coombelodge

Real Wedding | Holly & Liv

Martha@coombelodge.co.uk (Martha Richards) — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 15:13:53 GMT

We were thrilled to host the beautiful same-sex wedding of Holly and Liv at our venue this June. Their love story came to life in a celebration that was both intimate and joyful, surrounded by friends and family.

At our venue, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all couples, for us love wins! Holly and Liv’s wedding was a testament to love in its purest form, and we were honoured to be a part of their special day.

Notes from the Photographer - Albert Palmer

Tell us a bit about yourself...

"I started out my career as a colourful, offbeat wedding photographer in the most on-beat place you can imagine: the office of a bank based in a concrete tower block.

Initially, photography was a place for me to experience freedom: a creative outlet, somewhere to explore and play (and, an expensive hobby.)

But I soon realised that photography didn’t only grant freedom to me as the photographer behind the lens; it gifted it to the people in front of the lens, too.

Sure, there’s some technical stuff going on in between the shutter and the viewfinder, but there’s mostly something magical at work when you capture people in their element. And ever since that discovery, it’s been my goal to help people feel that joy with unique, personal photography that looks and feels like them.

And where better than on their wedding day?"

Tell us about the day...

Holly and Liv got married on a glorious summer day. The sun was shining and they tied the knot in a ceremony that was as sizzling as the weather itself. I loved being their wedding photographer at Coombe Lodge and let me tell you it was a day to remember!

They decided to exchange vows outdoors (a great choice!) Now, when I say it was hot, I mean it was HOT! Everyone sought refuge under the shade of the nearby trees, fanning themselves and drinking cool drinks. It was great to work alongside James Taylor Films once again! He was actually Liv’s cousin so had a personal stake in their day.

After the ceremony, drinks and speeches we got an amazing sunset. I love this part of the day and the sunsets at Coombe Lodge are stunning. Everyone headed outside to embrace the outdoors, sipping cocktails and revelling in the glow of the setting sun. I love this part of the day as everyone is more relaxed. Blazers come off and it’s when the unbridled fun tends to start!

A little shout out to all the other suppliers such as the Florist The Wilde Bunch and Patisserie May for the incredible cake. If you’re wondering then Holly’s gown is from Carina B Couture and Suzanne Neville . Liv’s suit was from Gieves & Hawkes London . Lastly it was a pleasure (as always) to work with Bristol makeup artist Evie Smith .

Lastly, a massive thanks for having me along. I had an absolute blast at one of my favourite wedding venues once again. It was one of those days where the stars align and everything works out perfectly.

Pop the corks! Gold award from Muddy Stilettos Bristol & Somerset

Martha@coombelodge.co.uk (Martha Richards) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 13:53:25 GMT

Your Best Event Venue Winner 2024

Pop the corks! You’ve voted (you are all awesome!) they counted and we WON Best Event Venue in Bristol & Somerset and we couldn’t be more chuffed! The Muddy Stiletto awards are the most coveted awards for small independent lifestyle businesses across the country (28 countries to be precise) and we are thrilled that our venue is one of them that has been recognised. A huge thank you goes to the entire team at Muddy’s for providing such a great platform for us all to broadcast our local businesses that we are all individually extremely proud of.

It was an absolute pleasure for our General Manager Martha and her colleague Charlotte to attend the Dorset, Somerset & Bristol Muddy Awards winners’ drinks party. Celebrating the achievements of both long-established businesses and promising newcomers was truly inspiring.

The event was held at the beautiful Wraxall Vineyard, nestled on a south-facing hillside near Shepton Mallet. This stunning setting was matched with great service, refreshing drinks a plentiful and scrumptious food which created the perfect welcome.

Our ethos here at Coombe Lodge is fundamentally about building something that we are proud of, set on the values of honesty, transparency and complete trust. Since opening our doors in 2009, we have taken great pride in our outstanding reputation built upon great service, locally sourced food from the best suppliers and of course at the heart of it, our team that we are incredibly proud.

Every single one of our Coombe Lodge family have a love of creating unforgettable moments and extraordinary events. From the talented group of craftsmen and decorators that continue to care for the house, to our imaginative kitchen team, enthusiastic house keepers and groundsman, and of course the events team – all of whom continue to work with passion and attentiveness to ensure both quality of service and a warm welcome to anyone who steps through our door. This is reflected countless of times in the kind reviews our clients have taken the time to leave us.

It is safe to say that we were overwhelmed by the amount of votes (over 40%) we received and cannot thank every single one of you for taking the time to support us enough. Every single one of you from our couples past, present and future, suppliers and friends are the reason why we love what we do.

Thank you to Sue from Muddy Stilettos for a fab event and to Suzy Slemen for these great photos.

Finally to all those who continue to support us and who voted – thank you so much. You’re all awesome!!

Bring on Nationals!

Sophie & Alex's Elegant Countryside Wedding

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 09:53:48 GMT

We're spoiling you with an utterly magical editorial of Sophie & Alex's Wedding Day here at Coombe Lodge back in July 2022. Sophie is here to tell us all about her day with us and is ready to give us some friendly advice. Also to add, today’s beautiful bride, made all the floral bouquets herself… inspired! So if you love a healthy dose of wedding inspiration from a real wedding then you’re going to love this one!

Why Did You Choose Coombe Lodge?

Finding a venue with exclusivity, classic British grounds and an affordable price seemed like an impossible task. When we first came across Coombe Lodge we thought it was too good to be true. When looking at the pictures, the venue looked idyllic in all seasons and was everything we had wanted. We immediately contacted the venue to arrange a viewing to see if the venue was as stunning as the pictures suggested. The team at the venue responded promptly to all of our queries and were extremely helpful and friendly when booking a viewing. Amazingly, in person, the pictures didn’t do the venue justice. Situated in a beautiful part of the country, Coombe Lodge looked like something out of Downton Abbey. Even though it was raining on the day, we knew this was the venue for us. Our decision was solidified when we met the experienced and professional staff at Coombe Lodge.

Who Made Your Dress? Did You Always Want A Veil?

The amazing team at High Society Boutique helped me find my dream dress straight away. This was a classic Kennedy style dress by Sophia Tolli . I did have a veil in mind before going to my dress appointment, however, I wasn’t 100 percent as it would depend on the style of wedding dress I chose. While I was there, the team tried a few different styles of veil on me and the Pixie pearl veil went perfectly with the classic style ballgown I had decided to go for.

Talk To Us About Your Suppliers…

Hannah May Miles - An incredible photographer who captured our day with pictures to cherish for our lifetime. Not only did she do this, she went above and beyond helping with other elements of the day. She blended in so well to our day it was like she was a guest.

Oliviamadethis - Our amazing videographer, joined by partner Chris, made the most beautiful movie of our day. We have watched it countless times since the day and will watch it for countless more. They were so easy and fun to be around on the day and helped make it so special for us.

Jeris Music and band - They are so unbelievably talented. We fell in love with Jeris’ voice when we saw her online and she sounded even better in person. They managed to get everybody involved with some classic songs that everyone could sing along and dance to.

Hollyboo events - Beautiful floral archway which was the focal point of the ceremony. They also provided gorgeous white linen chair covers for our wedding breakfast which fit in so elegantly with our classic wedding theme. They were so professional with their set up and collection. They were also super friendly and helpful with any queries we had.

We would highly recommend all of these for future wedding planners!

Did You Have A Theme?

We had no particular theme in mind. However, we wanted to have a traditional/ classic wedding set in the British Countryside. We decided to go for white florals, pretty greenery, light linen and minimal decor. This was perfect as the venue itself was already so magical!

Favourite Part Of The Day?

It’s so difficult to pick our favourite part of the day. Everything about the day was absolutely perfect. Having the ceremony outdoors, on the hottest day of the year, was everything we had dreamed it would be and more. The appetisers, wedding breakfast and evening hog roast were applauded by all of our guests. We would love to return for a meal as the food was so delicious! There was a wonderful space for our evening band and plenty of room for all of our guests to enjoy a good dance. In the days following our wedding, we received numerous messages from friends and family complimenting the venue, saying it was the best venue they had ever been to.

Advice For Future Couples?

As soon as you have a date or time in mind for your wedding, we would advise getting in contact with the venue to avoid any disappointment. As we knew this was the venue we wanted, we were flexible on the dates but this may not be possible for everyone. A wedding may seem quite daunting to plan but we have to say, with such great and talented suppliers and customer service such as Coombe Lodge, it was far easier than we had anticipated.

Venue ~ Coombe Lodge

Photographer ~ Hannah Miles

Videographer ~ Olivia made this

Venue Stylists ~ Holly Boo Events

Wedding Dress ~ Sophia Tolli

Bridal Shop ~ High Society Boutique

Band ~ Jeris Music

Winter Weddings - 10 Reasons Why We Love Them

Martha@coombelodge.co.uk (Martha Richards) — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 13:51:57 GMT

Winter is here, and we’re welcoming it with open arms because with the change of the season comes the magical winter wedding! If you’re considering planning a winter wedding but keep asking yourself ‘why should I have a winter wedding’ or ‘how do I plan a winter wedding’ we’re ready to deliver you our 10 reasons why to throw caution to the wind and just do it – we promise you won’t be disappointed!

So, if you are still on that fence - then you’ll warm right up to these winter wedding advantages. From less stress over the weather to better venue rates, here’s why you’ll be grateful to get married in the winter season.

1. The Lighting

With chandelier lit interiors, log fires burning, and fairy lit archways Coombe Lodge truly is a magical place in the winter months. With the evenings getting darker sooner, you can really benefit from simplistic atmospheric lighting with candles, lanterns, or fairy lights…whatever takes your fancy! You can set such a magical atmosphere with the right lighting so make sure you really consider your options.

Top Tip: Lots of couples only view their venues during the daytime, particularly if you’re doing your initial venue search during the spring or summer. If you are looking for somewhere with a cosy, inviting atmosphere, try to visit the venue at night or in the late afternoon in winter to see how it’s lit up to make sure you love it just as much as you do in the day.

2. More Venue Dates And Better Rates

It is true to say that the winter season lends itself to some late availability dates which the summer months rarely offer. Along with the option of more choice in dates from November through to March there can also be the added appeal of special offers.

Our Winter offer is available in the months of November, January, February, and March where for any Friday – Sundays our exclusive venue hire is £1875! An offer that is hard to turn away. Feel free to give our team a call to check our 2023/2024 availability!

3. To Feast

Winter is the ultimate season for feasting and indulging in comforts and exquisite food and drink. So really there’s no better time to have a wedding that is all about indulging those you love. A sumptuous feast of several courses is welcomed in the cooler months, forget the summer salads and light dishes, and sign up for the hearty, flavoursome banquet feast. Alongside the food why not think mulled wine, spiced cider or late-night hot chocolates creating the perfect winter styled celebration.

4. Style Potential

Move away from the summer pastels and dive into the rich colours of the winter palette. Creativity excels in this season – change your linens, add in candlelight and you’ve got yourself a stylish day with minimal effort and we are all for it.

The winter season lends itself perfectly to that glamourous black-tie look. A tux and a full-length dress were made for the cooler months and to us it brings style perfection. Throw in gorgeous outerwear and you have happy guests all around! The same goes for your wedding party, the three-piece suit is a great choice at a formal winter wedding and the sweltering issues are a thing of the summer past!

5. It's Something Out Of The Ordinary

Simply by the fact that there are fewer winter weddings to the summer, yours is likely to stand out. It is also the time of year that your guests are less likely to have wedding fatigue (yes this can be a thing!) and your wedding is less likely to clash with others or annual holidays.

6. More Supplier Availabity

January to March are often quieter months for both venues and suppliers which means potentially more availability. This is the perfect opportunity to have a better chance of booking that sought-after supplier you have always wanted!

7. Winter Wedding Weather (The Weatherproof Plan)

If we have learnt anything in Britain it is all weddings require a weatherproof plan – even a peak summer wedding can fall victim to a hailstorm or a heatwave. Winter Weddings may well need a little extra thought when planning your big day, so what can help?

Talk to your venue about what they’ll do if it snows – especially if your venue is rural. Chat to your photographer about where you’ll do photos if it’s a rainy day and speak to your transport suppliers about allowing extra time for traffic if there is bad weather on the horizon!

If you are lucky enough to be blessed with a sprinkling of snow on your big day, then you can be assured that those images will rival any sun-drenched summer shot.

8. Decorations

Although the time of year might not be the reason you chose a winter wedding, there are many benefits to a celebration aligned with the festive season. It is always a good idea to ask your venue what their seasonal décor plans are to help you take inspiration from this for your own. At Coombe Lodge we absolutely love decorating our Christmas trees, both are classically dressed and are positioned in our entrance hall and library – a great bonus for a festive wedding and an added bonus to your day!

9. Get The Party Started Sooner!

One of the best parts of a wedding is the reception, where you and your new spouse dance the night away with your nearest and dearest. It can be pretty tough to dance the night away if the sun doesn’t set until 9 o’clock. With the shorter days we see this as the perfect opportunity to get that party started ASAP!

10. The Honeymoon

Escape to that winter sun or even a snowy escape – the winter seasons lends itself to some amazing honeymoon opportunities. Escape to somewhere truly spectacular like the Caribbean or Maldives (the ideal time to visit the Maldives is between November – April) to soak up that much needed sun in an otherwise chilly time. Or embrace the winter and festivity of it all, heat to the snowy mountains of Switzerland or chase down the northern lights in Iceland, sleeping under the stars in the picturesque countryside. It doesn’t get more romantic than that!

We’ve loved exploring and championing the winter wedding and hope you have been convinced, it truly is a magical time of year!

Photo Credit:

Neil Atkinson Photography

Albert Palmer

Louise May

Nick Wilcox Brown

Our Expert team are always on hand to help out and would love to show you around our beautiful country house in Somerset. Please do give us a call on 01761 463355 to get booked in. The team look forward to it.

Wedding Favour Ideas & Alternatives

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 12:51:59 GMT

Wedding favours–although a small wedding detail–are an easy way to add a personal touch to your special day while also thanking your guests for celebrating your love with you. Because there is no tradition for favours, you have complete creative freedom over what you gift your guests–whether it is symbolic to you as a couple or something that ties in with your wedding aesthetic. So, if you are struggling to figure out what to hand out, do not fret because we are rounding up wedding favour ideas and alternatives.

Top Q & A…

Do you have to have Wedding Favours?

As mentioned earlier, there is no tradition when it comes to wedding favours. This means that you don’t have to have them if you don’t want to. If there is no room in your budget you just don’t want to deal with the stress of choosing one, don’t worry about it. After an epic celebration, your guests are not going to be upset if they don’t leave with a present.

How much do they cost?

Favours for weddings can vary widely in price. Generally speaking, you would expect to spend £2 to £5 on each favour, but this can vary widely depending on what you have in mind. When deciding on an appropriate amount to spend, consider the size of your guest list and your overall wedding budget.

Should you personalise them?

Personalizing your favours is entirely up to you. But customizing your gifts and making them a little more personal is an easy way to ensure that your guests never forget about your wedding day.

When and how do you hand them out?

There are many ways you can pass out your wedding favours. If you are having a seated dinner, you can set them on their place settings—doubling as reception table décor. If you are going for a more lowkey, casual environment, there is nothing wrong with setting them up on a display.

The Round-Up Of Favour Ideas...

Edible Favours - This could include anything from homemade cookies, your favourite chocolates or even pots of honey. Our personal favourite has to be personalised biscuits as they look great on the table and you'll be sure to not find any of these left on the table!

Sweet Treats - A particular favourite option people choose - and super simple to do.

Flower Seeds/Plant Pots - Love gardening and flowers? Send guests home with some individual seed packets that they can use to grow flowers of their own, complete with cute and personalised packaging.

Practical Favours: Personalised coasters can be a great keepsake and something that can definitely be used after the big day! Or individual Scratch Cards - Hopefully there is a winner in the crowd!

Decorative Favours - If you're crafty, you could make your own favours using materials like fabric, ribbon or wood. Or you could purchase decorative favours, like candles or if you're having a winter wedding why not a decoration to hang on the tree?

Wedding Favour Alternatives…

If your not a fan of wedding favours all together? Then these alternatives are great options for those that want to forgo the gift and opt for something a little more non-traditional.

Donate To Charity

If there is a charity that you and your partner believe in, consider making a small donation on behalf of your guests. Doing so means putting money into a good cause rather than on an item your guests may forget at the end of the night.

Photobooth

Photobooths have become increasingly popular at weddings these days, and we understand why. They are a playful way to commemorate your special day while also acting as an instant souvenir.

Advice…you could also incorporate this into your guest book. Getting your guests to stick the image alongside a note is always a great keepsake for you both long after the day itself.

Have A Drink On Us

Why not give your guests a drinks token to grab themselves a drink of choice from the bar...because lets face it the hangover does only last a day (if you're lucky) but the memories last forever!

If you are recently engaged or in the thick of wedding planning why not take a look at our ultimate 12 month countdown to further help you with your wedding day plans.

Wedding Flower Inspo - A Q & A With A Wedding Florist

Martha@coombelodge.co.uk (Martha Richards) — Mon, 02 May 2022 12:52:01 GMT

We turn this week to our expert Jules Wild from Wild & Co, where she brings a key insight into all things floral related, a wealth of of planning advice and a great Q & A with a great dose of wedding inspiration.

Without further ado...over to you Jules:

______The Flower Q & A_______

At What Stage Of The Planning Process Should You Start To Think About Florists And Flowers?

If you love flowers and want them to be an important part of your wedding day then I would suggest gathering lots of reference material once a date and your venue have been booked. Pinterest is a great place to start for inspiration and can get your creative juices flowing! Your boards will also help your florist get a better idea of flowers/colours that you love as well as the overall look you want to achieve. I would also recommend looking at preferred suppliers who work at your chosen venue. Look at their Instagram posts and their websites for examples of their work to get some more ideas. I personally won't quote on anything more than 12-18 months in advance. The last couple of years have been extremely challenging, for many reasons, but especially when trying to gauge how flower costs will be affected by what is happening in the world. Brexit and the pandemic have already had a huge impact, and now the substantial hike in fuel and energy costs will undoubtedly see flower prices increase again this year. A good florist should keep you informed throughout the duration of working together and give you plenty of notice if they foresee costs escalating. As with everything in life, good communication is key.

Top Tips On Choosing A Florist And Questions You Should Ask?

Finding your wedding florist is no different to finding a great pair of new shoes! It’s got to be the right ‘fit’. The first thing to check would be availability - are they free on your date, or if not and they have another wedding, can they easily accommodate both. Whilst I prefer to have only one per day the last two years have meant that we have had no choice but do multiple weddings on the same day. However, I have a fantastic team who will oversee everything when I can’t be in two places at once. Again, your florist needs to be upfront about this from the outset. Do you love the style and aesthetic of the florists work? A quick glance at their Instagram or website should give you a good indication of their capabilities. Do they also work sustainably and support local growers during summer months? Have they got experience of working at your venue? Check Google reviews for testimonials or ask for a couple of references if that helps give some reassurance.

Floral Budgets - How Much And Why?

Before getting into too much detail after contacting a potential florist I would be very honest about your budget. At the early stages check if they have a minimum spend so neither of you waste too much time discussing the finer points when your budget and their minimum spend are at totally different ends of the spectrum. I don’t have a set price list as it depends on so many variables when it comes to flowers and the time of year of your wedding will also affect costs. Be prepared that flower prices rise significantly at busy times such as Valentines Day, Mothers Day, Kings Day in Holland and over Christmas/New Year when there are fewer flowers but demand is still quite high. I often get asked what a couple ‘should’ spend on their flowers, or give an average, but it’s impossible to give a % of your overall wedding budget. It all comes down to how important the flowers are to you, and the look you want to achieve. A good florist will quote accordingly and should be honest about what they can or can’t do for your budget. Unfortunately many bridal magazines and wedding blogs are very misleading with their cost guides for wedding florals. Far better to contact 3 florists whose work you love and see how they handle your enquiry. Aside from their quote, do they get back to you promptly and do they seem genuinely excited about your special day?

