The Reception from 1:30pm: Villa Abarca, Bo. del Rincón, 4, 39738 Hazas de Cesto, Cantabria, Spain
4* Catering from El Hotel Balneario de Puente Viesgo (balneariodepuenteviesgo.com/en/)
Canapés / Cóctel de Bienvenida ; 3 course meal / comida en Mesa ; and FREE BAR / Barra Libre until 11pm (hasta las 11pm)
The After-Party: Palacio del Tejo, Bo. la Iglesia de San Mamés, 40, 39192 San Mamés de Meruelo, Cantabria, Spain
Formal
For men: Suits / Trajes
For ladies: Midi / Long dresses or jumpsuits. Vestido largo / Midi o mono.
A note on the weather, it is not southern Spain (sorry), so the weather will be unpredictable. It could be anywhere between 15 - 22 degrees on the day and it could be sunny (let's keep everything crossed), or windy and rainy! Temperatures will likely drop to 10-12 degrees in the evening. Whatever the weather, we will have the best time. We just wanted to flag so that you have enough layers if needed.
...and we want lots of colour!
What's happening when...
All these details will be on your paper invites, but the itinerary so far is as follows (if it changes we will update the website and let you all know)...
Friday, April 29th:
We recommend everyone descend on the area, gear up and venture off into the local bars and beaches to sink a few civilised beers / vinos in the late afternoon before the big day.
We have hired the Palacio del Tejo as our wedding base for the weekend, so pop in and say hi / hola!
Saturday, April 30th:
We would recommend eating a big breakfast before the ceremony!
11:45 - 12:00 - Guests Arrive at Church
12:30 - Ceremony Begins
13:30 - Ceremony Concludes
13:45 - Confetti / Mingle / Photos outside church
14:30 - All to arrive at location for reception - Villa Abarca - Pinxos and celebratory toast with live music. We hope to celebrate under the Marquee but we also have use of the house in case the heavens open... the setting is beautiful as it is surrounded by the Spanish mountains and in the far distance you can see the Picos de Europa.
We will be welcomed by canapés (pintxos from the local area) / cóctel de bienvenida with a cheese board, sangria, various drinks of choice and a toast to the newly Weds.
16:00 - Dinner
17:30 - Speeches
18:30 - Cut the cake and FREE BAR / BARRA LIBRE
20:30 - First Dance and let the DJ start his magic!
23:00 - FREE BAR / Barra libre closes
23:30 - DJ ends and carriages to arrive at midnight
The Spanish DO NOT STOP AT MIDNIGHT. In fact, it's customary for parties to continue well into the waking hours of the following morning. This may come as a shock to many, but the local custom is to dance until sunrise is no exaggeration, or a throw-away adage to classic 90's club anthems. There will be rewards for those brave enough to meet the challenge. Except for the Spanish. I'm afraid it's expected of you... we will be continuing the party for those still dancing back at the Palacio del Tejo!
After-Party - 00:00 onwards at Palacio del Tejo.
Sunday, May 1st:
Recovery. There will be a BBQ for the survivors, although it's a very much a bring-your-own food situation. We are speaking to a local butcher and for those who want to join, we will ask for contributions to the food on the day. Closer to the time, we will let you know how much that will be and we will ask you to RSVP to the BBQ. Weather dependent there are countless mountain trails; sandy beaches and a myriad of bars and restaurants to explore.
We'll be suggesting a day at the beach with games and beers for the afternoon, although George will be desperate for some sort of mountainous excursion.
Monday, May 2nd:
It's the Monday Bank Holiday in the UK, but depending on how far you've had to travel, it could take you a while to head back... unless you're part of the Spanish contingent, in which case it's not even a holiday for you so... sorry about that. We will be venturing off to our Honeymoon in the afternoon.