Getting Married in a Castle

by ZankyouAugust 14, 2012 0

Tweet Pin It

Foto: (c) Mamazelle

Every bride wants their big day to be a fairytale and what better setting than a castle!  Whether it’s a wedding, civil partnership or reception, a castle, large or small, provides a stunning backdrop that will be remembered always.  Georgina Hovey, Wedding Co-Ordinator at Wadhurst Castle, East Sussex offers us her top tips for getting married in such a venue: 

1. Choose the appropriate size of castle and the rooms within it for your reception numbers.  If you’re looking to have a smaller wedding, you don’t want to be rattling round in an overlarge room as this will jar with the atmosphere you’re looking to create.

2. Build your theme around the castle.  For a really stunning effect that’s in keeping with the location, let the interior of the Castle dictate your colour scheme and style of flowers.  Don’t try and do it the other way round!  A pink wedding set in a heavily brocaded room will not necessarily work.  Be sympathetic to the venue.

3. Make sure you know what’s allowed and what isn’t.  In order to protect castles or historic buildings, you and your guests may need to comply with certain restrictions.  These may include a ban on stiletto shoes or a limitation on the serving of red wine to protect the flooring.  Checking in advance will enable you to tell your guests when the invitations go out so they can plan ahead.

4. Make sure you’re clear on the areas of the castle that are available to hire and what will be accessible to your guests on the day.  Certain rooms may be off limits to guests, or will incur an additional hire cost.  Checking beforehand will make sure everyone knows where they’re meant to be!

5. Check on accommodation.  Are there bedrooms for the bride and groom in the castle? Can the venue accommodate guests?  If not, is there accommodation on site or close by?  If guests need to travel quite a way to reach the venue, it’s good to check what transport links are available.  Having to provide transport for guests, such as coaches means extra money to come out of your budget.

Guest Blogger:  Georgina Hovey, Wedding Co-Ordinator, Wadhurst Castle