Category Archives: Wedding Venue

Weddings for everyone

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Wedding ceremonies are all about sharing. While the big day ultimately belongs to you, the couple getting hitched, it’s also a special and significant moment for the people who know and love you best. So, how can you involve your guests to make your wedding day into a truly shared experience for everyone? Here are some great wedding ideas.

Ceremonial rituals

For centuries, people have used rituals to help cement their unions. One relatively new wedding ritual is the lighting of the unity candle, where close family members of the betrothed couple light a separate candle each before the ceremony. The newlyweds then take their respective candles and bring them together to light one single flame.

In a twist to include everyone in your new union, you could hold a version of this ceremony in reverse, letting each guest light a candle of their own from your united flame.

Confetti throwing

Showering confetti over the happy couple is another time-honoured wedding ritual. Make sure everyone is prepared for the big moment by handing out confetti dispensers like wands or cannons to all your guests. (This is a job that you can delegate to a trustworthy member of the wedding party)! Alternatively, why not set up a ‘confetti bar’ beforehand, so that everyone can mix and match their own unique concoction?

Music mixtape

Once you’re on the dancefloor, you’ll want everyone to come and join the party. Why not make everyone feel included by playing one song for each guest? (You can ask them to nominate their chosen track when they RSVP to your invitation). The DJ can announce any special dedications or significant songs with comments from the nominator. The mixtape approach will make your reception into a truly communal experience that everyone will appreciate.

Photo opportunities

Posing for wedding photos is the perfect opportunity to get everyone involved while creating some stunning shots! You could set up an aerial shot and get everyone to stand in formation to make a heart shape or a word. Or if you have suitable space, why not lead everyone in a procession around the grounds of your wedding venue? It’ll be a special, shared experience to cherish, and you’ll be able to treasure some ‘action shots’ of all your guests together.

Like and share

It’s also good to give your guests somewhere they can all share their respective photos of the day. Wedding apps like WedPics allow your guests to upload all their snaps to one central place, making sure you don’t miss a thing! Alternatively, set up a Facebook event for your wedding day. This will ensure that everyone can communicate and stay in touch after the big day, if they so wish.

 

The Benefits of a Toastmaster

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As anybody who has ever attended a wedding will know, they can be stressful affairs. Celebratory occasions yes, but there are a whole host of timings to abide by from arriving at the wedding venue right through to the final minute of the evening. With this in mind, some prefer to book a toastmaster to worry about the day for them, to make sure everything is just so and ensure that your wedding day really is the best day of your life.

No matter whether a big or a small celebration, a toastmaster can be a fabulous booking at a wedding and that’s simply because they know exactly where and when everything will be happening, all whilst taking a traditional role of calling out proceedings as and when they occur. So what does a toastmaster do at a wedding?

A toastmaster will ensure that the wedding venue is ready, greet guests as they arrive, organise the photographs, direct guests as required, announce the wedding breakfast, orchestrate the moments that nobody wants to miss, introduce the speakers and take on each and every duty that will help everybody else to enjoy this most special of days. For the bride and groom, it will be a stress-free day and ultimately, that is the finest way to enjoy your own wedding!

An experienced toastmaster will sit down with you weeks in advance to make sure that everything is perfect. Even so, things can occasionally run awry on the day and they can therefore step in if things aren’t quite going as planned – allowing more time for wedding photographs, noticing that the food is taking longer to prepare than expected – and will ensure that all being well, nobody will ever notice that the day was very briefly going ‘off-plan’. In a sense, a good toastmaster are the eyes and ears of the bride and groom on a day when they can’t be expected to be everywhere at once!

Many might feel they have no need to book a toastmaster because everything a toastmaster does could be done by an usher or best man already in attendance. This is possible but whereas many of the groomsmen are required to be with the groom ahead of the ceremony, that would leave nobody to greet guests or check on the venue. The ushers and everybody else involved in the day want to have a good time themselves so it wouldn’t be fair on them to take away from the proceedings.

