Off to Wed at the Folly Farm Centre

As we step into spring tomorrow, it may not be as warm or sunny as we’d like but the splendid Off to Wed wedding fair at the Folly Farm Centre will undoubtedly bring joy to our brides and grooms from the Bristol and Bath region.

 There’s still time to change your plans for Sunday 1^st March and head over to this romantic rural location with eco credentials between 11am and 4 pm – we can’t think of a better place to say ‘I do’. Whatever stage of the planning process you may be, Off to Wed is a great opportunity to meet wedding specialists and ask for advice.    

With a host of local wedding experts in bridal fashion, photography and all other aspects of wedding planning, you’ll be inspired by the live demonstrations and creative designs on offer. You can expect to meet talented vendors such as Angela Hyde Couture, Clifton Rocks, Green Wedding Boutique, Jax-Glam Beauty, to name a few.

One more thing: the first 50 people to pre-register will also receive a FREE glass of fizz! We’d love to hear from both couples visiting and vendors showcasing at the Off to Wed wedding fair via Twitter and  Facebook. 

Miscellaneous Monday: The Downton Abbey of Wedding World

Planning a wedding is not always smooth sailing, and every couple has to deal with some unexpected dramas along the way. Rest assured knowing that whatever your dilemma may be, it can always be solved with a little help from the experts – some much needed tips and advice from a friendly face will make all your worries disappear! Read on and don't forget to claim your free ticket waiting for you at the bottom of this post! 

Here, in the South West of England, we’re lucky to have a very special Wedding World exhibition coming up this Sunday 2^nd November, where you’ll get a chance to meet over 70 local vendors! Entitled the Downton Abbey of Wedding World, the fair shares not only class and elegance with the well-known period drama series, but also a movie-worthy setting. Surrounded by terraced lawns, a lake with resident wildlife and extensive parkland, WestonbirtHouse is the perfect venue to sit down with a cup of tea and discuss every aspect of your wedding day.

Debating whether to go for a lady-like lace gown or a silky satin design? Cathedral veil or no veil at all? Having uncertainties about which accessories would showcase your dress better? No need to worry anymore! You’ll find all the information and inspiration you need under one pretty amazing roof! Expect to see professionally choreographed fashion shows,  sample too-good-to-eat cakes, find entertainment ideas, as take your pick from the selection of classic cars so that both you and your fiancé can make a memorable entrance on your special day.

We may be kept on the edge by the fifth series of DowntonAbbey’s captivating events – us too can’t wait until the next instalment – but there’ll be no more wedding dramas in your life once you visit this fabulous wedding fair. Just head to the Wedding World website and book your free tickets today! You can also read our previous posts about the event here.

So what are you waiting for? Make room in your wedding diary for this spectacular event and let the South West’s professional wedding suppliers offer assistance with planning your nuptials and turning those grand dreams into a happy reality!

As always, we want to hear your comments, so pop over to our Twitter and Facebook pages. Now, here's our gift to you - a free entrance ticket to this coming event! 

Miscellaneous Monday: 10 Things You’ll Love about Wedding World

We’ve been telling you about the Wedding World events for a while now and, with less than 2 weeks to go until the final wedding fair of the season, we’ve rounded up our 10 best reasons why we love this fabulous event!

1. No drama
Although known as the The Downton Abbey of The Cotswolds, this Wedding World fair also shares the best features with the acclaimed TV series – elegance, style and period features. Taking place at Westonbirt House on Sunday 2^nd November, this is set out to be the most glamorous and exciting wedding exhibition of the year. From classic cars, to photography and flowers, Wedding World can help you find all the experts you need in an elegant and relaxed environment.

 2. The venue
Explore what Westonbirt House has to offer engaged couples like you; see the rooms styled and set up for wedding receptions, and take a closer look at the gorgeous surrounding grounds. The venue is situated opposite the Arboretum, Near Tetbury and only 25 mins from Bristol, Bath and The Cotswold.

