Clover & Fern, Yeovil (2024)

06/08/2024

HOW TO DEAL WITH HEAT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

This heatwave has been tough, not gonna lie! However I hope you are all enjoying some much needed sunshine and keeping safe in the sun. Meanwhile, it’s got me thinking about some tips for summer or destination weddings and handling the heat (or what little we have left of it!)

☘️ The most obvious one is to keep hydrated. This is so important especially if you will be drinking alcohol. Drink water continuously throughout your day and try and make every other drink a drink of water

🌿 Make sure to top up your suncream throughout the day, but also make sure that your make up artist is using products with spf on your face. Ask if they can leave you a bit of product for you to top up with, or ask them ahead of time what to use and buy some

☘️ Make a water station and keep it topped up with lots of ice for your guests to keep going back to. Pop in some different herbs and fruits to make it more interesting!

🌿 If your ceremony is outdoors, you will need to make sure that your guests are comfortable sitting in direct sunlight. Either provide shade by setting the ceremony under a large tree for example, or provide hand fans on everyone’s seats. There are even companies out there that can create an order of service and turn it into a hand fan!

☘️ Make sure that your venue is well ventilated and has shady areas to escape from the sun. If you have a venue with air con, make sure that it’s turned on well ahead of time and then turn it off during the ceremony as it can be quite noisy!

Are you planning an outdoor summer wedding? What other tips to you have for dealing with the heat? As always I love to hear from you, so drop me a DM or email with any of your wedding queries!

13/07/2024

“Phoebe was our on the day coordinator and she was completely indispensable! From the minute she arrived she took control so we didn’t have to worry about anything. She was so calm and such a happy presence to have around on our wedding day. Phoebe was such a joy to work with. The day ran seamlessly thanks to her and she was a great point of contact for all our other suppliers. Would highly recommend!”

15/06/2024

WEDDING DAY TIMELINES - swipe for some examples!

Remember that these can change based on your circumstances. Here are a list of things that could impact your timeline:

- Ceremony location (do you need to factor travel time?)
- Amount of speeches
- Type of food served
- How many bridesmaids to have hair and make up
- The type of venue (is it a marquee or building?)

Here’s some tips and things to always look out for when planning your timeline:

- ALWAYS give more time than you think you need to get ready and to move people from place to place
- Make sure things flow, will your guests want to get out of their seats to watch you cut the cake AND have a first dance? Probably not, so consider having them take place one after the other
- If speeches aren’t your thing, have them before the meal to get them over with (or even during the drinks reception!)
- Accept food service timings as ultimately caterers know how long is needed to serve food
- Allow down time for you and your guests

Make sure to save this for when you’re planning your timeline - trust me, it’s the most important thing you will plan!

📷

13/06/2024

It’s aaaall about the details. Remember that in years to come, your memories of the little details of your wedding will fade, even if these are the things that you spent a lot of time curating and planning.

Ask your coordinator or photographer to collect items to capture while you get ready in the morning, or better still, hand over a box of details that you would like to be included - this could include invitation suites, jewellery, perfume, shoes, ribbons, the list goes on. You can also ask your florist to leave you with a few spare stems to decorate it too.

Details and stunning stationery by beautifully captured by .co.uk and featuring little details from .uk

Host & Planner: &
Stylist:
Florist:
Rapunzel dress:
Bridal dresses:
Solo bride dress: .london
Jewellery & tiaras:
Shoes:
Veils:
Hair:
Makeup:
Cake:
Stationery:
Harpist:
BTS Content: &
Groom suit:
Model couple (editorial): .mikes
Model couple (whimsical):
Solo bride:
Tableware & linens: .tableware
Venue:
Drapes:

10/06/2024

When fairytale meets regency elegance ✨

Absolutely loved styling this tablescape - it’s amazing how you can align your vision with suppliers that you haven’t even met before, but when it works it WORKS.

Stunning florals by perfectly complimented tableware and linens from .tableware and the beautiful stationery from with some added drama with drapes provided by … all captured perfectly by 💜

Host & Planner: &
Stylist:
Florist:
Rapunzel dress:
Bridal dresses:
Solo bride dress: .london
Jewellery & tiaras:
Shoes:
Veils:
Hair:
Makeup:
Cake:
Stationery:
Harpist:
BTS Content: &
Groom suit:
Model couple (editorial): .mikes
Model couple (whimsical):
Solo bride:
Tableware & linens: .tableware
Venue:
Drapes:

09/06/2024

Swipe to learn exactly what a coordinator can do on your wedding day!

