32 minute read
The bridal guide: design your
THE STYLE OF WIGHT
Your wedding will be the most wonderful day of your life, creating memories that will live throughout the years you spend together.
Make absolutely sure that you have the most perfect Island wedding day, from your choice of rings, colours and perhaps a theme, to the style of ceremony and the most amazing reception, not forgetting the perfect photographer to record your big day for the future.
For the most unique and special day making treasured memories, look no further.
SAVE THE DATE!
A NEW BRIDAL SHOW FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT SATURDAY 9TH AND SUNDAY 10TH APRIL
New for the Island – a bridal show like none before – sponsored by Style of Wight in partnership with Black Swan Events and MJ Events.
See our website for updates or turn to page 81
Celebrate your dream dress
Gems Bridal Wear has been dressing Island brides for over 20 years from their bridal shop in the heart of Newport. Their friendly, professional team has helped brides find the dress of their dreams, whatever their style, shape or budget, and Gems pride themselves on their amazing customer service.
It begins with bubbly! Every consultation begins with a complimentary glass of fizz as you browse their exquisite collection of dresses. Choosing your dream dress is something to celebrate, and you and your bridal party will be the centre of attention, with Gems’ dedicated consultants devoting all their time to you. Every bride is unique and amazing, and they aim to make you feel that way - completely comfortable and confident.
Gems stocks an exquisite collection of dresses from some of the best and most recognisable bridal designers in the world and have more than 100 sample dresses to try on. They are exclusive stockists of top designers such as Maggie Sottero,
Romantica, Morilee, True Bride, and Sonsie, with dresses available in sizes 6 to 35. Gems also offers the highest quality accessories and shoes to finish your bridal look.
Designer dresses, ordered to your size, are available in the boutique upstairs, and Gems has a wide range of off the peg dresses at amazing prices available in their downstairs show room. Gems want you to enjoy every aspect of dress shopping with them and work closely with seamstresses and local suppliers to ensure you have a seamless experience.
bespoke event services
Sensational and sustainable
Karen Dornellie is bringing Island brides the option of having a much more sustainable and eco-friendly wedding dress, without compromising on style or comfort. Her beautiful new collection, inspired by the couture of the golden age of fashion, with nods to Chanel and Christian Dior, Balenciaga and Schiaperelli, can be made up by Karen from the most stunning silky fabrics that are totally eco-friendly.
“Eco fabric has not been ‘pretty’ or delicate enough to make a stunning wedding gown, but fabric technology has recently achieved the impossible with silk type fabrics made from bananas, oranges, bamboo and recycled polyesters,” says Karen. “No more hemp or hessian or ‘scratchy’ materials, but materials that are beautifully fine and sheer and so much more respectful to our natural world.” Not only this, but you can design your own wedding dress and have Karen make it for you bespoke. Just make an appointment at Karen’s new showroom at Isle of Wight Pearl to discuss the ideas you have for your dress, and Karen will be able to create the dress of your dreams.
But the totally unique option that Karen offers is her Artisan Collection, which gives you the option to make your own wedding dress or have someone you know, who is an excellent dressmaker, to make your gown for you, safe in the knowledge that Karen’s expertise and knowledge are behind you. Karen can provide a wedding dress pattern in your personalised size, and the fabrics and embellishments to make your dream come true. You have the closest to couture but made at home and possibly by someone close to you emotionally or even literally geographically, rather than ordering a dress that has to be shipped from overseas. First you choose your design and then you enter your measurements so that Karen can print your pattern. You then choose your fabric samples, and once you have decided on your fabric, Karen will order the full amount so that you can begin the exciting sewing process. Karen does suggest, however, that you make a ‘Toile’ – a prototype of your dress – from a cheaper fabric first, to ensure that the fit is right, and that the finer details of the design are perfect, before making up in the real fabric.
Karen and her expert pattern cutter Sue Field are available by Zoom for any questions you might have during the process. You can sign up to join ‘The Atelier’ on Karen’s website, where there are three levels of assistance depending on how much you feel you need, Silver, Gold or Platinum.
BESPOKE BRIDAL BEAUTY...
For a reliable, professional wedding beauty team look no further than La Familia Salon, in Ryde, who offer a very personal service in-salon or on location covering all your wedding beauty needs.
Samantha specialises in up-do’s and hair styling, incorporating flowers, pearls and other accessories to give your hairstyle that extra special something. Each bride is unique so, after a free consultation, La Familia tailors a package to suit budget, style and needs.