3. The cakes

Here, you can find your dram cake - and sample a few - from the exquisitely handcrafted cakes sourced locally – we simply can’t think of a better way to decide whether to go for a traditional Victoria sponge or a creamy Baileys layered cake. 

                 

     4. Over 70 local suppliers   

Whatever your wedding-related questions or worries, be sure to ask the experts on the day - they’ve heard it all before and they’re the best people to guide you, and provide assistance.

5. The cars
You’ll know whether you want to make an entrance Downton Abbey- style in or invite your guests for a fun Double Decker bus tour.  

6. The fashion shows
You can’t afford to miss the Wedding World professionally choreographed catwalk shows this season! Take your pick from the latest collections now available across the South West bridal boutiques by seeing the gowns in action - have the phones ready to capture every angle of your favourite outfits.

7. Free ticket, bubbly and goody bag
Yes, we’re offering a free ticket which you can download straight from our blog. And if you want to bring more people with you, check out the West Weddings magazine for one more free ticket! Love the thought of spending the afternoon in elegant surroundings, talking to vendors about wedding details? Us too! Now you can do that – and enjoy a free glass of bubbly and a complimentary goody bag.

8. The entertainment
No wedding would be fun without great music, so check out the local talent before you travel further afield. And no, your friend’s imporvised DJ-ing skills won’t do - unless he’s David Guetta (of course).

9. Fabulous favours
Whilst some brides-to-be love spending weeks and months handcrafting every detail for their special day, some brides prefer to pass the stressful DIY dilemmas. If you’re in the latter category, rest assured you’ll have plenty of ideas to choose from - all professionally crafted by creative business owners. That way you’ll treat your guests to lovely keepsakes and have more time to spend with your fiancé.

 10. An afternoon tea
Did we also mention the morning coffee and afternoon tea served in the Westonbirt House Cafe?
If this sounds like too good to resist, then pop over to the Wedding World website and get your free tickets. We also recommend you read our previous post here to find out more details. And come over to our Twitter and Facebook pages and share your comments with us.
 

Wedding World with Downton Charm

If you missed the last month's Wedding World exhibition (with over 110 exhibitors), you'll be thrilled to hear that you can now look forward to another fabulous wedding fair. Organised in association with West Weddings, the fabulous Wedding World event takes place on Sunday 2^nd November at Westonbirt House – The Downton Abbey of The Cotswold (less than 25 mins from Bristol, Bath and The Cotswold). 

With less than 4 weeks away, we're inviting our brides and grooms to book their free tickets for the most glamorous wedding exhibition of the year! The good news is if you have our autumn issue of West Weddings magazine, then you already have a free ticket for two - so don't miss out! 

One of the highlights of Wedding World will be the two professionally choreographed fashions shows and outstanding wedding entertainment. Also exhibiting at the show will be the real Downton Abbey car, available for brides and grooms to hire for their very special day, as well an impressive collection of stunning classic wedding motors!

You'll be treated to a special selection of over 70 wedding services and suppliers, and experts will be available to make sure every detail of your wedding day is planned to perfection.

Enjoy a morning coffee or an afternoon tea served in The Westonbirt House Cafe, while overlooking the beautifully landscaped grounds - feel free to also have a wonder around the Italian walled garden, terraced laws and the lake. See the wedding function suites in all their splendor and experience the timeless elegance of a manor house with so much history. With so much to see and do, you and your fiance will have a truly delightful day at Wedding World! 

Want to know more about what you can expect from a Wedding World event? Read our previous blog post here. So what are you waiting for? Go book your tickets today on the website and let us know how you're getting on with your wedding planning via Twitter and Facebook. 

See the Wonders of Wedding World!

Calling all brides and grooms-to-be! We’re delighted to remind you about the largest wedding exhibition in the South West - Wedding World in association with West Weddings. If you’re organising a wedding, then you must visit this one-stop-shop for everything you need to plan your special day, featuring over 100 exhibitors!

