A lot of the time, couples look first to city-centre wedding venues. Often, this is because of the sheer convenience when it comes to ensuring everyone set to attend the given wedding will be able to reach the venue easily. 

However, there is also evidence that many couples (even those who live and work in cities) have given serious thought in recent times to the notion of holding their wedding in a rural or “countryside” setting. 

If you can find the right place, a countryside wedding can help create a magical atmosphere that will leave you and your guests with memories you will cherish forever. 

Below, then, we have taken a closer look at the reasons why you should consider planning a countryside farm wedding.

• The unspeakable beauty of nature

One of the biggest reasons why countryside weddings are so popular is the chance to celebrate one’s big day while surrounded by the incomparable beauty of nature.

Finding and booking a beautiful farm wedding venue will provide you with some stunning natural scenery. This will add a level of rustic charm that will help make the wedding an occasion everyone present will remember fondly.

The unique scenery on offer – whether it’s rustic farmhouses, rolling hills, or meticulously designed gardens – also offers a great deal of variety when it comes to the wedding photos. This will enable you to remember your wedding with a beautiful selection of images. 

• More space compared to a city-centre venue 

When you are planning a wedding in an urban venue, you may find it difficult to find the space to include everything you want for the big day.

With a countryside venue, there will be no need to worry about space (or at least, much less need). Countryside farm venues tend to be much more spacious than city venues. 

This means you will be able to accommodate more guests, with plenty of room for parking, and the choice of multiple farm buildings and a vast amount of wide-open space will enable you to fit everything in.

• A tranquil atmosphere

What better way could there be to celebrate your big day than spending time with your loved ones in a beautiful, tranquil environment?

With enchanting countryside views and captivating gardens, a farm wedding venue can give your guests the perfect chance to escape the hustle and bustle of modern-day living. They will be able to immerse themselves in a peaceful atmosphere in which to celebrate a joyous occasion.

• Privacy and security

Many countryside weddings take place in rural areas, offering a level of privacy and security that makes them the perfect place to celebrate without the need to worry about unwanted guests. 

The rural location also gives you the chance to truly celebrate without having to worry about disturbing others or attracting noise complaints.

• Greater affordability than the urban alternative 

Wedding venues located in a city can often be very expensive. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, a farm wedding venue can often be a great choice. 

A more affordable venue leaves you with more choice when it comes to other aspects of the wedding. This means you will be able to design your perfect wedding without having to fret about the cost quite so much. 

What to consider when planning a countryside farm wedding

A countryside farm wedding can be a highly suitable option for couples and guests who are looking to celebrate their big day in a beautiful, unique setting.

However, there are a few things you should consider when you are looking for the most appropriate venue for a wedding.

• Weather

One of the best things about a countryside wedding is the chance to celebrate surrounded by the jaw-dropping, verdant views of the country. 

In order to get the most from this setting, it is often best to hold a countryside wedding during the summertime, so that guests can enjoy the outdoors without being affected by the cold.

The weather will certainly be an important thing to consider when you are planning a rural wedding. Ideally, your nuptials will take place on a warm, dry day. 

However, weather can be unpredictable, so it is always a good idea to have a contingency plan in case of suddenly adverse outdoor conditions (for example, having an attractive and well-equipped indoor space ready to which you could switch at late notice). 

• Location

Another thing to consider when planning a wedding is how easy it will be for your invitees to reach your chosen location. 

As countryside wedding venues are – practically by definition – in relatively isolated places, getting to them may be more difficult than would be the case for a city venue.

Luckily, most farm wedding venues have a selection of excellent travel and accommodation options. This means that, with a little bit of planning, guests should be able to easily reach your chosen rural venue without too much trouble.

Conclusion: countryside nuptials are becoming popular for many different reasons 

A countryside farm wedding has the potential to offer a truly unique experience that will leave the given couple and their loved ones with cherished lifelong memories.

In your case, finding the perfect farm wedding venue will enable you, your sweetheart, and your wedding attendees to enjoy captivating natural scenery, a tranquil atmosphere, and the right amount of privacy and security as part of the ultimate “special day”. 

The post Nature’s Embrace: Why Countryside Farm Weddings Are Trending appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

But don’t worry! Here’s a list of unique wedding gift ideas for inspiration, from DIY to affordable to splurge-worthy splendour. Rather than getting them an item that they may already have, or something they won’t often use, treat them to a thoughtful present that’s truly out of the gift box.

The Tastiest Gift Ever

Buy them a culinary experience they’ll never forget; your favourite couple can never have enough delicious food. Treating them to a unique dining experience will serve as a gift and a post-honeymoon date all wrapped up into one. This is your opportunity to brainstorm what would mean the most them; do they love fine dining?

