Tag Archives: find

Royal Venues

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Still longing for a Royal wedding type venue?  Here are some more ideas on Wedding venues that will really wow your guests and make you feel like princess for the day…

Cambridge Cottage

The former royal residence of the Duke of Cambridge (no, not that one), Cambridge Cottage became a part of Kew Gardens in 1904. The building is suitable for civil ceremonies and dining, with a stunning drawing room and gallery spaces, where botanical artwork adorns the walls. Both of these rooms open out onto the Duke’s Garden a brilliant choice for wedding photographs or outdoor drinks.

Nash Conservatory

The Nash Conservatory is the oldest of the 19th century glasshouses at Kew and is of major historical and architectural importance. It didn’t actually begin life at Kew; the building was originally built in the grounds of Buckingham Palace before being move brick by brick to Kew Gardens in 1836! Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, the building is served by an abundance of natural light and can hold up to 200 guests, depending on your requirements.

Princess of Wales Conservatory

A unique drinks reception venue for your wedding, the Princess of Wales Conservatory is the most complex glasshouse at Kew Gardens. Containing ten computer-controlled climatic zones, up to 200 guests are able to enjoy drinks and canapés whilst admiring the botanical wonders nearby. Will they be able to find the rare orchids or Chinese Water Dragons? A short stroll from the other Kew Venues, this is a fabulous celebration space for those who love nature!

Orangery

Perhaps the most popular venue at Kew from our perspective, the Orangery is a hugely popular building filled with citrus trees, that is just perfect for your wedding dinner and the dance that follows! We’ve provided a whole host of brilliant bands to play in this venue over the years, with the large, open plan design allowing a happy couple to customise the area to their delectation. High ceilings and arched windows help to add natural light to the space with spectacular views of Kew able to be enjoyed from the terrace in the summer months.

Sir Joseph Banks Building

Named after the famed botanist, the Sir Joseph Banks Building is a gorgeous modern wedding venue that can hold a maximum of 230 people and is also home to Kew’s Economic Botany Collection. Often hired in conjunction with the Orangery, the building is licensed for religious ceremonies and sports impressive large windows that provide vast swathes of natural light. Entrance to the venue is provided through the Atrium, which can be used to welcome wedding guests upon their arrival.

 

Historical Weddings

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Have your every wanted a Royal Wedding, but actually you haven’t got Royal blood?  Well, fear not, we have some Wedding venue ideas which will make you feel very royal indeed….

Kensington Palace

Located in the heart of Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace is still home to British royalty and offers a timeless elegance and charm that delights all who visit. With beautiful gardens of its own, the venue offers an opportunity to get married in a building that has been home to British history for more than 300 years. Kensington Palace’s Orangery is a sight to behold and is licensed for ceremonies as well as being suitable for dinner and dancing. With exceptionally easy access, we also don’t mind saying that the venue is perfect for ensuring that your entertainment all gets in safely as well! Although you might be taken in by the Orangery, we also recommend considering a floral backdrop, with the Sunken Garden being a particularly beautiful and secluded choice for your family and friends to enjoy.

Hampton Court Palace

King Henry VIII’s residence is certainly one of the most popular stately homes in the country, not least because it has a maze! Who wouldn’t love to have a maze in their back garden? It didn’t exist back in King Henry VIII’s time, but has still been there for over 300 years! But this is your wedding we are talking about so unless you have children attending, you might not be too interested in all that! Hiring Hampton Court Palace offers you a top wedding venue in which to exchange vows, be it in the gardens or in the palace itself. Splendid formal gardens and elegant cobble courtyards are the order of the day around this Tudor marvel and the famous red brick makes for a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. As for dinner and your reception? Well, you can choose from the Great Hall, the Undercroft and also the Orangery and Privy Garden or maybe even ‘Little Banqueting House’. All of these spaces have to be seen to be believed but we promise you that you will not be disappointed. Gorgeous!

