Question 1

What is your advice on a spring wedding?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the perfect spring venue is one of the most exciting yet important decisions when planning your big day. The venue isn't just a backdrop; it shapes the entire atmosphere, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you dream of exchanging vows under the stars or inside a beautifully restored barn, your venue will influence the mood, style and personality of your wedding. Choose a venue that reflects your style, complements your spring theme and offers the ideal setting for your celebration. With countless options available, how do you choose the one to make your dreams come true? Firstly, understand what kind of atmosphere you want to have. Countless options can align with different wedding themes and styles. If you envision your wedding in a secluded garden, surrounded by blooming flowers and the scent of fresh greenery – perfect for the time of year – an outdoor venue could be your match. Garden weddings offer a peaceful atmosphere where nature is the star. Picture walking down a flower-lined aisle beneath a canopy of trees or exchanging vows in a Summerhouse adorned with ivy and fairylights. Outdoor venues provide a romantic and personalised experience, allowing you to celebrate your love in the most natural and intimate setting imaginable. Your guests' comfort and experience are essential. Choose a venue with plenty of space, convenient facilities and on-site accommodation so they can enjoy the celebration without worry. A beautiful venue can also elevate the guest experience, with options for outdoor seating, cosy indoor spaces, and ample photo opportunities throughout the day. The venue should reflect your style and allow you to put your stamp on the celebration. Whether designing your décor, selecting your preferred food options, or adding little details meaningful to you, a venue that allows for customisation and flexibility gives you the freedom to make your wedding unique. Look for settings with experienced event coordinators who help bring your vision to life and ensure your day is how you imagined it.

Question 2

Our wedding is approaching, and the nerves are kicking in! What advice can you share to ensure a stress-free morning?

Accepted Answer

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Nerves can naturally kick in as the big day approaches, but with some preparation and mindfulness, you can ensure a stress-free morning that sets the perfect tone for your special day. Start by creating a detailed schedule for the morning of your wedding, including everything from hair and make-up appointments to transportation arrangements and breakfast. Having a clear plan will help alleviate any last-minute scrambling. You'll have had detailed discussions with your venue to ensure nothing is left to chance, and the wedding coordinator will have a plan B, just in case. Don't hesitate to delegate tasks to trusted friends or family members. Whether picking up your dress, setting up decorations or organising breakfast, sharing the load will ease your mind and allow you to focus on getting ready. It's easy to forget about eating and drinking amidst the excitement, but fueling your body and staying hydrated is crucial. Prepare a light, nutritious breakfast with plenty of water to keep you feeling your best throughout the day. Take some time for yourself in the morning to relax and unwind. Whether it's a quick meditation session, gentle stretching or a soothing bath, prioritise self-care to calm your nerves and centre yourself for the day ahead. Surround yourself with positive energy and loved ones who lift you up. Avoid stressful situations or negative influences that could dampen your mood. Instead, focus on enjoying the precious moments with your closest friends and family. Remember to take deep breaths and stay present in the moment. Don't let worries about the future overshadow the joy of the present. Trust that everything will fall into place, and embrace the magic of your wedding day. Following these tips and maintaining a calm, positive mindset will ensure a stress-free morning that sets the stage for a beautiful and memorable wedding celebration. Cheers to love, laughter and happily ever after

Question 3

We're looking for the perfect venue and are attending a few open days, what advice can you share to make the most out of the experience?

Accepted Answer

Plan ahead and keep an eye out for your favourite venues, as they will most likely announce their open days in advance. Ensure you have the date booked in the diary and register your attendance online. This means the team will expect you on the day, allowing them to prepare for your visit so you'll have a smooth welcome to start you off right! The middle hours of any open day are usually the busiest, so it's a good idea to arrive early and beat the crowds. This will give you plenty of time to meet the suppliers exhibiting and explore the venue in your own time. It will also give you the best chance to ask questions before the crowds. If you're at the start of your wedding planning, it's best to enjoy and take it all in. However, if you're in the midst, we suggest a more tactical approach. Write a checklist of the key areas you must focus on in your wedding planning. Do you have any missing gaps or things you're not sure of? This is the prime opportunity to ensure you have a reasonable amount of time with your interested suppliers or to ask any helpful questions – you're spending the afternoon in a room full of experts, so make the most out of it! Take advantage of the opportunity to meet the venue's wedding team. Building a connection with them early on will mean they'll get to know you better and be in the best position to help and advise on your wedding day plans. If you've only met with one team member, this is your chance to meet everyone else as hosting a wedding is a team effort. If you haven't booked a private show round, this may be the perfect opportunity to ask those key questions to ensure the venue is ideal before proceeding. It's always nice to see a familiar face during the next meeting! Bring the family! Wedding planning is a big project and if you have only visited the venue yourself, this is the perfect time to bring your family and wedding party to show them what it's all about while getting them even more excited for your day.

Question 4

What advice can you share for our summer wedding?

Accepted Answer

If you've booked your wedding far enough in advance, it's a great idea to visit your wedding venue a year before the big day to see what flowers and colours are prominent on the grounds. That way, you can match your floral décor, headpieces and bridesmaids' dresses. Check that your venue has air conditioning in case your wedding day is baked in lovely summer sunshine, but also have a plan B in case the weather takes a rainy turn. Consider a barbecue for the wedding breakfast, which makes a delicious alternative to a formal dinner. Offer guests some summer cocktails to add something extra special to your day. Why not also arrange for an ice cream cart to be on hand in the gardens so that guests can enjoy a nice, sweet treat in the late afternoon sunshine while the team are turning your ceremony space around for the evening party? To avoid your guests getting blisters while they dance the night away, consider providing a basketful of flip-flops to change into when the heels get too much! Here at Ware Priory, our events team will be on hand to ensure guests have plenty of water to keep hydrated, and our grounds provide plenty of shade for your guests. Our riverside grounds have been lovingly cared for, so they look stunning whatever the weather. You could choose outdoor entertainment or garden games to make the most of the warm evenings.

Question 5

We're planning an outdoor wedding but are worried about bad weather. What advice can you share?

Accepted Answer

It's genuinely true every time I've told a couple how we have a great success rate with good weather at weddings! Across six wedding seasons, we've only had two quite rainy weddings. But those two days were incredible, and our couples had the most fantastic time. Don't worry about the weather; just prepare for it. Ensure you've got a big enough structure for mingling as well as dining with an extra structure or shelter like a stretch tent in addition to the main marquee to ensure any outdoor aspects of the day, like the ceremony, can continue rain or shine. Have umbrellas on standby and consider a marquee heater. Ensure deliveries and suppliers don't drive across the key areas of the site, as it can quickly create muddy tracks. Use matting to create walkways along the main routes across the site for guests to walk on.

FAQs and expert advice about venues