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Kayleigh & Scott

To Carol, Guy, Sarah, Sarah and the rest of the team!  Just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you very much for all your efforts to make our wedding day in April so special. We really had the best day and the venue was just perfect – as was the weather. Thank you again.

Emma & Daryl

A MASSIVE thank you to the team on the day for making our day so seamless and amazing. We had a fantastic time!

Chloe & Neil

A huge thank you to Sarah, Sarah and Guy – they were all so attentive and made sure the day ran on time. We are so grateful for all their help on the day and of course for keeping our bubbles topped up! The food was great and all of our guests commented – our compliments to the chef. You really have a fabulous team at Harper and every single staff member at Botleys. Thanks again!

Alex & Nina

We just wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you for a wonderful day yesterday. Everything was really painless and enjoyable and all the staff were eager to help whenever they could. Could you also pass on compliments to the chef as the food (the main in particular) received quite a number of rave reviews during the evening.

Sarah & Philip

Please pass on our sincerest gratitude to all the waiting and bar staff that worked on our day, all of whom performed their duties to the very highest level of professionalism. Everyone commented on how stunning the venue was, which was framed beautifully by the very pleasant weather (we were very lucky in that department), and how great the day was overall. I should also give a special mention to the chefs and catering. The food was good on our taster/testing sessions, but was utterly sublime on the day itself. The lamb was absolutely perfect, the starter great, and the desserts – considerably larger than anticipated – went down superbly.

Katie & Ross

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for making our day absolutely perfect you all are the best!

Nick & Ian

Carol, we just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for making our day so amazing! The guests were blown away with how gorgeous the venue was and how helpful the team were on the day! A big thank you to you too for all the planning and organising – it was so stress free for us…amazing!

Suzanne & Andrew

We literally had the best day ever! All of your help, effort and knowledge over the last 18 months has been outstanding, your staff on the day were incredible, they knew exactly what was happening minute by minute and made the day go so smoothly! Please can you pass on our hugest thanks to Rachel and Guy, they were absolutely brilliant, I can’t fault them at all, they had totally memorised our 9-page wedding call sheet document and knew it better than we did!

Rebekah & Vince

Thank you for your help in the lead up to the wedding and for everyone’s help on the day itself, Vince and I had the most perfect day. It really was amazing.

Maygol & Pairaw

We just wanted to thank you for everything you did over our wedding planning time – we had a wonderful day and your team were truly excellent in looking after us! The day could not have gone any better.

Mother of the bride

Every detail was thought of and catered for and we are grateful that everything was done to the highest standard. All of our guests were extremely impressed with how everything was catered for and the quality of the food and service by your team. Kindly thank all the members of staff that were on duty that day, especially The Master of Ceremony/event planner Guy, he was brilliant. We had a few particular guests, the fact that they all were complimentary is a testimony in itself.

Laura & Richard

Hi Ann, Just to say that we were blown away by the service at Botleys Mansion from yourself and your team during the planning, assistance and continuous communication prior to our Wedding and the invaluable help, advice and support by Barbs and her team on the day. The food was incredible, the timings were impeccable and the service was second to none. We truly couldn’t have wished for a better, more magical day (and the weather was perfect!). Thank you.

Lauren & Sam

Sam and I would like to say a massive thank you to all the staff at Botleys for such a wonderful day! We would also like to thank Ann for all the help with the planning. We had such an amazing day and everyone commented on how amazing the venue was. We have been told by every guest that it was the best venue they have ever been to.

Selina & Richard

Thank you for making our day run so smoothly, it was absolutely wonderful and surpassed all expectations. The food was amazing and far better than we’d even dared to hope, everyone remarked on how amazing the lamb tasted with just the right hint of a little kick and flavour.

Funmi & Peter

Sunday was fantastic, and so were Barbara, Sarah and Guy. Thank you very much for all your help with the arrangements for our wedding. The Harper Team are the best in the business and we would recommend you to anyone.

Frances & Mike

We just wanted to drop you a note to say that we had the most wonderful day on Saturday 4th June. It was everything we had hoped for and more! The Sarah T, Sarah D, Guy and the team were fantastic and everything ran without a hitch! The pork pie cake was a massive hit and absolutely delicious! Thanks again to you and all the team at Botleys for helping to make our day magical!

Rachel & Nathan

We would both like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in making our big day everything we could have hoped for. Upon our very first trip to Botleys Mansion, we were told that we would struggle to find a service and venue that matched anything offered by Harper – you were not wrong!

Mr & Mrs Darrah

Just wanted to message on behalf of my new husband and I, to let you know how amazing our wedding day was! We had such nice weather and it all went perfectly! Botleys was a stunning venue the food was top notch and staff were amazing so thank you!

Mother of the bride

I just wanted to say how impressed I was with the way you handled my daughter Victoria’s wedding day at Botleys Mansion on Sunday 31st July. From the moment we arrived you gave us a warm welcome and seemed to be ever present, calm and just downright helpful.

Lauren & Joe

Just writing to thank you for allowing us to have the most incredible day imaginable. The setting itself really was the stuff that dreams are made of. My sister has already started worrying that she won’t be able to find a comparable venue for her future wedding.

Victoria & Ben

Hi Emma, We just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to you and the team on the day. You have been so helpful with the planning process and the team on the day were unbelievable!! Everybody commented on how smoothly the day ran and it was just the most perfect day ever. Thank you again! We are still on cloud 9.

Elle & Stuart

Thank you so much for all your help in planning our wedding. Stuart and I had the best day on Saturday and it was in large part from all your help in thinking through the logistics and all your help with our planner. Lisa, Sarah and Guy were also wonderful on the day and just made everything run so smoothly. Thank you so much to all!

Katie & Patrick

We just wanted to say a huge thank you for your help planning and organising our wedding. Everything went so smoothly and we wouldn’t have changed a single aspect of the day.

