The Ultimate Bride’s Guide for a Perfect Wedding Day

Starting off our bride guide with your arrival at the manor, where anticipation and excitement fills the air. As you step into your charming cottage, you’re greeted with some thoughtful touches—a selection of sweet treats and a bottle of chilled champs, setting the tone for your celebrations.

The cottage, designed to be a home away from home, offers ample space for you and your bridal party to relax and unwind. With two bathrooms ensuring no queues for getting ready, and comfortable double beds inviting a peaceful night’s sleep, it’s the perfect spot before the big day.

Think of it as your own personal slumber party, so get some matching PJs, and finish the final prep with your bride squad. The calm before the storm, where memories are made with a pop and a clink!

Rise and shine! Today’s the day you’ve been dreaming of your entire life, and trust us, it’s going to be incredible. But before the day’s festivities begin, there’s one essential step: breakfast. Indulge in a delicious Cotswold breakfast, savouring the flavours of the region and ensuring you’re well-fuelled for the busy day ahead.

As you retreat to your chosen bridal suite, this is your time to soak in the glory of our Manor house. You have a choice of 2 bedrooms, both being individually designed, so you will find one that will suit the style of bride you are.

Have you thought about crafting a playlist for to really set the tone for the day? Include your favourite bops, songs that mean something to you, some memories from your hen do, this is the moment to raise the energy and keep spirits at a high.

With meticulous planning and precise timings, your morning should unfold seamlessly. With your glam squad on standby, it’s time to unleash your inner goddess and let those hairdos and makeup masterpieces work their magic, so make sure everyone has there time slot, and they stick to it.

To ensure a stress-free, no rush, start to the day, aim to be ready with time to spare, 1 hour at least. We’re talking chill vibes only, so you can soak in every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime morning.

With preparations complete and anticipation mounting, the moment arrives to walk down the aisle. Whether you’ve chosen the romantic charm of the Maximilian, the natural beauty of the Italian Pavilion, or the timeless elegance of the manor arches, the stage is set for a ceremony to remember.

As you take those first steps, it’s essential to remain calm and composed, this is your moment. Maybe practice your aisle walk a couple days beforehand with your bridal party to ensure perfect timing. Another tip for our bride guide? Walk slow, slower than you think slow, take it in and hold onto the feeling.

Small details make all the difference, and there are many that brides easily forget—remove any hairbands or wrist accessories to maintain a polished look and hold your bouquet low to showcase your stunning gown. And don’t forget to move your engagement ring to your right hand, making way for your new wedding band on your left. Remember to breathe, smile, and maybe sneak a peek at your soon-to-be spouse because, let’s face it, they’re pretty darn lucky!

And after those magical words are exchanged, it’s time to head back down the aisle. Stop halfway with a kiss and make it picture perfect with a dip. Perfect the dip-kiss by practicing at home, maybe along with your waltz practice?

Grap your partner’s hand and go steal a moment to yourselves in a private room in the manor, bask in the glow of newlywed bliss. Celebrating with a glass of bubbles.

As you make your grand exit, don’t forget the all-important confetti shot. Top tips are: Choose lightweight, slow falling confetti, ensure your guests know to throw high, and make sure you both stop and kiss a couple times during your walk down the line. All of these will make for the most perfect confetti shot!

With vows exchanged and hearts full, it’s time to celebrate!

Step into the gardens for a drink’s reception bathed in sunlight, where your loved ones are mingling, and laughter fills the air. From tantalising canapés to signature cocktails inspired by you both, every detail is crafted to delight the senses.

Before the festivities really set in, it’s time to strike a pose – ensure prior to the big day you consult with your photographer and create a shot list, making sure no one is forgotten.

Concluding our ultimate bride guide: As twilight descends, the celebration moves indoors to the grand ballroom, where you can now take your first look at the wedding décor and styling that you have been planning, for what feels like forever.

Time to tuck in to your sumptuous wedding breakfast. With each bite, savour the flavours of carefully curated dishes, lovingly prepared by our talented culinary team.

Cue the speeches, this could be your moment to say a few words of your own. Traditions are so last century which is why bridal speeches are becoming increasingly popular. Keep it short and sweet, we want guests to stay engaged.

Now to step into the spotlight for your first dance, but why not add a twist? Start with a slow, romantic melody and then transition into a fast-paced number that’ll wow your guests. Show off your moves with some choreography that’ll leave everyone cheering for an encore!

And speaking of surprises, this may be the time for a quick outfit change! Kick off those heels, slip into something a little more comfortable, and let your hair down—literally! And as the evening unfolds, dance the night away surrounded by the ones you love, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

 

At Manor By The Lake, we’re not just a venue—we’re your partners in crafting the wedding of your dreams. From the exciting moments of preparation to the dream celebrations that follow, let us guide you on this extraordinary journey, where every detail is taken care of. So with our bride guide complete, we hope this has helped you dot the i’s and cross the t’s of your wedding planning checklist, and allowed you to picture your dream wedding day here at the manor.

Here’s to your happily ever after!