Things To Communicate With Your Florist…E.G. Colour Palette Etc

Do ask your florist to suggest ways in which your ceremony displays can be repurposed for your reception to help make your budget go further. And whilst Pinterest can be a great source of inspiration remember that many of the wedding florals featured are extreme - both in scale and budget! When a couple get in touch with me for the first time I check availability and then send them a simple consultation form to complete and return. With just a few details and a Pinterest link I can quickly see if I’m actually the right florist for them. I wouldn’t commit to a wedding if the style of the flowers didn’t suit the way I prefer to work. With almost 18 years working as a wedding florist I know from experience that it’s always easier and far more enjoyable to work with a couple whose vision and ideas are similarly aligned to my own. Another factor to understand and be aware of is all the prep work before your actual wedding day. Many of my couples are surprised when I tell them that my team and I have actually worked an average of 2-3 days on the run up to their big day, not including the wedding day itself. This doesn’t include my admin time over last 12+ months or any meetings that I may have had with the couple, nor going back to the venue on the following day to collect any hired items etc, etc. Once you are a little further down the line and would like to book your chosen florist do check their T’s & C’s and make sure you are aware of how much you have to pay as a booking fee and if a payment plan can be arranged, or when the final payment is due, so everything is transparent. I ask for a 50% booking fee to secure the date and the final payment is due 6 weeks before the wedding, as an example. Working with a wedding florist should not feel like hard work… organising your flowers is the fun part! Don’t worry if you don’t know the names of flowers, or what is available when - that’s the job of your florist. I know I may be slightly biased but flowers really are a key component to a wedding celebration. They add colour, texture, interest and set the mood for your special day. And whilst they don’t last forever, some really beautifully designed florals, that reflect you as a couple and are in keeping with your wedding venue, will always be preserved forever in your photo albums for years to come.

A Real Wedding Inspiration Look Back - Sara & Luke

Being an October wedding Sara and Luke wanted a beautiful autumnal scheme with a colour palette ranging from soft peach to burnt orange and dark burgundy. Flowers included David Austin roses, locally grown dahlias, scented stocks, thistles, scabious, ammi, wax flower, astilbe, euphorbia, hydrangea, lysimachia, skimmia, snapdragons…to name but a few! Foliage is especially lovely at that time of year, so we also included lots of it, including copper beech leaves as well as a variety of textures including thistles, berries and seed heads. The couple live in the US so all our communication was via email and zoom, and after a thorough consultation process I created several mood boards to help them visualise the overall look and feel of their florals. These boards provided a great reference point throughout our time of working together. As Combe Lodge is a such an impressive venue they also wanted some impactful and dramatic installations to match - both as a backdrop for their outside ceremony as well as top to bottom florals along the main staircase in the house. Sadly, along with thousands of other couples in the same predicament, their initial date in 2020 had to be postponed to 2021, but when the big day did finally arrive it was definitely worth the wait! It was an absolute pleasure to be part of their special day and create some really beautiful florals that fitted the venue, the time of year, and them as a couple, perfectly.

For more imagery - why not check out the gallery below! Enjoy!

____Supplier Shout Outs_____

Photography: Albert Palmer

Floristry: Wild & Co

Styling: The Little Wedding Helper

Our 8 Favourite Ways To Honour Your Mum On Your Wedding Day

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 12:52:03 GMT

With it being Mother’s Day we thought it the perfect occasion to throw the spotlight on all the important ladies in our lives and to show them a little love that they so deserve. We have been so lucky to witness so many heart-warming moments here at Coombe Lodge and would love to share our favourite ways on how to make your mum feel special.

Our Advice

There is a good chance that your mum is just as excited (if not more so) about your big day as you are – and with good reason! Like you, she has been dreaming about this day since you were born and no doubt will be on hand to provide that additional love and support you need.

Whether you’ve designed every detail with her by your side, taken her to choose your dress, or want her to be just as surprised as your guests when she walks into your reception – we feel your big day is just as important to her as it is you. And while moments like walking down the aisle and father-daughter dances are usually designed with dad in mind, we think mum deserves just as much recognition too!

Help Your Mum To Choose Her Wedding Day Outfit

Your wedding is probably going to be one of the biggest days for your mum, so she wants to look her absolute best. One of the high points of any wedding planning is shopping for the bridal gown. Your mum will no doubt be thrilled to be included in the selection – after all their opinion means a lot. Why not make her feel just as special when looking for her outfit – enjoy a spot of lunch and make a real day of it. Not only does it tick another thing of your list, but it also leaves them with a treasured memory.

Make Time For One-On-One Pictures

One of the sweetest times you will have to spend with your mother on your wedding day is when you are getting wedding-ready: having your hair and makeup done, putting your dress on, and doing the “big reveal” for your bridesmaids once you are all “done-up.”

This intimate moment is a perfect opportunity to enjoy some one-on-one time with your mum. There is nothing more special than her helping you get into your wedding dress – just make sure to have the tissues at the ready!

Have A First Look

Even if your mum is the only one who really knows how to help you into your wedding dress, make sure to take a moment for her to see you fully ready on your wedding day. You are both more than likely going to shed a few tears – you are her baby after all. Make sure the photographer is poised ready.

Surprise Her With A Special Gift

It is likely your mum has put her heart and soul into your wedding day. What better way to recognise this then by presenting her with a heartfelt gift. It does not have to be elaborate but we agree that the more sentimental the better. Some ideas for a gift for your mum on your wedding day include a handwritten note, a framed picture of you and her or a piece of jewellery to go with her gown. You could even treat her to a mother-daughter spa day so the two of you can recover together after all the excitement winds down.

Get Her Involved With The Ceremony

Why not go the non-traditional route and invite your mum to walk you down the aisle with your father or have her walk you halfway to meet your dad before he gives you away. Alternatively, why not get both your mums involved by making them witnesses to your marriage or ask them to do a reading. Whatever you decide, the ceremony is one of the most special moments of your wedding and will make mum feel included in a memory that you will carry for the rest of your life.

Borrow Something From Her Wedding Day

Why not use a piece of your mum's wedding gown or veil as something borrowed? If it is alright with her, take a piece of fabric from her wedding dress whether it be lace, beading, a sleeve, or a ruffle and incorporate it into your bouquet design by asking your florist to wrap the stems with the material. Your bouquet will feel that much more sentimental to you. Carrying something of your mum’s with you down the aisle is a sweet way to show that you'll always have her close to you. The bonus is that it can double up as your something old!

Use Her Favourite Blooms

Your mum should always stand out! Help her feel special by giving her a unique bouquet or corsage. Why not personalise this with her favourite blooms? Or even better – why not add that extra touch by incorporating the same florals she had on her wedding day. This can be such a sentimental nod to your mum and really shows them how much they mean to you.

Honour Your Mum On Your Wedding Day Even When She Is No Longer With You

Your wedding is a time of joy, happiness, and love. However, if you have lost your mother, grandmother, or a loved one–whether recently or years ago–your wedding may prove to be a poignant reminder that they are not there to celebrate with you.

There are so many uniquely beautiful ways to remember your passed loved ones on your wedding day.

Consider leaving one chair empty. You can decorate it with photos of you and your loved one together so their memory is still present during your wedding.
Consider attaching a photo in a locket to your bouquet to have their memory close to you while you walk down the aisle.
Consider incorporating a design motif into your wedding décor, such as butterflies or birds, or a poem that represents the memory of your passed loved ones.

However you are celebrating this Sunday - the team at Coombe Lodge would like to personally wish all of our past, present and future mum's and all you special women out there a very Happy Mother’s Day this weekend! Take a look at the gallery to enjoy some more heart-warming shots of our past couples enjoying special moments with their loved ones. Just like you both, your mum’s have probably been wishing for this day to come and are most likely just as excited if not more so to watch you get married!

Happy Mother's Day All and Happy Sunday X

Photography Credits:

Coombe Lodge is a beautiful wedding venue in Somerset, just outside Bristol. To come and explore please contact our team on 01761 463 355 or email us here .

Turn Your Engagement Shoot Into Date Night!

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 13:52:05 GMT

Engagement photoshoots are becoming increasingly more popular with our newly engaged couples and we can certainly see why! Not only are they the perfect way to get to know your wedding photographer and great practise for the big day – but they can also be a new and exciting experience for the two of you. So to help all the lovely couples out there, here is how you can take your engagement shoot from awkward to awesome in 5 simple steps!

Include Food, Drinks, And Your Favourite Activities – Make It A Real Date!

Why not plan to go to your favourite restaurant before or after your shoot? Or if you’re a hopeless romantic like us, then why not head to where you had your first date? This is both a perfect way of having fun and making the occasion super personal to each other which in turn should make you happy. Perhaps the two of you have a special place where you like to go for long walks together? Date night is entirely up to you – so whether it is a picnic in your local park, a beautiful beach stroll or your favourite restaurant for dinner, get it planned – we promise you won’t regret it!

Get Creative With The Location!

Pick a location that means something to you both! Maybe this is where you got engaged? Your first date? Maybe even your Wedding Venue? We have had plenty of photoshoots in the past here at Coombe Lodge and our picturesque scenery and versatile venue offers the ideal location whatever the season.

The location is completely your choice – Just make sure it is somewhere that you can fundamentally be your complete self. Why not chat it through with your photographer as your relationship with them should always be a collaboration of creativity!

Pro Tip – Think of the timing for the shoot…Golden Hour here at Coombe Lodge is pretty hard to beat! Sunsets capture the perfect shots and guarantees the best lighting.

Dress In Something That Feels Super Comfy For You!

Stumped on what to wear for your engagement shoot? You’re not alone. We totally agree that these sentimental photos will most likely appear on everything from your save-the-dates and wedding website to the walls of your first home, so it is important to put together looks that feel 100 percent you.

The key to all of this is to wear clothes that make you feel like you! If you’re a strictly a T-shirt and jeans kind of couple then go with that style. The only way you are going to feel comfortable in front of the camera is if your comfortable yourself, so just do you. The photographer will thank you for it and the images will speak for themselves!

Great Way To Get To Know Your Photographer

This is a great way to build your relationship with your supplier and lets face it, they are pretty important! This is a perfect way for them to get to know you, to see how you both interact with each other, what your best angles are and what you work with best. Are you the type of couple that feel super comfortable in front of the camera and can strike a pose? Or do you prefer a more documentative style for your day? This is a great time for the photographer, and yourselves for that matter, to work this out.

Have Fun & Relax!

Above all else, just remember to have fun! At the end of the day, this is supposed be a great way to get you both nice and excited for the wedding! Your engagement shoot can essentially be a little test run for the big day, so goof around and have a laugh while practising posing with each other, after all it doesn’t want to be a chore! By the time the big day comes around, you will be complete pros! So simply focus on each other and forget about the camera. Enjoy yourselves, trust your photographer and have a great time!

Photographer: Adam Barnard

Coombe Lodge is a beautiful wedding venue in Somerset, just outside Bristol. To come and explore please contact our team on 01761 463 355 or email us here .

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Our Guide to Wedding Day Timings

Your 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist

Top 8 Things To Do After Getting Engaged!

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 13:52:07 GMT

You Said Yes! Now What?

Welcome to 2022! And what a year it is going to be for us all. To all our amazing couple’s getting married this year – we simply cannot wait. For all those newly engaged, huge congratulations! They finally put a ring on it and we couldn’t be happier for you. Now comes the part where you can finally begin to start planning the wedding of your dreams. Whether that be a small wedding, big wedding, wedding in the city or an idyllic Somerset countryside escape - your possibilities are endless. There are so many things you will be begin to think about, people to contact, and so much to get done.

Don't Panic - we are here to talk to you about the joy of wedding planning. Keep an eye on our blogs for all the little bits that follow your engagement that keep you on the side of excitement rather than stress. Check out the related articles at the bottom of this post too for even more inspiration to start your wedding planning journey.

Here is how to kick-start the wedding planning process...

1. Let Your Circle Know!

Your engaged! Now is the time to call all those close to you to share your amazing news. After all the last place they should have to hear about your status is on social media. Your parents may even already know what’s up and have been waiting by the phone patiently for your call – adorable!

2. Get Social!

When you’re ready to share with the world that you’re engaged, waste no time in making it social media real! Why not take a ring selfie or a sweet picture of you and your fiancé to share the love. Even better – if the actual proposal was caught on film, nothing is better than that look of surprise. After all a picture is worth a thousand words right?

3. Get Ring Insurance

We know this may not be high up on the necessity list and we couldn’t agree more that it isn’t the most exciting of tasks but you have the most gorgeous ring on your finger and it’s good sense to protect it just in case anything happens.

Top Tip – Look to add-on to your home insurance as it can surprisingly be in-expensive.

4. The Guest List

Whether your going big or keeping it small, being on the same page is important with this one. Here at Coombe Lodge we can seat 50 guests to 160 guests for your big day so have the scope for all kinds of occasions. Also if the past 18 months have taught us anything, it is to make sure you are inviting those people that you definitely want there.

5. Think Dates

When would you like to get married? Are you envisioning a spring garden wedding, a hot summers day or does the idea of a magical winter wedding create the ideal image to your day?

What is your timeline? We have had couples plan their wedding in 12 weeks, while others wait a few years. Your timeline will be unique to you, but by getting an idea of season will help you narrow down your options.

6. Discuss Budgets

Although you’re still in the early stages of your engagement, it’s worth thinking about what you can afford and what you both want to spend your money on for the wedding. By getting an idea of your wedding budget, it can give you an idea of how much you’re planning to save and what period of time you want to do it over.

Top Tip – Having one place to put all your wedding fund is always helpful to see how the saving is getting on so look into opening up a wedding savings account!

7. Research Venues & Get Booked In!

Arguably one of the most important decisions you will have to make so take your time! Your venue may influence every decision you make from the colour scheme to the style of dress. Think about the location, where do you want to be? Does it have accommodation to house your guests for the night? Does it fit with the budget? All these questions are going to be key when deciding.

Once you have narrowed down your options, then make your enquiries and get booked in for a tour. Here at Coombe Lodge we are open 7 days a week and absolutely love showing couples around and hearing all about their wedding plans and visions.

8. Get Inspired, Take A Breather & Celebrate!

Dream big, pin widely and see where inspiration takes you. Pinterest , Instagram and Facebook tends to be a brides best friend when it comes to wedding inspiration. With so many options out there to help bring your ideas to life these online platforms are the perfect place to get started.

Try to remember that Getting Married is all about you as a couple so your day should always reflect that! So pop that bubbly, celebrate with your nearest and dearest and try not to sweat the small stuff! Don’t believe us…have a read from one of our real brides.

We hope that you enjoyed the blog!

Don't forget the top 8 things to do now your engaged:

Let your circle know
Get Social
Get Ring Insurance
The Guest List
Think Dates
Discuss Budget
Research Venues & Get booked in!
Get inspired, take a breather & Celebrate!

Coombe Lodge is a beautiful wedding venue in Somerset, just outside Bristol. To come and explore please contact our team on 01761 463 355 or email us here .

Articles to help with that wedding inspiration...

Your Winter Wedding Inspiration

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 13:52:09 GMT

Here in Blagdon, Somerset, the beautiful rural setting for Coombe Lodge, our picturesque wedding venue just outside Bristol, we have loved autumn and winter this year and have loved what the season has brought with it. After those beautiful sunny days back in September and early October, we are now enjoying crisp mornings and warm fires. And it’s always a treat to see what our brides and grooms come up with in terms of bringing autumn and winter into their wedding celebrations.

After all, it’s tricky when you’re choosing a wedding date. Do you take a gamble for high summer, and hope that you’ll be celebrating in the blistering sunshine? Or do you plump for one of the ‘shoulder’ seasons and hope that spring or autumn will be unseasonably warm and dry?

If you are undecided about when to get married, we’d like you to give a bit of thought to the possibility of a winter wedding. Our team has seen many wintery weddings over the years so we thought we’d give you a helping hand in thinking of some ways to bring this gorgeous season in to your special celebration.

1. Weather

Let’s be honest, we never really know what the great British weather is going to do. So in some respects, getting married in winter time is easy as you can be fairly certain that it’s not going to be baking hot sunshine. Whether you are lucky enough to get married on a crisp and crunchy, frosty Somerset day, or a rather soggy and rainy one, it really doesn’t matter. Coombe Lodge has the space and facilities to accommodate you and your wedding party come rain or shine.

2. Clothes

Think beautiful faux furs, tweed, wool, capes, cardigans, jackets – the list goes on. The men in your wedding party will thank you as they’ll legitimately be happy to keep their jackets and ties on instead of waiting for the nod to take layers off. We have seen so many beautiful accessories that can really help to bring the winter season to life – it’s definitely worth having a look in high street stores for ideas.

3. Photographs

Coombe Lodge offers so many picturesque areas to take your photographs, you’ll be spoilt for choice. That said, getting married in winter might mean that you want most of your pictures to be taken inside and this certainly won’t be a problem. With fireplaces, chandeliers, and sweeping staircases, not to mention our bay windows with stunning views, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to photo backdrops.

4. Food

Here at Coombe Lodge, we can’t write a blog without focusing a little bit on food. It is, after all, one of the things that we’re most famous for and our guests always love choosing meals on behalf of their wedding guests. If it’s likely to be colder for your big day, why not treat your wedding party to a glug of mulled wine or spiced local cider? And for an aperitif you could treat them to our crackling fingers with cider apple compote, or perhaps sesame halloumi bites with chilli jam? And for the main event, this time of year provides the perfect opportunity to feed your guests some beautiful, warming, locally produced food. How about the carved Somerset organic beef sirloin, roasted shallot, gratin dauphinoise with green peppercorn sauce? Or the roasted duck breast and confit leg, Lyonniase potato, chicory with a lentil and blackberry jus? Have a look here to see our menu options – you might find it tricky to decide!

5. Christmas

We can’t really talk about a Winter Wedding at Coombe Lodge without giving a bit of a nod to Christmas. We absolutely love our venue during the festive season, when you walk through the door you’ll find tasteful, traditional decorations that will fit in with any colour scheme or theme that you decide. Christmas really does provide the perfect backdrop to your big day. There is an abundance of greenery to help decorate your tables, and you can include the beautifully festive, rich colour schemes as part of your theme. Think candles, fir, crackers and mulled wine – what a perfect way to celebrate with your loved ones.

New Paragraph

A ‘Must Have’ Photo Guide From Wedding Venue In Somerset

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 13:52:10 GMT

A ‘Must Have’ Photo Guide From Wedding Venue In Somerset

Putting Together Your Wedding Photo Short List? Here Are Some Pretty Picture Ideas You Might Want To Include To Make Sure You Capture Every Special Moment At Your Wedding Venue In Bristol.

When it comes to your special day and the photos, as a general rule, anything really does go! Whether your style is natural or whether you prefer a more formal approach – as long as you have a plan then your already one step ahead.

Choosing your photographer is one of the most important decisions (after the wedding venue of course) in the wedding planning process . After all, we all know that these photos create memories that you’ll cherish forever so it is important to get it right. That is why you want a wedding photographer that will nail every photo opportunity, starting from the getting ready photos all the way through to the final hours…

Step one to checking off this to-do list is to book a wedding photographer that you are excited about – and put your trust in the professional. There are so many amazing photographers out there who will already have an idea of the must-have wedding shots, but even so it is nice to have some general knowledge of wedding photography yourself. To help, we have put together a list of our ‘must-have’ moments to capture here at Coombe Lodge, the most beautiful of wedding venues in Bristol!

The Wedding Venue - Coombe Lodge, Bristol

It is safe to say that at Coombe Lodge, which is near Bristol in North Somerset you are never short of photo opportunities. Both the house and our 20 acres of exclusive gardens create the perfect back drop to any photo captured.