Mercy & Tom

A huge thank you to everyone who helped us prepare for and carry out our wedding. It was such a wonderful day and we had so many people come up and rave about the venue and the service. It was really amazing. Special thanks to Holly for making sure we got all the bits and pieces just as we wanted them. It was everything we hoped it would be!

Mercy & Tom

12-9 months wedding planning
12-9 months wedding planning
9-6 months wedding planning
9-6 months wedding planning
6-3 Months Wedding Planning
6-3 Months Wedding Planning
3 Months Wedding Planning
3 Months Wedding Planning
One Week to go
One Week to go
The Wedding Day
The Wedding Day
After the Wedding
After the Wedding
Belle & Danny’s wedding at Cain Manor
Belle & Danny’s wedding at Cain Manor
Belle says that planning a wedding can be stressful, so her advice is to slow down and don’t try and do everything at once. Danny says “if the Bride wants to take control of planning, let her and support her when she needs it. Happy wife, happy life!”
Charlotte & Ben’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
Charlotte & Ben’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
Even though Charlotte and Ben say, “it went so quickly”, they had the best day, and their ideas were brought to life by their wonderful suppliers and the team at Botleys Mansion. “We can’t thank everyone at Botleys enough. The staff were absolutely amazing and went above and beyond on the day." - Charlotte
Caroline & Mick’s wedding at Cain Manor
Caroline & Mick’s wedding at Cain Manor
“I literally beamed from ear to ear the whole day and all our friends and family just felt the joy in the room from the beginning. Can I please also give a shout out for the food – it was truly the best wedding food we have ever eaten.” – Caroline
GROOMING TIPS FOR THE GROOM
GROOMING TIPS FOR THE GROOM
Harper’s beginner’s guide to grooming the groom; from hair to tanning and more
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING BUDGET
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING BUDGET
A breakdown of what you’ll be spending money on when it comes to your wedding celebration from the wedding venue to food, a dress and beyond…
10 REASONS TO HIRE A WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER
10 REASONS TO HIRE A WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER
If you speak to any of your married friends who hired a wedding videographer to film their special day, we pretty much guarantee that all of them will tell you that it was well worth the money!
THE GROOMS PARTY – WHO IS WHO?
THE GROOMS PARTY – WHO IS WHO?
A guide to who supports the groom during the run up to, and on the big day
WEDDING HAIR IDEAS
WEDDING HAIR IDEAS
Wedding hair ideas and top styling tips from celebrity hair stylist Yilmaz Sahim, owner of the RYS Hair & Beauty, London
STYLISH DÉCOR IDEAS FOR YOUR WEDDING VENUE
STYLISH DÉCOR IDEAS FOR YOUR WEDDING VENUE
Clever, stylish and unique ways to enhance the look of your wedding venue.
THE ULTIMATE WEDDING DAY CHECKLIST
THE ULTIMATE WEDDING DAY CHECKLIST
A handy checklist to ensure the smooth running of your wedding day timetable
EVENING FOOD AT YOUR WEDDING
EVENING FOOD AT YOUR WEDDING
Fun food ideas to serve during your evening wedding reception along with tips and advice on how and when to serve it.
PACKING FOR YOUR WEDDING
PACKING FOR YOUR WEDDING
Aside from being super excited, you’ll have a lot to think about during the run up to your wedding day. Don’t let ‘packing your overnight bag’ be a stressful item on your wedding ‘to-do’ list.
WEDDING RECEPTION IDEAS – FIREWORKS
WEDDING RECEPTION IDEAS – FIREWORKS
Advice for couples planning to end their wedding reception with a magnificent fireworks display
WEDDING TRANSPORT IDEAS
WEDDING TRANSPORT IDEAS
Arriving at your wedding venue in style is a great bit of icing on the cake that is your wedding day. Here’s our roundup of a few of the coolest grand entrances….
PLANNING YOUR HONEYMOON
PLANNING YOUR HONEYMOON
Planning, booking and budgeting for your honeymoon
WEDDING RING IDEAS FOR THE GROOM
WEDDING RING IDEAS FOR THE GROOM
Top advice for an item of jewellery you’ll wear forever
EVENING WEDDING RECEPTION – PLANNING YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
EVENING WEDDING RECEPTION – PLANNING YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
Our experts' guide to planning your evening entertainment to make it a little bit easier.
HOW TO ENTERTAIN CHILDREN AT A WEDDING
HOW TO ENTERTAIN CHILDREN AT A WEDDING
Top ways on how to keep children entertained throughout a wedding; from helping to crafting and more.
THE FIRST DANCE AT YOUR WEDDING
THE FIRST DANCE AT YOUR WEDDING
Tips, information and on-trend advice when it comes to planning the first dance at your wedding.
HEN PARTY PLANNING
HEN PARTY PLANNING
Top tips and planning advice for the girls responsible for throwing the ultimate hen party for the bride.
ALTERNATIVE WEDDING GIFT LIST IDEAS
ALTERNATIVE WEDDING GIFT LIST IDEAS
There are many different ways for guests to show appreciation, but it’s great to actually get something that can be of good use while steering away from the most traditional wedding gifts.
ROMANTIC WEDDING READINGS FROM BOOKS
ROMANTIC WEDDING READINGS FROM BOOKS
Your choice of readings will set the mood for your ceremony but trying to find the right words to reflect both your feelings and personalities can be a difficult task. From classic literature to children’s fantasy, fiction is a great place to start and is a must for the book-loving bride.
CHOOSING A CROQUEMBOUCHE WEDDING CAKE
CHOOSING A CROQUEMBOUCHE WEDDING CAKE
Tips and advice when it comes to choosing, displaying and cutting through a French-style wedding cake, otherwise known as a Croquembouche.
WEDDING DANCE TRADITIONS IN DIFFERENT CULTURES
WEDDING DANCE TRADITIONS IN DIFFERENT CULTURES
A detailed guide to cultural dancing at weddings across the world; from Europe to Africa and beyond.
SERVICE AND STYLE
SERVICE AND STYLE