Banqueting House

From Little Banqueting House to Big Banqueting House! Hiring Banqueting House for your wedding is certainly a compelling idea when you consider the awe-inspiring architecture by Inigo Jones and the incredible decoration of the interior; where else can you get married underneath an original Rubens ceiling painting? Specially created for entertaining back in 1622, Banqueting House is one of the most dazzling wedding venues in London, both the Main Hall and Undercroft are fully licensed for weddings and there are some fantastic lighting options available to really make use of the space. With glittering chandeliers and vast windows that face onto Whitehall, you’ll be truly in for a day to never forget.

 

The right background music

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When planning a wedding to ensure the mood of your Wedding there is nothing like carefully cultivating each and every part of it. From the flowers to the canapés, it’s important to have everything the way that you want it. With this in mind, we thought we’d delve into the different sorts of background music for your wedding venue.

Violins

Performing either acoustic or electric violin can naturally change the atmosphere of your wedding. Violinists are able to perform a host of superb pieces from classical right through to modern pop! The violin is known for its versatility, allowing a background performer to not just play in a corner of the room but whilst strolling throughout your special day.

Guitar

Booking a guitarist for your wedding venue is that you can choose the style that you’d like them to play. From gypsy jazz to classical right through to contemporary acoustic, there is a whole host of options to go for with this hugely versatile music option.

Harp

Undoubtedly the most beautiful of all the instruments, a harpist for your wedding adds a touch of elegance to proceedings. Whether playing in order to welcome people to your wedding venue or as background music with wedding food a harp is a stunning accompaniment to any special occasion and is sure to impress guests!

 

The lovely Lake District

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How about a mini-moon walking in the Lake District, staying at some fantastic B&Bs and a lovely hotel. If you are fair skinned the sun can be a bit problematic so when you come back from the Lake District, you’ll be suntanned in a healthy way.

Super-fun skiing

Some people would much rather be skiing down a mountain than on a beach. Some couples find beach holidays boring. If you have ever only skied in Europe, why not go to the States to try out the snow there? Jackson Hole in Colorado is very recommended for all your skiers out there. If you’re both serious skiers and want a more action-orientated sort of honeymoon this maybe the honeymoon for you.

Ice cool Iceland

If you fancy going somewhere different and literally cool in every way, then consider a visit to Iceland. Just three hours from London, you can watch the Northern Lights, visit hot natural springs and soak in the geothermal pools, scuba dive and quad bike. There’s also a big nightclub scene in Reykjavik, if that’s your thing. It’s a great winter and summer destination and if you go during June, July and August you’ll enjoy 20 hours of straight daylight.

Going Japanese

Love sushi? Always wanted to visit Japan? Your honeymoon should be a holiday to remember and Japan offers an amazing once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. It’s one of the top places to go skiing but if you go to the Hakuba Valley in the Japanese Alps you can also see the local snow monkeys keeping warm in the hot springs and dip into a hot tub yourself.

The skiing is amazing for both downhill skiers and snowboarders and you can choose from a luxury hotel to self-catering accommodation. There are plenty of English speakers to help you if your Japanese isn’t up to scratch and the village apparently has a great atmosphere. Get there on the bullet train from Tokyo (a lifetime experience in itself).

 

A Mini-moon in the New Forest

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Mini-mooning is a growing trend among newlyweds when planning a wedding. Just 1.5 hours from London by train, the New Forest is fast becoming a top minimoon destination and with its stunning landscape, range of activities and beautiful couples’ accommodation, it’s easy to see why. Here, we explore what makes the New Forest so special.

Honeymoons are the perfect remedy to the busy and exciting wedding day. They give couples the chance to getaway and recuperate together and enjoy a well-deserved break month, if not years, of planning a wedding.

While traditionally a couple was sent off on their honeymoon straight after the reception, and therefore had no chance to chat with their guests until two weeks later, today’s newlyweds are choosing to postpone the longer break, or to substitute it entirely in favour of a shorter mini-moon. The New Forest is a world away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and provides the ideal setting for a romantic break.

Amazing accommodation

Let’s face it, you don’t want your run of the mill hotel for your mini-moon. A once in a lifetime event, it deserves accommodation that wows, and there’s plenty of that in the New Forest.

If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, Beaulieu River View is a gorgeously secluded bolthole for two. Stood on stilts above the Beaulieu River, it certainly has the wow factor and mini-mooners have been visiting for years, drawn by The Wind in the Willows reminiscent surroundings and the open plan living inside.