We love watching our couples take a few minutes to explore their wedding venue and take in all the details. Here are a couple of our must-have recorded moments of the venue!

Outside Shots

Before everyone arrives get some outdoor shots of your wedding venue. Your photographer will have free reign to explore the grounds and scout out the perfect photoshoot location. The end results are always breath taking. With our combination of grand vistas, tree lined pathways, secret gardens and far-reaching views across the countryside, Coombe Lodge very quickly becomes a photographer’s paradise.

Top Tip – Don’t Forget To Get The Detailed Shots Inside! Our Chandeliers And Oak Panelling Isn't To Be Missed!

The Wedding Ceremony

Once your wedding ceremony space is set up, ask your photographer to grab some shots before your guests arrive. Whether you choose to exchange your wedding vows underneath our picturesque stoned archway in the courtyard, our romantic Billiard Room or in our magnificent Music Room make sure to get the before shot.

Hidden Gems At Coombe Lodge, Wedding Venue Near Bristol

Alongside the 20 acres of gardens, we also have our greenhouses and fairy lit archway which will leave you with amazing photos to treasure. Not to mention our panoramic views of Blagdon Lake, the Yeo and Chew Valley and over the Bristol Channel towards South Wales. Simply breathtaking!

The Getting Ready Shots

These precious, nervous, excited pre-wedding moments are so special. If having your wedding party captured while getting ready is important to you then make sure to get the timings coordinated with your photographer, hair & make-up artist and of course yourselves.

Top Tip – To Make These Moments As Photogenic As Possible, Consider Investing In Matching Robes For You And Your Bridal Party, Just To Add That Extra Fabulousness!

The Wedding Dress

Whether you are having your mum do it or one of your bridesmaids, make sure that your photographer captures the moment that you get zipped, buttoned or laced into your gown. It is a sweet moment and you’ll be glad you have it to look back on.

Top Tip - Shoes Are Usually The Last Accessory To Be Donned In Your Wedding-Day Ensemble, Making That Moment The Perfect Photo-Op... Always A Bonus If You’ve Got A Stylish Chair To Sit In While You Do It (Don’t Worry We Have You Covered!)

Your Bride Tribe

Now you may be completely anti group shots, but don’t forget these images will be all you have to remember your day by. Group shots don’t have to be cheesy or staged – be with your go-to girls, be normal and sip on that champagne and the photographer will do their work!

The Groomsmen

It's all well and good capturing snaps of the bridal party getting ready, but what about the groom? Tying ties and clinking crystal glasses make for great shots of the gents getting ready for the big day. Make sure to arrange timings beforehand so that they don’t miss any vital getting ready shots of either of you.

The First Looks

This is by far one of our favourite moments of the day and the reactions are simply priceless – so make sure to get it on camera! It is always worth mentioning that these moments can be quite emotional, so make sure your makeup artist is on hand for any touch-ups!

Parents First Look

Seeing a mother or father see their daughter in her wedding dress for the first time is always one of those moments that melt our hearts, so have the camera at the ready!

Bridesmaids First Look

The first time your girls see you in your gown is always a sweet moment (especially if you have kept the dress a secret – well done if you managed to pull this off!).

The First Look

This isn't for everyone but for those couples that would rather steal a quiet moment with each other before tying the knot makes for the sweetest collection of photos.

The Ceremony

This is the most critical moment to document, the reason you, your family and friends are all together to celebrate...the wedding ceremony! We have to admit, for our wedding venue team it's one of our favourite bits!

The Aisle Walk

Whether you are walking on the arm of your father, mother, brother, sister or best friend, you’ll treasure this moment forever (Try not to step on the dress).

The Reaction

Ask your photographer to get a photograph of the groom as he waits for his partner to walk down the aisle. A picture really does say a thousand words.

After all ladies, we secretly want to see them shed a tear don't we?

The Vows & Signing Of The Register

Now to the important stuff! Your photographer will make sure to take plenty of photos of the wedding ceremony in action. You’ve got to get a snap of the moment you make it all legal!

The Kiss

This is probably the most iconic wedding photo you will take, so take your time and make sure you give your photographer a few seconds to snap the winning shot.

The "Just Married" Exit

Whether you're choosing confetti or any other type of creative exit, make sure it is captured – you have just got married!

The Drinks Reception

With drinks in their hands and the party getting started, have your photographer capture your guests in action enjoy the surroundings of the wedding venue, sipping their cocktails….game of Jenga anyone?

Just The Two Of You

For these photos, you will likely move to several different locations around the venue while your guests enjoy the drinks reception. Consider asking a family member or someone in your wedding party to come with you to help hold bouquets, trains, etc. as you two pose for your photos.

One-On-Ones

Whether it's the bride with her mum, the couple with both sets of parents or the couple with the groom’s parents, make sure you get plenty of pics with the people who have helped you the most.

The Group Shots

Now that you've gotten all of the one-on-one photos out of the way, make sure to get a few group photos with your bridal party, groomsmen, friends, work colleagues etc. Candid’s or walking shots are great for these!

Top Tip – You Can Get The Perfect Group Shot Of All Your Guests Together From The Balcony From One Of Our Rooms In The House. This Is A Must-Have At Our Very Special Wedding Venue!

The Details

You spend so much time and money getting all of the details just right, so make sure you document them!

The Stationery

When you have taken the time to make all the details just right, it is always worth getting a shot of all your stationery.

The Tables

You have spent so long organising your day down to all the little details so make sure you have some photos to remember it all by. Whether this is a room shot of the wedding breakfast laid up to the favours chosen and the floral centerpieces. It will surprise you how much you will love and appreciate these photos!

Top Tip: Ask Your Photographer To Capture A Long-Shot Of Your Wedding Breakfast Room Before Your Guests Sit Down.

The Rings

Probably the most important close-up of the day–your rings! We recommend investing in pretty ring boxes that complement the rest of your wedding decor. Don’t forget to get close-ups of the rings on your hands as well.

The Cake

Who doesn't love a photo of a wedding cake? Get close-ups of that masterpiece from every angle!

Top Tip – Make Sure Your Photographer Gets A Photo Before You Cut Into It!

The Florals

These will make for the prettiest wedding photos. Remember to have your photographer document all of the florals. Coombe Lodge is one of those wedding venues that really does speak for itself - it has an elegant simplicity about it and so don't feel daunted in thinking you need to spend thousands on flowers.

The Bridal Bouquet & Button Holes

Sadly you'll probably only get a week or so of life from your fresh flower bouquet, so make sure to have lots of lovely images of it.

The Speeches

These sweet moments make for great treasured images of the people that you’re closest to. Your reactions to the speeches are also often priceless so expect the photographer to turn the camera your way!

The Evening Reception

The First Dance

This moment makes for some of the most frameable photos from the entire wedding. We totally appreciate that the thought of dancing in front of all your guests can be a daunting task let alone being photographed. Don’t Panic we guarantee that you’ll be so full of joy that you’ll want to dance your socks off all night. And your first dance can always include the wedding party and your guests too! It doesn’t have to be just the two of you on the dance floor.

Cutting The Cake

Whether you are cutting a traditional wedding cake or a cheese tower it is always a great photo opportunity.

Throwing The Bouquet & Sparklers

Starting to come back into fashion - throwing the bouquet allows for some fun photos! Sparklers, particularly in the winter months make for excellent photo opportunities. Get your guests to make an arch with the sparklers to allow for the perfect shot. After this it's time to let loose on that dancefloor! If your photographer is still around at this point make sure they capture these fun moments.

Top Tip – Make Sure To Get Your Guests To Share Their Moments Captured With You After The Day As Sometimes These Photos Truly Complete The Full Picture Of Your Special Day!

We totally agree that each couple is different so make sure to create your own mental checklist, openly chat with your photographer about your 'must have' moments and then simply leave it with them - they are the professional after all. Your wedding day flies by in a beautiful blur so have fun, treasure every moment and trust that your photographer will make sure every detail is captured so you don’t miss a single thing!

For any more information about our wedding venue in Bristol, Coombe Lodge, please contact one of the team on 01761 463355 and we would be more than happy to help.

Notes From The Bride

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 09:53:47 GMT

Coombe Lodge: The Venue

"I Knew From The Moment We Pulled Up To Coombe Lodge It Was Where We Were Going To Get Married."

I knew from the moment we pulled up to Coombe Lodge it was where we were going to get married. I remember seeing the venue online and despite not ever really thinking about where I’d get married, it struck a chord with me and I knew we had to visit.

I remember the first visit on a weekend morning and seeing suppliers setting up and the staff whizzing around getting everything sorted - it all just seemed to be going like clockwork. Everyone knew what they were doing, no one was flustered and importantly everyone seemed like they were enjoying setting up for that couples big day.

We visited twice after we had booked our date and on both of those occasions it was the same atmosphere which really comforted me in knowing that the team would be on top of every detail when it came to our big day.

Then covid came (yay!) and just like thousands of other couples we had a stressful few months and deliberating what to do, but we stuck to our guns and our original date. Throughout the lockdown, Charlotte, Tom and Martha were all around when we called with questions and advice and it was beyond what I had expected from a venue - by the time the wedding rolled round Charlotte really felt like a lifelong friend!

Our Big Day

Getting ready in the morning was like a dream, our hair stylists (Stacey Jade) and make up artist (Sophie Wylie) were already set up when we arrived and we went straight into being pampered. I can’t recommend both of these women enough as both of them helped us all relax and really contributed to that excitement in the morning.

Then our photographer (Jodie Hurd) and videographers (James and Corey from Poshbear) arrived - and weirdly, due to covid, none of us had met in person before. I’d come across Jodie online and then saw her photobook at Coombe Lodge on one of the days we looked around and we actually had our first call the week of lockdown!! I just had complete trust in her from that first call and knew she’d do a stellar job.
Deciding on a videographer is often considered an ‘extra’ and in all honesty it was for us too - but due to us reducing our numbers we had extra savings and we decided we’d get a videographer! After we started looking I was surprised why we hadn’t decided to get one sooner - and then I came across Poshbear. The way they captured the day was incredible.

Everyone who came has since said that they forgot that Jodie, James and Corey were there as they all slipped into the background, occasionally popping up and making us all smile.

I’ve been told by many of our suppliers, but mostly by Hannah my wedding florist (The Rambling Rose, Bristol) that I was quite chilled out about styling the day and finer details. I’d describe our wedding as whimsical, flowing and colourful. Our flowers replicated that exactly and Hannah did an amazing job - the flowers all looked like they were growing wild, even for the flowers we had at the bottom of the stairs! Don’t be afraid to show your florist your favourite photo and say ‘work with this!’, that’s what I said to Hannah! Over breakfast the next day we gave all our flowers to our guests to enjoy at home. Our huge centrepiece for our registrar table/sweetheart table came with us on honeymoon down to Cornwall!

And our cake!!! Anita at The Macaroom was the ONLY choice for me. Her designs are incredible and she is the only person we met with for cake tasting and the rest is history! She worked with Hannah at The Rambling Rose for the flowers and it tasted amazing. We had coffee and walnut, pistachio with rhubarb curd and a white chocolate and morello cherry sponge.

I’d also like to shout out Kieran Clarke who did our music and entertainment in the evening. He was great on the lead up to the wedding and we had a few calls with Kieran to talk about what we could do. Let’s just say we had a great evening, one set of our parents even got involved with a Mr & Mrs game!!

Advice

Everyone has said to me that the day will fly by, and whilst it did go very fast, I think having a smaller number of guests at our wedding meant that we were able to really enjoy everyone's company and importantly our first day as man and wife.

My absolute top piece of advice, and one that I have even told my closest friends, is just how much we valued having a ‘sweetheart table’ during the wedding breakfast. Instead of a top table with 8-10 people on it, having our table just be Dan and I meant that we had all that time to sit and chat to each other and admire our guests enjoying themselves. Our families all understood why we wanted the sweetheart table and looking back at our photos and video, you can see how much fun we were having just the two of us!

For more information about holding a wedding at Coombe Lodge please visit our weddings page or call us on 01761 463 355.

All images by Jodie Hurd Photography

Supplier Shout Outs

Photography - Jodie Hurd Photography

Make Up - Sophie Wylie

Hair Styling - Stacey Jade

Videographer - Poshbear

Florist - The Rambling Rose

Cake - The Macaroom

DJ - Kieran Clarke

Real Wedding Inspiration

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 08:53:46 GMT

With so many beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, Coombe Lodge lends itself to host weddings in all seasons. Whether you’re looking for a venue with picturesque gardens, plenty of space for all of your family and friends, or a country home with an elegant and inviting interior, we’ve got you covered.

Why not read on to hear all about Jess & Matt's big day from the couple themselves and their top tips to help with your planning...

Why Did You Choose Coombe Lodge As Your Venue?

We did a lot of research on different venues all around the UK, when trying to find where we wanted to get married. We were looking for somewhere we could have for exclusive hire, that had a beautiful internal licensed room in case it rained, a licensed outside ceremony area, stunning gardens and where all our guests could stay on site overnight. Coombe Lodge offered all this and so much more. The first time we drove up the driveway, we knew straight away it was where we wanted to get married. On the day, it exceeded every expectation.

The Décor – What Did You Go For? Did You Have Any Inspiration Behind It?

You don't need a lot of decoration at Coombe Lodge, as the building itself is so pretty. We had clay place name discs with sprigs of lavender at the tables and ceremony seats. White balloons for the children to play with, garden games outside, a pool table in the library, a bouncy castle for the kids and that was about it!

The Flowers?

We used The Wilde Bunch to do our flowers. We wanted to keep it very simple, so used eucalyptus, olive branches, white roses and lavender. We had large rings over the outside ceremony arch, which were moved behind the top table for the meal, long and low at the ceremony table, small bunches on the individual food tables and the bridesmaids had flower crowns.

The Dress?

Suzanne Neville. I tried on over 100 dresses, and I knew as soon as I saw this dress, it was the one. I absolutely adore Suzanne. We had to add so many new fitting dates in, due to our wedding being postponed by 10 months, and she was incredibly accommodating. I cannot recommend her enough.

Photographer?

Neil and Debs Atkinson. These two went above and beyond what they needed to on our wedding day. They are so kind, generous and helpful. They tied the best men's ties, and did their button holes, helped Jess get into her dress, assisted with general preparation the morning of the wedding. We honestly couldn't have imagined the wedding without them there, as they really helped everything go smoothly on the day. In addition to that, they created the most beautiful photographs. They obviously love what they do, as their passion comes across in their imagery. We have been delighted with the varied footage from the day and how they've managed to capture those 'magic moments'.

Cake?

As I am a vegan I was able to source the scrummiest vegan chocolate cake made by Earthcake in Bristol. It was incredibly moist and delicious. They were so good when we had to change the dates and downsize the cake, due to covid. They immediately gave us a refund for the size difference. They covered the cake in edible flowers, which I arranged delivery of from Maddocks Flowers .

Other Suppliers?

Sharky and George from Bristol ran a 2 hour children's party for us. The kids had a blast and it gave the parents 2 hours of child free time to relax and drink.... a lot!

Alun Roberts did acoustic live music (he does also have a band), between the ceremony and wedding breakfast. He is such a kind man, incredible singer and very reasonably priced for how great he is.

My makeup was done by Katy Pheiffer and hair by Andrea Luella . They work together regularly, and are great fun to get ready with on the morning of your wedding. They are lovely and so efficient at what they do. The hair and make-up stayed put all day.

Maddocks flowers provided edible flowers for the cocktails, food and cake. Again, excellent service from Jan who runs it.

Food?

When it came to the food I was really apprehensive being vegan along with having multiple food allergies. Coombe Lodge and Ryan from the Garden House were very accommodating, and lead to me having the best feast I have had in years! Often when I go out I get fed very basic meals due to dietary requirements, but they both went out of their ways to produce the most beautiful food for me.

Extra Bit For Other Suppliers?

Ryan from the Garden House was such a legend. Our guests stayed at the Garden House the nights either side of the wedding. Ryan has recently refurbished the whole place and it's modern, clean and spacious. The dining area is a really good communal area for guests. He was so helpful in the run up to the wedding with the preparations. Always available on emails and WhatsApp. He puts together the best breakfasts for your guests. We are planning on coming to stay at the garden House in the future to celebrate our anniversaries. He even went to pick up some shopping essentials for us one evening when we had had a couple of drinks. Thank you again for all your help Ryan!

Best Part Of The Day?

The ceremony under the arch way. It felt like there was no one else there and was such a special, intimate moment. The excitement was unreal after 10 months of waiting due to the postponement.

Your Advice For Future Couples…

If you invite people with children, make sure you do things to keep the kids occupied and then the adults can have a great time. The kids party really worked well for us. In the evening we also set up a little cinema space for the kids in a separate room, with Netflix and popcorn. This meant when they started getting tired, they could go and relax and the adults could still enjoy themselves.

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Our Guide To Wedding Day Timings

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 12:52:12 GMT

Your wedding is one of the biggest days of your life, and probably the biggest event that you have ever had to organise. Here at Coombe Lodge, wedding venue near Bristol, we have helped organise many weddings and strive to make sure that our bride and groom’s big day is everything that they want it to be.

One of the hardest things to work out when planning your wedding, is how to time everything so it runs smoothly throughout the day. It can be a struggle to decide how long to allocate for each element for your day, and how to piece it altogether – but don’t worry, you’re not alone! Whilst there is no ‘one size fits all’ to wedding day timings, our guide and top tips will hopefully help you start building your unique timeline, and your day will run like a dream!

THE BRIDAL PREP

You want to make sure that you start your special day perfectly, and as stress-free as possible. To allow for this there are several factors for you to think about, to make sure you run to time:

How long will it take for your hair & makeup?
The size of your bridal party
The time of your ceremony
The distance from where you’re getting ready to where your ceremony is going to be
Allowing time for photos

Firstly, start by asking the experts! If you’re having your hair and makeup done professionally, then ask them how long they think it will take. Generally, 2 hours is allocated for bridal hair and makeup and an additional 45-60 minutes for each member of your wedding party.

At Coombe Lodge our brides have access to their luxurious Bridal Suite prior to the ceremony, which is a great time to get your beautiful prep shots and of course, the all-important dressing of the bride!

Top Tips

Double the time you have allocated for putting on the dress, as this certainly takes longer than you think!

Give yourself 30 minutes of extra time to get those memorable bridal party shots.

Always make time for breakfast & a glass of bubbles or two!

THE CEREMONY

The main moment you have been planning for… the wedding ceremony.

Timings for the Bridal Party:

Groom and Groomsmen to arrive 1 hour before the ceremony so that they are ready to greet guests as they arrive
Arrival of guests – 45 minutes before the ceremony
Bride & The Bridesmaids – 5 minutes before the ceremony

How long should you allow for the ceremony?

Civil Ceremony – 30 minutes
Religious Ceremony – 60 minutes

Top Tips

You may want to get some photos of your journey from the Bridal suite to the ceremony, so make sure you allow time for this.

Make sure your entrance music is long enough for you and your bridesmaids to walk down the aisle.

THE DRINKS RECEPTION

At Coombe Lodge, we advise to allow for 1 ½ hours for your drinks reception. This will give your photographer time to get the group and personal portrait shots. More importantly, this also gives you enough time to mingle with your guests and enjoy your canapés and bubbles – after all it is a celebration!

Top Tips

Give somebody trustworthy (usher, bridesmaid) the job of getting your guests together for the group shots to help save time.

The Balcony at Coombe Lodge is a great place for your photographer to capture the group shot of your guests in our Courtyard!

If you want a longer drinks reception then it is essential to keep your guests entertained and provide plenty of drinks and canapés.

SEATING YOUR GUESTS

Allow up to 15 minutes for your guests to move from the drinks reception to the wedding breakfast and for them to find their seats.

If you’re planning on having a receiving line, then always allocate an extra 30 minutes on top of this.