The style of service of the food at your wedding is as much a reflection upon the style of food as the ingredients are, and the style of food served is a reflection upon your big day overall.
THE NOT SO GREAT CHOICES FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE SONG
THE NOT SO GREAT CHOICES FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE SONG
Our suggestions on wedding songs to avoid for your first dance.
SHOPPING FOR BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
SHOPPING FOR BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Top tips on where to shop when it comes to finding prefect dresses for your bridesmaids to wear.
WEDDING HAIR ACCESSORIES
WEDDING HAIR ACCESSORIES
Top tips to help you on your way to completing your wedding day look, making sure the process is as stress free as possible!
CHOOSING THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING
CHOOSING THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING
We asked the team at Lings Jewellery to guide you through the importance and understanding the criteria on how to choose the perfect diamond engagement ring
MENU TASTING PLATTER
MENU TASTING PLATTER
When you book a wedding at Harper, you’re invited to attend a food tasting, which takes place on our Wedding Planning Wednesdays.
THE HARPER WEDDING PLANNING WEDNESDAY
THE HARPER WEDDING PLANNING WEDNESDAY
Everything you need to know about Wedding Planning Wednesday meetings…
PLANNING THE ULTIMATE STAG PARTY
PLANNING THE ULTIMATE STAG PARTY
Planning the perfect event will take time, but here are some top tips to help you along the way.
WHY DO WE NEED WEDDING INSURANCE?
WHY DO WE NEED WEDDING INSURANCE?
20 MUST-HAVE WEDDING PARTY PHOTOGRAPHS
20 MUST-HAVE WEDDING PARTY PHOTOGRAPHS
100 WEDDING TABLE NAME IDEAS
100 WEDDING TABLE NAME IDEAS
A list of 100 different table name ideas for you to choose to display at your wedding reception.
Jen and Howard’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
Jen and Howard’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
The couple visited the venue for a second time and chose a future June date, giving them 18 months to plan their lavish Jewish wedding in Surrey.
Rebecca and Tom’s wedding at Cain Manor
Rebecca and Tom’s wedding at Cain Manor
The couple visited 4 different wedding venues in person but really loved how Cain Manor offered 24-hour exclusivity with accommodation, as well as the helpful online planner. The couple first visited Cain Manor in June and booked their wedding for following September.
Sophie and Simon’s wedding at Notley Abbey
Sophie and Simon’s wedding at Notley Abbey
As they started their approach down the romantic tree-lined driveway towards the house, they knew they had stumbled across ‘the one’. Sophie had always dreamed of getting married in a beautiful country grounds and the walled garden at Notley Abbey was the ideal location.
Kate and Matt’s wedding at Notley Abbey
Kate and Matt’s wedding at Notley Abbey
As a surprise to everyone, Kate and Matt’s dog, Bailey, was their ring bearer. Bailey wore a stunning floral garland and proudly carried the wedding rings around her neck as she was escorted up the aisle by the bride’s brother.
Julia and Adam’s wedding at Cain Manor
Julia and Adam’s wedding at Cain Manor
The couple saw 5 wedding venues in total, but knew that Cain Manor was ‘the one’ as soon as they walked in to the oak-beamed Library and in to the triple-height Music Room. The light flooding in from the cathedral length windows, the barn-style beams and the elegant, intimate atmosphere...
YOUR GUIDE TO WEDDING CELEBRANT CEREMONIES IN THE UK
YOUR GUIDE TO WEDDING CELEBRANT CEREMONIES IN THE UK
Answering all of your questions about having a wedding celebrant ceremony in the UK, featuring the helpful advice of Knight Ceremonies.
RUSTIC IDEAS FOR YOUR BARN WEDDING VENUE
RUSTIC IDEAS FOR YOUR BARN WEDDING VENUE
Below are our 10 favourite ideas when it comes to decorating your barn wedding venue with a rustic twist…
THE A-Z OF WEDDINGS
THE A-Z OF WEDDINGS
An A to Z list of everything you need to plan the perfect day...
10 BENEFITS OF BOOKING A MID-WEEK WEDDING
10 BENEFITS OF BOOKING A MID-WEEK WEDDING
A look at the benefits of getting married mid-week
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR WEDDING VENUE
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR WEDDING VENUE
4A list of essential questions to take along with you to every wedding venue viewing...
PLANNING AN OUTDOOR WEDDING IN THE UK
PLANNING AN OUTDOOR WEDDING IN THE UK
Rules, regulations, tips and advice on planning an outdoor wedding in the UK
ORDERING WEDDING INVITATIONS
ORDERING WEDDING INVITATIONS
Top tips and advice when it comes to ordering wedding invitations and stationery ahead of your big day.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WEDDING CANAPÉS
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WEDDING CANAPÉS
Canapés are not essential, but they are sure to be a welcome addition to your wedding reception.
UNIQUE WEDDING RECEPTION DRINK IDEAS
UNIQUE WEDDING RECEPTION DRINK IDEAS
A selection of wedding reception drink ideas with a twist; from seasonal drinks to personalised cocktails.
WEDDING PLANNING TIMELINE
WEDDING PLANNING TIMELINE
The ultimate countdown to your wedding day celebrations starting…now!
HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
Your wedding to-do list will have lots of exciting (and some challenging) aspects to it, but we think that finding your perfect venue should be very near the top. We believe that finding the best wedding venue for your day is something that needs to happen early in the process.
YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A WEDDING
YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A WEDDING
The ultimate guide to planning the perfect wedding. From budgeting to finding a great wedding venue and beyond.
EXCLUSIVE USE VS. NON-EXCLUSIVE USE WEDDING VENUES
EXCLUSIVE USE VS. NON-EXCLUSIVE USE WEDDING VENUES
The benefits of hiring an exclusive use wedding venue; from privacy to specialist service and more…