In summation, if you are wanting a wedding that runs to plan and on the hunt for an entertaining master of ceremonies to guide you through proceedings, a toastmaster is an excellent idea, especially considering that you can often book a toastmaster for less than the price of the wedding cake!

 

Valentine’s Day Weddings

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February is the month of romance and passion. In February, many like to blow their salary on expensive tasting menus in top restaurants and embark on lavish weekends away in remote country spa hotels. For those who prefer to be more resourceful with their Valentine’s budget, it’s often a challenge to prove your love in another way.

To help those looking to escape, we have come up with five ways to save money but still impress your other half this February.

Be original

A great way of proving to your partner that you love them is to think outside of the box. Why not choose a Wedding Venue they wouldn’t think of going and surprise them. Even the most expensive cities in the UK have accommodation which is affordable but still offer a good spot to rest your head.

Be spontaneous

One of the best ways to be romantic is to be spontaneous, (if proposing) tell your partner that you are taking them away; you can even tell them where you’re taking them if you’d prefer. The trick is to save all the little trips and adventures for them to find out the weekend goes on. This makes the trip more exciting and unpredictable.

Be tasteful

While being on a budget often rules out pricey experiences, one thing money can’t buy is taste. When choosing activities for your honeymoon getaway pursue cultural experiences such as museums, art galleries, and landmark sites as oppose to gimmick activities that you can do at home like bowling, ice skating and laser quest. It is also worth taking advantage of upmarket restaurants and bars which offer cheaper menus between certain times of the day.

Be true

Finally, when you have finally tied the knot, like taste, no amount of money can buy true love. Ensure you spend plenty of time talking to one another, planning your next adventure and relaxing. Everything else will be an added bonus.

 

A perfect wedding experience

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Planning a wedding can be a stressful time and the last thing you want the night before the big day is a bad night’s sleep as excitement and nerves run high. Hotel Venues usually try to give wedding guests a perfect wedding experience, and ensure everything runs smoothly  – even if it does mean giving up your trousers from time to time!”

Some wedding requests that Hotel members have been asked to do are:

  • The night porter lending his trousers to the best man who left his at home
  • Taking the lead in a wedding band when the original singer lost his voice
  • Helping the best man write and practice his speech
  • Transforming the lobby into a hairdressers for two elderly wedding guests who couldn’t get to the local salon in time
  • Lending wedding rings for the ceremony after the bride and groom left theirs at home
  • Teaching the groom the fox trot in the corridor the night before the big day
  • Becoming the official wedding photographer of the ceremony after the original photographer was stuck in traffic
  • Concealing and escorting a bridal party from the hotel to the venue without any of the family seeing
  • Chauffeuring the couple from ceremony venue to reception venue in a team members Ferrari
  • Making the perfect bouquet for the bride using flowers from a team members own garden after the wrong arrangement was delivered by the florist

If you book reputable Hotel chain for your wedding venue we are sure that any request can be catered for, and will be happy to help (whatever the circumstances!!!)

 

Exclusive wedding venue

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How can you make an exclusive-use wedding venue truly feel like ‘yours’ for the day?

Hiring an exclusive-use wedding venue, such as a private barn, mansion or country house, comes with a plethora of benefits; you’re guaranteed privacy throughout your day, and you’re free to style it to your own taste and theme.

But how can you put your own stamp on a venue that’s ‘yours’ for a whole day?

Welcome signs

Personalised welcome signs to greet your guests will offer an introduction to your theme and what your friends and family can expect to see throughout the day. Simple words, such as “We’re so glad you’re here”, or a full order-of-the-day-style pallet can add a fun twist and be completely unique to your day. You may even be able to place your signs along the country roads leading up to your venue to point guests in the right direction.

Drinks on arrival

If you’re getting married in a church and travelling back to your chosen venue for your reception, it’s always nice to offer a refreshment to your wedding party upon arrival. Similarly, a drink (or two) post-ceremony if you’re getting married at the venue, not forgetting a welcome drink for evening guest. A ‘Pimp Your Prosecco’ stand could be a unique addition to traditional fizz, or consider offering a unique cocktail to get the celebrations started.

