Mixing historic charm with natural beauty, this spectacular manor offers the perfect setting for your countryside wedding.
Richard, the owner of Hockwold Hall, tells us more about the business and his venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I’ve been in the wedding and events industry for over ten years, enjoying helping couples to have the big day of their dreams!
What do you love about Bridebook?
Bridebook is one of the best platforms out there for couples to use to plan their wedding – we thoroughly recommend all couples recently engaged to check them out!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The staff: They care so much about every little detail of your wedding.
What drew you to the wedding world?
We care passionately about organizing fantastic events and amazing experiences for couples – so when the opportunity arose to provide this to couples in East Anglia, we grabbed the opportunity with both hands!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
DELEGATE: Lots of couples become overwhelmed by the process of planning a wedding but in our experience the most relaxed couples are the ones with their friends and family around them to help with decisions they are struggling to make.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
The perfect wedding for us is when the couple have the day of their dreams!
What do you think makes Hockwold Hall unique?
Our outdoor ceremony area within our Stunning Walled Gardens offers a unique location of hosting your ceremony.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We always look to meet our couples at least three times before their wedding day – so they can be completely at ease that their big day will run as smoothly as possible. Firstly, we always like to meet for an informal chat to hear all about their plans, before showing around the venue, and discussing options.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Hockwold Hall?
We hosted an incredible festival themed wedding, the weather was perfect and they had organized some amazing acoustic music for the guests to enjoy!
Why should a couple book Hockwold Hall?
We offer great flexibility to all couples – in order to give them the day of their dreams. As our venue is dry hire, couples are able to work with a blank canvas to have their big day exactly as they want it, along with a large amount of accommodation for their nearest and dearest to stay after the wedding, too. With the venue being a former royal residence, we offer an elegant and welcoming experience to all guests, with historic charm and natural beauty.
What’s the best photo spot at Hockwold Hall?
We have 5 Acres of incredible walled gardens with hundreds of species of flowering plants that make the most amazing backdrops.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Technology has changed the wedding industry a great deal. In the matter of a few years, you are now able to have virtual viewings remotely, as well as get a 3D tour of the House and Grounds here at Hockwold Hall without even leaving your home!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Stay calm – this will pass, so long as we are following the Government advice – and the extra time at home will allow you to get ahead with some of your planning! Keep in touch regularly with your suppliers, and your big day will still happen – just perhaps not on the originally planned date.
A magical wedding needs a magical venue. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this farmhouse is simply enchanting.
Fi, the Marketing Manager at Houchins, tells us all about this wonderful wedding venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I have been working at Houchins since its launch in 2014 and absolutely love it and everything about weddings. We have a wonderful team who have many years combined experience and a genuine desire to give every couple their best possible wedding. I live in Suffolk with my husband, three children, three chickens and dog and love country life and marketing weddings. In my spare time I am a keen tennis player and gardener with a little yoga in between!
What drew you to the wedding world?
Weddings are a wonderfully happy event and we are lucky to have a really unique venue.
What do you think makes Houchins unique?
Houchins really is heritage made modern. With its Grade 2* listed accommodation for friends and family and the modern barn converted, the day flows perfectly from ceremony to drinks reception and then from dinner to dancing. The Houchins team, though, is what really makes the difference and always gets the awards, accolades and thanks from our couples. They are all devoted to everything wedding and pride themselves on really getting to know each and every couple and making their wedding day the day of their dreams.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We get to know all of our couples really well with a series of meetings to chat through their plans and make sure that we are all singing from the same hymn sheet. In between the meetings there are obviously a lot of emails and telephone conversations to answer any questions and work through any worries.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
A couple who are truly in love and surrounded by their family and closest friends just exudes happiness and it’s hard to not get wrapped up in it all!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Houchins?
Honestly, they are all memorable in different ways but if we had to choose it might be our first woodland wedding, the first intimate wedding in the wood panelled drawing room in the house and one which was Scrabble themed!
Why should a couple book Houchins?
I think the venue speaks for itself and if the couple can visualize themselves getting married there and only there then it’s the venue for them. We really believe we are unique in terms of our look and feel and the team are the icing on the cake.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Use recommended suppliers either by friends or the venue, it really does make a difference!
There’s the hay bales, the borage field, under the willow tree, in front of the house, the list goes on…
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The wonderful team!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
We have a great wedding CRM system which makes sure we give our couples relevant and timely advice and also allows them to send invitations, make table plans, budget, etc.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Don’t panic (although that is obviously very hard)! Your wedding will happen and venues are doing their utmost to work with every couple to achieve the best outcome.
What do you love about Bridebook?
It works really well for both couples and venues & couples love the app!
If you are looking for a spot with a relaxed and rustic atmosphere, homegrown menu, beautiful views and local drinks, then this might just be the one!
The Head of Sales at The Ferry House, Natasha, tells us more about this stunning barn venue.
Tell us about yourself!
At the Ferry House we work really closely as a wedding team and there are 6 of us! We all love weddings and being a part of each and every couples’ special days. Four of us have young children and Emily’s dogs are like her children so it’s always busy! Another thing we all have in common is, of course, loving a good gin!
What drew you to the wedding world?
Most of the wedding team started off at the Ferry House in other positions and moved over to weddings. I worked Front of House for four years before I moved over to the office. Morgan has recently joined us from another venue but feels like she has been with us forever! We all love weddings and all get as excited as each other for a good one!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The team 100%. Everyone is so passionate about everything they do, from front of house, to the kitchen team, garden team, housekeeping and without all of us we would not be able to pull off the amazing weddings that we do!
What do you think makes The Ferry House unique?
We are unique as we are not just a venue for your special day but somewhere you can come back to as a special place. We invite all couples back to our restaurant for a complimentary first-anniversary meal. We are all a real family at the Ferry House so it is really important to us that our couples feel that too. And it’s so lovely to see them come back and visit us, see how they are getting on and sometimes there are even some new arrivals!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at The Ferry House?
One that does stand out was Vanessa and Robert’s day. They had four of their gorgeous dogs as the ring bearers with floral collars matching Vanessa’s flowers. They also arrived at the venue on a red London bus and Vanessa had three wedding dress changes. She looked fabulous in every single one. It was just a lovely, intimate family wedding, with outdoor ceremony and reception in the barn. Beautiful day!
Why should a couple book The Ferry House?
I think the couple needs to love the space and get that ‘the one’ feeling when they view, but we do offer something a bit different. We have accommodation for 70+ in luxury rooms and self catering barn cottages. We also have an extensive kitchen garden where we grow as much of our fresh produce as possible and on your drive in you will pass our family farm and Elmley nature reserve where our cows graze. We are situated right on the edge of the Thames Estuary surrounded by countryside with the perfect views.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
The initial viewing is really important to get a feel for what sort of day our couples would like and what is important to them. We then have planning meetings to keep up to date with current wedding plans and we are always in contact via email and phone. We do also invite couples for a wedding tasting evening where they can try the food and wine for their wedding and this is a great opportunity again to hear about updated wedding ideas and plans.
