Suzi and Adrian's beautiful day at Combe Manor

The weather was beautiful for the marriage of Suzi and Adrian on the weekend. A drinks reception was set up in the courtyard at Combe Manor where the guests enjoyed deliciously summery mojitos with fresh mint and lime in the sunshine. During the reception, our waiters and waitresses brought canapés to the guests;

Suzi and Adrian chose Mini Yorkshire Puddings with Horseradish and Beef, one of the most popular of our canapés and there were compliments all round from the guests!

There were lots of children at the wedding and this canapé was a huge hit with them; Goats Cheese and Spinach Flat Breads are a hit with everyone!

The canapé selection also included Carrot, Cumin and Spinach Filo Parcels, Devils on Horseback and White Bait with a deliciously creamy Tartar Sauce. All served on slate boards, guests could not resist our beautifully presented treats.

The barn was decorated with twinkling fairy lights and simple table decorations. Combe Manor's barn is full of historic tapestries and so it does not need a huge amount of decorating to look great. 

The tables had bouquets and an array of jars and bottles, topped off with cut out newspaper heart confetti which was a really lovely touch. There is a huge variety of heart confetti on Etsy.com, ranging from tiny pastel hearts to delicate vintage newspaper cut outs.

When the guests were called into the barn for their Wedding Breakfast they made their way to Suzi and Adrian's unique table plan. Each jar was filled with something different, and was tied with a tag featuring the names of everybody on the table and their table number. Some were filled with different nuts, pinecones, shells and stones. It was a really beautiful and natural way to feature the table plan and we loved it.

For their main course, they enjoyed a selection of barbeque platters with delicious local sausages from Vicar's Game, slices of tender lamb, Teriyaki Salmon and a range of fresh salads including a spicy Thai Sum Tom Salad 

For dessert, we served the guests platters of Suzi and Adrian's wedding cake with fresh berries, cream and coulis.

After the meal was served, the Céilidh band began playing traditional Gaelic folk music, encouraging guests to join in with folk dance. The tables were cleared and moved away to make space for all sorts of moves to take place on the dance floor. The Pot Kiln Anywhere opened the bar, where we served local ales, lagers, spirits and wines.

With all the dancing, the guests needed something to keep them going! So our chefs served evening food on slate and wooden boards, featuring a beautiful local cheese tower decorated with figs, pomegranate and grapes. Delicious!

A sweetie buffet was also set up by our staff for the guests to enjoy during the evening. Labelled with vintage luggage tags, the wedding party's favourites were the choice of sweets for the evening. Suzi's top pick was flying saucers, which looked great in a vintage sweets jar. Suzi and Adrian had a fantastic time and so did we. It was an honour to be part of their big day.

Easter Weddings at Ufton Court

After doing a Pinterest board and blog about Easter Weddings, we were very excited to see how last weekend's brides and grooms incorporated the Easter theme into their big day. It was great to see how differently two couples can take the theme and make it their own; Friday's wedding had a mixture of two themes; they had a very traditional Easter theme, but also a record theme too.

Pimms and Buck's Fizz were served in the Archer's Hall along with a selection of nibbles. The Hall was kept plain and simple, with only cream bunting and Ufton's Coat of Arms which hang on the back wall of the Hall. The vinyl records and album covers were placed around the room on the window sills, making sure the hall didn't look too overcrowded. The Easter theme was kept to one small table in the middle of the room which was a table set up for the children to do an Easter egg hunt. There were traditional chicks and eggs in bright and pastel colours, it screamed Easter!

The mixture of themes were also present in Tithe Barn. After reception drinks, the guests made their way to Tithe Barn to enjoy the Wedding Breakfast. The tables were decorated with beautiful Easter flowers, and the table names were records on stands.

The vinyls were put onto a table plan so that the guests could see where they would be seated. We hadn't seen a table plan like this before, it was really fun and unique.

