CAERHAYS ESTATE WEDDINGS LAUNCHES NEW, IMMERSIVE ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE Caerhays Estate Weddings has responded to the rising interest in Cornish elopements by launching a new immersive wedding experience at The Vean, a beautifully restored Georgian country house located on the estate which has been tailored specifically for smaller elopement and micro weddings. Jen Polkinghorn, wedding co-ordinator at Caerhays Estate Weddings says, “We’re noticing increasingly that couples are placing a higher value on privacy, personalisation and breaking away from norms and expectations on their special day, and this is making elopement and micro weddings a more appealing option for many newly engaged couples”. Censuswide research conducted for Ginger Ray in 2024 reported that Google searches for elopement weddings increased by 83%, with demand for elopement wedding packages in the UK rising by 85%. Jen Polkinghorn continues, “With the current cost of living challenges, there is naturally a desire to keep budgets in check. Elopement can represent a more affordable wedding option, streamlining people’s priorities and allowing couples to focus their budget on the areas that are most important to them. That might be amazing food, quality videography, or accommodation so that the wedding party can enjoy a mini holiday in Cornwall together. The Vean meets the rising demand for small, immersive and intimate wedding experiences, where everyone can connect and celebrate together.” This same research reports that 77% of eloping couples are choosing to say their vows in a picturesque part of the UK, and almost one in five decides on Cornwall. The Caerhays Estate is instantly recognisable with its iconic castle, famous woodland gardens, and picture postcard setting overlooking Porthluney Beach. All four of its licensed wedding areas are splendid in their distinct ways. The Vean, set in the Porthluney Valley with far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside offers bespoke weddings for two to 20 guests and includes a range of catering options. Luke Tyler, manager of The Vean says, “Weddings at The Vean are not merely spectacles, they are focused around the real moments of connection that family and friends can share. We’re proud to cater for a variety of wedding wants and wishes here at Caerhays, and we’re particularly excited about experiences at The Vean, as more and more couples look to elope to Cornwall to enjoy the joys of a small and intimate wedding.” Jen Polkinghorn continues, “We want to congratulate all newly engaged couples, as they embark on this exciting next chapter of their lives. Caerhays is an unmistakably Cornish backdrop for your dream day with its castle and beach, and is surrounded by one of the Great Gardens of Cornwall.” https://visit.caerhays.co.uk/weddings EDITOR’S PICK After training at the Academy of Modern Celebrancy, Devonbased jewellery designer Claire Austin, the talent behind Claire Austin England Bridal Hair Accessories & Jewellery has just launched Claire Austin Wedding Celebrant. Turn to page 51 to read her advice about the advantages of a celebrant-led wedding. www.claireaustin weddingcelebrant.com NEWQUAY BID SECURES FUNDING ON BEHALF OF 13 BUSINESSES Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) has secured £9,500 from Cornwall Council’s Town Delivery Fund. This will support 13 businesses with shop front improvements and allow the creation of a storytelling trail to increase footfall to the Trenance area. Many businesses in the town pay an annual levy into the BID and this is reinvested into the town. Newquay BID focuses the reinvestments on four main areas: events; cleaner, greener, safer; business support and representation; and marketing. Its overarching aim is to support businesses by making the town vibrant and marketing Newquay both locally and nationally. A town centre business approached Newquay BID about accessing funding to refresh the look of their business. This sparked the project undertaken by Newquay BID to locate available funding, find out if any other businesses wanted financial support with rejuvenating their shop-fronts, and apply for Cornwall Council funding. The funding awarded will support businesses with a range of improvements, from re-painting to replacing canopies. Newquay BID has itself, and as a partner, secured funding for other projects in town including the monthly BIG Newquay Market, MUQY (the mural trail) and the Newquay Rangers. They are always on the lookout for funding opportunities to ensure member businesses get the best value for money. Rob from Newquay Activity Centre said, “We’re all on a mission to make the absolute most of Newquay High Street and this funding will make a difference to all of the local businesses. We can’t wait to spruce up Newquay Activity Centre and prepare for a successful 2025” Claire of Atlantic View Café said, “We at Atlantic View Cafe would like to say a big thanks to Cornwall Council for our shop front improvement grant. We believe it’s so important to keep Newquay’s high street and our business looking clean, modern and eye-catching. We would like to say a big thanks to Newquay BID for their excellent work and constant business support.” Abigail from Newquay BID said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to directly support individual businesses by accessing Cornwall Council’s Town Delivery Fund. Thirteen businesses will receive match funding to spruce their premises in time for next summer and as the businesses in Trenance are a real gem outside of the town centre, it is great to shine a light on them by installing a trail.” Cornwall Councillor Louis Gardner said: “We are pleased to support the Newquay Business Improvement District because initiatives like their Shopfront Grant Improvement Scheme empower local businesses to thrive and shine. By enhancing storefronts, we create a vibrant, welcoming town that attracts more visitors, supports jobs, and builds community pride. This scheme reflects a commitment to investing in Newquay’s future, fostering economic growth while preserving the unique charm of our high streets. Together, we can ensure Newquay remains a dynamic hub for residents and tourists alike” www.facebook.com/p/Atlantic-view-cafe-100055161141938 https://newquayactivitycentre.co.uk www.maxiphotography.com KOKUTAN UNVEIL À LA CARTE WEDDING FLOWERS FOR 2025 Kokutan’s à la carte wedding flower service is perfect for couples who want to pick from a choice of seasonal flowers but don’t need large installations or on-site set-up. The pricing is clear and straightforward making it easy to plan a flower budget. Couples choose the blooms they need, for example for the bouquets and buttonholes or they can select buckets of flowers to create their own arrangements. The team prepare fresh, beautiful flowers for collection based on the colour theme of the wedding but specific flowers can’t be guaranteed, although they will always look beautiful. Purse-friendly prices include petite bridal bouquets at just £105 while larger ones are £125. Bridesmaids’ bouquets cost £75 and a flowing silk ribbon can be added for £15. Flowergirl posies are priced at £35; buttonholes are just £12.50 and pin-on corsages cost £14. Three individual hair flowers can also be wired and ready to be pinned for £12. www.kokutan.co.uk 10
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