If so, splash the cash on a luxury culinary experience at Michelin-starred restaurant. If they’re homebodies and enjoy a movie night on the couch, get their favourite takeaway food delivered right to their door or a cocktail-making kit  Bonus points if you throw in a great bottle of wine!

Make Them a Succulent Arrangement

Add some green, leafy vibrancy to their new lives as husband and wife. This is an easy, fun gift for the couple that wants Instagram-worthy home decor, but doesn’t want another chore to add to their list. It’s great for younger couples, older couples, and everyone in between.

Succulents only require watering about 3 times a month, which means it’s easy to keep this gift for ages. Plants are a long-term gift compared to a bouquet of flowers or a box of fancy chocolates. Visit your local garden centre and arrange one yourself, or order an arrangement from your local florist.

Host a Party For Them

Celebrating never gets old! Host a barbeque or a late-night wine session on the patio. We love this for summer weddings and warm-weather neighbourhoods. If the weather doesn’t permit outdoor celebrations, embrace the cosiness and host an intimate party on your friends’ behalf. Winter parties pair well with string lights, hot chocolate, and yummy comfort food. Spice up any party with unique decorations, photos of the couple, and a party activity like a photo booth

Organise a Trip for Them

From a lovely road trip to a grand world tour, celebrate their love by creating their latest travel itinerary. Adventurous couples will appreciate a tour of a national park, and culture vultures will love museum tickets. Think long and hard about this one- is there a place your friend has always wanted to visit? A gallery they’ve been waiting to see? Buy them a pair of train or plane tickets and send them on their way. If you’re feeling extra generous, treat them to premium seats!

Buy Them a Piece of Art

The beautiful couple needs beautiful artwork to match! Visit a local art print shop or gallery and pick something that strikes your fancy, keeping their taste and home style in mind. Frame the piece, and make sure to include all of the materials necessary for hanging it in their home.

Matchy-matchy: Robes, Slippers and PJs!

It’s cheesy. But it’s so damn cute. “His and hers” outfits and accessories are always a great way to celebrate married life. Personalized items like robes or slippers will fit anyone that loves to be cosy and cute.

Stock Their Bar Cart

For the duo that likes to entertain; supply them with all of the trendiest bar cart essentials! Put together a gift basket with liquors, mixers, and garnishes. Add classic mixology tools like a shaker, strainer, and bottle opener to the basket. Keep a consistent colour theme throughout the bottles, packaging, and tools so that your gift basket looks twice as nice. If you just want to give your newlywed friends some classic bar cart tools, throw in a bottle of champagne to keep the celebratory vibes going.

You can also gift them some accessories to make their home bar fun. There are plenty of accessories available such as designer glasses, wall mounted bottle openers, fancy dispensers, personalized home bar LED signs, etc.

Buy Them a Museum Tour

If they’re itching to learn something new, set them up with an exciting museum tour.  This gift is perfect for teachers, historians, or any twosome that loves to learn. Don’t forget to add that extra cherry-on-top: book transportation to and from the museum to charm them from beginning to end. You could even treat them to a souvenir from the museum so they have a way to remember their fun, experiential gift!

Get Them Ready for Adventure with Luggage

A high-quality, modern luggage set is an unusual but useful gift. The newlyweds can use it on their honeymoon, on business trips, or anywhere else they decide to venture. After all, the couple that packs together, stays together.

Gussy Up Their Powder Room

Make a gift basket with all things spa-like: candles, luxurious towels, and bubble bath. Soothing scents like lavender and jasmine pair well with post-wedding joy! Allowing the newlyweds to unwind in their homes makes for a great gift. The candles, bubble bath, and cosy necessities will make their bathroom feel like a real, luxurious spa.

Book or Buy Them a Date Night

New couples are much more likely to embrace date night. After the wedding, your friends are going to want another way to enjoy their time together, instead of planning or going on their usual dates. This gift could even be as simple as calling an incredible restaurant on their behalf. Buy them a fun date night and keep it lighthearted- they’re going to love any excuse to go out and have fun!

Gift giving for newlyweds can be loads of fun. Some may seem to have everything, but when it comes to marriage, all that matters is finding a way to celebrate the love that they have for each other. Whether it’s a gift basket or a dinner reservation, personalize it depending on your friends’ tastes, hobbies, and passions. Even the picky pair that seems to have everything will appreciate these unique presents and experiences.

The post Unique Wedding Gifts For Couples Who Have Everything appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Where to Go?

There are so many wonderful places all over the world, but your proposal should take place somewhere that is beautiful, memorable, and evocative for both of you. If you aspire to the high life, you could save up for a stay at a five-star resort, in one of the premium suites and include all the hedonistic trimmings that you can, making your proposal the highlight of the stay.