Just remember, everything listed is really just the basics… I pride myself in my flexibility (not physically 🤸🏻‍♀️) so I am always willing to hear about any other ways that I can help to make your wedding day the best day of your life 💚

Photo credits:

07/06/2024

That just married feeling ✨

I don’t know why, but a couple’s big entrance into their reception room is one of my favourite moments and I always catch myself grinning. It’s a moment of wildness and celebration and I just love to see the joy on a newly married couple’s faces when they realise that everyone making noise is doing it for THEM and to celebrate their love.

Pick a fun song to enter into and I’ll do the rest - I’ll make sure your guests are up on their feet and making as much noise as possible to welcome you ❤️

16/05/2024

Wedding drinks - when, what and how much?

This is such a common question that I get asked when planning a wedding, because how often do you have to cater for 60+ people at once? Here’s a quick fire guide to wedding drinks, followed by some tips for keeping glasses topped up (and guests happy!)

- After the ceremony: serve something light and fun that’s a bit of a crowd pleaser. Prosecco or Pimms is always a good shout. Aim for 1 glass per person per half an hour, assuming that some will drink more and some will drink less

- Toast drink: regardless of how many speeches there are, just one glass of bubbly will be fine - if you want to cut back on costs, just serve half glasses

- Table drinks: red, white and rose (if you know people will drink it). I would go with 50% white, 25% red and 25% rose, or about 70% white and 30% red. Half a bottle per person is a good amount to provide

- After dinner: variety is key, so beers, spirits, wine, bubbles, soft drinks… make sure there is enough for most tastes

Some top tips:

- don’t feel like you have to have drinks paid for all day and night, once you get to the evening your guests can pay for their own (and will probably expect this)

- keep things simple and don’t offer too many options (until the evening bar) as this is confusing for guests and staff

- bottled beer is always a welcome alternative if you know that people won’t drink anything else. Just make sure to have it visible, on ice and with bottle openers and a bucket for tops near by

- find a caterer that will cover the serving of all drinks, even if it’s provided by you

- invest money in hiring in a bar company if your venue does not have a staffed bar. This way you know that options, ice, and things like waste removal are taken care of

- make sure that you have soft drink options available other than water. Sparkling elderflower is a great alternative to Prosecco or Champagne. Consider jugs of soft drinks on tables for the meal for non drinkers or for those that want a break from wine

12/05/2024

Abi & Mike, the absolute definition of chemistry ⚡️

Captured beautifully by .co.uk

Host & Planner: &
Stylist:
Florist:
Rapunzel dress:
Bridal dresses:
Solo bride dress: .london
Jewellery & tiaras:
Shoes:
Veils:
Hair:
Makeup:
Cake:
Stationery:
Harpist:
BTS Content: &
Groom suit:
Model couple (editorial): .mikes
Model couple (whimsical):
Solo bride:
Tableware & linens: .tableware
Venue:
Drapes:

11/05/2024

Caught me! On my Instagram I usually prefer to show some of my gorgeous couples, examples of my work or wedding inspiration, but today I felt like I needed to show my face and reintroduce myself to all of my lovely new followers!

I’m Phoebe - the person behind Clover & Fern, providing wedding planning, on the day coordination, venue styling and everything in between. A few facts about me? I’m passionate, friendly, creative, quick thinking and professional… which seems like a good combination of qualities for a wedding coordinator!

I’ve coordinated countless weddings over the years, many as a venue coordinator and over the past couple of years, as a solo and freelance planner, coordinator and stylist.

I live in my happy little corner of Somerset, where I enjoy simple things such as coffee in bed, walks in the countryside, true crime documentaries and cooking.

The best way to get to know me more and to find out more of what I can offer is by dropping me a message, or heading to my website (link in my bio). I love to chat about all things weddings!

Image from a recent workshop, credits below:

Host & Planner: &
Stylist:
Florist:
Stationery:
BTS Content: &
Tableware & linens: .tableware
Venue:
Drapes:

25/04/2024

Let’s talk about the most important part of your wedding day, without a doubt: the ceremony.

I’m so lucky to have been able to witness so many ceremonies (and in a couple of incredible cases, actually BE a legal witness) so I’ve seen and experienced my fair share. Something I’ve noticed more often than not? Couples are TERRIFIED of the ceremony, which can really cloud your excitement for the moment.

