A weekend wedding gives you time to soak up every special moment and make cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Surrounded by stunning Essex countryside, Hedingham Castle offers couples the chance to say their vows in a historic country estate and spend quality time with loved ones over three wonderful days.
We speak to Steffi Dry, the venue’s marketing manager, who shares six important things to consider when planning your dream weekend wedding.
1. The venue
When choosing a venue for your wedding, you’ll no doubt want somewhere that has a wow-factor aesthetic but also the capacity to accommodate all of your guests. From the imposing walls of the 900-year-old castle to the elegant Mansion House with its landscaped lawns, the Hedingham estate offers ample picturesque settings for all styles of celebration.
“The castle’s candlelit Banqueting Hall is perfect for romantic ceremonies, with its striking double-height stone arch and lovely acoustics if you choose to have a string quartet,” says Steffi. “You’ll have exclusive use of the entire estate for 48 hours, including access to 160 acres of beautiful gardens with a Tudor bridge and lake for scenic photographs.”
Depending on the size of your guest list, the drinks reception can take place within the castle or the Mansion House and lawns, followed by dinner and dancing in the Ballroom Marquee.
2. Accommodation
Having somewhere special for you and your guests to stay is an essential part of your weekend wedding. Hedingham's estate boasts two luxury accommodation options for the wedding party and guests, each equipped with their own unique features.
“The characterful Garden Cottage, which sleeps up to four people, is ideal for the bridal party to relax and prepare for the big day, and can be transformed into a romantic retreat for the newlywed couple on the wedding night,” Steffi reveals.
“The Medieval Lodge is also available to hire, offering spacious accommodation for parties of up to 17. If it’s a festival-themed wedding you’re after, yurts can be set up for a luxurious, summer glamping experience.”
3. Food and drink
Catering is one of the most memorable elements of a wedding celebration and as such, it requires some careful consideration. Choosing a venue that offers flexible food and drink options will allow you to design a bespoke dining experience for you and your guests.
“Our expert chefs will work with you to design a weekend menu that reflects your wishes,” says Steffi. "We offer three fantastic catering options with flexible menus, from wood-fired pizzas, street food and sharing platters to three-course meals, hog roasts and fish and chip suppers.”
For weekend packages at Hedingham, catering includes a casual dinner and drinks on the first evening, wedding breakfasts, canapés and a three-course dinner and supper, as well as brunch in the castle’s Tapestry Room on the final day.
4. The flow of the weekend
Your wedding is one of the biggest days of your life, which is why it’s so important that it goes exactly to plan. “Our in-house wedding coordinators can intricately map out every detail from start to finish and will devote their attention to your needs to ensure the weekend runs without a hitch,” Steffi explains.
A weekend itinerary at Hedingham can be tailored to your vision, with inspirational ideas to help the day flow from one activity to the next. “Whether you want catch-up cocktails in the Castle Garrison, ice-breaker garden games or relaxed activities such as alfresco yoga and archery on the morning of the wedding, our team can help you plan a variety of entertainment and activities,” says Steffi.
5. Suppliers and finishing touches
From photographers and musicians to cake makers and florists, the suppliers you choose can bring the whole weekend together. “We can recommend our trusted suppliers, but we’re also happy to work with whoever our couples want, to make sure their day is unique to them,” says Steffi.
The team at Hedingham can also take care of thoughtful details to enhance the experience for guests, from welcome baskets in rooms to acoustic bands to keep everyone entertained while you’re having your photos taken, or even a flyover from a nearby airfield.
“We’ve had some amazing entertainment and wedding themes in previous years and can personalise every detail to make it a talking point for years to come,” Steffi adds.
6. The local area
Just over an hour’s journey from London, Hedingham Castle is set among the quaint villages and countryside on the Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire border. “Guests can take a leisurely stroll around the ancient ramparts and tranquil woodland in the castle’s grounds, or head out and explore the village and surrounding towns,” says Steffi.
The venue is also well located for travel, with close proximity to Braintree train station and links to the A120 and A131.
To find out more, visit hedinghamcastle.co.uk, email mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk or call
01787 460 261.
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