Walkern Hall

In my area I am lucky to be surrounded by beautiful stately homes. Walkern Hall http://www.walkernhall.co.uk/ is one of these.
Situated near Stevenage, Walkern Hall is a delightful Georgian manor house, surrounded by beautiful gardens, stunning trees and much parkland. Its grounds are a perfect setting for a marquee wedding reception, private party or other event.

Exclusive ground hire charges are very reasonable and you are able, with the approval of the charming owners, to bring in whichever suppliers you wish.

Well worth a visit if you are looking for a relaxed, quintissentially English backdrop for your wedding or event.

Blenheim Palace

I used to be based very close to Blenheim Palace, but hadn't looked at it as a venue for many years, until I revisited it this morning. I was therefore very excited to see the wonderful possibilites for weddings, parties and other events which Blenheim offers today.

Blenheim offers five different venues - The Orangery, The Marlborough Room, The Great Hall and The Long Library, plus the opportunity to erect a marquee in a number of spaces in their beautiful grounds.

Well worth a visit if you are considering a wedding or other event in the most fabulous surroundings England can offer.

http://www.blenheimpalace.com/

Emergency Kit - Hygeine, Hair & Beauty

This is the second in my series of suggestions about what to take to your wedding 'just in case'.

I always create an attractive basket of items to be left for the use of guests in the ladies room. The following list is uncomplicated, but shows your guests you have thought of their potential needs, thus making them feel even more welcome:

• deodorant and deodorant wipes
• dental floss
• pack of cheap toothbrushes/ toothpaste
• hairspray
• tampons/ towels
• hygeine bags
• tissues
• hairpins
• tights
• emery boards
• cotton buds
• ends of perfumes

Why not consider a simpler version for the Gents too? And lastly, I also keep spare toilet rolls in the car.

Fabulous Duo - Mantal

I hear many excellent musicians at weddings and parties I have the privilege to be involved in, but I am always keen to find new acts and team them with events I am designing.

I was therefore very excited to meet Chris and Taira who together make up http://www.mantal.co.uk/ . They have performed with famous names such as Elton John and Phil Collins and have sung lead roles in West End shows such as Billy Elliot and Grease.

Able to sing both for ceremonies and receptions they can take on all your wedding music requirements, becoming an integral part of your day just like your photographer or caterer.

Listen here http://www.mantal.co.uk/audio/Hallelujah.mp3

Emergency Kit - Children

Over the next few weeks, prior to the main wedding season, I will be focussing on various items which I make sure I take with me to weddings.

Not all will be relevant to everyone. Some will be venue specific, good for marquee weddings, or will relate to particular times of year.

So, feel free to use what you like and discard the elements which don't apply to you.

My first list applies to weddings where small children will form part of the guest list. Making sure you have the following basic items will make you popular with the parents:

• disposable change mats
• nappy bin and sacks
• baby wipes
• nappies
• disposable bibs
• teething gel
• paper
• crayons
• simple noiseless wipeable toys

Next week - hygeine, hair and beauty musts.