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Celebrating the transition from single life to married bliss with a hen do is a cherished tradition. Yet, the idea of a grand affair isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Small wedding groups offer a unique opportunity for more personalised and intimate celebrations. The beauty of a smaller hen do lies in its ability to foster deeper connections and create memories that are as vivid years from now as they are today. It’s about honouring the bride in a way that feels genuine to her and her closest friends and family, making every moment count with thoughtfully chosen activities that reflect the group's dynamics and the bride's personality. The Charm of Small-Scale Celebrations Opting for a small-scale hen do isn’t merely a matter of logistics or budget; it’s about embracing the warmth and closeness that only a tight-knit group can offer. These gatherings allow for every detail to be tailored to the bride’s preferences, ensuring that each activity resonates with her and her guests on a personal level. Whether it's a quiet weekend getaway or a day filled with pampering and laughter, the focus is on quality time, making every second meaningful. The reduced guest list means more opportunities for heartfelt conversations and shared experiences that strengthen bonds. It’s about creating a cosy, welcoming atmosphere where every attendee feels valued and integral to the celebration, turning the event into a cherished memory for both the bride and her guests. Tailoring the Hen Do to Your Wedding Theme Harmonising your hen do with your wedding theme sets the tone for the festivities and adds a layer of anticipation for the big day. It starts with selecting activities and decor that reflect the wedding’s aesthetic and vibe. For a vintage-themed wedding, consider a classic afternoon tea in a picturesque garden. If you’re leaning towards a more rustic feel, a crafting session where you create decorations or favours for the wedding could be incredibly fitting. This alignment enhances the continuity between your hen do and the wedding, making the transition from one celebration to the next seamless. It also allows the bride to immerse fully in her chosen theme, extending the wedding magic to encompass the entire experience, from the pre-wedding celebrations to the final vows. Perfect Destinations for Intimate Groups When it comes to celebrating a hen do, choosing the right destination is crucial, especially for smaller groups looking for a memorable experience. Among the top UK hen weekend destinations, there's a treasure trove of options that cater perfectly to more intimate gatherings. For those seeking a blend of charm and adventure, the Cotswolds offers quintessentially English countryside scenes, ideal for cosy cottage stays and afternoon teas. Edinburgh, with its rich history and vibrant culture, presents a mix of luxury spa breaks and ghost tours through the old town, catering to varied tastes. For a seaside escape, Brighton's eclectic lanes and beachfront provide a laid-back atmosphere where small groups can enjoy boutique shopping, workshops, and waterfront dining. Each destination offers its unique allure, allowing hen parties to tailor their weekend to the bride's preferences, ensuring a personalised and unforgettable pre-wedding celebration. Outdoor Adventures for the Adventurous Bride For the bride who thrives on adrenaline and loves the great outdoors, incorporating adventure activities into the hen do can make for an exhilarating experience. UK's diverse landscapes offer ample opportunities for outdoor adventures that are perfect for small groups. Think of a day spent coasteering along the rugged Cornish coast, where you can jump, swim, and climb your way around natural rock pools and sea cliffs. Or perhaps, a guided mountain biking excursion through the scenic trails of the Lake District, offering breathtaking views and a shared sense of achievement. For something a bit more laid back but equally engaging, paddleboarding on the serene waters of the Norfolk Broads provides a peaceful yet active way to bond with nature and each other. These outdoor adventures not only inject excitement into the hen do but also foster teamwork and create lasting memories in the great outdoors. Culinary Experiences for the Foodie Bride For the bride with a passion for culinary delights, a hen do centred around gastronomic experiences can be incredibly satisfying. The UK is home to a multitude of culinary workshops, tasting sessions, and gourmet dining experiences ideal for small groups. Imagine a private cooking class in London, where you and your guests learn to craft exquisite dishes from a renowned chef, followed by a sit-down meal to enjoy your creations. For those who prefer tasting to cooking, a guided food tour through the streets of Manchester could uncover hidden gems and introduce you to the city's culinary highlights. Wine enthusiasts might opt for a vineyard tour in the South Downs, sampling award-winning English wines amidst rolling hills. These culinary adventures offer a feast for the senses and an opportunity to bond over the shared love of food, making for a memorable and mouth-watering hen do experience.

Fallen Angel, Cornwall In essence an elopement is just one of the many ways that couples choose to marry in the UK. Traditionally a wedding involves a wedding ceremony where friends and family of the couple join together to witness the couple exchange their marriage vows, i.e. the promises that they make to one another. This tends to happen in a registry office or religious setting, or alternatively legal paperwork can be done separately in a Statutory Meeting at a Registrars’ Office and the wedding ceremony itself can be led by a celebrant and take place anywhere. An elopement is a much more personal, romantic alternative for couples who want their wedding day to be focused on the two of them without having to please or appease family and friends. Little Silver Weddings, Devon What’s an elopement wedding like? The differences between a traditional larger wedding and an elopement start with the cost. The average cost of an elopement s around 20% of that of the average wedding – that’s a saving of 80%! What’s more, because it is just the two of your or two and a few, your plans are on a smaller scale and far les complex. This allows you to enjoy your wedding planning journey rather than stressing about it. Sure, you will still have pre-wedding nerves, but these will come from a place of love rather than a place of anxiety caused by expensive, overly complicated plans that sadly do not always work out the way couples want. What you are also guaranteed of is no interference from family or friends who have set ideas as to how you should be marrying and what your wedding day should look like. The best news is that your elopement wedding can be exactly as the two of you wish, a real celebration of your relationship including everything you love and nothing you don’t. You can choose somewhere romantic to stay for a few days extending your wedding bubble into a minimoon. You can wear what you want, get married where you want, have a romantic- wedding meal eating all your favourite food alongside your tipples of choice. Add spa services, spend your wedding night toasting marshmallows by the firepit, eat wedding cake for breakfast, have a wedding day run or surf or SUP, bring your dog and have them as a ring bearer….the list is endless with the only limits being your imagination. Pengelly Retreat, Cornwall Is an elopement legal? An elopement conducted by a registrar and held in an approved premises or registry office in England and Wales, or a celebrant in Scotland at any location is legally binding. There is often some confusion as elopements originated from the concept of a couple running away to get married without their parent’s consent. Although this wasn’t illegal, it certainly broke social convention of the time. Another way of ensuring your elopement is legal is by de-coupling the process. Your legal paper work can be completed at a Statuatory Meeting with the Registrar and your actual elopement wedding ceremony can then be led by a celebrant in a mutually agreed location. This option is popular with couples who want a unique outdoors location e.g. woodlands, clifftop, beach rather than being restricted to approved legal wedding ceremony locations. Tremenheere, Cornwall How do you know if an elopement is right for you? An elopement experience is super special for the two of you with the whole plan woven around your style and preferences. Specific benefits of an elopement wedding include: -       Saving money without diluting your wedding experience -       Avoiding any of the parts of a traditional wedding that couples can sometimes dread e.g. getting up and speaking in front of lots of people -       You can enjoy the process from start to finish without financial and logistical stress that can go with a larger wedding -       Getting do things your way without having to please or appease others -       Choosing to get married when and where you want -       Creating your own unique experience based around your relationship -       Wear what you want -       Disregard some of the wedding traditions that don’t fit with your ethos Disadvantage to bear in mind -       Some family and friends may take offense. Our view is that if you feel this is a risk you should explain your choice and rationale to them up front and find ways to involve them in your celebrations separately e.g. have a celebration meal/party when you get back, get a video taken of your day to share with those you care about, bring home a layer of your wedding cake to distribute to those you wish. Find your perfect elopement Petite Weddings specialises in helping couples find their perfect elopement venue and elopement services to bring their elopement wedding dreams to life. You can more here.

