Coronavirus: The Wedding Industry

The wedding industry has been "left out in the cold" during the pandemic, Labour has said as it urges the government to provide more support.

 

The party estimates that the sector has lost out on more than £430m due to cancelled or postponed weddings.

 

Wedding receptions have either been banned or restricted to a limited number of people.

 

The government said wedding businesses could access the government's coronavirus support package.

 

But Labour has argued that some businesses are ineligible for support as they are technically still trading despite having little or no custom due to Covid restrictions. 

 

Read more...

 

KEN'S KARS Wedding Car Hire

Ken's Kars is a family run, vintage wedding car company, operating in Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas. We pride oursleves on being the longest established vintage wedding car company in the Bristol and Bath area, starting out in 1983, here in Chipping Sodbury.

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Cutting the Cake

Wedding Etiquette, Traditions & Customs:
Cutting the Cake

The cake is traditionally cut after the speeches and toasts, and would normally conclude the formal part of the wedding reception. It was believed, in order for the bride to bear children, she (with the help of her groom) should cut the first slice. Today the first cut is more symbolic to the couple's shared future together. The couple would normally pose for photographs just prior to cutting the first slice, allowing guests to take snaps of the occasion. The cake is said to spread good fortune to all who eat it, hence the reason for sending a slice to all those who were unable to attend the wedding.

Couple in 80's finally say 'I do'

 An Irish couple in their 80s have tied the knot more than 40 years after they first met.

John Bermingham, 86, and Mary Long, 83, got married in the civil marriage registration room in Tullamore Health Centre, County Offaly, on Friday.

The "young-at-heart" couple had planned on making it official a long time ago, but life got in the way.

Full story here

Planning Your Wedding: 4 - 2 months before

(not necessarily in the order shown)

* Book Wedding Night Accommodation
* Select a Hairdresser and Beautician for the Wedding Day and book Trial Sessions
* Inform Caterers and Reception Venue of final numbers
* Organise Stag and Hen parties
* Purchase Going Away Outfits and honeymoon Clothes
* Assist in selecting Mother-of-the-Bride Outfits

View full Planning Guide

Wedding Fayres

Below are details of just a few of the forthcoming Wedding Fayres to be found on the County Bride website. (email and web links can be accessed from the County Bride site)

NB: It is advisable to contact the Wedding Fayre organiser to confirm dates and times.

Currently, in accordance with Government guidelines, there are no Wedding Fayres being held.

Visit the Wedding Fayres  pages of County Bride for a full list of regularly updated Fayres and Open Evenings. Also, find a complete list of wedding services for Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, SE Wales and Wiltshire including Chair Covers, Wedding Photographers, Marquee Hire, Hen & Stag, Wedding Cakes, Florists, Wedding Caterers, Wedding Venues, Wedding Receptions, Wedding Videos ...and many more.

Spirit Wedding Cars

 Spirit Wedding Cars provide Wedding Cars in Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas.

The Wedding Cars Include:

* 1930's Style White Beauford Wedding Car (4 Door)
* 1930's Style White Beauford Wedding Car (2 Door)
* Rolls Royce Silver Spirit Wedding Car

Visit the website

Wedding Venue Closed

A wedding venue has been ordered to close and the manager has been fined £10,000 after a big reception with more than 100 guests was held.

The venue in Luton was raided by police on September 23rd following reports of crowds breaching Covid-19 restrictions.

At the time, weddings were allowed just 30 guests – a number that has now been reduced to 15.

 Read more here

Enchanted Weddings and Events

Add a touch of class and elegance to your wedding day and hire chair covers and organza sashes from Enchanted Weddings and Events to transform your ceremony or reception venue.

Let us provide that WOW factor with fabulous Balloon Decorations, creating unique balloon designs to make yourday extra special.

 

We are also pleased to offer the NEW Truly scrumptious Sweet/Candy buffet.

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Covid-19: Wedding industry reacts to latest restrictions

People working in the wedding industry have spoken of their frustration at the continuing threat to their livelihoods.

The latest guidelines for England, which were announced on Wednesday, reduce the number of people allowed to attend weddings to 15 - down from 30.

For those who provide services like photography and planning, the restrictions have been "devastating".

Read full article here

The Manor at Old Down Estate

The Manor at Old Down Estate is a beautifully refurbished Manor House and its grounds offer a stunning backdrop which is exclusively yours for the special day.

With two choices of venue available onsite we are sure we can provide the perfect location for your special day.

