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WEDDINGS
Fancy a lavish banquet in the heart of the city? Check out Bristol Harbour Hotel’s splendid offering
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here’s no denying that planning your nuptials can seem like a Herculean task, especially at the start, when the to-do list is longer than any wedding gown train could ever aspire to be, but they do say that hunting down, deciding on and booking that allimportant perfect venue is the biggest hurdle (after securing the bride/groom, that is) and with that in mind, we thought we’d make a start on the research. Here are just a handful of our favourite venues in the local area to get you started...
intimate party, as friendly and experienced in-house wedding coordinator Emilie will tell you – count on her and her little black book of reliable suppliers to deliver everything you need for the dreamiest day the imagination can conjure. And then at the end of it all, exhausted after dancing until the wee hours, you and select guests can fall into 14 unique bedrooms inspired by the Anatolian period and
featuring chandeliers, open fireplaces, sleigh beds and all the little finishing touches and luxuries you could wish for. • berwicklodge.co.uk
Berwick Lodge Bristol boltholes don’t come much chicer than this stylish country house on the outskirts of the city, with its beautiful collection of individually designed rooms, 18 acres of verdant parkland and gardens and elegant fountain (pictured left) – which puts us in mind of halcyon scenes from a Blytonesque novella and is perfect for a
...The gardens and elegant fountain put us in mind of halcyon scenes from a Blytonesque novella... spot of summery splashing about. Dating back to the 1890s, the property itself – around a 15-minute drive from the city centre – can host a wedding ceremony or reception accommodating 10 to 100 of your nearest and dearest, while there’s space for a marquee reception for up to 400. Its award-winning two AA-rosette restaurant Hattusa takes Berwick’s character and personality and infuses it into a delicious array of modern British food and fine wine, served in flickering candle light with views across the gardens. It’s ideal for an
ss Great Britain Launched in 1843, Bristol’s beautifully restored resident ocean liner is not only steeped in history and blessed with some of the prettiest views in the region, but licensed to officially unite love birds in its versatile spaces above and below deck. There’s a dedicated coordinator available to assist with every step of the planning process, and another major selling point, we think, is the luxurious First Class Dining Saloon – once admired by a young and fashionable Queen Victoria. It can receive up to 160 guests and never fails to charm with its early Victorian design – think marble-styled pillars, Rococo mirrors and candle lanterns. It’s all combined with hidden state-of-the-art technologies and a PA system for the hotly anticipated speeches. With its mirrors and elegant wooden flooring, the Promenade Deck makes for an impressive aisle or a great space for canapés to be guzzled and musicians to play; and the Weather Deck is good for a drinks reception. Exchange vows while surrounded by up to 100 guests below the circular skylight; meanwhile, below deck, there’s the Hayward Saloon, with its dance floor and bar area, which immediately makes us want to party as hard as Jack and Rose during the Irish party in Titanic. After the reception, guests can continue the revelry or explore the ship – as well as acting as master of ceremonies, the chief steward can also provide talks or guided tours. • ssgreatbritain.org THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK
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APRIL 2017
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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 53