Petite Weddings supports diversity and inclusion at every level and in every way, so it was super-exciting to hear from Peter, owner of our venue partner Little Silver in Devon when he suggested a blog on neurodiversity. Little Silver works with celebrant Sue of Sue By Your Side and together they have the expertise and facilities to help couples with neurodiversity needs to consider make their wedding day really special and tailored to individual requirement. We caught up with Peter and Sue to find out more. Q: Could you please start by explaining a bit about what Neurodiversity is? A: The word “neurodiversity” describes the idea that there are many ways for a human to think, learn, and behave and that these neurological differences are recognised and respected just like any other human variation. It describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences should be embraced and treated as typical. The word neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD, PTSD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and Tourette’s. The word “neurotypical” is an informal term used to describe a person who thinks, perceives, and behaves in ways that are considered the norm by the general population. However, neurotypical does not mean “normal.” It simply means that the behaviours fall within expected boundaries, which can differ from one culture to another. (Direct eye contact, for example, is considered rude in some cultures and expected in others.) The term "neurodivergent" is used to describe someone who isn't neurotypical, meaning that their brain works in a way that is not expected. It is commonly used when the behaviour or response diverges from what is expected socially, physically, or verbally. According to a 2020 research article published in the British Medical Bulletin, between 15% and 20% of all the people living in the world are thought to have a neuro-difference. No two people will be affected in the same way. Many famous people have neuro-differences, including Lewis Capaldi, who has been raising awareness about his experience with Tourette's. Q: Why can this be a concern for anyone arranging a ceremony of some kind? A: We are all individuals and if you or one of your guests are part of the neurodivergent community, planning for any special occasion can be difficult and will often need extra considerations and thought. For those that want to celebrate something, whether a joining together of two people, a renewal of vows, or to celebrate someone’s life in passing: for those with neurodiversity these occasions can lead to overwhelming feelings, sensory overload and increased anxiety. For example, a person with ASD may experience either a very muted or heightened sense of the world - everything may be louder, brighter, and more intense than it is for most people. Sensitivity to lights or sounds or smells can be very overwhelming and make getting through a particular day like a wedding, very challenging. Couples and their families need help to find the best ways to have a beautiful ceremony which meets their sensory needs and reduce their anxiety, meaning everyone enjoys the event and has special memories to cherish. Q: Can you explain why a celebrant has more flexibility to accommodate the neurodiverse than a registrar? A: Registrars are professional, kind and considerate but they are constrained by law over what they can and cannot do or say. Celebrants have much greater flexibility and can create a personal ceremony that very much more suits the needs of any group, from specific exclusions for, for example: considering the visual impact of the ceremony space and content; thoughtful ideas and solutions to the audio impact of the ceremony; the structure of the ceremony content and involvement of people, nothing is off the table, and there is always a way. A celebrant will work closely with any couple, including those with neurodiverse considerations to identify their ideal celebration, as well as identifying any potential barriers and how these can be worked around. These will be carefully thought about, worked through and overcome, leading to the most wonderful celebration for everyone. Couples have the reassurance of getting to know their celebrant and Peter and Lisa, the owners of Little Silver very well before their wedding, which helps provide a calm and comfortable day. If meeting with a guest or showing them around Little Silver where the ceremony will be held is deemed useful then of course this is possible. They will meet as many times as in necessary and be open and honest to ensure the ceremony is exactly what the couple desire. Q: So, what is a celebrant and how are they trained and regulated? What is your personal history Sue? A: A celebrant can officiate at any ceremony you require, ceremonies of love, life and loss, from a wedding to a funeral ceremony celebrating the life of those that have died, to a naming ceremony to wedding vow renewals. However, at this moment in time (although this hopefully will be changing in the near future), couples have to register their marriage at a registry office service to make it a legal marriage. Either before of after completing the legal paper work at a statutory meeting at their local registry office they then can enjoy the wedding of their dreams with a celebrant leading the ceremony. I have been privileged to work in inclusive, mainstream schools for 35 years as a teacher and for the last 15 years as a headteacher. This has given me many wonderful experiences of supporting children and families with a wide variety of differences and needs. I am passionate about inclusivity, equality and equity and I always say we are all wonderfully different and amazingly the same. If you are planning a ceremony, I can help support and guide you with suggestions and ideas to make your ceremony as inclusive as possible. Q: What sort of things do you need to consider to create a suitable ceremony, Sue? A: I always meet my couples several times before their wedding day so we know each other well, have talked through their ceremony in detail and have explored their love story. We will have talked through all the different options a ceremony can offer, crafting and creating a personalised ceremony. With the venue, we will pay a huge attention to detail of the ceremony and day. A venue and the celebrant need to work together to give the couple permission to do whatever they need to do to make it work for them. At Little Silver this is a priority too. We can plan a wedding rehearsal if it helps allay any concerns and worries so everyone knows the plan and timings of the ceremony. The couple will see their entirely personalised ceremony script in the weeks leading up to the wedding, to ensure the script is exactly as they wish it to be. There will be no surprises unless of course, the couple wishes to add them! Little Silver offers the perfect venue for all types of smaller ceremonies with a choice of indoor and outdoor ceremony locations. Owners Peter and Lisa are supportive and helpful in making any needed adjustments to accommodation special circumstances or wishes. There can be a lot of stimuli at a wedding ceremony which need to be considered, eg maintaining a comfortable wedding ceremony temperature, use of lighting and audio to allow those with neurodivergent considerations to feel as comfortable as possible by reducing the stress these changes might otherwise induce. Q: Sue can you give examples of how you’ve created ceremonies to suit the neurodiverse? A: My role as a celebrant, alongside the venue, is to help create a ceremony that suits the couple’s needs. This can happen in a number of ways, by for example: · providing a calm, quiet, people-free space before and after the ceremony to help the couple decompress. The celebrant can include this in their ‘housekeeping announcements’ or in the directions to guests after the ceremony, to make sure the couple get the time they need. · encouraging the use of personal sensory-regulation items such as headphones or tinted glasses for those who experience the world more intensely than others, or use fidget toys to reduce anxiety · minimising sensory distractions in the environment such as bright lights, food smells, background noise For example, I stayed on at the wedding breakfast to read groom’s speech as had Tourette’s and too overwhelmed to speak in public; the whole wedding party walked down the aisle together so no one was in direct spotlight; we used blackout tents for two grandchildren with ASD providing them with a secure safe place so they could be part of the ceremony; no overhead bright lights used – only fairy lights; one couple loved dancing but couldn’t cope with loud noises so had a silent disco; one bride held a sensory toy in her pocket and interacted with it during the ceremony to help her stay focused; bride carried dried flowers as the scent of fresh flowers was too overpowering…the point is, nothing is off-limits and my role is to explore the potential issues with each couple and support them in creating simple solutions that help them enjoy a fabulous wedding day, their way. Q: Peter, why is Little Silver so suitable for neurodivergent-friendly weddings? A: For two reasons. Firstly, Little Silver is a perfect, beautiful, flexible wedding venue to meet all couples needs but especially those who may have neurodiverse needs. The location is stunning, being so open with calming views across the countryside. We offer a choice of outdoor ceremony, and even indoors it is spacious, beautifully decorated but not too big. Secondly, owners, we are passionate about providing a glorious wedding for their couples through providing support ahead of their wedding and on the day, f and pride ourselves in being flexible and accommodating to the needs of the neurodiverse community. You can rely on us to focus on all the necessary details, adjustments and planning to ensure needs are met. Uncertainty can be anxiety-inducing because routines and sameness provide security when the world can be unpredictable and scary. Planning closely with the venue and celebrant is a real advantage. The couple will know exactly what the day and the ceremony will be like, precisely when and where everything will be happening, what food they are going to eat, and so many other things in precise detail because they will have meticulously planned them beforehand. The day can be as simple and stripped back or extravagant and intricate as they wish. With a flexible venue and a celebrant led ceremony, there is no such thing as a standard wedding - all of the ‘stuff’ that a couple might feel they are ‘supposed’ to do, doesn’t matter. It’s their day, their way Q: And finally, is there anything else that would you like people to be aware of? A: Those with a neurodiversity, or who have loved ones with a neurodiversity, may fear any ceremony. You have permission to do whatever’s necessary to reduce that fear and be fully supported in making a beautiful ceremony work for you. To explore your bespoke small wedding at Little Silver in more detail take a look here or contact Peter and Lisa: E: enquiries@littlesilverweddings.com T: 01769 615040 To find out more about working with Sue of Sue By You Side you can see more here or contact her: E: hello@sue-byyourside.co.uk T: 07837 988120 If you’d like to hear more from Little Silver and Sue by Your Side, they have put together this helpful and informative video designed to help those considering a ceremony that can accommodate neurodivergent needs. March Madness: £1000 off all wedding packages aside from single day events. See more here. First two images: Flowers Sandy Blossoms & Butterflies https://blossomsandbutterflies.co.uk/ Photographer Laura Farmer @freeformimages.co.uk laura@freeformimages.co.uk www.freeformimages.co.ukM: 07846 926029 Chairs Do me a favour event hire @domeafavouruk www.domeafavouruk.co.uk Cake Jax’s Cakes’n’Bakes https://jaxscakesnbakes.com/ Styling Lisa, Little Silver Catering (cutlery, crockery, glass tablewares and napkins) Dan Tugwell Nomad Dining https://nomad.catering/ 07976979181 nomaddining@gmail.com Other images: Photographer @freeformimages www.freeformimages.co.uk Celebrant @hestiaandIrisCeremonies https://hestiaandirisceremonies.co.uk Dress @bridalrelovedbarnstaple https://bridalreloved.co.uk Suits @mensdevonbridal https://devonbridal.co.uk Hair @adoreweddinghair Makeup @ewairacka.mua Stationery Laura Likes www.lauralikes.co.uk Confetti @candlesandpearlsweddingshop Catering @chefduetcatering www.chefduet.co.uk Cake @peboryon www.peboryon.com Drinks trolley and cocktails @gatehousetrailerbar Styling, props and garden games @chefdueteventhire www.chefdueteventhire.co.uk and @domeafavouruk www.domeafavouruk.co.uk Rings @moltenweddingring www.moltenweddingringcompany.com Accessories @heyjulesbridal www.heyjules.co.uk Models Paul, Helen, Jasper and Zachary!