Visit the website 

Couple host UK's cheapest wedding

Childhood sweethearts Chelsea-Marie and Hayden Davies had originally planned for a more lavish celebration in July with a DJ, photo booths and kids' entertainment booked for the reception, but their hopes were shattered after the UK went into lockdown.

But, with a £10 dress and 'Eat Out to Help Out' discount the couple exchanged their vows.

Full story here

Planning Your Wedding: 6-4 months before

(Not necessarily in the order shown)

* Mail out your Invitations and record all replies
* Order the Wedding Rings
* Plan your Floral Display and Order all Wedding Flowers
* Compile and Distribute a Wedding Gift List
* Confirm the Wedding Venue booking

View full Planning Guide 

'An afternoon tea turned into our surprise wedding'

When Amy Lawson and Darren Wood's wedding was postponed until next year due to the coronavirus pandemic they organised an afternoon tea to mark the original matrimonial date.

But just days beforehand the groom's granddad died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism and they decided they did not want to wait any longer to tie the knot.

Read full story

Wedding Tips - Mobile or Outside Bars

Mobile or Outside Bars.....

It goes without saying that one of the first things many wedding guests will look for as they arrive at a reception is the fastest way to get to the bar. If you have a wedding planned that is in a unique or outdoor location, you might want to look into hiring mobile or outside bars for all of your beverage service needs.

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Couple hoping for third time lucky

A couple whose wedding was cancelled twice - by the Thomas Cook collapse and the coronavirus pandemic - are hoping to tie the knot finally in September.

Alice Williams and Luke Burrows, from Leicester, were due to get married in Cyprus in May, before coronavirus prevented them from saying their vows.

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Coronavirus: What are the rules on weddings?

Informative article as to the situation on weddings in England posted on the BBC website 23rd June 2020.

View full article here

County Bride Etiquette Pages - The Seating Plan

From County Bride's Etiquette Pages:
The Reception - Seating Plan

To avoid confusion it is essential to have a seating plan. Handwritten place cards - in the style of the invitation, numbers on tables and a plan of the room will help guests find their seat with the minimum of fuss. The ushers can be utilised to direct arriving guests to their table and help any who are having difficulty finding their seat. It may be a good idea to have a few extra places available for unexpected guests.

See more information here

Bride-to-be walks down supermarket aisle

A bride-to-be was walked down a supermarket aisle rather than a church aisle as her wedding was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Colleagues of Mandy Hamling, 42, decked out the Asda store in Leckwith, Cardiff, with balloons and banners to mark what would have been her big day with fiancé Michael Shire, 43.

Full story

The couples for whom love doesn't wait.

The coronavirus outbreak may have scuppered many wedding plans, but plenty of couples are still getting engaged. For many, lockdown has been both a bonding experience and a chance to get creative with proposals.

James French, 33, had originally planned a blockbuster marriage proposal. He was going to pop the question to his partner of six years, Becky Firth, during the holiday of a lifetime to Japan. He pictured it happening amongst the blossom.

Coronavirus put a stop to that. The holiday was cancelled.

Read story here

All Occasions Vintage Car Hire

MAKING YOUR DAY EXTRA SPECIAL!

• A superb choice of spacious genuine vintage cars.
• A friendly, reliable and professional chauffeur service.
• Weddings and Civil Ceremonies are our speciality.

All Occasions Vintage Car Hire

Barrington Chauffeur Services

Barrington Chauffeur Services are a family run business offering classic car hire for weddings and have been established since 1987, having been present at over 4,000 weddings. It would be our pleasure to offer any advice that we can and assist with your wedding arrangements.

Our fleet includes coloured and ivory cars and we can offer Jaguars, Daimlers, Bentleys and Rolls Royces from the more modern to the traditional classic styles.

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Planning Your Wedding: 8-6 months before

(Not necessarily in the order shown)

* Order the Wedding Cake
* Order your Wedding Dress, Shoes and Accessories
* Select your Best Man and Attendants
* Book your Honeymoon
* Order your Wedding Stationery, (Invitations, Place-cards,
   Thankyou Cards and Order of Service)
* Order the Male Outfits
* Order the Bridesmaids Dresses
* Order Bridal Favours and Table Decorations
* Organise Wedding Balloon Supplier
* Check that your Passports are in order

View full Planning Guide

Themed Weddings

Themed Weddings can be a Great Way to Tie The Knot.