Floral features

Does your wedding venue offer a particularly beautiful staircase (inside or out), entrance or photography hot-spot that you can decorate with impressive flowers? Or, how about using a stand-out floral arch or impressive hanging floral display?

Cool canapés

Whether an in-house catering team provides you with all of the food you’ll need for your day, or you’re hiring in external caterers at your exclusive-use wedding venue, choose a selection of canapés to impress your guests and get their pallets excited for the feast to come!

Theme throughout

Most couples opt for a block colour or colour-combination scheme when it comes to a wedding theme, but if you’re looking to wow your guests, perhaps introduce a theme to your wedding that means something to you both; travel, films, musicals, bands, pets, books, landmarks, fairytales and sport teams are just a few ideas to get your mind racing.

Outdoor fun

If you’re chosen venue offers beautiful countryside surroundings, it would be wrong not to take advantage of them, providing the weather is on your side. Think outdoor garden games, fun wedding photography, musical entertainment, such as a string quartet, Irish band, harpist singers, or even something interactive, like a photo booth.

Exquisite food

Your guests will look forward to and remember the food at your wedding, so getting it spot on is important. Couples who want to make their banquet extra special can opt to customise a dish, or upgrade their menu to something even more spectacular for their friends and family to enjoy.

Communication

Planning any party or event requires time and communication to ensure perfection. The more you communicate with your venue and suppliers, the more seamless your day should run. Take time to think about your wedding plans in advance, before rushing into decisions that could cause upset later down the line.

Unforgettable entertainment

Whether you’ve chosen a romantic string quartet to play as you walk down the aisle, a magician for your drinks reception, or a brilliant DJ or band in the evening, your guests will be excited to find out what surprises you have planned in the lead-up to your day. If you choose suppliers that have worked at your venue of choice before, your planning process may be a little bit easier.

Wow factor

If you were throwing a party at home, you may want to end the night with a memorable moment. Therefore, if your exclusive use wedding venue allows it, why not opt for a fireworks display or, head off on your honeymoon in a fancy sports car the following morning?

 

Wedding Barns

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It’s safe to say we wouldn’t blame any couple for wanting the rustic charm and nature inspired architecture that this style of venue offers in abundance! But as unique as every couple is, barn venues aren’t all the same either. Some offer additional outdoor spaces for entertaining or larger wedding parties, idyllic countryside backdrops and romantic reception rooms in need of minimal decoration.

Let historic tales and unique characteristics tell the story of each venues’ heritage and development within their surrounding organic landscape. Designed to evoke romance, fall in love with quirky outbuildings, festival yurts and miles and miles of coastal country views…

Boconnoc | 18th Century Stable Yard Barn

The 18th-century Stable Yard at Boconnoc is a wonderfully romantic setting with four fabulous barns, a courtyard and breathtaking views across the Boconnoc parkland. Say your vows in the rustic Coach House while the sun pours through the open oak doors. Your wedding breakfast can be an elegant affair in the beautiful Soane Room or a casual feast with trestle tables and hay bales in the courtyard. Dance the night away in the festoon lit courtyard. And when it is time for bed, there are three luxurious cottages just a few steps away.

The Tythe Barn | Original Lambing Farm

An award-winning wedding venue and stylish wedding setting, The Tythe Barn stages many events, but says that weddings are their ‘thing’. The 14th-century barn exudes style with its combination of original features and quality interior styling. As it was the old lambing barn on the family farm, the team have been passionate about the refurbishment of the barn and attention to detail has been vital. Now, The Tythe Barn provides the most amazing setting, fortunately joined by a professional team of chefs as their in-house caterers. They are also confident that, having hosted a few, they know how to put on a good wedding.

