Let The Bristol Wedding Show begin!

Combining a glorious location for weddings and the region's most distinguished vendors, The Bristol Wedding Show brings the 'wow' factor to engaged couples. Prepare to be totally amazed this Sunday, 17th January from 11am to 3.30pm as Ashton Court Mansion opens its doors for The Bristol Wedding Show. 

Proud organisers of prestige wedding shows and wedding fairs across the country and with many years experience, Wow Wedding Shows carefully select each venue. Indeed, the location for this week's event is no less than impressive. Once a favourite of Bristol's richer class, Ashton Court Mansion features Gothic stonework and Georgian panelling that make it a true historic venue. Why not try the VIP tours of the venue's The Great Hall and Winter Garden Bar to find out about their wedding services for 2016? 

At the show, you can check out bridal bouquets and seasonal flower ideas, see and sample bespoke wedding cakes, and find help with other aspects of your day that you're unsure of. Whether it's the style for your invitations or deciding what favours to include for your guests, you'll find all the advice you and your groom need. 

Bridal boutiques and professional photographers will be on hand to answer any questions and advise on the most suitable style for your chosen venue and time of year for your ceremony. 

With free entry and parking facilities, brides will be treated with goodie bags and free copies of the West Weddings magazine. Keep up with all upcoming WOW Wedding Shows and wedding events on our Wedding Fair Calendar page!

Details

The Bristol Wedding Show

W: www.thebristolweddingshow.co.uk/

Venue address: Ashton Court Mansion, Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN

5 Things to consider when choosing your wedding venue

Here in the South West, we are extremely lucky to have a huge number of stunning locations for weddings - from romantic castles and rustic farms to luxury hotels and stately homes. But how do you know which one's the right one for your nuptials? 

We found one that ticks all the right boxes for a romantic wedding venue, Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard, located just south of Bristol, where we held the autumn West Weddings photoshoot. We recommend you visit their wedding fair on Sunday 11 October (11am-4pm) to check out for yourself if it meets your wedding dreams. 

1. Character

Set in beautiful countryside, Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard is a working farm and vineyard with a newly refurbished barn licensed for ceremonies - couldn't ask for a more character-filled spot for your vows. 

2. Budget 

The budget is a key factor when choosing your venue and you should always aim to stay within an agreed limit. This way you won't have to compromise on other details of your day like the dress or photographer. Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard offers flexible wedding packages and is ideal for a relaxed an intimate celebration. 

3. Service 

For a smooth and stress-free day, you need a team of professional wedding planners and caterers. So you'll be pleased to hear that the team at Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard is exactly that and more!

4. Photo opportunities

Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard's stone and whitewashed buildings - the seventeenth century Old Barn and the New Barn - as well as leafy green vineyards are set within 300 acres of rural Somerset. Bursting with rustic charm, the location offers endless photo opportunities for couples.

5. Food for thought

What better way to impress your guests than with a mouth-watering, hearty meal? Proud to offer a tailor-made menu using fresh local produce, Taste Buds Catering at Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard is a family run business that combines exquisite food and personal service. 

Visit our previous blog entry about this event here for more details. 

Brides' Fashion Show at Wedding World Exhibitions

With London Fashion Week well and truly here, we're buzzing with excitement about the 2016 bridal collections. Tomorrow's Wedding World event at the Marriott Royal, College Green Bristol brings together an array of bridalwear and grooms' stockists to showcase their latest collections on the catwalk. 

From pretty little flower girl outfits to dreamy wedding dresses and bridesmaid's styles, this wedding fair really brings glamour to Bristol brides. Open between 10.30 am and 4 pm, Wedding World has over 65 talented wedding suppliers and several shows and demonstrations to inspire visitors with planning their big day. 

You can read more information about Wedding World in our previous blog post here. And one more thing - here is your complimentary ticket for free entrance at tomorrow's event!

The Aztec Hotel & Spa Wedding Showcases

We're delighted to announce that Aztec Hotel & Spa is holding two Wedding Showcases on 13 & 20 September.

This Sunday 13 September is the venue's first event of the season and it runs between 11am-2pm. This relaxed and stylish venue invites you to discover its unique wedding services - dedicated team, award-winning dining, ceremony and reception suites as well as luxurious bedrooms.

You'll get a chance to meet the wedding coordinators and discuss about the different packages available. Just let the experts put any wedding worries to rest and pick up some great tips and practical advice.

Some of the team's favourite local suppliers will also deliver interactive workshops and talks to help you on your planning journey. Free to attend, the Wedding Showcase will welcomed you with complimentary drinks and canapes, so be sure to pop over.

Aztec Hotel & Spa are also organising an external wedding fayre - The 'Open Air' Wedding Show taking place on Sunday 20 September between 9.30am-5pm. Set at the Willow Brooke Centre in Bradley Stoke, the event will be bursting with talented people and wedding inspiration.

Don't forget to check our Wedding Fair Calendar page for more dates and future events.

Aztec Hotel & Spa
Address: Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TS
T: 01451 201 090
W: http://www.hotel-wedding-venue.co.uk/aztec/

Wedding Fair at Aldwick Court Farm &Vineyard

Did you know that you don't have to travel all the way to France to hold your wedding in a rustic farm setting with a working vineyard? Indeed, Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard is right in the heart of the Mendip countryside yet within 20 minutes drive from Bristol. And the great news is you are now invited to attend a special wedding fair on Sunday 11th October between 11am-4pm. 

With beautiful views and lush surroundings, this idyllic venue - our chosen setting for the autumn photoshoot - suits engaged couples who love a relaxed and intimate celebration. All you need to decide is whether to hold your reception in the renovated 17th century 'Old Barn' or the 'New Barn' open in 2013.  

Sam and Gary, our real life couple featured in the editorial pages of our autumn issue of West Weddings absolutely loved exploring this romantic venue! Why not visit the fair and see for yourself what the team at Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard can offer? 

Details
Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard 
Redhill, Bristol
BS40 5RF

T: 01934 864 404
W: www.aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk/

Choices, choices at The West of England Wedding Show

How do you start planing your wedding, meet the region's finest suppliers and get excited over your upcoming nuptials all in one day? The answer is simple: attend The West of England Wedding Show, of course! On Sunday 11 October (between 10am and 4pm) you'll see the wedding community come together for a very special event at UWE Bristol.  

Turning dreams into reality and transforming the venue into a 'wedding wonderland', the West of England Show will bring together exhibitors, organisers and visitors to help engaged couples with sourcing the best services at the best prices.You'll be spoiled for choice - no less than 100 local business will be there to help you bring ideas to life. 

In addition, brides can attend expert talks on photography, hair and make up, and many more. You'll also have access to exclusive discounts during the day and enjoy the fashion shows displaying the latest collections for brides, grooms and the wedding party. 

You can discover more about the show and book your tickets at: www.perfectweddingshow.co.uk or call Gary Barbe on 0207 183 1081. 

Also don't forget to read our previous post about The West of England Show here and then pop over to our Facebook and Twitter pages. 

Miscellaneoud Monday: Wedding World exhibition

Getting married soon? Wedding World has everything covered! Brides, take note of this upcoming event taking place on Sunday 20 September at the Marriott Royal, College Green Bristol between 10.30 am and 4pm.   

A wedding fair like no other, Wedding World is like an oasis for engaged couples like you, where you can discover all the distinguishing details for your big day. Not only you can find your cake, entertainment and honeymoon ideas, but all the other aspects that are just so hard to find. Over 65 distinguished wedding suppliers from the region will be on hand to answer your most pressing questions. 

Epitomising glamour and individuality, this is the most inspiring fashion source for bridal and groom outfits. There will be two fabulous fashion shows throughout the day, where you can see the gowns and suits on the catwalk.   

Admission to the wedding fair costs £2 but you can have free entrance for yourself and another guest with the complimentary ticket below: 

Miscellaneous Monday: The Great Hall Wedding Fair

When it comes to finding non-traditional wedding venues, you’ll be pleased to know Bristol Grammar School is one of them – and what a truly special location it is for ceremonies and wedding celebrations!

Hosting its first ever wedding fair, this historic location is inviting engaged couples to look inside its glamorous Great Hall on Sunday 26^th April between 11am-4pm. On hand there will be a host of local wedding suppliers offering their expertise, top tips and inspiration – bridal bouquets, cake testing, wedding dress styling are only a few of the highlights. You can also discover more details about organising your nuptials at the Bristol Grammar School!  

Registering to attend the event is free – just head over to the venue’s website:

http://www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk/Venue-hire/The-Great-Wedding-Fair.aspx

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. 

Elegant Additions Wedding Fair at Thornbury Castle

What could be more enchanting than a fairytale wedding at an English castle? And with the latest Elegant Additions wedding fair taking place this Sunday at Thornbury Castle, our brides and grooms-to-be can start planning a Disney-worthy affair.

This extraordinary Tudor castle is situated on the edge on the Cotswolds, amongst a spectacular landscape, and showcases architectural features dating back to the 16^th century yet with luxurious modern facilities. An array of handpicked local suppliers will be on hand to answer any questions and showcase some of their creative pieces - wedding flowers, cake, photographer, bridal gowns and accessories, among many others. 

As the venue gets ready for an elegant wedding event on Sunday 22^nd February from 11am-4pm, the organisers are promising a truly special event! The ElegantAdditions team have prepared a spectacular affair for our brides and grooms with fashion show, falconry display and fireworks.

This is an ideal opportunity to see the venue prepared for a wedding reception and talk to the team about the options available and how they can help with planning your special day.

Visit http://www.thornburycastle.co.uk/weddings/ and http://www.elegantadditions.co.uk/ for further information about the event. You can also read our previous blog about the event here. Then pop over to our Facebook and Twitter  pages to tell us which wedding details you’re focusing on at the moment. 

Chosen Launches the Wedding Revolution

We couldn't be happier to announce that Chosen Wedding Fair is coming back to Bristol this winter! After the success of last year’s shows (in February and October), 2015’s events are set to be even bigger and better than ever!

On Sunday 1^st February (11am-4pm), Chosen Wedding Fair is returning to its ‘home’ at the Paintworks Event Space, with more than 60 incredible exhibitors for a fun and fantastic day. Expect a veritable wedding wonderland of colour, sparkle and smiles that will equally entertain and inspire you on every aspect of planning for the big day.

Planning unique weddings

Unlike traditional wedding fairs, Chosen’s organisers focus on ensuring that they work together with designers directly to help you express your personalities and create your own dream wedding day. So if you’re currently feeling uninspired and are looking for something that’s uniquely you, then without a doubt you’ll love the Chosen Wedding Fair – a day of discovery, celebrating the best contemporary designers, service providers and vintage aficionados you could hope to find.  

“Over the past few years Chosen wedding events have been lucky enough to host some of the brightest stars in the industry both established and newly emerging,” enthuses Kiki, the founder. “We’re so proud to support British business. We also fully believe that the designers and makers who we handpick to exhibit at each wedding fair, offer the very best creative, unique, vintage, quirky, stylish and ahead of trend items that the industry has to offer – perfect for the discerning couple!”

A revolution in the making

With a brand new website containing exciting new features, the Chosen team is set to create a storm in the wedding world. The recently launched #weddingrevolution aims to help push industry standards forward, support small businesses, making items more accessible and always bring couples  the very best on offer in the wedding world.

Tickets are now on sale so make sure you book yours online at www.chosenwedding.com, where you’ll also find for more information about the event. Online booking reserves a hand - created goodie bag for every bride-to-be!

You can also read our previous entries about last year’s events here. Find us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates in the wedding world!