Fantastic activities

A mini-moon in the New Forest gives couples the chance enjoys a wide range of activities together. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a novice looking to try something new, there’s something to suit everyone.

Walking is a very popular pastime in the New Forest, thanks to the miles and miles of exquisite landscape, approved walking route and plenty of wildlife to spot en route. What could be more romantic than rambling through the woodland, chatting away and getting a bit of post-wedding cake exercise thrown in too?

Other outdoor pursuits such as cycling, horse-riding and watersports like kayaking are also popular and there are lots of activity centres offering rental of equipment and organised trips. Take a look at New Forest Activities for their range of days out and shorter trips, including foraging trails and kayaking.

Not everybody like the beach…

Not everybody wants the ‘classic white sandy beach, azure blue swimming pool, hot sunshine, and cocktails at sunset’ type of a honeymoon. When planning a wedding why not take a look at some of those overlooked destinations that might not have a tropical climate but can still get you hot under the collar.

The lovely Lake District

How about a mini-moon walking in the Lake District, staying at some fantastic B&Bs and a lovely hotel. If you are fair skinned the sun can be a bit problematic so when you come back from the Lake District, you’ll be suntanned in a healthy way.

Super-fun skiing

Some people would much rather be skiing down a mountain than on a beach. Some couples find beach holidays boring. If you have ever only skied in Europe, why not go to the States to try out the snow there? Jackson Hole in Colorado is very recommended for all your skiers out there. If you’re both serious skiers and want a more action-orientated sort of honeymoon this maybe the honeymoon for you.

Ice cool Iceland

If you fancy going somewhere different and literally cool in every way, then consider a visit to Iceland. Just three hours from London, you can watch the Northern Lights, visit hot natural springs and soak in the geothermal pools, scuba dive and quad bike. There’s also a big nightclub scene in Reykjavik, if that’s your thing. It’s a great winter and summer destination and if you go during June, July and August you’ll enjoy 20 hours of straight daylight.

Going Japanese

Love sushi? Always wanted to visit Japan? Your honeymoon should be a holiday to remember and Japan offers an amazing once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. It’s one of the top places to go skiing but if you go to the Hakuba Valley in the Japanese Alps you can also see the local snow monkeys keeping warm in the hot springs and dip into a hot tub yourself.

The skiing is amazing for both downhill skiers and snowboarders and you can choose from a luxury hotel to self-catering accommodation. There are plenty of English speakers to help you if your Japanese isn’t up to scratch and the village apparently has a great atmosphere. Get there on the bullet train from Tokyo (a lifetime experience in itself).

 

Pick the right shoes

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When you are tense and nervous, you are more awkward and therefore clumsier. We know this is easier said than done but this aside, it’s your wedding day, your friends and family are there to see you get married to each other, and they want the best for you. Smile, look directly into your partner’s eyes and take a deep breath.

There is nothing worse than limping around with sore feet because of ill-fitting or cheap shoes. Please remember that comfort is key here – pick a pair from a reputable seller of professional bridal shoes. The biggest secret of wedding shoes is they are designed to be the most comfortable shoes you will ever wear. Most shoes purchased off the high street do not have these extra added comfort features as they have cushioned lining and extra insole padding. Shoes with leather linings are also really comfortable as they mould to the shape of your foot, enhancing the comfort.

Don’t choose your wedding day to be the first time you decide to wear 6-inch heels then totter around like a bride on stilts with your bottom sticking out and sore feet to boot! That’s not a good look and you are likely to fall over, too.

If you want to wear heels and you’re not used to wearing them, then you’ve got to practice! Firstly, relax, then walk slowly, lean back – it may feel unnatural, but you are compensating for heels you have so lean into them. Shoulders back, don’t swing your arms but keep them at your side, one foot in front of the other, heel to toe, head up, smile and glide!

You may have the odd glass of champagne to celebrate the big day, but no one wants to see a drunk bride wobbling all over the dance floor – and falling flat on her face! You won’t have had a lot of practice walking in these shoes so do yourself a favour and stay away from the booze.