With the option to get married inside or out and two further adjoining barns, The Tythe Barn offers huge flexibility. Plus, there’s a wonderfully restored barn dedicated solely for the bride and her bridesmaids to get ready in and much more…

Blackwell Grange | Cotswolds Barn And Walled Garden

From its tranquil Cotswolds location, to the elegant, contemporary interior design and exceptional attention to detail, Blackwell Grange is a special place to say “I do”. The spaces are diverse and characterful. From the original Thatch Barn, where your ceremony will take place and across the Apple Tree Lawn to the contemporary Orchard Barn, the venue for your wedding breakfast and celebration. There are lots of stunning photo opportunities everywhere you turn. As your wedding day draws to a close, you can spend the night in the Hayloft Honeymoon Cottage, overlooking the Walled Herb Garden.

Gaynes Park | Woodland Country Estate

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Gaynes Park is a stylish and contemporary wedding venue in Essex, set in the grounds of a historic country estate which has been in the Chisenhale-Marsh family for generations. The picturesque venue is surrounded by British countryside, made up of farmland and woodland. Given its secluded and tranquil setting, it is hard to believe that this superb country wedding venue is at the end of the busy Central Line. It is only minutes from the M25 and M11 at Epping, an ideal location and easily accessible for all of your family and friends.

Notley Abbey | Impressive Rural Abbey and Garden Barn

Notley Abbey is a magnificent country house wedding venue with a truly magical past. Once the home of Laurence Olivier and Gone with the Wind actress Vivien Leigh, this impressive Abbey, on the border of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, can be your dream home for 24 hours. A one-of-a-kind, tree-lined driveway leads you to a historic, fairytale wedding venue. Notley Abbey features romantic reception areas, an intimate ceremony hall, glorious grounds and gardens (with the opportunity to host an outdoor wedding). It also offers nine beautifully appointed guest suites and an utterly stunning rustic barn for up to 190 guests.

Eden Barn | Valley Stone Barn

Nestled below the stunning North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty is where you’ll encounter Eden Barn. An exclusive and intimate wedding venue that will immerse your guests in Cumbria’s enchanting Upper Eden Valley. The traditional Westmorland stone barn seats 126 guests for a sit-down meal and 200 for an evening reception. Eden Barn is a family run business who believe that weddings should be fun, relaxed and totally personal to you.

 

Wedding Fireworks

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When planning a wedding remember that in the winter months, night falls far earlier in the evening than in the height of summer. This means that you could hold your wedding fireworks display at an earlier hour with a winter wedding – ideal if you’ve got children attending who will enjoy the display.

Tie the knot in the summer and you’ll have to wait until around 10pm for darkness. By this point the dancing and Champagne will have been flowing for hours – will you really be able to get your guests organised outside to enjoy the show? A master of ceremonies will come in handy here – leave the ushering and organising to them!

On the other hand, in the autumn and winter months you’re more likely to encounter rain. Many fireworks displays are weather dependent, so don’t pin all your hopes on it going to plan.

Check with your wedding venue

Outside space will be essential for any wedding fireworks display to be possible. Beyond that, you’ll need to speak to your venue about what they do and do not allow. Some are happy for you to hold a pyrotechnic extravaganza, while others prefer you to stick to sparklers.

There’s no point planning an enormous display, and investing money in it, only to discover that your venue does not permit it. Plus, your venue can probably recommend companies they’ve worked with before to make organising your wedding fireworks display a breeze. And if a sparkling show is a deal breaker for you, best to have that conversation before you book – either the fireworks or the venue!

Brief your photographer

Once you’ve got the go ahead from your wedding venue and found the company to make it happen, it’s time to share the exciting news! Undoubtedly you’ll be desperate to tell your guests, but don’t forget to discuss it with your wedding photographer, too.

Not all photographers stay beyond the first dance, so check what is included in your package. If you want the fireworks to be captured, why not negotiate extending their coverage until after the display?

A full-scale wedding fireworks display offers the perfect opportunity to capture incredible group photos against the illuminated backdrop. You can also snap dreamy couple portraits as you watch. If sparklers are the order of the day, grab your bridesmaids and groomsmen for enchanting pictures together. Have them surround you, draw letters for long-exposure photography or simply act naturally for reportage shots.