What’s the best photo spot at The Ferry House?
This is a hard one, we have so many lovely photo spots! I think our sunsets by the water would have to be one of my favourites!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
I think when the couple decide what is important to them and stick with that throughout their planning. I think also relaxing on the day and just enjoying everything they have spent so long thinking and dreaming about.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Enjoy it!! The day will go really fast so enjoy the whole experience of planning!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
We have been offering meetings via Skype/Zoom, calling all our couples to sort postponements and offering virtual tours for new couples. We rely a lot on technology normally, too. Lots of our couples are usually from further afield so if they can not get here for meetings etc, we do all this over phone or video calling. I think for inspiration and ideas for the couple, technology is great! With venues’ social media channels but also for general creative ideas from Pinterest.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Do your best to try not to stress about something you can not control. We have postponed a lot of weddings and suppliers have been amazing. We all want to work together to make sure we can hold your wedding day so we will do our very best for you. Your date might change but nothing else will.
What do you love about Bridebook?
I love how you all keep in touch and if we ever have any questions you will always help, so thank you!
Take a walk through history and tie the knot in this magnificent 800 year old venue.
Richard, the proprietor of Pengenna Manor, tells us more about this gorgeous place in the middle of the woods.
Tell us about yourself!
I opened up Pengenna Manor, my family home, for weddings and events in 2014 – I love hosting couples here and making sure they feel totally at home during their stay. I have a partner and two dogs and we live nearby when the Manor is being used, spending time here when it’s free to ensure it is still very much a family home. When I’m not hosting weddings or running the business I get out and about in the countryside and seaside nearby for long walks with the dogs and I love photography too so I’ve always got a camera of some description with me!
What drew you to the wedding world?
In my previous career I worked in marketing, business development, project management and corporate events, so when my father retired (from farming at Pengenna) and moved out of the Manor I knew what I wanted to do here. My first wedding that I planned and executed from start to finish was actually my sister’s – she got married at the local church and then had her reception here before we had even started turning it from a working farm to a unique venue!
What do you think makes Pengenna Manor unique?
First and foremost it’s definitely the location. Set in a beautiful hidden valley just 4 or 5 miles from the coast and surrounded by ancient woodland you feel like you’re back in time somehow, especially when you step inside our 800-year-old manor house! Secondly it has to be that Pengenna is still our family home where we all gather together for celebrations and parties and weekend stays, it’s not a generic hotel experience. Finally I think that it’s the way we host all our guests, opening up the venue to let them use it however they want, but still being there to offer help and guidance and make sure all their plans come to fruition.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We like to meet with our couples several times between booking and their return for the big day itself – we particularly love it when they come back with their families and we get to show them around as well! We work hard to look after all our couples needs, always being available for help and advice over the phone and by email and I don’t think it’s too cheesy to say so many of them have become friends afterwards and stop by for a coffee when they’re back in Cornwall!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
I would say it has to be getting together with all your most loved family and closest friends and having a really great party! All the fine details and plans for ceremonies, arrivals, outfits, cakes, flowers, decoration, etc. are always important, but you can’t underestimate spending time with your loved ones whilst they witness your special day.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Pengenna Manor?
We’ve had so many! The best weddings are always those that think about all the details and what could bring a real wow-factor (like having gospel singers during the drinks for example), and those that make full use of all the fabulous areas that we created across our 20 acres of grounds. We particularly enjoy those who have guests camping and glamping for the whole weekend which gives the wedding a great party atmosphere over all three days and the camping meadows really come into their own when you add special touches like a campfire area and even wood fired hot tubs!
Why should a couple book Pengenna Manor?
Quite simply because Pengenna is a beautiful, private, exclusive and inspiring venue and we offer total flexibility and freedom for couples to have their wedding their way, no templated functions here!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Ask your suppliers for their top tips, help and guidance! We all have so much experience and advice to give to ensure you have the perfect wedding weekend, and might suggest ideas you would have never thought of! Most of us work in the wedding industry because we are creative people.
What’s the best photo spot at your venue?
Either in front of our 800-year-old manor house surrounded by all that history, or down amongst the trees in the woodland walk that leads to the camping grounds at sunset with the festoon light bulbs strung overhead.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
That we have helped over 90 couples have the wedding of their dreams in the last 7 years!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Technology has been a huge boost to the wedding industry and changed it so much, even just in the last 7 years we’ve witnessed. Now couples can find out everything about their potential suppliers before they even start talking to them, seeing what inspires them, viewing their work and premises on the move 24 hours a day. They can see the latest global trends and experience so many amazing ideas and learn from others around the World the all important do’s and don’ts. Most of that was impossible even 10 years ago.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
This is such a difficult and unprecedented time for everyone but I would say keep calm and try and carry on! Be flexible when it comes to your plans and seek advice from suppliers and venues, but essentially stick to your dreams. Also make sure you take time out to try and relax and unwind from all the worries and stresses.
What do you love about Bridebook?
It’s such a universally helpful tool – it brings suppliers like us together with couples like you on a platform that you know you can trust. It’s not like all those other wedding directories you’ll find with lists and lists of suppliers ranked based on how much they’ve paid to appear, they genuinely want to help connect us all!
Located next to the Banham Zoo, this outdoor venue is a fun and unique way to celebrate your big day!
The resident wedding planner and venue manager, Kiera, gives us a taste of what makes Applewood Hall the ideal spot to say your vows.
Tell us about yourself!
I’m a Head Honcho & Wedding Planner Extraordinaire, a gin lover and unofficial wedding cake taster – I love having a piece with my Sunday morning coffee before breakfast! And the owner of resident hound, Frankie Sausage.
And one thing you might not know… I have locked myself in the wedding garden at least 5 times (just this year!), which has meant having to climb over the gate!
What drew you to the wedding world?
Having worked in the corporate events world in London for 10 years, I felt the pull to return to Norfolk where I grew up. I missed the drive and challenge of being involved in the family business. Due to my events background, my Dad asked me to take on the management of Applewood Hall and its sister business, Applewood Countryside Park (family camping and glamping).
Helping couples plan the wedding day of their dreams and seeing it all come together is so rewarding. There’s no job quite like it!
What do you think makes Applewood Hall unique?
Applewood Hall is located right next to the award-winning family attraction Banham Zoo. So if couples fancy something a little bit different, whether it’s a giraffe feeding experience, private Bird of Prey display, a ceremony within the zoo grounds or photos with some of the stunning animals – anything is possible!
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
When couples make a booking with us, we start with a planning meeting as it really helps us get to know our couples; along with their style, how they picture their perfect day and what we can do to make it happen.
This process really helps to pinpoint the small things that will make their day feel extra special and unique to them. For example, we have recently introduced bespoke cocktails and mocktails, offering couples the opportunity to choose seasonal flavors, favorite ingredients and personalize the cocktail names so they tie into their theme or tell a story!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Fun, laughter and a tipple or two. It’s that simple!
Why should a couple book Applewood Hall?
