The Best Of British
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.
Originally published:
Wedding Brochure
If you are getting married we have a beautiful wedding brochure that we would just love to pop in the post to you.
