by Hanami Dream | 27, September, 2018 | blog, guest post, tips
wedding guest list
The wedding guest list is often cited as being one of the top stresses for couples during wedding planning (whether you plan to invite children or not to your big day).
Who to invite is personal to each couple, as every family has different circumstances and it depends who is ‘hosting’ the wedding (and often who is paying for it). There may be some tough decisions to make with your guest list. Perhaps the reality of your budget means you have to rein in a few of your plans, or other people’s involvement means compromising on who you want to invite, including whether to have children at all/some/none of your wedding.
There’s no right or wrong answer on who to invite to your wedding. Nor is there sadly a magical formula that will work it out for you. Ultimately, you should invite guests that you want to share your special day with.
who to invite
It is said that the enjoyment of most gatherings can be made or broken depending on who is there. People do really make the party! So the all important guest list can dictate what kind of a day you (and your guests) might have.
To avoid confusion from the outset, it is often better to be really specific about who you are inviting, to which parts of the day they are invited to, and whether you are inviting their children (or not) so that they are not left in any doubt.
Take a look at ‘a guide to wedding stationery and how to invite your guests‘ and the first in my Holy Trinity of Wedding Planning series ‘Part 1: who‘ for a broad overview on the importance of wedding guest lists as a whole.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/picnic.jpg)
children at weddings
Meanwhile, here is a checklist to consider if you are inviting children to your wedding:
- clear communication – set expectations early on about who is invited and give guests with children an idea of the running order for the day so they can plan naps, meals and their schedule accordingly around your day
- consistency – make sure you say the same thing to everyone and be clear why there may be exceptions
- contribution – get children involved with little tasks like confetti throwing, part of the speeches, ring bearer etc
- crèche – consider childcare or a chaperone in a side room for lots of children
- changing facilities – make sure there’s somewhere for little ones to ‘freshen up’
- crafts, cinema, competitions, cartoons, colouring or just somewhere to run around outside – anything to help keep them entertained (how about a silent disco for them during the meal?)
- catering – have food specifically with children in mind
- chairs – make sure they’re comfortable, suitable for their age and close to their parents
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/tipi.jpg)
entertaining children at weddings
One of the key things to keeping your wedding guests happy (whatever their age) is to keep them fed, watered and entertained! When it comes to children at weddings they may need a little more entertainment.
With the right planning, involving children in the celebrations can be fantastic fun without compromising on a stylish and stress-free day. Here are some top tips for entertaining children at your wedding, courtesy of Hedgerow Circus, to ensure a stress free day for all generations to enjoy.
1. Think about the flow of the day
Providing toys and games for your youngest guests can make a huge difference to the flow of the reception, as having the children happily entertained has the added bonus that the parents are free to fully enjoy the celebrations too.
2. Keep a space free in your venue for children guests
Every venue is different, but almost all have an area which is suitable to dedicate to some toys and games. This may be anything from an entire room which can become a fully stocked playroom if you have lots of children attending, to a quiet corner of a marquee where a simple white tipi with toys inside could be set up. Allocating a dedicated play area, however large or small, will prevent toys from taking over.
3. Involve children guests in parts of the wedding day
Consider any times that you can involve children in the proceedings, not only as flower girls or page boys but with responsibilities such as handing out programmes, confetti or gifts. If you have any older or more confident children attending, perhaps reading a short poem or announce cutting of the cake. It’s always a good idea to provide some quiet entertainment for the times you don’t want the children to be involved, such as during speeches. A speeches survival kit of puzzles, colouring or Lego usually goes down a treat (for parents too – who can relax and listen to the speeches).
4. Bring the generations together
Enjoy the chance to bring all the generations of your friends and family together in one place, to celebrate this new chapter in your lives together. You will be giving special memories to everyone to look back on.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ice-cream.jpg)
About Hedgerow Circus
There is no need to compromise on style when including toys and games at your wedding venue; take a look at Hedgerow Circus, a local company based in the Cotswolds who provide a great range of attractive play areas to cater for groups of all sizes, delivered and set up at your wedding or event venue.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Hedgerow-Circus.jpg)
@hedgerow_circus
Sign up to receive the latest wedding planning tips, tools, trends and traditions straight to your inbox.
by Hanami Dream | 8, September, 2018 | news
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/LWVT6625.jpg)
If you’re planning your wedding in the Cotswolds then make sure you get a copy of the 2018/19 edition of Cotswold Bride which is now out for the year.