Besides the costs and logistics of planning a wedding, it can be a struggle to find a way to make your special day memorable for your guests. Party favours are usually the best way to leave people with a lasting impression, but they might not be useful to guests and will only gather dust or get tossed away. To avoid giving out something tedious or impractical, take a unique approach and give something people can enjoy daily, allowing them to use it for longer and remember your event. If you’re opting for a traditional wedding, the usual party favours include confectionery like sugared almonds, cupcakes, macarons, and boxed chocolates. However, those looking to get creative can tap into the following party favour ideas, guaranteed to wow your guests and make them remember your wedding day in a unique way. Sunglasses A pair of sunglasses isn’t a typical party favour, but that novelty will surely be a hit with your event guests, especially if you are gifting a famous brand. If you want to make your guest feel special, giving out an established eyewear brand like Oakley, which is making a comeback in the public sphere, is a great way to signal to your guests how much they mean to you since it’s versatile for outdoor adventures and daily use. The brand's luxury sunglasses have long been a beloved accessory, combining function and fashion into one neat and trendy package. From the sleek Holbrook to trendy wraparounds, you can find the perfect pair to suit your guests’ respective personalities and styles. You can also look for budget-friendly pairs in classic and timeless styles to match any gender, face shape, and aesthetic. Candles Candles are great additions to a living space, and their wide variety can ensure you have a unique selection to give to your guests. It’s best to keep them small or medium-sized for events so guests can bring them home easily. Some come in small tins or jars, so you can choose which feels most appropriate. You can give out multiple scents to make the candles feel more personal since there are more chances for people to get the fragrance they prefer. You can also customise them to fit your wedding theme by using labels or tags so people have something to remember the event by. For a touch of luxury, brands like Maison Louis Marie offer chic candles while still being affordable. Mason jars For good reason, mason jars have been a big event trend for years. Many use them for decorations since they’re visually pleasing and have multiple uses. Rather than using them as a prop, you can change things up and give them out as party favours to your guests. Mason jars can be repurposed in many different ways, such as storage containers that help keep your kitchen larder neat and organised. You can also personalise them by decorating them with your guests' names by painting the lid or attaching a name-tag. You can even use the jars to hold other party favours or treats your guests can take home for unique packaging! Succulents Plants aren’t often used as party favours since they need a lot of care and the right environment; plus, they can be a mess. However, succulents can be great for event giveaways and aren’t a hassle to deal with. Smaller succulents can come in small, portable pots that can easily be placed in a bag that guests can take home with them. They’re also not as high-maintenance as other plants, so they won’t die quickly if placed in the right conditions and watered properly. Guests can appreciate receiving something to help liven up their spaces without focusing too much time and effort on them. By keeping these party favour ideas in mind, it's not only the newlyweds but also all the wedding guests who will have something to remember the special day by!

The world of wedding photography has come a long way from stuffy studios and staged poses. Today, couples want their love stories captured in a way that's as unique as they are. This yearning for individuality has given rise to some of the most unusual wedding photography trends. So, if you're planning your wedding or are a professional looking for inspiration, here are 10 innovative ideas that are redefining the genre. 1. Drone Photography Drones have quite literally taken wedding photography to new heights. Offering an aerial perspective, drones are excellent for capturing wide-angle shots of the ceremony, the venue, and breathtaking landscapes. They can even film epic, cinematic-style wedding videos. Drone Video By Thomas Frost Photography 2. Disposable Cameras Inject a dose of nostalgia into your wedding with disposable cameras. Placing them on each table allows your guests to capture candid moments that your professional photographer might miss. Plus, you'll have the fun of developing the pictures and seeing your wedding day from different perspectives. 3. Smoke bomb Portraits Couples are experimenting with smoke bombs to create unique visual effects in their wedding photos - to dramatic effect, creating totally unique one off images that bring a sense of fun to your wedding photography. Image by Mimosa Photography at The Brickhouse Vineyard 5. Vaping Portraits This might sound peculiar but hear us out. Some couples are experimenting with vapes to create unique visual effects in their wedding photos. Plumes of vapour can be manipulated to create dreamy, ethereal images or a dramatic, film-noir ambiance. However, remember to consider your venue’s policies and your guests’ comfort regarding vaping. 4. First-Look Photos The moment when the couple first sees each other dressed in their wedding attire is truly magical. More and more couples are choosing to capture this intimate moment before the ceremony. It offers an opportunity for some stunning and emotional images. Photography by Verity Westcott, Portugal 5. Underwater Photography If you're a couple who loves adventure, why not take the plunge and have your wedding photos taken underwater? Whether in a pool or the open sea, underwater wedding photography creates otherworldly images that are sure to stand out from the crowd. 6. Infrared Photography Infrared photography uses a specific type of film or image sensor that is sensitive to infrared light. The result is a dreamy, fairytale-like image with surreal colours. In the hands of a skilled photographer, infrared can transform your wedding photos into ethereal works of art. 7. Documentary Style Couples are increasingly opting for a more authentic and natural style of photography that tells the story of their day. Documentary-style photography captures candid moments, raw emotions, and little details that make your wedding unique. This narrative style makes your wedding album more personal and relatable. Video by The Caryls 8. Post-Wedding Photoshoots After the wedding, couples are now choosing to have a post-wedding photoshoot. This allows them to be more creative and adventurous, without the constraints of time and the need to keep the wedding attire pristine. From hiking in the mountains to jumping into the sea, post-wedding photoshoots offer limitless possibilities. 9. Double Exposure Double exposure is a technique that involves combining two different images into a single frame, creating a dreamy effect. Whether it's overlaying a portrait with a landscape or blending two moments from the wedding day, this technique adds a unique artistic touch to wedding photos. Little Seed Field 10. Astrophotography Imagine having the stars as the backdrop of your wedding photos. For couples who love the night sky, astrophotography is becoming a popular trend. This technique involves long-exposure photographs to capture the stars and the galaxy, resulting in breathtakingly beautiful images. Wedding photography doesn't have to be traditional or cookie-cutter. These 10 unusual trends offer ample inspiration to create wedding photos that are as unique as your love story. So, don't be afraid to step out of the norm and try something innovative and creative for your big day. By Ollie Norman, https://www.onepoundeliquid.com/

