County Bride Wedding Directories

Wedding Fayres

2012-01-30T09:55:00.002Z

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.

5th February 2012
Best Western Walton Park Hotel
Wellington Terrace, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 7BL
11am - 4pm
Marie or Pat 01275 874253

16th February 2012
Wedding Show Case Evening
Mercure Bristol North, The Grange
Northwoods, Winterbourne, Bristol BS36 1RP
6pm - 9pm
Miss Claire Jones 0844 815 9063

19th February 2012
The Guild Of Professional Wedding Services
Old Down Manor
Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol BS32 4PG
11am - 3pm
Jayne Hobbs 07771 716742

26th February 2012
Thistle Wedding Fayre
Cheltenham Thistle Hotel
Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 0TS
11am - 3pm
Elaine 01452 864004

4th March 2012
Best Western Centurion Hotel
Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton BA3 4BD
11am - 4pm
Ray D'Arcy 01761 4177

11th March 2012
Stanton House Hotel
The Avenue, Stanton Fitzwarren, Swindon SN6 7SD
11am - 4pm
Cheryl Morrison or Cathy Milburn 0870 0841388

25th March 2012
Bakers & Cutlers Halls
Brasserie Blanc
The Friary Building, Cabot Circus, Bristol BS1 3DF
11am - 3.30pm
Amanda Pendry 01179 102 412

Visit the Wedding Fayres page 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, N Somerset, SE Wales and Wiltshire including Chair Covers, Wedding Photographers, Marquee Hire, Hen & Stag, Wedding Cakes, Florists, Wedding Caterers, Wedding Venues, Wedding Doves, Wedding Videos ...and many more.

County Bride Store

2011-06-13T10:06:00.000+01:00

County Bride have now added a SHOPPING facility
to their 'Wedding Services' website. The SHOP is accessible from various links on the County Bride website.
A cross-section of products, including great ideas for Wedding Gifts; Clothes for the Bride, Groom and Guests; and Hen Night 'Accessories' can be purchased from the store.
There is also a comprehensive selection of William & Kate Mementos on show.

Why not take a look at the County Bride Store.

The County Bride website contains a comprehensive list of Wedding Services including Chair Covers & Sashes, Wedding Photographers
and Videographers, Marquee Hire, Wedding Caterers, Florists, Licensed Wedding Venues, Hen & Stag, Wedding Cars, Wedding Doves ...and many more.

Wedding Fayres

2011-05-12T15:18:00.001+01:00

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.

19th May 2011
The George Inn
Longbridge Deverill, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 7DG
6pm - 9pm
Jackie McCue 01380 698 085

5th June 2011
Bristol Zoo
Clifton Pavilion, Bristol BS8 3HA
11.30am - 4pm
Charlotte, Emma or David 01275 331188

9th June 2011
The Bear Hotel
Market Place, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 1HS
6pm - 9pm
Jackie McCue 01380 698 085

13th June 2011
Ramada Bristol North
The Grange, Northwoods, Winterbourne, Bristol BS36 1RP
6pm - 9pm
Miss Claire Jones 0844 815 9063

16th June 2011
Dyrham Park
Dyrham, Nr Bath & Bristol, Gloucestershire SN14 8ER
5.30pm - 8.30pm
Charlotte, Emma or David 01275 331188

Visit the Wedding Fayres page 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, N Somerset, SE Wales and Wiltshire including Chair Covers, Wedding Photographers, Marquee Hire, Hen & Stag, Wedding Cakes, Florists, Wedding Caterers, Wedding Venues, Wedding Doves, Wedding Videos ...and many more.

Wedding Fayres

2011-05-02T10:43:00.000+01:00

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.

15th May 2011
The Legacy Cardiff International Hotel
Merthyr Road, Tongwynlais, Cardiff CF15 7LD
11am - 4.30pm
Alan or Linda 01633 790 823

19th May 2011
The George Inn
Longbridge Deverill, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 7DG
6pm - 9pm
Jackie McCue 01380 698 085

5th June 2011
Bristol Zoo
Clifton Pavilion, Bristol BS8 3HA
11.30am - 4pm
Charlotte, Emma or David 01275 331188

9th June 2011
The Bear Hotel
Market Place, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 1HS
6pm - 9pm
Jackie McCue 01380 698 085

Visit the Wedding Fayres page 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, N Somerset, SE Wales and Wiltshire including Chair Covers, Wedding Photographers, Marquee Hire, Hen & Stag, Wedding Cakes, Florists, Wedding Caterers, Wedding Venues, Wedding Doves, Wedding Videos ...and many more.

