Style & Trend
To the manor house…
There’s nothing more quintessentially British than an idyllic manor house wedding surrounded by beautiful countryside.
So, we’re lucky to have hundreds of these classic venues up and down the country, each one complete with breathtaking architecture, stately rooms and picturesque gardens that will make the perfect backdrop for your photos.
Make it your own
An elegant country manor house is also the ideal setting for so many different styles of weddings. You can keep it simple and sophisticated with delicate pastel shades and understated accessories or add fun wooden signs, jam jars and loosely arranged flowers for a rustic, vintage feel. Prefer something a little more quirky? Then transform your setting with glitter balls, feather boas and giant balloons to create a contemporary look with a splash of bohemian eccentricity. Whichever one you choose, the right manor house can be the perfect blank canvas for a big day that’s totally unique.
Classic yet contemporary
Our latest shoot took place at just such a place. Horwood House in Buckinghamshire is a beautiful Grade II listed manor house, which you approach via a magnificent tree-lined driveway. Built-in 1911, it has everything you could want from a country house venue. There are sweeping staircases, carved fireplaces, high ceilings, glittering chandeliers and beautiful bay windows that fill the rooms with light.
Following an extensive refurbishment, it’s now the ideal mix of classic styling and modern luxury. Couples can marry in the stunning Manor Lounge with its high ceiling and impressive stone fireplace or in the romantic wedding pavilion in the historic gardens, accessed through a secret garden gate, no less!
Dress the part
Then the next big decision is, of course, what to wear? Choices, choices! Much like the decor, a sophisticated country house will work with numerous different styles. So think carefully about the look and feel of your day when you’re choosing your dream dress.
Romantic Beata, for example, will suit this magical setting perfectly. This Platinum Edition design features exclusive botanical lace, covered with butterflies, bees and beautiful summer flowers, that will look dreamy in an English country garden.

Wedding dress featured: Beata by Viva Bride
If you want something a little more slinky then Brooklyn, from our Signature Collection, could be ‘The One’. It also has stunning floral lace to complement the backdrop, alongside layers of sparkling Chantilly and a figure-hugging silhouette that has wow factor to spare!

Wedding dress featured: Brooklyn by The Signature Collection
The perfect skirt
Playful Brynn, on the other hand, will really add some fun to your day and this fabulous ruffled skirt is just made for twirling under a sparkling glitter ball. The show-stopping waterfall skirt is made from layers of beautiful organza with floral appliqués scatted throughout, complemented perfectly by the lace-covered bodice. For even more drama you can also add a couple of underskirts too!

Wedding dress featured: Brynn by Viva Bride
If florals aren’t your thing, then take a look at Catia, a striking fishtail with a unique contemporary feel and lace inspired by Greek mythology. The V-neckline, illusion straps and low back combine to give this dress a very modern silhouette that’s wonderfully glamourous.

Wedding dress featured: Catia by Viva Bride
Add the wow factor
For many modern brides, it’s not always about big skirts and ruffles, and that’s where our Signature Collection comes in. Its dynamic modern designs are perfect for brides who want to make a statement and striking Luca is no exception. Featuring a sheer button back and exposed boning, this beautiful crepe sheath ticks all the boxes when it comes to the latest bridal trends.

Wedding dress featured: Luca by the Signature Collection
Alternatively, Valdez, also from the Signature Collection, has a similar feel but features a dramatic scooped back and beautiful ‘tape’ style lace. These were both big news on this year’s bridal catwalks. Combined with the fitted crepe skirt and beautiful swirling train it really is breathtaking.

Wedding dress featured: Valdez by the Signature Collection
Live the fairy tale
For princess brides, a manor house venue is the ideal setting. Can you imagine sweeping down impressive staircases and making a grand ballroom entrance in stunning Sharisse? We can! This ultra-girly A-line has a brand new embroidery-style lace, with finely detailed roses and flowers that flow across the bodice and straps before tumbling down the gorgeous skirt. It’s a sensational dress for a magnificent setting.

Wedding dress featured: Sharisse by Viva Bride
Elegantly appointed
Finally, there’s no better range to match the sophistication of a classic British manor house than Anna Sorrano. It’s known for its beautiful simplicity and timeless elegance, and brand new Rosalee captures all that and more. It features a classic sweetheart bodice covered with delicate English garden-inspired lace. The lace also falls prettily down the skirt, leading the eye to the rose lace hem. Its simple silhouette and beautiful, understated detailing suit the graceful setting perfectly, and the two combined will let your natural beauty shine through all day long.

Wedding dress featured: Rosalee by Anna Sorrano
So, if you weren’t considering a manor house venue before, we hope you are now. The epitome of elegance, it’s a sophisticated choice that can be perfectly tailored to suit your own unique style with the right decorations and, of course, the perfect dress. Happy venue hunting!
Click here to see more of our latest designs then try on your favourites at your nearest WED2B store. Also, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter pages. For information on Horwood House visit www.horwoodhouse.co.uk.
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