Luxury Wedding Venue in Cardiff, Wales
Wedding planning is an exciting experience for anyone. But with a million things to take care of, it can become exhausting. The most challenging task is finding the right venue. Here we look at tips for planning your wedding and one of the luxury wedding venues in Cardiff, south Wales.
Cardiff is no doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. From the picturesque parks and gardens that dot the city to the striking, historic architecture that graces its buildings. It is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who chooses to tie the knot in the Welsh capital. As a result, there is a great deal of competition to offer couples a one-of-a-kind experience.
For couples looking at the best wedding venues Wales has to offer, here are some tips that can help make the whole process easier.
Consult a Planner first
Planners generally carry a broad network of contacts giving them a good overall view of Cardiff and wedding venues in the region. They will make recommendations based on your requirements and budget. They also oversee everything from food and drink to entertainment and flowers.
There is nothing worse than finding problems on your big day with no one to speak out on your behalf. The last thing anyone wants is for your ceremony to get rained out and have no previously discussed back-up plan. Or reception drinks to run out and having to discuss money whilst you should be enjoying your photos. If you choose to hire a wedding planner, they will have been through all eventualities for your day and be the main point of contact for you venue. This allows you to relax and fully enjoy your day.
The services of a good wedding planner can be costly but they really are invaluable. Make sure you select an established planner with lots of experience. They will invest their time and effort into helping your plan ensuring you get your dream. Set aside between 5 – 10% of your wedding budget to hire the best planner you can.
Choose a location that caters to your personal preferences
Although there are plenty of venues to choose from in and around Cardiff, not all of them offer the same experience and level of exclusivity. A more affluent suburb like Penylan, just six minutes east of the city centre, might be ideal for a high-flying couple with a large budget. Somewhere further afield, like Llanelli, might be better suited to a couple with more modest means.
When picking the location, it is also a good idea to consider accessibility. Transport, parking, suppliers travelling times, accommodation costs etc are all important. There is no point in hosting the wedding of the century only to find out that the guests cannot easily drive to the location. Some venues come with their own in-house caterers and venue dressers, while others allow couples to bring in their own. Think about your preferences and look for a venue that best fits.
Regardless of the number of guests, theme or season, it is important to think through the kind of atmosphere you would like. Look for a location that will not only provide a grand backdrop but will also enable you and your guests to relax and enjoy the special occasion.
De Courceys Manor
De Courceys Manor is an elegant, family-owned countryside estate located in a quiet area in Pentyrch, close to Cardiff. The Georgian manor was built in the 19th century and has recently undergone a spectacular, modern-day makeover making it the ideal wedding destination. It’s no wonder it was voted ‘South Wales Wedding Venue of the Year’ and ‘The Foodie Venue’ by Wales Online.
Besides its impressive architecture, the venue also offers couples an affordable five-star reception to celebrate their wedding day. Different packages are available to suit each couples needs, budget and personal requirements. It hosts up to 200 standing guests or 130 seated guests. The highly professional and friendly catering team serves a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes from formal sit-down meals to finger buffets.
Have a guest list
Couples often underestimate the ‘complications’ involved with agreeing on a guest list and can end with more people at the venue than they had initially anticipated. Try to be considerate when parents and family ask for others to be added to the list . But remember – it is your day!
It is ideal for couples to allow eight to ten weeks for RSVPs. Send guests the date well in advance. This will give you time to finalise the guest list with your venue and, in case there are any last-minute cancellations, there will be enough time to fill these places. It will also help to manage the budget.
For large gatherings, a grand venue is appropriate to accommodate everyone comfortably and vice versa. Thankfully, Cardiff and the rest of South Wales have venues with varying capacities for just about any size of wedding.
Evaluate the budget
When creating a budget, remember to account for all costs. Food, drink, music, venue dressing, venue hire are the obvious but visits to the venue, rehearsals, taxis, beauty treatments etc all add up. A good wedding planner will keep you on track and can create a package that includes everything from the venue to the ‘unexpected’. For those on a tight budget, taking the time to evaluate the different wedding venues in Cardiff can help to save costs without sacrificing the overall experience.
In addition, it is a good idea to talk to the manager or owner of the venue to see if there are any discounts or promotions. Some venues offer week-day rates or off-season reductions in the hire cost. Venues that offer in-house catering can often adapt menus to suit your budget. While many couples have their hearts set on certain vendors, it pays to shop around and compare quotes.
It is helpful to make a spreadsheet detailing the cost for each category such as food and beverages, floral arrangements, cake, photography, DJ etc. Keep it up-to-date and stay on top of your budget.
Guest experience is everything
As the adage goes, the devil is in the details. Nowhere is this more true than at a wedding. The quality of service and food can have a lasting impact on a couple’s special day. Couples are wise to get a feel of the atmosphere before choosing the venue. Are you able to try their food or stay for a night before you make a final decision?
Despite the temptation to do everything yourself, it is highly recommended that couples enlist the help of professionals. Wedding planners are great for managing everything from the venue to the catering and making sure you and your guests enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
South Wales is home to some of the finest wedding venues in the UK. It should not be hard to find one that fits the bill. Cardiff is no exception to this rule with a long history as a favourite wedding destination.
As with most things in life, choosing the right venue is about balance – the budget, location and everything else discussed in this guide. A professional wedding planner will help to simplify the process and ensure that there are no unfavourable surprises on your big day.
See more helpful wedding planing tips here