 

History themed wedding

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If you are considering having a historically themed wedding. Here are the three Historical Royal Palaces in and around London that you might wish to consider.

Hampton Court Palace

Hiring Hampton Court Palace offers you a dazzling wedding venue for hire in which to exchange vows, be it in the gardens or in the palace itself. Splendid formal gardens and elegant cobble courtyards are the order of the day around this Tudor marvel and the famous red brick makes for a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. As for dinner and your reception? Well, you can choose from the Great Hall, the Undercroft and also the Orangery and Privy Garden or maybe even ‘Little Banqueting House’. All of these spaces have to be seen to be believed but we promise you that you will not be disappointed.

Banqueting House

Hiring Banqueting House for your wedding venue is certainly a compelling idea when you consider the awe-inspiring architecture by Inigo Jones and the incredible decoration of the interior; where else can you get married underneath an original Rubens ceiling painting? Specially created for entertaining back in 1622, Banqueting House is one of the most dazzling venues in London, both the Main Hall and Undercroft are fully licensed for weddings and there are some fantastic lighting options available to really make use of the space. With glittering chandeliers and vast windows that face onto Whitehall, you’ll be truly in for a day to never forget.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is still home to British royalty and offers a timeless elegance and charm that delights all who visit. With beautiful gardens of its own, the venue offers an opportunity to get married in a building that has been home to British history for more than 300 years. Kensington Palace’s Orangery is a sight to behold and is licensed for wedding ceremonies as well as being suitable for dinner and dancing. With exceptionally easy access, we also don’t mind saying that the venue is perfect for ensuring that your wedding entertainment all gets in safely as well! Although you might be taken in by the Orangery, we also recommend considering a floral backdrop, with the Sunken Garden being a particularly beautiful and secluded choice for your family and friends to enjoy.

 

Have a traditional wedding

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Book a harpist for the ceremony

There’s something beautiful about having a harpist play. When planning a wedding, the sound of a harp emanating through your venue is a truly gorgeous moment. The tinkling of the strings really is the perfect sound to accompany a walk down the aisle and when it comes to tradition, we don’t think there’s much better.

Book a string quartet for the drinks reception

When the vows have been spoken and guests have retired for a few drinks, a string quartet is a wonderful accompaniment to their surroundings. The bride and groom will be having their photos taken with the photographer and such a gap shouldn’t be an awkward situation. With the soothing sounds of a string quartet, this is a lovely opportunity to friends old and new to chat to one another on this special day.

Book a jazz band over dinner

The dinner! Many guests’ favourite moment of the day with food, drink and of course, the speeches! The bride and groom often walk from table to table during the lunch or dinner and we find that having some background music certainly enhances the atmosphere. Booking a jazz band is a great choice with top acts including Clints Jazz Band

Book a function band for the evening

Not only do they get the party started in style, they’re sure to fill your dance floor and ensure many a happy memory as the evening wears on. Able to learn a tune that has a sentimental attachment to the newlyweds or more than capable of rattling through the hits to ensure that your wedding guests will keep rockin’ all night long.

Book a DJ to finish the evening

Bands generally play 3 x 45 minute sets so if you’re wanting to dance and party for longer than three hours, a DJ is a great choice. Able to play virtually any song from the past 70 or 80 years, you’ll be able to seamlessly blend Gangnam Style with Crazy Frog, Agadoo and Ernie, The Fastest Milkman in the West (if you so desire). No matter the genre, our DJs are all hugely experienced and you can relax knowing that your party will still be going long after you head off to the hotel!

 

A seaside wedding

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Many absolutely adore heading to the seaside as a relaxing day out away from the troubles of modern life. Be it diving head first into the waves or sprawling out on your towel, it’s fair to say that we as a nation love going to the beach – we even spend money to sit on the sand abroad – but have you ever considered a seaside themed wedding?

You can’t actually get married on the beach in the UK without jumping through a few hoops. As such, it might be better to merely theme your wedding around the seaside instead, opting to exchange vows at a cliff-side stately home. Sure, you’ll have views of the coast but it might not be as seaside-y as you first imagined.

