Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog » weddings

Toorak Hotel Wedding Fair on the English Riviera

Vicky — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:29:44 +0000

Wedding fairs were few and far between when I tied the knot (20 years ago – gulp!). It would have been so useful to see venues, dresses, flowers and photographers all under one roof.

These days there is much more choice and plenty of wedding fairs to visit to help you plan your big day. If you’re getting married and still aren’t sure where to book, what sort of flowers you want, or which photographer will produce something worthy of Hello magazine, then you need to visit the Toorak Hotel Wedding Fair ,Torquay, on Sunday 12th June.

Biggest & Best!

The fair is in its 3^rd year and this year it really is set to be the biggest and the best, with more exhibitors than ever asking to be involved. This could be because the fair is outside of the traditional wedding fair season, which tends to be early spring and autumn. The Toorak Hotel’s Nigel Beck explains, ‘we find there’s no particular season for weddings anymore and with more civil ceremonies being performed, lead-in times can be later. There’s no reason not to hold a fair in May or June, when our gardens are looking lovely and there is less competition from other fairs. Certainly we have had similar comments from our exhibitors who all seem to like the idea of a June fair.’

FREE Weddings

It may seem too good to be true, but you really can have your wedding reception for free at the Toorak, or the other hotels in the TLH Leisure Resort group. All you have to do is persuade your friends and family to come and enjoy a ‘wedding holiday’ in Torquay with you! You can find out more about the amazing offer at the Toorak Hotel Wedding Fair or click here.

Aztec Spa for Hens

The hotel group’s own luxury spa, Aztec Spa, will also be at the fair when you can find out about the All About You day and overnight packages – just perfect for hen parties! Treat yourself to a free hand and arm massage while you’re at their stand.

Food Tastings

Your first meal together as man and wife is an important one and you’ll get a chance to try a selection of treats prepared by the Toorak’s chefs at the fair, as well have a chat with the Food & Beverage Manager and our Wedding Co-ordinator about your special day.

The Toorak Hotel Wedding Fair, Torquay, opens 11am until 4pm on Sunday 12^th June. We look forward to seeing you there! Call 01803 400400 for more details.

Toorak Hotel Wedding Fair on the English Riviera is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Recession Beating Wedding at TLH Leisure Resort Torquay

Vicky — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:16:58 +0000

Don’t spend your house deposit on your wedding – we’ll give it to you for FREE!

With no let up in the big squeeze, prospective bride and grooms everywhere will be looking at ways to save money, whilst still having the wedding of their dreams. Sounds too good to be true? Torquay hotel group, TLH Leisure Resort, don’t think so.

They are offering a free wedding reception package, when accommodation is booked at one of their hotels. General Manager of the Carlton Hotel & Spa, Lee Hammett says, “there are lots of cases these days when wedding guests come from far and wide to the couple’s special day. Families are more spread out now so many more wedding guests need accommodation.”

The inclusive wedding package allows the couple to offer a number of bedrooms at a good rate to their guests, on the understanding that if they sell rooms to a minimum of 30 people, almost all of their wedding reception, including the sit-down meal, is absolutely free.

One couple have already taken the Carlton Hotel & Spa up on the offer and are getting married this July. Amy Prottey says, “this is such a lovely way to get married. We’re really looking forward to spending a whole weekend away with friends and family, celebrating this special occasion together. The Carlton Hotel staff have been great helping with the preparations – we just can’t wait for July.”

TLH Leisure Resort hopes the recession beating wedding will be a big hit with couples who may prefer to spend their wedding fund on their honeymoon or maybe a house deposit. As Lee Hammett goes on to add, “it’s a win-win offer – the bridal couple save on their wedding costs and we sell our bedrooms.”

For more details on how you can have your wedding for free, please contact Jocelyn Smith at the Carlton Hotel & Spa, Torquay on 01803 400300 or email jsmith@tlh.co.uk

Recession Beating Wedding at TLH Leisure Resort Torquay is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Wedding Fairs Galore!

Vicky — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:03:08 +0000

Where can you pick up ideas for wedding invitations, wedding cakes and wedding dresses, as well as sort out your hen party? A wedding fair of course, and that is just where we have been lately. First off it was the Toorak Hotel displaying its wares at the Real Brides Show at Newton Abbot Racecourse. Next the Aztec Spa went along to the Autumn Wedding Show at Westpoint in Exeter.

