Question 1

We've just got engaged. What should we do first?

Accepted Answer

Before diving into viewing wedding venues, there are some steps we advise you to take first to ensure a smooth planning process: Share the news: Once you've said 'yes' and the initial excitement has settled, share the news with your close family and friends. You may want to make a few phone calls or send out announcements to let everyone know about your engagement. Social media is also a popular way to share this joyful news. Discuss priorities and budget: Sit down together and have an open and honest discussion about your priorities for the wedding and your overall budget. Determine what aspects are most important to both of you and where you're willing to compromise on. This will provide a solid foundation for making decisions as you move forward with the planning process. Choose a wedding date or season: Have a general idea of when you'd like to tie the knot. The availability of venues can vary based on the time of year, and popular venues may book up quickly during peak wedding seasons. Define your wedding style: Discuss and decide on the overall style and theme of your wedding. Whether it's a formal affair, a casual celebration, or a rustic gathering, having a clear vision of your desired style will guide your venue selection. Create a guest list: Before choosing a venue, have a rough idea of your guest list size. Knowing the number of attendees will help you select a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guests. It also plays a crucial role in budgeting, as many venues charge per guest.

Question 2

Do you have any pointers for writing a memorable speech for a wedding day?

Accepted Answer

Writing a wedding speech can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it can become a highlight of the wedding. Whether you're the best man, maid-of-honour or a parent these pointers will help you write the best speech possible. Understanding your audience is crucial. A wedding reception typically includes family, friends and possibly even colleagues of varying ages. That is why you should keep your speech appropriate for all ears. Avoid controversial topics, inside jokes that few will understand and overly sentimental stories that might embarrass the happy couple. A well-structured speech has a clear beginning, middle and end. Start with an engaging opening, perhaps a personal anecdote or a quote about love. The middle should then focus on stories or experiences with the couple, highlighting their qualities and journey together. Conclude with heartfelt wishes for their future. While it's tempting to share every memory, it's important to remember that less is more in this situation. Aim for a speech that lasts no longer than five minutes. This ensures you maintain the audience's attention and keep the event moving smoothly. Reading your speech out loud will help you gauge its length and adjust it as needed. A bit of humour can go a long way towards keeping your speech lively and enjoyable. Gentle teasing is fine, but steer clear of jokes that could be misinterpreted and might offend the couple or any of their guests. The goal is to celebrate the couple, not to roast them. Take a moment to acknowledge and thank key individuals, such as the couple's parents, the wedding party and anyone who played a significant role in the wedding. This adds a gracious touch to your speech while recognising the efforts of those who contributed to the special day. Rehearse your speech multiple times. Practice helps you become familiar with your content, which will help you deliver your speech smoothly. Consider practicing in front of a friend or family member who can provide constructive feedback. Raise your glass and invite the guests to join you in wishing the couple a lifetime of happiness.

Question 3

I've seen several posts online about making sure a venue has insurance and checking if a corkage fee is included, but we're really confused about what this means. Can you help explain and is there anything else we need to be aware of when looking for a venue?

Accepted Answer

Before booking your wedding venue, we advise making sure they have up-to-date insurance, but it is also a wise decision to invest in your own wedding insurance once the contracts are signed. It offers peace of mind against unforeseen circumstances like vendor cancellations or extreme weather, allowing you to focus on celebrating without financial setbacks. A corkage fee is when a couple pays the venue so that they can bring their own drinks on-site. We don't offer a corkage fee at Hensol Castle; however, we do provide a comprehensive selection of drinks to accommodate your guests and your fairytale wedding celebrations.

Question 4

We're thinking of getting married outside. What should we take into consideration when looking for a venue?

Accepted Answer

Before booking an outdoor wedding, we'd recommend keeping in mind different weather conditions, particularly because of how unpredictable it can be in the UK! Keep in mind that your vows need to be clear so that your guests can hear you without any outdoor noise interruptions. At Hensol Castle, we have thought of this and built in a PA system and microphone to our bandstand and guest area to overcome this. If you're worried about getting your dress dirty on your special day, look at the distance from the venue to the outdoor ceremony area. For example, here at Hensol Castle, there are only a few steps to our outdoor ceremony area, and the path is always kept clean and maintained to avoid this.

Question 5

How long before the wedding should we book our venue and what should we ask before putting down a deposit?

Accepted Answer

The ideal time to book a wedding venue can vary depending on several factors, including the popularity of the venue, the time of year you plan to get married and how flexible you are with your wedding date. As a general guideline, it's recommended to book your wedding venue at least nine months to a year in advance, especially if you have a specific date or popular season in mind. It's worth considering a last-minute wedding if you're flexible on dates, as it can help you make substantial savings on your venue. We have a fantastic Whirlwind Wedding Package here at the King Arthur Hotel, which is available for certain dates within six months of the wedding. Before booking, set your criteria and create your perfect check list. Maybe the evening reception is a key part of the wedding for you. Does the venue allow live music? Does it have a late licence? Is the bar in the same room as the dancefloor? The amount of accommodation, the menus and the grounds are often other important factors. Your wedding venue should be a reflection of you as a couple, so look for a venue that will allow those personal touches to make it your unique day. Put together a rough list of names for the daytime and evening receptions, and check the venue's maximum capacity. It would be disappointing to fall in love with a venue that could not hold your numbers. You will know when you have found the perfect venue because you will feel completely at ease there and confident that they will deliver your dream wedding! If you can see your friends and family enjoying drinks in the gardens or dancing the night away, then that is the venue for you.

Question 6

We're beginning to look for our dream wedding venue; how can we narrow down our search?

Accepted Answer

The first thing you need to think about is how many guests will be at your wedding. Some venues will have a minimum and maximum capacity which might not suit your vision for the day. The next thing to consider is location; how far do you want to travel? Is there an option to stay overnight? Will you be getting married at the venue or somewhere else first? Is it far away from home and is there enough accommodation for your guests? These will all play a major part in where you decide to book. You need to decide what suits you, for example, if you want something a bit low-key and casual, then don't go for a big fancy manor house. One of the main things that will ultimately decide your location is budget. As much fun as it is to daydream about spending big on your wedding day, work out your budget before you start looking and stay within your means!

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