Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding - February /March 2021 (Issue 87)

SMALL AND CHIC We’re searching for a historic venue that offers wedding packages for our micro wedding this summer - can you help? Meet the expert: Helen Taylor is the head of communications at Cumberland Lodge, a Grade II listed, former royal residence nestled in the heart of Windsor Great Park perfect for small weddings. Helen says: Enjoy this rare opportunity to take sole use of the house and grounds at Cumberland Lodge on a variety of dates with the added incentive that every booking helps to support the charity based at the lodge which promotes progress towards more peaceful, open and inclusive societies. The house is surrounded by expansive parkland leading directly to Windsor Castle and features elegant reception rooms and cosy, wood-panelled dining rooms steeped in history. Wedding guests can follow in the footsteps of movie stars such as Colin Firth (who stood on the sweeping red staircase that leads to the Tapestry Hall in The King’s Speech ) and more recently, Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy – not to mention a host of royal guests. The venue is renowned for its warm welcome and excellent standards of dining and hospitality. It’s a magical setting and offers Covid-secure weddings for up to 15 guests. For £135 per person, the boutique wedding package includes canapés on arrival, a delicious three-course wedding breakfast and an elegant evening reception with a light supper served in the spacious Drawing Room. Overnight accommodation is available in a choice of elegant en-suite bedrooms, each with sweeping views over the stunning parkland. A standard room costs £135 per night based on single occupancy, £150 based on double or twin occupancy and a deluxe room based on double occupancy is priced at £190. Rates include a complimentary menu consultation for the couple when a party of ten or more guests is booked. Cumberland Lodge | 01784 432 316 www.cumberlandlodge.ac.uk/venue-hire/weddings-celebrations www.instagram.com/cumberlandlodge SUITED AND BOOTED We are two grooms-to-be planning a same-sex ceremony next summer and would like to invest in tailor-made suits that aren’t the same but complement one another - can you give us some much-needed inspiration? Meet the expert: Graeme Healy is the company director and tailor at Healy & Son tailors and shirtmakers based in Crowthorne, Berkshire. They specialise in hand-finished garments made bespoke for clients. Graeme says: The most important thing is for you both to feel comfortable and confident - a gentleman always looks his most stylish when he’s not thinking about what he’s wearing. That effortless style is something we all strive for, especially on the biggest day of our lives! I suggest for you both to agree on an overall aesthetic and level of formality to adhere to so for example, pick dinner suits or the ever-popular English rural tweed look and once that has been decided, focus on the two of you as individuals. A properly tailored suit should be an extension of yourselves as well as a signature of the tailor. Find a reputable tailoring house whose cutting style you both like and trust them to take your traits into account - bespoke is all about flattering each client. Aim for timelessness, elegance and sharpness, and you can’t fail!. Healy & Son | 01344 752 361 www.healyandson.com www.instagram.com/healyandson EXPERT ADVICE 67