So here is a quick fire of tips that I have for making your ceremony a stress free experience:

- If you’re nervous about walking down the aisle, but really want to have that special moment, consider walking down with someone (it doesn’t have to be the traditional father of the bride situation) such as a maid of honour, your child, or even your future spouse!

- Trust your suppliers to make it happen. Your registrar/celebrant, musicians, coordinator or venue manager will take control of the moment and you basically have to follow the cues! It will all work out.

- Not everyone has the budget for a musician, so if you’re going with the tried and tested (and free!) option of a Bluetooth speaker, then make sure you’re organised. Create a playlist with the songs you need and label them, make sure that the person who’s phone is connected has tested it before the ceremony, and keep the phone being used on airplane mode (please… please do this!). I could write a whole post on this subject alone!

- If you’re really nervous, consider a run through the evening before with your wedding party and coordinator if possible. This will just elevate some of the stress and give you the chance to picture how it will play out

- If you’re prone to a bit of dry mouth when you get nervous, keep a glass of water tucked away somewhere, or ask a bridesmaid to keep a bottle of water under their chair so that you can have a quick sip

I’ll always welcome any other tips from wedding professionals or past couples - what did you find made the ceremony a less stressful experience for you? Make sure to save this post to come back to when it comes to planning your ceremony, or pass it on to someone who is!

10/04/2024

Unpredictable weather 🌦️

It’s no secret that we live in an area of unpredictable weather. It’s probably the most unavoidable thing to happen on your wedding day, so here are some ideas to help you prepare and deal with rain on your wedding day:

- ALWAYS have a plan B, with no exceptions! This is especially important for outdoor venues and marquee/tipi weddings

- In the final 10 days/week in the run up to your wedding, start thinking about implementing your plan B and keep an eye on the weather. If in doubt? Stick to your wet weather plan, as wet guests = unhappy guests and the chance of that happening over the chance of you missing getting married outside is much worse

- When thinking of your wet weather plan, consider where your guests need to be throughout the day. For example, your guests can’t be inside the marquee while the space is being turned around for dinner. Find an alternative indoor space for a ceremony, or contact marquee companies and see if they have stretch tents available at short notice - these are a budget friendly option and a great way of providing a simple cover for a space

- If your ceremony and reception are in the same place now due to weather, you must consider the time that it will take to turn the space around. It will take 1.5 hours MINIMUM to do this, and who will do it? Make sure that there is a dedicated person (or coordinator) to do this for you, as there is more involved that you might think

- Think about your guests travelling from different areas - consider purchasing umbrellas (second hand is preferable for your pocket and for the environment) and leave them by exits and doorways

- Manage your own expectations of rain on the day. It’s always the biggest worry, but is one of those things that you can’t change! Just imagine the epic photos that you’ll get from a rainy wedding ❤️

27/03/2024

When the weather is like this, it’s sometimes hard to remember what it was like in the height of summer… and let me tell you, this wedding was the absolute height… I think the hottest day of the year!

I absolutely love this moment of calm of Florence and Alex returning to their wedding reception after some stunning golden hour photos with the fabulous Bella

Can’t wait to be back at this year!

23/02/2024

Another shot of this stunning lakeside set up from last summer. I’m still in love with these summer colours 🧡

Photography:
Venue:
Florals:
Marquee & furniture:

18/02/2024

The details shot of dreams, featuring florals by and shoes by captured beautifully by at

16/02/2024

I’ve been a bit MIA recently, because of moving house! I have so many couples contact me saying they need help with their wedding plans as they’re moving house and I totally get it.

I’m hoping to be back into the swing of things soon, but don’t let that stop you from getting in touch and saying hi!

l

09/02/2024

Just a little throwback to these two cuties ❤️ also looking forward to working with .holcombe AND again over the next couple of years!

holcombe

l

03/02/2024

The moment when photos like this hit your inbox ✨ the colours for this August wedding that I had the pleasure of coordinating were just beautiful 💚

Shout out to some of the suppliers involved:

Photo:
Venue:
Marquee and furniture:
Flowers:

27/01/2024

It’s not every day that my breath gets taken away by a venue, but is a different story, especially with that wisteria! The perfect dry hire venue, in my opinion.

25/01/2024

Reminiscing over some past photos - really looking forward to working with .stationery again this year! Still obsessed with this colour combo.