HORSEBOX FOR HIRE
HORSEBOX FOR HIRE
Serving refreshments in style; hire our horsebox for your wedding reception.
10 TIMELESS WEDDING TRENDS
10 TIMELESS WEDDING TRENDS
10 Wedding trends we believe won't ever go out of style.
25 UNIQUE WEDDING CAKE FLAVOURS
25 UNIQUE WEDDING CAKE FLAVOURS
Looking for an alternative wedding cake flavour? Take some inspiration from our top 25 suggestions...
30 WEDDING RECEPTION DRINK IDEAS
30 WEDDING RECEPTION DRINK IDEAS
A guide to choosing the drinks to serve at your wedding, from Champagne to winter warmer ideas.
UNIQUE WEDDING RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS
UNIQUE WEDDING RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS
Unique ideas to keep your wedding guests entertained while you’re having those all-important photographs taken
THEMED ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR WEDDING
THEMED ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR WEDDING
5 unique ideas to entertain your guests that step away from traditional wedding themes
A GUIDE TO CIVIL WEDDING CEREMONIES IN THE UK
A GUIDE TO CIVIL WEDDING CEREMONIES IN THE UK
Your ultimate guide to planning a civil wedding ceremony in the UK
6 WAYS TO GET YOUR GUESTS INVOLVED AT YOUR WEDDING
6 WAYS TO GET YOUR GUESTS INVOLVED AT YOUR WEDDING
From photographic memories to the dance floor, your guests will play a huge part in your wedding – so in order to make them feel special too, we’ve come up with 6 ideas on how you can get your guests to play an even bigger part of your big day…
TEN JOBS TO DELEGATE TO THE WEDDING PARTY
TEN JOBS TO DELEGATE TO THE WEDDING PARTY
Ten jobs to delegate to your wedding party in order to make planning your wedding celebration that little bit easier
CHURCH WEDDING VS CIVIL WEDDING CEREMONY
CHURCH WEDDING VS CIVIL WEDDING CEREMONY
How to decide what is right for you when it comes to saying ‘I do’; from tradition to the logistics of your day and more…
60 MUST HAVE WEDDING DAY PHOTOGRAPHS
60 MUST HAVE WEDDING DAY PHOTOGRAPHS
Your wedding day will come and go in a flash, so to ensure that you’ve got lots of wonderful memories to put in a very special album, why not print out the below list and give it to your wedding photographer in advance?
A GUIDE TO HELPING YOUR WEDDING GUESTS
A GUIDE TO HELPING YOUR WEDDING GUESTS
A guide to ensuring that your wedding guests are fully informed throughout your wedding day; from the order of service at your ceremony to the order of your entire celebration.
CHOOSING YOUR BRIDESMAIDS AND MAID OF HONOUR
CHOOSING YOUR BRIDESMAIDS AND MAID OF HONOUR
Your questions answered when it comes to deciding who to choosing your bridesmaids and maid of honour
GUIDE TO NAKED WEDDING CAKES
GUIDE TO NAKED WEDDING CAKES
A guide to wedding cakes of the naked kind; no icing or frosting, just delicious-naked-cake
CHOOSING THE DRINK TO SERVE AT YOUR WEDDING
CHOOSING THE DRINK TO SERVE AT YOUR WEDDING
If you’re fond of a tipple or two, the chances are your celebration wouldn’t be complete without sparkling reception drinks or favourite cocktails, your wedding breakfast without delicious wines, or your toast without bubbly.
WEDDING CANAPÉ OPTIONS
WEDDING CANAPÉ OPTIONS
There are then many ways to give your canapés some consistency, make them cool, and make them unique to you. Below are a few ideas to inspire you
HIRING A WEDDING BAND – THE DOS AND DON’TS
HIRING A WEDDING BAND – THE DOS AND DON’TS
A list of dos and don’ts when it comes to hiring a band for your wedding; from budgets to booking agreements and more…
HIRING A WEDDING MAGICIAN
HIRING A WEDDING MAGICIAN
Seeing magic tricks up close and personal will give you a great impression of how exciting a wedding magician can be for your wedding guests whilst you’re off having your photographs taken.
BOOKING A LAST-MINUTE WEDDING
BOOKING A LAST-MINUTE WEDDING
Many couples allow themselves a year or more to plan their wedding, but that’s not to say that you can’t plan a fantastic wedding in 6 months or less!
ORDERING WEDDING FLOWERS
ORDERING WEDDING FLOWERS
Besides yourselves, your flowers will be one of the most photographed features of your wedding, so it is very important that you choose floral decorations and bouquets that match your overall wedding theme.
WEDDING FLOWERS FOR EVERY SEASON
WEDDING FLOWERS FOR EVERY SEASON
You may not think it now, but when you look back at your wedding photographs you’ll realise what an impact flowers had on your big day - they are quite a prominent feature.
35 WEDDING FAVOUR IDEAS
35 WEDDING FAVOUR IDEAS
Some fun present ideas to give to your guests on your big day
A GUIDE TO ELEGANT WEDDING BANQUETING
A GUIDE TO ELEGANT WEDDING BANQUETING
Once satisfied that your caterer will, literally, cater to your every food and drink requirement, think about tasty crowd-pleasers and inject a little sophistication.
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING BREAKFAST MENU
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING BREAKFAST MENU
Everyone looks forward to the meal at a wedding. Guests may have had a long day preparing for and travelling to witness your celebration, and the newlyweds with their families will welcome the chance to get to know one another as they eat a sumptuous wedding banquet together.
SWEET TREAT IDEAS FOR YOUR WEDDING
SWEET TREAT IDEAS FOR YOUR WEDDING
Aside from a slice of your delicious wedding cake, you may want to consider having an alternative sweet treat displayed at your wedding reception. We’ve listed 8 sweet ideas to inspire you.
CHOOSING A GEMSTONE ENGAGEMENT RING
CHOOSING A GEMSTONE ENGAGEMENT RING
Alternative engagement ring stones to set your ring (and your hand) apart from the crowd.
WHAT IS A WEDDING CANAPÉ?
WHAT IS A WEDDING CANAPÉ?
What's a canapé? Why do I have to have them? And when is a canapé not a canapé?
HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR WEDDING DRESS
HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR WEDDING DRESS
Your wedding dress will probably be the most expensive garment you’ll ever wear, and even though you probably won’t ever wear it again yourself, someone, one day, might!