http://www.bridemagazine.co.uk/articles/order-your-copy-of-cotswold-bride-2018-2019
Get your Wedmin in to action!
by Hanami Dream | 6, September, 2018 | blog, trends
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Pantone-Spring-2019-Pinterest.png)
The current back to school vibe always makes me feel a little sad and melancholy. It’s the end of the summer and the seasons are beginning to change. It is back to work and back to reality, after a summer of fun. The lyrics of ‘Zorbing’ by Stornoway sum up what this time of year makes me think about
Conkers shining on the ground, The air is cooler. And I feel like I just started Uni.
But the exciting news from Pantone® ahead of New York Fashion Week about the Spring 2019 colours has certainly lifted my mood.
We’ll be seeing red next spring if the latest trend predictions from Pantone® this week are anything to go by.
The colours for next Spring certainly make a huge bold statement. They are rich, vibrant and indulgent yet not over powering. They are like a ray of golden light on a colourful kaleidoscope.
Autumnal evolution
You’d be forgiven in thinking that this is the fall report and not the spring one. There seems to be quite a lot of crossover with the current Fall/Winter 2018/19 colour palette with some rich earthy tones, though by Spring 2019 we will have lost the purples (and the Colour of the Year), neons and silver grey.
It is great to see such earthy colours featuring in Spring 2019 and hardly a pastel shade in there! These are all great transitional colours to take us in and out of seasons.
Confident red
The abundance of red related colours is over whelming and runs in to the oranges, yellows and pinks too. This set of colours are empowering, confident, bold, uplifting, fun, playful, cheerful and joyful. Plus I can’t fail to see the energy, passion and excitement that these colours evoke.
My best friend always advises to wear red to an interview or an important date (even if it’s just your underwear!) so that you feel strong and confident. There will be lots around next Spring to feel like you can rule the world.
Foliage and succulents
That warm feeling is translated in the addition of the deep greens that conjure up a terrarium full of succulents and foliage. Continuing that sense of bringing nature inside.
Spring 2019 colours
The top twelve colours for Spring 2019 are:
- Fiesta PANTONE 17-1564
- Jester Red PANTONE 19-1862
- Turmeric PANTONE 15-1264
- Living Coral PANTONE 16-1546
- Pink Peacock PANTONE 18-2045
- Pepper Stem PANTONE 17-0542
- Aspen Gold PANTONE 13-0850
- Princess Blue PANTONE 19-4150
- Toffee PANTONE 18-1031
- Mango Mojito PANTONE 15-0960
- Terrarium Moss PANTONE 18-0416
- Sweet Lilac PANTONE 14-2808
Spring 2019 extra colours from LFW
Plus a couple of paler substitutes of yellow (instead of Aspen Gold) and pink (instead of Sweet Lilac) from London Fashion Week round off the colours for Spring 2019:
- Lemon Verbena PANTONE 12-0742
- Pressed Rose PANTONE 15-1619
-
Neutral basics
Pantone® have also updated the Classic Colour Palette. These are a group of neutrals that are core basics in the form of a taupe, navy blue, cream and brown.
The bonus classic neutral colours for Spring 2019 are:
- Soybean PANTONE 13-0919
- Eclipse PANTONE 19-3810
- Sweet Corn PANTONE 11-0106
- Brown Granite PANTONE 19-0805
Colour themes
It’ll be great to see how couples incorporate these colours in to their weddings later this year. I can see how the classic neutrals will play a big part in coupling up with some of the more vibrant choices.
Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Color of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.
See some of my trend predictions for weddings in 2018 and look out for my report when the 2019 colour of the year is released later in the year.
So sporting my new statement red jeggings I feel not only empowered but raring to go for the new season.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Pantone-Spring-2019.png)
Sign up to receive the latest wedding planning tips, tools, trends and traditions straight to your inbox.
by Hanami Dream | 22, July, 2018 | blog, inspiration
A small wedding for a big day in February 2018 saw this intimate (and impromptu) castle wedding of Sally and Gavin at Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire.