Visuals are always the best way to realise the desired look. The salon team will work with you, determining which styles and colours bring out the best version of you, for your hair, dress style, eye colour and skin tone. Michelle can offer you a spray tan, to ensure a natural, healthy glow. La Familia have an experienced outof-salon team who can come to you. Whether in your house at 5am for preparations, or at your wedding venue, they will be there! La Familia work with luxury British niche brand Delilah Cosmetics. They seek to enhance your natural beauty, which is perfect for weddings. For an alternative look, the makeup artists also bring their own makeup kits. Makeup trials are included in the bridal package and can be done at the same time as the hair trial, to get the full effect.
Samantha and her team go above and beyond to provide a wonderful wedding package, tailored to the individual. Everyone in this family-run business pulls together to make you feel like family.
t. 01983 568150 | lafamiliaiow.co.uk
FOR GROOMS AND GROOMSMEN...
The Yarmouth Barbers and Connoisseurs offer a soothing sensual experience, with smooth jazz and the atmosphere of a gentleman’s club. Sink into the leather armchair and sample some of their delicious wines whilst you await your hair cut.
For your barbering needs, fine wines and spirits, and much more, The Yarmouth Barbers and Connoisseurs, in Jireh Place, are perfectly placed to cater to all of your wedding guests, and, of course, the bridegroom. Their experienced team can style and groom the entire wedding party, from hair cutting and styling to beard care with all the accoutrements. Relax in one of their vintage leather barbers’ chairs and enjoy traditional service with contemporary style. Be pampered by their professional barbers, with freshly laundered gowns and hot towels for each customer.
Their two chairs mean you can be treated in pairs – perhaps the groom and best man, bride and her maid of honour, or even the bride and groom together. Head Barber, Nick Williams, taught hairdressing at the IW College for 25 years, so you’re in expert hands. Yarmouth Barbers and Connoisseurs also have the perfect gifts for your best man, groomsmen and ushers, with stylish cufflinks, luxury handkerchiefs, on-trend braces and speciality alcohols and chocolates.
Assistant Manager, Jay, has built relationships with London’s most exclusive brands such as Ettinger and Dalaco leather goods, Lock and Co - the world’s oldest hat makers, and Emmett’s fabulous country-style shirts. The team can also supply fine wines for weddings and whiskies for a single malt bar. They have supplied cigars for a cigar bar at weddings, which would be something quite unique for your guests.
High-flying wedding memories
Possibly one of the most unusual weddings on the Island this year was captured by photographer Megan Clarke, when Alan Forbes wed Agnes Czekanska at The Hambrough in Ventnor.
By Jo Macaulay
Collecting as many airports as possible was the theme for Agnes and Alan’s wedding, as the bride and groom have gone on to travel the world, flying in and out of as many airports as they can along the way. In fact, the couple had sold up everything to go travelling, collecting airports as they go. To keep in with the theme, the bride’s dress was made from an azure blue fabric depicting a map of the world, as was the bridegroom’s shirt, which he paired with cream shorts. The couple’s wedding rings were made from a silicon rubber material, which is more sustainable than precious metals, lighter and much easier to wear – especially for those with an active lifestyle, flying around the world! Silicon rings are also much cheaper than traditional gold or platinum rings, leaving funds that can be put toward your honeymoon, which may have been a consideration for this globetrotting pair. Plus, they don’t set off airport security! Flying in from a mainland airport to Bembridge, the couple took a little yellow Tuk Tuk to Ventnor for photos at Ventnor Winter Gardens, before taking their places at The Hambrough to make their vows and share drinks with their nine friends and family (the wedding was held during lockdown restrictions). The couple then got back into their Tuk Tuk to travel to Sandown Airport and posed by their plane, drinking Champagne, before taking off to a different mainland airport, thereby travelling via four different airports on their wedding day. This was the first wedding that photographer Megan worked with her new assistant Emily Brown, who took some of the pictures whilst Megan was videoing – another service that Megan offers for your big day. “This was Emily’s first wedding and she’s just amazing, an absolute godsend,” says Megan. “The couple wanted a video last-minute, and Emily took the photographs whilst I was videoing the ceremony.”
At Sandown Airport Megan took pictures of the couple by the plane that was to take them off to the mainland minutes later. She then filmed the plane taking off into the clear blue sky, taking Agnes and Alan to more adventures around the world.