Applewood Hall is a proudly family-run business, offering a personal and friendly service. Our aim is to ensure that every couple is able to bring to life the day of their dreams no matter their budget. We achieve this by going above and beyond, getting creative with ideas, ingredients and scale to ensure we can give each couple a unique experience.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
It’s YOUR day, so don’t be afraid to be a bit selfish when it comes to things like your menu choices, drink selection and seating plans. Prefer to have canapés during your drinks reception rather than a starter, why not? If you’d prefer to have a classic G&T rather than bubbles for the toast, do it! If you want the seating to be more informal with no seating plan, be bold! These small things will help your day feel special and unique to you.
What’s the best photo spot at Applewood Hall?
Our wedding garden! This beautifully landscaped space features a stunning gazebo, contemporary outdoor furniture, lots of lush greenery, fire pit tables and festoon lighting. The perfect backdrop for wedding photos and alfresco drinks in the sunshine!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our team! We have a small, dedicated team, which means our couples experience a friendly, hands-on approach from their initial enquiry and showround appointment to their menu tasting, planning meetings and of course, the big day itself.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Couples are planning their weddings online more than ever before. We have been making use of Facebook Live to host virtual tours and hosting monthly #wedminwednesday sessions to help couples along their wedding planning journey.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
We are in this together and we will all get through this together.
If you’ve had to postpone, it must be heartbreaking to move from your original date and to have to wait a bit longer for your wedding, but it will be so worth it. We want your day to be a day of celebration, love and special memories; focused on you (not coronavirus, that’s had enough attention!).
What do you love about Bridebook?
It’s great to be able to showcase everything we offer all in one place; from pricing and photos to reviews and offers. Tracking enquiries and following our analytics is super simple too.
An oasis of tranquility, this barn venue is a beautiful spot for couples to tie the knot in.
We spoke to Katie, the Manager at Oaks Farm, to know a little more about this rustic and charming family run venue.
Tell us about yourself!
My parents own Oaks Farm and I have worked here since 2003. I love having family time and long dog walks. Most of my social life revolves around my 3 children – they definitely go to more parties than I do!
What drew you to the wedding world?
I love working in weddings. It is such a happy thing to be involved in! So uplifting!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
The most important thing about a wedding is that you can share it with all the most important people in your life. It may be the only time you have so many friends and family all in the same place and all wishing you the very best at the same time. The venue adds a beautiful environment to create the perfect ambiance for your favorite people to enjoy. We hope that Oaks Farm can provide a wonderful backdrop for the magical memories of your wedding day.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We love for couples to come and see us as much as they want before their big day. We are always happy to chat to them on the phone and via email to make their day as wonderful as they want it to be.
What do you think makes your venue unique?
Our venue is unique because it is friendly and welcoming – we aim to make it feel like a home away from home. We maintain everything to the best of our ability so it is a special and beautiful place.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Oaks Farm?
Selfishly, the most memorable wedding at Oaks Farm for me is my own! The best memory is all the smiling faces (especially my husbands!) in the beautiful garden, bathed in early Autumn sunlight. I have such amazing memories of my own that I hope to reciprocate for all our brides and grooms!
Why should a couple book Oaks Farm?
We would love you to book Oaks Farm because we believe we can help couples create a fantastic day which they will treasure forever. We are here to remove any worries and to help them enjoy the build up to their big day.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
I would say the best tip is preparation. If you plan things well in advance then you will feel calmer and will enjoy the build up to the day without any stress.
Bridebok’s checklist tool is perfect for preparing in advance!
What’s the best photo spot at Oaks Farm?
I think the best photo spot is by our pretty pond and water fountain.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
I am most proud of our carefully maintained ceremony room, barn and orangery, our beautiful garden and our friendly team.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
It is such a difficult time for couples and I am so disappointed for our brides and grooms that they have all this worry. I think it is a completely personal choice, but if you think the risks are too great for your wedding to go ahead then talk to your venue about the possibility of moving dates.
What do you love about Bridebook?
I love the interaction Bridebook offers for venues and for couples as well.
If you’re looking for a place where you can have the wedding of your dreams while still enjoying all the perks of a relaxing spa day, look no further than this retreat!
Doug, the events manager at Guildford Manor Hotel & Spa, tells us everything we need to know about this beautiful venue.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I work in my family business, here at Guildford Manor. I’ve only been in the industry for a couple of years, but due to the exposure I’ve had during this time and working under some very experienced mentors, I feel like I’ve been organizing & promoting weddings for 10 years!
My first job was actually corporate finance, until I decided to join the family business – quite a career switch. Despite this, I’ve found that working in finance and organizing weddings actually have quite a lot in common – the importance of an eye for detail and trust building to name two!
What drew you to the wedding world?
I really enjoy working with people and the human interaction element of the job. Also, working in a beautiful spa hotel in the Surrey Hills isn’t so bad, really!
What do you think makes Guildford Manor unique?
Without a shadow of a doubt, the flexibility we offer our couples in organizing their dream day and the warm welcome we guarantee to all of their guests. Being a family business affords us that little bit of extra malleability, thus helping couples make our hotel feel like home for their special weekend.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Typically, when we take a booking, this involves several viewings. It’s not just about impressing the couple. You can be sure that if they like it, they’ll be back the next day with their bridesmaids & mum! Viewings are peoples’ first impression of the venue and, more importantly, the team.
Subsequently, menu tasting & in-person planning sessions allow me to build on my relationship with our couples. I’m also on call on my mobile at all times and very happy to answer strange questions at strange times of the day!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Guildford Manor?
The most memorable wedding we’ve had, by quite some distance, was when the post code we are situated in had a power cut during the evening reception!
Obviously there are some things which you just cannot plan for! That said, I am so proud of the professionalism our team showed in thinking on their feet and resolving the issue. The venue was flooded with candles, the bar stayed open and we were able to keep the dancing going by using some portable speakers. The couple thanked us for going above and beyond and averting a real disaster. What’s that saying about when life gives you lemons?
Why should a couple book Guildford Manor?
We feel that the venue really sells itself. But if that’s not enough for you, I would say that one of our USP’s is that our package is reasonably priced and doesn’t require the couple to spend money on extras such as decorators. We have our own ornate lanterns to put down the aisle, we have 8 blossom trees that you can use for free, we have draping and fairy lights on the ceiling and lots lots more.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Attend as many Wedding Fairs as you can! They are a superb source of inspiration, both to see a venue looking its best and to meet suppliers who help you make your day extra special.
What’s the best photo spot at your venue?
There are a few contenders here, but our outdoor Pavilion under the fairy lights lends itself perfectly to those natural and romantic wedding photos that we all love. Perfect for those golden hour shots!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The amount of bookings we’ve had since our refurbishment completed in December 2018 – we are well and truly back on the map!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
As a venue, the biggest way technology is affecting us is by elevating the importance of our digital appearance – be it on our social media account, on our website or on sites like Bridebook where we advertise. More often than not, the first time a couple sees the venue is on a computer or phone screen. Online reviews are also more important than ever and this is something that we really welcome.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Open a dialogue with your venue and suppliers and talk to them about your concerns. They are probably perfectly legitimate concerns that many other couples in your position are fretting about – however, that is not to say that they cannot be resolved.
