Discover the Benefits of Hosting Your Wedding at a Venue with On-Site Accommodation for a Seamless Celebration.
You might say, that the wedding venue you choose will be the cornerstone of your celebration - and in so many different ways, too. Visually, it sets the scene and is responsible for the over-arching aesthetic of your day. It’s instrumental in welcoming your guests, creating the right atmosphere and facilitating those carefully curated (and never forgotten) moments like saying your vows in an idyllic English garden or listening to a live singer as you sip sparkling wine in a charming, glass conservatory. But, while imagining these beautiful memories play out is all very romantic, your venue needs to tick the boxes practically and logistically, just as much as its look and feel.
For us, as a boutique hotel in a rural, countryside setting on the outskirts of Nottinghamshire, we find that choosing a wedding venue with accommodation is a big part of the decision making process for many couples. There are pros and cons to everything, and if - for example - your dream is to tie the knot at Kew Gardens, then we say go for it. But, if you think through how your day will unfold, what little luxuries and comforts will make a big impact, and how you want to start and end the most important celebration of your life, then building accommodation into your search is a good idea.
We’ve heard it all; think questions on organising a bubble bath shoot on the morning of the big day, to how many dress changes is too many dress changes - something that's even more appealing when you have your own dedicated dressing room! Of course, we’re biassed but if you’re at the beginning of your wedding venue journey and there’s still a question mark over the benefits of booking a venue with accommodation on-site, we’re sharing our industry expertise on why it’ll make your perfect day, even better.
Abi Buck Photography
Night-before shenanigans
We believe that this incredible day - one that some say is the most important of their lives - starts the night before. Ideally, you’ll be sharing your nerves with friends or family, enjoying a wholesome dinner and small toast, following a long, relaxing soak to help soothe those butterflies. Whether you see the night before as another mini hen, want to spend it meditating and journaling, or even with your partner with a view of waking up on this important journey together, picking a venue with accommodation allows you to start your celebrations early and really set the tone.
Treat yourself to a (little) lie in
Is there anything longer than a wedding day? Technically, it’s the same 24 hours as any other, but with the excitement, adrenaline, butterflies, champagne and rush of emotions, your wedding celebrations can take a lot out of you. It’s crucial that you get the best possible rest and not only do we think our heavenly, king-size beds are the best place to get beauty sleep, you’ll also get more of it if you’re waking up exactly where you need to be. While every person is different, we’ve had feedback from brides and grooms who say they slept much easier knowing they were already at the venue, instead of worrying they’d miss the alarm or feel panicked finding a taxi in the morning.
Feel pampered, as you should!
This is a special day and we want you to feel your absolute best from the moment you open your eyes. Staying at a hotel makes anyone feel a little more pampered than usual and we’ve spent the last year working on the re-design of our bridal suite including a monochrome, marble shower, huge tub and modern take on a four poster bed, giving you a luxurious yet stylish space to make those first memories. Trust us, it’s much more exciting to ditch those normal routines of home and be in your own bubble here. Plus, with a huge bathroom, you have all the right facilities to have a proper pamper.
Get ready with the girls (or boys)
Speaking of enjoying elevated facilities for that wedding morning glow up, a larger space than you’re used to at home means inviting your girl friends to stay over the night before, or arrive earlier in the morning to get ready together. This really sets the tone of the day and is when some of your most precious memories will be made! We’ve designed our rooms consciously to be warm, inviting, beautiful spaces, filled with natural light so that it’s a pleasure to have those best friends and family members around you the morning of. We’ve also gone the extra mile with make-up and hair chairs, and our team will be on hand to ensure you have a fresh cappuccino and chilled glass of wine, as soon as you need it.
Think of the photo opportunities
Sophia of Sophia Abbott Photography is a friend of The Old Vicarage and specialises in intimate and elopement-style weddings, and says that the mornings are when she captures some of her favourite shots. “Personally, I love to break tradition so my favourite clients are those who take over the whole hotel for the weekend, stay together the night before and want to have some real fun that morning - with friends, family but also together. I’ve had couples run an extravagant bath and ask for shots of them splashing bubbles at each other, perched on the edge of the tub, opening a bottle of wine and really feeling the excitement for the day ahead. It’s one moment in this whirlwind where you can be together and connect, so I’d recommend making the most of the morning and getting a few special pictures.”
Who says one wedding outfit is enough?
Shout to the brides who find the dress of their dreams and love every second wearing it, but when it came to her own wedding, The Old Vicarage Director, Chelsea Croft, admits that an outfit switch-up gave her an extra spring in her step. “I got married at The Old Vicarage and for the ceremony, which was at the stunning Southwell Minster, I wore a form-fitting, totally embellished gown with a loose, tulle train, completed with hair down in classic waves. For the evening reception, I wanted to switch things up and so I removed the train, added playful bows to the sleeves and had new hair and make-up - a fun, high pony-tail for dancing all night,” she says. “It's common for brides to alter their look as the day goes on and, in my opinion, retreating to the loos just isn’t the way to do it. By having your own dedicated space you can bring your bridesmaids with you, or even enlist a make-up artist to do touch ups and feel totally fresh for the second part of the day. We’ve seen brides change into a suit or mini dress, try totally different hair styles or go for something like a bold, berry lip and it brings totally different vibe.”
Abi Buck Photography
Prioritise your mental health
Mental health is becoming a bigger conversation in the world of weddings - something we’re so pleased to see. The run up to your special day is an emotional time and while we know your wedding will be no-doubt wonderful, many of our couples are being mindful about the stress that comes with planning a large event. If you need to take a time out on the day, having your own space to retreat to can make a huge difference. Sometimes all it takes is five minutes to re-touch your make-up and catch a couple of seconds of quiet, but when feeling a teensy bit overwhelmed, a serene, beautiful bedroom just a few seconds away can be lovely.
Make a weekend of it
One of the things our guests love most about holding their wedding at a boutique hotel is our weekend-long packages. After all, if you’re spending a whole year planning your celebration, wouldn’t it be incredible to enjoy it for the weekend, instead of just the day? By making The Old Vicarage all yours from Friday to Sunday, you can host your loved ones for a rehearsal dinner the night before, a brunch the day after, and even games and activities to entertain them. Speak to our team about planning a three-day bonanza, you won't regret it!
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