Time to plan the wedding of your dreams! (Image: Getty)If you’re planning a wedding right now, we know how stressful it can be. So, to help, we’ve rounded up some brilliant venues, photographers, jewellers and event companies to ensure your special day is as stress-free and memorable as possible. 1. An extraordinary marriage begins in an extraordinary setting, Dorfold Hall
(Image: www.andrewjamesproductions.co.uk)
Dorfold Hall, which dates back to the 17th century, is nestled in 800 acres of idyllic English countryside. The home and gardens have been lovingly restored to combine the best of Jacobean splendour with an unmistakably contemporary feel, alongside spectacular and avant-garde event spaces. From The Coach House, with its enormous oak doors and musician’s gallery, providing a versatile haven for civil ceremonies; to drinking champagne amongst the scented borders overlooking the countryside; every view, every structure is imbued with history and refinement. Juxtaposed alongside the timeless backdrop of the Hall, the contemporary structures of L’Écurie and the Tack come together to engender the most unique of atmospheres. The Tack – used for reception drinks – and L’Écurie – where the wedding breakfast takes place – are spectacular spaces suitable for all manner of celebrations, flamboyant or modest, large or more intimate. Finally, an unforgettable culinary experience, as well as meticulously appointed bedrooms complement the surroundings, not to mention the most dedicated and passionate team harnessing your vision. Dorfold is uniquely apt to allow you to script a day of unparalleled beauty in its mesmerising English landscape. So let the journey begin, escape the everyday, celebrate the extraordinary, and watch your dreams unfold. Where to go: Dorfold Hall, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8LD Get in touch: Head to dorfold.com for more information, or follow on facebook, @dorfoldhall, or instagram, @Dorfold 2. A luxury, four-day wedding experience at The Orchardleigh Estate
The Orchardleigh Estate is set within 500 acres of unspoiled Somerset countryside and home to the 18-hole Brian Huggett Golf Course, accessible via three-mile private drive, helipad or airstrip. Start off your magical stay with a night at Orchardleigh Castle which even boasts hot tubs! Then, for the following two days you and up to 240 guests can have exclusive use of the whole estate. There’s Orchardleigh House – an opulent 19th century mansion and its surrounding grounds and the Estate’s walled gardens called Elmhay Park with its picturesque Orangery and Italian Garden. With locally-sourced food cooked by its expert chefs and an extensive wine list to choose from, you and your guests will live like royalty for the duration of your stay. There is accommodation across the estate for up to 200 guests, and the option to drink and dance ’til dawn, the party stops when you say so. On the fourth day, complete your bespoke luxury wedding with a newlywed stay at the Lakeside Palladium Boathouse with a hot tub, overlooking 35 acres of private lakes. For a wedding that will go down in history, choose Orchardleigh. Prices from £62k with a variety of packages available. Where to go: Orchardleigh House, Orchardleigh Park, Frome BA11 2PH Get in touch:Visit orchardleigh.net and follow on instagram, @orchardleighweddings 3. Fine jewellery and gemstones at Hancocks Jewellers
Set on the prestigious King Street in the heart of Manchester, Hancocks Jewellers needs little introduction when it comes to fine jewellery and gemstones. With over 150 years of experience, there is no doubt why people travel so far to visit this boutique to purchase their engagement rings. Although Hancocks is still one of the very top choices for diamond engagement rings in the north of England, based on the exquisite quality and choice of style on offer, it’s the level of knowledge that sets it apart from its counterparts. It’s also the selection of other gemstone engagement rings that have proved popular this year, namely the demand for emerald engagement rings, followed by both rubies and sapphires which are seeing a surge as couples looking to celebrate their uniqueness. Pair this with its outstanding service and you’ll have no doubt why couples choose to go back and purchase their wedding rings before they say those magical words ‘I do’. Not sure what type of engagement ring you are looking for? Pop over to the Hancocks Jewellers website to view the range or book an appointment with one of the engagement and wedding ring specialists. Where to go: 29 King Street, Manchester, M2 6AF Get in touch: Shop at hancocksjewellers.co.uk, call 0161 834 4512 or follow on facebook, @HancocksJewellers, and instagram, @hancocks_jewellers 4. The picturesque, luxurious and exclusive, Holm House
