Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - April/May 2021 (Issue 82)

We get unmissable wed-min advice from local experts W e know that planning a wedding can be stressful at times – even more so during a pandemic. Wouldn’t it be great if you had a team of talented wedding suppliers to give you their top tips? Well, that’s where we come in! We’ve pulled together a whole host of advice from some of Bristol and Somerset’s best wedding companies to help you get that to-do list ticked off… Round one BARLEY WOOD What are your top tips for booking a venue? Always follow your heart and don’t be scared to be different! Focus on your ideas and find a venue that reflects your personalities and vision. How can you help couples adapt their day to different restrictions? Our hire is for a whole weekend, which enables flexibility and the option of having two smaller celebrations. How about a wedding on the Saturday and a small barbecue with friends on the Sunday to fit with restrictions on guest numbers? It’s your weekend and your chance to plan it your way. Holly Piper | www.barleywood.org THE BARN AT COTT FARM What are your top tips for hosting a sustainable wedding? Where possible, have your ceremony and reception at the same venue, or within walking distance, to avoid guests needing to make two journeys by car. You can further reduce the carbon footprint of your day by encouraging guests to travel together. You can reuse decor throughout your day. For example, by moving your ceremony elements into your reception space. Permanent venues are usually fully furnished, which reduces unnecessary deliveries of equipment. Try to avoid any single-use plastic by hiring crockery and cutlery. If you can have an outdoor ceremony, you’ll not only be surrounded by the beauty of nature, meaning less decor is needed, but you’ll be in natural sunlight, which reduces energy consumption and provides gorgeous photos. Lastly, we’re lucky enough to be based in Somerset, where there’s no excuse not to choose delicious locally sourced food and drink for your wedding! Becca Seyfried | https://cottfarmwedding.co.uk BATH’S HISTORIC VENUES What are your top tips for booking a venue? Venues and suppliers often have reduced fees for midweek weddings, and it’s likely there will be a bigger selection of suppliers and venues available. Midweek dates mean you get more choice and more of your budget to spend on the aspects that are most important to you. What’s your advice to those getting married during the pandemic? With frequently changing restrictions, couples may have to change their plans at short notice. The Roman Baths accommodates more than 100 guests, but it’s timeless ambience also makes it perfect for elopements. If you choose a venue you really love, and it’s flexible on numbers, it will be magical irrespective of the amount of guests attending. Gemma Reynolds | www.bathvenues.co.uk SOS Planning www.emm a-janephotography.co.uk www.evok epictures.com PLANNING SOS 61