty treatments and barbecue at Noah’s family restaurant, Sam’s on the Beach in Polkerris. “At the end of the evening there was the most stunning sunset and spectacular fireworks from the pier!” says Christina who recommends a pre-wedding gathering. “This enabled us to speak with all our family and friends before the big day which then meant we got to spend our wedding day stress-free and enjoying one another’s company with ease,” she says.

The wedding day began with a stunning sunrise over Carlyon Bay. A palette of “ivory and white with a touch of powder blue” shaped the décor, and an abundance of white flowers, including orchids, hydrangeas, lily-of-the-valley, roses and gypsophila filled the hotel. Beautiful hand-painted table names complemented the flowers, capturing favourite destinations Christina and Noah had visited together.

Meanwhile, as the guests filled the church, locals and visitors lined the street outside awaiting the bride, who arrived in the family Rolls-Royce. “As I walked down the aisle, my father was holding back the tears and it all felt very regal,” says Christina. “In fact, there weren’t many dry eyes in the congregation during the whole ceremony!” Leaving the church as husband and wife to a shower of confetti, the ringing of church bells and clapping from the people along the streets was particularly memorable. “This was my favourite moment; it was an incredible atmosphere,” she reflects.

The celebratory atmosphere continued at Carlyon Bay Hotel where guests enjoyed canapés, cocktails and prosecco in the sunshine to a live saxophonist. After “heartfelt, emotional and entertaining” speeches, it was time for the sumptuous four-course meal, which included roulade of smoked salmon, beef Wellington, wild mushroom and port duxelles, lemon posset and Cornish Eton mess.

The evening was filled with entertainment. Beginning with a charity fundraiser game of golf, ten-piece band The Motown Pirates, dancers and a DJ set the dance floor alight, while a casino and caricature artist provided further amusement. Rounding off the celebrations with a relaxing day by the pool the next day with family and friends gave Christina and Noah the chance to reflect on their magical wedding. “It was picture perfect from start to finish,” she says. “From the moment we woke up to the minute our heads hit the pillow, it was all a complete dream come true.”

Photography Nicole Beveridge nicbevphotos.com

Venue Carlyon Bay Hotel carlyonbay.com

Sam’s on the Beach samscornwall.co.uk

Dresses Modeca from Champagne & Charlotte champagneandcharlotte.co.uk

Rat & Boa ratandboa.com

Shoes Jimmy Choo jimmychoo.com

Flower girls’ dresses Wed2B wed2b.com

Bridesmaids’ dresses Maids to Measure maidstomeasure.com

Suits Moss moss.co.uk

Hair Amy Hawkins at Runway Hair Salon facebook.com/runwayhairbarnstaple

Make-up Stacey Louise staceylouisemakeupartist.co.uk

Flowers Fuss Pots fusspots.co.uk

Stationery Emma Louise Castle emmalouisecastle.co.uk

Transport Roselyn Coaches roselyncoaches.co.uk

Videography Matt Pitman instagram.com/mattglpitman

Entertainment The Motown Pirates motownpirates.co.uk

Daniel Costin danielcostin.live

Cornwall Caricatures cornwallcaricatures.co.uk

Coleman’s Event Hire colemanseventhire.co.uk

“There was an incredible atmosphere as we stepped out from the church to clapping, confetti and church bells in the sunshine”

An abundance of orchids, lily-of-the-valley, roses, hydrangeas and gypsophila added to the romance of Christina and Noah’s elegant summer wedding

NOAH

“Walking down the aisle to my best friend is something I will never forget”

Can’t Help Falling in Love

The Green made a gorgeous backdrop for Hollie and Thomas’ 1920s’ inspired wedding

Hollie and Thomas have her eldest sister to thank for bringing them together. “My husband was a friend of hers and, after many attempts to set us up, I finally gave in!” says Hollie. “We actually honoured this during our wedding by placing a matchmaker sign on the back of her chair as a special gift to her.”

After two years together, Thomas took the “perfect opportunity” to propose in front of their oneyear-old and his three-year-old son, while dressed as elves around the Christmas tree. “We still laugh about it to this day!” she says.

The Green had been earmarked years before as their venue of choice, serving as the most picturesque backdrop to their Peaky Blinders themed day. “This was chosen due to Thomas’ love of the show and our love of the vintage style theme,” says Hollie. A colour scheme of burgundy, gold and navy blue punctuated with pampas grass beautifully carried the look. “I also added dusky pink to lighten the theme due to the darkness of our other colours,” she explains. As well as their guests dressing in 1920s’ style, a smattering of décor and props including whiskey barrels, vintage suitcases and vintage candlestick holders enhanced the scene, while the floristry pulled all the details together.

Gathering for a barbecue the night before the wedding and breakfast the next day allowed Hollie and Thomas to spend plenty of precious time with their guests who stayed at The Green as part of their three-day celebration.