Megan shot the wedding with her Canon 5D Mk3 and uses a Sony videography camera. If required, she can team up with another photographer who has a drone, although this was not required at this wedding – after all the bride and groom were in the air themselves! It was the loan of a friend’s camera, a Canon 60, that started Megan’s career in photography. “I put my pictures up on Facebook and it blew up!” she says. “I had so many requests to take photographs, and it got so busy that it turned into a career. Four years later and this is what I do 24/7, sometimes seven days a week.” Megan has a studio in Ryde and suggests that new clients come to the studio for a coffee and a consultation, or they can arrange to do this by Zoom if preferred. She has different wedding packages, which can be tailored to suit your day. Photographs of your wedding are supplied on a USB stick in a personalised box, plus Megan can print you one hundred 6 x 4 images from which you can choose the ones you wish to be enlarged for framing, which she can then order. Or you might like to have some of your photos put onto stretched canvasses, which Megan can also arrange for you. You could also have an album of your photographs – just choose what you would like. As for Alan and Agnes, they are still travelling the world!
Contact Megan on 07477 442943 For examples of her work see facebook.com/isleclickphotography/photos instagram.com/isleclickweddings
Wed in style
From a business hiring out props, which they started in 2017, Carrie and Rachel Almond have become fully fledged wedding planners, stylists and event managers in their venture Wed and Prosper. They can take your wedding from inception to the big day, providing as much help as you need to ensure that your day runs smoothly.
Wed and Prosper can plan everything from the design of the entire day, or just the parts which you need help with. They can also help with the final steps in the weeks before your wedding – making a timetable for your day and liaising on your behalf with all your suppliers. They can offer on-the-day co-ordination if you’ve done your own planning, to make sure that your day runs exactly how you planned and envisaged. This is especially useful for home weddings and those in marquees. Of course, they also have loads of props for all styles of weddings, from quirky signs and
vintage couches to rugs, candles and candelabras. They even have a roll top bath that can be filled with ice to create a ‘booze bath’ for your guests’ drinks. They have loads of archways that can be dressed by florists to be positioned at the place you take your vows and then at the reception later. Rachel can also make any props you might desire for your themed wedding, and this bespoke service is called ‘Made With Love’. She recently decorated bicycle wheels for a cycling-mad couple, for example. The sisters were busy during lockdown, as Carrie achieved diplomas in Wedding Planning and Events Management and Rachel took a diploma in Event Styling, so you’re in very well-qualified hands. Having recently been nominated for The Wedding Industry award by clients they made it through to the regional finals in January 2022. First consultations are free and can be in person or via video call. This gives you a chance to decide what you need, and then Wed and Prosper can provide a quotation based on this discussion. Wed and Prosper did an incredible 67 weddings in 2021 and on some weekends had four weddings to arrange, so you are in very experienced hands too. “We have a Gold Book of contacts, which is available to clients,” explains Carrie. “We’re really passionate about using local suppliers when we can and there are some really good businesses on the Island which we work with. “We really want to do the very best we can for your wedding day and help bring your vision to life”
A CEREMONY AS UNIQUE AS YOUR LOVE...
There will be many ‘moments in time’ throughout our lives, whether it’s a wedding, civil partnership, renewing of vows, baby naming, celebration of life, memorial service, funeral, or interment of ashes. All these events are unique and personal to those involved and local Celebrant Elaine Cesar has gained a reputation for working with clients to make their wishes come true.
Elaine Cesar is an Independent Celebrant (a fully qualified member of The Fellowship of Professional Celebrants), holding certificates as a Marriage and Family Celebrant, and a Funeral Celebrant. Elaine can design, and help you to create, the perfect bespoke wedding ceremony and civil partnership, that reflects both you and your partner’s personalities, and incorporates everything personal to you and your family. In her capacity as a Registrar with our local authority Elaine has officiated at over 350 wedding ceremonies and, for the past three years, Elaine has also been the Hospitality Event Manager at Osborne House. She has unrivalled experience in event management, ensuring your day runs smoothly. Elaine also offers baby naming ceremonies, special anniversaries, renewal of vows and many other personal and milestone celebrations. As an independent Funeral Celebrant, she can help co-ordinate and deliver a personalised funeral, celebration of life memorial service, and interment of ashes, to reflect the life of your loved one in exactly the right way.
