Planning your wedding should be exciting—not stressful. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make early on is choosing your venue. But it’s not just about charming buildings and nice gardens—there are so many little details that can make or break the experience. We’ve pulled together a handy list of tips that might just help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your big day is everything you dreamed of (and more!).
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1. Ask About Access Times (Yes, Really!)
One thing couples often overlook? Timing. When can you get in to set up? Will you feel rushed? And will you have time to enjoy breakfast the next morning without being kicked out? With us, you get in the day before to set up stress-free and soak up the atmosphere, and you don’t have to rush off the morning after either. That means more time for toasts, tunes, and tackling the hangover with your favourite people.
2. Picture the Morning Of
Where will you be getting ready? Is there enough space for hair, makeup, photographers, fizz, and fun? Our Grade II* listed manor house isn’t just charming—it’s steeped in character and offers the perfect setting for your morning preparations. Expect stunning backdrops, natural light, music, and a relaxed vibe to kick off your day.
And then there’s that moment—walking down the grand staircase to see your bridal party or your dad for the first time. It’s emotional, unforgettable, and the kind of memory you’ll want captured with a setting that’s timeless and truly breathtaking. The space is yours to use, and it’s ready for those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
3. Who’s Running the Show?
An experienced coordinator is essential. Someone needs to meet the suppliers, keep guests flowing, and make sure the day runs like clockwork. Shockingly, some venues don’t provide anyone at all—or the person leaves halfway through the day, leaving you to manage everything when you should be celebrating. Even worse, we’ve heard of weddings where the caterers were left to run the entire day—despite not knowing the ins and outs of the venue or what the couple had planned.
With over 10 years of experience, we’ve seen it all—and we know how to handle anything that might crop up. From sudden weather changes to last-minute timing tweaks, we’re calm under pressure and ready for every eventuality. Our team is with you all day, from the first delivery to the last dance, making sure everything runs seamlessly so you can be fully present and enjoy every magical moment.
4. Don’t Just Book a Venue, Find Support
Who’s your point of contact? Are they available? Do they care? We’re a small, family-run team who genuinely care about your day. From supplier recommendations to timeline tips, we’re here for the big picture and the tiniest details. And every time you ring the office, you’ll speak to someone who knows your name.
5. Is the Venue Truly Exclusive?
This is a biggie. Ask if other guests could be on-site during your wedding. Could you bump into strangers staying in shared accommodation or see remnants of the wedding before yours? We’ve actually heard horror stories of weddings taking place while another party is happening in nearby accommodation—yes, really. Imagine hearing loud music or seeing random guests during your reception! At our venue, you get genuine exclusive use—no overlap, no distractions, no one else on site but you and your guests. It’s your day, your space, and your moment.
6. Come Rain or Shine…
Some venues only work if the weather cooperates. We don’t take that chance. With our Mill Barn, walled garden, and picturesque church, you’ve got beautiful options whatever the forecast. No compromise necessary.
7. The Night Before – Make It a Weekend
Weddings are more than one day. Why not welcome your guests with a BBQ or a relaxed curry night the evening before? It breaks the ice and means your actual wedding day is all about the celebration—not catching up with guests for the first time.
8. Who’s Pouring the Drinks?
Running a bar well is an art. We’ve got an experienced team handling everything from cocktails to glassware to stock—so you don’t have to think about it. Just raise your glass and enjoy.
9. Watch Out for Hidden Costs
It’s always worth digging a little deeper into what’s actually included in your venue hire. Sometimes what looks like a great package can come with a list of add-ons you didn’t expect. Are there charges for evening guests beyond a certain number? Is corkage allowed—but only up to a very limited amount? Are you paying extra for décor that’s already in place, like fairy lights that might not even come down between events? Some venues even limit things like garden games, only allowing you to use theirs—or charging extra if you want to bring your own.
We believe in keeping things simple, flexible, and transparent. Your day should reflect your style, without the surprise fees. That means no extra costs for décor that’s already there, no awkward corkage rules, no garden game restrictions, and no inflated charges for welcoming a few more friends to the evening celebrations.
10. Snap-Worthy Backdrops (Everywhere)
Forget editing out cars or signage. Here, you’re spoiled for choice—manor house steps, romantic gardens, sunset tractor rides—you name it. Your photographer will thank you, and so will your wedding album. From the bridal party getting ready upstairs with fizz in hand, to the groom and groomsmen pinning on buttonholes in the elegant Manor House sitting room, every corner offers a moment worth capturing. These are the natural, beautiful backdrops that make your wedding photos feel effortless and timeless.
11. Create Real ‘Wow’ Moments
From your first look on the steps of the manor house to that peaceful sunset tractor ride as newlyweds, we specialise in the magic that guests remember forever. Ceremony options? We’ve got unforgettable ones.
12. Avoid the Wedding Conveyor Belt
Some venues host back-to-back weddings—week after week. That means wear and tear, tired staff, and less attention to detail. We believe in quality over quantity. We space our weddings out and limit the amount we take on every year, so each wedding feels as special as it should.
13. Beyond the Brochure
After over a decade of running weddings, we’ve come to understand just how much goes on behind the scenes to make a day run seamlessly. It’s not just about the beautiful spaces and joyful moments—it’s also about the constant care and upkeep that makes those things possible. From maintenance and staffing to insurance, utilities, and the logistics of running a fully stocked bar, there’s a lot that happens quietly in the background to keep everything running smoothly.
Every venue operates differently, and when something seems unusually generous or all-encompassing, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s truly included. Occasionally, those appealing offers can come with compromises or hidden extras that aren’t immediately clear.
We believe in being transparent and honest about what’s involved. The prices we offer reflect the care, experience, and support we provide every couple—without sacrificing the excellence you deserve. That way, you can plan your day with clarity, confidence, and complete peace of mind.
Final Thought:
When you’re choosing your venue, it’s easy to get caught up in how it looks—or how it fits into the spreadsheet. But this isn’t just a box-ticking, budget-balancing exercise. It’s the backdrop to one of the biggest days of your life. How it feels—how it supports you, your suppliers, your guests, and your vision—is what really matters. We’ve built our approach around that very idea. So wherever you choose to say “I do,” make sure it’s somewhere that helps make your day unforgettable for all the right reasons.
But don’t just take our word for it—ask our couples!