21/01/2024

There are so many reasons why you should hire a coordinator for your wedding day, so I’m just going to quick fire a few… I saved the best til last!

- you know that all of your hard work with planning is coming to life while you enjoy the day

- you don’t have to time keep or make sure that things are running to schedule

- you can hand over all planning four weeks before the day, leaving you to relax and get excited for your wedding

- your suppliers will all have a point of contact in the run up and on the day

- your venue will be dressed and set up the way that you imagined it

- all questions and concerns are fielded through me, which is especially useful in the weeks before the day

- any problems are dealt with discreetly and effectively

- you don’t have to worry that close family members/friends are having to do work on your wedding day

- the flow of the day will be controlled and advice will be given on how to make the day seem seamless and cohesive

- whether it’s sewing a button on, holding your bouquet, fluffing your dress, announcing your entrance, saving you some champagne, directing guests to the toilet, collecting gifts and cards, moving floral arrangements, sending you down the aisle, coordinating the confetti shot, or just being there for you in general, I’ve got it covered, I promise 💚

Coordination & styling
Photography
Venue
Dress .bride
Florals
Stationery
Hair
Jacket
Accessories
Cake
Rings &
Silks .uk
Furniture .hire
Decor
Napkins and runners
Model:
Celebrant

12/01/2024

Pre ceremony photos have to be some of my favourite. The anticipation, the nerves, the excitement… the moment when you realise that it’s all come together and THIS IS IT… you’re marrying the love of your life.

Here’s some of my tips to make sure that you make the most of this time:

- Assign your bridal party of tidying up the space. Clear space, clear mind! It means that the background of the photos aren’t cluttered with rubbish and it makes the space nicer to come back to after the wedding

- Keep your hair and make up artist on hands for touch ups once your dress is on and make sure your photographer is around to capture these moments

- Give yourself plenty of time. Stick to the wedding rule that if it usually takes five minutes, give yourself half an hour. This means giving yourself plenty of time to get into your dress so that your photographer can capture those once in a lifetime moments of your bridal party helping you into it

- Make sure that your bridal party are dressed BEFORE you are. This makes sure that all of your photos has everyone dressed in, and not some bridesmaids in shorts and T-shirts

- Eat and drink something before you get into your dress. Even if you’re not hungry or thirsty, get it down ya girl!

11/01/2024

Post cake cutting kisses ❤️

Still obsessed with the fabulous trees supplied by bringing the outside in - a great alternative to florals.

02/01/2024

Happy new year! I hope you’re feeling fresh and ready for an awesome 2024.

For those that have contacted me over the past week or so, I will be getting round to replying over the next couple of days. In the meantime, enjoy this bright and happy shot of some stunning florals from , set off perfectly with some gorgeous silks from .uk

Coordination & styling
Photography
Venue
Dress .bride
Florals
Stationery
Hair
Jacket
Accessories
Cake
Rings &
Silks .uk
Furniture .hire
Decor
Napkins and runners
Model:
Celebrant

27/12/2023

Congratulations to any couples that got engaged this Christmas! Welcome to the start of your wedding journey ❤️

Coordination & styling:
Photography:
Videography: .weddings
Wedding content creator:
Venue:
Dresses:
Florals:
Stationery:
HMUA:
Cake & desserts:
Shoes:
Models:
Rings & jewellery:
Napkins & runners:
Decor:

01/12/2023

My wedding planning advent calendar over on my stories has got me feeling like Florence and her bridesmaids killing it on the dance floor 🪩

Every day until Christmas Eve I’ll be posting a wedding planning tip that may be a little obscure or not something you can always find online… the stuff that people forget to tell you that is genuinely really useful!

30/11/2023

Just two more days until I start my daily surprises for you over on my stories… starting on the 1st December and ending on Christmas Eve - like a wedding planning advent calendar!

If you’re not already following, make sure you hit follow so that you don’t miss out! It’s perfect for anyone planning their wedding that needs a little support.

27/11/2023

Happy Monday! I’m planning a little treat for you all over on my stories starting 1st December all the way through to Christmas Eve. It’s an absolute must for anyone planning a wedding, so make sure to keep your eye out and share with anyone else planning a wedding - they’ll thank you for it!

Coordination & styling
Photography
Venue
Dress .bride
Florals
Stationery
Hair
Jacket
Accessories
Cake
Rings &
Silks .uk
Furniture .hire
Decor
Napkins and runners
Model:
Celebrant