As Bridgerton hits our screens for its third season, we are once again treated to a symphony of pastels: be it in the decadent floral arrangements, the glamorous Regency costumes and striking jewellery. Just like the light that first season shone on our screens during the dark days of Lockdown, Bridgerton once again delivers romantic Regency and intrigue at it's best and has had us all hankering for a Bridgerton Wedding. In case you'd forgotten here's a refresher... We're feeling elegant, classic and impressive vibes that, alongside playful frills, lace and elaborate bejewelled hair-ups fit for Queen Charlotte and the gossipworthy of Lady Whistledown's column. Think horses, carriages, sparkling tiaras, men in white tie, chandeliers, swirling cloaks, champagne towers and decadent painted-cake with tiers piled high and dancing, lots of dancing. Creating your very own version of a Bridgerton wedding is actually far easier than you might expect. Here's our guide on how to achieve this, easily. Keep things intimate In the show, marriage ceremonies take place in relatively small spaces. This is a great trick for TV, but also relevant to your wedding plans. A smaller space can be made to look amazing due to the intimacy this small space offers. Filling a smaller wedding venue space with flowers not only looks impressive, it's actually do-able at an affordable price as you are not looking to fill a huge space. It's easy to transform a smaller space with florals, props and people to create your own unique look. Style guide Be bold, embrace the whimsical feel of Regency romance in both your wedding day itinerary and your look and feel. We suggest: - Wear any colour wedding dress - Royal brides wore white wedding dresses and these were a real status symbol in Georgian times. The expensive process of whitening in those days made it a big cost, and of course, no Royal wedding in "The Ton" would be complete without the bride wearing white. That said, Royal bridal gowns were also made of silver tissue and lace, and for a short time regency brides preferred to wear yellow bridal dresses over other colours. This gives you free-rein to make a real statement with your choice of Georgian wedding gown. - An abundance of flowers in pastel shades is signature look in Bridgerton. They served a practical purpose in times gone by disguising the smell of the people, and of course they look absolutely stunning too. - Big hair-ups, hats, tiara's or hair adornments are an absolute must to capture the glamour and opulence of the Regency era. - Make your music live and dance to it. You could consider a string quartet or harpist for your ceremony and meal, moving on to something a little more upbeat for your evening celebrations. - For food, think long banqueting tables piled high with sharing plates of your favourite foods alongside, candles, flowers and plenty of wine. Try and pick simpler food with lots of colour and flavour designed to look amazing and taste delicious too. - Accommodation Bridgerton style could include a four poster bed, free-standing bath, open fires, ornamental gardens combined with up to date modern comforts. -Fireworks - the Georgian's loved them and we feel they are the perfect way to end your wedding night celebrations. Location, location, location Above all else finding a suitable period property for your wedding stands out as the lynch pin to achieving the ambitious vibe a Regency style weddings demand. Think grand stairway entrances, gorgeous grounds, high ceilings, and large windows letting the light flood in. On a practical note there should be oodles of bedrooms to accommodate your guests! We are lucky enough to work with three stunning late Georgian/ early Victorian intimate wedding venues that are just perfect for your fairy-tale wedding day. These properties were designed with family gatherings, entertaining and decadence in mind. The perfectly preserved Bridgerton-style venues have all been modernised sensitively to offer you the perfect backdrop to a Bridgeton-style wedding, yet with all your modern-day comforts catered for and more. The Manor Holcombe - Somerset You'll find this amazing small exclusive hire wedding venue in a picture-postcard English Somerset village. Secreted the privacy of it's own gardens you will be assured of total privacy on your wedding day and for the duration of your stay. To ensure your feel totally pampered you'll also find modern day comforts such as a private heated outdoor pool; hot-tub: treehouse; children's playground; gym and games room at the property. These thoughtful additions make it a fantastic choice for a small wedding stay with friends or family of all ages. ​ The Manor a short stroll from a Michelin rated restaurant that also offers great accommodation for additional guests to stay locally and a proper local pub. ​ Whilst staying at The Manor you'll be treated like kings and queens: you can expect the highest level of personal service from the team of discreet staff who ensure the house and grounds are in tip-top condition for your stay and will provide help and support on your wedding day. The venue work with their recommended a professional wedding planner who you will work with to bring to life your wedding arrangements which will be carefully planned and expertly managed on the day. ​ This Georgian manor house sleeps up to 24 guests for a minimum stay of three nights, and up to 50 guests in total can join you on your wedding day. If you'd like to see this amazing place yourselves, there's a date for your diary too: The Manor Holcombe are planning an open day from 10am to 2pm on 1 September 2024. You can see more of The Manor, Holcombe here. Porthpean House, Cornwall If you'd like to take your Bridgerton wedding a unique location - why not go to the seaside? Porthpean House is a beautiful late Georgian designed venue the ultimate small wedding house by the sea. This exquisite Regency period house sits in beautiful gardens featuring: manicured lawns (there's even a croquet lawn), woodland, a huge collection of camellias that thrive in the clement Cornish climate and hidden paths. One of these hidden paths leads you neatly to the beach below – just perfect for wedding day photography, old fashioned beach games and even a wedding day dip in the sea if you feel your inner wild child rearing its head. Porthpean House is packed with authentic character and original period features. It’s lovingly cared for by Martin Petherick, the 5th generation owner of this idyllic intimate wedding venue by by the sea. It's perfect for extended families and groups of friends to enjoy intimate weddings in decadent surroundings on an exclusive-hire basis where couples can combine exclusive hire for their wedding day with a 3 or 4 night stay for you and your guests, your legal wedding ceremony and celebrations. The main house sleeps 21, and The Lodge next door sleeps 6 and weddings for up to 80 can be accommodated with glamping available on site and other great accommodation close-by. To find out more about Porthpean House please take a look here. Casterton Grange, Lake District Set in 52-acres of gorgeous privacy you’ll find Casterton Grange between the epic landscape of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. It's easily accessible by road and rail, this picturesque country estate offers exclusivity, privacy and romantic setting that’s just perfect for intimate weddings. The estate includes tennis courts, a walled garden, charm-packed cottages with hot tubs, the photogenic lake and there’s even a marquee site if required, as well as a choice of beautiful inside spaces offering a range of options for your accommodation, ceremony and celebrations. Casterton Grange is an exquisite early-Victorian mansion, designed by 19th Century architect Ewan Christian specifically with entertainment, comfort and relaxation in mind. Today you’ll find many of the original features of the property blending seamlessly with modern day luxury to provide a totally fabulous and unique wedding stay experience that’s just perfect for couples seeking to create life-long magical memories for themselves and their guests in unapologetic luxury! Your arrival at Casterton Grange through the impressive wrought gates and along the private driveway leading to the main house sets the scene: you are stepping into another world where the highest standards of care, attention to detail and total focus on you and your guests for the duration of your wedding stay comes as standard with the wonderful team at Casterton Grange. You can read more about Casterton Grange here.