Dressed with pampas grass, festoon lights and drapes, the venue’s Really Rustic Barn made an atmospheric setting for the ceremony, which began with a stirring performance of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling In Love by The Swing Kings as Hollie walked down the aisle. After the vows and a poem read by their celebrant, the newlyweds exited to another classic: Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

The entertainment was a key priority for the couple, who arranged children’s activity packs, outdoor games, a caricaturist and clayzer to keep guests of all ages occupied during the reception. Food was another highlight, with guests tucking into dishes such as brie, Serrano ham and cherry tomato bruschetta, slow-roasted pork belly, curried cauliflower risotto and slow-braised brisket of beef rounded off with salted caramel cheesecake and raspberry posset.

Kicking off the party in style, Hollie and Thomas relished their first dance to Forever and Ever and Always by Ryan Mack with their wedding party, which featured gold confetti canons halfway through. “Our favourite moment was our last dance to Biblical by Callum Scott as it was lovely to take in all of our wedding day one final time before the night came to an end,” reveals Hollie.

“Take your time!” she implores to other couples by word of advice. “Don’t plan above your means and budget. There is always a way to have the wedding of your dreams at a cost that you can afford.” She adds: “Always think about what is important to you and your partner and how you can incorporate this so you can both enjoy the day and that it represents your life together and your personalities.”

Photography Grant Lampard

Photography grantlampardphotography.com

Venue The Green Cornwall thegreencornwall.co.uk

Styling Rustic Love Hire rusticlovehire.com

Emily Rose Events Hire instagram.com/emilyroseeventshire

Dress The Bridal Sweet instagram.com/the_bridal_sweet

Suits Marc Darcy marcdarcy.co.uk

Bridesmaid’s dresses ASOS asos.com

Hair Anna Ingram annaingramhairstylist.com

Make-up Bee and Beaut beeandbeaut.com

Flowers Emily Rose Events Hire instagram.com/emilyroseeventshire

Cake Dollybird Bakes dollybirdbakes.co.uk

Entertainment Cornwall Caricatures cornwallcaricatures.co.uk

Clayzer clayzer.co.uk

The Swing Kings theswingkings.co.uk

DJ in Cornwall djincornwall.co.uk

Videography Babalu Films babalufilmscornwall.co.uk

Vintage styling, delicious food and fun-filled entertainment were the keynotes of Hollie and Thomas’ three-day celebration at The Green

Plan a so-you celebration with these top tips from the wedding gurus. This issue, we look at benevolent ideas that give something back

NOTES ON A WEDDING

Flower power. After the celebrations are over, your wedding flowers can brighten the day of others who could use a little cheer. Consider donating your flowers to hospitals, nursing homes or hospices. You’ll not only be spreading joy but also reducing waste by giving your flowers a second life. Hazel

Food glorious food. Any leftover food could be donated to a food bank or soup kitchen. You’d be surprised at the amount of leftovers you’ll have. Sophie

Be fair. From wedding attire to decoration, choose items that are ethically sourced and that support Fairtrade practices. You will be supporting the fair treatment of artisans and workers all over the world. Jess

Hair today, gone tomorrow. How about a hair change? Chop your hair off and donate it to a charity that makes wigs for children with cancer. Sophie

Registry with meaning. Instead of a traditional wedding list, set up a charitable list where guests purchase items for a charity that is meaningful to you as a couple. Whether it’s supporting a local animal shelter with food and

bedding, donating towards WaterAid or supporting local conservation, your guests can contribute to causes that can make a difference. Hazel

Assess the dress. This is a big decision, but donating your dress to a charity that can turn it into a christening dress, a charity shop or someone who needs it the most, is a lovely way to help someone else out. Sophie

Happy honeymoon. Choose to give back as part of your honeymoon and have an adventure such as trekking for a charity or volunteering at an animal conservation project abroad. Asking guests for donations towards your charitable honeymoon can also help to raise awareness and money for your chosen charity. Hazel

Choose your venue wisely. Does your venue invest into its community or maybe it donates to a local charity? By hosting your celebrations at a venue with a charitable mission, you are directly supporting their efforts. Jess

The joy of giving back. Choose charitable wedding favours rather than more traditional options. Many charities offer options such as seeds, pin badges and chocolates. Choose a charity that is

close to your heart along with a small explanation as to why you chose it. Hazel

Choose wisely. Opt for suppliers who donate to charity as part of their package. I personally donate 1% of every booking to The Bowel Babe fund, and many other suppliers will do something similar. Sophie

Put eco-friendly first. Minimise your waste and carbon footprint by opting for sustainable choices throughout your wedding planning. From upcycling and buying secondhand to using recycled materials, every eco-conscious choice will make a difference. Jess

Excellent entertainment. One of my favourite weddings included a raffle. Consider organising your own raffle as a charity event or turn it into a silent auction. Sophie

Gift your guests pin badges from Cancer Research UK

Sprinkle wildflower confetti from Cancer Research UK Donate your leftover food to a local food bank or soup kitchen

Spend your honeymoon on a conservation project

Make sustainable choices throughout your planning

Consider donating your wedding dress

Gift your wedding flowers to a local hospital, hospice or nursing home

Support Parkinson’s UK with place cards embedded with seeds