If this sounds like too much pressure, a relaxing beach holiday is an option, as is a cozy and private cabin in the woods, holed up with everything you need and each other. Otherwise, there are niche destinations, like going to watch the Northern Lights glow and flicker in the sky while you pop the question. Any of these are good choices for a destination proposal, plus your partner may have mentioned a place that they are particularly fond of that you could book tickets for instead.

Do Tell

Do let the concierge at the hotel know what you are planning and when. Not only is this just polite, but they can also warn you about contingencies, such as a planned fire drill, for example, so you can pick your moment better or let you know which restaurant is the best for romantic wining and dining. Very often – although this should never be expected – they will comp you a meal, a special dessert, or a bottle of champagne to celebrate your engagement, or even upgrade your room to the honeymoon suite for a taste of things to come.

Plan Ahead

You will be far from home and unable to pop back and fetch anything you have forgotten – such as the ring, for example! Or, if you want your partner to have input on the design of the ring, it is something that you can work on together while you have the time and leisure on holiday, make sure you bring all the website links, such as this one: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/search/, for your loose diamonds, and your plans, sketches and costings.

Finally, and perhaps rather grimly, plan your proposal for the end of the holiday. This is just in case you are turned down for any reason – and it can happen, people can suddenly get cold feet, decide that they want something a little different in their life, or even just panic and say ‘no’ without thinking about it properly. Should you be rejected, it is much easier to get through one or two days with your new ex than a whole week! But hopefully, that will not happen, and you will return home, triumphant, tanned, and freshly engaged!

The post Destination Proposal Ideas: How To Nail Your Marriage Proposal appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

From organizing the stag-do and writing speeches to supporting the groom, the best man is a big part of your wedding. Make sure that you and your husband-to-be have the perfect way to say thank you with our guide to choosing the best gift for your best man. Whether they’re a childhood friend or a close family member, read on to find out how to select the ideal present!

Accessories

If your best man is a fan of timeless accessories, there’s no better gift than a classic piece he can wear every day. From the range of Swiss watches by IWC online to an engraved leather wallet, choose a quality item that is both practical and stylish.

When buying gifts to commemorate a particular day, it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying novelty products or ornaments. These might serve as a reminder of your wedding but are unlikely to be treasured in the long-run. By choosing a high-quality accessory that your best man will actually use, you can show your appreciation and honour your special day without spending money on something that won’t last the test of time.

Alcohol

Alcohol might seem a clichéd gift, but choose the right bottle, and your best man certainly won’t be disappointed! Whether he is a rum and coke, a real ale, or even a raspberry vodka, treat him to his favorite tipple – with a fun twist. How about choosing a commemorative bottle engraved with your wedding date, and including a light-up bottle stop so it can double as an outdoor decoration once it’s empty?

Alternatively, buy a gift that will keep on giving. Subscription businesses are all the rage right now, with lots of services making monthly deliveries of quality bottles to the lucky recipient’s door. Have the first bottle or selection box ready to present on your wedding day, then enclose a subscription card that will let him know when to expect his next delivery.

Personalized tools

Is your best man a keen cook, avid adventurer, or travel junkie? Whatever their interests, you can’t go wrong with a personalized tool to help them enjoy their hobby on the go. These can range from high-quality pocket knives and multi-tools to kitchen accessories and travel kits. To make them even more special, have them engraved with the best man’s name, your wedding date, or a personalized message from the groom.

Say ‘thank you’ on a budget

With the average UK wedding now costing around £32,000, it’s no surprise that more and more couples are choosing to buck the trend and celebrate their love without spending a fortune. If you and your husband-to-be are planning your beautiful day on a budget, you might prefer to choose gifts that prioritize meaning over money.

These could include a homemade photo book, a hamper of home-cured salt or spice mixes, or even an upcycled project!

Say thank you in style with our guide to choosing the best gifts for your best man.

The post How To Choose The Best Gift For Your Best Man appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

The amount you pay for any present will depend on a number of factors. For instance, you might spend more on someone who you’re close to. You’re more likely to spend a fortune on your best friend than an acquaintance from work, for instance. The timing of the event and how much of a budget you have can be a factor in this choice too.

However, it can be particularly difficult to decide how much you should spend on a wedding gift because you know the bride and groom will be able to compare your gift to the presents of everyone else who attended.

Overcoming Old Traditions

A traditional method of deciding how much to spend on a wedding gift is figuring out the price-per-plate for each person invited to your party. For instance, people frequently assume that if their wedding meal costs £40, then they should spend that same amount on a present.

However, this can be an odd way to go about things. You’re not paying for admission into a private party. Plus, there’s no guarantee that the bride or groom will want to share how much they spent on the food. Remember, gifts for a wedding aren’t a financial exchange. It’s your chance to show the couple how much you care about them, and how happy you are for their love.