Top Tips

This is the time for the ushers to help direct the guests, assist with the receiving line and speed up any wandering guests!

Whilst your guests are being seated, this is a great time for you and your loved one to steal some ‘one on one’ time together and to capture those couple shots!

Decide who you would like to announce you into the room. Often at Coombe Lodge, it is the job of the dedicated event manager to give you your grand entrance.

THE WEDDING BREAKFAST

There are a few things to bear in mind when allocating your time for the wedding breakfast:

How many guests do you have?
Choice of food
How many courses you are having
Type of Venue

Here at Coombe Lodge our general rule is to allow around 1 ½ hours for this part of your day. We always recommend extending this to 2 hours if our bride and groom decide on the delicious Valencienne sharing platter menu.

The main thing is for you and your guests to enjoy the food and the atmosphere, let us worry about running to time!

Top Tips

Take a look at our menus to decide what you are looking for.

THE SPEECHES

We recommend allowing no more than 30 minutes for the speeches.

The running order traditionally starts with the Father of the Bride, then the Groom and then closed by the Best Man.

Top Tips

Make sure to leave 30 minutes between your speeches ending and your evening guests arriving. If, for any reason your speeches over run, the last thing you want is for your evening guests arriving in the middle.

THE EVENING RECEPTION

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Meet The Events Team At Coombe Lodge

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 10:10:36 GMT

Bring On 2021!

It is safe to say that this year has certainly tested everyone and in places has been incredibly hard, but our Coombe Lodge family here remains just as strong (if not stronger!) and continues to be extremely proud and passionate about what we all love doing!

We are all ready to hit the ground running and couldn’t be more excited to be working all together again, and we cannot wait to celebrate your big day with you.

With the doors re-opening as of the 12th April we thought now was a good a time as any to introduce ourselves and the amazing team behind the scenes here at Coombe Lodge, our Wedding & Events Venue near Bristol.

Getting To Know Us…

Tom – Director Of Events

Tom joined our team in 2012 and has very much earned his position of our Director of Events.

Previous experience includes time at Luxury Country House Hotels and starting up an almond orchard pruning company in Australia. His dedication is second to none and was very much proven over this pandemic by moving his family into the house to make sure everything remained safe. To be honest, his kids loved it!

The girls very much know that he is there whenever they need him. A great go-to for guidance, help and if you’re lucky he will even hit you with a famous quote. He is also great for making coffee and just an all-round morale boaster (just be aware of his dad jokes)! He is keen runner, competitive and loves a challenge!

What’s at the top of your bucket list: Run the Marathon Des Sables

Most memorable moment of your job: Plenty that could be said but is not to be mentioned. One that does come to mind and passes the screening test is me having to sew a bridesmaid into her dress (just before the ceremony may I add) - just call me Mary Poppins!

Fun Fact about yourself: I made the front page of the Tasmanian Mercury whilst travelling Australia. This is my claim to fame!

Top Wedding Tip: Despite what everyone says, Sambuca before the ceremony is not a good idea #youknowwhoyouare!

Martha – Senior Event Manager

Martha has been part of the Coombe Lodge team since 2013 and is a hugely valued member of the Coombe Lodge Family. With many years of experience in the weddings and hospitality industry she plays an instrumental role in ensuring that all couples hosting their wedding at Coombe Lodge have the most amazing experience. She has acute attention to detail and loves nothing more than helping Brides and Grooms plan the perfect wedding at our breath taking wedding venue near Bristol. Before joining the team she went to the University of Gloucestershire to study Sport & Exercise Science where she was awarded a first class honours degree (which to this day she cannot believe)!

She loves nothing more than supporting the lovely ladies who work alongside her and couldn’t be prouder of the team they have all become.

What’s at the top of your bucket list: To take an epic road trip through France (mostly for the wine) and to head on down the Amalfi coast!

Most memorable moment of your job: The moment I always go back to has to be when a Father of the Bride, who was predominately wheel chair bound, spent the whole year in intensive physiotherapy to walk his daughter down the aisle. It is safe to say he did it and very quickly became a real hero of mine!

Fun Fact about yourself: I have a 14 metal pins in my left wrist! A result of a skiing accident which led to not a lot of skiing and a lot more après ski! I can also say there wasn’t much ‘Fun’ about it but it is definitely a story!

Top Wedding Tip: Take a moment on your day to just stop and watch! The day always go so quickly, so take a breather with each other and look over what you achieved! It will be at this exact moment that you realise all the planning, sleepless nights, decision making was totally worth it!

Jasmine – Event Manager

Jasmine joined Coombe Lodge as a waiting member back in 2013 and soon showed amazing potential which led to her being promoted to an Event Manager early 2015. Since then, Jasmine has continued to show great knowledge and passion for Events.

When you meet Jasmine, you will quickly realise that her biggest passion (other than Coombe of course) is her cat Cosmo - who has had the pivotal role of becoming at times the office cat.

Food and fine wine are Jasmine’s forte – she loves a good restaurant and creating amazing dishes in her own kitchen.

What’s at the top of your bucket list: To see the Big 5 in South Africa on Safari

Most memorable moment of your job: It is really cliché but for me personally, it has to be when I was promoted to Event Manager!

Fun Fact about yourself: Not sure if you can tell but I LOVE cats!

Top Wedding Tip: Don’t sweat the small stuff! Remember the reason why your getting married and let us help take the stress away for you. We promise your day will be simply perfect!

Clara – Event Manager

Clara joined our team in 2018 and fitted in perfectly into our Coombe Lodge family. Before this she studied Events at University and continued to gain a great amount of experience in many managerial roles. So it is safe to say that Events (and weddings) really are her passion. She loves meeting our couples and creating an amazing bond with them and is always determine to make their day perfect! She is also a great support network for our waiting team and for everyone else that works around her.

One of her loves is her horse Harvey (sadly couldn’t have him as an office pet) but he is the perfect companion for her favourite hobby of summer time rides along the beach. During lockdown she has turned her hands to some amazing craft work and has been busy baking sourdough with her partner which has been a great success!

What’s at the top of your bucket list: To go travelling around New Zealand. I have always wanted to go and it just looks like the most beautiful country.

Most memorable moment of your job: This has to be when the power went down in the village which affected us during a wedding I was running. Safe to say it was a real team effort all around to make sure the day continued to run perfectly!

Fun Fact about yourself: I LOVE horses

Top Wedding Tip: Make sure when you’re planning that you remember it’s your day. Don’t let too many people influence your decisions. If you want a 5-tier cake, get it! You only get this day once (hopefully) so make sure it is exactly what you pictured and that it is perfect!

Charlotte – Event Manager

Charlotte joined our team in Spring 2019 and my god has she slotted straight in! She instantly became a key member of our ‘Coombe Lodge’ family and has since felt like she has worked with us from day 1.

When you meet Charlotte, you instantly know that weddings are her passion. It was actually at the age of 7 that she knew she wanted to be a wedding planner – so it is safe to say she is in her dream job. Before joining us she spent 4 years working on the Grand Pier in Weston Super Mare as an Event Co-ordinator alongside volunteering at events for charities and local sports clubs.

There is nothing she loves more than meeting our clients from the moment they walk through the door to saying goodbye to them the morning after their special day.

What’s at the top of your bucket list: To go to the Maldives

Most memorable moment of your job: Being that person that the Bride is looking at before she walks down that aisle.

Fun Fact about yourself: I am the office fitness motivator and I encourage all the team to let me be their personal trainer (Some love it more than others!). ‘Pop World’ playlist is always mandatory.

Top Wedding Tip: Do you! Don’t let anyone else influence your decisions, it’s your day not theirs!

Leanne – Events Office Manager

Leanne is actually the longest standing member of the Coombe Lodge Team (2011 to be precise!) and sits right at the heart of our family. She certainly doesn’t like to be centre of attention and much prefers to work quietly behind the scenes. This being said, she very much has a presence with us all and is always there as a helping hand. She is well-organised, methodical and has a real eye for detail and is always first to volunteer when we are up against it. We truly wouldn’t be the same team without her.

Her loves would be to spend time with her family, go for a swim and picnics by the sea.

What’s at the top of your bucket list: To visit Australia!

Most memorable moment of your job: I actually got married at Coombe Lodge myself, it truly was the happiest day of my life!

Fun Fact about yourself: I am the mother to two lovely boys, Callum and Morgan.

Top Wedding Tip: Enjoy every minute of it! Don’t sweat the small stuff.

The team cannot wait to see you all very soon!

Advice From Bride And Grooms Who Got Married At Bristol Wedding Venue, Coombe Lodge, During The Covid Pandemic.

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 11:10:33 GMT

"Love Is All We Need"

The last 11 months will undoubtedly go down as one of the most difficult times in recent history, and couples who had chosen 2020 for their wedding have certainly been hit hard by disappointments, frustrations and in many cases, very difficult decisions. But it hasn’t stopped many amazingly resilient and determined couples from showing that, despite all the obstacles, love will find a way.

To help you prepare for what you should do – and help if you do, sadly, have to change plans – we spoke with our amazing couples who continued to the tie the knot throughout the pandemic. They have offered their advice as to why they decided to go ahead, how it felt, the differences to expect and why their day was still so special.

Charlotte & Walid's Wedding Ceremony & Reception At Coombe Lodge In Somerset - 23rd August 2020

For us, our wedding day would have felt special with or without restrictions as the important thing for us, was to get married and have a married life.

Our wedding venue honestly made the day special despite the restrictions, by going above and beyond for us to make sure that it was like a 'normal wedding day'. They helped us to make plans for every eventuality and were understanding and happy for us to only make the firm plans once the government guidelines were confirmed.

What Made You Decide To Go Ahead With Your Day?

There was a combination of reasons we went ahead with our original date. The main one being the main people we wanted at the wedding were still able to make the trip.

We also kept an eye on the current situation constantly and could see that covid cases were thankfully on the decline. We had the option to postpone to early January but we both had a feeling that, with winter, cases would likely rise and put a further spanner in the works with stricter restrictions. I cannot fault Coombe Lodge for all they did in being flexible keeping the January date available if our gamble didn't pay off, and thankfully for us, it did!

Also, the attitude and approach Coombe Lodge had towards the wedding. Nothing was too much trouble and they were incredible with the constant changing of the restrictions, making it so easy for us to organise the wedding day we wanted without too much stress and hassle.

How Did It Feel To Have A Smaller Wedding Than You'd Originally Planned?

My husband and I are both people who don't enjoy the spotlight so a smaller wedding is what we ideally wanted originally. As we both have large extended families we opted for a bigger wedding when we started out planning so we could have all family to celebrate with.

The pandemic meant that some hard decisions had to be made and thankfully all family and friends who we had to uninvite were very understanding.

The wedding day that we had was still amazing, as Coombe Lodge made sure we got all the bells and whistles of a 'normal wedding day'. Nothing was too much trouble and they were ready to assist with last minute changes to government guidelines. There was no confirmation in the government guidelines we could have a wedding breakfast until the week before the wedding, but they still pulled off an amazing meal!

Was Your Wedding Day Very Different To Your Original Plans?

Honestly, other than having fewer people at the wedding and no DJ, there was barely any noticeable difference (although there are a few mask photos but that just adds to memories to tell people in the future!).

The venue have a sound system so we could play background music via a Spotify play list. We also put some cheap disco lights around the wedding venue and so a DJ wasn't really missed!

Your Advice For Couples Who Can't Decide Whether To Postpone Their Wedding?

It's best to decide what is important to the couple. For us, we made the decision that getting married and starting married life and a family was the important thing and to celebrate with everyone who we couldn't have there, when it was safe to do so. It might not be the same for everyone. For some, it may be important to them to share their day with all their loved ones.

Our wedding felt just as special to us even though all our loved ones couldn't be there. We were still able to do everything that all my friends and family were able to do at their wedding pre-covid so we don't feel like we missed out on anything. But we do look forward to a time where we can celebrate with everyone.

Emma & Craig's Wedding Ceremony & Reception At Coombe Lodge In Bristol - 18th September 2020

How Did You Make Your Day Special Despite The Ongoing Restrictions?

We kept an open mind as we knew that things weren't going to be what we originally had planned. We adapted to the rules and we still went ahead with everything we wanted to do, just not in the traditional order of the day. We had the band play outside and our first dance was in the afternoon. It was definitely different to what we originally had in mind but it couldn't have been more perfect.

What Made You Decide To Go Ahead With Your Day?

Being completely honest, after years of planning we just really wanted to get married! Once we made the decision that we wanted to go ahead regardless, we had so much support from friends and family. Everyone at Coombe Lodge, our wedding venue in Bristol, were so supportive too and that really helped with our decision to go ahead with the day. They were so helpful with ideas on how the day could work and were really patient too with last minute changes of plans.

How Did It Feel To Have A Smaller Wedding Than You'd Originally Planned?

It was really beautiful and we loved every second. The whole day felt so intimate as we were able to spend quality time with the friends and family that were able to be there, something we probably wouldn't have been able to do if we had a much bigger wedding. Our wedding day had a really special and intimate feel and if anything it was more than we could ever have dreamed of.

Was Your Wedding Day Very Different To Your Original Plans?

In some ways yes, we had originally invited around 120 people to the day celebration (we never got to send out our evening invites due to plans being changed with Covid!) but we ended up having 30 people including ourselves. It was much smaller than we originally planned for but by no means less special! Apart from not being able to have all of our friends and family there, our wedding day was still everything that we originally wanted.

Your Advice For Couples Who Can't Decide Whether To Postpone Their Wedding?

The best advice we could give would be to do what is right for the two of you and have absolutely no regrets. We followed our hearts by going ahead with the day and we can honestly say it was the happiest day of our lives. It was an emotional rollercoaster but so worth it in the end. Love wins!

Lucy & Alex's Wedding Ceremony & Reception At Coombe Lodge In Bristol - 23rd September 2020

How Did You Make Your Day Special Despite The Ongoing Restrictions?

We kept absolutely everything the same, we didn’t think “there’s less people now so we won’t bother with that”, we had planned the day for so long that we wanted it to be everything we had dreamt of...and it was soo much more than that!

What Made You Decide To Go Ahead With Your Day?

You really have to live for today, you don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring! After planning a wedding for so long why postpone it?! Also if you love a photographer or florist etc you need to keep them in business, they cannot afford to stay in business without the likes of you.

How Did It Feel To Have A Smaller Wedding Than You'd Originally Planned?

We were really sad at first, but when the day came it was perfect, and we had the most important people there to share it with us. Looking back now I'm glad it was a smaller wedding, we actually got to enjoy the day. The absolute best part of the day was the lull between the day and the evening; we all went to the library, chilled out, kicked of our shoes and had THE best time, the sound of laughter and all the chatting together was so lovely, I wish I could have bottled that moment!

Was Your Wedding Day Very Different To Your Original Plans?

Our day was no different to our original plans, just fewer people there. The day was perfect!

Your Advice For Couples Who Can't Decide Whether To Postpone Their Wedding?

If you love each other, it shouldn't be about whether you can have 30 or 80 guests watching you get married. My advice would be, go for it and seize the moment! Tomorrow isn't promised and who knows whether we will end up in a worse situation with lockdowns and restrictions! The day will be what YOU make it!

Just one final point...

Our guests said our wedding was the best they had been to, the day was so relaxed, we all had so much fun together. Imagine your closest friends and family all at a party together together...well that's exactly what it was! Pure perfection!

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Winter Luxe: Beautiful, Winter Themed Wedding Inspiration

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:52:15 GMT

As we step into the new year, I don’t think any of us could have quite imagined 2020 being the year like we’ve just experienced – it’s been challenging to say the least.

We therefore wanted to start 2021 off by saying thank you to all of our Brides and Grooms, many of whom have been affected by the Covid restrictions. It is safe to say that all of us here at Coombe Lodge, our cherished wedding venue in Bristol, we are adamant to make 2021 a positive one for us all. So to start the year off we are here to offer a friendly dose of wedding inspiration!

If you are undecided about when to get married, or have found yourselves having to not only postpone your big day due to Covid-19 but also change your season then James & Kerrie are here to offer us an abundance of winter wedding inspiration in the form of a styled shoot which took place in our beautiful country house wedding venue.

It will be hard not to fall in love with all the candlelight, coziness and glamour on offer...

Winter Weddings

"Winter is unlike any other season, there is just something so magical and whimsical about a winter wedding. We created this beautiful, winter themed styled shoot at the majestic Coombe Lodge near Bristol along with a fantastic bunch of South West wedding suppliers to inspire those of you planning a wedding over the winter months. We know a lot of couples have had to move their weddings to a new season and we wanted to show that winter weddings can be just as amazing, if not more so, than any other time of year! Winter weddings don’t have to be full on Christmas themed, we show how you can add the smallest touches like gold pine cones and metallics, and a hint of fake fur to capture the essence of winter perfectly.

The Wedding Dress

Our bride wore Isobel, a beautiful, ballgown dress (with pockets!) by British Designer Sassi Holford . With a full pleated skirt and a sheer appliqué long-sleeve top layered over a sweetheart bodice and a V-neck back to die for! Meghan Markle’s wedding dress brought the bateau neckline back into the spotlight, and we’re happier for it since it beautifully enhances the curve of the collarbone. The texture and shape harmonise in the form of a wedding dress that offers coverage and plenty of delicate details, just perfect for those winter weddings!

Hair And Make Up

For our bride, our hair & make up artist created a flawless airbrush base which enhanced her natural glow. Leanna accentuated her beautiful eyes with golden/bronze tones and finished with a nude pinky pop on the lips for that ‘just-there’ look. Hair was understated, soft and romantic to match the stunning Sassi Holford dress and wintry theme of the wedding! Our bride wore the ‘Nina’ hair vine, a stunning lightweight piece that was pinned into our soft, romantic hair style to add just a touch of winter sparkle. Our groom wore a 3 piece tweed suit in a timeless shade of brown with a gold tie and a simple white rose accompanied by winter berries.

Wedding Stationary

Wedding stationery really sets the tone of the wedding day itself, so we created a luxurious invitation suite with hints of metallic and gold wax seals accompanied by sage green envelopes. Using vintage stamps can give a really luxurious feel to your wedding stationery, the little touches really do make all the difference! We always remind our couples that the invites will be the first glimpse of their wedding day for all of their guests, make sure to impress them with beautifully crafted stationery.

Special Touches

We used the stunning fireplace in the ballroom at Coombe Lodge for some beautiful bridal portraits as there is just something so romantic about being inside by a fireplace when it’s cold outside! And to add to the cosy winter feel of the wedding, we created a hot chocolate bar that would warm up your guests after your post ceremony photos outside during the winter months.

Winter Wedding Florals

For our winter florals, we created a luxe wintry look by combining soft seasonal foliages with a selection of white and cream blooms. Large white roses, spray roses, Veronica, eustoma, berries and nerines, together with gold sprayed skimmia, adorned with twigs & pine cones to create florals full of texture & winter elegance. Flower meadow arrangement’s make the perfect flower displays for weddings that can provide impact in a variety of settings, from framing tables to sweeping up the beautiful staircase at Coombe Lodge, they can be moved from your ceremony set up to your reception with ease so you can utilise them throughout your wedding day. Think about adding elements into your day like a basket of cosy blankets that you and your guests can wrap around you to keep the chill off, especially if you want to have photos further afield outside your venue.

Winter Luxe Tablescape

We wanted to create a winter inspired tablescape with a luxe feel. Gold accents elevated the overall look, and the gold sprayed pine cones gave a subtle nod to the wintery design. Emerald gold worked beautifully to add some depth to the design, and was used through Ester and Erik candles and cotton napkins. We wanted to maintain a clean and modern look, so we opted for a beautiful antique style table without a tablecloth. A garland was created using luxury sage foliages of olive & eucalyptus adding decoration to the table setting while complimenting the overall styling.

