venues

As the vogue for weddings embraces a more relaxed approach, the Shireburn Arms at Hurst Green near Clitheroe is becoming the go-to destination for the new-style nuptials.

The idyllic country inn, which has long been a favourite for English country weddings, has launched a brand new programme of ‘build-your-own weddings’. Now couples looking to tie the knot can do so in a less formal way with everything from summer barbecue receptions to ones featuring afternoon tea or classic pub food.

Yvonne Goodright, Conference & Events Marketing Manager at Epsom Downs Racecourse

Weddings can be expensive and we’re keen to help couples who want to take inspiration from the event and are looking to host their very own ‘Royal’ wedding, so here are a few of our top tips and preferred suppliers that can help create a royal affair to rival Harry and Meghan’s. 

Bringing the outside in

Harry and Meghan are big advocates of the great outdoors so we’re expecting to see inspired nods to nature throughout the day, be that through the decorations, cake, colour scheme or photo opportunities.

Cheadle House is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens that offer a secluded and tranquil retreat from the City of Manchester during the summer. Nestled at the side of the lake, itis equipped with a graceful and elegant marquee. The stylish marquee comes complete with a decked porch area with a China hood and glass front. The versatile structure holds endless opportunities for a wide variety of summer Weddings and special events.

The Marquee is available in August 2019 & 2020 an elegant and modern marquee which can accommodate up to 200 guests perfect for a warm summer Wedding day. 

Everyone wants their wedding day to be memorable. This means a lot of time, effort and money often goes into the planning of saying “I do”. In fact, according to Money Saving Expert, the average UK nuptial costs around £20,500. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep the total down. A great way is by planning your own reception. Not only will this give you control over your budget, but you’ll also be able to personalise your celebration perfectly.

Michelle Clarke is a senior event manager and wedding co-ordinator at one of the Midlands’ most iconic wedding venues, the 13th Century Marriott Breadsall Priory in Derbyshire. With 14 years’ experience in the industry, Michelle and her team have helped hundreds of couples say their ‘I Dos’ in style. Michelle writes exclusively for Vows and Venues and shares her expert hints and tips for the next generation of brides-to-be.

Bringing the inside out A key trend for 2016 is romance. This means delicate bridal make-up, favouring light matt pink lips and gently blushed cheeks to whimsical floral arrangements and simple, elegant pastel colour schemes.

Hen destinations, just like regular tourism destinations, can become overrun by groups of girls stumbling around wearing tiaras, sashes and matching pink tutus. Once the word is out, the crowds follow, so here, top hen do organiser Eventhuse, has compiled a list of the team’s favourite alternative hen do destinations in Europe.

Montenegro                 

Although traditional weddings with church bells and limousines can be beautiful and romantic, some of us prefer to go down a quirkier route and put on a truly memorable ceremony. If you’re looking to tie the knot in a more personal way, take a look at our pick of the five quirkiest wedding venues in the UK for inspiration.

Cley Windmill Cley-next-the-Sea, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7RP

More than ever before, couples are choosing to adopt a more eco-friendly approach to their weddings. As the wedding season begins to close, planning season begins, with couples scoping out venues, caterers, dresses, and the finer details a wedding requires. Even if you’re not looking for a completely eco-friendly wedding, it’s important to consider the impact your wedding has on the environment. For instance, raising 12,000 roses creates 13,000 lbs of CO2 emissions – and while the roses will wilt and fade, those emissions will stick around for much longer.

Welcome to Vows and Venues magazine the essential guide to planning the perfect wedding from inception to completion. We want to showcase the best venues, independent businesses and wedding services our area has to offer the discerning bride and groom.  Vows and Venues is an elegant and stylish 'must read' for any bride-to-be and wedding planner, providing them with the best information to help plan the big day.