For more information and an informal chat with Elaine call 07814 120610 or 01983 866999 or visit elainecesar.com
BREATHTAKING FLOWERS...
Every wedding is a unique event, and the family team at Bembridge Flower Shop go out of their way to personalise every mood board and quotation, so that you have exactly the flowers you want for your most special day.
Ellie will devise a Pinterest mood board for you to peruse at your leisure, picking out those themes and flowers that especially appeal to you. This is a very personalised, bespoke service that is tailored to your needs, whether you already have a theme and colours chosen, or would like help with choosing your flowers and colours for your wedding day. “We make sure that we work with you personally, to make sure that you are totally happy,” says Ellie Tuffrey, who manages this small family-run florist in Bembridge. You may have seen the beautiful flower arrangement that the team have made for the lychgate at the nearby Bembridge Holy Trinity Church – a real showstopper that has cars slowing down to take a look as they pass the church. Ellie and her team can also make spectacular floral archways for the church doorway, for a grand entrance and exit. “We do ask for a budget so that we can advise you where to put your money to make the maximum impact,” explains Ellie. “We don’t want to give you something you can’t afford, but we do want you to have the best. We want you to put your trust in us. “Mixing fresh and dried flowers is very ‘on trend’ at the moment for weddings,” according to Ellie. “Pampas grasses and bunny tails are quite popular. We’ve always been a little on the wild and unstructured side, so it works well with our style,” she adds. For wedding flowers with a wow factor, Bembridge Flower Shop has the answer, and will make sure that your wedding is like no other.
PLANNED TO PERFECTION...
The Events Co usually meets you in the early stages of your wedding planning and stays with you throughout – or can step in during the last few weeks to make sure every detail is considered and the day itself runs smoothly.
As part of their on-the-day coordination service they offer two meetings before the wedding, provision of a highly detailed itinerary, and full support for up to ten hours on the day itself. Venues to date range from a marquee in a private back garden to an ancient ruin that had to play host to a 100-person wedding breakfast. All necessary equipment to light and power your event can be supplied, installed by qualified electricians. Along with the venue, The Events Co can offer all the equipment you will require, from marquees, chairs and tables to a band and dancefloor. Their pallet wood bar looks stunning in any setting and is assembled at your venue. They offer full staffing packages and have a fully mobile and self-contained commercial kitchen producing honest, freshly prepared food, created on-site by their chefs and served to the table or buffet-style. Or go “festival style” with a vintage-style trailer and food served in recyclable, responsibly sourced containers.
The Events Co also has a micro pub and cocktail bar, ‘The Noble Steed’, in a converted horsebox – ideal for festivalstyle weddings and events.
The Events Co has offices at The Tea House in Ventnor, so drop in for a tea and a chat. Or see theeventsco.co.uk
FOOD FOR FEASTING...
They’ve taken the Isle of Wight by storm, first with their Smoking Lobster on Ventnor Seafront, followed by the lively Drunken Lobster in Ventnor town, and now the new Smoking Lobster in Cowes High Street. Not surprisingly, they recently won the Red Funnel Gold Award for Best Island Restaurant.
But now you can indulge in their Asian fusion blend of textures and flavours at your own wedding breakfast as Smoking Lobster Events is launched this year – you heard it here! Snap them up before they’re fully booked! Smoking Lobster Events caters for all events from weddings to festivals, with a menu tailored to your needs. You could opt for a banquet menu or a buffet – all made with local fresh ingredients and seen through the Smoking Lobster’s famous pan-Asian lens. Plus, they have a cocktail bar and topnotch mixologists to make your guests any drink they might desire – perfectly. With their executive chef Giancarlo Giancovich at the helm, plus Ben Chamberlain, formerly Head Chef of The Hut at Colwell Bay and The Royal Hotel, your wedding feast of contemporary Asian food and drinks will be just perfect, and your guests will be talking about it for… ever!
ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB
Steeped in history, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), Cowes Clubhouse is a magnificent building set on Castle Hill. With outstanding views of the Solent, the Clubhouse is an extremely popular venue, with members, guests and visitors from around the world.