What do you love about Bridebook?
Their mobile app – this is really easy to use and gives us an amazing virtual shop window to show ourselves off!
Are you looking for a romantic countryside venue for your special day? Is a close-knit and passionate wedding team a must-have for you? We might have just the place for you…
The beautiful Dewsall Court is a stunning 17th century estate in the Herefordshire countryside. The owner and director, Samantha, shares the story of their unique venue below.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
We have been running our family home, Dewsall, as a wedding venue for a decade and we love it! I have 2 boys aged 9 and 10 so you can imagine what life was like having babies while the business was very much a baby itself!
The things I love are: cooking in and dining out, parties (big or small), travel (especially off the beaten track) learning new wisdoms, reading (18th and 19th century novels holding a special place in my heart – such a romantic), nature and the countryside, writing, theatre and most of all, hanging out with my friends and family who make me laugh and laugh!
What drew you to the wedding world?
After my beloved Dad passed away out of turn, we decided to create a business together as a family. It was 2010 and we were all struggling with the effects of the economic crash. But we found people still wanted to get married and with a beautiful house with extensive gardens, a church and a super cool party barn it was clear that weddings were for us! Mum and I have been running Dewsall together ever since and we love it! It is also a real joy to spend time with people who are very much in love and full of positivity for the future, wanting to bring their favourite people together to celebrate the union of two families. What’s not to like about that!? I told you I was a romantic
What do you think makes Dewsall Court unique?
A famous 3 Michelin star chef once said that Dewsall was like ‘Spring Water’ and I think he is right! There is a special certain something which no film, website, or social media channel can quite capture. It combines a sense of special occasion with a down-to-earth atmosphere and an incredibly romantic vibe with a true sense of party, celebration and above all, fun. Our team is phenomenal and goes above and beyond. We are genuinely a family andsupport one another to the nth degree in the business of making sure our guests have a truly extraordinary stay. We are so lucky, really.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
This is fundamental to the Dewsall way. We don’t want the key people in your wedding team to be faceless strangers with clipboards. By their wedding day our couples have got to know their team very well over face to face meetings, emails, skype calls etc. One of our very favourite things though, is our tasting event when couples are invited to try many different dishes, beautifully paired wines, meet the wider team, see the Wainhouse in action and experience the level of service we provide. We absolutely adore these events and so do our guests – it really gets everyone excited for when the menu is designed by you, and the room is filled with those closest to you!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Atmosphere! This is the key and it seeps into so much of the overall picture. It is in the magic of the venue: design, team and service, and its ability to keep all guests comfortable, happy and positive. We appreciate that weddings are for all ages and being able to accommodate the comfort and contentment of them all, is really important. Keeping everyone upbeat, positive, deliciously nourished and totally ready to party is the name of the game and it is at the source of everything we do.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Dewsall Court?
Gosh, where to begin?! Every single wedding is memorable in its own way – that’s what keeps things fresh and fun for us and bespoke and unique for our couples. Over the last 10 years we have had countless celebrities from Hollywood actors to international pop stars to absolute legends in their field. But often our favourite memorable things would be specific cultural or religious traditions, massive family tugs of war, fire shows, ice cream entertainment, and so on.
Why should a couple book Dewsall Court?
One of the key things about Dewsall is that our weddings are a 2-night stay which really makes for a beautiful retreat away. Everything you need is on site at Dewsall and once you arrive you are 100% looked after. The food we offer is second to none with couples so often reporting back to us words such as “our guests said it was the best food they have ever had…” or “I can’t stop thinking about all the food we have enjoyed over the weekend.” The house host, Fiona, your event manager and catering manager are so accomplished and devoted to what they do and they are all so often name checked in the guestbook and testimonials. We all simply love Dewsall, our colleagues and our guests and the kind of amazing events we carry out – and all this love? It shows!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Remember the point of a wedding is to celebrate love and the marriage and always bear in mind the wonderful privilege of being able to gather your most special friends and family to do this – root this in your decision making processes. It is such a joyous day! The venue should be on your side, working with you, aiming to put into action your vision. Having worked so hard to bring it all to life, it is important to let go on the day and let your suppliers take over. Also, and this is a very practical one, try to encourage your photographer to take a photo of the food – it’s something you spend a huge amount of your budget on, so it wil be nice to look back and remember.
What’s the best photo spot at Dewsall Court?
There are some great places for a photo in the house but the gardens have it for me. When my Mum and Dad bought Dewsall it had been derelict for over 30 years and had no garden – they were brilliant at creating first a home and then a place of celebration and the garden design is no different. There are pockets and ‘rooms’ to celebrate spring, the Mediterranean, their trip to India, Titanic, etc. And even now, my heart races a little when I come across a wedding photo from an ordinary area of the garden which has been lit up by the artist’s eye and the happiness of the couple. We often get recommended to couples by photographers and I find that incredibly flattering.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Too hard a question! Probably the team – The Dewsall Family. We are a very close bunch and get on like a house on fire. No day goes by without us having a proper all out laugh, even on the most ordinary day. I think this is something our couples and their guests get a sense of. We are genuinely happy to be at work! I also have to say that I am incredibly proud of the food as well. We have personal high standards and a wide knowledge of food as a family and it was always VITAL that this carried through the business.
Finally, I would say my Mum, who at 50 and newly widowed, decided to take the plunge and become a businesswoman, something she always knew she had in her. She’s still not a massive fan of reading a balance sheet but she is the guiding force, the style, the standards, and I am privileged to work so closely with her.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
I feel so very sad that couples who were on the precipice of stepping into the next chapter of their lives are now finding themselves on pause, effectively. However, I would say relationships and love are not on pause and once you have dealt with the admin of postponement, dust off, step forth together and focus on your new date.
I would also suggest that when your original date comes round, if you are still in lockdown or similar, do something beautiful, just the two of you to mark the day that was going to be the one. My own wedding at Dewsall (before we were a venue) was carried out quickly and under the enormous cloud of a dying father. When your friends and family all galvanise together to make sure you have the best day, the atmosphere is a phenomenon. I predict that those postponed weddings are going to GO OFF! And the joy of being able to hang out and have fun together again is going to be a spectacle! I’m very excited about this in our future.
What do you love about Bridebook?
Well, of course, I love your tech-focused approach which I think is really important. But I also really like my personal relationship with Beth and Gabi, my Account Managers. One thing that I think Bridebook and our company Hostology have in common is that you can actually use technology in such a way that it actually strengthens the real relationship you have with a customer, client or colleague. I find that especially important in the world of weddings.
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to sit in my lockdown and focus on and relish in all the wonderful things about weddings and running Dewsall – it really has been a positive thing to do during such a strange time!
If you’re dreaming of a fairy tale wedding, a castle as your venue seems like a no-brainer! What if we told you we found just the place, and it also happens to be charity-run?!
