This month a special weddings event is taking place on
November 20 which will see local experts from One Warwick Park and Salomons sharing their advice on all the key things those tying the knot need to know. Molly Miller finds out more about it – and reveals why winter weddings are so popular…
According to UK Weddings, over 41,000 ceremonies take place in the South East of England every year. And while most nuptials happen during the summer, there’s certainly a rising popularity for winter celebrations in December, January, and February.
There’s a real advantage to getting married during the chillier months: availability is better, there are less issues with getting hold of suppliers and the colder weather helps to create an undeniably cosier ambience in your venue of choice.
“Remember it’s your big day so do what you want to do”
If you’re recently engaged and feeling a little overwhelmed about where to start with all of this then the good news is this month there will be a special wedding showcase at Salomons Estate where experts will be on hand to provide you with all the information and inspiration you need about tying the knot – whatever time of year you decide upon.
The event takes place on November 20 and will be headed up by the expert Elite Leisure Collection teams who run weddings and events at both One Warwick Park Hotel and Salomons Estate. Both venues are finalists in three categories at the Kent Wedding Awards for 2022/23. These include Wedding Venue of the Year – Heritage, for Salomons Estate and Wedding Venue of the Year for One Warwick Park Hotel.
Salomons has also been nominated for the best in-house events team category, so Fiona Owens and her team certainly know their stuff when it comes to planning the perfect nuptials.
Here, Fiona shares a few key tips for you to consider if you plan on walking down the aisle…
Get your priorities right
The first thing to consider is budget. Next is writing a guest list of people you would like to attend your day.
With regard to your budget ensure you prioritise the things that are most important to you on your wedding day. For example, the photographer, food and décor.
Be practical
Create a spreadsheet to keep track of payments, deadlines and everything you need to book and organise.
It’s always worth asking friends and family for help as you may have a creative pal who could create your table plan and name cards or put you in touch with a reliable specialist supplier.
Decisions, decisions
Book your venue first. Once you have this in place everything else will follow.
We recommend sending out your ‘Save the Dates’ no later than 12 months prior to the event and formal invites no later than six months before the event.
Book in your photographer and videographer if you’re having one as soon as you can. Both can get very booked up in advance.
Venue checklist
Top things to look for:
- Onsite accommodation or nearby accommodation
- Are there any additional fees (eg service charge) that you need to be aware of?
- What does the venue provide? Do you need to source your own cutlery, crockery, linen?
- Do you have to use the venue’s suppliers or are you able to use whichever you want?
- Is there flexibility in the packages offered from the venue? In other words can you adapt the menu to choose you?
- Are there good photo opportunities on the inside of the venue, as obviously you can never guarantee the weather!
Try before you buy
Ensure your venue or caterer holds wedding tasters for you to sample the food and its quality.
If you are having additional evening guests, ensure you cater for them, too. As a venue we recommend catering for no less than 80% of your evening numbers, as once people have a drink then they are likely to want something to eat.
Most weddings do go for the formal, seated wedding breakfast, but to be honest it’s up to YOU what you want to do! It could be an informal BBQ, a pizza van or interactive carved roast at the table!
Tis the season to get married
Have you got your heart set on a winter wedding? Award-winning venue Salomons Estate is hosting a complimentary open day on November 20 from 10.00am to 2.00pm, where newly engaged couples who want to say ‘I do’ can start their journey to wedded bliss.
The Victorian country house has plenty to explore, as guests will be met by recommended suppliers and beautifully-dressed ceremony and reception rooms, perfect for envisioning the big day. Meet the team and take a stroll around 36 acres of picturesque grounds that could form the exclusive backdrop to your very own winter wedding.
Email mslevents@salomons-estate.com to register your interest.
Offer:
One Warwick Park Hotel and Salomons Estate are offering 50% off venue hire for weddings in January and February 2023. See @onewarwickpark and @salomons_estate for more information
Salomons Estate & One Warwick Park Hotel are owned by the Elite Leisure Collection who also own SO Magazine