MENU

Starter

Coarse Hampshire Wild Boar and Gresingham Duck Pate with Spiced Apple Chutney, Cornoichons and Mixed Salad

Main 

Lemon and Rosemary Roasted Bass Fillet, Cauliflower Puree, Pommes Anna and Beurre Noisette with Spring Greens

Dessert

Chocolate Wedding Cake, Fresh Fruit, Cream and Coulis 

The evening then took a sweeter turn, with a fun and bright sweets table with cupcakes and classic pick n mix sweets in big retro jars with traditional pink and white bags. Dotted around the cupcakes and sweet jars were the traditional chicks once again, keeping the theme incorporated throughout every aspect of the day. The guests then took to the dance floor and enjoyed a bar full of some of our local favourites like West Berkshire Brewery's Mr Chubbs Lunch Time Bitter.

The wedding on the Saturday didn't have such a strict theme, and subtly introduced Easter through the colour scheme rather than Egg hunts and bunnies. The flowers weren't traditional for Easter, however the delicate pastel colours were exactly those you would expect at an Easter Wedding.

The tables were decorated with brightly coloured napkins with a mismatched jam jar tied with pink ribbon. The guest names were featured on small luggage tags, handwritten in black ink on decorated jars. The idea of the jars was that the guests would go up to the sweet table at the end of the Wedding Breakfast and fill it with their favourite sweets and take it home.

Also on the table were cute little vintage tea cups filled with different coloured roses and textured leaves. The whole style was really charming and pretty.

The weddings showed us that even in the same venue, you can really make a theme yours. Even a theme as traditional as Easter. A lot of people might worry that having an Easter wedding will mean covering your whole venue in chicks and bunnies, but this really was not the case at Ufton Court; even the theme of Easter can be done in a classy, elegant and subtle way.

Inspiration for Wedding Guests

There's so much focus on wedding attire, but it's always the bride, groom and their bridesmaids in the lime light. However, we cannot forget that being a wedding guest can sometimes be stressful too! One of the main stresses being what to wear; many factors can get us worrying about our wedding get-up, are you under dressed, over dressed, wearing the same thing as someone else? We've got it covered; we've scoured Pinterest, Lookbook and fashion blogs to create your guide to wedding glad-rags.

The Tea Dress

Love Chiffon Sleeveless Dress, Custom made Shoes & New Look Floppy Hat http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

Tea Dresses have flooded onto the fashion scene for this summer. The look is all about colour, floral prints and flowy fabrics. If you have a dainty, petite frame, and are attending an outdoor wedding full of summer vibes, this dress is totally for you. Teamed with a pair of statement chunky heels your 40s day dress will be completely on trend. All the high street brands have their own takes on this ditsy number, here are a few of our favourites;

Lipsy Pansy Print Dress £50, Topshop Tea Dress £45 & Pepe Jeans Dress £85

Mini Dresses

Dare to bare this summer with a statement mini dress. There are so many ways to style a mini dress; team with a simple clutch bag, over-sized shades and a relaxed hairstyle for a chilled, casual outdoor wedding.

Motel Mini Dress http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

Sheinside Dress & Choies Bag http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

For the evening guest at an elegant hotel wedding reception, the outfit above is perfect. This pale pink flowy dress with jewel detailing oozes glamour. Team with nude, strappy heels and minimal jewellery to complete the look.

http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

This dress would be ideal for any wedding, however, at a vintage themed wedding this would really make you look the part. The embroidered detailing will accentuate an hourglass figure, and coupled with dangling gold earrings and red lipstick will scream 1920s.

Midi Dresses

Tadashi Shoji Black Lace dress & Yves Saint Laurent Heels

We understand that the mini dress is not for everyone, but the midi is a happy compromise. If you're not one for daring to bare, the midi dress can feel just as summery and glamorous without the self conscious worry of showing too much leg. The tight, one shouldered midi dress above is a perfect choice for a pear shaped or hourglass figure. Tied in the middle to accentuate your best assets, you'll feel a million dollars. Simple, plain black accessories are all that this outfit needs to be complete.

Anthropologie Dress http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

We found this similar shaped dress on Pinterest. This navy midi dress with lotus flower detailing is more suited to a day time wedding, with minimal accessories and strappy, delicate pale brown or gold shoes. Unfortunately we were unable to locate the brand of this dress, but we've seen many similar examples in Monsoon at great prices.

http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

Another style of midi you will come across is the A-line midi, extremely similar to a dress that Kate Middleton was seen in, this dress is elegant and beautiful. Accessories aren't needed, this dress will make more of a statement with extremely subtle heels and a sharp, simple clutch bag.