We’re as passionate about elopements and intimate wedding as the couples we help. Over the past 10 years, from conception of our business idea through to today where we help thousands of couples every year to find their perfect elopement or intimate wedding venue. We’ve seen smaller weddings grow in popularity for a myriad of reasons including: micro-weddings being normalised during the COVID years; to couples wanting their wedding to be a more authentic expression of their relationship rather than a formula driven day based on wedding traditions; practical considerations, such as, couples seeking to balance creating a special wedding day experience with realistic budgets. (Click here for guidance on how to make your wedding budget go further and how to elope) We are super-lucky to be speaking to couples on a daily basis about their wedding plans and helping them at the start of their wedding journey. Unique access to this inside track means we’re able to share up to the moment insight with you on the wedding trends we see coming to the fore in 2023 and 2024. 1. Guest lists maxing out at 50 In 2022 we saw couples rebel against the strict mirco-wedding limits imposed during COVID, and that saw the average number of guests at a wedding hit 89. (Source: Hitched.co.uk) The opportunity to gather as many of your tribe around you after years of being told “no” was hard to resist. This year we’re seeing wedding guest numbers trend back down. With most couples inviting 50 or fewer guests and the highest popularity for searches on our site being seen in the 2-12 and 20-35 wedding sizes brackets. You can learn about the benefits of down-sizing here. Going hand in hand with this trend is couples opting to hold their smaller weddings in truly unique destination wedding venues: just like Chloe & Nick’s at Brickhouse Vineyard in Devon featured in this blog. Couples are recognising that fewer guests can afford you an upgrade in your overall experience. 2. Bridal parties are on the decline Couples are taking wedding traditions and adapting them and owning them in their own unique ways. The traditional gendered line up is being replaced with mixed bridal parties that include brides-men, best women and even dogs playing these roles. And why not? Your dog is part of the family and who can resist a dog in a bow-tie or flower collar? Taking this a step further, we see many couples like Chloe and Nick cutting right back to one or two of their closest friends and family to be part of their special day rather than large, bloated guest lists. Read more about the true meaning behind the most popular wedding traditions and how you can adapt them to own them. 3. Wedding budgets are falling (and prices are rising) – but the quality of wedding experience is not up for debate The average wedding pre-pandemic in 2019 was £33,000, whereas in 2022 this fell to just over £17,000. Having a small wedding is a great way of assuring the quality of your wedding day experience as you are able to spend a higher amount per head. What’s more, you’ll get to spend quality time with your hand-picked micro-guest list, creating a supportive a loving environment that money just can’t buy. Smaller does not mean inferior in any way. In fact, we’d argue that choosing a smaller wedding is a prime example or where less is most certainly more. Beautiful small wedding venues like Brickhouse Vineyard are just perfect for elopements and intimate weddings, being purpose designed from the get-go to host high quality small weddings and elopements with no compromises. 4. Mid-week weddings and winter weddings Saturdays will always be the most popular days to get married because of our traditional working patterns. However, we are seeing an increasing number of mid-week weddings, with Tuesdays and Thursdays being right behind Saturdays as the most popular days to wed. This is the effect of couples taking advantage of better value packages from many venues for mid-week dates. What’s more the registrars’ fees are less on mid-week days too! The other cost busting trend that’s becoming more prevalent is winter wedding dates. Think candles, furs, holly and ivy punctuated with deep red berries, mulled wine and mince pies and feasting on hearty winter favourites with your closest friends and family – an experience that really warms the soul! These dates offer couples more choice and often at a cheaper rate than the height of the summer season. What’s more couples also get a better choice of wedding day service providers as, again, diaries are much less busy during the winter period. You can read more about winter wedding ideas here. 5. Nature-inspired wedding cakes Pinterest Predicts report, tells us there’s been: 85% increase in people searching for daisy cupcake ideas, 110% increase in wildflower cupcakes, and 210% increase in sage green cupcakes. We love for nature-inspired wedding, and how this cakey-trend extends the theme. Brickhouse Vineyard is a perfect venue for couples who love the beauty of the countryside, yet don’t want to compromise on elegance and luxury on their wedding day. The full-length windows on the round house give the feeling of the outside coming in, and when the weather is good, can be opened up on to the beautifully planted outdoor “aisle” through the terrace which can also be used for after ceremony drinks and canapés, allowing you and your guests can take in the stunning views across the vineyard and rolling Devon hills beyond. 6. Festival weddings on a mini-scale When it comes to micro wedding themes, the headliner is still festival weddings…but without the mud and wellies. We like to think of these as “grown up festival weddings”! All the fun and yet no sacrifices in terms of comfort, luxury and decadence. This style is all about creating unique, memorable experiences: think uber-relaxed and fun. And what better way to kick back on your wedding day than a fun-packed mini-festival, in a stunning private location, with your closest friends and family? 7. Take two! Couples who recently tied the knot under less-than-ideal circumstances, are tearing up the vow renewal rules: vow renewals are no longer reserved for milestone anniversaries. We’ve had more vow renewal bookings for 2023 than ever before. Many couples were married as recently as recently as 2021 in between lock downs. Masked up, socially distanced and marrying in a registrars’ office may have “made things legal” but many couples still hanker for a celebration that delivers fabulous memories, beautiful photography in a stunning location surrounded by ( and able to hug!) their original guest-list. They’re telling us they want to add to their wedding day story now rather than wait until an arbitary 5, 10 or 25 years and do things as they would really have liked. Find out more about vow renewals here. 8. Dressing up the dress “The Dress” has always been a big focus for most brides. The secret has always been to find the perfect (white) dress, and let the dress do all of the talking. Yet the biggest dress trend we’re seeing this year is accessorising. And not just subtle little accessories to complement the dress: we mean bold statement pieces that bring pops of colour, character and reflect the bride’s personality. 2023 is about dramatic accessories that "dress the dress". Think dresses adorned with flowers, bright kick pleats, mismatch separates, dramatic statement capes, opera gloves, lace gloves, bows, hair florals, bridal fascinators and even hats. Brides no longer feel the need to “dress virginal” so expect to see some truly stunning adaptations and creative accessories taking to the aisle this year and next. 9. Eco-conscious weddings Sustainable weddings are most definitely on the rise. This is one of the reasons we are seeing guest lists getting down-sized as couples seek to limit the carbon footprint of their ceremony and celebrations. We’re also seeing more: - Décor hire rather than buying - Dried flower or recycled compostable confetti - Re-cycled wedding dressed – either hired to order, or "found treasure" in charity shops or a relative’s wardrobe and restyled for the bride’s special day. Remember how stunning Princess Beatrice looked in one of Queen Elizabeth’s old dresses? If it’s good enough for the royals, then it’s good enough for us! - Vegan, 100% organic, locally grown, sustainable food sources dominate menus - Florists who use no plastic in their creations, and even recycling petals from your flowers to create thank you gifts for your guests. - Use of dried flowers and feathers that can be enjoyed way past your wedding day. 10. Flash and film photography A photography trend that has been gaining in popularity over the past 18 months, has been flash and film photography, and from what couples tell us, it’s only going to get bigger in 2023. It’s practical way of capturing an evening ceremony and celebrations as well as being a great way to capturing natural shots, picking up the beautiful light from fireworks, candles and sparklers, resulting stunning images that rekindle the best moments from your special day. Film photography is a big trend on social media. It has a nostalgic feel, with added depth and a vintage feel making it the perfect way to capture your special wedding day moments for prosperity. You just have to take a look at the beautiful photography by Emma Barrow at Brickhouse Vineyard to see how special intimate weddings can be. You can still have everything you ever dreamed of: stunning location, with beautiful personal details, a ceremony and celebration in your own unique style all enveloped by that special brand of love and support only your inner circle can provide. A beautifully romantic wedding day, lifelong memories with amazing photographs to boot and all yours, totally stress-free. When you think about it, it’s no wonder that intimate weddings are on the rise.

