We often get asked by our couples how their wedding day will flow so we thought we would share an overview of how your day might run at Camel Studio. Nothing is set in stone and you are free to extend or shorten any aspect of your wedding day to make it perfect for you.

The most popular time to get married is between 1-3pm so taking the middle option of 2pm, here is an overview -

1:30pm - Guest arrival.

Typically this is between 30-45 minutes before the ceremony begins so there is not too much waiting around before guests are seated around 10 minutes before your ceremony.

Where does the ceremony take place?

If the weather is good, then the ceremony typically takes place outside on our big open lawn, either by our beautiful Ash Tree or in front of our big barn doors overlooking the stunning view of the Camel Valley. If it’s raining and/or you choose to have your ceremony inside then you can still feel that connection to the outdoors by having the arch in the doorway with the doors open. It makes for a lovely intimate ceremony. If you’re getting married during the colder months then imagine flickering candles, festoons twinkling and the heat from our lovely wood burner creating a super cosy atmosphere.

2pm - Ceremony.

If you’re having a registrar then your ceremony will take approximately 30 minutes. For a celebrant/humanist wedding then this might be slightly longer.

2:30pm - Drinks reception

Where does this take place?

Nice weather

There are a couple of lovely locations to choose from. On our wide open lawn, away from your ceremony area or in our courtyard with our pallet seating with comfy cushions and pretty Indian parasols for shade.

Wet weather

If your ceremony has been inside then we use pretty room dividers to partition our bar and comfy seating area from where your feast will take place. We also have a beautiful covered seating area outside, which is accessed through glass doors from our bar so there is plenty of space for you and your guests to enjoy their drinks and canapes both inside and outside come rain or shine.

Photos

During the drinks reception is also a time for photos - for you as a couple, group shots and for reportage photography. Our grounds offer lots of options; there is our top lawn with stunning views of the countryside, our lower lawn which is more wild with long grasses and wildflowers, by our pond or in our orchard. And then there’s the consideration of whether you would like to go to another beauty spot close by. We are located above the River Camel and are surrounded by forestry - both offer lovely photo opportunities. Or, if you would like to go a bit further afield, then Rock beach also offers a stunning backdrop.

4:00pm - Guests are seated.

4:10pm - Couple is announced into the room.

We are more than happy to toastmaster or you may have a member of your wedding party who you would like to do this.

Some things to think about for your meal

How many courses to serve?

If you’ve started with canapes then we suggest a 2-course meal as pizzas will be served later in the evening from our pizza horse box.

Speeches

There is no right and wrong answer as to when to have your speeches. You might like to spread the speeches between courses, have them at the beginning or all at the end. It’s entirely up to you and any of these options work well.

6:30pm - dinner completed

At this point, you might like to have your guests go outside for some garden games. Croquet, giant Jenga and other vintage games are popular. We have a table tennis table which is a crowd pleaser. Sometimes couples give drinks tokens as wedding favours and choose their favourite cocktails to offer their guests for a cocktail hour after the meal. Or perhaps you feel it might be time for some tea and coffee.

At this point, we do a room change around - we put away your feasting tables and in their place, we get our small round tables and chairs and set these up cabaret style, with your dance floor in the centre. If you’ve chosen a band or DJ then they would come and set up at this time too. We have some disco lights - nothing too garish - but these, along with the twinkling festoons and flickering candles, create a magical atmosphere for your evening celebrations.

7:30pm - cake cutting

Once the room change around has been done, then we gather guests together again to cut your cake.

7:40pm - first dance

Whilst everyone is all together, it works well to go seamlessly go into your first dance. As mentioned above you might have chosen a band or DJ or would just like a playlist which we can play from our surround sound stereo.

7:45pm - evening party

A chance for you and your guests to enjoy an evening of dancing if you so choose. We also light the fire pit at this time for those guests who prefer to have a more chilled time sitting around the fire whilst toasting a marshmallow or two or chatting in our pretty courtyard adorned with festoons.

8:30pm - pizza time!

Our delicious wood-fired pizzas always go down well. We ask you to choose the flavours you would like to offer your guests and then these are served platter style so guests can enjoy a range of toppings. Our pizza horse box is set up in the courtyard, with tables outside, so you and your guests are able to see the pizzas being made.

11pm - 12am

The end of your evening. Our license runs until 12am. It’s up to you when you end your big day but work on the basis that between 8-10 hours of celebrating is a good amount of time. You want to end on a high!

We hope this overview has given you a good sense of how your day could flow at Camel Studio, or indeed at another venue that you might choose.

If you’d like to learn more about all Camel Studio has to offer then don’t hesitate to get in contact with Helen who would be delighted to answer any questions you might have. Contact us on 07775 622198 or helencotton@mac.com.

Photo credits

Wild Tide Weddings - www.wildtideweddings.com

Verity Westcott Photography - www.veritywestcottphotography.com

Josh Arkon - www.joshharkon.com

Tavel & The Girls - www.travelandthegirls.com

Hannah Hall Photography - www.hannahhallphotography.co.uk

Freckle Photography - www.frecklephotography.co.uk

Costa Weddings UK - www.costaweddings.co.uk