CREATING YOUR WEDDING TABLE PLAN
CREATING YOUR WEDDING TABLE PLAN
We’ve listed the do’s and don’ts that we feel are important when it comes to creating your wedding table plan, along with advice when it comes to organising the top table.
BOOKING A COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING VENUE
BOOKING A COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING VENUE
Your guide to choosing, booking and styling the perfect country house wedding venue
WEDDING THEMES TO INSPIRE YOU
WEDDING THEMES TO INSPIRE YOU
Your wedding doesn’t have to follow a specific theme, but more often than not, couples will choose a theme equally as unique to display throughout their day.
TOP 6 MINI-MOON LOCATIONS
TOP 6 MINI-MOON LOCATIONS
If you can manage at least a long weekend, then these easy to reach mini-moon destinations are only a short flight or road trip away…
FINDING YOUR WEDDING DRESS -TIPS AND ADVICE
FINDING YOUR WEDDING DRESS -TIPS AND ADVICE
The hunt for your wedding dress can be a stressful one if you’re not adequately prepared. We’ve listed our top 10 tips to make finding your dream gown the most enjoyable experience possible.
WHAT IS A HARPER WEDDING HOUSE OPEN DAY?
WHAT IS A HARPER WEDDING HOUSE OPEN DAY?
Our open house days are just that little bit more special than the rest. Not only can you look around, there will also be one of our friendly wedding managers on hand to discuss your ideas and explain how your wedding at the venue could work.
HOW TO KNOW YOUR WEDDING DRESS STYLES
HOW TO KNOW YOUR WEDDING DRESS STYLES
There are many different shapes and silhouettes that you may consider when thinking about what wedding dress will work best for you
Ali and Dylan’s Wedding at Botleys Mansion
Ali and Dylan’s Wedding at Botleys Mansion
As Ali always wanted to include aspects of South Africa within the wedding it was non-negotiable that king proteas (the national flower of South Africa) featured heavily throughout. Ali fell in love with The Fine Flowers Company and when she met with Gabi at Botleys Mansion; there was an instant understanding of the feel and impact that Ali wanted the proteas to make.
Nick and Billy’s Wedding at Botleys Mansion
Nick and Billy’s Wedding at Botleys Mansion
The couple loved the grandeur of Botleys Mansion in Surrey. The amazing atrium and the fact that they could host their ceremony, banquet and evening party in one building seemed just perfect. The couple admit to knowing that Botleys Mansion was the venue they wanted to host their wedding, from the moment they drove up the long, winding approach.
Natasha and Samuel’s wedding at Cain Manor
Natasha and Samuel’s wedding at Cain Manor
As soon as they were welcomed into the oak-beamed Library inside Cain Manor, Natasha and Samuel loved how homely the country house wedding venue felt. They especially liked The Music Room and loved the grand, cathedral length window at the end of the aisle.
Kirsty and Iain’s Wedding at Cain Manor
Kirsty and Iain’s Wedding at Cain Manor
The layout of Cain Manor was ideal for the couple who were looking for an intimate wedding venue but with enough space so that their guests wouldn’t feel cramped. They also loved the fact that there was plenty of space for older guests to take some quiet time away from the party if they needed to.
Rebecca and David’s Wedding at Cain Manor
Rebecca and David’s Wedding at Cain Manor
Guests gathered and celebrated in the warm and cosy Library at Cain Manor where they were able to look at the creative and uber festive table plan which had been designed to look like Christmas stockings hung over the fireplace. The Master of Ceremonies called everyone back in to The Music Room ahead of the exquisite three course meal to follow.
Alice and David’s Wedding at Cain Manor
Alice and David’s Wedding at Cain Manor
“Our day was full of love and laughter, even with us and our guests laughing through our ceremony. The beautiful weather, heartfelt speeches, delicious food and fantastic band along with the brilliant organisation of all staff at Cain Manor made everything completely perfect”
Dayna and Michaels Wedding at Cain Manor
Dayna and Michaels Wedding at Cain Manor
Dayna tried on about seven dresses in a luxury bridalwear shop before she found ‘the one’. Dayna fell in love with her Jasmine dress because of the gorgeous long train and as she mentions, she felt that “It had Cain Manor written all over it”. Her Jasmine wedding dress was a simple, stunning, strapless, fishtail style gown with a show-stopping cathedral length train.
Emma and James’ Wedding at Notley Abbey
Emma and James’ Wedding at Notley Abbey
Emma and James planned their civil wedding ceremony to take place in The Monks’ Refectory to take place on a Saturday in early December. When it came to their wedding flowers, their theme followed a rich purple, glamorous grey and winter green pallet.
Kim and Scott’s Wedding at Notley Abbey
Kim and Scott’s Wedding at Notley Abbey
Harper partner, Party Lights, had decorated the ceiling of the Monks’ Refectory with twinkly lights and the couple displayed tall candelabras in the centre of each table, surrounded by a ring of pretty flowers that had been provided by Harper’s preferred florist, Sonning Flowers.
Charlotte & Bradley’s Wedding at Botleys Mansion
Charlotte & Bradley’s Wedding at Botleys Mansion
The couple looked at around 5 wedding venues before falling in love with Botleys Mansion before they’d even stepped foot in to the grand, country house wedding venue. As they walked through the double doors and in to the Hall, they fell more and more in love with what Botleys Mansion had to offer.
Charlotte and Jons’ Weddding at Botleys Mansion
Charlotte and Jons’ Weddding at Botleys Mansion
When everyone walked back in to the Mansion after the luxurious drinks reception, they were greeted with a stunning purple and silver decorated Atrium and a delicious menu that had been hand-chosen by the couple during their menu tasting session at Botleys Mansion several months before.