Libby, the Wedding & Events Planner at Allerton Castle, tells us more about this breathtaking, 19th century venue.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have been in the wedding industry for five years, working over 250 weddings. My experience has come from different venues; I have worked at hotels and museums, but Allerton Castle is unlike anything else! I work as a Wedding and Events Planner, assisting couples in making their dream come true. I also study part time to complete my Event Management Masters. I have just become a bride-to-be myself with my wedding due to happen in November 2020, so it is exciting to get to understand the other side of the business firsthand!
I am obsessed with all things weddings; I have just finished co-authoring a wedding planning book, I was a guest speaker at a wedding podcast and even wrote my own wedding planning guide for Allerton Castle couples. You could say I am a fan of all things Happy Ever After!
What drew you to the wedding world?
The Jennifer Lopez film ‘The Wedding Planner’ told me I’d be amazing at assisting couples make their special day perfect. I thrive making lists, budgets, spreadsheets and having all the information. Some would call me organised and self-motivated, I would say I am prepared to make every day special!
Since working my first wedding, I have been hooked. The moment the bride smiles at me before taking a deep breath, and making their way down the aisle is the best feeling in the world.
What do you think makes Allerton Castle unique?
Allerton Castle is unique, not only because of its immense architecture and historic location – but also because it is charity run! With only 7 members of staff in the entire site, including the gardener, we pride ourselves on our personal approach. Every wedding and event is special, we take the time to get to know the couples and add those extra details that the couple will love. Part of this experience is my services as the couples’ personal wedding planner, all included in the packages. I assist couples with all those tricky tasks like booking suppliers, creating your order of day, timelines and seating plans, helping you create the wedding of your dreams!
Being charity run means we are upfront about money, we ensure there are no hidden costs and everything is out there! We provide inclusive packages, including venue hire and catering to make the experience so much easier and stress free. We offer exclusivity at no extra cost because your special day is yours, and you shouldn’t have to share it!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
The perfect wedding is when the couple really get involved. When their signs are handmade, their theme reflects their personality and they have made the day all about them – it is all about the love the couple share and what makes them who they are. Even if the couple have a strange request or something truly unique, ask those questions! We want to make their day as unique as the couple themselves.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Allerton Castle?
We have hosted so many unique weddings and they truly have all been amazing! We have hosted some great DIY weddings, rustic weddings, fairytale weddings, Harry Potter weddings (which even included a Hedwig delivering the rings!) and goth weddings. You name it – we have done it!
I would say our most unique wedding featured 5 guests (including the couple!) who loved the goth vibe and brought it to their wedding day. The bride even wore a black wedding dress with biker boots, which was great to see, because it was her style!
Why should a couple book Allerton Castle?
We offer couples the perfect location for their special day with the option of making it as unique as the couple is themselves, without breaking the bank! As we offer inclusive packages, this enables couples to really use their budget to their advantage and book all those other things that they have been dreaming about.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
I am the couples’ personal wedding planner, so we get to know each other pretty well! Along with me being there for every email and call, we also have meetings and an amazing tasting session with our caterers, Bradshaws of York. This means that not only do you get to taste your delicious wedding breakfast menu (and the wine!), you also get to sort your wedding plans all in one meeting.
What’s the best photo spot at Allerton Castle?
There are so many beautiful spots at Allerton Castle. Firstly, the Great Hall is just perfect for the ceremony photos, it really starts your day with that wow-factor and leaves your guests in awe. The Drawing Room is a dream come true for any history lovers or regal wedding themes, the gold of the mirrors and tables really adds something else to your images. And then of course, there are the gardens; the lake, temples and ponds! Personally, my favourite photo is on the mezzanine, just above the Great Hall, which offers the perfect archways for those silhouette and romantic photos.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
My biggest piece of advice would be to ask all the questions! It seems so simple, but so many times a couple suffers in silence, because they were struggling with a planner or made an assumption that something was not possible. Never the case! Ask all the questions – if something is impossible, leave it to me to make it happen. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinions, tell your suppliers exactly what you want. Leave no room for regrets.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Allerton Castle is a charity which puts the couple first, in addition to ensuring the preservation and restoration of the historic venue.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Our advice to all couples is to not lose hope. I know that is easier said than done, but it is such an important time to remember that ‘love always wins’. You may have had your wedding cancelled, postponed or maybe there has just been a setback to your wedding plans, but remember: you both love each other and love continues throughout all of this.
It is such an unfortunate time, we have seen so many couples have been disappointed as their day could not go ahead – we have done our best to ensure the situation has disrupted couples as little as possible, simply moving their date with no additional fees or payments! Speak to your suppliers and venues, get to understand what their thoughts are and ask how they can help you!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
The only way is up. Technology opens so many doors, showing you the possibilities and adding to your wedding ideas. From putting together digital mood boards to joining online communities, you can really immerse yourself in this experience and make your day truly special. Our social media accounts have been so helpful for couples who book us, getting ideas for photos, in addition to connecting with other couples and getting more wedding inspiration. Although, it should be said the photos don’t do our stunning venue justice – it offers so much more when you see it in person!
What do you love about Bridebook?
We love Bridebook because the app is so friendly and allows you to see all the information right in front of you. No easier way to book the wedding venue of your dreams with one click!
Berwick Lodge is Bristol’s hidden gem. This beautiful 19th century country house has so much character, you are bound to fall in love it!
Simone, Wedding Coordinator, tells us what makes their venue and all the weddings they host (big or small) so incredibly special.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Living in the gorgeous Wiltshire countryside, I adore being outdoors and sitting in the garden with our lovely hens and beautiful black cat, Salem. I love a good series or documentary (Louis Theroux and David Attenborough are my heroes!). I also like to be creative – with baking and crafts such as macramé, pottery and painting.
I graduated from Bournemouth University in 2018 with a first-class Event’s Management degree and went straight into the industry working as a wedding coordinator at the beautiful Berwick Lodge.
What drew you to the wedding world?
I always knew I wanted to be in the events industry. I have always loved researching and planning for things, seeing everything pull together on the day is just the icing on the cake!
During my university placement I began working mainly on social events, but with our wedding coordinator moving onto a new career I quickly picked up this side of things and was so pleased that I did. You get so much joy out of being part of someone’s wedding. Every couple is so unique, with different personalities, ideas and flares. It is so lovely to build up relationships with each couple and then finally see them enjoy the happiest day of their life.
What do you think makes Berwick Lodge unique?
Our ‘yes attitude’. At Berwick Lodge, nothing is ever too much trouble and we will always work with our couples to try and create the day that they want. If a couple is looking for personalisation, a non-traditional wedding, a huge celebration or a simple elopement, we are always happy to have that discussion and love that every wedding is unique.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Berwick Lodge?
