Boasting some of the most spectacular architecture in England and conjuring up the gentility and romance of the Georgian era, the city of Bath is a popular wedding destination for good reason. And once you’ve decided on that you’re half way there. For everything else, here are our recommendations…
Wedding Venue
The luxury Royal Crescent Hotel provides the perfect setting, being positioned in the centre of the Crescent and offering sweeping views over the park and wider city. More importantly, the hotel’s high ceilings, original features, and dramatic staircases ensure your photographs will be suitably regal regardless of weather conditions or how many guests you decide upon.
The hotel is also licensed to host civil ceremonies in either the Drawing Room, Library or Sir Percy Suite, ensuring your special day remains entirely private. Bath and North East Somerset registrars can be booked as soon as you have confirmed the venue and, although the ceremony takes no more than half an hour, they are always happy to personalise it with your chosen readings.
The Royal Crescent’s friendly events co-ordinator will be happy to act as ‘DJ’ for the ceremony, all you need to do is to arrange an Ipod playlist. Before you know it, it will be time for Champagne and canapés and photographs outside, followed by a sumptuous Wedding Breakfast with a menu designed by you, prepared by Head Chef David Campbell and served in the room of your choice.
For more information visit the website.
Photographer
One of the most underestimated elements of planning a wedding is finding the right professional photographer – and no, dad won’t do. They should be someone you feel comfortable with and who knows your venue inside-out. Kerry of A Tall Long Legged Bird is a photo-journalist who has lived in the South West all her life and specialises in a highly sophisticated reportage style photography, capturing moments which really tell a story. As she says herself, just forget she’s there. The evocative images Kerry creates will be treasured for a lifetime. Standard packages start from £1400 which cover the entire day. Additionally, bespoke albums and framed prints can be purchased – all designed around your individual requirements. Albums typically start at an additional £400.
For more information visit the website.
Wedding Cake
Cakes should be ordered 3-12 months in advance, so it’s one of the first elements to decide upon. Sandra Monger is Bath’s leading cake designer and, with over 15 years experience and countless awards, has been commissioned to create everything from the most exquisite traditional wedding cakes to elaborate novelty centrepieces. From hand-crafted sugar flowers to delicate swags, her cakes are a joy to behold. A consultation at her home studio gives the bride and groom the opportunity to choose a design that best suits the occasion and a chance to sample the delicious cakes and fillings over a cup of tea! Sandra will also ensure the cake is delivered to your venue, and set up, in good time. Prices start from £390 for a three tier cake.
For more information visit the website.
Accommodation
The Queensberry Hotel, with its quirky and idiosyncratic sense of humour, is the ideal base for the bridal party to reside the night before the wedding. Run by husband and wife, Laurence & Helen Beere, it is just a short distance from the Royal Crescent, tucked away in a quiet side street close to the Royal Assembly and Bea’s Vintage Tea Rooms. The Queensberry is boutique and special without being flashy, and will make you feel instantly at home. The hotel’s award-winning Olive Tree Restaurant also happens to be one of Bath’s best gourmet experiences, perfect for a celebration dinner. For a ‘stag’ dinner, it has to be Hudson’s Steakhouse.
For more information visit the website.
Hair & Make-up
No.3 Hairdressing, specialising in bridal styles, from classic ‘up-dos’ to high drama or timeless elegance, will ensure your hair compliments the overall look and feel. Located on Saville Row, just a stone’s throw from The Queensberry Hotel, the team at No.3 are happy to come to you, which couldn’t be better if you want Kerry to photograph the excitement of the bridal party preparing (it’s one of the moments she most loves to capture). Arrange a hair trial with No.3 in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day and they can also recommend a make-up artist, with whom they work on a regular basis.
For more information visit the website.
Florist
Boasting national press attention and royalty as their clients, Young Blooms love their word-of-mouth referrals best of all. A family-run florist located on Hartley Farm, just outside the centre of Bath, Grace and Laura will work with you to create the ultimate bespoke floral design, whilst sourcing the best available flowers. Bouquet packages start from just £300 and include an initial consultation, a personally hand-tied bridal bouquet, up to 3 bridesmaids bouquets, 8 buttonholes, 2 medium ‘thank you’ bouquets and free delivery to locations within a five mile radius of the farm.
For more information visit the website.