Tracy and Anthony’s wedding at Notley Abbey
Tracy and Anthony’s wedding at Notley Abbey
Notley Abbey was the only wedding venue that Tracy and Anthony looked at when they started to plan their special day. It was SO perfect that they had no need to look any further. They loved the fact that they could hire Notley Abbey exclusively for 24 hours, and felt that it had the perfect, intimate atmosphere that they’d been hoping for.
Emily & Chris’ wedding at Cain Manor
Emily & Chris’ wedding at Cain Manor
The couple had actually been to Cain Manor before, but as guests to a friends wedding. When they visited with their own day in mind they fell in love with the open ceremony room and beautiful surrounding grounds; being able to enjoy the venue exclusively for 24 hours was also a huge selling point for Chris and Emily.
Emma & Tim’s Wedding at Botleys Mansion
Emma & Tim’s Wedding at Botleys Mansion
Each place setting featured a cracker and a Christmas bauble place card holder to take home as a wedding favour. Tall vases filled with aubergine coloured lilys and floating candles made for glamorous table centerpieces and the round reception tables were all named after Santa’s reindeer.
Brownyn and John’s Wedding at Notley Abbey
Brownyn and John’s Wedding at Notley Abbey
Bronwyn and John celebrated a civil wedding ceremony in the Abbot’s Hall at Notley Abbey. The Abbot’s Hall was decorated beautifully with white Yorkshire roses and eucalyptus to match Bronwyn’s sensational bridal bouquet. All of the floral décor, which followed a blush colour scheme, had been created by expert wedding florist, Joanna Carter.
Victoria and David’s Wedding at Notley Abbey
Victoria and David’s Wedding at Notley Abbey
On the day of their wedding, Victoria walked down the aisle in the Abbot’s Hall at Notley Abbey with her father and eldest son to ‘You’re So Cool’ by Hanz Zimmer. Her youngest son walked in with the bridesmaids, wearing his bright orange wellington boots, as he refused to wear his shoes.
Alejandro and Kevin’s Wedding at Notley Abbey
Alejandro and Kevin’s Wedding at Notley Abbey
Alejandro is a huge fan of the late (and hugely popular) actress Vivien Leigh, so as soon as he found out that it was possible to get married at Notley Abbey (the previous home of Vivien Leigh), the couple jumped in the car and went to the first available open day weekend that they could.
Emma & Dwayne’s wedding at Cain Manor
Emma & Dwayne’s wedding at Cain Manor
The Music Room at Cain Manor was decorated beautifully with fairy lights, by Harper Partner, Party Lights. Twinkly lights draped across the high, barn ceilings in The Music Room and the aisle had been decorated with pretty Memory Lane rose petals and silver hurricane lanterns, lit with candles.
Victoria & Andrew’s wedding at Cain Manor
Victoria & Andrew’s wedding at Cain Manor
Victoria had decorated each table with vases full of floating candles surrounded by tea lights and navy scatter crystals which reflected in large circular mirrors. Each table was named after a Coldplay song, and their 3 tier wedding cake was another gorgeous feature which matched their wedding theme perfectly.
Nicky & Mike’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
Nicky & Mike’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
The couple could not have asked for a more perfect English spring day to celebrate their nuptials. After a ceremony packed with their closest family and friends in The Green Room at Botleys Mansion, the newlywed couple enjoyed champagne and canapés outside in the grounds followed by a delicious wedding breakfast in the bright and airy Atrium.
India & Tom’s wedding at Cain Manor
India & Tom’s wedding at Cain Manor
When they had their viewing at Cain Manor they fell in love with the homely feel and the simplicity of the barn venue. They loved the beams and the fact that they could make Cain Manor their home for the day. The couple, and India’s father, loved using the online planner to add extra items to their wedding day.
Katie & Alex’s wedding at Cain Manor
Katie & Alex’s wedding at Cain Manor
According to Katie and Alex, it was even lovelier than they could ever have imagined! “We had a look at Cain Manor on a rainy winters day and instantly fell in love” remembers Katie. The couple thought that if Cain Manor could look this good on a miserable day it will look dreamy on a sunny day...
Natalie & Jakes wedding at Cain Manor
Natalie & Jakes wedding at Cain Manor
The couple found a lot of barn venues to be dark and not so inviting – until they saw The Music Room at Cain Manor. They fell in love with big window seeing as it let in so much light and could instantly envision their day taking place at the exclusive use venue on the border of Surrey and Hampshire.
Phillippa & James’ wedding at Cain Manor
Phillippa & James’ wedding at Cain Manor
The couple said their vows in front of 71 guests. A vintage country theme with subtle shades of pink and cream was apparent throughout the day. The chairs lining the aisle had been decorated with beautiful floral arrangements featuring the same flowers that the bride carried in her bouquet.
Susan & Mark’s wedding at Cain Manor
Susan & Mark’s wedding at Cain Manor
Cain Manor was the second wedding venue that Susan and Mark viewed before making their important decision. “As soon as we visited we knew that was the place we would like to get married. There was a welcoming atmosphere, it wasn’t too big, the house and grounds were stunning” said Susan.
Hannah & James wedding at Botleys Mansion
Hannah & James wedding at Botleys Mansion
Botleys Mansion is classic, elegant and ticked all the boxes that were on Hannah and James’s wedding venue ‘must-have’ list. They were keen to book a wow-factor wedding venue – and this became instantly apparent when they entered the large gates on the approach to Botleys Mansion.
A GUIDE TO WEDDING INVITATION ETIQUETTE
A GUIDE TO WEDDING INVITATION ETIQUETTE