Intimate wedding trend
On average, wedding guest numbers are decreasing and micro weddings are on the rise; with couples wishing to keep things small, personal and more meaningful. Not quite on the extremes of eloping, as the nuptials are far from secret, but a step away from traditions and expectations. Making the day a real lavish experience for everyone and good value for money. It’s like having a dinner party in a private room for your close friends and family.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sally-Gavin_intimate-lush-wedding_castle-wedding_Thornbury-Castle_Gloucestershire_Alice-Morgan-Photography_February-2018.png)
Colour scheme
This intimate castle wedding (of less than 30 guests) was a luxurious affair with a rich, dark colour scheme of navy blue and emerald green. With lush tactile elements of velvet bridesmaid dresses, satin ribbons and faux fur wraps.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sharrock-372.jpg)
Venue
The couple chose Thornbury Castle for their wedding as the bride loves history and castles, whilst the groom loves fine food and wine. It was also a special venue where they had stayed together before.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sharrock-2.jpg)
Attire
The bride and bridesmaids got ready in the Henry VIII suite with it’s spectacular full length windows. She wore a stunning dress from Pronovias with a huge statement bow and accessorised with a custom-made ivory faux-fur wrap to bare the wintry elements of the day.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sharrock-26.jpg)
Décor
To set the scene, the couple sent out navy invitations with a green satin ribbon (to match the bride’s bouquet) and a crest from the county of the bride’s place of birth. The heraldry was a lovely nod to the décor that guests would see inside the venue. The traditional invites had handwritten names, a personal note and a copy of the menu.
Place settings were individually quilled, glued and sprayed to look like chess pieces, with names written on cards by the bride.
Minimal décor was required in the Tudor Hall and they choose not to add anything to the Lounge or Boyling House as they let the impressive venue do all the talking.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sharrock-405.jpg)
Ceremony
The wedding ceremony took place in the lounge at Thornbury Castle where guests sat on comfortable settees and arm chairs. Photographs then followed around the castle and in the gorgeous grounds.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sharrock-9.jpg)
Their drinks reception took place in the Boyling House where they enjoyed canapés, fizz and a caricaturist and close-up magician for entertainment.
The wedding breakfast took place in the Tudor Hall where all 27 guests sat around one table with an open fire and enjoyed a 5 course dinner service with a break in the middle for a magical parlour show.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sharrock-408.jpg)
Cake
The lavish five tier cake was decorated a sumptuous navy blue colour and adorned with edible pearls. It stood decadently, mirroring its surroundings and the hidden grandeur inside. Each tier revealing different delicious flavours of chocolate with chocolate and cherry ganache, lemon with white chocolate ganache, and a traditional fruit cake.
Despite there being a small number of attending guests, this was a cake to feed many more. The couple had little cake boxes at the ready with coordinating ribbons and napkins for the mother of the bride to give to local friends and family who didn’t attend.
Accommodation
Guests stayed over at the hotel in the exquisite bedrooms and in the morning they enjoyed breakfast together in the Baron’s Sitting Room. Meanwhile the Bride and Groom stayed in the Tower Suite (one room at the top of the tower with around 70 steps to reach it) in the golden four-poster bed.
Venue | Thornbury Castle | www.thornburycastle.co.uk
Photography | Alice Morgan Photography | www.alicemorganphotography.com
Hair and make-up | Katherine Jennings | www.bridalhairstylingandmakeup.co.uk
Cake | Dee’s Cakes | www.dees-cakes.co.uk
Candelabras | supplied by venue
Dress | Miss – Bridal Gowns of Hungerford | www.missbridalgownsofhungerford.com
Flowers | T&J Owen Florist | www.tandjowenflorist.co.uk
Place settings | handmade by bride’s sister
Personalised matchboxes | Etsy
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sharrock-155.jpg)
by Hanami Dream | 20, June, 2018 | #UKWedLunch
#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 20th June 2018
As well as general wedding planning chat, today will be about wedding insurance with top tips from Wedding Insurance Group #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 1: insure your wedding just like your other life assets, car and property #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 2: protect your wedding ceremony and reception in case of cancellation due to illness, fire, flood or adverse weather conditions #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 3: check for policies that cover bankruptcy or liquidation of suppliers plus cover for wedding cars and transport for breakdowns or accidents #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 4: think about additional cover for wedding gifts, rings, flowers, wedding cake and attendants gifts #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 5: check with your venue if you need additional public liability to cover accidental injury or loss of all guests #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 6: consider bespoke cover for ceremonial sword, marquee, mobile WC, overseas etc #UKWedLunch
