Q & A With Aimee Spencer-Carveth, Director At Rockbeare Manor

1) What’s the most important thing to think about when planning your wedding?

It’s easy to say, but it’s very important to remember that the most important thing is the fact that you and your other half are getting married! It’s not unusual for all of the little details to take over, I mean, really take over!!  Don't get me wrong, these are all part of the fun of the planning stages but the bottom line is that it’s about the two of you, getting married, in front of all of your dearest friends and family.

That’s about as special as you can get!

Work as a team with your other half, listen to one-another's ideas and take it one step at a time. 

2) I work full time and have little family support – How am I meant to find the time to organise a wedding?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the jobs that need doing but there are some very good, easy to follow planning timelines that you can find online, so use them to keep on track. Make a simple list and tick things off, one by one.

You can also talk to us! We love nothing more than chatting about weddings, it’s what we are passionate about, and so if you are struggling to know what you should be doing next in the planning phase – just ask! 

If you don’t have a big family network to help – what about your friends and future in laws? They are likely to feel really honoured if you were to ask them for their input, and very much appreciate playing a small part in your big day, regardless of whether they are related to you or not.

We are lucky to have a brilliant team of Wedding and Event experts at Rockbeare Manor and that in itself should take a lot of pressure off you. We’ll have a planning meeting with you about four months before your big day and in that, we’ll talk through the whole day from start to finish and make sure that everything is organised with absolute precision.

But, for those who are recently engaged, or planning a wedding this year – top of the list in terms of ‘things to do’ after booking your venue and catering (if applicable) should be:

• Confirm the time of your ceremony with your vicar, celebrant or registrar.
• Book a photographer to ensure that you get your first choice.
• Start looking for the all-important wedding dress. You will find many designers will need 7+ months’ lead time. 
• If you have a favourite band or DJ book them in early too, or if you don’t, ask your friends (or us) for recommendations.
• Send out your save the date cards. This is traditionally done 6-12 months before the wedding, but there is no harm doing it earlier if you wish.

If you ensure that your guests are well fed (and watered) and can enjoy a good boogie, the rest will all slot in to place. But we can point you in the right direction of a huge bunch of lovely suppliers who will guide you through the plans, whilst you focus on having the best wedding day imaginable.

3) How can I get my partner to be more involved in the day?

This is a tough one, but from experience, it’s very normal for there to one person taking the lead in the planning process. Sometimes a Bride, sometimes a Groom, and occasionally a parent. It’s about making sure that the key people have involvement, because their opinion does matter. If your partner isn’t showing much interest, think about the things that they love….music, wine, food, entertainment?  Perhaps narrow down some options then ask for their opinion once the leg work has been done! 

What about asking them to research options for the honeymoon? This is something that could take a bit of time, and is a huge responsibility, but definitely fun too.

What is your partner’s favourite colour? Could that be the main theme for the day?

Could they help to design or make a quirky table plan? Or how about organising a guest book, for all of your guests to stick a Polaroid photo, or sign and write a message to the newly married couple? The planning phase can be overwhelming for some people, but the chances are, that your other half will want to get involved as time goes on. 

If you’re stuck for ideas, you can always talk to somebody here at Rockbeare Manor. 

4) I’m not imaginative when it comes to themes for the day, or colour schemes. How do I choose?

With all the beautifully styled photoshoots that you see all over Instagram, Pinterest and social media it can feel daunting, and a lot to live up to, for anyone! But what they are very useful for is inspiration. What instantly grabs your attention? How you feel when you see a certain image, or style of décor? 

If in doubt - in my view, simple and elegant wins every time. Start with the flowers, and everything will flow from there.

Remember, less is always more! Try to resist the tempation to spend lots of money, on cheaply made, bad for the environment items that you found on Amazon, or in the wedding aisle of your local home store!

So many couples who are getting married at Rockbeare Manor, have told is us what a relief it has been for them, knowing that the venue is just beautiful as it is. There really is no need to break the bank on elaborate decoration, in whatever form. We have decorated our interiors very tastefully in a gorgeous, warm, neutral colour palette set off with impressive chandeliers, luxurious fabrics and probably the comfiest, softest sofas in the world (so we are told by lots our happy couples!!).

The venue really can work with any colour theme or style. 

We can also share with you, things that we’ve seen work particularly well in the past here at Rockbeare Manor. But definitely talk to your florist and photographer too – if you haven’t chosen them yet, again, this is something that we can help with as we have a list of lots of local suppliers.

If you’re newly engaged and would like to discuss your wedding at Rockbeare Manor, our Grade I Regency wedding and events venue near Exeter, please just get in touch by calling 01392 797444. We’d love to hear from you and would be delighted to show you around our beautiful venue, and to talk through your plans for your special day!

Thank you so much to Rolling Pictures Photography for the stunning images featured in this blog, of the gorgeous wedding of Neil and Sean.