When I was growing up, my father made a big deal about how the proudest day of his life would be when he walked my sister and I down the aisle. This was the same man that didn’t pay a penny of maintenance or offer a moment of support to our mother to help with our upbringing, later making it abundantly clear when I was 17 and considering going to university that he could not help me with living costs and that I’d have to get a part time job to fund any further studies after finishing my A levels. He’s a man who felt the “tradition” of providing for his children was not necessary to him. But yet, he still thought it was his job/right to “give me away” on my wedding day. He is not unusual for a man of his generation and time, and to be fair, he did retain regular contact with us throughout our childhoods after my parents divorced. But it’s an interesting example of how we humans evolve our traditions through to generations to suit our narrative, with people picking what they feel is acceptable to them, whilst throwing to one side those that do not serve them. So what are wedding traditions so enduring? The seeds of expectations for what our wedding days will/should look like are sown early through attending family weddings, parents/grandparents’ views and stories shared from an early age, the (fairy) stories we were read during our formative years and that are then solidified by the pagentry and tradition of the royal and celebrity weddings. Then everyone gets to judge weddings on social media which is awash with click bait hungry styled shoots designed to reel you in, unintentionally reinforcing traditional values alongside authentic weddings which are more real, and as a consequence less alluring in our online world. It’s like we are conditioned at every juncture to know what makes a “good wedding” versus a “poor wedding”. A generous application of preconcieved ideas and prejudice in any part of life never ends well in my humble lived-experience. This got me thinking about our wedding day prescription from society, and where some of these traditions originate. Also, why are so many of these blatantly sexist traditions still popular? And finally, what do forward thinking feminist couples do instead or how do they adapt these traditions to give a nod to history but yet more accurately reflect their values and their relationship on their wedding day. Bride(s) wearing a white dress This only became a tradition in the mid-19th Century in western culture. We have Queen Victoria to thank for this. A white cake and dress were initially a sign of wealth (it was expensive to create pure white material and icing). However, Victorians evolved this thinking in with what we now call “Victorian values”: the white dress became a symbol of a bride’s purity. It’s fair to say that most people would agree that a white dress no longer reflects a bride’s purity nor her wealth (afterall why should we care?), yet white still represents innocence in modern culture. Ben Selway at Knightor Winery What’s the alternative to a white dress? If you feel strongly about wearing white on your wedding day for your own reasons you should go right ahead and do this. If you feel this is not for you there are loads of alternatives that are equally suited to the occasion. Imagine wearing a wedding style dress but in a different colour – if you’re feel cautious maybe blush pink or blue, if you’re bold why not go for gold or red which is customary in eatern cultures. Another great look is a white dress embroidered with flowers. Bear in mind, as a bride you don’t have to wear a dress. Wear a trouser suit like the one Biance Jagger made iconic in her 1970s marriage to Mick. A crop top and maxi skirt can look stunning too. And if it’s jeans and a t-shirt for you, great! Go for whatever makes you feel great on your wedding day. Verity Westcott Asking the father’s permission There was a time when daughters were considered the property of their fathers, with fathers having to provide for their daughters financial until they were married. This is where this tradition stems from. Today, some people feel that getting the blessing of the bride's parents is respectful. If that’s the case then consider asking both sets of parents for their consent – afterall what’s the difference? Failing to ask both set of parents out of respect implies that you're making sure the bride's parents approve of your ability to support a wife when women can support themselves just fine. What’s the alternative? You could just not ask for permission. Make your parents feel respected and involved by making them the first to know about your engagement – maybe meeting up with both sets of parents to share the news together before going “public”. But, if you truly feel asking for your fianceé’s father’s permission is appropriate to your relationship (and your future relationship with your parents/in-laws) then at the very least make sure that you have asked your partner first and that they actually do want to marry you. Nothing more awkward than a refused proposal after dad has agreed… Millbrook Bride’s parents pay for the wedding This tradition stems from dowrys that would have been paid historically by the bride’s parents to the groom. Now days it’s viewed as sexist and presumptious. What’s more, the average wedding in the UK cost £30,000 last year – a large amount of money for anyone to find. What’s the alternative? Some couples pay for their own weddings, whilst others have both sets of parents contribute to the costs. Some couples go even further with guests contributing towards the costs of their wedding rather than buying gifts. This makes a lot of sense given that most couples live together these days before marrying and likely don’t need a whole bunch of gifts, but do want to celebrate their union with thier chosen guests. First Look The traditional first look, when thecouple wouldn’t see each other at all until the bride walked down the aisle originated from the history of arranged marriage. The couple were prevented from seeing each other until the know was tied as the families feared they may back out of the ceremony. Today’s first look is very different and a realtively new tradition that’s as much to do with social media as it is wedding album content. It may seem a thoroughly modern tradition and one we should be comfortable embracing. When the staged first look takes place, we’ve all seen the reels and images on social media of the groom going gooey-eyed over the bride. What you don’t see so much (ever?) is the bride looking in awe at her husband. This tradition encourages objectification of the bride whose main role on the wedding day is to look beautiful and desirable in an expensive gown. What’s the alternative? It can make perfect sense logistically to have your “couple shots” taken before your ceremony as this means there’s no gap between your ceremony and reception. Even more romantic, consider writing each other a letter that you exchange before your ceremony or if you are able, write your own vows. Be warned, both of these alternatives are heart wrenchingly emotional and also give you something beautiful to treasure forever alongside your wedding photography. Feathers and Flutters alternative bouquet Throwing the bouquet Throwing the bouquet originates from a time where the marriage was consumated after the ceremony, often with an audience. In the rush to get to the bridal bed, the flowers were thrown to the guests and, tradition has it that the single woman that catches the flowers in the scramble will be next in line to be married. The bridal bouquet was said to represent the bride’s fertility and in “throwing away her flowers” ahead of her “deflowering” you can see how this all becomes sexist: think sex-crazed man who cannot wait to bed his wife and her desperate single friends vying to catch the flowers so they too can be lucky enough to marry a man. Too much! The bouquet is still tossed at many weddings today, but with a bit more decorum and not in haste to the wedding bed. This feels rather outmoded as many single women (and men) do not want to get married; bouquets are often very expensive and it feels frivolous to throw it around rather than preserve it in some way; and, do you really want to pull out all your single friends in a humiliating group to stand behind you whilst you toss your flowers at them? Alternatives You just don’t need to do this is you feel it’s out of line with your values. If you do choose to toss your bouquet invite all your guests together behind you - it's a great photo opportunity and inclusive. Otherwise, why not preserve your wedding flowers by having them professionally dried so you can keep them forever, or have the petals set in jewellery to give to your friends and relations who supported you on your wedding day? Or maybe have the petals made into confetti so that you can throw this on your next friend or relatives wedding? Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens Taking your husband’s name Where do I start with this. A name is not just a name, it’s a record of your family lineage and it’s what you are identified with from the moment your parents name you. The reason for a bride traditionally changing their surname to the groom’s on their wedding day was one of ownership. You were owned by your father and now you are the property of your husband. It can set a bad precident for married life – are willing to sacrifice your own identity to merge into someone elses? Alternatives For some couples this is no big deal. For alternatives we look to our forward thinking same-sex marriage friends who don’t have the same shackles of wedding traditions to wrestle with in the same way. Keep your own names; hyphenate your surnames to form a double-barrelled surname; the groom takes the bride’s surname. Or just make up a new surname altogether. Carrying the bride over the threshold Part of the wedding tradition in ancient Rome was for the groom to carry their new bride by force into their home after the wedding ceremony. Roman mythology (The Rape of Sabine Women) cites that this tradition was adopted by Roman men after returning home from foray of abduction and rape of the women in neighboring towns. At times the whole town ‘helped’ forcing the struggling bride into her new home. Brides who were reluctant to marry fought back in earnest, but brides were expected to act out this struggle as a sign of their purity and resistance to losing their virginity. Most couples have no idea of the legacy of this tradition. Somehow, we’ve managed to turn this custom into something romantic with couples even take turns to carry each other (or riding piggyback) over threshold in good humour. But for some, the gesture just won’t work. Alternatives Why not just cross the threshold holding hands as equals? Savour the moment, and include your dog! Sarah Ellen Bailey, Allington Manor Wedding veils and the lifting of the veil Historically, weddings were most often arranged between families and couples didn’t meet before their wedding day, arriving at the ceremony as total strangers. Veils served two purposes. First, the bride’s parents were afraid the groom would refuse to marry their daughters if they got a good look at her first. And secondly, the modesty of covering a woman from head to toe (in a veil and a dress) symbolised that she was a virgin and untouched. Hardly a tradition that serves modern-day couples. Alternatives A veil is dramatic and adds a little sense of mystery to the bride’s appearance. But if the historic connatations don’t sit well with you, you may want to consider alternatives. It’s true that a head dress of some sort adds a wonderful flourish to any outfor or occasion. Why not consider hair flowers, beaded in your “updo”, headband or fascinator, tiara, hat or statement bow? Molly Ausland Photograph, Treseren The best man Historically, best men weren't chosen for their friendship but their strength. This was so that they could man handle the bride and fight off her family if she decided to flee during the wedding. Th best man is a tradition that comes from forcing women to be married — essentially, to enable kidnapping, in a time in which 'marriage by capture' was practiced. Effectively, close friends of the groom would assist him in removing the bride from her family. They'd form a small army to fight off angry relatives so that he could escape with her. Alternatives The history of this role shouldn’t stop you involving your best friends in your wedding day. You could consider doing away with gender-based roles. Have female ushers or a best woman or groomswoman. Consider a bridesman or you could ignore gender altogether and create one desegregated wedding party. So, did our father get to walk either of us down the aisle? No, he didn’t. We both has non-traditional weddings and were glad we did things our way and made our choices in line with our values and beliefs. It’s for you to decide how much tradition you include or exclude in your own wedding day, but by understanding the history behind these traditions you can make an informed choice and perhaps be armed with very good reasons for ditching those that don’t serve you and embracing your own variant of those that do. Having the backstory to these traditions may also help you explain your decision to friends and family who have other ideas. Feel empowered to make deliberate choices because they mean something to you, and result in a wedding day that feels authentic to you both, whatever that looks like. To find your perfect intimate wedding venue or elopement dream start your search here.

