Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding - November/December 2020 (Issue 28)

Our regional experts share their top tips about hosting a micro wedding HOT TOPIC  ROMANTIC ELOPEMENTS Meet the expert: Jane Caterer is the owner of Petite Weddings based in Cornwall, a wedding platform specialising in smaller weddings and elopements. We are considering eloping, can you advise us? Jane says: Since March this year, the search volume for elopement weddings in the UK has risen 300% and while there’s no sneaking off to Gretna Green in the middle of the night, it has sparked a growing trend for small, intimate weddings rather than the budget-busting events that we’ve been used to. This is your chance to downsize the numbers but upgrade the experience with no post-wedding debt. If you’re planning an elopement wedding or a small affair with close family and friends, choose an experienced specialist to ensure it’s only the size of your wedding that you are compromising on and not the quality. It enables you to be able to spend quality time with loved ones, and even pets. Often, the entire party can enjoy exclusive use of a venue for two or three days, whether that be a barn or even a castle. Food-lovers can upgrade their menu choices or indulge that picnic on the beach - you have the flexibility to create your dream day. www.petiteweddings.co.uk | www.instagram.com/petiteweddingsuk Main photograph courtesy of www.gettyimages.co.uk LET’S CELEBRATE! Meet the expert: Sarah Chapman is a professional and experienced independent celebrant delivering bespoke ceremonies throughout Devon and Cornwall. How can we plan a smaller wedding than originally intended, and make our guests feel part of our day? Sarah says: A wedding is about two people. It’s great you’ll be able to have others there to celebrate with you but don’t let worries over who can’t be there spoil the day for either of you. Book your legal marriage first at a registry office with two witnesses present, and then hire an independent celebrant. By doing so, you can celebrate your wedding somewhere that’s important to you both, like on a beach, in a woodland area, on a clifftop or in a boutique hotel - the possibilities are endless. An outdoor location is better than sharing enclosed space so take advantage of the small guest list and head somewhere that you couldn’t go otherwise with a select few family members and friends. I believe that your ceremony is at the very heart of your day and I will help you write vows and readings that are perfectly suited to you both as a couple and to your family and your friends. You can sign a certificate in the presence of your guests and, after the ceremony, I’ll present your script in a beautiful folder. I encourage my couples to write personal vows, especially when it’s a more intimate wedding. Embrace the opportunity to share words and promises surrounded by the people who are closest to you. Include sentimental details, like wearing your mother’s necklace or having your dog walk down the aisle with you, to make the day extra personal. It’s important to think of ways that you can involve your guests that should’ve been there on the day. Attending events remotely will be commonplace as we venture into 2021. By reducing the number of guests at your wedding to an intimate gathering means that you can plan a micro wedding. They can still feature popular traditions, just on a smaller scale. Book a professional photographer and also consider hiring a videographer to capture and then share the memorable moments with guests who couldn’t be present. Invite them to watch a live stream through Zoom or Skype and remember to interact with them throughout the day. Personalised face coverings make fun wedding favours and some couples customise these with their newly married initials and wedding date. Let your guests know what’s on the menu so that they can cook and eat the same meal from home. Instead of having a large wedding cake, order cupcakes for each guest and send them to arrive on your wedding morning. Venues in Devon that welcome smaller ceremonies are Tree Top Escape in Umberleigh, Haldon Belvedere near Exeter, Harefield Barn in Crediton, Middle Coombe Farm near Tiverton, Kitley House Hotel in the South Hams district and Bovey Castle in Newton Abbot. The newly renovated Brickhouse Vineyard located just 20 minutes from Exeter is also an ideal choice for a micro wedding, turn to page 21 to read more. 07870 763 304 | www.celebrationceremoniessouthwest.com | www.facebook. com/CelebrationCeremoniesSW EXPERT ADVICE 55