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Our experts offer big-day advice

LITTLE LOVELIES

Meet the expert: Adele Stevens is the owner of The Sensory Area, providing playful activities for all ages.

Are we expected to invite children to our wedding when we don’t have any of our own?

Adele says: One of the biggest decisions when you start planning your wedding will be deciding whether to have children attend or not. This can be a tough decision, but you should consider what’s best for you and what’s right for your day - there are many factors to consider. The most obvious and definitive reason why children wouldn’t attend is if the venue you have your heart set on specifically prohibits children. Furthermore, a destination wedding abroad, for example, can offer logistical difficulties for guests to have their children travel with them. However, if it simply comes down to your own choice as to whether they come or not then think carefully about their needs throughout the day because adult-focused events such as weddings can be long and tiring for children, increasing the potential for disruption to your celebration. If you decide not to invite children then you need to send out clear adult–only invites. This will give these guests time to make arrangements but be aware this could lead to upset and some might not even be able to

Did you know that award-winning British children’s wear brand ROARSOME is launching its first-ever ROARSOME Summit? Inspired by research that revealed that children who play outdoors are more likely to want to cherish and protect nature when they become adults, the summit centres on the benefits of exploration and spending time outdoors. The Summit brings to life the brand’s mission, by curating opportunities for children and their parents to explore and become more curious about the world around them.

Continuing the brand’s mission to help families enjoy great outdoor adventures, whatever the weather, the event will gather families together in Polzeath, Cornwall from 19-21 May 2023, for three days of unforgettable coastal adventures, the perfect way to entertain the little ones if you’ve booked a mini-moon in the region.

The ultimate celebration of the great outdoors will be hosted by ROARSOME’s founders, Ed Lewis-Pratt and Will Chapman. The duo have personally curated every aspect of the event to help families reconnect with one another, and the magic of the great outdoors.

Will Chapman, co-founder of ROARSOME said: “We’ve been dreaming of a ROARSOME Summit for a long time. It’s more than just an event. It’s the ultimate weekend of family adventure and plays. A make it. Communication and consistency are key.

The upsides to having children at your wedding are that they will create a huge amount of laughter and fun, they will add fabulous photos to your album, and it could mean potentially more of your guests will be able to attend avoiding awkward questions from people in the run-up and possibly during your big day!

The number of children and their ages is something that needs to be planned carefully. So what can you do to make sure your little guests have as much fun as the adults? In short, well-planned entertainment for them is key. This way there’s a healthy outlet for their attention and energy. Take a look at the list below to see what entertainment you could look up in your area:

•A magician or face painting

•A bouncy castle

•Soft play packages

•Creative tables

•Outdoor games

•Toy hire

•Activity packs

The Sensory Area, 07720 655 038, https://thesensoryarea.co.uk; www.facebook.com/thesensoryarea; www.instagram.com/thesensoryarea chance to disconnect from digital screens to build a lifelong love for the great outdoors.”

Ed Lewis-Pratt, co-founder of ROARSOME comments: “We’re excited to be launching our first ROARSOME Summit. The event is very much rooted in the insight that by helping families enjoy great outdoor adventures, we can inspire a love of nature and empower the next generation to care and do more to protect the planet, so we can keep the outdoors great.”

Tickets for the ROARSOME Summit are on sale now at www.roarsome.com/summit.

Home Sweet Home

We want to book a joint hen and stag weekend away with our closest friends in Devon, where can you suggest?

Claire Ridley, editor of Your Devon & Cornwall Wedding suggests: Wolborough House is a luxurious Edwardian mansion dating back to 1910, set in an elevated position in Brixham with views over Brixham harbour and Torbay. It can accommodate up to 16 guests in eight bedrooms with four bathrooms and an amazing ‘fun floor’ with an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, gym, bar, double walk-in shower, table tennis and a children’s playroom.

With prices for seven-night stays starting from £45 per person, per night, it’s available to book via Marsdens Devon Cottages, www.marsdens.co.uk/devon-cottages/south-devon-coast-cottages/ brixham/wolbho-wolborough-house

Alternatively, the Bedruthan Hotel & Spa is a Scandi-inspired retreat perched on the cliffs of Mawgan Porth in Cornwall, which has announced the return of the seasonal surf break, perfect for stag and hen groups.

Offering a true taste of laidback Atlantic living, the surf break is the ideal means to wash away any stresses in the water with guided instruction from the experts at www.kingsurf.co.uk

Guests can reward themselves with an afternoon relaxing in Bedruthan’s sea-view sauna and end the day with a delicious selection of seasonal produce at The Herring restaurant.

One of the UK’s best-kept surfing secrets, Mawgan Porth is a great spot to catch Cornwall’s world-famous waves, and the team at King Surf have been teaching the sport here since 1997. With lessons available for up to eight people per instructor, the break is a great way to meet new people and try something new in 2023. Wetsuits and boards are also provided for guests.

The Surf Break includes:

•A two-night stay for two people

•An artisan bakery breakfast each morning, to be enjoyed in the comfort of their room or the sea-view restaurant

•A two-and-a-half-hour surf lesson on Mawgan Porth

•A two-course dinner in The Herring restaurant on one night

•10% off any spa experiences booked in Bedruthan Spa before arrival

•Use of Bedruthan’s swimming pools, steam room, sauna, caldarium and hydro pool

•Access to Bedruthan’s complimentary programme of daily yoga and well-being classes

To find out more, visit www.bedruthan.com

Something New

The Bobby Pin has launched its 2023 collection of fashionable wedding accessories influenced by some of the year’s hottest trends. These dreamy finishing touches include intricately detailed hair vines, pins and combs in silver or gold metal finishes, plus a range of beautiful bridal earrings. Many designs are adorned with contemporary white clay and pretty porcelain blooms alongside delicate leaf and botanical motifs, while others feature luxurious pearl sprays or glistening crystal stones. To shop, visit https://thebobbypin.co.uk

Ankle grazers

These pearl-encrusted shoes, £130, are from the latest wedding collection by https://aldoshoes.co.uk/ collections/bridal-shoes

EDITOR’S FAVOURITE

This special occasion smock is from the new collection by Smock London. The dresses, which are perfect for flowergirls, are made from the finest fabrics. Hidden within the exquisite designs are secret messages and symbols including a row of hearts, a different flower in each dress plus two eternity symbol motifs symbolizing longevity and good luck. To shop, visit www.smocklondon.com

River Island’s first wedding occasion collection has launched offering a selection of mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses and flowergirl styles. There’s a range of silhouettes in a dreamy colour palette and fashionable fabrics include soft satin and tulle. There’s also stylish suiting for men and boys. To shop, visit www.riverisland.com