Join us this Sunday, the 14thSeptember, at the prestigious Bristol Marriott (near Cabot Circus) for the largest Wedding World event. There will be two professionally choreographed catwalk shows at 12.30pm and 3pm, displaying the latest collections of bridal fashion (from the bride, to the mother of the bride, and not forgetting our grooms either!).

Opening times are 10.30am-4pm. Admission is £2 at the door, and includes a complementary goodie bag and a glass of bubbly. Free tickets can be booked in advance, by email, at: emma@weddingworldexhibitions.co.uk. We’re also giving away 2 tickets for the event inside our West Weddingsmagazine!

A second Wedding World event, the Donwtown Abbey Wedding Experience, will take place at Westonbirt House on the 2^ndNovember. You can find out more details and how to book your tickets on our previous blog post here.

For further information, visit the WeddingWorld website, and read our previous blog posts from July and August. Also, keep checking our Facebook and Twitter pages, where we’ll be keeping you up-to-date on all the news and announcements!

Fashion Friday: Wedding Fashion Takes Centre Stage

We at West Weddings love everything wedding related, especially when it comes to fashion, and this Fashion Friday is a special one. With September only a few days away, we're excited about discovering the new trends for 2014/2015 – from the glamour of London Fashion Week to the South West’s own fashion shows at Cribbs Causeway and Cabot Circus, fashion is everywhere!

One of our favourite events of the season is the Wedding World Exhibition, in association with West Weddings, which brings all the latest collections of bridal gowns, suits and accessories, in a one-day event on Sunday 14^th September at the prestigious Bristol Marriott Hotel, near Cabot Circus. 

We’re dying to see the latest bridal trends and swoon over our favourite wedding dresses and groom's outfits. The spectacular catwalk shows are the highlight of the day featuring the latest designs for brides and grooms, as well as bridesmaids, flower girls and ushers - all from a range of carefully selected boutiques. Fashion savvy mums will also be treated to exquisite mother-of-the-bride outfits and accessories.

On the day, you’ll get a chance to meet with over 100 local businesses, pour over your favourite styles and benefit from the unique discounts and offers. The event is free, with pre-booked tickets, or you can pay £2 on the door. Take a look inside our autumn issue of WestWeddings magazine to find your free tickets (on page 8)!

A second Wedding World event, the Donwtown Abbey Wedding Experience, will take place at Westonbirt House on the 2^nd November. You can find out more details and how to book your tickets on our previous blog post here.

West Weddings presents Wedding World Exhibition

Although it’s only the middle of summer, we’re already looking ahead to autumn and Bristol’s largest wedding exhibitions, featuring hundreds of wedding experts from the South West. We are delighted to be part of this year’s Wedding World Exhibition taking place in September and November at two gorgeous venues in Bristol.

From High Street names including John Lewis, Debenhams and Hotel Du Vin to luxurious brands and bespoke wedding specialists, the exhibitions offer a wonderful day out and a chance to make all your wedding day dreams a reality. So grab your diary and add these dates in:

• Sunday 14th September The Bristol Marriott Hotel, next to Cabot Circus, Broadmead
• Sunday 2nd November Westonbirt House, Opposite The Arboretum, Glos

Whether you recently got engaged or have been planning your big day for a while, you can organise every aspect of your wedding and gather ideas all in one place, on one day. Visitors will also be treated to some secret surprises throughout the day, so don't miss out! Here are 5 main reasons why you should make Wedding World Exhibition your 'go to' event this year for wedding planning! 

1.    Entrance is free with pre-booked tickets – order yours today by emailing emma@weddingworldexhibitions.co.uk. Alternatively you can buy a ticket on the door for only £2.

2.    Talk to a range of suppliers about all aspects of wedding planning – from cake and invites to photography and entertainment. Whatever your budget, theme and style, you’ll find an impressive range of wedding professionals, who can help and answer any questions you may have.