Wedding Cake

Our Winter white cake was designed with gold leaf and topped with gold pine cones, the cake pops represented snow balls to give a nod to the festive season. We embraced texture throughout our shoot with a mix of metallics and fake fur to give that cosy, wintry feel. We used gold pinecones throughout our shoot, from adorning the top of our cake and hidden in amongst our beautiful winter bouquet to give a cohesive look to the day.

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Shop Independent In Bristol This Christmas

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 11:10:32 GMT

"When You Buy From A Small Business An Actual Person Does A Little Happy Dance"

We certainly think it is fair to say that 2020 has been a tough year for most. Our hearts continue to go out to all our amazing couples who have been with us every step of the way and our fantastic wedding suppliers based here in Bristol – the photographers, florists, décor providers, make-up artists, entertainers, cake designers who are working so hard to accommodate a mass of postponed weddings whilst holding their businesses up through this pandemic.

It has never been so important to support each other and with the arrival of lockdown 2.0, it’s the perfect time to shop independent and support the local community. Bristol is a proudly creative city with hundreds of independent retailers and makers and we need them to keep our corner of the South West special. Not only is shopping local beneficial for the local business owner, but also for you, the customer and for your local area as a whole!

Why You Should Shop Local & Support Small…

Personality, Character & All Round Community

Small-business owners love what they do, and they play an important role in supporting their local communities. Therefore you get a different kind of care and quality in their product because their work is a reflection of themselves. Bristol businesses bring amazing creativity, originality and variety making it the gift that keeps giving and offers alongside it a great sense of community.

Customer Service & The Shopping Experience

Of course, all businesses will have helpful and friendly staff, but local business owners go above and beyond to look after their customers. They’ll often know their regulars’ names and orders, and more often than not go out of their way to make sure that customers are kept happy with the service as well as what they buy! It is that personally touch that really makes a difference.

Healthier Environment

Supporting local removes a big part of the supply chain that you would get from the commercial chains. Fewer air miles, or products travelling from one continent to another. Local businesses are also more likely to care about the little things when it comes to being environmentally friendly, especially when it comes to things like saving electricity and reducing their waste.

Giving Back To Our Local Area: Bristol & Somerset

It is a proven fact that buying local can give back to the local community in so many ways. Not only are they more likely to spend their money on local labour but they are also more likely to hire other local professionals (Accountants, marketing team, advertise in the local area, staff etc…) These smaller-sized businesses help to create and sustain jobs as well as keep the area vibrant and buzzing with shoppers and tourists.

A Couple Of Independent Supplier Shout Outs…

The Little Wilde Bunch

"So I thought it was about time I introduced myself! I’m Abby the face behind The Little Wilde Bunch. You will mostly find me busy creating in the workshop whilst listening to a podcast usually about food!!! Or off exploring the pops of nature Bristol has on offer! The Little Wilde Bunch has been created as an offshoot of @thewildebunchflorist our Wedding and Event floral ‘emporium’, where I work as a senior designer. However, there has always been a little part of me that wanted to create a floral delivery service providing the same personal design process for any and all occasions. Also adding in a couple of fun houseplants, funky pots and the joy of having fresh seasonal flowers at home via a local independent florist giving that ‘little’ extra touch.

So watch this space as I am on a mission to spread joy and happiness to all through the power of petals!"

https://thelittlewildebunch.com

Holly Boo

“If you’d have told me at the beginning of 2020 we would be here now as the year is drawing to a close making Christmas face masks when usually we are rushed off our feet decorating the most beautiful Christmas weddings and corporate events wishing for time off, then I would have laughed for sure……..and here we are!

We’ve diversified and aren’t we lucky, we have made nearly 2000 masks and it’s literally been the best lifeline we have had to see our business dreams push forward to next year, the very thing that has ruined our business is also helping keep it afloat.

I am sure this year has bought out the best of us, it definitely has with us, appreciating our nearest and dearest for just being there and not taking for granted that I could ever do that “next week” again.

When I look back at 2020 and the challenges faced both personally and for our business I do give us a pat on the back to say “we’ve got this” and look forward to the day when we can get back to doing what we absolutely love best and working with our industry friends as one happy team."

Merry Christmas everyone, especially the team at Coombe Lodge, who are forever there for us, we definitely appreciate you all xx”

The perfect stocking filler for 2020...

https://www.instagram.com/hollybooevents/?hl=en

Emma Castle

“My mission is to provide a high quality and personal design service while always making conscious environmental business decisions.”

If you are looking for that personal touch with your Christmas cards then take a look at the beautiful artwork by Emma...

https://www.emmalouisecastle.co.uk/greetings-cards

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Another great thing about small businesses is that they are usually easy to get in contact with. This means you can get chatting to them about the product about any questions you have and also let them know what you think about their small business!

Every comment matters to them and helps them improve – it’s always amazing to hear what your customers think about you, so don’t forget to let them know.

Share The Love & Spread The Word

So you’ve found an amazing small business who has offered quick and friendly service with a wonderfully unique product. Now it’s time to shout about them! Share your photos and thoughts on social media, leave a review, tell your friends about your new discovery and help others find this small business!

Our Bristol Recommendations Offering The Perfect Gift Experience...

Unsurprisingly, Bristol’s attractions have been struggling this year but it’s still possible to show your support for these brilliant places…

Brunel's SS Great Britain Gift Ticket

A ticket to Brunel’s SS Great Britain will be redeemable on a date of your recipient’s choice, and valid for 12 months, Gift Ticket holders will receive a whole year of free access to the SS Great Britain, Being Brunel museum and Brunel Institute. Add the ‘Make it a gift package’ option to your transaction and they’ll post out your order in a gift box with a gift certificate and special postcard.

Bristol Zoo

Sister attractions Wild Place Project and Bristol Zoo Gardens offer annual passes to their individual venues as well as joint membership to both attractions. A great day out for a family!

Take To The Skies In Hot Air Balloon

If you’re happy to splash out on something incredibly special, treat someone to the most unforgettable experience of floating over the city in a hot air balloon. Bailey Balloons , Bristol Balloons and Elite Air (UK) Ltd all offer gift vouchers for flights.

A Luxury Night Stay At Coombe Lodge

We have been delighted to have found a way for Coombe Lodge to be enjoyed by guests over the summer and autumn of this year, albeit in a different way from what we are used to but we have loved every minute of it! From the success of our Dine, Stay & Unwind events we’re now also offering gift vouchers so if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, why not buy them dinner for two in our restaurant, an overnight stay or Sunday lunch?

Events Coming Up To Look Out For…..

The Coronavirus pandemic has meant that many of Bristol's events have been postponed or cancelled, but whilst we aren't able to go out there are still ways to experience Bristol’s incredible event's programme from the comfort of your home.

‘Winter Pop-Up Shop’ In Bristol

Spring Wedding Postponed? How To Rework Your Wedding For Autumn Or Winter.

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 10:10:30 GMT

Advice From The Wedding Experts.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning during COVID-19, you’re not alone. The global coronavirus pandemic is affecting us all and couples planning their weddings in 2020 are faced with unique challenges that are totally unprecedented. All of us here at Coombe Lodge want to say that you are not alone and that we are with you every step of the way.

We also couldn’t go without saying a huge thank you to the couples who have chosen Coombe Lodge as their wedding venue, and have been so patient during this time - showing such strength that our whole team have been so proud of.

We know more than anything that planning a wedding can take months, and for some years of dreaming and saving. Choosing your wedding venue and date is a big part of this process as is the season which can then influence the flowers, the colours and everything about your dream wedding day.

So to our couples who have found themselves having to make the heart-breaking decision of postponing their Spring or Summer wedding to the new seasons of Autumn or Winter, we thought it would be helpful to give you some tips on how you can make it work, because it can work. Promise!

We have called upon the experts to help us with serving up a big dose of inspiration and to talk you through what you can do, all the benefits, and to help you fall just as in love with your new season!

Notes From The Little Wedding Helper

A regular visitor to our beautiful countryside wedding venue near Bristol is Kirsten from The Little Wedding Helper . She specialises in wedding styling and provides endless inspiration and support for couples getting married at Coombe Lodge, as well as many other wedding venues in Somerset and beyond.

Kirsten Says...

I can’t quite believe that I’ve only styled one wedding this year! One that only just made it before lockdown was announced and the whole of the wedding industry came to a halt and life as we know it, changed. Thankfully, many couples have postponed rather than cancelled. Many of my couples have been worried about not getting married at the same time of year and in a different season. Summer weddings have now moved to Winter and Spring weddings have moved to Autumn.

If you are getting married at a different time of the year to your original date, don’t delete that Pinterest board quite yet! Just because the weather might be different outside does not mean you have to change everything inside! There is a reason you loved those colours or seasonal touches so it can be a case of just changing a few details.

Look at your colour palette. It could be a case of incorporating a deeper tone of a colour to bring a warmer feel if you are now getting married at the end of the year. Can you change up the metallic touches by swapping out silver for rose gold for example? It’s about making subtle changes to the ideas you had already chosen and love. Hiring in coloured napkins can add a different look to your tables and candlelight changes the feel. In autumn and winter, the evenings get darker sooner so adding beautiful tapered dinner candles to your tables will create a welcoming glow for your guests. Adding lanterns around your table plan, staircase or entrance also add a warm glow to your celebrations. If the evenings are going to be cooler then adding blankets to your outside areas will keep your guests feeling cosy as well as fire pits or heaters outside.

Try not to add more stress to the current situation by changing everything. Step back, reassess, talk to your florist for reassurance and ideas, chat to your stylist about what can be changed and also to your wedding venue who may have garden games that you might want to use now you’re marrying in the Summer and not in Autumn. How about creating a hot chocolate station as a treat for guests if your wedding has moved from the Summer to the Winter? Instead of serving ice cream cones as a treat during a Summer drinks reception, how about popcorn or warm mini doughnuts as a treat for those Autumnal and Winter days? Your wedding venue and wedding suppliers are all on hand to ensure you still have the wedding you wanted and we have lots of advice and experience to help with every detail.

Emma Norton - Florist

Emma Says...

To all the couples that have had to postpone their wedding, I truly feel for you. What a stressful time, the build-up is so exciting and then to have to put the breaks on and try to book in a new date that is most likely in a completely different season.

Please do not panic, the changing season may affect a few of your flower choices but this does not mean you have to change everything. To be honest a lot of flowers are now available all year round, you may have to change a few of your seasonal favourites but there are usually beautiful substitutes.

The early Summer favourite is the peony which has a short season, this can be substituted with English garden roses, full, blousy, and heavenly scented, also Café au lait dahlias and Avignon Chrysanthemums are a perfect Autumnal option. Summery hydrangea, delphinium, stocks, and phlox are always available. So, if you have your heart set on your original colour palette there are always seasonal options which will create the same aesthetic.

If you like the idea of embracing an Autumn or Winter feel you can simply tweak a few things. For example if you had chosen a pale blush and ivory palette for a dreamy Summer feel you can simply add a few warmer tones such as dusky pinks, mauves and berry.

Adding more candlelight immediately makes a wedding venue feel cosy, especially when you lose the light early evening. Lanterns placed at the foot of a staircase, surrounded in foliage and a few flowers is a cost-effective way of adding that winter touch.

You can also add dinner candles to your guest tables, warm twinkling candlelight will instantly give your wedding a welcoming feel.

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Real Wedding - Lucy And Lee's Stylish Somerset Wedding

Sat, 30 May 2020 08:53:44 GMT

Notes From A Bride

We looked at so many venues but Coombe Lodge in North Somerset was our ultimate favourite and had everything we needed under one rather gorgeous roof! I had heard amazing recommendations about Coombe Lodge and their team from other brides and wedding guests. The day ran so smoothly without any hitches and this was mainly down to the staff at Coombe Lodge, which is an exclusive use wedding venue near Bristol. Their presence throughout the day was subtle yet attentive at all times. The team cannot do enough for you, especially the Event Manager Martha who was incredible on the day. Nothing was a problem, she helped me and the bridal party and Lee and the best men to feel calm before the ceremony and had everything in control throughout the entire day. She has so much enthusiasm and always had a smile on her face which put us all at ease!

The catering at the venue is amazing and the grounds are beautiful. The gorgeous setting and simplistic décor was a perfect starting point and with a few floral arrangements and delicate decorations, the place became the most perfect wedding venue we could have wished for.

The Décor

So … I was fortunate enough to meet Lauradana from Wedding Creations at a wedding fayre at Paint Works in Bristol a couple of months after we got engaged. On my way there with my mum we were discussing ideas in terms of decoration and weirdly enough, everything we had suggested (and so much more) was displayed on Lauradana’s table. I booked her up there and then I can honestly say it was the best money spent on the overall wedding! So how it works …. You meet with Lauradana to talk through colour themes, styles and how you envisage your day. She sends you a look book of ideas for decoration, she turns up, makes the wedding venue look incredible, comes back the next day and clears everything up … almost sounds too good to be true right??

In my thank you email to Lauradana, I literally referred to her as the ‘wedding angel’ and I think she was the reason that I didn’t get stressed at all. I had full confidence in her from our first consultation meeting and could have just trusted her to decorate the venue without any input from me. When I received my ‘look book’ to confirm what sort of themes and decorations she would be using, I literally squealed with excitement! She made the wedding venue look absolutely beautiful … nothing was too much of an ask for her and I didn’t have to worry about a thing!

The Flowers

I used Ivory flowers in Bristol who I cannot recommend enough. Xanthe was amazing and made me and my bridesmaids the most beautiful bouquets I could have asked for. The flowers were a mixture of Norma Jeans roses, Jean Moreau garden roses and quicksand roses. She also decorated a beautiful wooden arch for the ceremony and made the most beautiful garland for our top table.

I took my bridesmaid dresses in to give an idea of the colour theme and the colour match was just incredible.

The Dress

This for me was the most exciting bit about the planning. I visited various bridal shops around the Bristol area but sourced my gown from Rookery Manor Bridal . I cannot recommend this place enough – Lynn and Kylie are THE most helpful ladies ever and couldn’t do enough for me. I fell in love with the back of one dress but the front of another, both from the Martina Liana range and the designer created a bespoke dress using features from both. It was a classic style, very plain and figure hugging in the most gorgeous contour crepe silk material.

The back was completely open leading into a long train with button details down the back. The front was a v-neck style with mesh material down each side of the dress. The material was so comfortable (something that is so important for the day) and most importantly, it was so light, I was able to party into the early hours of the morning!!

The Wedding Shoes

My shoes were from Dune’s bridal range . I’m only 5’2” so they were pretty high in heel height with satin ribbon ankle straps that tied at the back, embellished with diamante stones at the front.

The Bridesmaid Dresses

I had 6 bridesmaids in total who wore floor length dresses from the TFNC range from asos and a bargain at £45!! They had a high neck front and a low back to match my dress style with a silk bow and a slight train to them in a beautiful blush pink colour. I think quite possibly I had the most attractive bridal party ever!

Hair & Make Up

My makeup artist was the lovely Katy Pfieffer . I’d heard such amazing recommendations about Katy and she really is so talented. She listens to exactly what you want, not just for me as the bride but for my mum and bridesmaids too which was really important to me as some of the bridal party hadn’t had their makeup done before so were a little apprehensive. She made us all feel so lovely and was a pleasure to have there on the wedding morning. Our makeup lasted all day (I have the oiliest skin ever so how it did I do not know) and it really did look flawless in the photos.

My hair was done by the lovely Elements team who are based in Long Ashton and Portishead. We had two of the team working on the bridal party, Kate and Sophie. Kate did my hair in a half up half down style with loose natural waves which lasted the entire day (and into the next day!!) Kate also blow dried my mums hair into a curly/wave style. Kate and Sophie between them did the bridesmaid hair which was a mixture of up dos and long loose waves with plaits, all very natural.

The Photographer

We used Bowtie and Belle who were a recommendation from Lauradana at Wedding Creations. The best recommendation I’ve ever taken! Sam and Tom are a husband and wife and were just amazing throughout the whole day.

Considering we didn’t even know they were there, they captured the most magical moments of the entire day and it was so lovely reliving everything when we received the professional photos through. Their light and airy style really complimented our colour theme and worked so well with the venue … I also loved that there were two photographers as they were able to capture so many extra moments throughout the day, like the ceremony from so many different angles, Lee and his best men during the morning along with the bridal party and so many more … they literally didn’t miss a thing!

The Videographer

So, this was a real debate for my husband as I’ve always wanted a videographer but he was very reluctant as worried it would be too intrusive on the day. Again, Tim Spatz was another recommendation from Lauradana and from showing Lee several clips from Tim’s website, I managed to convince him (something that isn’t very easy!) On the day, we had Tim and another colleague filming and to Lee’s delight, we didn’t even know they were there, but somehow they managed to capture the best and most perfect moments of the entire day. I couldn’t stop crying whilst watching the video - seeing the laughter, tears and family friends enjoying sharing our special the day was the best feeling and memories we will keep forever.

The Entertainment

String Quartet for the Ceremony

We had the lovely Ardeton String Quartet playing whilst guests were arriving and for the wedding ceremony. The Ardeton team had a great variety of songs to choose from their repertoire which I was able to select and it set a lovely, romantic feel to the start of the day.

Acoustic Singer and Guitarist

I met Pat Mcintyre at the same wedding fayre as Wedding Creations who is a singer and guitarist that specialises in live acoustic music for weddings. After hearing him perform a couple of songs, I booked him there and then! Pat performed during our drinks reception and wedding breakfast. He performed beautiful bespoke sets that he tailored to suit each part and he exceeded all expectations. So many of our guests commented on how great he was. His repertoire has the best variety of songs and he is so so talented and I cannot recommend him enough.

The Band

Funky Dumpty had been recommended to me by a couple of friends and the Events Manager. They are a soul and pop band who are incredibly talented and put on the BEST performance we could have asked for. They had all our guests up dancing the entire night which is exactly what we wanted! There repertoire is full of the best hits covering 80, 90’s and current so something for everyone and we had so many compliments about them from our guests.

Advice For Future Brides

Really try to not get stressed during the planning stages. Whilst there is so much to think of, it really is just a celebration and one hell of a party with all your family and friends. I managed to stay pretty calm during the planning period as well as on the wedding day and looking back, I would have really regretted it if I had worked myself up about things. As cliché as it sounds, it really is the best day of your life so just enjoy every moment in the lead up to it and the special day itself.

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New! Wedding Planning 12-Month Checklist

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 12:52:17 GMT

Wedding Stress? These words don’t exist (for us). The question is popped, the ring is on and the countdown has begun…..so now what? Firstly, enjoy this time full of anticipation and excitement even through uncertain times like these. A wedding should be, will be, and will remain the most beautiful and memorable day of your life, so get excited. Yes, of course there is lots to do, to take care of, plan, and choose, but this marks the beginning of your wedding and we couldn’t be more excited for you!

So before you start to panic we have put together the ultimate 12-month wedding planning checklist for you, helping break things down and to hopefully take the stress out and put the fun in!

12 Months Before The Big Day….

* Set A Wedding Budget

The budget, boringly, is the most important part to the planning, so make sure you are realistic. Discuss your priorities with each other, meet with suppliers to get an idea of costing and top tip – always have a miscellaneous fund! This is perfect for those gifts you didn’t remember, or the hairpiece you just have to have. Making you fully prepared for the unexpected!

* Draft Your Wedding Guest List

Your wedding day is 100% about you, so make sure to invite the people you want to share your special day with. Make sure that you separately write your lists of who has to be there and then those who could be added on for the evening celebrations. Couple of things to bear in mind is your perfect venue may only cater up to a certain number and your budget may only stretch so far!

* Create Your Mood Board...Pinterest It Up!

Making a wedding mood board is one of the most helpful activities in the planning process. Not only does the practice encourage you to make decisions about the look of your day, but it can also aid in defining the overall feel your wedding will have. Pinterest is the ideal tool, take a look at our boards to help get you kick started!