The country may be in grip of a recession but it seems nobody told these brides and grooms to be! There was no shortage of visitors at either events and with dresses in their hundreds, if not thousands of pounds for sale, couples are still looking for the traditional ‘full on’ wedding.

That said, there is a move towards something a bit different with hog roasts, unusual venues and karaoke being asked for. The Toorak can now offer a twist on the usual celebrations with its contacts with Torre Abbey. You can have your ceremony in the atmospheric, historic Abbey and then stroll through the gardens and across the road to the Toorak for the wedding reception, for example. This idea certainly had several couples interested.

When it was the Aztec Spa’s turn to be in the limelight, at the Autumn Wedding Show, we noticed a definite shift in the hen party trend. No longer are girls looking for a cheap boozy weekend in Marbella, these days spas are the way to go! Who doesn’t love a spot of pampering? There may still be alcohol involved, but it will be the chilled and sparkling kind, served in a relaxed and sophisticated setting. The Autumn Wedding Show exhibitors couldn’t get enough of our All About You spa packages, perfect for a girly get together of all ages.

So, an interesting and informative few days out of the office, which gave us an insight into what our customers are really looking for.

At the end of this month, Affordable Dreams will be holding their wedding fair at the Victoria Hotel and next June, the Toorak will once again be holding their very own wedding fair. It seems romance will out and despite the doom and gloom, couples will always be ready to tie the knot!

Wedding Fairs Galore! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

The Toorak Hotel at the Real Brides Show

Vicky — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:38:12 +0000

Brides-to-be won’t want to miss this opportunity to see dresses, venues, photographers and more, all under one roof at one of the biggest wedding fairs in the south west. Newton Abbot Racecourse is the new venue for the Real Brides Show and the doors open at 10am on Saturday 25 September. Packed with great ideas, expert advice and fantastic products and services it is the ideal place to start your wedding planning. Tickets and more information can be found on-line.

Just for You

The Toorak Hotel, Torquay, holds a long-standing reputation for hosting weddings and you can come and meet the team at the Real Brides Show. Speak with the General Manager, Nigel Beck or Wedding Co-ordinator, Lynda Tombs, to get first hand advice and ideas for your special day. And, just for you, at the show, there is a chance to get your drinks reception for free if you book your wedding with us.*

Torre Abbey

These days the actual ceremony venue is just as important as the reception and many brides are looking for something a bit different to help make their day a truly memorable one. Historic Torre Abbey is right opposite the Toorak Hotel so we have teamed up with them to offer a very special wedding package. Your ceremony can take place in one of the majestic rooms either in the Torre Abbey house or the adjacent Spanish Barn. Afterwards your wedding party has a short stroll across the road to the Toorak Hotel for your reception and the rest of your celebrations. Or if you’d prefer to keep everything under one roof, the Toorak is licensed for civil marriages too.

New Gardens

Not only do we have the beautiful Torre Abbey on our doorstep, but the Toorak now have a lovely new garden area, which should certainly be looking its best next summer. Perfect for a drinks reception, those all important photographs or maybe for a barbeque or hog roast, the garden is a welcome addition to your celebration options.

If you haven’t decided on your wedding venue yet or have already booked with us and just want to come along for a chat, do come and see us at the Real Brides Show.

(* terms & conditions apply)

The Toorak Hotel at the Real Brides Show is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

TV Crew film Rainbow Wedding at the Carlton

Lee — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:44:59 +0000

Lights, camera, action – a recent wedding held at the Carlton Hotel and Spa in Torquaywas filmed by Channel 5 for a programme to be shown on TV this Autumn. The story behind this rainbow themed event can be found on This is South Devon website and we will have more pictures and details when the programme broadcasts later this year.

If you are interested in finding out more about weddings and events at The Carlton Hotel and Spa in Torquay, or any of the TLH Hotels, then visit our website, or for more details or call Lynda on 01803 400131.

PS – Congratulations to Jo and Ty on your marriage, best wishes from everyone at the Carlton!

TV Crew film Rainbow Wedding at the Carlton is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

I’m getting married in… The Toorak Hotel

Nigel Beck — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:30:12 +0000

Several up Brides-to-be have decided to do just that, having visited the recent 2010 Wedding Fair at the Toorak Hotel, Torquay, Devon. The wedding fair showcased all that the venue has to offer for the big day, demonstrating just what makes the venue one of the top hotels in Devon. Along with its sister hotels the Carlton Hotel & Spa and Victoria Hotel, the Toorak is a licensed venue for wedding ceremonies and also has a range of function rooms to suit all occasions.