Whether you are planning a lavish party for hundreds or an intimate affair for close friends and family, the elegant architecture, stunning landscape and luxurious surroundings provide all the ingredients for your special day. At the RORC they attend to every last detail – whether it is candles, vases, mirrors, chairs or flowers – to ensure that everything is perfect. RORC’s expert team knows that the finishing touches are vital to creating the perfect ambience that will make your wedding unique. Their team of chefs uses only the finest local produce and has an extensive selection of gourmet menus and innovative ideas to impress wedding parties with their delicious delights. The Cowes Clubhouse has twelve bedrooms; four with en-suite facilities and a further eight well-appointed bedrooms with adjacent bath or shower rooms. There is also The Disrespect, which provides selfcatering accommodation, ideally situated in the heart of Cowes, boasting beautiful views of the Solent, and just a five-minute walk from the marina and the Red Jet Terminal. RORC Cowes offers a variety of suites suitable for your wedding reception. Whether you are having a small, intimate gathering or a large party, they can cater to your requirements. If you would like private use of the whole clubhouse and facilities, they offer exclusive packages. Details are by request from the events team. RORC ask you to book appointments to meet with their events team, and they are available Monday to Friday 0900 – 1700. Your wedding co-ordinator will always be on hand to answer any questions and offer advice.
Royal Ocean Racing Club, The Parade, Cowes, PO31 7QU t. 01983 293581 | e. sf@rorc.org | rorc.org/clubhouses/cowes-clubhouse
At a glance
Civil ceremony license no Ceremony capacity 80 Sit-down reception capacity 120 Evening party capacity 200 Outdoor facilities yes Option of outdoor ceremony yes Marquee available yes Fireworks allowed no Parking available no Option of exclusive use no Outside caterers allowed no Vegetarian options yes Bridal suite available yes Guest accommodation yes Wedding coordinator yes Music license yes Option for band/DJ yes Dancefloor available yes Venue available until midnight Wheelchair access yes Price range POA
THE HAMBROUGH
At a glance
Civil ceremony license yes Ceremony capacity 36 Sit-down reception capacity 36 Evening party capacity 50 Outdoor facilities yes Option of outdoor ceremony no Marquee available no Fireworks allowed no Parking available yes Option of exclusive use yes Outside caterers allowed no Vegetarian options yes Bridal suite available yes Guest accommodation yes Wedding coordinator yes Music license yes Option for band/DJ yes Dancefloor available yes Venue available until midnight Wheelchair access no Price range POA
A romantic wedding with far-reaching views across the sea must be the dream of so many couples and The Hambrough in Ventnor, in its clifftop location above Ventnor Bay, is the perfect venue for your ceremony and reception. Plan an intimate ceremony for up to 36 people in their glamorous, yet contemporary, restaurant, or marry in their ‘secret garden’ room, looking out over the pretty courtyard garden. With three intimate ceremony venues and light, airy and sophisticated spaces for your wedding breakfast and party, The Hambrough is a fabulous choice for a wedding with sea views. All weddings are bespoke and can be planned for you by The Hambrough’s experienced wedding planner Suzanne Wright, with as little or as much help as you would like. Exclusive use of the hotel, with its seven en-suite double bedrooms, is available whether you only book for the day, or wish to stay before and after your wedding. Further luxury selfcatering options are nearby. Ventnor beach offers unique photo opportunities, as does the small harbour, seafront, and quirky beach huts (summer months only). Matthew Tomkinson, The Hambrough’s talented Michelin-starred chef, will create a bespoke menu using the finest local ingredients. Mixologists can create any cocktail you wish, and there is the option for live music. You might like to opt for a lunchtime or afternoon wedding breakfast with a larger party in the evening spilling out into the garden room and courtyard garden beyond. For a wedding night with views out across the crystal blue sea, The Hambrough has two balcony suites, with 180-degree views of the English Channel. These two suites would also be ideal for the bride and her bridesmaids to prepare, giving wonderful photo opportunities to show the bride and her friends getting ready for the big day. Later the bride and groom could pose for photos on the balconies, with the backdrop of sparkling blue seas.
The Hambrough, Hambrough Rd, Ventnor PO38 1SQ t. 01983 856333 | e. pondcafe@hotmail.com | thehambrough.com/weddings
EAST AFTON FARM HOUSE
With a history of epic celebrations, East Afton Farmhouse is the ideal setting for a country wedding, where celebrating the joining of two families can last more than just a day. Wedding packages offer various options including our special ‘allinclusive based on 100 guests’ – allowing you plenty of time to create your bespoke special day and make memories with family and friends in beautiful, relaxed surroundings. The main Farmhouse oozes character and comfortably accommodates up to 13 guests, with ample living space, private cinema room and roof terrace. The Country Annex offers accommodation for six more guests or makes the perfect retreat for the newlyweds. Close by, three event barns enclose a private stone courtyard. The barn adjoining the main farmhouse offers superb flexibility for small receptions with practical amenities including its own bar, restrooms and catering areas, underfloor heating and lighting for parties that stretch from day into night. Large bi-folding doors welcome in light and country air to a space that comfortably accommodates 70 seated guests. East Afton’s latest addition, a beautiful large wedding and events barn with vaulted ceiling and glass windows and doors opening onto the stone courtyard, has a commercial kitchen, underfloor heating, and an 8-metrelong bar. Across the courtyard, another more rustic barn offers an alternative venue and is a favourite ceremony and party space. All three barns are licensed for ceremonies. Picturesque and peaceful, East Afton is surrounded by landscaped gardens and arable farmland. Managed and owned by the same team as Tapnell Farm, the venue also offers discounts for ferry travel and further accommodation for up to 100 people close by. Venue only, all-inclusive and midweek wedding options available. East Afton can be seen by appointment only, please contact our Wedding Coordinator.
East Afton Farmhouse, Newport Road, Freshwater, PO40 9UF t. 01983 897089 | e. michelle@tapnellfarm.com | eastaftonfarmhouse.com/weddings/
At a glance
Civil ceremony license yes Ceremony capacity 170 Sit-down reception capacity 170 Evening party capacity 250 Outdoor facilities yes Option of outdoor ceremony no Marquee available no Fireworks allowed no Parking available yes Option of exclusive use yes Outside caterers allowed yes Vegetarian options yes Bridal suite available yes Guest accommodation yes Wedding coordinator yes Music license yes Option for band/DJ yes Dancefloor available yes Venue available until midnight Wheelchair access yes Price range £3,000 - £22,800
SEAVIEW HOTEL
At a glance
Civil ceremony license yes Ceremony capacity 30 Sit-down reception capacity 60 Evening party capacity 60 Outdoor facilities no Option of outdoor ceremony no Marquee available no Fireworks allowed no Parking available yes Option of exclusive use yes Outside caterers allowed no Vegetarian options yes Bridal suite available yes Guest accommodation yes Wedding coordinator yes Music license yes Option for band/DJ yes Dancefloor available yes Venue available until midnight Wheelchair access yes Price range £99 to £430 (for accommodation)
The Seaview Hotel is a peaceful haven idyllically set in the picturesque sailing village of Seaview, just yards from the sea, providing a stunning backdrop for your photos. In summer, the Solent teems with pretty boats and, out of season, there’s an unspoiled singular charm to the place. Since 2018, The Restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes for accomplished dining. Head chef, Mark Wyatt, is an advocate of modern British cuisine using local suppliers and artisan producers. The Hotel also achieved a Silver Award for its superior level of accommodation quality, as well as two Isle of Wight Chamber Awards for Business Excellence, Tourism and Green business of the year. The Seaview Hotel allows you to host your entire day in one location. Their dedicated, professional team leaves nothing to chance, ensuring a magical experience for you and your guests. There are two main areas to hold your reception, giving you the flexibility to create the wedding of your choice, and the unique location combined with superb food and great hospitality will make your day unforgettable. The hotel organises the room layout to accommodate your number of guests, making sure each table is dressed to perfection. Perfect for dinner the night prior to your wedding, or breakfast the morning after, the hotel is a wonderful venue to kick-start your celebrations or say bon voyage to your guests after your special day. The Seaview Hotel can put you in touch with local florists for your table decorations, will take care of your reception drinks and canapés and ensure all your guests have the most suitable accommodation. Their Head Chef will work with you to create the perfect menu with carefully sourced produce and the freshest ingredients. With accommodation for up to 60 guests, they invite you to make yourself at home. They take care of everything from planning and creative design, to managing budgets, sourcing suppliers and handling pesky wedmin.