* Book Your Venue & Set The Date

The sooner you book your venue the easier everything is to plan. At Coombe Lodge our dedicated event managers are on hand to listen to your plans and to help bring your visions to life. Estimates can be tailored to you and budgets moulded around. Make sure your quick….dates go fast!

* Choose Your Wedding Party

Choose those close friends and family that will be just as excited on the big day as you are!

* Send Save The Dates

You have chosen the venue, set the date and organized the guest list so it is time to send the ‘save the dates’. This is a great way to make sure everyone can come and to get that all important date in the diary.

* Book Your Suppliers

There will of course be so many to choose from, so make sure to resort back to your mood boards and be clear of your style and budget. Here at Coombe Lodge we have a recommendations list with suppliers that are known and trusted – to help those who find themselves getting a little overwhelmed!

* Meet/Book Your Registrar/Church

It is always important to get this booked in once you have set the date! They will be able to answer all your questions about the ceremony, and help offer advice for ceremony music and readings!

10-8 Months Before The Big Day….

* Find Your Wedding Dress

What am I going to wear?! This is a question most of us worry about, even if we are only invited to a wedding as a guest. When it comes to choosing your wedding dress, many women come close to having a nervous breakdown. You don’t have to let this happen!

* Order Your Wedding Cake

It’s a great idea to get your baker decided on early. They often book far in advance, and if you wish for a bespoke cake, they’ll want to start thinking about your design and flavour nice and early. Plus you get to try cake, to us that’s a win win!

* Book The Honeymoon

Do you dream of a safari honeymoon? Or perhaps a celebration with your loved one on a Caribbean beach? Now’s the time to get thinking and booking. Top tip – You don’t have to book your honeymoon for straight after the wedding. Mini-moons are becoming quite the fashion, giving you a) time to save some pennies & b) something to look forward to later on in the year.

* Sort Your Wedding Invitations

You may have heard that your wedding invitations are the first step to setting the tone of your big day, but choosing where to purchase your stationery can be as overwhelming as picking a style. Check out dewintonpaperco.com or www.papier.com to help inspire.

6-7 Months Before The Big Day….

* Sort The Bridesmaid Dresses & Groomsmen Suits

It is safe to say Bridesmaid dresses traditionally match or semi-match, so it’s best to get these ordered early to make sure you have the right ones! The groom needs to start thinking about what he wants to wear but suit fittings generally happen around the 3 months prior to the big day for them.

* Start Thinking About The Food!

With such a choice of delicious menus here at Coombe Lodge it is always worth deciding with each other what style you both would like. Would it be a sharing style like our Valencienne menu or the more formal sit down menu like our Mechlin & Reticella? Our event managers are always more than happy to offer advice where needed.

* Finalise Your Guest List

Time to get this finalized – any last minute additions to be added ready for sending out the invitations.

3-5 Months Before The Big Day….

* Send Out Wedding Invitations

Traditionally invites are sent out 6-12 weeks before the wedding but you can send them sooner if you prefer. Include information for your guests on overnight accommodation, transport, parking and any dress code if appropriate. Include reply cards to ensure they all RSVP and ask your guests if they have any specific dietary requirements.

* Have Your Planning Meeting

This is one of our favorite parts of the planning where we get to meet you and begin the preparations for the big day! This meeting is a great way for us to answer any questions you need answers to…

* Organise Your Ceremony Music

Your Vicar/registrar will be able to advise further. Here at Coombe lodge we recommend to have your walking down the aisle song, around 3 to 4 tracks for when signing the register (always nice to have some background music at this point) and finally your exit music – make sure it’s an upbeat one, you’ve just got married!!!

* Wedding Dress Fittings

Top Tip – If you’ve already got your wedding shoes, bring them along. If not, bring some with a similar heel height.

* Hair & Make-Up

Get an idea of who is out there, contact and speak to several to find who is right for you. Once decided it is a good idea to organize your trials to help create the look you want on the big day.

3 Months Before The Big Day….

* Buy The Wedding Rings

Make sure they are both the right size and that your wedding ring will sit comfortably alongside your engagement ring if you plan to wear them together.

* Buy Any Accessories

There is a huge range of wedding accessories available nowadays, so you can choose from a beautiful tiara, gorgeous jewellery, or a majestic veil…or all three! Think about whether you want your bridesmaids to be accessorised too.

* Buy Decorations For The Tables & Venue

Deciding on decorations for you day is where you can be really fun and creative (need we say Pinterest again?!). You can do as much or as little as you want depending on your theme and how personal you want your wedding to be! Whatever you decide to use, you can leave the decorating to us!

Top Tip: Sometimes florists can provide items like tea lights, candelabras etc so it is always helpful to check with them first before you buy your own.

* Organise Gifts For The Wedding Party

Thank you bouquets for the mothers of the bride and groom are always a traditional favorite. Personalized gifts however, with your own message engraved make very special keepsakes.

2 Months Before The Big Day….

* Meet With Your Photographer To Discuss Plans For The Day

This is the time to run through the group shots you want and how many? Weather plan for the ‘just incases’ and timings.

* Review The Playlist With Your Evening Entertainment

Make sure you have those classics to get everyone up on that dancefloor!

* Let Loose At Your Hen/Stag Dos!

Finally, something you hopefully haven’t had to plan! So leave the wedding plans behind and go and celebrate!

1 Month Before The Big Day….

* Have The Final Dress Fitting

Make sure to take your mum, sister or best friend along to this one! Don’t forget the tissues.

* Final Numbers Stage & Payment

Send all your final numbers, dietaries and final changes to the day to your event manager. From this payment will be required.

* Create Your Table Plan

Now all of the invitations have been chased up it is time to decide who is sitting where. You’ll need to consider this carefully. Who knows who. Who will get on with who? This takes careful consideration, so don’t panic when you find yourself doing several drafts!

* Book Beauty Appointments

You’ll be needing these! Having your nails done or a treatment before the wedding day will ensure that you enter the celebrations with a wonderfully calm state of mind.

Top tip – Facials are great at relieving any stress build up…. Stress-free = spot-free.

1 Week Before The Big Day….

* Final Check With Suppliers

This is the point for any last minute adjustments and to simply re-confirm timings with everyone.

* Delegate All Roles To The Wedding Party

Get everyone together (bridesmaids, groomsmen, family members) to run through all roles so everyone including yourselves are fully prepared. This helps with the stress – trust us!

* Pick Up The Suits

Grooms – go for the final fitting and pick up your suits.

* Organise Decoration Drop Off

You will be having plenty of contact with your event manager so this can be arranged with them.

Top Tip – Create a checklist for the decorations and where you want them to go just so you know you have everything covered (and our staff will love you for it!)

* Pack For The Honeymoon

You’re going on the holiday of a lifetime so take time to pack the essentials!

* Have Your Beauty Treatments

Go for pre-wedding and honeymoon waxing or fake tanning in good time before the big day. Get eyebrows shaped and anything else that needs attention done the week before, not the day before.

Don’t forget the groom….make sure he gets a haircut!

One Day Before The Big Day….

* Have The Day Off To Relax

Spend the day with friends or family and don’t do anything too exhausting.

* Have Your Nails Done

It is always a good idea to book to have your nails done in the afternoon to avoid chips and breaks.

* Try Get An Early Night!

You’re getting married in the morning!Do something nice with your friends! It’s your wedding eve and now is the time for ultimate relaxation! Whether you want to have a nice meal out or having the friends over for a chilled evening, tonight is all about being RELAXED.

THE BIG DAY

On your wedding day, the one thing you should try to keep in mind is that it’s not the end of your wedding planning, it’s the beginning of your marriage. So whatever may happen on the day, your marriage is what really matters most, and that’s why it will be a wonderful day you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Whatever style or size your wedding is, you will be completely prepared for the big day with this ultimate checklist.

Your Somerset Destination Wedding

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 13:52:18 GMT

The wedding night has soon become the wedding weekend, with more and more couples planning activities and celebrations that span a few days compared to a few hours, and here at Coombe Lodge we say – why the hell not!

So in today’s blog we are going to share with you our pro tips in how to make sure your wedding guests feel well and truly taken care of, we will highlight things to do and see in the Bristol & Somerset area, with an aim to always offer your guests a stay they won’t forget!

The Day Before The Big Day…

You are most likely going to be busy scanning that checklist, packing your essentials for the big day (don’t forget the dress!) and tying up all those loose ends, so entertaining your guests the day before isn’t going to be high up on your list. No need to panic we have you covered; there is plenty around the Somerset and Bristol area for them to do. We have curated the list below of fun activities that will encourage them to explore the area and enjoy your wedding as a mini-vacation.

The City Of Bristol…

If there was ever a city with a story to tell, it is Bristol. Enveloped in the hills of the south-west, it has its own unmistakable identity full of culture, great eateries and amazing family days out. With such a wealth of options we have shortlisted a few to suit all guests:

Tour the harbour by ferry

Why not explore Bristol from the water? Bristol’s harbourside is home to sites such as Brunel’s SS Great Britain and ‘The Water Shed’ along with a huge range of bars, restaurants, markets and amazing cafés for the foodies out there. If they are lucky, your guests may even venture under the Clifton suspension bridge – now that would be cool!

Check it out: www.visitbristol.co.uk

We the Curious

We the Curious is a state-of-the-art visitor attraction, offering an amazing world of hands-on discovery perfect for those guests with little ones in tow. So for those looking to entertain the children for hours on end then ‘we are the curious’ with over 300 exhibits offers this in abundance!

Check it out: www.wethecurious.org

Take the plunge at Clifton Lido

The Lido is a great romantic opportunity for couples who are interested in a spot of relaxation. With a pool for your guests to bathe in all day, along with an alluring list of spa treatments to choose from you can see why this is a popular favourite. To add to it the food is fantastic! Your guests can enjoy a mix and match of fresh tapas with a nice glass of wine – need we say more?

Check it out: www.lidobristol.com

In & Around Somerset…

Think of Somerset and what comes to mind - stunning views across open countryside, sandy beaches, superb strawberries, Cheddar cheese and cider? Home to the legendary Glastonbury Festival, Mulberry handbags and Arthurian Legends – Somerset has so much to offer that it was a tricky task for us to shortlist to just three options.

The Strawberry line

Why not rent some bikes and cycle down the idyllic strawberry line? Starting at Yatton (where you can get the bikes), the line runs all the way to Cheddar creating the perfect day out for all. Stop off half way at the famous Thatcher’s pub for a pint or two and then continue your journey to Cheddar gorge where you can embrace the natural beauty of the area. One top tip – tell your guests to leave a full day for this activity, as it is a cool 10-mile stretch!

Check it out: www.thestrawberryline.org.uk

The City of Wells

Although it is the smallest city in England, it certainly packs a punch! Situated in the heart of Somerset, Wells has many attractions to keep your guests entertained. Whether it is visiting historical buildings like the cathedral or Bishops Palace or simply to have a potter around the shops and to eat to their hearts content in all the little eateries it has to offer. For those with little ones do not worry there is the perfect playground for them too!

The Newt

New to the scene, The Newt is a country estate with the aim to celebrate all things of our county, with a deep focus on the local and sustainable. With woodlands and state of the art gardens to explore the Newt has been designed to help guests relax and switch off. With a garden-to-table menu in the restaurants, as well as botanically based treatments in the world-class spa, you’ll find nature incorporated into every nook and cranny. The perfect option for all, whether it be a family day out or a couple retreat this place has something for everyone.

Check it out: www.thenewtinsomerset.com

The Night Before…

This is your time to relax, spend time with your family and get excited for the big day! Why not get everyone together who has travelled down the night before to enjoy a homely dinner.

The award winning country pub The Litton offers the perfect home-away-from-home experience, serving amazing food, great atmosphere and perfect accommodation for those looking to stay close by.

If more accommodation is required then head to our accommodation page.

The Day After You Say ‘I Do’…

If you have done your job, your guests will have bonded by the end of the wedding night and thus will want a final opportunity to hang with their new friends...never forego the opportunity to create a lasting bond and a memory with a post-wedding lunch? It will additionally give you a chance to hear the behind the scenes stories from your closest people.

For those who want to hang around then we would recommend booking a table at the sort after Yeo Valley canteen. Renowned for their yoghurts, yeo valley opened their doors to the public offering a menu to get your taste buds tingling whilst looking out to what we can only describe as a jaw-dropping view! However, you have to be quick – tables go fast here! www.yeovalley.co.uk/the-canteen/

Therefore, whether you have already booked or are still on the lookout for your dream Somerset wedding venue with close proximity to Bristol then Coombe Lodge can offer this in abundance. With its far-reaching views across the Somerset countryside, Coombe Lodge offers the perfect escape for your guests to relax and dance the night away at your exclusive wedding whilst offering amazing destinations right on the doorstep.

If you’re newly engaged and would like to have a look around our beautiful venue in the Somerset countryside, please just get in touch by calling 01761 463355. And if you’ve already booked with us but are struggling to source suppliers for your big day, then why not give us a call and share the load? We are here to help.

New Year - New Trends

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 11:10:26 GMT

Happy New Year!

We cannot wait to see all of our 2020 couples tie the knot after almost 2 years of planning for most.

But the question on most people’s lips is, what is this year’s up and coming trends.

I don’t know about you, but we absolutely love flicking through a bridal magazine, scrolling through Instagram and getting carried away on Pinterest. But that still can be overwhelming and perhaps make that theme or colour scheme decision even more challenging than it already is.

Do not be alarmed! This is why we have created this blog...to make it easier for you, or to throw an extra spanner in the works.

So what is this year’s biggest wedding trends...?

The Year

Getting married in 2020.

It seems that 2020 is the year to get married. That is a trend in itself! - you would not believe the amount of enquiries we have received from couples who wish to get married this year and still are receiving.

We really do wish we could accommodate all of you lovely couples, but 365 days just isn’t enough time! But to all of you lucky ones that have managed to secure your date with us this year, big tick to you! We hope you’re as excited as us about your big day at Coombe Lodge.

Colours

Greys - We know, we thought that too.

But actually after seeing even more of it, We are completely in love with the concept. Add a splash of sage greens, dusty blues or lavender you are onto an insta style wedding!

We have created a Pinterest board over on our Coombe Lodge Pinterest for you to see what we mean...you can thank us later.

Location Location Location

Every year we see more and more brides and grooms dreaming of getting married outside and ‘Garden Weddings’ are starting to become the in thing for 2020.

We really do know just how lucky we are with how stunning our courtyard and gardens look set up for a civil ceremony and for your garden party, before you sit down to celebrate your marriage with your guests.

Add in some garden games, pimms and maybe even table tennis and you’ve created your own Wimbledon inspired wedding party in our stunning gardens. Weather permitting of course, we do live in England!

We all have our fingers crossed here at Coombe Lodge for sunshine this year. Because we love the sound of the garden party trend, we are pretty sure you will love it too.

The Dress

Possibly the biggest decision a woman will ever have to make in her life, no pressure ladies.

So here we are doing the research for you, so that we can keep you in the loop on what you will find on the rails when you go on the biggest hunt of your life for that perfect dress.

Textures, that’s right it’s not all about the perfect silky smooth dress. Textures have arrived, whether it be 3D flowers, added lace or some beading and even sequins. If you have at least one of these extra textures you really are onto a dress to remember.

Detachable Train, they are making a comeback, stepping onto the aisles a few years ago they are here to take over 2020, just in a different way. Create two looks from one dress with that little accessory. We think they are absolutely to die for. The great news is, if you want to jump onto this one, you may be able to sweet talk your bridal store to add it on.

You may need to see all do this to believe it, so of course what have we gone and done?! Gone straight to our Wedding Inspo bible aka Pinterest and created yet another Pinterest Board dedicated to THE dress.

The Suits

We thought we best not leave the men out on this one, it’s kind of their day too right?!

So here goes, what are the men going for this year to stand out from the crowd? To make sure they are looking extra dapper on their big day too?

Navy, yup that’s right. Nothing to over the top, just a classic navy. Any groom, groomsman or groomsmaid would look incredible in Navy.

But, go on splash out, let’s go a little more out there shall we?! After all it is the year of 2020.

A little at a time though, we know it’s not for everyone.

Patterned ties, step away from the plain tie. That was so last year.

Why not try floral, spots or stripes. Tie it in with your bridesmaid’s dresses, perhaps dusty blue? And there you have it, so on trend yet not over the top or out of your comfort zone. A little something always goes a long way.

But what if you’re feeling brave, let’s go for it. A contrast vest? Or maybe even a velvet jacket. We said it, velvet has made a comeback. Gents are you feeling brave, we think you can pull it off. Go on stand out on your big day, it doesn’t always have to be about the dress (we know it does ladies, but we have to boost the grooms confidence too) it’s all about YOUR suit too.

There’s only one thing for it, get onto Pinterest ! We have had so much fun creating new boards to go with every trend in our first blog of 2020.

We can only apologise now for any confusion that is caused from this post, just remember you don’t have to do everything.

Or you’re welcome for all the inspo and here’s to the trendiest weddings of the year.

Dine, Stay & Unwind At Coombe Lodge.

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 11:10:28 GMT

We were incredibly excited and lucky to have the oppotunity to launch our new project for Summer 2020 - Dine, Stay and Unwind at Coombe Lodge near Bristol & Somerset.

Those who were looking for a place to escape, relax and put their feet up then Coombe Lodge had exactly that to offer you. Our country house is set within the picturesque countryside but amazingly only a stones throw away from the vibrant city of Bristol. Never before had Coombe Lodge been open in this way which meant that it was an amazing opportunity for our friends, old and new, to come and enjoy the food, stunning gardens and landscape and even have a relaxed overnight stay.

Our experienced and creative team were eager to welcome lots of friends past and present to enjoy Coombe Lodge in a completely new way.

Our Dine, Stay and Unwind events were an amazing success with rates from £290 for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast (Inclusive price for two guests)!

The Stay Included....

Overnight stay for two, in one of our luxurious bedroom suites

A Welcome Drink

Three course à la carte menu with coffee

Sumptuous breakfast

Time to explore the grounds, play table tennis and garden games or simply relax with drinks in the Library or outside in the beautiful gardens.

(Check-in from 3pm, check-out by 11am)

For A Limited Time Only...

As soon as we are able, we will be recommencing with our events and weddings and so Dine, Stay and Unwind is only going to be around for a limited time. If you have a birthday, anniversary or special celebration coming up, or just need the perfect excuse to treat yourselves, please get in touch by calling 01761 463 355 or send an email to info@coombelodge.co.uk.

The Team At Coombe Lodge Wish You A Merry Christmas!

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 11:10:24 GMT

It is officially our favourite time of year again to sprinkle Christmas cheer! Whether your partner has just popped the question or you’re dreaming of opening a sparkly gift underneath the tree, we are well and truly getting in the Christmas spirit here at Coombe Lodge.

The Christmas trees are up, the halls are dec’d with bells and holly (well not quite but that’s how the song goes) the fires are lit and of course we’ve got Michael Buble’s Christmas album playing. If that doesn’t put anyone in the Christmas mood we aren’t really sure what will.

It may be cold outside, but here at Coombe Lodge we are so lucky that we get to see the wind blowing, the leaves dropping and hopefully some snow falling, from the comfort of our stunning house. We promise it is so cosy in here. Especially with our open fires on in the Lounge and Library.

The festive weddings have been in full swing, with Gold & Red or Blue & White colour schemes. Those beautiful festive colours, that when you see them you know it is the festive season. All of our couples are fully embracing it and going all out for their winter wonderland and cosy Christmas feeling.

We really are all feeling like Santa’s little helpers making sure all the finishing touches are in place and everything happens when it should and ensuring those Christmas Wedding Wishes truly do come true.

From us all here at Coombe Lodge, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas (we hope those who are waiting for that special gift under the tree get it) and we look forward to celebrating many more weddings with you in 2020 X

Choosing Your Wedding Breakfast

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 12:52:20 GMT

One of the things that we pride ourselves on here at Coombe Lodge, is the excellent quality of our cuisine.