Wedding invitations have changed a lot over the years. With even more styles and designs, modern couples have seemingly unlimited options when it comes to inviting guests to celebrate their big day. One thing that certainly hasn’t changed however, is wedding invitation etiquette.
TOP 6 COLOUR SCHEMES FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY
TOP 6 COLOUR SCHEMES FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY
Choosing your colour scheme for your wedding can be a tricky task, there are endless options so it can be hard to know where to start. To help you out we’ve listed a few of our favourite colour palettes that look amazing in any season.
INCLUDING CHILDREN IN YOUR WEDDING PARTY – THE PROS AND CONS
INCLUDING CHILDREN IN YOUR WEDDING PARTY – THE PROS AND CONS
A guide to making a choice about whether or not to have children included in the wedding party.
WEDDING ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE
WEDDING ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE
There’s nothing in the rule book of getting married to say that you should wear wedding accessories, but its more than likely that you will want to enhance your bridal style in one way or another. Below, we’ve listed a collection of the most popular wedding accessories that a bride-to-be could consider.
CREATING THE ULTIMATE WEDDING PLAYLIST
CREATING THE ULTIMATE WEDDING PLAYLIST
We've put together lists of our favourite tunes for different points in the day in order to help you create the ultimate wedding day playlist
GETTING MARRIED IN THE AUTUMN
GETTING MARRIED IN THE AUTUMN
A lot of couples are breaking away from the idea of a traditional summer celebration and choosing the later months to get married instead. We’ve created a guide on everything you need to know about having an autumn wedding.
PLANNING A WINTER WEDDING
PLANNING A WINTER WEDDING
There is nothing more magical than having your big day in the winter months. Here are a few of our top tips on hosting the perfect winter wedding.
THE WEDDING PARTY -ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
THE WEDDING PARTY -ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning a wedding can be a stressful time and having your bridesmaids, best man and friends to support you will help – but here are some top tips to remember.
HOW TO CHOOSE A GREAT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
HOW TO CHOOSE A GREAT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
You’ll be faced with numerous styles and options when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer to capture the special moments of your celebration. Whilst your top priority should be to enjoy your day and spending it with loved ones, getting the perfect wedding snaps is also up there on the list.
FUN WEDDING DATES
FUN WEDDING DATES
Unique, unusual and unforgettable dates to get married Your wedding day will be one of the most significant dates in your calendar for the rest of your life, so why not make it an extra special one to remember?
SHOPPING FOR YOUR WEDDING DRESS – WHAT TO EXPECT
SHOPPING FOR YOUR WEDDING DRESS – WHAT TO EXPECT
A guide to shopping for your dream wedding dress You’re engaged, you’ve asked your best girls to be your bridesmaids, you’re on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue and now you’re ready for the moment you’ve always dreamed of, choosing your wedding dress!
10 WAYS TO ADD FESTIVE GLAMOUR TO YOUR WINTER WEDDING
10 WAYS TO ADD FESTIVE GLAMOUR TO YOUR WINTER WEDDING
Dressing your wedding venue; from mistletoe to mince pies and more
5 WEDDING HAIR UPDO IDEAS
5 WEDDING HAIR UPDO IDEAS
Wedding hair updo ideas with expert Gemma Sutton Popular bridal updos have really evolved through time with a lot of brides now favouring more relaxed romantic styles over the classic ringlet curls or clean sleek look.
CHOOSING A WEDDING VENUE – THE DECIDING FACTORS
CHOOSING A WEDDING VENUE – THE DECIDING FACTORS
Things to think about when choosing your wedding venue When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding venue, you’ll be faced with a variety of options; from getting married in the countryside to choosing which month to tie the knot.
BOOKING A HONEYMOON STAYCATION
BOOKING A HONEYMOON STAYCATION
A UK staycation may not have even crossed your mind, but with so many amazing places on your doorstep, there really is plenty of options when it comes to honeymoon staycations.
CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS VS MARRIAGE
CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS VS MARRIAGE
Learning the difference between a civil partnership and marriage Under the Civil Partnership Act of 2004, same-sex couples have been entitled to legally register their relationship. By doing so, it offers the same legal rights and responsibilities as a civil marriage across a range of matters, such as inheritance, pensions, child maintenance and life assurance and is exclusively for same-sex couples.
DO I NEED A WEDDING TOASTMASTER?
DO I NEED A WEDDING TOASTMASTER?
What can a wedding toastmaster do for you? When you are booking your wedding venue you will get an idea of how much (or how little) the staff will take responsibility, for managing your day.
JUST HOW MANY LISTS?
JUST HOW MANY LISTS?
The answer to that question – like everything else about your day – will depend entirely upon you. As a general rule though, before you are through you will need a list, of lists – lest you forget!
GETTING MARRIED IN THE SPRING
GETTING MARRIED IN THE SPRING
A time for new beginnings, surrounded by beautiful flowers and sunny spells. There’s really no better time of year for a wedding!
WRITING YOUR OWN WEDDING VOWS
WRITING YOUR OWN WEDDING VOWS
Before you begin, there are a few rules to take into consideration. Legally, a civil ceremony cannot contain vows, readings, or music that have any religious references. You’ll also need to include the statutory declarations.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF WEDDING CEREMONIES IN THE UK
DIFFERENT TYPES OF WEDDING CEREMONIES IN THE UK