Traditional weddings are gradually becoming less and less common with each passing year. While some people would never settle for anything less than a church wedding, for others stately homes, golf clubs, beaches or anywhere that has licensing or function capabilities are becoming increasingly popular. Furthermore adding your own unique spin on your big day adds that personal touch that will make your day even more special as you embark on the rest of your life with your new spouse. So here are just a handful of theme ideas you might consider for your big day.

Read more

Warwickshire teacher gets class to help with proposal

A primary school teacher proposed to his girlfriend with the help of his class.

Tom Wayne and Cerys Jones, both 30, have been together for a year and a half, after they met at the same school, St Edward's Catholic Primary in Coleshill, Warwickshire.

Mr Wayne began rehearsing in December with his Year 5 class.

Read full story

Couple live stream wedding on Facebook

A couple whose dream wedding was thrown into doubt by coronavirus restrictions held the service a month early and streamed it to 100 guests on Facebook.

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Something old, something new...

Traditions & Customs:
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe - the less known final line of the rhyme, slightly uncomfortable but symbolised happiness and spiritual and financial wealth.

The bride wears something old as a symbol of her old life that she is leaving behind. Something new refers to the new hope in her new life. A borrowed item (usually a garter) from a happily married woman is believed to pass on good luck to the newlyweds. Blue symbolises purity, faithfulness and her commitment to her new husband.

Stolen wedding photos turn up after 35 years

A stunned couple have finally seen a series of photographs of their wedding taken 35 years ago - after a roll of film stolen during the reception was found.

Mick, 60, and Tracey Hepworth, 55, were left devastated when thieves took a handbag containing a roll of film shot by a relative during their wedding in 1985.

Read full story

Planning Your Wedding: 12-8 months before

Planning Your Wedding: 12-8 months before - or as soon as possible.
(not necessarily in the order shown)

* Book your Photographer and/or Videographer
* Visit Wedding Fayres
* Choose a Colour Scheme
* Browse for Dresses for the Bride and Bridesmaids and Male Outfits
* Browse for the Wedding Rings
* Select and Book a Toastmaster
* Book Wedding Cars/ Carriage
* Contact Travel Agents for Honeymoon Destination ideas
* Organise Music/ Entertainment for the Wedding Reception and Party
* Book the Firework Display
* For Register Office Weddings give Notice of Marriage
   (Allow 17 clear days before wedding date)

View full Planning Guide

Distant Thunder Fireworks

Distant Thunder Fireworks:

Amaze your guests with a Dazzling Firework Display by leading pyrotechnics company.

See more at: http://www.dtfireworks.co.uk/

Wedding fears over coronavirus

Weddings don't always go exactly to plan, but as coronavirus infections continue to rise, one celebration went ahead without the bride and groom.

Singapore couple Joseph Yew and his wife Kang Ting returned from a trip to China just days before their wedding.

When guests expressed concerns about attending, the couple found a way to allay their fears.

The bride and groom stayed away, instead live streaming themselves into a venue full of friends and family.

Read full story

Police Dog Finds Lost Ring

A police dog tracked down a wedding ring thrown out by a man after a row with his wife.

German shepherd Odin, six, found the lost band "in seconds" on a grass verge in Harborne, Birmingham.

Officers had pulled over after spotting the man and a friend "acting suspiciously" in Northfield Road at about 02:00 GMT on Saturday.

Read full story

 

Hatherley Manor Hotel

Hatherley Manor is a 17th century manor house set in 37 acres of mature grounds and gardens for those once in a life time photographs. We have five beautiful and individual suites, which can cater for 12 - 300 guests, all of which are licensed for civil marriage ceremonies as well as our outdoor Pavilion.

Hatherley Manor specialises in weddings, and prides itself on its superb reputation. Its first-class service, attention to detail and excellent cuisine makes it the ideal venue for a perfect wedding. Every wedding is individual to us, from your first consultation with our experienced wedding co-ordinator to on-the-day precision of our expert team.

Website: https://hatherleymanor.com/

Catherine Miller

Exclusive Wedding Gowns by Catherine Miller.....

Catherine Miller is a Silk & Lace Specialist Dress Designer providing a professional & personal service.

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New Year Wedding Fayres

Another year - and exciting times for couples planning their big day.

Wedding Fayres and Open Days start again in ernest this weekend. 'Local' exhibitors will be present, ready to answer questions and share their expertise.

County Bride Events