Holm House is located in the picturesque market town of Penarth. A 10 minute drive from Wales’ capital city, Cardiff, and a stone’s throw from Penarth Pier, yet hidden seductively off-road with a sprawling garden and epic sea views. This pretty boutique hotel offers everything you could dream of for a chic and sophisticated wedding day experience. The luxury venue boasts several stylish reception spaces that will be transformed to host your ceremony (fully licensed) and wedding breakfast. There are 12 luxurious bedrooms onsite including a honeymoon suite plus a picturesque garden and terrace. Renowned for its restaurant and Elemis spa, you and your guests can expect freshly-prepared, quality catering and even take advantage of a pre-wedding pamper session. The venue is ideal for intimate weddings or larger, exclusive celebrations that can cater for up to 85 guests during the day and more at night. Where to go: Holm House Hotel, Marine Parade, Penarth, CF64 3BG Get in touch: For more information/to download a brochure visit holmhousehotel.co.uk and follow on Instagram, @HolmHouseHotel and on Facebook, Holm House Hotel 5. Make memories that last forever with aPad4Paws – Dog Wedding Chaperones
aPad4Paws is a small, family-run business offering to chaperone your dog on your special day. Each package is bespoke, created to suit you, as no two weddings are the same. The chaperones will take dogs into the ceremony, sometimes hand over to the best man or bridesmaids to walk down the aisle as ring bearers, or simply to be present at the ceremony. They can be there for photos when you sign the register, be there when you walk down the confetti aisle, and for private and group family shots. The chaperones are used to working with the best photographers to achieve the best shots, getting the dogs attention at the right time. aPad4Paws are completely flexible and primarily there for the welfare of the dogs. The chaperones check each venue to make sure there is somewhere to shelter with the dogs whatever the weather. You can also opt for either overnight accommodation (subject to a successful meet-up) or pet-sitting at the venue until the reception comes to an end so you are able to enjoy the day with your friends and family knowing your dog is in safe hands. Where to go: Visit padforpaws.co.uk Get in touch: Follow on instagram, @dogchaperoningatweddings 6. Get the perfect shot with Tom Halliday Photography
Tom Halliday has been a professional photographer since he was 18, working in a studio and on location for a variety of companies. Nell comes from an art and design background, specialising in interior design. Tom shot his first wedding in 2007. The creative buzz of shooting such a special occasion made him want to jump into the world of wedding photography. When his son Noah was born in 2013, his wife, Nell, joined forces with Tom – bringing her eye for design, and editing skills – allowing them to take the business full-time. The duo offer a professional, personal, friendly service – from the initial consultation to the image delivery. Covering every detail and tailoring to the client will always come first, Tom and Nell said: “We work for you, not the other way around.” Weddings are a high pressure environment, and full of nervous/excited energy, so awareness and sensitivity to this is so important, as is allowing you to feel as comfortable as possible throughout the day. There is nothing worse than having a photographer bellowing through a megaphone at your guests, or putting a camera in your face when you need a moment of calm. “We are so grateful to be able to work in this industry and genuinely love what we do. Capturing memories of your wedding day is a huge responsibility, and privilege, so delivering the highest quality images is so important.” Where to go: Visit tomhalliday.com Get in touch: Follow on facebook, @tomhphoto, or instagram, @tomhphoto 7. Create a ‘wow’ moment with Blue Sky Tipis
Create an extraordinary event with industry-leading tipi specialist, Blue Sky Tipis. Blue Sky Tipis are a Tipi hire specialist who deliver their clients the perfect individual event. Their beautiful; atmospheric and striking Tipis are the perfect way to create that wow-event-moment that all your guests will remember. Blue Sky Tipis provide Tipis and furniture for hire for corporate events, weddings, festivals, parties, seasonal markets and more. They offer short and long-term hire options and their Tipi’s provide a secure outdoor covering with fast installation and dismantle. They can also provide all the furniture you may need, from bars, dining, dancefloors and beyond. Their in-house creative team offer bespoke floristry and styling services to meet your event brief. Their Big Hat Tipis are warm in winter and can be heated, as well as cool in summer offering 360° ventilation as some or all the sides of the tipis can be lifted. You can link these Tipis to one-other to create one complete event space, enabling you to have as many guests as you would like. London based, Blue Sky Tipis helpful team can source a venue to your specifications, use one of their suggested partner venues, or you can pitch in a space you find. They have even created bespoke event moments for companies such as Google, Moët, and Waitrose to name a few. Their passion is creating great events as well as relationships with their clients and co-workers to successfully bring together memorable, slick events in their beautiful Tipis. Blue Sky Tipis love what they do, they pride themselves on making each client feel listened to and included, ensuring they deliver on every event they take part in. Where to go: Visit blueskytipis.com Get in touch: Call 0203 718 7355 or email hello@blueskytipis.com 8. Dress to impress with Diya’s