We know that when our customers are planning their perfect wedding day, the food is often one of their top priorities. After all, there aren’t many occasions when you invite all of your loved ones to dinner in one room.

We’re especially proud of our kitchen team, led by Head Chef Dave Bonner, so for this month’s blog we decided to hand the reins over to him to give us his advice for choosing your wedding meal.

A Chat With Dave...

'On the Coombe Lodge website are a list of menus that have been carefully designed by myself and my team, hoping to suit all tastes and budgets. We update these menus fairly regularly, so we know that when it comes to choosing your wedding meal, you’re likely to find something that suits you here.

One of our favourite things to create is the Valencienne menu, as we believe that it has something for everybody and it gives us the chance to use so much of the local produce that comes from Somerset. How about a few platters to start, consisting of Chew Valley smoked chicken, Lye Cross Cheddar or Somerset glazed ham? And then for the main event, we know that you can’t go wrong with a beautifully roasted sirloin of beef or rolled leg of local lamb.

Whilst we love using meat from local farmers, we’re also very aware that vegetarianism and veganism is on the rise too, and we also love being creative with our non-meat and non-dairy dishes, of which there are plenty available on all of our menus.

How about saffron linguine with courgette ribbons, or our hoisin and vegetable sushi roll with chilli and spring onions? The team here have years of experience and we know how important it is to get this bit of your day absolutely right. That’s why we love to meet all of our customers before their big day – it gives us the opportunity to show off some of the dishes that they’re thinking about, and also the chance to get to know them a little bit. After all, on the day itself we’ll be busy in the kitchen so we don’t get to see them as they celebrate.

If you’re worried about fussy eaters or unusual diets, that’s not a problem for us either. As long as you provide us with a list of all of your requirements in plenty of time and we’ll make sure that you and your guests are all catered for to a very high standard.

The other thing that I’d recommend is that you spend a bit of time choosing wine and soft drinks that will accompany your dishes. We are here to help with this too, and to be honest our team here loves nothing more than chatting to you about food and drink.’

Thanks Dave!

The Best Of British

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 10:10:23 GMT

Our team here at Coombe Lodge, one of the south west’s quintessentially English properties, have been giving some thought to all of the great things that weddings and events source, both from mainland Europe and the rest of the world.

Understandably, this has made us think about what a purely British wedding at Coombe Lodge would look like. We realised that we already know so many amazing local suppliers, and we wanted to share some of them with you so that regardless of what happens politically during 2019, you can source all elements of your big day from the UK.

The Food

There is no reason to look outside of the UK when sourcing your wedding food, and in our kitchens here at Coombe Lodge, we aim to buy as local as possible. We know that locally sourced food, without the stress of food miles, is going to taste better. Our menus are updated regularly and we offer something for everyone. How about our Devon crab bisque to start, followed by Roast rump of Mendip lamb on wilted spinach with gremolata butter, gratin potato and a red wine reduction? And surely everybody would appreciate somelocally grown strawberries if you’re getting married in the summer? Talk to one of our team who can put you in touch with our Head Chef about where we will source your wedding breakfast from.

The Drink

British wines have undergone a bit of a resurgence in recent years, and we are now almost spoilt for choice. Some of our favourite UK grown tipples include Nyetimber’s Classic Cuvée 2009 to serve as a toast. We also love a jug of Pimms to offer guests in the summer months, or a mulled Somerset cider in colder seasons.

The Flowers

Flowers are one of the areas of a wedding or an event that traditionally have the most air miles. They are often flown to the UK from South America or Africa, via The Netherlands, and then to the florist who makes them for your wedding. We are noticing lots of local florists who either grow their own blooms or who buy from local growers – as you’re choosing your wedding bouquets, why not ask your florist where they’re planning to get their flowers from? Or specify that you only want UK grown flowers in your bouquets and see what they can come up with.

The Clothes

One of the things of which we are most proud is the UKs fashion industry, and regardless of what your budget is, there are plenty of options available. Somerset’s own Sassi Holford has her studio and store in Taunton, and we often see Sassi brides here at Coombe Lodge. Likewise, Alice Temperley, Jenny Packham or Vivienne Westwood all offer both stunning bespoke and off the peg designs, but you don’t need to spend your entire wedding budget on the dress. Monsoon, Marks and Spencer and Next all also offer some beautiful wedding dresses for a fraction of the price. We’re also noticing second hand gowns becoming more popular, and Oxfam have their own bridal boutiques in some areas as well as a large selection online at www.oxfam.org.

Keeping The Teens Entertained!

Sun, 30 Jun 2019 12:52:21 GMT

One of the things we are proudest of at Coombe Lodge, is that we have the ability to make every single wedding totally unique and can be as flexible as our couples want them to be!

After all, our stunning wedding venue, set within 15 acres of beautiful Somerset countryside, yet only 13 miles from the buzzing city of Bristol, offers the perfect backdrop to your very special day. It is the couples themselves, their ideas and personalities, and their families and friends that really make their day.

And this means that whoever you want to invite to your big day, Coombe Lodge offers something to keep them happy - including teenagers.

You might have made the difficult (or not!) decision to not invite children to your wedding. So where does this leave you with older children? Especially if they’re really close to you and your partner? Here are a couple of ideas of ways of keeping them entertained.

1. Create A Special Drink Or A Mocktail

We’ve seen this work well at Coombe Lodge weddings in the past. After all, anyone younger than 18 will be too young to enjoy a toast, or to make the most of our fabulous bar. But we’d be very happy to produce a bespoke mocktail, or a substitute toast for the teens in your life, to make them feel every bit as involved as the adults in the group.

2. Favours

So often, it’s entertaining the younger children in your wedding party that many brides and grooms focus on. But teenagers still need entertaining. Have a think about some special, personalised favours that might include things to keep them busy. You might have decided that you definitely want your big day to be a ‘tech-free’ zone, but there are other bits and bobs that you could put in a goody bag to keep them busy. Maybe a disposable camera or a doodle pad and pens?

3. Selfie Area

If there is one thing that the majority of teenagers today seem to love, it’s a selfie. This generation is so in tune with mobile phones and taking pictures, that it can often be a really good idea to have a ‘selfie’ area in your reception, or perhaps set up a frame for ready-made Instagram shots. You could always take this further, and ask the teens in your wedding party to provide a bit of help to others who might be trying to take their own selfies.

4. Give Them A Job

Which leads us on to the next recommendation, that is to give your teenagers a job. Let’s face it, everybody loves to feel involved in your day, and there will be loads of jobs that you can give to them to do. From keeping an eye on younger children, to making sure that everybody has a copy of the Order of Service, there are loads of things to keep them busy and make them feel involved. Ask us for some more ideas – with so many weddings under our belt, we can usually think of things that have worked well in the past, and we might be able to help you to come up with some ideas.

5. Create A Chill Out Space/Movie Room/Tech Room

OK – this might be a bit controversial, but it might be that if your ceremony is likely to last for most of the day, you may well decide to let the younger people in your wedding party have some time out from the partying. If you want to make sure that their parents are able to celebrate with you for as long as possible, then it might be worth considering having a ‘chill-out’ room for the teens and children in your party. You don’t necessarily need to have the latest X-Box or PS4, a recently released film or a couple of tablets with games already loaded can also work really well.

New Paragraph

The Dress Code

Fri, 31 May 2019 12:52:25 GMT

New Paragraph

A Photographer's Insight ~ Featuring Alex & Will's Spring Wedding

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 08:53:43 GMT

Here at Coombe Lodge, the idyllic country mansion wedding venue near Bristol and Weston-Super-Mare, we love it when our happy couple's share with us their wedding photo's. Alex and Will tied the knot with us in April and their photographers Nicola & Glen have given us a small insight to their beautiful day!

"An inspirational collaboration between style and nature led Alex and Will’s wedding at Coombe Lodge near Bristol to absolutely evoke the beauty of Spring. The North Somerset countryside, where this gold stoned building is nestled, had awoken to an abundance of daffodils and blossoms. A fresh floral scheme in white and green echoed the flourishing outdoors. Pale green accents and clean design infused a modern look with the bucolic feel of the season. Most beautifully of all was an all white wedding cake with a cascade of delicate sugar worked orchids! Against this perfectly pretty setting Alex and Will said their vows and celebrated with dinner and dancing in the elegant surrounds of Coombe Lodge. Our Bride wore a romantic Suzanne Neville design that moved with the wind and looked absolutely sensational. We loved the quiet poise with which Alex and Will enjoyed their special day. It was a joy to capture and a fabulous way to start our 2019 wedding season!"

Getting Rid Of The Pre-Wedding Stress

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 13:52:26 GMT

In our blog last month, we wrote about how the new year is a great time to really focus on what’s important, and how those lessons are relevant for wedding planning too. The team here at Coombe Lodge, our stunning country wedding venue near Bristol, absolutely love working with all of our clients as they get ready for their big day, but one thing that continues to make us sad is the fact that so many people find wedding planning stressful. It can really take it out of you, often regardless of how much help you have readily available.

So we wanted this blog to be a little bit of TLC for you. A helpful friend if you like, to give you a few little tips as you embark upon planning one of the most important and memorable days of your life. Here goes:

1. Your Guests Are There For You

This is often overlooked but is the one thing that we can confidently, hand on heart, say is absolutely true. Your guests are there to support you, and really all that matters to them is that you are happy and have a wonderful day. If you haven’t got around to making those 100 handmade favours that you’d planned to, it really doesn’t matter. If you and your partner didn’t quite get to grips with your ‘first dance’ lessons, it doesn’t matter. The more relaxed you both are, the more relaxed your guests will be and they’ll have a wonderful time as long as you do.

2. Take Some Time Out

This one is really important. Often, the best dates in some venues can get booked up far in advance. Here at Coombe Lodge we often find summer Saturdays can get booked up to two years in advance. This means that you could be planning and preparing for your wedding for over a year. That’s a long time to be focusing on something and so one piece of advice that we would give couples is to take some time out from it all if you can. Once you’ve got the big things booked, like the venue, caterers (not an issue here as we have our own in-house kitchen team), entertainment and photographer, be rest assured that the rest will slot in to place. Why not start a yoga class, or book a night or two away somewhere, just the two of you? Why not enjoy the engagement, and make the most of the lead up to this really magical day?

3. Something Will Go Wrong

We pride ourselves on being expert wedding planners, and at Coombe Lodge we have a full team in place here with years of wedding planning experience. So we shouldn’t say that something will go wrong, and hopefully it won’t! But quite often, a slip up does happen. Great Uncle Clive might get lost. Your mum might wear the same outfit as somebody else. It might rain even though the weather forecast looked great. Somebody might tread on your veil. Your old pal might drink too much champagne and fall over. It’s really important to get things into perspective and to understand that as long as the two of you are having an amazing day, nothing else really matters. And from talking to many of our couples after their wedding day, we now understand that often it’s these slip ups that keep people talking, and laughing about the occasion in months and years to come. So go with it, and be prepared to adapt as the day unfolds.

4. Share The Load

So often we see one person taking on the majority of the planning. They might have looked forward to this day and planned it in their head since way before the proposal, so it’s perfectly normal that they should probably want to take control. But this can lead to stress, and so even if your other half doesn’t seem that bothered by the minute details, share it with them anyway. Keep talking. We all know that bottling things up often makes them a lot harder to deal with, so talk about your decisions to anyone who will listen. And feel free to offload some jobs too – everybody loves being trusted enough to be asked and it’s a really nice thing to get your friends and family involved too.

5. Be Comfortable

This is a tricky one. By this we mean, choose your dress bearing in mind that you’ll be wearing it all day. Choose it based upon the fact that you’re likely to be sitting, standing, walking and dancing, all for fairly long periods of time. With men, bear in mind that three piece suits can get hot and itchy in baking July sunshine. The more comfortable the happy couple is, the more comfortable their guests will be so as you choose your outfits, it’s worth bearing these things in mind.

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New Year, New You!

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 11:12:10 GMT

The team at Coombe Lodge, our stunning (and award winning!) wedding and events venue in Somerset, has been doing the same as millions of people all over the country, and having a bit of a think about what we’d like to get out of 2019, both personally and professionally.

Working in the wedding industry, we spend our time with really positive people which definitely helps with our mental attitude. But organising weddings is a job that comes with huge responsibility and is one that we take very seriously. We’ve collectively chatted about our new year’s resolutions, and in doing so realised that sharing them might help some of our customers and followers in their wedding planning too! So here goes, the Coombe Lodge guide to making sure that 2019 is the best that it can be for all of us!

1. Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

This is such a big one for us. At Coombe Lodge we pride ourselves on getting every little detail just right. And we’re happy to say that for the most part, it’s the little things that people notice and that we think, sets us apart from our competitors. That said, sometimes, it’s really important to keep your mind on the bigger picture, so you can concentrate on the important things and leave us to look after the tiny details.

2. People Are More Important Than Things

When we talked about this in our office, we all agreed that we want to make sure that the focus in our personal and professional lives is on the people, not things. When you look back on your wedding photographs in years to come, you’ll really enjoy looking at who was there, who said what to get you to laugh, who was the first on the dance floor and so on. We pride ourselves on making sure that our customers are our number one priority – if you are happy, then we are happy, and it means that we’ve done our job well. And that’s really all that matters to us.

3. Social Media Is Only Important To A Point

We are as guilty as anyone of spending time on social media. Yes, we use it to promote our venue, and yes, we all also use it on a personal level. As far as looking for inspiration goes, you can’t beat Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. And just like you, we are guilty of being slightly obsessed with having a look through other people’s wedding pictures. But when it comes to your big day, it’s really important to make sure that social media doesn’t overshadow what’s really important.

4. Look After Yourself

Like millions of people across the UK, in our team we’ve all decided to be fitter and healthier in 2019. We work long hours, and all too often it’s very easy for us to grab something quick to eat that perhaps isn’t as healthy as it could be. We also all want to make sure that we get exercise and fresh air whenever possible. Instead of seeing it as a distraction, and something that takes up valuable time, we are now going to see it as something that enables us to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. And that will hopefully extend to the service that we provide here at Coombe Lodge. As you’re planning your own wedding or event, make sure that you take time out for yourselves, and don’t get too bogged down and overwhelmed with the ‘to do’ list.

5. Don't Follow The Crowd

In case you didn’t know, we came Highly Commended in a very prestigious award ceremony last November. We were thrilled to receive the accolade and are still shouting about it from the rooftops. It’s proven to us how important it is to follow our instinct, and to be individual. We know that we can make ourselves stand out by offering something a little different and by being unique and it’s worth remembering this for your wedding. Imitation may be the best form of flattery but don’t be afraid to do things your way, and to stand out from the crowd.

So there you have it, our top new year’s resolutions from Coombe Lodge. If you’re newly engaged and would like to discuss your wedding at our beautiful venue in the Somerset countryside, please just get in touch by calling 01761 463355. We’d love to hear from you and would be delighted to show you around, and to talk through your plans for your special day!

Coombe Lodge – Your Award Winning Venue!

Sun, 23 Dec 2018 11:10:21 GMT

The last couple of months have gone like a flash here for us all at Coombe Lodge with the festive season very much fast approaching. It does however go without saying that they have been a very exciting couple of months and we were thrilled to announce that our beautiful wedding venue, located in Blagdon, Somerset, came Highly Commended (in the countryside venue category) in the Wedding Industry Awards.

Why does this mean so much to us? Because it’s voted for by our brilliant couples – those who we’ve helped to get married in the past, and perhaps those who we are currently working with to get married in 2019 and beyond. And that’s really what matters to us.

After all, we are very proud of our venue anyway. You only have to look at some of the images on our website to see that it’s pretty special here. But to learn that so many of our couples think the same, means an awful lot to us.

When we found out that we’d won, our Events Director Tom said:

‘To even be acknowledged in these prestigious awards is a huge achievement for us, so to come Highly Commended is thrilling for the whole team here at Coombe Lodge. The fact that this award has been voted for by our couples means a great deal’.

And he’s right. Because we know that we can’t just rely on the beauty of our house and its surroundings. We know that you need the whole package for your big day. From the hugely talented kitchen team, working tirelessly to make sure that you have a wedding breakfast of your dreams, to the events’ team who get to know you so well in the months leading up to your wedding day. From our housekeepers who ensure that there are no surfaces left untouched when they prepare the house for your arrival, to the bar and waiting staff, whose responsibility it is to ensure that you and your guests have a party to remember. And don’t forget our team of gardeners, who make sure that our sweeping driveway and gardens look immaculate each and every time you come to Coombe Lodge.

The awards ceremony that our team attended took place at our sister venue, Rockbeare Manor, near Exeter in Devon. It was wonderful for us to have a night off, and to experience Rockbeare Manor in all its glory! We ate the most delicious food, and danced the night away until the small hours.

The Coombe Lodge Team would therefore like to send out a huge Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout our journey so far and we are very much looking forward to what 2019 has in store for us.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas x

Making Your Wedding Green

Sat, 20 Oct 2018 12:52:27 GMT

Here at Coombe Lodge, our beautiful country wedding and events venue only 13 miles from Bristol, we pride ourselves on many things. Stunning surroundings, comfortable rooms and exquisite food and drink, all go a long way to making your wedding day absolutely perfect. But more and more, we are asked by our couples, how they can ensure that their wedding has as little impact upon the environment as possible, and this is an area that we’re increasingly aware of, and interested in.

It has to be said that traditionally weddings are not the most environmentally friendly activity. So the team here at Coombe Lodge wanted to come up with a few easy tips that can really help if you’re concerned about the potential environmental impact of your wedding.

1. Flowers

The flowers are a very easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. Imported flowers are often flown half-way around the world before they’ve made it in to your bouquet. There are some excellent locally grown flower producers available. Talk to your florist about the origin of their flowers, and options available to you on your day. Whilst they may not be able to work with those special orchids flown from South America, they should be able to work within your colour scheme and create arrangements that are personal to you. Even better, ask whether anyone in your wedding party could help by growing some flowers themselves! And if that’s too much, consider using herbs or foliage from your own gardens to supplement the flowers.

2. Clothes

It might not be an obvious way to reduce your carbon footprint, but nowadays, this is a brilliant way of doing so. For instance, you could choose a dress that you might be able to wear again, or that could be given to a charity shop or re-sold? Likewise, you might be able to find the pre-loved dress of your dreams, which, with a few alterations, will fit like a dream! And if you are going all out for a brand new, custom made wedding dress, you can look for an ethical designer, who shares the same ethos as you do in ensuring that your clothes are as environmentally conscious as the rest of your wedding!

3. Wedding Favours

There are so many options available now when it comes to wedding favours that we’ve struggled to keep our list short! First, many of our guests are now choosing not to have favours – it isn’t necessarily expected. That said, if you do choose to have favours, how about hand-made biscuits? These could also double up as place names, thus reducing even more paper use! Perhaps you could give each guest a small packet of wild flower seeds, or a little bunch of herbs tied in to their napkin? Or perhaps you could write a note, saying that instead of favours, you’ve made a small donation to an environmental charity so that guests might feel that they’re doing ‘their bit’ too. We’ve got lots of favour ideas so please do ask us if you’d like to discuss.

4. Gifts

The gift list is always one that gets our couples debating. Many of you will have already been living together for some time, and you might feel that you just don’t need any more towels or picture frames…You could ask for a donation towards an environmental charity or a cause that is close to your heart. Or perhaps you’d like to work on your garden, and would appreciate vouchers and contributions towards some plants or a water feature? Or if you’re planning on reducing car miles once you’re a married couple, how about some donations towards bikes? Have a look online – we now see so many wonderful gift list alternatives, and it’s brilliant to see what couples come up with.

5. Honeymoon

Guests seem used to helping out with that all important holiday – the honeymoon – in lieu of giving a wedding gift. Lots of companies now specialise in eco-tourism, and will advise on eco-friendly destinations, as well as how you can offset your air miles. If you want to be really green, then a UK break might be for you. Let’s face it, we have so much to offer close to home and you can save travelling time (and money) meaning more time for relaxing with your beloved.

Wedding Stationery

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 12:52:29 GMT

If you're getting married at Coombe Lodge, one of Somerset's most beautiful wedding venue, then you're going to be pretty chuffed once you've picked your date and got it all booked in. So then, surely the hardest bit of planning your wedding is done?

Well, yes you’re right to an extent, although of course there are many more details to think about, too.

One of the things that people often find a little bit stressful is choosing their wedding stationery. After all, we’re not just talking about invites here! With many of our Coombe Lodge couples opting for ‘Save the Date’ cards, as well as formal invites, maps, accommodation details, not to mention table plans and name places, you can see how some people find it a little bit overwhelming! And as with so many wedding related items, the cost can soon add up. We’ve come up with some of our favourite ways to inject a bit of personality in to your wedding stationery, as well as hopefully, keeping the all-important costs down!

1. Make Things Yourself

We totally understand that you’re probably busy enough, what with working, possibly raising children, and planning a wedding. But if you’ve booked a date in 2019 or 2020 (as many people have), then you might want to think about any elements of wedding stationery that you could do yourself in the time between now and then. So many printing companies online can help you to create beautiful works of art for a great price. Or perhaps you are a budding artist yourself? Have a look on Pinterest (see our previous blog) for some great ideas of things that you could perhaps do yourselves.

2. Create A Wedding Website

OK, we know that this isn’t necessarily everybody’s cup of tea. But if you’re catering for a large wedding party, perhaps coming from all corners of the UK, or even the world, then a wedding website can be a really convenient way of keeping all of the information in one place. You could set one up as soon as you set the date, and this of course alleviates the need for sending ‘Save the Date’ cards. Whilst you may still want to send formal, paper invites in the post, it does mean that you could put all of the additional information on the website (such as the ability to RSVP, dietary requirements, maps, information about local accommodation, taxi firms and so on). We’ve seen this work at many Coombe Lodge weddings and can really see that it relieves an admin headache! By giving your friends and family the log in, it means that they also feel part of the preparations as you build up to the big day itself.

3. Use Photographs Instead Of Bespoke Art

You don’t necessarily need to hire a bespoke designer to create your stationery. It might be that you have lots of black and white photographs of you and your partner, which could then be used as the invite? Or perhaps you’ve got some photographs of special places that you’d like to see included in the table names? Maybe you could include an image of Coombe Lodge itself? This can be a great way to inject some very personal touches to your wedding stationery.

4. Ask Friends And Family To Help

Assuming you’ve decided that you are, in fact, too busy to look after the stationery yourself, the chances are that there is somebody close to you who perhaps does have a little more time on their hands, and maybe, is a bit of a creative genius! Have a think about anyone close to you who loves to do a spot of designing or photography. In most cases we’ve found that they really appreciate being asked – it’s a huge honour for them and it hopefully saves you the job of doing it yourself! At the very least, you could set them the task of doing some research in to what could work, for the budget available.

5. Skip Some Elements

Our final tip is that you needn’t think that you have to do absolutely everything that somebody else has done. For instance, ‘Save the Date’ cards are really useful, but can end up costing quite a lot. Is there a way that you could publish the date in an email to your friends and family instead? Or how about a Facebook page? If you’re sending Christmas cards, why not put a mention of your wedding date in those?

Whatever you decide to do for your wedding stationery, it will look fabulous to those who are part of your big day and they’ll appreciate whichever methods and personal touches that you’ve decided upon.

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Getting Pinterest Savvy!

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 12:52:32 GMT

It is safe to say that we are well and truly in the digital age when it comes to planning a wedding. Although there is still some nostalgia to cutting out parts from magazines to create a scrapbook, bulky folders and stacks of handwritten notes, we are finding more often that our couples are turning more towards online tools and platforms to help create their perfect day.

Pinterest plays a huge role for our modern day brides! Whether you are newly engaged, or have been secretly planning your wedding for the last 5 years, it is likely you have stumbled across Pinterest. And by ‘Stumbled across’ we mean……obsessively scrolling, clicking and saving pins of flowers, dresses, cakes and more wedding-related inspiration than you know what to do with!

Although Pinterest is a great tool to have when planning your wedding as it offers endless visual inspiration – it can also become overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Hopefully these friendly pointers will help you become a pro when it comes to using Pinterest to help plan your wedding!

1. Getting Pinterest Ready!

Have you signed up yet? Pinterest has become much more than just a collection of amazing images (although we love looking through them), it is also a great way to gather your ideas, communicate with your suppliers, learn how to become the master of DIY, and help shape your wedding vision. Pinterest gives you access to all the inspiration you will ever need to create your dream wedding - and the best bit about it all is that it is completely free!

2. Using Pinterest The Right Way!

When it comes to navigating your way through Pinterest the key is to maintain an organised approach because if you do not, you could end up feeling overwhelmed very quickly!

Get your boards organised

Once you have signed up you will see on your profile that you have an option to create different ‘boards’ with different titles. Before you start the fun task of pinning it is always worthwhile to think of the priority parts to your day, whether this be the flowers, the dress, décor, your hair and make-up…the list does truly go on. Once you have determined these points a key piece of advice would be to create boards for each category i.e. one for ‘Dream Dress’ this way, you can save each pin to the relevant category and keep things nice and tidy!

Keeping things hush hush

Secret boards are a great use if you are connected to friends and family on Pinterest but want to keep some things as a surprise. You will find the option to create secret boards on your profile; what is great about these boards are that they are only visible to you, so you can pin to your hearts content without giving any of the details away!

Finding your dream pins

Great, so your boards are all neatly categorised and set-up but are currently empty. Where do you start?

When you first sign into Pinterest you have the option to follow certain categories like ‘weddings’, ‘pretty flowers’. By following these certain categories, Pinterest will then tailor your search to reflect this. Therefore, every time you sign-in there will be hundreds of wedding-related pins waiting for you.

Make sure to be specific – Pinterest can be pretty broad so be directive with it, type in your specific colour scheme or theme ‘Vintage Wedding’ etc. The clever thing about Pinterest is that once you click on an image you love, it will suggest similar photos that may help with your inspiration.

Click! Pin! Repeat!

You will find you will get into this rhythm quickly; however, a top tip to add to this sequence is to always take the time to comment. Each time you pin an image make sure to explain why you have chosen to save that particular photo. It can become too easy to just pin image after image and you will soon find yourself with lots of pictures and a confused idea as to why you pinned. Just a simple few words to help explain why you saved certain pictures like ‘love this colour scheme’ will become a helpful reference when you re-visit pins that you have saved months beforehand. By doing this will really help pull all your ideas together.

3. Communicate With Your Bridal Tribe

You will find that most of your bridal party and wedding suppliers also have a Pinterest account. The great thing about sharing your ideas with you bridesmaids etc is that they can help in the decision making process which lets face is priceless support when it comes to planning.

It is also a really easy way to communicate your wedding ideas to your suppliers visually so they know exactly what you’re after when you first meet. For example, by inviting your florist to collaborate on your ‘floral inspiration’ board, they will be able to browse through your pins to get a good idea of your preference and style (this is where the comments come in handy!). Your florist can then add their own inspiration and notes on your original pins to help you bounce ideas of each other!

4.Get Crafty With It!

If you are planning a DIY wedding and wanting to make some of the details yourself then Pinterest is the perfect tool for this especially if you want to save some pennies!

Whether it is creating your own personalised wedding favours or making your own decorations – Pinterest has got you covered. Just search what you are looking for i.e. ‘DIY wedding favours’ and find what you love, simply click through to the original source and laid out before you will be step by step instructions to find out how to do it yourself! What could be better?!

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The Local Area Near Coombe Lodge

Sun, 20 May 2018 10:10:19 GMT

You’re likely to have booked your wedding at Coombe Lodge for a multitude of different reasons. It might be that you are from Somerset, or maybe you wanted somewhere that was relatively accessible for all of your guests to gather. It might be the scenery that attracted you, or the availability on your chosen date – whatever your reason, we can’t think of a more beautiful part of the world in which to get married!

Many of our brides and grooms hail from London and the south east. They tell us they want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and give their guests a chance to breathe deeply and enjoy some of England’s prettiest scenery. We often get asked about the local area, and so we thought we’d focus this blog on things for your guests to do once the wedding is over.

We are ideally located about ten miles outside of Bristol, a vibrant city that has a lot of brilliant attractions, museums and restaurants. We particularly love the SS Great Britain and the MShed. There is so much to do at the Harbourside area, where there are also plenty of great restaurants.

We are also only 18 miles from Bath, a world famous city that needs little introduction. Bath would make a great day out for your guests, and gives them somewhere to go if they’re feeling a little bit ‘delicate’ the morning after the night before! If you’re looking for somewhere to spend your hen party, the Thermae Bath Spa is the ultimate in relaxation.

Our nearest town is Weston-super-Mare, only about nine miles from Coombe Lodge. There you’ll find some great sandy beaches and a traditional British seaside town.

Being located in the south west, with great rail, road and air links means that your guests could coincide coming to your wedding with a short break in Devon or Cornwall afterwards. We are also close to the M4 and M5 motorways, making it possible to take a trip to Wales or further north to the Cotswolds.

We’re based in the rural village of Blagdon, which is also home to Yeo Valley Organic Gardens and dairy. This is a lovely place for all ages to enjoy, although is only open from April until September. Whilst you’re here, you can have a wonder around the gorgeous gardens, and enjoy a quintessentially English cream tea.

Wedding Themes At Coombe Lodge

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 12:52:35 GMT

Once you’ve decided to hold your wedding or party at Coombe Lodge, and you’ve booked your date, the next thing to think about is how you’d like the celebration to look and feel.

You might decide that you don’t want a theme, but our advice would be to give a little thought as to your colour scheme, the sort of people that you are, the types of guest that you think you’ll invite and so on.

Coombe Lodge is a classically stunning venue, set in some of England’s most beautiful countryside. Here are some themes and creative ideas that we’ve seen can work really well.

1.Rustic

This is one of the most beautiful and simplest themes to recreate, and works so well in our rural setting. You could use a neutral colour palette, reflecting the colours in the countryside around Coombe Lodge. We often see Grooms wearing tweed, or softer colours than the traditional black or grey suit. Your flowers could incorporate wild flowers and herbs, and we’ve also seen pheasant feathers used to great effect in buttonholes. Brides always look gorgeous with dainty flowers in their hair. And hessian can look beautiful in our Music Room, working its way in to tables that are laid up for your all important Wedding Breakfast.

2. Vintage

The word ‘vintage’ can mean so many different things, and really does give a huge amount of flexibility. To fit in with Coombe Lodge, which was built between 1928 – 1932, you’d probably bring in some art deco influences in to your styling. But the property’s classic and grand style, with high ceilings and large fireplaces means that fashion and styling from almost any era could work here. We’ve seen 1950s and 60s style weddings here which have also worked really well. Or how about mixing up your timelines, and taking influence from more than one period? Victorian style capes, mixed with art deco jewels in your hair? Remember, it’s your day, so anything goes!

3. Subject matter

It might be that your fiancée and yourself have a particular interest that you’d like to bring in to your celebration. Maybe you both love books, or a particular film? Or maybe you have done a lot of travelling and would like to incorporate elements from different countries in to your big day? This is such a wonderfully personal way to ensure that your wedding is totally unique and centres around you. We’ve seen Harry Potter themed weddings, literary inspired weddings for bookworms, woodland weddings – you name it. And remember, you can use elements from your theme across everything – from the invites, to the table plan, to the outfits, to the flowers, to the food. Be creative!

4. Colour

It might be that you can’t think of one single subject matter that you’d like to use, but you really love one particular colour or colour scheme. Again, use the colour throughout all elements, from the first ‘save the date’ card right through to the wedding breakfast. Or maybe you don’t have a particular colour, but you love polka dots, stripes or pattern? This can also work really well. If you’re struggling to think of something, ask one of our team about what they’ve seen work well in the past.

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Notes From The Bride

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 08:53:42 GMT

We first knew about Coombe Lodge when we attended a wedding there, so when we went to view it ourselves as a venue for us we fell in love even more and nothing compared to it!

Our guests even now cannot stop talking about Coombe Lodge, everyone we speak to says just what an amazing venue we chose to hold our special day.

Also, it has to be said the service we received from all the staff was great, they made us feel special and nothing was too much trouble.

As we were having a summer wedding, we really wanted natural rustic colours with purple tones throughout. We did not have a specific theme but Pinterest was definitely a huge help!

Deciding on ‘The Dress’ was easier than I thought it was going to be. We went to Clifton brides in Bristol where I tried on the Sophia dress designed by Augusta Jones and totally fell in love with it. It was stylishly romantic – a classic boatneck sleeveless A-line lace gown with a V sheer back with a gorgeously sumptuous train. I paired my dress with a full-length delicate veil also styled by Augusta Jones.

The bridesmaids wore beautiful floor length high neck dresses in a mauve all from monsoon – they fitted perfectly with our colour scheme.

I had my hair styled by my hairdresser who has done our family’s hair since I was 12 and drove all the way over from Wales to be with us! I could not have imagined anyone else doing it! I had it curled and to the side with a hair cone trailing through.

My make-up artist Jessie-Claire was one of the recommendations from Coombe Lodge - Jessie was great! She made everyone feel at ease and did exactly what everyone wanted – and it lasted all day!

It was the Grooms job to pick his and his ushers suits – they all looked amazing! They decided on a 3-piece suit from Next and paired it well with pocket squares and ties from TM Lewin.

My florist was Rachel from The Rose Shed . She was fantastic and helped advise us with flowers, as we had no idea! The flowers that made up our bouquets were hand tied but natural, with ivory, lilac and purple tones all tied with twine. Our table centrepieces were a simple design of seasonal flowers with purple tones and greenery in cream jugs.

Elan Cakes made our delicious cake! We knew we did not want a traditional cake so when we met Elan she gave us plenty of samples to try which we loved! We went with a ‘naked cake’ design, which we felt fitted, the theme perfectly. Pinterest again was a great inspiration along with Elan’s advice!

A friend recommended our photographer Jodie to us, she put us to ease from the first time we met her and she was very calm and did not get in the way or demand certain shots like some photographers do. She was amazing and the pictures are incredible! We could not recommend her enough!

We had the Velveteen’s band play for us who everyone seemed to love. A recommendation from someone we work with and also from Wales which was an added bonus!! We also had a photo booth in the form of a horsebox. Dan’s twin had a caravan Photo booth at her wedding and the same company did the horsebox. We thought it was a bit different and again fitted in with our theme. They do not usually travel so far as they are based in Sussex but they agreed to travel to Somerset and we are so glad they did!!

The whole day was amazing! I cannot choose a favourite part – we laughed and loved it all from start to finish! We just wish we could do it all again!!

Words of wisdom from the bride….

My words of wisdom for future brides would be to do what you want to do and all the planning and hard work will pay off! It really is the best day of your life!

Five Twists In Tradition

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:52:38 GMT

Weddings are all about traditions, from the bride not seeing the groom the morning of the wedding to the lucky silver six pence in the shoe. Given the history of wedding traditions it is no wonder that so many bride and grooms find themselves doing something that thousands have done before. We are however finding more couple’s breaking away from tradition and adding a twist to make it truly theirs.

1. The Guest Book

The guest book for years has been a keepsake for words of wisdom for the happy couple. We are however beginning to see a fresh new take on this wedding essential -from messages in bottles to be opened on future anniversaries, to finger print trees or even wooden hearts laid out for everyone to sign. Picking something that you can display or use in future is a brilliantly practical alternative to this wedding tradition.

2. The Wedding Cake

A traditional towering confection is a wedding mainstay and although wedding cake will never go out of style, some couples have begun to forgo tradition in favour of personality. Some delight in towers of cupcakes, doughnuts or macaroons while others ditch cake altogether and favour the savoury option. The Cheese Tower seems to be the new favourite, allowing for several options which will see your guests coming back for more.

3. Throwing the Bouquet

The tradition of the bouquet toss has fallen by the wayside for brides who don’t want to put their single ladies on display. Instead, ideas of presenting the bouquet to a special lady like Grandma are being implemented. What was once an elbow-throwing extravaganza can now be transformed into a special moment.

4. The first dance

When it comes to the first dance, the mere thought of it can leave couples feeling a little nervous.Who, after all wants all eyes on them as they share such an intimate moment with their loved one? It is therefore no surprise that couples are beginning to include their bridal party in a livelier group dance. A great way of getting everyone onto that dance floor to help put a spin on the traditional!

5. The wedding photo’s

It has always been down to the professional to capture the special moments of the day. Couples however have began to call upon their guests to help build the photo portfolio. The use of Instagram has quickly become a popular trend to the big day – by creating their own hashtag couples are encouraging their guests to take pictures which helps collect and share photos from guests. A great way to get all the unforgettable shots of the day!

How To Create The Perfect Wedding Cake

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 12:52:41 GMT

This week we’ve been thinking about wedding cake. The choice of colours, sizes and fillings is endless so we thought we’d put together some helpful tips to ensure you have the cake you’ve always dreamed of!

What style? Take inspiration from your colour scheme, wedding venue and even details from your wedding dress. A great cake should complement your theme.

Which cake designer? Look for someone who specialises in the style of cake you’re looking for. If you have your heart set on a chocolate cake, find a chocolate expert.

What will it taste like? It’s important that your cake tastes as good as it looks so ask to see examples of cakes that have been made as well as having a taste!

Which filling? When it comes to the cake filling, fruit cake is the traditional choice but there are so many options – lemon, chocolate, carrot cake – you could have a different flavour for each tier.

What size? Consider a slightly bigger cake than you need, that way you can save a slice for guests unable to attend and enjoy some when you get back from your honeymoon. Fruit cake is the only filling that still tastes great a few months after the wedding though!

Allergies? Some guests may have a nut allergy so your cake maker could make a nut free cake or even a small cake created especially for them. Alternatively you should let guests with allergies know they should avoid the cake.

What shape? As an alternative to the tiered cake, you could have a profiterole tower, cupcakes, miniature cakes or even a pavlova tower.

The final thing to bear in mind is how will your cake get to the venue? Always check with the cake designer whether they will transport and arrange the cake for you. Bear in mind that fresh patisserie needs to be made the day before, so it isn’t a good idea if you’re getting married a long distance from the cake designer.

Sensational Sunsets

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 10:10:16 GMT

Simply Stunning Sunsets

Coombe Lodge is perfectly situated to capture THE most romantic sunset shots!

As soon as the sun starts to set, a magical glow lights up the sky creating a perfect backdrop for some really special shots with your loved one.

For more images of these special sunset shots, take a look at our Coombe Lodge at Night Pinterest board.

https://uk.pinterest.com/coombelodge/coombe-lodge-night/

Coombe Lodge is open 7 days a week for viewings.

To book yours, please call 01761463355

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Talk To Us About Your Suppliers…

Did You Have A Theme?

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Favourite Part Of The Day?

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Advice For Future Couples?

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Wedding Favour Ideas & Alternatives

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Our Big Day

Advice

Supplier Shout Outs

Real Wedding Inspiration

Why Did You Choose Coombe Lodge As Your Venue?

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The Décor – What Did You Go For? Did You Have Any Inspiration Behind It?

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The Flowers?

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The Dress?

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Photographer?

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Cake?

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Other Suppliers?

Food?

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Extra Bit For Other Suppliers?

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Best Part Of The Day?

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Your Advice For Future Couples…

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Bring On 2021!

Getting To Know Us…

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Tom – Director Of Events

Martha – Senior Event Manager

Jasmine – Event Manager

Clara – Event Manager

Charlotte – Event Manager

Leanne – Events Office Manager

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How Did It Feel To Have A Smaller Wedding Than You'd Originally Planned?

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Was Your Wedding Day Very Different To Your Original Plans?

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