We kept exhibitor numbers low, in order that the fair could retain an intimate appeal. This gave couples time to wander around the different spaces including the Cragg Sister’s woodland tearoom, the Glamping site, the workshop canopy and the marquee.

The first 100 brides to arrive received a delightful goodie bag containing a copy of Pure Weddings Magazine, an iced biscuit by Amelie’s Kitchen, a ‘Wedding Checklist’ from Lemon Pie Wedding Stationery, a tea towel from CMA Catering equipment hire amongst many more offers and vouchers.

This year we launched our ‘Truly Marvellous Workshops’ organised and co-ordinated by Caroline Gould Wedding Planner. These workshops were held in a marvellous star canopy provided by Magical Camping. The workshops were a great success and provided couples with insider industry advice and useful wedding tips!

Our ‘Official Fair Photographer’ Ross Dean of Ross Dean Photography captured the day perfectly; his sophisticated, crisp photography style has provided us with images that truly reflect the marvellous atmosphere of the day.

We would like to thank everyone who came to support, exhibited at and enjoyed the fair. We will keep you posted with plans for next year’s truly marvellous fair!

See our Facebbok Page for more photos…

The post A Truly Marvellous Fair! appeared first on Kenton Hall Estate.

 Handmade by Hadleys

My supplier of the month in May has to be our ‘Best Stand’ Competition winner at ‘The Truly Marvellous Wedding & Bottom Drawer Fair’ -

Handmade by Hadley’s Ice Cream.

Jane Hadley has built a fabulous business selling her delicious ice cream and she launched her ’Ice Cream Sundae Service’ at the fair offering an alternative wedding dessert option or simply as an extra treat on your big day!

Find your favourites from the mouth-watering range of flavours and combinations. Tell Jane your wedding or party themes and she will suggest sundaes to match with toppings and sauces that complement your event’s style. Choose to have the Sundae Service from a vintage Ice Cream cart on wheels or a retro Ice Cream Dub. And they’ve got Little Sundae options for very young guests too.

Handmade by Hadley’s Ice Cream Sundaes are the perfect combination: smooth ice cream with delicious toppings and sprinkles. They are served perfectly at parties, tall and tempting in a traditional Sundae glass or bright and breezy in a jolly disposable dishes.

So if your looking for that something different for your special day why not choose an Ice Cream Dub?!

Daisy’s Top Tip’s

Wedding Open Days

We are hosting a Wedding Open Day here at Kenton Hall Estate on 25^th May, but what should you be asking when you visit a venue? Here are some tips to get you started!

1. How many events are hosted per weekend? DIY decorations require some time to set up, so check whether you are able to have the venue before the day as this may limit what you can do!
2. Is there a coordinator on the day? Make sure there will be someone around on the day to coordinate suppliers and generally ensure the day runs smoothly, it will save you the worry!
3. What does the price actually include? Check things like whether the venue charge corkage if you are planning to supply your own alcohol and ask whether there is a payment schedule in place.
4. Are there suppliers we have to work with or can you source them yourself? If suppliers such as caterers are set, arrange a meeting with them before booking to ensure they can offer what you would like and within budget or ask to see sample menus.
5. Rules and regulations? Are there certain areas you won’t have access to on the day or a noise accordance you should be aware of? Check any restrictions to ensure no surprises later on!

Jo Loves…

Thrifty Flowers

Flowers play a massive part in every wedding and can make a venue! Notoriously expensive, people are becoming more creative with floral displays and bouquets, here are some of my favourite thrifty flower ideas!

Pom Pom’s are a great alternative to flowers and really transform a space. They’re great as table centres, bouquets or even corsages.

There are so many fantastic ways of creating centre pieces on a budget! Replace expensive vases with jam jars, jugs or bottles for a rustic look or get creative with cake stands!

The post May Marvels… appeared first on Kenton Hall Estate.

A number of MENTA prizes, all with a business support theme, were awarded. MENTA is a well established enterprise agency. It is a not-for-profit organisation that was founded over 29 years ago. It supports pre-start up, emerging and existing small businesses across Suffolk with advice, training courses and networking events.

The competition was a great addition to the fair and it certainly enthused exhibitors. The standard and effort put into each and every stand was fantastic. Judges included Charlotte Smith-Jarvis editor of Pure Weddings Magazine, Luke Gusman of Sales Media Evolution and Julia Payn of SalePath.

Julia Payn, one of the judges, said “There was an amazing array of exhibitors. Crisp and Dene specialising in personalised textiles won the stand for best customer service, Lemon Pie Wedding Stationery won the best promotional materials, whilst  local ice cream makers, Handmade by Hadleys, was the overall winner. Each winner received a voucher entitling them to attend a MENTA business course and Handmade of Hadleys will also receive a bespoke business support session.“

Leanne Castle, a business adviser at MENTA comments, “MENTA was delighted to show our support for small businesses in Suffolk in this way.  Too often event organisers don’t cherish their exhibitors enough so it is great that Kenton Hall Estates acknowledged  the hard work of the exhibitors. MENTA‘s aim is to provide advice and knowledge to help Suffolk businesses grow and to work with a niche such as wedding and event suppliers is great.”

We are pleased to announce the winners of each of our 5 classes and our overall ‘Best Stand’ Winner!

Class 1 – Best Dressed Stand & Creativity

Winner: Camera On Films

Suffolk’s leading wedding film producer…

Camera On Films stand was certainly memorable, using the space to create a cinematic experience for visitors.

www.cameraonfilms.co.uk

Class 2 – Best Communication of brand or service

Winner: Photal

Photal offers a brand new take on the photo booth. The interactive photo-walls are available to hire for weddings, parties and any other event!

www.photal.co.uk

Class 3 – Best customer service & engagement with visitors

Winner: Crisp & Dene

Crisp and Dene – Home and Interiors, was one of our ‘Bottom Drawer’ exhibitors.

Crisp and Dene produce homewares as well as design & print bespoke napkins & table linens for weddings, events and parties.

www.crispanddene.co.uk

Class 4 – Best use of promotional materials

Winner: Lemon Pie Wedding Stationery

Lemon Pie Wedding Stationery creates gorgeous, modern wedding stationery that you won’t be able to wait to send out to your guests! Lemon Pie created fantastic ‘Wedding Checklists’ and branded pencils to give to visitors at the fair – organisation is key!

www.lemonpiedesign.co.uk

Class 5 -Best use of Social Media to promote the fair

Winner: Dreamwave Events

Dreamwave Events Professional Disco and Lighting Hire did a fantastic job of promoting the fair through facebook and twitter, their post-fair coverage has also been superb. Dreamwave provided the whole production for the workshops at the fair including the fashion showcase.

www.dreamwaveevents.co.uk

Overall ‘Best Stand’

Winner: Handmade by Hadleys

Handmade by Hadleys Ice Cream Sundae Service brings a sprinkle of delicious luxury to your special occasion. Served as dessert or as a party treat, give your guests a taste of something truly special!

Congratulations Jane – she wins MENTA Vouchers, a one-to-one business mentoring session and a stand at the 2014 Truly Marvellous Fair!

www.handmadebyhadleys.co.uk

The post Truly Marvellous Exhibitor Competition! appeared first on Kenton Hall Estate.

Lucy McVeigh is our very own farmer in the making! Her passion for agriculture has grown over the last 5 years and despite her tender age of 18, she is showing real promise in developing her skills. She loves living and working in the countryside, enjoying country pursuits such as shooting and fishing. She has previously shot for Framlingham College and Newcastle University Shooting Team.

She is not your average looking traditional farmer, however she joins a modern breed of the farming generation breathing new life into the agricultural world. Her enthusiasm and thirst to learn is undeniable and although she is physically not as strong as her male counterparts she doesn’t let this get in her way!

Lucy has recently taken on more responisitilby looking after our 30 head of Longhorn Cattle whilst they have been housed in our roundhouse over the winter months. This time of year is always exciting when the cattle are turned out to pasture and the harvest is fast approaching. For the past 4 years Lucy has taken the leading role in the farm’s harvest – driving the combine!

Lucy will be keeping a blogging diary over the summer months – documenting what she is doing on the farm.

The post Introducing Farmer Lucy appeared first on Kenton Hall Estate.

We have teamed up with our on-site caterers Events Couture and exclusive bar company Cellar27 to bring you our 2014 Summer Wedding Package. This package is available on all available dates (remember we only host 8 weddings) during our season May-September!

 Let us take the stress away from planning your big day!

Our Summer Package includes:

Exclusive use of Kenton Hall Estate Venue

Our beautifully lined marquee is fully fitted with lighting, dance floor, tables and chairs. Our WC facilities are outstanding and our car park can accommodate up to 80 cars. Our formal and rose gardens are perfect for drinks receptions and photographs.

Three Course Wedding Breakfast

Events Couture our on-site caterer will provide an outstanding meal for your special day. Enjoy Canapés in the formal garden or a seated starter along with a main course and dessert chosen by you. All table linen, glassware and crockery is included.

Drinks Package

Cellar27 is our exclusive bar provider, included (per guest) is one glass of Pimm’s on arrival, half a bottle of wine and a glass of fizz to toast.

Honeymoon Yurt

At Kenton Hall Estate we offer ‘Glamping’ accommodation to compliment your wedding. Included in our package price is one night in our luxury Honeymoon Yurt. Extra Glamping accommodation can be arranged.

Our package price is £9,600 (VAT non-applicable) for 100 guests for your Wedding Breakfast. Additional guests (maximum 150 guests for wedding breakfast) will be charged at £75.00 per head.

Please do not hesitate to contact Emily, our Events Manager on 01728 862062 or emily@kentonhallestate.co.uk to book a viewing.

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Kenton Hall Estate

Wedding Open Day

On

Saturday 25^th May 2013

Our wedding open day is an opportunity for you to experience all that Kenton Hall Estate has to offer.

Our experienced Events Team will give you a guided tour of the venue and discuss options available including our 2014 summer package.

Appointments available from 9am.

To book your appointment contact Emily our Events Manager on 01728 862062

or e-mail emily@kentonhallestate.co.uk

Kenton Hall Estate, Kenton, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6JU

The post Wedding Open Day! appeared first on Kenton Hall Estate.

Here is the list of exhibitors! Remember to save the date for 5thMay – we hope to see you then!

Simply click on the links below…

The Testosta Tones – Authentic Vintage Doo-Wop

Events Couture – Wedding Caterers

Dreamwave Events – Professional DJ, Lighting and hire service

First Impressions Last – Handmade Wedding Stationary

Photal – Photo booth with a difference!

Blossoms Floral Designs – Florist

Sara Thomas – Photographer

Spiral Gallery – Jewellery

Cellar 27 – Mobile Bar

Bluebella Sudbury – Lingerie

Bowtique Designs – Bespoke Bouquets and Accessories

Lavender & Jude – Bridal wear

Jessica Few – Headwear

Aleksandra Zych – Make-up

SK Clinic – Beauty spa

Vanilla Patisserie – Cakes

Camera On Films – Videographer

Lemon Pie Design – Wedding Stationary

Dominic Whiten – Photography

Pom Pom Studio – Paper Pom Decorations

Myrtle and Mint – Florist

Crisp and Dene – Bottom Drawer Delights

Dizzy Dizzigns – Handmade contemporary silver jewellery

The Boule-In – Bottom Drawer Delights

Amelie’s Kitchen – Cakes

Clare Bridal Studio – Vintage Bridal wear

Nick Ilott – Photography

Rosie’s Pretty Vintage China Hire

Emerald Fire Retro – Dressmaker and Corsetiere

Handmade by Hadleys – Handmade Ice Cream

Magical Camping - Luxury Glamping Experience

The Flying Chef – Unique caterer

The Cragg Sisters Tearoom - Aldeburgh

Caroline Gould - Weddings

The post Introducing our Truly Marvellous Exhibitors! appeared first on Kenton Hall Estate.

April’s supplier of the month is the fantastic – Dreamwave Events!

Dreamwave Events is run by a dynamic duo – Paul and Dave. Along with their DJ team they provide DJ, Disco and lighting hire services for weddings and private events, covering Essex and Suffolk and East Anglia.

Their wealth of experience, expertise and enthusiastic approach ensures the service they deliver is second to none. They offer fantastic packages for your wedding and party and a great ‘Cocktail’ DJ set up for alternative music for your reception.

The full attention to detail and quality of service offered includes a personal meeting at their dedicated offices (just east of Colchester in Essex) or an informal chat to discuss your event’s proceedings and your musical requirements.

Dreamwave also offer a superb lighting hire service and have an impressive collection of festoon lighting perfect for an outdoor event. These lights add atmosphere and make a great impression for you and your guests providing a magical, midsummer nights feel.

Here is an image of a ‘Midsummer Nights Dream Wedding’ that Dreamwave provided the lighting for at Hengrave Hall!

www.dreamwaveevents.co.uk

Contact Paul or Dave at Dreamwave now on -

Email: info@dreamwaveevents.co.uk

Tel: 01206 255333

Daisy’s Top Tips…

Here are Daisy’s top 5 tips for attending The Truly Marvellous Wedding & Bottom Drawer Fair, so you can make the most of the day!