Weddings often feel like the culmination of a beautiful journey of two individuals who have chosen to spend the rest of their lives with each other. Speaking of journeys, the wedding ceremony itself has been evolving through the years. We have not only come to embrace the different faces of love, but we also celebrate love in more ways than one. After all, commitment and love are the only unchanging requirements of a marriage. Everything else is arbitrary. If you and your partner are looking for ways to express the uniqueness of your love, you’ve come to the right place! Here is a list of non-traditional wedding trends for modern couples. Get married in an unconventional location Churches and hotel ballrooms are a thing of the past – at least in the world of modern weddings. Nowadays, more and more couples are choosing venues that reflect their personalities and interests. You can also choose a location that is important to your growth as a couple. Museums, bars, zoos, train stations, warehouses – no place is off-limits. Make your wedding vows your own A sure way to make your wedding vows special is to write your own vows. Take time to think about your relationship and your spouse-to-be. Don’t be afraid to show your personality by adding jokes or quoting your favourite book. For an extra twist, consider singing your vows if you’re musically inclined, or just really into karaoke. You can also write your vows in the form of a poem. Opt for non-traditional wedding rings Have you ever thought about getting matching tattoos? What about getting matching wedding tattoos? The tattoos don’t even have to resemble rings or be placed on your fingers. Meanwhile, if your fear of needles is keeping you from getting inked, you can always get modern wedding bands for you and your beloved. Simply picking a ring that suits their personality and represents your love can give it a magical touch. Wear anything but a white gown White gowns and black tuxedos are not the only things you can wear on your big day. A white cocktail dress works. A shirt and suspender also works. And while we’re talking about switching up wedding fashion, be a little bit more playful with the clothing for your entourage, too. For example, you can let your bridesmaids be the ones to wear white if you opt for a non-white dress. Capture wedding moments in unique ways Everybody wants to preserve the best moments of their wedding in photographs. If you want to spice up your wedding photos, you can work with a professional who has a modern approach to wedding photography. Instead of a traditional photo booth, you can also involve your guests by giving them disposable cameras and a list of things to take pictures of. Weave sustainability into your wedding theme People get married because they envision a wonderful future together. Any talk of the future will naturally include sustainability. That’s why today’s brides and grooms are choosing to reduce their carbon footprint by using recycled materials, preparing local and organic foods, and using green transportation. That may sound daunting, but even little things like sending electronic invitations instead of snail mail are already a big help. Plus, incorporating up-cycled and eco-friendly materials into your wedding can save you money. Invite your inner circle only If there’s anything the past few years has taught us about weddings, it’s that they don’t always have to be grand. Micro-weddings, as well as weddings that are live-streamed to accommodate virtual guests, are not just a fad. They represent a deeper and wider appreciation of intimacy and relationships in the digital age. Additionally, planning an intimate wedding can be less stressful in some ways. For instance, you won’t need to invite the aunt you don’t like or the cousins you’ve barely met. An intimate wedding will compel you to sit down and truly think about who you want to share your special day with. Make an alternative registry Who wants to get five toasters as wedding gifts? Not us. Alternative registries are quickly growing in popularity because they allow the couple to ask for non-traditional presents like experiences, charitable donations, and even down payments on a home. This is extremely practical, especially for couples who already have an established home. Make Your Quirky Dream Wedding Come True Uniqueness, much like love, is what makes the human experience interesting. So, be open to breaking some, if not all, wedding traditions on your big day. You can change everything up – from the wedding venue, vows, and attire to the photography and registry. The only thing that needs to remain constant is you and your partner’s love. Talk to the wedding pros at Petite Weddings if you need more help in planning and executing the wedding of your wildest dreams.

We have exciting news about one of our intimate wedding and elopement venues! One of the most iconic and unique wedding venues in the country, the Roman Baths & Pump Room has recently been awarded Wedding Venue of the Year in the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Award 2022/23. The Roman Baths is a stunning location with an incredible atmosphere, where couples can exchange vows in one of the world’s greatest ancient monuments. Ceremonies take place on the original Roman paving beside the thermal waters, where rising steam mingles with the flickering torchlight for a Sunrise or Sunset Ceremony. Perfect for just two guests, or more, for an intimate ceremony and celebration, this is a truly unique location. The friendly and dedicated team have many years of experience and their guidance and knowledge allow couples to have a stress-free wedding day. And it's not just the judges that feel this way: "We wanted to thank everyone so much at the Roman Baths for making our big day so unbelievably special. From the moment of our initial contact on your website…the level of communication and service has been fantastic. You and your team have made our experience so seamless and stress free. You have a unique venue, which lends itself to a wonderful wedding experience but your team have helped make it more magical than we could ever have hoped for." (Jill and Graham, 2022 wedding) You see more here.

With the financial squeeze still tight, we thought sharing some of the offers our venue partners have come up with for 2023. There's no doubt that people are spending less of weddings now ( £30,000 pre-pandemic to £17,500 post pandemic: source Hitched.com annual survey). Whats more "discounted wedding packages" search phrase on Google has increased by 50% year on year 2021 to 2022. The good news is that venues are responding to demand and we are delighted to share some of the intimate wedding offers that our venue partners have put together just for you. Little Quarme, Somerset **Special Offer** Save £1000 on August 2024 weddings. Normal price £6,450 reduced to £5,445 for bookings made before 15th August 2023. This offer includes 2 night wedding weekend with accommodation for up to 22 guests in 6 self catering cottages. ​ Maximum guests for the offer: 50 ​ Contact owners, Katherine and Nick, to find out more. The Manor Holcombe, Somerset £500 off the first 10 weddings booked for 2023 & 2024 - first come first served! Get in touch here. Brickhouse Vineyard, Devon **Special Offer: 10% off of all packages in 2023, weekends still available.** Brickhouse Vineyard still has various dates availability for Elopement and Micro Weddings in 2023 including: 9th September 23rd September 14th October 28th October These dates are available for all types of weddings, not just full day Barn weddings. Contact for full details.See more and get in touch here. The Grain Loft, Shropshire £200 off all remaining wedding packages for remaining dates in 2023. See more and get in touch to find out availability here. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, Cornwall Offering 20% off all weekday bookings 1st November - 31st March (excluding 24th December – 2nd January). This equates to £155 reduction on an elopement wedding and £310 off a small wedding ceremony for 25 people. You can see more and get in touch here. Allington Manor, Heart of England Due to cancellations and deferments this beautiful venue has a handful of dates available in 2023. You can see more and get in touch here. Treseren If you are looking for a date later in the year, they also have a small number of dates remaining, so do get in touch with them to secure your dream wedding at this very special venue today! You can see more and get in touch here. Tree Top Escape, Devon November Elopement Special Offer Book your intimate winter wedding for November 2023 and save £500! Book your intimate wedding and stay at Tree Top Escape this November, a 2-night stay from £1499 or a 3 or 4-night stay from £1999. Invite up to 14 of your closest friends and family to join in your celebrations for £50 each. Limited dates available. Get in us to check availability and to find out more: See more and get in touch here. Plus: ❄️𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 £𝟭𝟵𝟵𝟵❄️ Enjoy everything our Tree Top Escape wedding package has to offer with our intimate winter elopement special offer for weekends in January and February 2024 from just £1499. Limited dates available so get in touch on 01769 629069 orweddings@treetopescape.co.uk. Click here to find out more >>https://www.treetopescape.co.uk/wedding-packages-under-2000.php ​