Don’t make the mistake of spending extra on a wedding gift just because the wedding itself seems like an expensive affair.

Choosing the Right Amount to Spend

So if you can’t use the “per plate” rule, how much should you typically spend on a wedding gift? Usually, most people agree that around £100 between the couple is a good choice if you’re awfully close to the person. This is usually the amount you would give to a family member or a close friend. If you have a bit more of a budget to work with, then you might decide to spend a little more.

If you’re taking a gift to a coworker or casual acquaintance’s wedding, then you can spend less. Around £50 might be enough, or even less if you can make sure that the gift you get doesn’t look cheap or thoughtless. If your friend asks for something specific, you can give them that item without having to “make up the extra” if you think you haven’t spent enough.

One thing to keep in mind when deciding how much to spend is that you will need to spend the same amount for everyone in your close circle. Just because you have extra cash to splash on this wedding doesn’t mean you should go over the top. Doing so could create the wrong expectations for your other friends.

Love this *something blue* eco gift wrapping idea

When to Spend More or Less on a Wedding

Setting a “typical” amount that you’re willing to spend on a wedding gift will help to keep you on track when you’re planning a gift for a wedding. However, there are circumstances that might push you to take a different approach. For instance, if you’re broke and you just lost your job, then your loved ones will probably understand that you can’t afford a big gift.

If you’re bringing your own guest that wasn’t specifically invited by the couple, then it might be worth adding a little extra to the gift. Remember that the couple is probably paying more for your guest to be there.

If you’re flying overseas or going somewhere very expensive for the wedding, then your loved ones probably won’t expect you to spend as much on their gift. The same is true if you’re part of the wedding party and you have to pay for your own hair, makeup, or accessories. If you’ve got extra cash to contribute to the big day already, you can cut down on the price of your wedding gift.

One other point to remember is that just because it used to be bad manners for couples to request money as a wedding gift in the past, doesn’t mean that this is the case now. Many couples ask for monetary gifts to pay for a honeymoon and other large purchases. When the couple asks for money, you can give them anything that you can afford based on the relationship that you have with both the bride and groom.

The post How Much Should You Spend On a Wedding Gift? appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

To avoid any hiccups when it comes to the hen party, you’ll want to be sure that you’ve got it all planned out and ready to go – this way you can steer clear of potholes and give the blushing bride-to-be the send-off into married life that she deserves. If you’re looking for something a little more than just a few drinks in town, hen party spa days can be a fantastic option – they give you something to do, time to relax, and are a nice intimate way for the bride to spend time with her best friends before her big day.

1) Pace Yourselves 

Whilst it may not be something that you want to hear, pacing yourselves throughout the day is vital if you want to have a day that’s remembered fondly rather than not remembered at all. If you’re heading to a spa, it’s likely that you’ll be out early and then partying on into the night, so if you want to enjoy the day you’ll have to pace yourself or risk ending up tucked up in bed by 7pm. We’d suggest making sure you’ve had some hearty food before you pop open the prosecco, then try not to go too overboard with the drinks whilst you’re still in the early hours of the celebrations. 

2) Be Respectful 

Up next is a hugely important one, not just for you and your group but for everyone else too. You’ve seen it before; a rowdy group of stags or hens being loud, brash, and disrespectful to those around them, and you hated every second of it. Avoid being those people by staying aware of your surroundings when in the public spaces and by remaining respectful and polite to the staff at the spa – they’re there to ensure that you have a fantastic day of relaxing and pampering and don’t deserve to be subject of arrogant behaviour. If you’re a larger group, why not look into renting an entire location? This gives you the opportunity to have a little more leeway in the way that you act, as well as a little bit more privacy during this intimate event.

3) Enjoy Yourselves! 

Finally, most party of any party, have fun! There can be a lot of stress and hassle in the run-up to a wedding, much of which pops up completely unexpectedly, so it’s nice to have a day put aside to just relax, forget that stress, and have a fabulous time. Whether it’s a caterer who’s being a pain to deal with, a florist who’s struggling to source the right flowers or a venue that’s being a stickler for rules, there’s so much that can cause stress surrounding a wedding, but with the right planning, you can make sure that the hen party isn’t one of these stress-causers. 

Hen parties at a spa location are a great change of pace to the usual protocol of heading to bars and drinking the night away; spa days are the ultimate way to relax and unwind, especially when you have your closest friends by your side! This makes these days, or weekend breaks, the ideal hen party event for groups who are looking to steer clear of the stereotypical drunken night out and look to do something a little more sophisticated, intimate, and grown-up. 

However you choose to spend your hen party, we hope you have an amazing day and wish you all the best for married life!

The post Is A Spa Weekend The Right Choice For Your Hen Party? appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.