Wedding Fayres on the increase

2011-01-18T14:20:00.030Z

During the past 12 months we have noticed an increase in the number of Wedding Fayres in the areas in which County Bride operates. As more premises are granted a license to carry out the Wedding Ceremony, so there is the obvious move by the proprietors of new Licensed Venues to 'showcase' their facilities. And what better way to do this than to hold a Wedding Fayre or Open Day/Evening.

A successful fayre will normally attract between 75 - 150 brides. Wedding World Fayres, who County Bride work closely with, regularly attract over 300 brides to their shows.
When you consider that for every bride who attends a Wedding Fayre/Open Day there will be 3 people on average in that party, you begin to realise how beneficial to the venue these events have become.

With figures showing that 90% of brides purchase local services for their wedding, it is not difficult to understand the 'chemistry' created at these fayres with many local Wedding Service Providers attending.

County Bride displays a regularly updated list of Wedding Fayres on their website free-of-charge, for the areas of Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, N Somerset, SE Wales and Wiltshire.

Visit the County Bride website for a complete list of wedding services including Chair Covers & Sashes, Wedding Photographers
and Videographers, Marquee Hire, Wedding Caterers, Florists, Licensed Wedding Venues, Hen & Stag, Wedding Cars, Wedding Doves ...and many more.

Wedding Etiquette: Roles & Duties - The Bride

2010-09-28T11:05:00.000+01:00

The Bride:
Possibly the most important day in a woman's life is her wedding day. A day where, as the bride, she is rightfully the 'star of the show'. She is instrumental in the organisation of her day from start to finish. She would usually begin planning months in advance, even up to the day itself. She would be involved in decision making in virtually every part of the wedding planning, from the wedding cake to the dress, the flowers, the date and type of ceremony - and much more! The ability to organise whilst not offending others is a useful skill during planning. Remember that the wedding is also a big day for both sets of parents. Parents will undoubtedly appreciate any consultation and their opinions may prove beneficial. Ultimately, the couple have the final say on decision making. The bride and the groom would also greet guests at the reception.

Visit the County Bride website for more on Wedding Etiquette, also find a complete list of wedding services including Chair Covers, Wedding Photographers, Marquee Hire, Wedding Cakes, Hen & Stag, Gifts & Favours ...and many more.

'Bath & Bristol' brochure

2010-08-11T15:27:00.020+01:00

The Wedding Fayre season is now in full swing and County Bride will soon be displaying their new combined 'Bath & Bristol' wedding services brochure at the majority of the area's events. The brochure is currently with the printer and is due to be distributed by the end of August 2010.
This follows the successful launch of the 'Gloucestershire & Wiltshire' brochure back in January of this year.
The brochure contains forewords from 'Bath & North East Somerset Council' and from 'Destination Bristol' who continue to support the aims of County Bride to furnish members of the public with an easily accessible guide to all Wedding Services. (visit their websites from the respective County Bride Home pages)

As stated in a previous blog, merging the 4 areas of Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire into 2 areas provides greater value and exposure for the advertiser and better choice for the bride. (The County Bride website will continue to cover the 4 individual areas)

The brochures will be produced annually and distributed Free of Charge to key outlets. (Click here to see more information on the brochure and the areas of distribution)

Visit the County Bride website for a complete list of wedding services including Chair Covers & Sashes, Wedding Photographers, Marquee Hire, Wedding Cakes, Florists, Licensed Wedding Venues,
Hen & Stag, Wedding Cars, Wedding Doves ...and many more.

'Gloucestershire & Wiltshire' Brochure

2010-02-18T10:33:00.019Z

Following many successful years producing individual Wedding Services Brochures for Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire, County Bride have now launched their first 'combined' brochure for the counties of 'Gloucestershire & Wiltshire'. The Tourism arms of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire are supporting the directory and have jointly written the foreword for the new project.
As before, the brochures will be produced annually and distributed Free of Charge to key outlets. These include the majority of Wedding Fayres held in the respective areas.
County Bride have always strived to give value and good exposure to the advertiser, and the merging of the areas, at very little additional cost to the advertiser, has been welcomed by both bride and advertiser alike.
We are currently working on the inaugural combined brochure for 'Bath & Bristol' and expect it to be in print in August of this year 2010. (Click here for more information on the brochures)

Planning Your Wedding: 8 - 6 months before

2009-12-30T09:03:00.014Z

Some more guidelines from County Bride to help you plan your wedding.

8 - 6 months before
* Order your Wedding Dress, Shoes and Accessories
* Select your Best Man and Attendants
* Book your Honeymoon
* Order your Wedding Stationery, (Invitations, Place-cards etc)
* Order the Male Outfits . Order the Bridesmaids Dresses
* Order Bridal Favours and Table Decorations
* Organise Wedding Balloons Supplier
* Check that your Passports are in order

Visit the County Bride website for full details on Planning Your Wedding, also find a complete list of wedding services for Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, N Somerset, SE Wales and Wiltshire including:
Chair Covers, Wedding Photographers, Marquee Hire, Hen & Stag, Wedding Cars, Florists, Wedding Catering ...and many more.

Planning Your Wedding: 18 - 12 months before

2009-11-23T10:49:00.022Z

It is important when Planning Your Wedding that you contact services and wedding venues in good time to secure bookings. It is advisable to do this in a chronological order.

18 - 12 months before (or as soon as possible)
* 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 or Carriages
* 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)

County Bride Brochures

2009-10-06T11:05:00.067+01:00

County Bride produced their 1st Wedding Services Brochure for the Gloucestershire area, having chosen this beautiful county to pilot a comprehensive online Wedding Services Directory in the year 2000. With the success of both the Internet Directory and the Brochure, the 'County' format of Internet and Brochure marketing was taken to three additional areas: Bath, Bristol, and Wiltshire. (Click here for more information on the brochure)
The brochures are produced annually and distributed Free of Charge to key outlets. They generate positive feedback from future brides with regard to their convenient ‘Handbag Size’ and easy-to-navigate source of information. County Bride have always strived to give value and good exposure to the advertiser and to this end are merging their Four 'area' brochures into Two. The two NEW brochures will cover the same four areas as previously covered. The ‘Bath & NE Somerset’ and ‘Bristol, S Glos & N Somerset’ brochures will become ‘Bath & Bristol’ – and ‘Gloucestershire & SE Wales’ and ‘Wiltshire’ will become ‘Gloucestershire & Wiltshire’.

Wedding Etiquette: Traditions & Customs - The Cake

2009-09-03T09:34:00.013+01:00

The Cake:
Historically it was the custom to shower the bride with small cakes (like confetti) or even break the cake over the brides head! An old English custom included the placement of a ring inside the cake, with the lucky guest who found it being ensured happiness. The Wedding Cake containing fruit and nuts was originally produced to symbolise fertility. The wedding cake was developed over time into a tower of several cakes placed on top of one another. Originally the bride and groom would stand on opposite sides of the cake and attempt to kiss. If the kiss was carried out without toppling the cake, good fortune could be expected. This tradition has been continued and modified into today's multi-tiered cake with the kissing couple on top.
The top tier of the cake is often kept for the christening of the couple's first born.

Visit the County Bride website for full details on Wedding Etiquette, also find a complete list of wedding services for Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, N Somerset, SE Wales and Wiltshire including Chair Covers, Wedding Photographers, Marquee Hire, Hen & Stag, Wedding Cars, Florists, Wedding Catering ...and many more.
View a regularly updated list of Wedding Fayres for the County Bride areas.

Wedding Etiquette: Traditions & Customs - The Rings

2009-08-21T20:15:00.015+01:00

The Rings:
The tradition of wearing a ring to show a persons marital status dates back to Roman times and is undoubtedly the most symbolic piece of jewellery anyone will ever wear. Wedding r ings are traditionally made of precious metals like gold to express the true value of a relationship. The unbroken circular band symbolises the eternal commitment from one person to another and the lasting nature of marriage. Originally a ring bearer carried the ring on a cushion, it was shown to the bride at the altar to illustrate the grooms sincerity. Today the rings are paid for by the groom and are usually carried by the best man until required during the ceremony.

New Category - Dove Release

2009-07-31T16:14:00.010+01:00

County Bride have added a new Category to their already extensive list of Wedding Services headings, that of 'Dove Release'.
The release of White Doves, often by the Bride and Groom, has gained in popularity and is a spectacular alternative to the throwing of confetti and rice.

White Doves have long been a symbol of peace, love, fath and fidelity, and their release signifies a romantic and everlasting new life together for the new couple. Whether a single Dove, a pair of Doves or a flock of Doves, this will be one of the most talked about events of the wedding day - a magical moment to be captured forever on camera.

Visit the County Bride website for more on Getting Married, also find a complete list of wedding services including Chair Covers, Wedding Photographers, Marquee Hire, Wedding Cakes, Florists, Fireworks, Hen & Stag ...and many more.

Wedding Etiquette: Roles & Duties - The Ushers

2009-07-21T14:43:00.010+01:00

The Ushers main duties are:

Showing people to their seats at the ceremony.
Distributing orders of service.
Distributing buttonholes.
Distributing hymn books.
Assisting the best man in organising the photographs.
Assisting the best man with organisation of the Wedding Cars.
Generally looking after the guests.
Escorting the bride's mother to her seat.
Introducing guests to each other.

Wedding Etiquette: Roles & Duties - Best Man (1)

2009-07-15T09:54:00.005+01:00

The Best Man (part 1 of 2):
A supporting role to the groom. A position of huge responsibility that should not be undertaken or indeed offered lightly. His duties include:

The arrangement of the Stag Party (this should not be the night before the wedding)
Ensuring a punctual and sober arrival of the groom at the wedding venue.
Issuing of Buttonholes.
Issuing of Orders of Service.
Organising the seating with the wedding venue.
Responsibility for the bringing of rings to the wedding venue.
Presenting rings to the clergyman when required.
Witnessing the signing of the register.
Organisation of the Ushers.
Payment of Church fees on behalf of the groom.
Escorting the chief bridesmaid down the aisle.

Wedding Etiquette: Roles & Duties - Best Man (2)

2009-07-15T08:48:00.000+01:00

Continuing the duties of the Best Man (part 2 of 2):

Organising the transport from the ceremony to the reception.
'Best man' speech at the reception.
Reading out any telegrams and messages.
Delivery of going away outfits to bride and groom at the reception.
Organising somewhere for the bride and groom to change prior to going away.
Ensuring the bride and groom's luggage leaves with them on their honeymoon.
Organising the collection of wedding presents.
Having first dance with the chief bridesmaid.
Ensuring guests' transport arrangements are organised.
'Breaking down barriers' among the guests to ensure the party moves into full swing.

Wedding Etiquette: Roles & Duties - The Groom (1)

2009-07-14T14:38:00.004+01:00

The Groom (part 1 of 2):
Contrary to popular belief the groom's role in organising a wedding extends far beyond the acceptance of congratulatory drinks and deciding what to wear at the stag party. Firstly there is the small matter of an engagement ring to choose and buy. He has joint responsibility in the major decisions such as choice of wedding venue, photographer and reception. His contribution taking some of the pressure off his bride to be. Then there is the compiling of the guest list (with the help of his parents) for both the wedding ceremony and the reception. When finalised, he would present both lists to the bride's mother. He also chooses the attire of the ushers.

Wedding Etiquette: Roles & Duties - The Groom (2)

2009-07-14T13:54:00.000+01:00

Continuing the duties of The Groom (part 2 of 2):

On the day of the Wedding the groom and his best man should arrive at the wedding venue a good 20 minutes or so prior to the ceremony. Following the signing of the register he walks back up the aisle, with his new wife on his left, to begin the formal photographs. Then it's onto the reception where the bride and groom prepare to greet their guests as they arrive. The groom is expected to introduce his new bride to friends and relatives who have not previously met her. Following the bride's father's speech, the groom should thank the bride's parents for his 'new bride' - and all those involved in the organisation of the wedding. The speech should include a toast to the bridesmaids. After the speeches and the cutting of the cake, it's time for the first dance. Traditionally the groom would invite the bride's mother to dance, the bride's father would then take over, allowing the groom to dance with his bride.