How much does it cost to get married in the UK these days? The answer, in truth, is that it depends on three main factors: How big do you really you want your wedding to be? What does a great wedding day look like for the two of you? Specifically, what are the things that are truly important to you? What is your realistic budget? These questions may sound simple enough, but they are actually soul searching and, in our experiences lead couples to focus on a good range of wedding options for that they can then consider and find what’s right for them. Knightor Winery, Cornwall For many of us the “cost of living crisis” has meant a thorough reappraisal of our finances: cutting back on luxuries, deferring holiday plans and for many, or scaling back wedding plans. This is not just a feeling we get from the couples we help, but a fact. Hitched.com published their annual wedding survey of couples getting married and this shows the extent to which COVID and the financial crisis have hit couples’ budgets. In 2019 the average spend on a wedding excluding honeymoon and engagements ring was £31,974. In 2022, this number has nearly halved at £17,300. This trend is further evidenced by a survey undertaken by GazeboShop.co.uk this year. They asked their audience to say how much they thought was a reasonable amount of money to spend on a wedding, with answers options ranging from £0- 50,000. Their data revealed, in 2022, £6,000-10,000 is the seen at the most popular amount people think should be spent on a wedding. Their data also showed that only one in ten felt that they would be happy to spend between £21,000 – £30,000 – close to the previous average, pre-pandemic. We are seeing two forces at play that are changing the landscape of weddings and ensuing celebrations: Covid Pandemic - this changed so many things in our lives. With size restrictions in force throughout the pandemic, it normalised smaller weddings. The enforced distance between us somehow rationalise our family and friend relationships, distilling our circles to those that we had real connection to, rather than people we happen to see a lot in the run of everyday life in normal time. Gone is the need to invite distant relatives or fair-weather friends. Our advice is always to surround yourselves with those you genuinely love and care about the most, and return this kindness to you. There is no price that can be paid to feel totally enveloped in the love of your nearest and dearest on your special day. Financial Crisis – most of the couples and businesses we speak to have financial concerns about the impact of ever rising cost of living. This is reflected in both Hitched and Gazebo Shop’s surveys too. Less expensive does not need to mean less special. Oh no. In fact, we think you could be upgrading your wedding experience seriously… Treseren, Cornwall In this article we are going to share our take on the new thinking that’s revolutionising weddings in the UK. Low budget: no problem If you have less of a budget than you might have had three years ago you have two choices: Keep guest numbers high and reduce cost per head – DIY and back yard weddings are good examples of how to achieve this. Or perhaps take a leaf out of our great-grandparents book and opt for a church wedding followed by a church hall knees up – a trend that was THE way to do things post-Second World War. There are also some beautiful wedding venues that allow you a real DIY wedding experience too e.g. Higher Holcombe in Devon and Little Seed Field in Yorkshire Scale back on guest numbers and keep spend per head relatively high, see the magic unfurl! Cosawes Barton What’s a realistic budget? Your wedding day can look however you want it to, but it probably involves a legal wedding ceremony either on the day, or at some other time to legalise your celebrant-led wedding ceremony. (The price guides below are averages and you should make specific enquiries at your chosen wedding venue to get exact costs.) Fees vary from county to county, and parish to parish if you are considering a legal church wedding. Here’s how we see the different options currently priced, on average. As a guide: you can get married legally at a registry office of your choice in England and Wales for as little as £57 (cost of a statutory meeting with any registry office – this is no frills, in an office) plus £70 fee for giving notice. So less than £200. In Scotland, a registry office wedding ceremony costs around £300 with notice fees of around £90. Also in Scotland, Celebrants can perform a legal wedding ceremony anywhere you like ( as long as they are prepared to travel there!) costs are from £500-750 plus £90 notice fees. A registry office wedding ceremony will cost around £300 plus £70 to give notice. At a church you can expect to pay around £30 each for the Banns (the equivalent to giving notice) and around £250 donation to the church for your ceremony. Wedding ceremonies and celebrations with everything included Wedding packages that combine photography, bridal hair and make-up, catering, drinks and flowers/décor are always popular. Most of our wedding venue partners found on our site can help you put these packages together on a bespoke basis using wedding service providers that are tried and tested and know your wedding venue well. If you are thinking of eloping, just the two of you, and staying either at the venue you have chosen or close by in a love nest of your choosing for a few days we see prices ranging from £2000-£5000. If you are thinking of a wedding day for 4 – 12 people, we recommend a budget of £3000-£7000. To have everyone stay for a few days, we see the average budget rising to £4000- £8000. If you’d prefer a wedding with for around 13 – 25, a budget of £3500 – £9500 is appropriate. For larger weddings, a good proxy is to add on around £150 per additional person. And, If you don’t feel you’d want to spend the extra £150 on some of those people, then don’t invite them! Pauntley Court, Cotswolds Why have a smaller wedding or elopement wedding? In essence a smaller wedding allows you to reduce the size of your wedding ceremony and celebrations without having to compromise style and luxury. In fact, we’ve seen so many couples create really indulgent wedding experiences by taking this route, without breaking the bank. A smaller guest list does not mean an inferior wedding day, in fact, we’d argue to opposite. A smaller wedding can be super-special, indulgent and can last for far more than one day! In fact, most of the couples we help have a three-or-four-night stay with guests joining them for all or part of this time. This is great because everyone gets to enjoy some relaxed time together and well as the wedding celebrations in sumptuous surroundings chosen by the bride and groom. What’s more, it makes the whole celebration feel far more inclusive (as everyone is on hand to help!) and what could be better than having an extended “wedding bubble” including just those you really want there, even if that turns out to be just you two and your dog! Plus, in addition to spending less, you will also benefit from: Feeling more relaxed in the run up to and on the day of your wedding You’ll actually get to spend quality time with everyone you invite on your wedding day You can do things the way you want rather than feeling that you have to please others or measure up to certain expectations Not having to stand up and speak in front of 100s of people, in fact you don’t have to make speeches at all unless you want to! Your whole wedding will be more authentic, personal and meaningful, creating unique and special memories that will last a life time Top tips for saving costs on your wedding and upgrading your wedding experience Here’s our top tips on saving money on your wedding plans in the coming years: Keep your location wedding on UK shores whilst exchange rates are not in our favour and making going abroad more expensive Try and lock in prices with wedding day service providers now if possible – with inflation at 10% at the moment you will certainly save money if you are able to book services early and negotiate a price guarantee Combine your wedding and mini-moon/honeymoon by arranging accommodation where you (and maybe family/friends) can stay on for a week or so. This will save on travel costs and provide you and your guests with a stay that you/they can spend their holiday fund on. Elope! Just you two or the two of you and up to 4 guests means your budget can provide a super indulgent and unique experience at a fraction of the average wedding price. Combine your wedding ceremony with a naming ceremony – one event covering more than one celebration is a great way of making your money deliver more for the same price. DIY whatever you can – your guests will love contributing and it will create a real sense of involvement with investment of time and skills of your guests, making your wedding day totally unique. Get married in the winter months when most small wedding venues offer cosy winter packages at a fraction of the price of summer dates. This also give you a fabulous reason to get creative with winter themes around food, décor and dress. Small wedding venues that are perfect for downsized weddings, but deliver the wow factor If you like the idea of spending less on your wedding, without compromising the quality of the experience then take a look at the options we see couples choosing: In order, Alexander House, Scotland; Brickhouse Vineyard, Devon; Camel Studio, Cornwall; Cosawes Barton, Cornwall; Coombe Trenchard, Devon; Frieda and the Moon, Cornwall; The Guildhall Bury St Edmunds; Knightor Winery, Cornwall; Little Seed Field, North Yorkshire; Millbrook, Devon; Tree Top Escape, Devon; Pauntley Court, Cotswolds; Porthpean House, Cornwall; Roman Baths, Bath; Riddles Court, Edinburgh; The Cornish Place, Cornwall; The Folly, Devon; Treseren, Cornwall; Twyning Park, Cotswolds; Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, Cornwall; Fallen Angel, Cornwall; Little Quarme, Exmoor: The Cove Cafe, Cornwall; and, Harburn Barn, Scotland. Just click on the link in the text or the image below to see more details on each of these exquisite intimate wedding options.