Seaview Hotel, High St, Seaview PO34 5EX t. 01983 612711 | e. manager@seaviewhotel.co.uk | seaviewhotel.co.uk
BLUEBELLS AT BRIDDLESFORD LODGE FARM
For a small- to medium-sized wedding breakfast, what could be more romantic than Bluebells at Briddlesford Lodge Farm – a working dairy farm with a picturesque award-winning herd of gentle Guernsey cows? You could even have your wedding photos taken in the fields with the Guernseys, or upon a tractor, and there are many other unusual photo opportunities, such as the small farm museum near to Bluebells or with the baby cows next door, who can be petted and fed. Receptions held during the day or at lunchtime can use the function room overlooking the farm, accommodating up to 30 people. This would be for a sit-down meal rather than a buffet. Or you might opt for an afternoon tea for your guests. Bookings for late afternoon and evening receptions can have the whole restaurant, along with the outdoor seating area under the new heated pergola, increasing guest numbers to 60. Later receptions have the option of a buffet if required, or a sit-down meal. Of course, all Bluebells’ food includes ingredients from the farm: milk, cream and their large range of cheeses –especially their famous halloumi –along with veal. Specialities using their own produce include house schnitzel, homemade pies, halloumi burgers and Briddlesford mess dessert. Local produce from the Tomato Stall, the Garlic Farm and abundant other Island producers are included in the dishes, and you can choose local wines and beers, too. Just call Bluebells with your ideas, as they are very flexible on menus and can offer a bespoke or set menu.
Restaurant manager Jules worked as a wedding planner for ten years before joining Bluebells, so is the ideal person to help you achieve your dream wedding reception. She’s especially good with wedding décor and can dress your reception in the most beautiful style, supplying your flowers and table decorations if required. You are welcome to have live music at a late afternoon/evening reception and Bluebells do, of course, have an alcohol license along with a music license.
Briddlesford Lodge Farm, Briddlesford Road, Wootton, PO33 4RY t. 01983 884650 | briddlesford.co.uk/bluebells
At a glance
Civil ceremony license no Ceremony capacity n/a Sit-down reception capacity 30 Evening party capacity 55 Outdoor facilities n/a Option of outdoor ceremony n/a Marquee available no Fireworks allowed no Parking available yes Option of exclusive use yes - evening Outside caterers allowed no Vegetarian options yes Bridal suite available n/a Guest accommodation n/a Wedding coordinator yes Music license yes Option for band/DJ yes Dancefloor available yes Venue available until midnight Wheelchair access yes Price range from £40 (venue hire)
VENTNOR BOTANIC GARDEN
At a glance
Civil ceremony license yes Ceremony capacity 300 Sit-down reception capacity 300 Evening party capacity 300 Outdoor facilities yes Option of outdoor ceremony yes Marquee available yes Fireworks allowed no Parking available yes Option of exclusive use some areas Outside caterers allowed yes Vegetarian options yes Bridal suite available yes Guest accommodation yes Wedding coordinator yes Music license yes Option for band/DJ yes Dancefloor available yes Venue available until midnight Wheelchair access yes Price range £250 - £12,000+
Imagine your wedding in an exclusive sub-tropical garden paradise nestled beneath the balmy undercliff in Ventnor. Not only do you have the beautiful Garden, but also elegant indoor spaces with garden views. The palm garden, with its huge trees, is the ideal location for your ceremony and/or drinks reception. The Edulis restaurant, overlooking the courtyard garden and pond, is perfect for a small- to mediumsized wedding and reception, come rain or shine. Or choose a ceremony in the New Zealand Garden with a marquee for up to 200 guests, for a wedding with real wow factor. Hire the entire 22-acre garden for the weekend if you really want to push the boat out. Want to arrive in a helicopter and leave in speed boat? It’s all possible at Ventnor Botanic Garden. Ventnor Botanic Garden gives you complete flexibility over creating exactly the day that you want. As they say: “We are a venue like no other… no limitations and no boundaries… just here to make your day perfect. So let us make your dreams come true.” From elaborate three-course menus to simple buffets or BBQs, Ventnor Botanic Garden showcases superb local produce and ingredients grown and picked freshly from the Garden. With such great fresh garden and Island produce available, from delicious Ventnor crab to ultra-fresh garden salads, you can blow everyone away with a stunning wedding menu. Their chef will help you plan your menu in the finest detail from welcome drinks and canapés to the main culinary event itself.
You might want a location to get ready, to stay in the night before or even for your wedding night. Signal Point is a beautifully restored Victorian cottage nestled amongst the plants overlooking the Garden. VBG also have the one-bedroom Smugglers Lodge and three studio cabins. You won’t find a venue locally that offers quite such an original setting to create a wedding day to remember.
Ventnor Botanic Garden, Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, PO38 1UL t. 01983 855397 | botanicdreamweddings.com