The Maxi Dress

H&M Dress http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

Maxi dresses have always been a popular choice for summer wedding attire. This sage green maxi dress will scream Grecian Goddess when teamed with a plaited up-do and golden oversized clutch bag.

Oarry Dress http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

This dress also has a Grecian feel to it; the wrapped 'toga style' bodice and plaited hair flaunt  Mediterranean vibes. Mint green is a hugely popular colour this year and looks great with simple silver jewellery or elegant pearl earrings.

Mood & Closet Maxi http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

French Connection Maxi http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

Black is THE statement colour... of all time. Whether it be the main colour of the dress or bold stripes from head to toe, you can always count on black to make you stand out. However, black can also be THE boring colour... of all time, when not accessorised correctly. Gold statement necklaces are everywhere at the moment, Topshop have a really lovely and affordable range. For an all black maxi dress, a statement gold necklace is a must. For the stripey, coral and black maxi dress, it is important to accessorise in a minimalistic manner. Summer bangles and a small clutch bag are all you need.

But I don't want to wear a dress?

We hear you. Some of you just do not want to wear a dress, and that is absolutely fine. There are some really beautiful alternatives for dresses, whether you fancy a pant suit, flowy statement trousers or a skirt and top combo.

http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

This pant suit will still have you hearing 'wow's from your fellow wedding guests. We love the tailored fit of this jacket, pinched in at the waste with a gold chain. The look is a winner.

David Christian Shirt & pant http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

Not the tailored kind of girl? You can still look ultra-modern and stylish in a plain blouse and flowy trouser combo. A chunky bracelet will aid your colour blocked outfit.

Front Row Shop Top and Skirt http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

If these alternatives still aren't feminine enough for you, you can always opt for a skirt and top rather than a dress. Tucking a smart blouse into an a-line skirt is a great alternative if you fancy something different. This sheer polka dot blouse is the perfect texture to contrast against a simple a-line pleated skirt. Top off with a blazer to keep the look smart.

For the Gentlemen

It's not just the ladies that find themselves in a tizz when it comes to hunting down the right wedding outfit. Men are in the same boat; whether it's an outdoor summer wedding or an indoor evening wedding reception, it's vital that you're looking dapper, right?

http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

We'd like to kick-start the gentleman section with one of the most iconic of gentlemen, Mr David Gandy. Some worry that the black tie suit has been over done, and it will no longer wow at a wedding reception. Wrong, if you've got a well cut, tailored suit and a cracking pair of smart shoes, this look will always be a winner.

Frank and Oak Shirt, Banana Republic Jacket, Wdny Tie, Ray Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

J Crew Shirt http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

Now, in contrast, textured blazers are hugely popular in the fashion world this year, and they're extremely versatile. Layer over checked, plain or striped crisp shirts, team with jeans, navy chinos or smart trousers and dress with textured wool or striped silk ties. You can make this look yours. Avoid loud colours and over accessorising. A modern tie pin and long-toed brown wing tips are as far as you need to go to spruce up this look.

http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

If you're attending an outdoor wedding outside of the summer months, why not opt for tweed? It's another texture which has raced onto the fashion scene this year, and we at The Pot Kiln Anywhere love it! Add a paisley pocket square to keep the look unique.

http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/

And now, for something a little louder. Why not dress to impress at a sun-filled summer wedding with checked prints, bow ties and chunky wayfarer glasses? Without going overboard, geek chic can be a great look for a wedding guest when kept to a subtle minimum.

As you can see, there are hundreds of ways to look great a wedding reception. So sit back, take a breath and plan your outfit. It's such a fun part of being invited to a wedding, and there is no need to get yourself in a tizz. Lookbook.com is a fantastic website for you to gather inspiration; users post their outfits and list the brands that they are wearing so that you can easily get the look you love.

Head over to our Pinterest board to see more of our 'Wedding Guest' ideas and outfits, and the origins of the photographs used in the blog post; http://www.pinterest.com/potkilnanywhere/guests/