The most memorable wedding experience was most definitely that of drag performer ‘Lady Diamond’. This couple was all about the details and creating a completely bespoke and personal day. They hadn’t told any of their guests about the special performance, so there were a few nerves among me, the couple and even Lady Diamond herself. However, her ‘Be My Guest’ entrance, honing a floral teapot and serving alongside our team, was met with love, laughter and pure joy. All the guests joined in with the songs, comedy and serenading the grooms and it made for the most amazing energy and a truly memorable evening.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
The ‘kettle is always on’ at Berwick Lodge. We always encourage couples to come visit us – bring their family, friends, photographer, dog, whomever they like! We love to hear about the couple’s background – how they met, all about the proposal, their jobs, their family, just who they are as a couple! We are here to listen about all the excitement of the wedding and also here for any problems they face too. By the time the couple gets married, we all know each other very well and they are one of the ‘Berwick Family’.
Why should a couple book Berwick Lodge?
We are an exclusive venue, meaning couples have no intrusion from other people and the team are focused solely on the couple and their guests for the day.
We pride ourselves on exceptional, warm and attentive service.
We have stunning grounds with many unique features.
Our beautiful onsite accommodation with 14 unique boutique bedrooms and choice of bridal suite.
Our award-winning food in our 2 Rosette restaurant.
A wedding coordinator (me!) to offer support through the whole process- from the viewing, all the way through to the wedding day itself.
Booking Berwick ticks a lot off of your list (venue, ceremony, food, drink, hotel)!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
When people are planning the ‘perfect’ wedding, they often consider the tangible aspects of the day – the food, drink, décor, etc. These are all very important, however, a few years on, a lot of the tangible details will be forgotten – it’ll be the atmosphere of the day and the couple enjoying themselves that people will remember.
During the planning process couples should ensure that they are always thoughtful of their guests, but the most important thing to remember is that the day is their day, so they should do what makes them happy and this will shine through on the day.
When it comes to the day itself, leave it in our capable hands, enjoy every minute of it and don’t worry about the small things… the day will be perfect!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
I would say, just be as organised as you are able to be! We want our couples to have the most stress-free planning experience, so to kick things off we send a ‘Welcome Pack’ which includes a timeline for wedding planning, a schedule for the day, our recommended supplier list, and a Q&A. This is in the hope that the couples will have everything they need to start the planning process. We are then available to help throughout, making suggestions, giving our experiences and helping to pull everything together in planning meetings.
Bridebook tip: you can also use the Checklist, Budget Planner and Guest List tools to help you stay on track with your wedding planning!
What’s the best photo spot at Berwick Lodge?
This is such a hard pick! At Berwick Lodge we are very lucky to have an amazing 18 acres of grounds to explore, and the beautiful 18th century red brick manor house. The gardens of Berwick Lodge are so enchanting and are abundant with photographic opportunities. The most spectacular being our marble ladies, which are just so striking and unusual! A lot of people also make use of the fountain, swing and spiral staircase, among the orchard, flowers and foliage which are ever-changing in the grounds throughout the seasons. Of course, the weather can’t always be on our side, but the interior is just as gorgeous!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our guests comment time and time again that the place is made more special by all of the staff there and that you can see we all enjoy what we do. We always pride ourselves on creating a ‘home away from home’ and ensuring that our guests feel like part of the Berwick Family. Our team is who I’m most proud of, for always having a positive and attentive attitude and creating the friendly atmosphere that keeps our guests coming back.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Don’t panic! I know it is easier said than done, but we are all in this together. This time allows us to reflect on what is important to us and what we are grateful for and things will eventually return to normality. Ensure you are having open and honest conversations with your venue and suppliers. They will be constantly adapting as best as they can and will be sympathetic to the fact your wedding may have to change. We have seen the wedding community really come together in this difficult time and your venue and suppliers are here to support you and be as flexible as they possibly can be.
For those who are still looking for a wedding venue, there’s no need to panic or put plans on hold either. A lot of venues (including ourselves) are adapting to the current situation and we are doing virtual tours of our venue. For any couple that books during this time, we are also relaxing our booking contract, so once our doors are back open you have some time to decide if the venue is definitely for you (we are of course confident that it will be)!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Technology is a huge part of a wedding now – for better and for worse! The internet is an instant resource, which has allowed couples to freely research their wedding day in depth and they don’t even have to move from the sofa to do so! Suppliers can easily showcase their work more widely and have reviews posted about them, allowing couples to make informed choices. Social media is also amazing – with couples, suppliers and guests all able to share material, ideas and experiences instantly. Technology has changed the planning process, with couples creating websites, using apps and even purchasing at home.
However, we find a lot of our couples are still coming to us based on word of mouth and very often use our recommended suppliers list. We are also finding couples still like having tangible items, such as planners and sending out real invites.
Technology is amazing, but every couple is different, and everyone needs to strike a balance that they are comfortable with!
What do you love about Bridebook?
Bridebook is so helpful, as it guides couples through the entire wedding planning process. Firstly, it has a very functional venue directory, which is easily filtered in order to help couples decide on their venue and suppliers. It also offers a ton of articles to help inspire and kick start ideas for couples who may be stuck or lost along the way! The planning app is an extremely useful tool which many of our couples use. It ensures the wedding is more organised by keeping everything in one place. Modern life is always so busy, so being able to have the Bridebook app on the go is an absolute winner!
Fancy a 13th century manor house for your wedding? The gorgeous Elmore Court in Gloucester may be the one for you! Read on to find out what Adele, Marketing & Events Manager, believes makes their venue unique!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have been in the wedding industry for nine years. I started out with my own business as a stylist, creating designs and decor for couples alongside a well reputable florist. My passion for events grew, I loved the buzz of being at events and fancied another challenge so decided to turn my hand to the organising side of things. In my free time I like to take to the stage, singing, dancing and acting as part of a local theatre group along with keeping fit and socialising with friends.
What drew you to the wedding world?
My love for design and creating something spectacular. I have a passion for coming up with ideas and bringing visions to life. I like to be in a busy environment and am not afraid of hard graft. The satisfaction you get from seeing something through from start to finish, and happy clients, is second to none for me.
What do you think makes Elmore Court unique?
When you book Elmore Court as a wedding venue, you don’t just become another couple in the diary, you become part of the ‘Team E’ family. We make it our mission to ensure that each couple’s individual wants and desires are met and pretty much say anything is possible. Our customer relation is what we pride ourselves on, having an extremely close relationship with our couples from the minute they walk through the doors to the very last song on the dance floor. We are with them every step of the way, from ironing grandad’s shirt in the morning to cutting up the evening cake – anything you need, you can be sure that one of us is an ‘expert’ in it!
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Before the big day, we have two planning meetings with our couples to discuss and help with plans. Couples also get to come back to Elmore and enjoy a private tasting, where they can sample their chosen wedding menu. Alongside this, we usually hold two annual open days where couples can come back to pick up some wedding inspiration as well as talking to Team E. Overall, there is opportunity to come back and get to know your dedicated coordinator and the team on several occasions.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
A day full of love and laughter with your nearest and dearest. Mix this in with some exceptional food and drink and a grooving dance floor, and you have your perfect wedding day!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Elmore Court?
They all hold something memorable for us, as they are all so uniquely special. But if we were to choose, then we fell in love with a full to the brim of entertainment, cosy winter wedding last year. Live music was around every corner and styling to die for. Live performers on podiums in the Gillyflower, singing as you enter the room for dinner, roaring fires, champagne towers, games and sparkle… the atmosphere was off the scale!
Why should a couple book Elmore Court?
When you book Elmore, you book in memories that will last a lifetime. We are no ordinary house in the country. This house has something quite special and rare about it. With over an 800 year old heritage, built for celebrations, our beautiful big house is steeped in history. It’s important to us that it feels like a home from home, because that’s exactly what it is: a family home. And that’s not it – you also have use of our modern day, purpose built, sustainable, eco ballroom. A unique spin on a permanent marquee, the Gillyflower is a soundproof space where you can entertain. Our roots are deep in music and events and this is illustrated here, with a built-in, top of the range sound system and design, the Gillyflower is the perfect contrast to the house. Essentially you get two venues in one, with the flexibility to create your dream day with no limitations.
What’s the best photo spot at Elmore Court?
Under our Purple Birch tree, just as our cyclamen carpet is in bloom and the sun is setting.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Enjoy it! Make it fun, start early so you can savour the moment and not feel rushed.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
New developing CRM systems that are helping reduce the amount of administration time for the team. They are also offering couples some nifty tools to help with planning and easing stress for them too. For businesses, it means that coordinators have more time to focus on other areas of the business, helping it grow as well as giving more time to clients.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Don’t beat yourself up for feeling sad, allow yourself some time to grieve the date you had dreamed of and planned for so long. There are many challenges that come from this and emotions to follow.
Once you’ve given yourself some time to feel sad remember your wedding day is postponed not cancelled, and all of your family and friends will be so excited to celebrate with you when they can. In fact this extra waiting (and extra planning time) will make the celebration all the more joyous, and there will be so many more reasons to party after all this is done!
In fact, your wedding may not be on the date you originally planned but it is very likely to be even better than the original…
What do you love about Bridebook?
Their fantastic customer service and additional tools that help us monitor our enquiries.
Looking for a fabulous venue in London? Olivia Parrott, Wedding & Events Executive at RSA House, tells us all about what makes their venue and team the perfect one for your big day!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have been in the weddings world for around five years! In my spare time I love to binge watch my favourite series on Netflix (I may or may not be able to re-enact every episode of Friends… oops!) I love socializing with friends & family, hitting the best brunch spots and exploring new places.
What drew you to the wedding world?
How personal it is! The feeling of making couples dream wedding days a reality is what sold it. Seeing the look on a couples face when they walk into the venue will never ever get old.
What do you think makes RSA House unique?
Our venue is unique because it really is so versatile – there is a style for everyone. The Georgian town house is traditionally elegant and beautiful but also very contemporary which gives great flexibility for couples to create their own unique journey through the spaces. Our approach to our couples is to most of all flexible, friendly and loving! We are with our couples every step of the way and the relationship doesn’t end after their wedding day at RSA – we have created really amazing friendships with a lot of our couples.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Personality! Having seen more marvelous weddings than we can mention, the team here at RSA House know a thing or two about personalizing weddings so if you’re looking to put your own stamp on your big day, you’re sure to find some inspiration, or a little extra confidence to do your own thing, right here!
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We get to know them as people! Regular drink catch ups, video calls, venue visits, supplier visits! Getting to know the family is also a big thing for me, too.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at RSA House?
This is a hard one as we have seen so many memorable ones! How many weddings have you been to where the guests can say they were serenaded not once, but twice by the groom?! From a personally re-written version of Elton John’s ‘This Is Your Song’ to kick-start his speech, to a performance of Backstreet Boys ‘I Want It That Way’.
Why should a couple book RSA House?
For this, I would say actions speak louder than words and to have a look at testimonials. However, knowing their wedding contributes to the RSA charity is an incredible thing to know. Booking RSA means you are in for a fun and memorable time planning the most incredible day of your lives and that we promise.
What’s the best photo spot at RSA House?
Our staircase!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Trust your venue and your suppliers, they are experts and will go above and beyond to create the most incredible day for you!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our incredible behind the scene team: the people who make dreams a reality and it wouldn’t be possible without every single one of them!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Postpone to not cancel, we are all in this together and talk to your loved ones. We will get through this and your wedding celebrations will be more amazing than you could ever imagine!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
In an amazing way! Virtual tours, wedding videos and galleries of images allow couples to imagine their day even more.
After the build up to your big day and a night of celebrating with your loved ones, it is important to relax and let it all soak in! What better way to do that than a trip to the spa? Moddershall Oaks is not only a fantastic wedding venue, but also an incredible spa, in a beautiful location: a perfect way to wind down after months of planning and preparations – you deserve it!
Emma, Events Reservation Manager, takes us through the details of what makes their venue special!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have worked at Moddershall Oaks for nearly three years and have loved every second! Before this, I worked at a venue dressing company, so I have experience on both the venue and supplier side of the wedding industry! I’m lucky to live very close to Moddershall and enjoy walking the beautiful Staffordshire countryside with my partner Joe and dog Perry!
What drew you to the wedding world?
That’s easy! What’s not to love about the wedding world? The dress, the flowers, the décor! I have a very creative, crafty side so I enjoy seeing all those elements come together. But I’m also very meticulous and organised and I love a spreadsheet, so that also helps with planning and making sure everything runs smoothly. Being part of a wedding and helping to bring the day together is very special and something I am very honoured to be trusted with. Seeing the couples faces when they walk back up the aisle is the best part of the job!
What do you think makes Moddershall Oaks unique?
I think as a venue we are lucky to have some really unique aspects, including our boutique spa (perfect for your after wedding relaxation!) and the fact that we can offer outdoor ceremonies by our lake – the most beautiful, peaceful, romantic place for your ceremony! But what really makes Moddershall Oaks different, is most definitely those we choose to be part of our team. Our company aim is to ‘be the best at everything we do by employing great people who make Moddershall Oaks a special place to be’ and that means our team members are passionate about their jobs, and will go above and beyond to make our customers’ experiences with us memorable.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Getting to know our couples really just comes naturally, from the initial show round, to discussing ideas at Open Days, the food tasting, the final planning meeting and all of the email and phone calls in between – by the time the wedding date comes around we’re like part of the family! And that makes our job that much more special.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
I think the perfect wedding for me is simple. Good food, good company and good entertainment, with a few personal touches thrown in. Plus, an experienced venue team who will make sure the day goes without a hitch!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Moddershall Oaks?
We once had a couple who loved their winter sports and used that as the theme for their day. Their stationery had little mountains on it, their cake depicted a mountain with little skiers zooming down the side, but best of all, they had a snowboard simulator set up in the garden! What a way to make your wedding memorable!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
To take it easy and don’t stress about all the things you have to do to plan a wedding. Have an action plan or a checklist that you can work through step by step. It can be overwhelming to begin with, but when it’s broken down you can enjoy the process and build up so much more!
Why should a couple book Moddershall Oaks?
Because we’re all about you! Whatever your idea, we are flexible to make it happen. Whether you want a big wedding or an intimate wedding, that’s fine by us. Maybe you want an amazing bespoke Italian themed menu? Then our chefs will create one for you. You want some weird and wonderful entertainment? Owls to fly down the aisle and deliver your rings? Go for it. We don’t like rules, so we don’t make many. But what we will do is our utmost to ensure your day and the time leading up to it is as enjoyable as possible and something you will treasure for the rest of your lives!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The colleagues I work with and seeing them work together to create and deliver something special to our couples. The Moddershall Oaks family is something I am very proud to be part of.
What’s the best photo spot at Moddershall Oaks?
Tricky one! The jetty on the lake is the most obvious choice, but I think I would choose the little benches nestled in the woodland. They look like something you would find in a secret garden, and because the woodland is rarely used it’s so raw and natural. The photos I see of couples here always look so enchanting and magical.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Technology is a great thing and it means researching venues and suppliers got a whole lot easier over the past few years. But don’t underestimate the power and reliability of word of mouth. There is nothing more reassuring you are making the right decision than the recommendation from a friend or relative!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Firstly, I am sorry that your special day has been affected by Covid-19. It’s a really tough and scary time for the wedding industry as a whole. All we can really do right now is our best to work together to find the best solution for all parties. We all have to be patient with one another and understand that each and every couple/supplier/venue have their own unique circumstances and all will be making compromises to try and get through this. Know that even if your date has been postponed, it will still be the most magical day, albeit a little later than planned!
The tools on the Bridebook app are so handy and really guide you step by step with your wedding planning, for example the checklist tool! This is the perfect way to manage all the ideas in your head and tick things off, stress free!
While you may not be able to view wedding venues physically right now, we want to make sure you’re still exploring your options and to shed some light on the incredible teams at some of the best wedding venues in the country! With our Venue Showcase series, you will learn more about what makes each venue unique and find out how their team works with couples to put together the day they dream of!
The first in our series is The Wellbeing Farm – a fun, quirky farm venue in Bolton. The founder and Managing Director, Celia, shares the story of the venue below.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
After experiencing work-related stress in the NHS, I resigned from my role and set about transforming a neglected farm in Bolton into The Wellbeing Farm. In the process, I experienced every type of business scenario and won various awards such as Implementer of the Year at the National Entrepreneur Awards. I secured a publishing deal to tell my story and my book ‘Why Put a Bow Tie on a Llama? How a crazy idea can change your life and transform your business’ was published in January 2020.
In my spare time I love yoga, meditation, reading, walking, gardening, baking and family days out with my son, Matthew, age 12, and partner Stephen. I also love walking with my dog, Maxy.
What drew you to the wedding world?
After I opened the business in March 2013, everyone kept asking me whether they could get married at the farm. I didn’t have anywhere for anyone to get married, but I set about transforming an indoor riding school into a wedding barn. Our first wedding was in July 2015 and since then enquiries have never stopped rolling in!
What do you think makes The Wellbeing Farm unique?
We apply the concept of Wellbeing to everything we do at the farm. We help couples’ wellbeing by managing the stress of wedding planning and organisation through a thorough and structured programme of meetings, resources, planning and support to ensure EVERY wedding held at The Wellbeing Farm is fun, quirky and magical. We also are a green business with the highest award achieved in green business so sustainability and wellbeing is at the heart of not only our ethos but within the fabrication of our buildings.
Our most memorable way we stand out is through our furry friends – our llamas, donkeys and alpacas – they are the true stars of the show – how many weddings have you attended where you can pose with a bow tie-wearing Llama?
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We really do love getting to know our couples, and without it sounding like a complete cliché, by the end of the process we really do feel like we have made a long lasting friendship! From the very first time we meet, we always welcome them with a warm hug, a cup of tea and a piece of homemade cake – which is always a good start to the exciting process that lies ahead.
We have a very hands on planning process, and in addition invite our couples to all of our open days and a yearly Quirky Wedding Fair- so they know they are always welcome up to the Farm even if just for a nosey around, to bring their parents for a grand tour or for a cup of tea!
We now also offer a wedding planning service from abroad! We have planned weddings with couples from Dubai and the Philippines over FaceTime and Zoom – the couples arrived in the UK a week before their wedding to found everything planned and organised for them! Our record time for meeting the couple and delivering a wedding is two weeks!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Amazing food, plenty of booze, memorable entertainment and of course a beautiful ceremony where as a couple you are surrounded by your family, friends and loved ones.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at The Wellbeing Farm?
We really do believe that no two weddings are the same and feel strongly that it is the extra special touches that truly count. We really do go on a journey with all of our couples and do everything we can to make their day one we will all truly remember. This last year (so far!) we have had lots of doggy ring bearers, a Bride drive a tractor to her wedding, a ceremony broadcast to Canada, a couple bring their horse to a wedding and a first dance outside under the stars and a couple who wanted to do a karate fight as their first dance!
Why should a couple book The Wellbeing Farm?
We won the UK Events Team at the National Wedding Industry Awards 2020. We provide so much support for couples in both booking and planning their wedding. We even have a guarantee on the quality of food served at your wedding.
We fully accept that if a couple is looking for a hotel type wedding in a sophisticated setting – we are probably not the venue for them! This is something we are proud of and will continue to be proud of. We want to be a venue the wedding guests all remember for a long time to come. If a couple wants a wedding where their guests can kick off your shoes, dance on a hay bale, wrap ties around their heads and forget their inhibitions, then we are the venue for them!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Forget tradition – go with what type of wedding YOU want. You can enjoy a relaxed, informal wedding just as much as a five course experience. Don’t try and please everyone, make it your wedding, your way.
What’s the best photo spot at The Wellbeing Farm?
Probably where the couple sit on board a vintage blue tractor with each of them holding a bow tie-wearing llama!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Winning UK Events Team of the Year at the National Wedding Industry Awards.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
I feel that after experiencing lockdown, in future more wedding planning will be done using Zoom or FaceTime and live streaming will be something that venues will be offering at weddings.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Covid-19 is nobody’s fault and worrying never does solve anything. The panic and fear is just as contagious as the blasted virus. Work with your venue to both agree on a revised date for your wedding. Even if the date isn’t what you originally wanted, I have taken this great advice from Alan Berg – ‘When you look at your photos, can you tell what day of the week it was? Does food taste any different on a Tuesday? Do people dance differently on a Wednesday? Does the sun not shine on a Thursday? Your guests will remember your wedding not what day of the week it was on’.
The support Bridebook provides is amazing, the industry reports you distribute and the coverage you gain from being with Bridebook is brilliant.
Any other comments?
Your wedding is one of the milestones in your life. It’s something that you’ve spent months planning (or even years). So you want the planning of your wedding to be an amazing happy experience, but so often it can turn into a huge amount of work full of stress. Make sure you choose a venue which will help you through the process and support you every step of the way.