3.    Watch the two professionally choreographed catwalk shows to find your dream wedding dress and groom’s outfit. You might want to take your mum along as well – there’s fashion inspiration for bridesmaids, flower girls and mother-of-the-bride!

4.    Enjoy a free glass of bubbly and take home a goody bag (including a free copy of our latest issue of West Weddings magazine), without having to worry about parking – all three venues have a great parking facilities.

5.    Benefit from the unique special offers and discounts from exhibitors – perfect for saving you money and time!

For further details about each event, visit the Wedding World website, and keep checking our blog and Twitter (@WestWeddingsMag) where we’ll be keeping you up-to-date on all the latest news and events in the wedding world!

With Wedding World Exhibition bigger than ever, wedding planning has never been so easy!  

Miscellaneous Monday: Pride and Prejudice, Tattoos and more

Today we’re sharing some of our favourite wedding inspiration from across the web.

Favourite Proposal: Pride & Prejudice themed wedding proposal

Last week the website bleaty.com shared the photo-by-photo story of an amazing Pride and Prejudice themed proposal story. This groom-to-be really went all out when it came to proposing to his girlfriend – complete with costumes, re-enactment from the book, and more. Bonus points: he got her family involved. See the whole story here: http://bleaty.com/pride-and-prejudice-marriage-proposal/

Source: bleaty.com

Favourite wedding theme: A tattoo-inspired wedding

The popularity of tattoos seems to be growing, and they are a really unique way to express who you are and even preserve cherished memories. What better memory to cherish than your wedding day? Last week Buzzfeed broke down ’13 Ideas For a Tattoo-Inspired Wedding’ and we thought the ideas were fab. Highlights include working tattoos into your cake/cupcake décor, using ink as an alternative to wedding bands, and tattooing your shoes (yes, you heard right!).

Favourite innovation: Online wedding magazine/book

Today while perusing some online editions of West Weddings, we stumbled across this gem. A couple named Amanda and Daniel had published their wedding book on issuu.com (click the link to see the published book). It stood out from traditional photo albums in that it incorporated some truly gorgeous graphic design – making it a cross between a scrapbook and a photo album. Not only are the photos beautiful, but they’re presented so well and I’m sure Amanda and Daniel will be proud to keep their book as a keepsake for many years. The bonus for them with publishing it online is that it’s easily shareable with family and friends. A winner all around!

A West Country Engagement

Today we're sharing engagement photos from bride-to-be and fellow wedding blogger Stephanie Large. 

These photos were taken at Stephanie and her fiance's engagement party at Lydiard Park in Swindon, Wiltshire. The photos were taken by local photographer Chloe Lee.

Sam and Stephanie met more than five years ago, sparked by an internet date that became rather serious! They now live in Devizes, Wiltshire, having Alfie and Tilly (the canine two) over for sleepovers at the weekend.

On May the 4th Sam proposed to Stephanie over afternoon tea, where the ring was hidden under the tea cup. (Stephanie blogged the whole story here: http://aweddingdream.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/welcome-story.html?m=1)

They're now busy planning their October 2014 wedding, which will be in Florida on Disney property - making Stephanie's dreams come true!

P.S. Stephanie got in touch with us asking if we take submissions. The answer - as you can see - is a hearty yes! If you have wedding or engagement photos to share - let us know! We love a good photo.

Wedding Feature: Tom & Anneka

You may remember Tom and Anneka from our series on planning a wedding without breaking the bank - but we thought it was high time to feature their lovely Bristol wedding in full as inspiration for those of you planning your own weddings (or those of you who - like us - just enjoy having a peek at others' beautiful days!).

Also, as an aside, West Weddings would love to feature more weddings photographs on the blog! If you are a bride who would like to show off some beautiful photos of your special day, or are a photographer wanting to share some of your favourite wedding snaps - please let us know! Tweet us at @westweddings or email us at westweddingsbristol[at]gmail.com!

Like what you see? Feel free to pin it!

Note: All photos belong to Kate Hacker Photography and were taken by Kate Hacker and Sarah O'Driscoll.