 

The Best Places To Wed

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BEST BARN VENUE

Cruck Barn, Arley Hall, Cheshire

When planning a Wedding; Barn weddings are perennially popular, and the Cruck Barn at Cheshire Arley Hall is hard to beat if you’re looking for a venue that blends history with contemporary style. The Grade-I listed, timber-framed barn dates back to the 1400s and is set in 18 acres of formal gardens with a lime tree avenue, arboretum and woodland walks. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, over owing with charm and character.

BEST OUTDOOR WEDDING VENUE

Sheene Mill, Royston, Hertfordshire

This 16th-century watermill is set on the banks of the River Mel in beautifully landscaped gardens. Take your vows in the picturesque outdoor gazebo, and relax over wedding reception drinks on the lakeside decking. The grounds are spectacular year-round, with banks of snowdrops in winter, bright seasonal flowers in summer, and vibrant autumn leaves. The Garden Conservatory overlooks the millpond, populated by families of wildfowl, including Will, the venue’s resident trumpeter swan.

BEST COASTAL VENUE

The Alexandria, Lyme Regis, Dorset

Prepare to be blown away by the incredible views from the Alexandra, renowned as one of Dorset’s best boutique hotels. The Alexandra looks out across Cobb Harbour to the world heritage Lyme Regis bay and the Jurassic coast beyond, the inspiration for many a romantic story, lm and TV series…

There’s road-free access to the beach: a stunning backdrop for wedding photos. The hotel itself is a haven of English style and charm and has racked up an impressive portfolio of awards and accolades from the press and tourist boards.

BEST SETTING

Blair Castle, Pitlochry, Scottish Highlands

If you’re looking for a venue within a setting that’ll take your guests’ breath away, you’ll be hard pressed to find better than Blair Castle. For over 700 years, it’s carved a fascinating history that even involves Queen Victoria and Bonnie Prince Charlie… The 13th-century castle is now a five-star wedding location – offering an array of historic interiors, contemporary spaces and spectacular gardens. On the outside this authentic Scottish castle is surrounded by extensive grounds and gardens, lochs, rivers and glens.

BEST LARGE SCALE VENUE

Hylands Estate Chelmsford, Essex

Struggling to whittle your guest list down? It’s not a problem at Hylands, which can host weddings for up to 300 people. The Grade-II* listed mansion has a wealth of spaces for your celebration, including the majestic Banqueting Room with its silk lined walls, gold plated detailing and views over the Serpentine Lake. If you’re looking for something more modern, check out the Grand Pavilion, a contemporary space with oor-to-ceiling windows and courtyard views, ideal for large receptions.

 

Quick Dream Weddings

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Is planning your wedding in six months really doable? The answer is YES! Whatever your reasons for getting married quickly are, brides often find themselves having to plan their big day in rather more of a hurry than they thought they would have to.

Whatever you might think, there are enough suppliers and wedding venues to go around, it all depends on the time of year you’re getting married and the day of the week. Just remember, if you’re dream wedding entails a weekend wedding in high summer then this might be more difficult to sort – the most in demand season for weddings will require a little more planning in advance. BUT… marry midweek and you’ll find plenty more options open to you! (not to mention the saving you’ll make along the way!) When planning a quick wedding it’s important to establish the couples priorities and whether these can be achieved within the time frame.

The pros of planning in under six months

  • It’s all very romantic – you won’t have to wait long until you’re Mr and Mrs!
  • You’ll have to make quick decisions – which is good if you’re a bit of a dawdler.
  • You’ll probably have a slightly smaller wedding, so it will more than likely cost less.
  • Chances are you may get a better deal on your wedding venue, especially if you’re marrying out of season and if you’re prepared to get married mid-week.
  • You may have to buy your dress off the peg or at a sample sale, which means you’ll probably save money on something made to measure. A good dressmaker can always make alterations quickly in any case.
  • No time to have a cake made by a designer? Some high street stores have some amazing ready-made wedding cakes and you can decorate it yourself with accessories or flowers to personalise.
  • If you’re brave enough to book a honeymoon last minute, you could end up with a bargain.