This week’s top tips were about wedding insurance with top tips from Wedding Insurance Group taken from ‘Why you should take out wedding insurance’ #UKWedLunch
Thank you for all the RTs, follows and likes! Hope to see you again next Wednesday 1-2pm for more wedding planning chat #UKWedLunch
As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about networking #UKWedLunch
JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Wedding-Insurance-blog1-300x200.jpg)
by Hanami Dream | 13, June, 2018 | #UKWedLunch
#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 13th June 2018
As well as general wedding planning chat, there’s some #toptips as well. This week’s theme is ‘tips for a minimalist wedding’ #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 1: Make sure any existing elements of venue or furniture are hidden to ensure nothing will distract the eye #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 2: Keep decor, florals and styling to a few key pieces and remember that less is more #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 3: Stick to one colour for maximum impact with white making an amazing statement #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 4: Ask guests to wear a certain colour to create a theme and the use of minimal colours throughout #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 5: Create reflection – use metallic decor, silverware or mirrors to bounce natural light around the space #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 6: Use Perspex tables and chairs with no fussy table cloths or chair cover #UKWedLunch
This week’s top tips taken from Hanami Dream blog ‘Top ten tips for a minimalist wedding with the wow factor’ #UKWedLunch
See more inspiration at https://www.pinterest.com/HanamiDream/white-minimalist
JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT
As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about wedding insurance with top tips from Wedding Insurance Group #UKWedLunch
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/minimalist_flower_cropped-211x300.png)
by Hanami Dream | 12, June, 2018 | inspiration
casual blues for a rustic barn wedding complete with denim stationery – embroidered denim rather than a traditional paper suite: menus on napkins, name place sleeves around milk bottle glasses, table plan labels hung on Portuguese laurels plants
by Hanami Dream | 12, June, 2018 | blog, guest post, tips
Why you should take out wedding insurance
Here are some insights from the Wedding Insurance Group – they discuss what wedding insurance is, what it covers, how much it costs as well as some tips on selecting the best wedding insurance policy and what are the risks of an uninsured wedding.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/wedding-insurance-post.png)
The majority of couples will tie the knot this year without wedding insurance. The last time a study was conducted in 2010, Datamonitor estimated 3 out of 4 weddings in the UK go-ahead uninsured. We don’t have any recent national data, however, our friends over at the Wedding Insurance Group have reported an increase in the number of couples taking out wedding insurance in the last year. It is still arguable that the majority of wedding days and receptions go on uninsured. To understand more, we first have to look at how much weddings cost on average.
The average cost of a UK wedding
It’s no secret that the average cost of a UK wedding has increased over the years. In 2017, various sources reported different averages:
• £27,161 – Hitched
• £30,111 – Brides Magazine
• £17,000 to £27,000 – Bridebook
It’s understandable that many couples will be aiming for a cheaper wedding but at the end of the day, weddings usually are expensive and therefore may require insurance for the couple’s peace of mind. Here’s a scenario to put this in perspective.
Insure your wedding just like your other life assets
Imagine you bought an expensive piece of jewellery that was not covered by your contents insurance. Would you be comfortable leaving your property knowing that if something went wrong, you would not be able to recover its value? Chances are, you’ll ensure that such an asset is appropriately insured, just like your car and property. So why should a wedding be any different?
What does wedding insurance cover?
A good policy will protect your wedding ceremony and reception. Many top providers offer different levels of cover as packages. In this article, we will be using the various packages provided by the Wedding Insurance Group as examples. The following key covers are typical of a wedding insurance policy, however you should always read the Policy Wording to ensure the cover meets your needs.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Wedding-Insurance-blog2.jpg)
Wedding cancellation
This protects irrecoverable deposits or fees paid up front if the wedding reception or ceremony was unavoidably cancelled due to reasons such as family or the couple falling unexpectedly ill, the venue experiencing a disaster such as fire or flood or the inability of the couple and majority of the guests to reach the wedding ceremony or reception due to adverse weather conditions.
Additional costs of rearrangement
Imagine the couple paid £5,000 for a wedding venue, which then experiences a disaster such as a fire or flood. As a result, the wedding is moved to an alternative venue that costs £2,000 more. The cancellation cover protects the initial £5,000 cost whilst the additional cost of rearrangement cover protects the extra £2,000 to move the wedding in the event of a valid claim.
The financial failure of suppliers
This provides cover if suppliers have gone out of business due to bankruptcy or liquidation. For example, the cake maker or photographer end up closing their business and are unable to deliver their services. Irrecoverable deposits and the additional costs of arranging alternative suppliers are covered even if the deposit was paid before you bought the policy. Certain wedding insurance policies also contain a specific cover for wedding cars and transport in the instance of breakdowns or accidents.
Additional covers
The policies provided by the Wedding Insurance Group also cover additional important aspects of the wedding such as:
- Wedding gifts
- Rings
- Flowers
- Wedding cake
- Attendants gifts
Wedding liability insurance
This is essentially public liability for the couple that covers accidental injury to third parties or accidental loss of or accidental damage to third party property. Certain policies such as those provided by the Wedding Insurance Group offer the option to increase public liability to cover all guests. Certain venues will not take on a wedding booking unless the couple has public liability cover of £2 million or more. Some insurance providers do offer the option of liability cover only.
Optional covers
As with most insurance policies, there are optional covers to ensure any bespoke preferences are protected such as:
- ceremonial sword cover
- extending public liability to £5 million
- extending public liability cover to all guests
- marquee and mobile WC cover
Overseas wedding insurance
Many wedding insurance providers offer overseas wedding insurance containing the key covers detailed above with additional cover for essential documents such as passports, birth certificates and visas.
Excess and policy wordings
Some wedding insurance providers like the Wedding Insurance Group do not require excesses on any of their policies. It’s always a good idea to read your policy wordings so that you are clear on the exact cover you are purchasing and any additional costs. You may wish to avoid a policy with complicated wordings. Certain providers use ‘Plain English’ and shorter wordings which make it a lot easier for you to understand.
When can I take out wedding insurance?
The accepted period of time between purchasing wedding insurance and the big day itself varies amongst providers although you can purchase a policy up to 2 years before the wedding. It’s a good idea to get cover in place once you start paying deposits and making arrangements. There may also be limits between the date of the ceremony and reception. For example, non-Asian Weddings and Civil partnership ceremonies and receptions insured by the Wedding Insurance Group are required to occur within a 21-day period. There are policies for Asian weddings detailed below.
Asian wedding insurance
There are specialist policies available that are specifically designed for Asian weddings or Shaadi. These policies cover up to 6 events over a period of 94 days and are also delivered as different packages that include the key covers detailed above.
Travel & Honeymoon Insurance
The Wedding Insurance Group offer policies specifically designed for Honeymoons offering single or annual multi trips and long stays. In addition to the usual covers such as emergency medical expenses and cancellation, features such as no age limits or discounts for families (kids go free) are available on single trip policies.![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Wedding-Insurance-blog1.jpg)
How much does wedding insurance cost?
Costs do vary amongst providers but typically you can arrange cover for less than the price of a bottle of champagne. You can pick up a policy starting from as little as £25 for wedding insurance or £59 for Asian wedding insurance. Naturally, you will want to shop around and you’ll notice many providers display convenient tables that compare different levels of cover. Again, we recommend you read the policy wordings that may contain clauses not displayed in the summarised tables so you are clear about the insurance you are purchasing.
What is the best wedding insurance?
This is solely dependent on the ceremony and reception plan. As detailed above, tables that compare different packages and optional extras make it easier for you to find a level of cover suitable for your wedding and planned expenditure. It’s best to finalise all plans, ensure all suppliers are booked and have an idea of your total costs before purchasing wedding insurance so you are not spending more than you need on a policy.
What are the risks of an uninsured wedding?
Without insurance, the possibility of suppliers failing to deliver their services, the venue going out of business or burning down and the probability of family or the couple falling ill all threaten the harmonious running of a wedding. There are many news stories online about cancelled weddings and other wedding-related disasters that serve as examples of how things can go wrong. Likewise it’s just as important to make sure you are adequately covered and don’t leave yourself underinsured.
Concluding thoughts
As detailed in the introduction, the number of couples taking out wedding insurance is increasing due to greater awareness and recommendations from wedding professionals. Planning a wedding already requires a lot of focus and attention, therefore, it makes sense to ensure all that hard work and financial outlay is protected so you can get on and enjoy one of the happiest days of your life.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/wig_logo.jpg)
@WeddingIG
@WeddingIG
@weddinginsurancegroup
Sign up to receive the latest wedding planning tips, tools, trends and traditions straight to your inbox.
by Hanami Dream | 11, June, 2018 | news, styled shoots
Feeling pretty proud to have one of my wedding shoots in print!
Check out pages 67 & 68 of the latest edition (June/July) of Your Glos & Wilts Wedding magazine to see my Journey to the Centre of the Earth styled wedding shoot featured.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_9155-e1528723239826.jpg)
by Hanami Dream | 17, May, 2018 | blog, inspiration
An unseasonably chilly Saturday at the start of the long Easter bank holiday weekend in 2018 saw the wedding of Sophie and Ryan at Merriscourt.
This was an Anglo-French wedding and a coming together of the couple’s two countries. In French, the word fête means an elaborate festival, party or celebration, which was certainly had in vast quantities at this rustic barn wedding.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Pinterest-post-sophie-1-683x1024.jpg)
Venue
Merriscourt is one of my favourite wedding venues in the heart of the Cotswolds. It offers freedom, creativity, transparent pricing, and above all lots of space. The venue is actually 3 interlinking converted barns around a beautiful courtyard, and is blessed with high ceilings and oodles of light.
There’s a real sense of calm and peacefulness about the surroundings and it feels very homely. You have full reign of the whole place during the event and can also stay over in one of it’s many accommodation options. Making this a real home from home that can be adapted just how you want it.
Décor
Sometimes less is definitely more. You don’t have to go crazy with décor when you have such a stunning venue. After all, you don’t want to overcrowd or cover up great features.
It’s brilliant to let the venue speak for itself. And this wedding did it in spade fulls. They kept it simple along with great food, great drink and great music. Some simple pink rose displays dotted around in a homely fashion was in keeping with the venue itself.
Ceremony
A touching civil ceremony was held in the Stone Barn (which was turned in to the dance floor later) first in English and then a surprise visit from the mayor of the bride’s home town prompted a French section to the proceedings as well.
Then it was out in to the beautiful central (albeit a bit chilly on this day) courtyard for some great confetti shots then back inside the warm barn for the festivities to begin.
Whilst the French friends and relatives were mesmerised by some of the English wedding traditions and timings, and the English were left lost during the French Mayor’s speech, the common factor that brought everyone together was the love of good food. The theme for this wedding was definitely a foodie’s heaven.
Food
The flavours, quality and quantity of food was flowing in abundance. The champagne reception in the Gallery Room alone was sumptuous and filling and we were not left wanting at all. Our glasses were never let to get dry as we were told that it therefore only counted as being just ‘one glass’.
The canapés kept coming and we situated ourselves by the oyster bar and theatrical Iberico Ham Station (carved by one of the chefs), along with olives nearly the size of my fist, almonds to die for and chillies the length of bananas.
Once sat in the White Barn with it’s stunningly high ceilings and tapestries, the sharing boards were astounding and mouth-wateringly good, comprising of:
Slow smoke shoulder of lamb and salsa verde
Char grilled halloumi and pesto
Chilli chicken and honey whiskey glaze
Scottish plank roasted salmon and charred lemon
Garlic and thyme roasted potatoes
Lentils, picked shallots and beetroot salad
Beef tomatoes, basil and rapeseed oil
Even the favours continued the great flavours, as they provided us with coffee granules to enjoy the next day. Then it was out on to the courtyard where a fire pit was lit to warm us and also for toasting marshmallows. Though we couldn’t be tempted to veer off course to get a delicious Belgian waffle from a parked up food van by the twinkling fairy lights of the central tree.
The celebration of food continued with the cutting of the cake. And it wouldn’t be a French fête without the inclusion of cheese. This time in the form of the wedding cake.
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_8523.jpg)
Entertainment
The night was completed with good music and lots of dancing, interspersed with some not very flattering pictures in the nearby photo booth capturing proceedings.
All in all, this French foodies fête barn wedding proves that keeping your guests fed, watered and entertained makes for a great wedding. Eat, drink and be merry!
Félicitations à vous deux!
Venue | Merriscourt | Sarsden, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire | http://merriscourt.com/
Photography | Carlita DCN | The Passion of Life
Catering | by venue
Food van | Sweet Nothing Bakehouse | https://www.facebook.com/sweetnothingbakehouse/
Bouquet & headband | Daylesford Farm | https://daylesford.com/event-category/garden/
Wreath & table decor | by family
Dress | Ted Baker | http://www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/c/category_womens
![](https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_8756-1024x698.jpg)