1. Preparation is everything – Make a list of the suppliers you still need for your wedding – this way you can stay focused at the fair!
2. Beware of Budget – before you go, work out how much you can spend on each area, that way you can negotiate prices and even book on that day as a lot of exhibitors will offer ‘on the day’ incentives and discounts
3. Take your time – with great offers it’s easy to book on impulse, but make sure you go away and think about over it first, why not over a cup of tea at the Cragg Sisters Woodland Tea Room?
4. Do your homework – check out which suppliers will be attending the fair and get a feel for their products and prices
5. Watch out for workshops – Check out the workshop schedule as soon as you arrive, this way you can plan your day and be sure you don’t miss out on any you want to attend!

Jo Loves…

Pom Pom’s – Wedding and Party decor!

One of the hottest trends this year is tissue paper Pom Pom’s and they’re set to replace the balloon! We love how versatile they are and can suit any theme, venue or style with every colour imaginable, what’s not to love!

What’s more, Pom Pom Studio will be exhibiting at the fair and showcasing their fantastic Pom Pom’s in our main marquee and woodland, prepare to be inspired!

The post April Announcements… appeared first on Kenton Hall Estate.

We wanted to start our 2013 Glamping season off with a bang and there was no better way than to through a party! Friday 12th April saw over 60 friends, clients and members of the press descend on our beautiful slice of woodland here at Kenton Hall Estate.

After a day of rain we were all pleased the Great British weather held off and allowed us an evening of sunshine! The evening provided a chance to preview the Glamping site whilst enjoying drinks, our famous Longhorn beef burgers and music around the campfire!

Dreamwave Events entertained us with their ‘Cocktail DJ’ set up and added to the relaxed, fun atmosphere of the evening. We offered a selection of ‘Glamping Essentials’ favours including umbrellas, torches and mugs – our Glampers certainly left happy!

“Thank you for a lovely evening on Friday, everyone had a great time. I hope the evening brings you all the attention you deserve.”

The post Happy Glamping Launch appeared first on Kenton Hall Estate.

Emily’s Supplier of the Month!

Launching in April 2013 Kenton Hall Estate ‘Glamping Hen Weekends’ are set to thrill!  Designed for the outdoor bride this countryside-chic experience will delight your nearest and dearest. Imagine early morning yoga in the woodland, back-to-nature activities, delicious afternoon tea and Pimm’s around the campfire!                                                                                                                 And remember, this is glamorous camping - so you will be resting your head in a luxurious Bell Tent or Yurt!

Hen Weekend Packages start from £195 per person (minimum 8 guests) for 2 nights. All packages include Pimm’s on arrival, Glamping accommodation, breakfast and an activity of your choice.

For more information contact Emily at Kenton Hall Estate – emily@kentonhallestate.co.uk

Daisy’s Top Tips…

Glamping, or glamorous camping, for those of us who love the idea of the great outdoors but don’t want to compromise on style and comfort! Although many of the stresses of traditional camping are alleviated by the luxuries of glamping, there will always be elements out of our well styled control!

Here’s a list of my 3 top glamping tips to ensure happy glamper’s all round!

1. Local knowledge is priceless – Before you set off research top places to eat, nearest convenience store and good walking routes or bus times. Once you’re out in the wilderness and desperate for a pint of milk, you’ll be glad you checked before you lost your signal!
2. Pack for everything – there’s no harm in checking the weather, but don’t rely on it entirely! The sun may be shining but woodland and fields are muddy regardless, there is no time of year wellies are not a good idea when it comes to camping! Bear in mind, nights are always chilly too, so extra layers will always be welcome.
3. Avoid accidents – a basic first aid kit is a must when glamping, with camp fires and long walks a plaster is likely to come in handy!

 Jo Loves…

Glamping season is fast approaching so it seemed only right that I shared some glamping must haves with you! One of my favourite fun glamping accessories is the Cath Kidson flat pack picnic set – made to resemble a vintage tea set and wicker basket it’s fashionable, practical and cheap, so put away those Tupperware containers and garish mismatched plastic crockery!

There are so many amazing glamping gadgets on the market but the simple ones are always the best! I love this bottle and glass holder to avoid the inevitable knocking over. What’s more, you can use it again and again during trips to the beach, picnics or even in the garden at home! Definitely a worthy glamping investment!

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