Weddings at the Toorak Hotel, Torquay

One Stop Shop
It really was a one stop shop for the bride planning everything she needs to make her special day everything she hopes it to be. There were companies showing their wares – everything from Bridal wear, Lingerie and men’s hire to room decoration, cakes, stationery, chair covers, photography, cars, dance teachers (for that 1st dance), table decorations, and wedding planner – to name but a few. Live music was provided by Keedie Babb, locally renown opera singer and also by a ladies harmony group.

Toorak hotel head chef Nick Coombes showcased ‘food ideas for your wedding breakfast’ and taster samples were very popular and well recieved.

Perfect Partnership
Also supporting the event was Torre Abbey who the Toorak Hotel work very closely with. Torre Abbey is such a unique and picturesque venue at which to hold your wedding ceremony, with the Toorak Hotel ideally situated just opposite ready to host your reception. All in all a perfect partnership!

See further details on our website.

I’m getting married in… The Toorak Hotel is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

The Perfect Match at Torquay Wedding Fair

Vicky — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:19:11 +0000

Lots of Choice

Wedding fairs were few and far between when I tied the knot. How useful it would have been to see venues, dresses, flowers and photographers all under one roof.

These days there is much more choice and plenty of wedding fairs to visit to help you plan. If you’re getting married next year and still aren’t sure where to book, what sort of flowers you want, or which photographer will produce something worthy of Hello! then you need to come to the Toorak Hotel Wedding Fair on Sunday 2^nd May.

Perfect Match

In a new departure, Torre Abbey will be exhibiting at the fair and will be encouraging visitors to pop across the road for a tour. Complimentary tickets will be available on the day to any prospective brides. The Abbey and the Toorak make the perfect match in that they can combine an unusual historic venue for a civil ceremony or drinks reception with superb catering facilities.

As well as the Toorak and Torre Abbey, visitors will have chance to see the Carlton and Victoria Hotels, the other wedding venues within the TLH Leisure Resort group.

Keedie to Sing

Keedie Babb, local soprano vocalist, will be performing at intervals throughout the day and there’s a chance to win an Aztec All About You Spa day. Entry is free and with cream teas, food tastings and other refreshments on offer it will be a lovely way to spend a few hours on a Bank Holiday weekend.

To find out more on this venue or any of our hotels in Torquay – Toorak Hotel 01803 400400 or www.tlh4locals.co.uk

The Perfect Match at Torquay Wedding Fair is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Torquay Wedding Fair with a Sparkle!

admin — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:18:06 +0000

The Toorak Hotel in Torquay was the place to be last Sunday for all brides to be in Devon for the TLH Leisure Resort Wedding Fair. The sun shone and the Toorak Hotel looked just about the perfect setting for any bride making plans! The gazebo on the lawn amongst the spring flowers, with champagne glasses and Taittinger – we are talking style!! The rollers parked outside with the silver ladies shining in the sunlight – bring it on!!

Inside the venue oozed style from the champagne fountain, Jazz band on the continental style patio playing those laid back tunes.I can see it now – all those guests just so pleased to be invited.!! Oh yes and there was the bridal wear to get some ideas of how to look just perfect on the big day. For food lovers there were samples to taste from the kitchen of award-winning Toorak head chef Nick Coombes – just a treat of what to expect on the menu if your big day is being held here. Foodies will love it!! All in all a perfect day!!
If you missed out on this event, pop along and have your own personal preview – you don’t have to miss out on making plans for the wedding of the year right here at the Toorak Hotel in Torquay!!

Torquay Wedding Fair with a Sparkle! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

TLH Wedding Fair – Everything you need for your big day

Vicky — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:59:08 +0000

If you have a wedding on your mind, you mustn’t miss the TLH Wedding Fair at the Toorak Hotel on Sunday 24^th May.

You’ll be able to see the Toorak, Victoria and Carlton Hotels in their wedding finery as well as a whole host of wedding exhibitors and suppliers, from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

Jazz band, High Society, will be playing during the day and you can also listen to Riviera Sound, a ladies harmony group. Food tastings from the Toorak will be on offer as well as a champagne fountain serving complimentary non-alcoholic punch. Local Salsa dancers, Aaron and Katie Southgate will also be there to give you a flavour of what you can learn for your ever-important first dance!

The Aztec Spa will be on hand with beauty advice for your big day and you’ll also have the chance to win a fantastic All About You spa day.

See you there!

TLH Wedding Fair – Everything you need for your big day is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog