Your Bristol and Somerset Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Say yes to saving for the big day - Top tips from Rathbones

Top tips from Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones Group Plc on budgeting together for the important day. A wedding is the beginning of a new chapter and likely one of the most important days of your life. While the day itself should be full of joy and stress free, a lot of our time and money goes into pre-wedding planning, to make sure this is the case. The cost of living crisis and sticky inflation are impacting prices across the board and wedding suppliers are no exception. For those gearing up for their wedding day, Kindar shares her top tips for anyone putting a budget together for that important day.

Guest list wish list

Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding editor Kelly Andrews discusses how to streamline that all-important guest list into the perfect intimate wedding version. One of the toughest parts of planning an intimate wedding is narrowing down the guest list. After all, deciding just who makes it into the very select group is an important decision; presumably the reason you've opted for intimate is that you don't want to invite Uncle Tom Cobley and all so be careful not to jeopardise that vision. Start by thinking about those you can't envision your day without. Think of those people who've had a positive impact on your life and your relationship.

Most popular TikTok wedding car revealed

Gone are the days of a horse-drawn carriage or a Rolls Royce pulling up to the wedding chapel, now it's all about modern cars! Couples across the UK are planning their dream weddings, with a twist. Searches for 'modern wedding cars' have surged by 60% in the last month according to Google Trends, signalling a shift from traditional vintage choices to sleek, contemporary vehicles that add a touch of modern elegance to the special day. ATS Euromaster, the tyre, MOT and vehicle services provider, has analysed TikTok hashtags and trends to reveal the changing popularity of wedding cars, both vintage and modern. Additionally, ATS has estimated rental costs for three-hour periods to help couples choose the perfect car for their special day.

A Georgian love story at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath

Nestled in the heart of Bath and situated in the centre of its iconic Georgian crescent, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a five-star haven of elegance, excellence and tranquillity. Steeped in a history that spans more than 250 years, having first been occupied in 1775, the Hotel boasts bedrooms and function spaces uniquely designed with spectacular views. Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding editor Kelly Andrews spent a weekend there to find out more. Bath is one of my favourite places on earth, so to have the chance to stay in one if its most memorable and historical locations was a dream come true, and didn't disappoint.

National Art Pass - perfect wedding gift for culture lovers

A National Art Pass is a great way to enjoy time at hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, and the Double Membership makes the perfect wedding gift for any culture lovers! Annual membership is only £88.50* and lets the happy couple enjoy free entry to hundreds of cultural destinations, plus 50% off major exhibitions, and special shop and café discounts. What's more, two cards will be issued for the happy couple!

Say 'I do' to shared planning - wedding expert shares tips for involving family and friends

Amy Greenshields, wedding expert at Card Factory has shared 7 tips to help you let your loved ones contribute.

Asking for help can be hard but getting friends and family involved in wedding planning can not only lighten the load but will also make them feel included and valued. Wedding planning contains many different elements, from table designs and seating charts to your floral bouquet, everything must be accounted for. A bride normally has the most influence over everything wedding-related, leading to as state of overwhelming stress. Why not share out the responsibilities – even the little ones can have a job!

Bristol-based Topikki Stationery cordially invites you...

This issue, we asked our panel of experts for their advice on planning an intimate wedding with no more than 30 guests. Gaynor Page from Topikki Stationery (www.topikki.co.uk) says: When it comes to buying or choosing stationery, the most important consideration is the necessity of buying in smaller quantities rather than being bound by multi-packs designed for larger affairs,which can end up being a false economy for a wedding of 50 or fewer. If your intimate setting is a personal preference, rather than due to budget, you might even have a little wiggle room to upgrade.

Ginger Ray - An Introvert's Guide to surviving a hen party

So, you've got a hen party on the horizon, but the thought of navigating through a sea of social interactions is making you break into a cold sweat. Fear not introverts, we've got your back! Follow these top tips to make sure that you don't bring down the mood at the hen party and instead boost the atmosphere of the event. Hen parties are a chance to celebrate the lucky soon-to-be bride so make it a night she'll never forget! Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared 6 strategies to ensure that you not only survive, but actually enjoy the festivities:

Sten dos are on the rise

Stag and hen experts, Adventure Connections, say it is the 'Sten do' that takes traditional trends down! A mash-up of the separate parties, the Sten do provides a popular new way for the future bride and groom to be united before the big day. Rumoured to have been recreated by Harry and Megan, Sten dos prove to be the hottest way to party. Founder of Adventure Connections, Justin Sayers mentions that "things are changing when it comes to pre-wedding parties", so why not give it a try? Sten dos offer a cost-effective and inclusive solution to those separate gatherings, perfect for those with a large number of guests. Those shared memories are sure to be irreplaceable. Reduce your stress and make it a rave to remember!

Tie the knot on the iconic harbourside in the heart of Bristol

M Shed is a world-class cultural landmark set on the harbourside in the heart of Bristol. The museum has been designed to retain the character of the former 1950s transit shed but with the addition of purpose-built facilities and state-of-the-art lighting and AV equipment. M Shed is licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies and is flexible enough to suit all budgets and preferences, whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration. The versatile event space here, alongside the venue's range of menus, drinks packages and décor options allows you to do your day, your way.

Dive into the world of muted colour palettes

Rebecca Brennan-Brown, founder of GetWed, a team of wedding experts based in London, helping couples achieve dreamy, fun, and unpretentious weddings, dives into the world of muted colour palettes and shares her top tips and advice for channeling this aesthetic...In a world of Instagram algorithms and Pinterest boards that feed you new inspiration every five minutes, it can be tricky to choose a colour palette for your wedding, let alone stick to one. Do you go for classic, whimsical whites and greens? Or perhaps something bolder and more fun? Or maybe you've always envisioned a summery pastel palette. The options are endless.

Personalisation is IN for 2024

Crafty Brewing and Lola and Luna's collaboration reveals how personalisation is being brought to the forefront of 2024 weddings. The concept of personalisation is holding a key part in redefining 'tradition' and incorporating new captivating trends in every aspect of your magical event. Aimee, a wedding expert from a wedding planning and styling company says that "Over the past few years, weddings have increasingly started steering away from the same old conventions, and opting for bespoke options more frequently." From table plans set on where the couple first met, to embroidered napkins there are so many opportunities to add a personal touch on your big day.

Scentscape your wedding day with Yankee Candle

Scentscaping your wedding day is a trend that's going nowhere! Finding the right fragrance to shape the atmosphere of your wedding is an exciting part of the wedding planning journey you can do together - beats the wedmin too! Yankee Candle, and sister brand WoodWick, boast a wide collection of candles in all shapes, colours and sizes that would work perfectly for your nuptials, reception and big-day gifting. Imagine walking into you ceremony with the scent of pink cherry and vanilla surrounding you, or at your winter reception Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl from Yankee's new collection will certainly set the tone of the proceedings and reflect the time of year. Once you've found your favourite candle, it's also something you can purchase time and again to evoke memories of the special event, alternatively gifting loved ones who supported you on your wedding day with a candle to the big-day fragrance will be a gift where guests can reminisce too!

Paperchase unveils wedding and hen party products collection

The beloved brand Paperchase has recently launched an exclusive collection of wedding and hen party products. The new range features a wide selection of unique and sophisticated wedding staples and novelty hen products for great value prices, from stationery to decorative accessories. It is perfect for those tying the knot this year or planning a spectacular hen do. Looking for luxurious wedding invitations? but want to keep costs down? Well, the Ginger Ray Wedding Invitations with Envelopes (10pack with envelopes) with a classic cream finish they combine style with affordability for those looking to advertise their big day with a stunning opening number.

Make an impact with Salt and Scent Events

This issue we asked our panel of experts for their advice on planning an intimate wedding with no more than 30 guests. Rachel Terrett from Salt and Scent Events (https://saltandscent.co.uk) says: Treat your guests like VIPs. Smaller guest numbers offer the opportunity to go all out with an exquisite setup. When choosing a venue, make sure it isn't too big that you risk the tables feeling lost in the space. Consider impactful table layouts that fill the room and allow everyone to feel connected. Adding in beautiful lounge furniture helps to dress the space too and will be enjoyed during cocktail hour for a relaxed sophisticated vibe.

Planning for the night ahead – wedding nightwear from Chelsea Peers

West London based designer brand Chelsea Peers has an glamorous array of wedding nightwear for any bride on their special day, to complement the bride's style and luxurious taste. When wedding planning, you mainly focus on the particulars of the actual ceremony and the events of the day, however what about your first night as husband and wife? With Chelsea Peers, the elegant draping allows the bride to maintain an effortless silhouette while adding just a touch of splendour. For a spectacular wedding night, consider the chic and comfortable Satin Fringe Trim Long Pyjama Set – Ivory, that features a swishy flared shape that has plenty of movement, combined with smooth, lustrous satin.

Say I do amid grand halls and stunning galleries at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery has some extraordinary spaces for your wedding day. The venue offers civil ceremonies in its grand halls or stunning galleries followed by a wedding celebration of your choice. What's more, the incredible Edwardian Baroque architecture means the setting could not be more striking with glass vaulted ceilings, romantic balconies and sweeping staircases all steeped in history sure to give your big day the wow factor it deserves. Why not treat loved ones to a private viewing of one of the venue's many galleries to make your event truly unique? If you choose to have your ceremony at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery it will begin at 6pm, with guests arriving from 5.40pm.

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy, and author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: Some say addressing guests as 'ladies and gentlemen' is a mistake these days... what is the Modern newlywed speech etiquette? Let's start by saying (again) there are no wedding speech rules. When it comes to etiquette, it's simply a case of common sense and being polite. Honestly, that's it. When it comes to addressing your audience, 'Ladies and gentlemen' is becoming less common for two reasons.

Intimate I dos with Somerset-based Just Ceremonies

This issue, we asked our panel of experts for their advice on planning an intimate wedding with no more than 30 guests. Celebrants Deb Stodgell and Jackie Aldrich from Just Ceremonies say: In a world that loves grandeur, the allure of an intimate celebration is growing, and possibilities emerge that aren't feasible for larger gatherings. Selecting the right venue sets the tone for your intimate ceremony. Opt for a cosy space with a charming ambience that resonates with both of you. It could be a rustic barn, a quaint garden, or a small boutique venue with character. The goal is to create an atmosphere that feels warm, inviting, and uniquely yours.

Creative ways to preserve and display your wedding bouquet

Your wedding day is one of the most magical days of your life, so you'll no doubt want to hold onto your memories for as long as possible. Here, Clare Price from framing specialists Wall Space shares their tips for preserving your wedding bouquet for years to come. Preserving your wedding bouquet can be a wonderful way to keep the memories of your special day alive. Techniques like drying and pressing are some of the best methods of flower preservation, and there are countless ways to show off your preserved blooms in your home once you're done. With the tips and ideas below, you can create lasting reminders of your cherished moments and remember your special day for years to come.