Diya’s, your one-stop-shop for brides, grooms, bridesmaids and best men. It has built up a reputation as one of the leading ethnic wear designer brands in the country. Its bespoke, made-to-measure service is unrivalled in the industry and is the key reason Diya’s is one of the top choices for brides and grooms across the UK. The team has been delighting clients with an extensive range of formal, designer wear, casual and bridal wear with expertise in translating dreams into reality. Its traditional values are coupled with the modern outlook by offering heritage craftsmanship through its elegant collection of ethnic wear with experience of more than a decade. Diya’s in-house design and manufacturing services include designing and sketching, raw fabric cutting, fabric dying, dyed fabric cutting, embroidery, stitching, final finishing and packing. From full beaded beauties to luxurious lace gowns, all the outfits are Diya’s is infused with love and made to perfection. If you are looking for bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, sherwani or suites, then let Diya’s create the outfit for your special occasions. Please book an appointment or come to our store at Soho Road Birmingham; we will make sure the spotlight is always on you! Where to go: 213 Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B21 9SX Get in touch: Visit diyasdirect.co.uk 9. Say ‘I do’ at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
(Image: Mark Copeland – Envision Images)
Think Victorian grandeur, quirky details and modern swagger. Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is an extraordinary venue complete with oak panelling, dramatic chandeliers and high ceilings. It certainly sets the tone for an unforgettable wedding day. With swoon-worthy photo opportunities at every turn, choose from the inspiring ballroom for up to 700 guests, or the Directors’ Suites for a more intimate affair. Natural sunlight fills the Winter Garden, bringing the outside in or if you’d like to go alfresco, The Terrace is a unique courtyard space to host friends and family at the heart of the city. Extraordinary comes in all shapes and sizes and a wedding for 15 can be every bit as magnificent at Kimpton Clocktower. Turn your big day into a big weekend; the stylish suites and rooms make it easy to gather your favourite people under one roof and share an even more unforgettable experience. Just ten minutes’ walk from Manchester Piccadilly station, all your guests have to do is arrive ready to celebrate. The hotel’s iconic destination restaurant and bar, The Refuge, offers globally inspired dishes across private dining spaces – perfect for rehearsal dinners or post-wedding brunch, to keep the fun going all weekend long. Where to go: Oxford Street, Manchester, M60 7HA Get in touch: Visit kimptonclocktowerhotel.com 10. Capture unique memories with RM Creative Photography
UK and destination wedding photographer based in Hertfordshire, RM Creative, strives to capture memories with images that can transport you back in time and make you feel the same emotions that you felt that day. Rachael said: “I want to tell your story, capture moments that reflect who you are, make you feel amazing and quite frankly blow your mind! I love capturing the real stuff, the candid and authentic moments so you can relive them for years to come! All edited in my signature glowy style with dreamy tones to make your images pop! Your photographs should look like they’re straight out of a wedding magazine. “As your wedding photographer, making sure you have the best day of your lives is at the forefront of what I do! Whether you need help connecting with other suppliers, or just want someone to vent to because your family is driving you mad! I’ll be the bridesmaid you never knew you needed… just behind the camera!” Don’t just take our word for it, head to the website to hear from previous couples, one snippet is: “All I can say about RM Creative is WOW, WOW, WOW!” Where to go: Visit rmcreativephotos.co.uk Get in touch: Follow on instagram, @rmcreativephotos 11. A seaside wedding at the Beaches Hotel
The newly-graded, four-star, Beaches Hotel with its Idyllic location on the North Wales coastline, offers all you need for your wedding day under one roof. Say ‘I do’ with a stunning backdrop of the sea in the Seaview Suite, toast your loved ones and dance the night away in the Beaches Suite, then watch the sunset on your wedding day on the private terrace overlooking the Irish Sea. From the moment you step through the door to start planning until you lay your head down at the end of your special day, the wedding manager and team will be at your side. The Beaches Hotel offers 80 bedrooms, some boasting views over the Irish Sea and coastline and others overlooking the beautiful Prestatyn hills, meaning that there is ample room for any guests wishing to stay the night or for those making their stay a little break away. Whether you are looking for a formal sit-down, four-course meal or more relaxed dining, The Beaches can cater for all your dining requests. With the waves lapping on the shore just a stone’s throw from the hotel and spectacular sunsets, the hotel is located in a perfect spot for your wedding. Where to go: Beach Road East, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 7LG Get in touch: Visit thebeacheshotel.com 12. Perfect those finishing touches with Thea Elizabeth Studio
