Wedding bells at The Bell!

We recently hosted our very first wedding here at The Bell Inn, having been granted a venue licence in April.

On 20 May, Lisa and Pete said their vows (perhaps the first ever said in this 400+ year old building?) to each other. We had the marquee up and lined, with our patio area serving as the stage for the ceremony and the top table once the vows had been exchanged, then a dance floor for the live band in the evening.

Lisa's daughter, Millie, melted her Mum and Pete's hearts by singing her into the ceremony live. Lorraine (from the band booked for the evening) then sang two numbers whilst the register was signed and the couple walked back down the aisle together, showered with confetti by their friends and family.

The couple opted for a hog roast supper as their main wedding meal, with a relaxed vibe where the guests came and helped themselves to their food carvery-style, then sat on hessian-draped benches in the marquee.

Once the speeches had been delivered (with many a laugh and a few tears), the guests then enjoyed a brilliant live set by The Country Strong band, dancing the night away and generally having a cracking evening!

We also organised a cheese wedding cake, with 6 different west-country cheeses carefully chosen by our supplier, Longmans cheeses, to create a stunning cake which was aptly cut using the Best Man's regimental sword. This then comprised the main component of the evening buffet, with everyone tucking into their own cheese board, plus some other nibbles we added into the mix.

All in all, it was a great day, with beautiful memories made. The Bride said. "So much fun, love and laughter, what a weekend we have had! Small and intimate was what we wanted, in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by the closest of friends and family. Somewhere that made us feel at home. We got that and so much more."

We would like to say a huge thank you to all our local suppliers who helped us ensure the day went perfectly - Longmans, Wares of Torrington, Country Cottage Bakery in Bideford, Chadds of Bude and Heddens for the food. Westcountry Baskets for getting our hanging baskets outside in time for the big day. Chef Duet Event Hire in Bideford for the extra glasses we needed and of course The Country Strong Band from Holsworthy for such great music. Also a big thank you to our neighbours for offering their driveways for our staff cars for the day, donations of bunting and of course giving up their pub for 24 hours!

If you are thinking about your own celebration and this sounds like the sort of vibe you might be after, then get in touch. Speak to Sally or Roy on 01805 625313. Venue hire for exclusive use of the pub starts from £500 for half a day, or £1,000 for the whole day. This includes staff, marquee hire, decorations and the planning meetings required to make sure all the details for your special day are covered. We can cater the wedding, or you can bring your own caterers in. We also promise not to inflate the prices at our bar for your special day, so your guests will pay the usual pub prices for their drinks.

Lisa and Pete had 70 guests - we can seat up to 100 in our marquee and patio area, or up to 40 guests if you wanted everything to take place inside the pub. For evening receptions only, we can cater for up to 100 people.

We will be adding more photos and details of Lisa and Pete's day on our website soon - so do have a look through to find out more.

#weddings #getmarriedatthepub