Details

Chosen Wedding Fair

Paintworks Event Space, Bath Road, Bristol, BS4 3EH

www.chosenwedding.com

The Marriott Royal Wedding World Exhibition

Congratulations to all the new couples who got engaged over the holiday season and a happy New Year to all our brides and grooms planning to get married in 2015 from the West Weddings team! What better way to start the New Year than with the excitement of organising your own wedding?

And it couldn’t be New Year’s Day without a few resolutions, so let us help you with at least one – attend a wedding fair (or several). The good news is the one and only WeedingWorld Exhibition at Marriott Royal Hotel Bristol is taking place on Sunday, 11^th January 10.30 am – 4pm! 

With over 70 of the finest local suppliers and two fabulous fashion shows, this is the event you’ve all been waiting for! Take a look at what else is in store by reading our previous entry here or visit the dedicated Wedding World Exhibitions website www.weddingworldexhibitions.co.uk/

Last but not least, we’re giving away a free ticket, which you can download and print off directly from our website, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Fashion Friday: Wedding World goes Royal

The world is your oyster when it comes to planning your wedding, but how do you find all the suppliers you need to inspire you with their hottest reception trends, new-season wedding outfits and accessories? Well, with the fabulous Wedding World event of course, to which you are invited! The largest wedding exhibition takes place at Marriott Royal Hotel on Sunday 11^th January 2015 between 10:30am and 4pm.

Take your pick from over 70 of Bristol’s finest and selected wedding suppliers and services in your area, including high street names and bespoke specialists. You’ll get the chance to meet and talk to the experts, find out about the latest trends and get excited about your wedding all over again! Don’t be shy from asking them any planning-related questions – they love talking about weddings as much as you do and know a thing or two about solving big day dilemmas.  And don’t miss the chance to take a tour of the wonderfully glamorous Marriott RoyalHotel, in the heart of Bristol City and on the edge of the waterfront.

If that’s not enough, there will also be sensational wedding entertainment and 2 fabulous fashions shows – the highlight of this truly exquisite and stylish Wedding World Exhibition. Trust us, this is a wedding fair that promises to make all your wedding day dreams come true!

Have you got your copy of our winter issue yet? You can also access on the go from the website. We also recommend that you read our posts about previous Wedding World events here and then head over to the website to book your tickets! And come over to our Twitter and Facebook pages and share your comments with us.
  

Love Actually Winter Wedding Fayre

Love Actually Weddings will be hosting their Christmas Special Wedding Fayre this year on 7th December 2014, 11am - 3pm at the Clifton Pavilion, Bristol Zoo. As always with Love Actually, admission is FREE. So why not pop along to join in with the festivities and speak to some of the best wedding suppliers across our region? You’ll be welcomed with mulled wine and mince pies to add to the occasion.

                        

Having hosted well over 100 events, you are sure to receive a very warm welcome from Love Actually. The event organisers, David and Emma, have been meeting and greeting engaged couples since 2008. "It's a wonderful industry to be involved in. Every week, I get to meet excited brides and grooms eager to plan the day of their lives, it's so lovely and makes our job all the more worthwhile," comments Emma.

Each venue has a different selection of exhibitors giving you plenty of options for finding the right suppliers for your special day. Love Actually Weddings can help you choose every aspect – from wedding cake and chocolate fountain to balloons and bridalwear- and much much more.

After the festive season, David and Emma will be hosting events across the South West, starting at The Grand Thistle in Bristol on 4th January. They will then head down to The Castle Hotel in Taunton (11th January) and go further south again, hosting The Tithe Barn Wedding Fayre in Dunster (25th January) – very busy times for the team!

For details of all Love Actually Wedding Fayres, please visit their dedicated website:  www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk. Should you wish to exhibit at the event, you can contact David or Emma on 01275 331188.

We’d love to hear from you, so come over to our Twitter and Facebook pages and share your wedding story with us!

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.