The starting point in any wedding planning journey is always difficult to determine, although it’s usually dictated by the type of day you and your partner envisage. Either way, it is probably best to sit down together at the beginning of your wedding planning to discuss exactly how you both wish to get married. Here’s everything you need to know, from logistics to legalities, when it comes to getting married in the UK…
Victoria & Ben’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
Victoria & Ben’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
Victoria walked down the white-carpet aisle to the song, ‘A Thousand Years’, played by a string quartet. The ceremony was traditional and absolutely beautiful. A white cover and bow was placed on every chair, and the aisle was lined with fresh petals and candles lit in hurricane lanterns.
Steph & Nick’s wedding at Notley Abbey
Steph & Nick’s wedding at Notley Abbey
“Enjoy the process and don’t sweat the small stuff, it won’t matter on the day. It’s about the two of you, so don’t worry about pleasing everyone else. Have fun!” – Steph
Jade & Victor’s wedding at Cain Manor
Jade & Victor’s wedding at Cain Manor
The wedding day was a blast, filled with smiles and delicious food; not forgetting the romantic sunset, which made a stunning backdrop for the all important couple photos. “The whole experience was wonderful and just a happy day! We are so glad we chose Cain Manor, the team just made it better than we could have dreamed of!” – Jade
Erika & Michael’s wedding at Cain Manor
Erika & Michael’s wedding at Cain Manor
The weather was fabulous, the venue beautifully dressed, and the day was relaxed and full of love. Looking back, the couple loved planning their day and bringing it all together for the perfect wedding. “Use the planner – and enjoy the whole process – start to finish – love the journey and do it together. Involve the family and make sure everyone has fun.” – Erika
Mercy & Tom’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
Mercy & Tom’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
The couple opted to have both their wedding ceremony and reception in The Atrium as this gave them the style and space they’d been looking for. They also fell in love with the stair case leading down to The Atrium – the ultimate entrance to both their wedding ceremony and reception!
THE BENEFITS OF HIRING YOUR WEDDING VENUE THE NIGHT BEFORE
THE BENEFITS OF HIRING YOUR WEDDING VENUE THE NIGHT BEFORE
The venue you end up choosing will obviously be perfect for you as a couple, but, if it offers accommodation, then it might be worth considering adding on the night before. Here’s why…
DO WE NEED TO SEND SAVE THE DATE CARDS?
DO WE NEED TO SEND SAVE THE DATE CARDS?
You’ve set the date, chosen a beautiful wedding venue, and booked the ceremony time. Now you need to give your guests a heads up
A GUIDE TO WEDDING SPEECHES
A GUIDE TO WEDDING SPEECHES
Planning ideas, timings and tips on how to make and present the best wedding speech on the big day Weddings traditionally have a time, usually during or after the wedding breakfast, dedicated to speeches congratulating the couple and reminiscing on memories together. Whilst they are not a part of everyone’s celebrations, they certainly do add an element of entertainment to the day. If speeches are a must for your big day, we’re sharing everything you need to know about planning and delivering the perfect wedding speech!
WEDDING HAIR AND BEAUTY TIPS
WEDDING HAIR AND BEAUTY TIPS
Beauty routines should go hand-in-hand with your hair care and styling options ahead of your wedding day. Start booking trials with makeup artists several months in advance and gain inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, and your recently married friends.
TOP TIPS FOR STICKING TO YOUR WEDDING BUDGET
TOP TIPS FOR STICKING TO YOUR WEDDING BUDGET
Our guide for staying within your budget for the big dayFrom the guest list to choosing the venue, we are here to help you plan your perfect wedding and not break the bank in the process.
Rachel & Nathan’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
Rachel & Nathan’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
The styling of their wedding reception tables were particularly memorable, as the couple chose gold sparkly table cloths to add extra wow-factor and sparkle to their celebrations. They reflected the candlelight and chandeliers to create a magical winter atmosphere. “Don’t stress. You’ll have the day you have and you’ll treasure it regardless.” – Rachel
Thea & Sam’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
Thea & Sam’s wedding at Botleys Mansion
After 2 years of planning, the big day finally arrived for Thea and Sam. The bride walked down the aisle in The Atrium with her father to Pachelbel’s Canon in D on the piano and both her parents did a reading during the ceremony; her father wrote a poem and her mother read ‘I Carry Your Heart’ by EE Cummings.
10 WEDDING TABLE PLAN IDEAS
10 WEDDING TABLE PLAN IDEAS
Ten fun wedding table plan suggestions to display at your venue that you can either create yourself or have a wedding supplier help you with
SETTING A WEDDING DATE
SETTING A WEDDING DATE
Everything you need to know when it comes to setting a date for your wedding; from seasons to speaking to suppliers and more!
YOUR WEDDING DAY TIMETABLE
YOUR WEDDING DAY TIMETABLE
Advice on how to keep your wedding day timetable in check; from the start of your ceremony to the very last dance.
ALTERNATIVE WEDDING PHOTO IDEAS
ALTERNATIVE WEDDING PHOTO IDEAS
Traditional group photos and classic ceremony shots are always ones to add to your photographer’s list. However, if you’d like to get creative with your wedding snaps, carry on reading for some ideas...
ECO FRIENDLY WEDDING VENUES ARE THE FUTURE
ECO FRIENDLY WEDDING VENUES ARE THE FUTURE
When it comes to sustainability, we have made some real green initiatives over the years as we strive to be an eco-friendly wedding venue, without compromising on style and taste (some you won’t even notice the difference!).