The issues you may face

  • Not everybody will be able to attend – they may already have holidays, work commitments or a birth of a baby in the diary.
  • You’ve got less flexibility about where you can marry and the date – popular venues, especially in the height of summer, tend to get booked up 1-2 years in advance.
  • If you’re looking for your dream designer wedding dress then it probably won’t be ready in time (most designers and bridal shops need at least three months to put a frock together).
  • You might not get the photographer you want – fashionable photographers can be booked a year or two ahead at peak times.
  • If you’re an indecisive person, a quick wedding turn around may bring on more stress than is worth.
  • You might not be getting married at the time of year you dreamed about.
  • You’ll probably have to take some time off work quite close to the wedding/honeymoon to get your plans in order.
  • If your wedding is in term-time, some kids may not be able to get time off school to be flower girls or pageboys.

Elements To Plan ASAP

Organise your wedding venue

You really need to focus on where you’re going to get married – where the ceremony and reception is taking place and when. Try to organise the ceremony and reception at the same location – this will save on planning time. See what dates they have available, check for discounts for off-season or mid-week weddings and go from there.

Book a photographer

The shots of your wedding day will provide lasting memories so book a photographer you can work with. We suggest you contact four and check availability but if you’re really set on them, don’t book your venue until you know they can do that date.

Your wedding dress

Some designers will need six months to create your dream gown so get it ordered quickly. If you really don’t have six months, we suggest asking your local bridal boutique about how quickly they can get a dress in stock, or alternatively, try the sample sales. These can provide amazing bargains if you’re lucky. Just factor in the cost of dry cleaning.

Your wedding entertainment

If you’re particularly set on somebody and they’re available you need to get on and book them pronto.

 

Valentine’s Weddings

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Are you planning a wedding for Valentine’s Day? From Shakespeare’s birthplace, to the town which inspired a royal love story, Macdonald Hotels are the perfect place to spend time together this Valentine’s Day. Here are seven of their most romantic hotels where love will definitely be in the air for your February wedding;

Macdonald Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews

In the town which kindled the flame of romance between Kate and Wills, Macdonald Rusacks Hotel is perfect for a luxurious and indulgent break this Valentine’s. St Andrews is a must-visit destination with its world renowned university, quaint Scottish terraces and famous West Sands beach immortalized in the Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire. Ideal for those couples who share a passion for golf, Macdonald Rusacks Hotel is one of the greatest golfing hotels in the world, within a sand wedge of the 18th hole of the famous Old Course and with a dedicated Golf Concierge.

Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath

For couples seeking 5-star luxury, Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel offers a romantic getaway in the heart of historic Bath. With landscaped gardens, four poster beds, and a ‘bath butler’ this town which was home to Jane Austen, can create a weekend that even one of the world’s best known romantic fiction writers would be proud of.

Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa, North Berwick

Just half an hour from Edinburgh by train is the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick; renowned for its dramatic coastline as well as independent boutiques and ice cream vendors. Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa is housed within a glorious 19th Century building; reflecting a time when Romanticism swept through the British art world. Wedding guests can take a windswept walk along the beach or stay cosily indoors and watch the coastline from behind the windows of one of the hotels’ 83 individually styled, luxury rooms. For couples looking to be pampered, the award winning thermal spa boasts a heated indoor pool as well as an outdoor hydro pool.

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, Lake District

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa on the shores of Lake Windermere has unrivalled views over mature lawns to private jetties and moorings on the lake. The luxury four-star hotel proves a popular choice for romantic getaways and weekend breaks. This Valentine’s Day the hotel is offering a proposal package for guests looking to pop the question. Couples will be able to stay in a suite where they will be greeted with a chilled bottle of Prosecco and chocolates in the room on arrival. The Macdonald team will also be on hand to surprise loved ones with an engagement ring hidden inside Champagne glasses, and beds will be strewn with rose petals as an extra romantic touch.