PLANNED TO PERFECTION Should we book a wedding planner? Meet the expert: Harriet Havelin is the business owner and lead planner at VanHeil Events, a Cotswold-based wedding planning service for celebrations in Wiltshire, the Cotswolds and throughout Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxford. Harriet tells us: The benefits of hiring a wedding planner are that somebody who is not emotionally involved in your day can support you both during the planning process. They will use their extensive knowledge and experience of what works – and more importantly – what doesn’t, to help tailor your wedding so that it flows seamlessly. On the day itself, your chosen wedding planner will look after every detail and ensure that you and your guests have the most memorable experience. If anything doesn’t go quite to plan (which happens sometimes) then they’ll fix it before anybody notices. By having a planner in the background overseeing your special day, you can relax and enjoy every second, without worrying if the band have arrived or whether the caterers are on track! https://vanheilevents.com; www.facebook.com/vanHeilEvents; www.instagram.com/peacockflamingo_events PERFECTLY PACKAGED Ellenborough Park is a stunning 15th-century manor house - the only five-star hotel in Gloucestershire - that provides a striking backdrop for an unforgettable country wedding. There are six wonderful wedding spaces at the property including a private chapel and De La Bere Court with both of these accommodating up to 120 guests. Other areas within the grounds allow for a large marquee, and drinks and canapés can be enjoyed on the manicured Mews Lawn. For exclusive-use weddings, the team at Ellenborough Park can offer guests entire use of the hotel for those wanting a private and full-access wedding. The hotel has a dedicated wedding team who can tailor each celebration with personal touches - from bespoke arrangements to decorations and set menus collaboratively prepared with the executive chef. The evening reception can be tailored to fit any theme with space for a dancefloor and a live band. Ellenborough Park has created a set of special perks and treats for couples planning their wedding at the hotel - and once they are part of the Ellenborough Family, they will have access to these before, during and after the wedding day. By being part of the Ellenborough Family, couples will have access to the following offers: •10% off all food, drink and accommodation every time they return to the hotel •First-anniversary complimentary dinner and one-night stay •Complimentary room the night before the wedding or on the night of the menu tasting •Parents can stay the night before the wedding for a reduced price •VIP access to a preferred supplier list •VIP access to open days •Free hire of the Old Chapel Pavilion for pre-wedding celebrations •One dedicated coordinator to help with plans from the day of the booking to arrival on the special day •Brunch/breakfast platter in the room with bacon baps and beer also available •Guests can enjoy an extra special touch with a choice from the Pick a Perk selection Wedding guests will also have the luxury of staying in the recently refurbished rooms at Ellenborough Park, and find comfort in the lavish fabrics, elegant wall coverings, plush carpets, and country chic furnishings. The interior designs have been created by local talented designer Ilze Reinke and each design is unique and individual. Access to the wonderful Indian-themed Elemis spa is a must where wedding guests can relax and unwind at the jacuzzi pool, sauna, steam room, immersive sensation shower and in the dedicated cosy relaxation room. With six treatment rooms (one is dedicated to couples), this is the ideal place to unwind before or after the special day. Nightly rates at Ellenborough Park start from £299 inclusive of VAT and breakfast based on staying in a Traditional Bedroom sleeping two people. For more information please visit www.ellenboroughpark.com; www.facebook.com/ EllenboroughPark; www.instagram.com/EllenboroughPk 54 www.gettyimages.co.uk
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