Thea Elizabeth Studio specialises in creating the perfect finishing touches to your wedding morning and/or night before with the girls. The team can kit you out with all the essentials, from personalised champagne flutes, matching velour slippers, silk robes and much more. Providing the ultimate ‘getting ready’ experience for you and your girls, it offers high quality, elegant products to enjoy getting ready in style! There are a range of colours to suit your wedding scheme, along with little extras including iced thank you biscuits and botanical bath bombs. The team knows expensive weddings can get, so offer a payment plan to help spread costs. Secure your date with a 10% deposit, with the remainder due eight weeks before your wedding. You can pay in instalments of your choosing up to the due date, or pay it all off when it’s due. There are also options for flower girls and younger bridesmaids too so they aren’t left out of the fun! The men aren’t forgotten about either – there are a range of groomsman products to choose from. Where to go: Visit etsy.com/theaelizabethstudio Get in touch: Follow on instagram, @theaelizabethstudio 13. Dream weddings at Danby Castle
If rustic ruins and breathtaking views are your thing, look no further than the idyllic Danby Castle. Set in the heart of the rolling North Yorkshire Moors, Danby offers indoor and outdoor ceremonies for up to 110 guests. History buffs will love that this stunning venue is the former home of King Henry VIII’s wife Catherine Parr, and it’s no surprise that Danby Castle has won awards for being the best historic wedding venue in the North. The newly-refurbished farmhouse boasts a luxurious ‘getting ready room’ and the Barn is the perfect setting for your reception. The property is frosted with fairy lights and festoon lighting, for a truly whimsical wedding vibe. Or go get your ‘Game of Thrones’ groove on in the Castle Ruins. One thing’s for sure, Danby is sure to make your wedding photos seriously instagrammable. Where to go: Danby Castle Farmhouse, Danby, Whitby, YO21 2NP Get in touch: Visit danbycastle.com, email weddings@danbycastle.com and follow on instagram, @danbycastlebarn and facebook, @DanbyCastleEvents 14. Wed like royalty at Crowcombe Court
Give yourself the ultimate Bridgerton-themed wedding at the stunning Crowcombe Court. As carriages arrive and canapés are served, wow your guests in the Grand Hall adorned with ornate Italian plasterwork and huge marble flagstones. With a capacity to host civil ceremonies for up to 100 guests and evening receptions for up to 150, your wedding will be the event of the year. With luxurious onsite accommodation and a dreamy honeymoon suite complete with a four-poster bed and boujee roll top bath, your nuptials will be the talk of the town. But the show doesn’t stop when the lights go down, because Crowcombe has its very own private nightclub with a fully-stocked bar in the undercroft beneath the ballroom. Dance the night away with your guests and make your wedding a truly memorable one for all who are lucky enough to attend. Where to go: Crowcombe Court, Crowcombe, Somerset, TA4 4AD Get in touch: Visit crowcombe court.co.uk, email weddings@crowcombecourt.co.uk and follow on instagram, @crowcombecourt and facebook, @CrowcombeCourtSomerset 15. The ultimate destination wedding with Destinology
If you could choose to have your wedding anywhere in the world, where would it be? A South African ceremony surrounded by safari animals? A Grecian elopement in the ruins of an ancient chapel? Or an incredible beachside celebration in Mauritius? Destinology is passionate about making your dream wedding become a reality, and has a great selection of destinations just calling out to host your special day. The wedding packages at Trou Aux Biches Beachcomber Resort & Spa in Mauritius ensure there’s a celebration to suit every couple’s needs. When you’re organising perhaps the most important day of your life, you want everything to go ahead without a hitch. Luckily, the specialised team at Trou Aux Biches have nuptials down to a fine art, and each package includes a dedicated wedding planner who will happily cater to all of your requirements. Combined with the expertise of its concierge team, Destinology can schedule your day with your preferences in mind. The team have dealt with every eventuality and expectation possible and no request is too big or too small, from organising the number of guests to pressing the groom’s suit, or even ensuring the bouquets are arranged to perfection. Let Destinology do the legwork so you can enjoy your dream day. Where to go: Visit destinology.co.uk Get in touch: Call 01204 208 178 or follow on facebook, @destinologyStory SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitter
