Let’s start with the wedding co-ordinators:
This venue seems to not be able to retain their staff, we saw someone different nearly every time we met with them. Although they were friendly enough, the communication via email was poor, with me having to chase for copies of documents which I was told would be sent to me. They’d blatantly lost an updated version of our “details for the day”, trying to palm us off with different excuses which made it worse, just admit it and apologise then we can move on from this. We were meant to have a “free” bottle of Prosecco on our last meeting, this didn’t happen and was told it’d be in our room on the night of the wedding, it wasn’t...
Our toastmaster:
We couldn’t have asked for a better toastmaster, Malcolm was amazing, keeping us informed of what was happening in advance so we could delay anything if needed and he couldn’t do enough for us.
Next, the wedding breakfast and room:
The layout was described in our document with the venue however chair bows were not correct and candles not lit. The centrepieces were set up as expected (we had to provide a picture). The wedding breakfast did not meet our expectations, the starters were very poor, for the main the potatoes were rock solid and some guests meat was very chewy and the desserts were also not really as described as in the menu. I’ve been to weddings here before and the food had been much better at those. Children were served last (after our 65 adult guests) which was ridiculous. We had to ask for our remaining wine, instead of it being brought out. The toasting wine was poured 45 minutes before the toasts started, way too early and this confused guests as they weren’t sure what it was for at the time.
The serving staff were miserable and rather rude, seemed like they were all on a training day with no experience of serving.
The evening:
We chose to have a BBQ and this was lovely, with finally some decent food. Only downside was there was no cutlery out, the groom being told to get his own from the restaurant.
On a side note if you chose this venue, do not use their recommended DJ (D&H entertainment).
The venue itself:
It was chaotic, we knew they’d be another wedding on which was fine, but 2 hen dos too?! It seems they just want to make as much money as possible rather than thinking of the quality they give to their customers!
The toastmaster announced that we would be having breakfast at 9am the next day and for anyone wishing to join us to leave their details at reception so a large table could be arranged for us, guests did this, however in the morning the breakfast host had no idea what we were talking about and asked me how many we were expecting... because me, the bride, was really expected to ask everyone on my wedding day if they were coming? I think not!
Overall:
We made the best of our day with our family and friends, we didn’t let the negatives get to us and spoil our day, as there’s nothing you can do about so you just get on with it and enjoy the company of your guests and celebrating marrying the one you love.
However, unfortunately I would not recommend this venue to others as there wasn’t enough care and attention put into our wedding, maybe there would’ve been if they didn’t allow so many events to happen in one day! less