TEN UNIQUE WAYS TO MARK YOUR WOULD-BE-WEDDING DAY
We’d never have dreamt that we’d be writing a post like this a year ago, but in this new world of postponed weddings and last-minute plans lots of people are looking for memorable ways to mark their would-be-wedding-day. While at first it might sound like a gloomy concept, we’ve spoken to many couples who have enjoyed marking it either with their closest friends or just the two of them. Here’s our top ten list of memorable activities that will make sure your would-be-wedding day is still one to remember.
1. INTIMATE PRIVATE PARTY
Some of our favourite hotels in the city are carving out cool new private areas in their spaces which actually makes for a much more intimate and special experience. One of our favourites - The Mandrake Hotel (one of London’s best kept secrets) - is hiring out private cabanas for intimate dinners and drinks. There are 10 private cabanas which transport you to a mini tropical paradise. Each includes its own entertainment system so you can watch a movie or stick on your wedding playlist and have a dance with your nearest and dearest. They are available from midday so you’ll be more than ready to head home by the 10pm curfew!
The roomy, verdant first-floor Jurema terrace at The Mandrake Hotel
2. AND RELAX …
More than ever before you will probably need (and deserve) a relaxing spa weekend in a tranquil setting thanks to the crazy rollercoaster ride of 2020. Some of our favourite spa spots include Cowley Manor, Soho Farmhouse and the Corinthia Hotel ESPA.
Soho Farmhouse (L) and the Soho House brand's spa, Cowshed (R)
3. LUXURY TASTING MENU AT HOME
This one’s for the foodies. If you love trying new restaurants but want to avoid busy spaces (or just avoid the 10pm curfew) then why not enjoy a chef-cooked tasting menu in the comfort of your home? Perfect for a small dinner party or a romantic night for two, these restaurants deliver ready-prepared, mouthwatering dishes to your home and all you need to do is finish and serve. We’d recommend The Water House Project (comes with wine pairings for each course and presentation instructions), Pidgin and Kitchen Table.
Kitchen Table (L), The Water House Project (M), Pidgin (R)
4. FEEL-GOOD SCREENINGS
For the ultimate feel-good activity, host a private cinema screening for six in a chic venue like Club 16 in Soho (complete with snacks and all the wine, of course). Or if you’re looking for a more alternative cinema experience there are a number of outdoor options showing some all time classics. We’ve got our eye on The Luna Cinema who have screens across the country and are screening Pretty Woman over the next few weeks, The Drive in Film Club in Alexandra Park or the Openaire Float-in Cinema on the Regent’s Canal, where you can watch films from the comfort of your own boat.
The Luna Cinema
5. ROMANTIC BOAT TRIP
Whilst Britain’s canals aren’t quite a match for Venice there is definitely something memorable about dinner on a boat. It gives the immediate feeling of being on holiday and away from the everyday. Country & Town House have pulled together a useful list of the top boat restaurants in the UK.
Alternatively if you’re London based, hire your own boat by the hour and take a luxury hamper picnic (via Go Boat) or head to cult favourite River Cafe on the Southbank for unbeatable food and a ringside seat on the bank of the Thames.
London Shell Co.
6. GETAWAY VIBES
There are still plenty of places in Europe on the travel corridor list including Italy, Cyprus and some Greek Islands. The weather in these spots is still nice and warm throughout October, and even in winter Italy especially is still an amazing destination for food, views and culture. Our top hotel recommendations have to be the chic Castello di Reschio (Lisciano Niccone, Italy), the quirky Palazzo experimental (Venice, Italy), the rustic Tonnara di Scopello (Sicily, Italy), and the zen Parilio hotel (Paros, Greece).
Clockwise from top left: Palazzo experimental, Parilio hotel, Parilio hotel (again), Tonnara di Scopello
7. BOUTIQUE STAYCATION
If there’s one thing this year has shown us, it’s the plethora of incredible places to visit across the UK. Some of our recent discoveries include Perthshire in Scotland (stay at the The Gleneagles Hotel), Bruton in Somerset (stay at Number One Bruton) and Wiltshire in Dorset (Stay in the Pepperpot Lodges at St. GIles House).
The Gleneagles Hotel (L), St. GIles House (M & R)
8. TEN PINS, SIX GUESTS
If you’re looking for an endorphin buzz as opposed to a more relaxed vibe, you can now book London’s chicest bowling alley located in the basement of the luxe Ham Yard Hotel. You can book for six people for an hour - or have the run of the place to yourselves.
The Ham Yard Hotel Bowling Alley
9. COASTAL RAMBLE
Whether a day trip or an overnight stay, a walk along the coast is always a day to remember, especially when combined with delicious local food. Head to Porthcurnick beach and take in the stunning coastal landscape followed by lunch at the critically acclaimed beach restaurant, The Hidden Hut.
The Hidden Hut
10. SECRET GIG IN THE CANDLELIGHT
If you’re craving some live music the clever people at the beautiful Grade II listed Round Chapel in Hackney are hosting a socially distanced candlelit gig on 24 October. Three carefully selected and talented acts will perform acoustic. The musician’s names will not be disclosed until the evening of the event. Book tickets here
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