Acoustic Band

An acoustic band is perfect for the beach because let’s face it, electronics and water don’t really mix. Or rather, they do mix a little too well and that is very dangerous for all concerned. A summer party down on the sand after your wedding ceremony might just be the order of the day and with this in mind, hiring an acoustic band is a no brainer. They can stroll around with your wedding guests and everybody can have a marvellous time!

Eden

A close harmony made up of 2 accomplished vocalists, you’ll enjoy harmonies. Taking their inspiration from Katherine Jenkins, Il Divo, Sarah Brightman and All Angels, they combine each of their influences to create a unique and beautiful act. A Classical/Crossover duo with a difference, will be a wonderful choice for your seaside wedding you won’t find a better act to have your guests swaying in the sun!

Ice Cream Van

What’s a trip to the seaside without an ice cream? No trip to the beach is complete without a Mr. Whippy with 99 flake or a few scoops in a cone and your wedding is the perfect timing to hand one out to everybody! With the sun beaming on your wedding day and the sea breeze cooling everybody down, an ice cream will surely make a welcome change from the bottles of fizz doing the rounds!

 

What to scrimp and splurge on

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Your wedding date

Choose a weekday or an off-season date and you might find that everything is that bit cheaper, and that wedding suppliers are more open to offers. We’re not suggesting that you barter, but it might be worth simply asking your preferred suppliers if they offer a reduced rate on your chosen date.

Your wedding venue

The best wedding venues will offer flexible packages, with price ranges to reflect what they can offer. To secure your venue on an exclusive use basis will always attract the highest prices, but what about if you were more flexible in your approach? For example, if you chose to have your wedding reception at your favourite restaurant (which will keep costs down in itself), would you be willing to share the space with normal paying customers? Or perhaps you might consider holding your reception somewhere that is open as usual during the day? If the venue can take bookings as normal, it’s going to keep costs down.

Your guest list

We all know that the big cost of any wedding is in feeding your guests. Your venue will talk about a ‘per head’ cost. There is absolutely no shame in making it clear to everyone from the start (including your parents and anyone else who thinks that they are going to be allocated invitations to give out!) that you are having a small do. Far better to feed fewer guests with an amazing meal that they will remember than lots of guests with food chosen purely because it was the cheapest option. The general rule is that if both of you haven’t met someone, they shouldn’t be on the list, but actually by eliminating big groups like ‘colleagues’ and ‘cousins’ and standing firm on your decision, this will make a huge difference.

Your dress

Your wedding dress is an investment, something that you will look back on for the rest of your life. You need to get it right, and the only way you can do that is by buying from a bona fide bridal boutique. Good boutiques will work with you and your budget to make sure that you are happy and comfortable with your choice, and show you that you don’t have to re-mortgage to get the dress of your dreams.

Your bridesmaids

Do you even need bridesmaids?! Well, yes, of course you do, and it makes sense that you want them to look right, happy and comfortable, too. Bridesmaid dresses are best bought from proper bridal shops too, and there are many options available, but once again, it’s not worth breaking the bank over.

Your wedding flowers

It’s another thing that you need to fork out for, so get a professional who can interpret your style and work with your budget. That said, there are clever ways with flowers… They can be moved, for example – church flowers can appear again in the evening; bridesmaid bouquets can form table centres – the possibilities are endless. You could even enlist the help of the church flower team, or speak to the venue about sharing the costs, maybe with another event or wedding. There are some incredible silk flower options around – it might be that your out-of-season peonies are better value in silk, for example. Talking of peonies, did you know that they are on average five times more expensive than roses? You should always buy wedding flowers that are in season.

Your wedding photographer

Saving money by hiring someone cheap, or by relying on friends who take good photos will not work. We’re sorry, but you simply can’t take a risk, or rely on, anyone else other than a professional wedding photographer who has a wealth of wedding experience. Taking quality photographs of you on your big day is not the same as taking Facebook-worthy selfies.

Your reception

Of course your best budget bet would be to choose a venue that doesn’t need much decoration, or that already has a huge stock of items you can make use of to decorate. Or you might have some friends who are really good at making things, all of which would keep your costs low. Once you have decided on your theme, you can start to stock up – each shopping trip could include candles, or confetti, or fairy lights.