If you received a marriage proposal over the festive season, you must wonder, ‘What now?’ Where do you start with planning your perfect day?
The wedding-planning journey is filled with key milestones that mark progress towards your big day. These milestones may include:
- Setting a budget
- Choosing a date
- Creating a guest list
- Finding a venue
- Selecting a wedding theme
- Hiring suppliers (photographer, caterer, etc.)
- Sending out invitations
- Finalising details (menu, seating arrangements, etc.)
Each milestone is an essential part of the journey.
Choosing a Wedding Venue in Surrey
Securing the venue is one of the planning journey’s initial milestones. Individuals can book Surrey wedding venues up to two years in advance, so it’s important to start researching early to secure your preferred date and location. Get in touch now if you would like to book a date at Ramster Hall in 2024/25.
The Charm of Countryside Estates
Surrey’s countryside estates exude an air of charm and elegance. These venues are known for their privacy, luxury, and exclusivity, offering a romantic and lavish atmosphere for your wedding. Estates are surrounded by lush greenery and are easily accessible, making them a popular choice for couples.
Surrey’s historic halls and manor houses provide a classic and sophisticated setting for wedding festivities. For example, the Ramster Hall wedding venue is a 17th-century family home that exudes grandeur and elegance. Here, you have exclusive use of the space, creating an uninterrupted, intimate, and bespoke wedding experience for civil ceremonies and wedding receptions.
The historic Jacobean Halls at Ramster carry an air of splendour reminiscent of the Downton Abbey era yet retain a warm and inviting ambience with open fireplaces and twinkling lights that adorn the exposed beams. The halls wrap around a delightful courtyard garden filled with classic English plants, which is the perfect spot for enjoying reception drinks and canapes.
Countryside estate venues offer flexible capacity. Whether you’re planning a cosy small gathering or a grand extravagant party, they are well-equipped to accommodate celebrations of all sizes. The beautiful gardens at country estates provide a serene setting for your wedding ceremony and a picturesque backdrop for your wedding photos.
Ramster Garden is magnificent and is famous for its collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, which burst into colour throughout the spring and early summer. The woodland gardens also come alive with vibrant colours, providing a breathtaking display for an autumn wedding. Undeniably, Ramster Garden serves as an idyllic setting for capturing those precious wedding moments in photographs.
Beyond the aesthetics, countryside estates can provide a comprehensive service for your wedding plans and are fully equipped to handle every wedding detail, leaving you and your partner to enjoy your big day stress-free. Ramster Hall is family-run, which adds a personal touch to your wedding-planning journey, with specialists willing to go the extra mile to ensure everything is perfect.
Selecting the appropriate wedding venue is a top priority. The perfect venue sets the stage for your wedding and helps bring your vision to life. So, take your time, explore your options, and find the venue that resonates with your style and vision. But remember: book early to avoid disappointment.
If you would like to book a visit to Ramster Hall wedding venue, please get in touch.
Choosing Your Wedding Suppliers
Choosing your wedding suppliers is another important milestone. Each supplier plays a crucial role in bringing your wedding vision to life, from the photographer to the caterer to the florist. Ramster Hall has a proven list of dependable local suppliers, including caterers, photographers, florists, bands, DJs, and even wedding car services. These suppliers have a long-standing relationship with Ramster, ensuring they are familiar with the location’s layout and logistics, significantly contributing to the efficiency of your wedding day preparations.
Ramster’s carefully selected caterers offer various options, from traditional wedding food to more unique and personalised menu choices. The recommended list of photographers and videographers is well-versed in capturing the most beautiful moments against the stunning backdrop of the woodland gardens. The local florists are renowned for providing gorgeous arrangements that complement the natural beauty of a country wedding venue.
Crafting Your Surrey Wedding Experience
Wedding planning extends beyond merely choosing a venue or date; it involves crafting an unforgettable experience. There are numerous ways to personalise your wedding and reflect your unique wedding style and personality. The key is to focus on what matters most to you and your partner and include those elements in your wedding. Incorporating decor elements that mirror your style can lend a personal touch to your Surrey wedding venue. Consider:
- Table centrepieces
- Different linen colours
- A theme you use for invitations, signs and menus on the day
Remember, it’s your day; every detail should reflect you and your partner.
Exclusive Use Options for Privacy and Intimacy
Several Surrey wedding venues, like Ramster Hall, offer options for exclusive use, ensuring a private and intimate setting for your special day. Having exclusive use of a wedding venue means no other events are happening on your big day, giving you a sense of comfort, security, and the freedom to set up the venue just how you like it. When you book a wedding venue for exclusive use, you typically get access to different parts of the venue. For instance, booking your wedding at Ramster Hall grants you exclusive access to several distinct rooms and outdoor spaces:
Choosing an exclusive wedding venue means you and your guests can enjoy the celebrations without interruptions. It’s all about creating an intimate and memorable experience you and your guests will cherish forever.
Planning Essentials for Surrey Weddings
Planning a wedding can be daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it can be a smooth and enjoyable process. From setting a budget to choosing a date and staying organised, there are several crucial steps to consider when planning your wedding. Setting a clear wedding budget is the first step in the planning. Consider your overall budget, including contributions from family and savings. Remember that the time of the year can impact costs, with peak dates being more expensive. Always set aside an extra 10 to 15 percent for unexpected expenses.
Choosing the correct date for your wedding is another crucial step. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Start by researching venues early on to ensure your preferred date is available.
2. Be mindful of potential conflicts like significant sports events or even lucky and unlucky dates!
3. Book it to secure your date once you’ve found the right venue.
Staying organised and maintaining open communication is vital for a smooth planning journey. Start early and ensure everyone involved is on the same page.
Aligning Your Wedding Date with Venue Availability
It’s vital to select a wedding date that coincides with the availability of your chosen venue. Surrey wedding venues tend to get booked quickly, so booking your venue months or even years in advance is advisable to secure your desired date and location. To make sure your desired wedding dates align with the availability of Surrey wedding venues, follow these steps:
1. Start by choosing a venue.
2. Check the availability and book the venues as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
3. If you have a specific venue, book a registrar or church simultaneously to secure their availability.
The peak wedding season in Surrey is July and August. However, you can find some great deals if you’re flexible with your wedding date. Venues often offer discounts for ‘off-peak’ and midweek wedding dates, providing options for various budget ranges. Remember, your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and the venue plays a significant role in making it memorable. So, take your time, explore your options, and find the venue that resonates with your style and vision.
The ultimate Surrey wedding planning checklist
A comprehensive checklist can prove invaluable when planning a wedding. It can help you stay organised, keep track of your progress, and ensure you don’t overlook any important details. From setting a budget to securing a venue to picking out attire, the checklist should cover all the key milestones and tasks you need to reach and complete throughout your planning journey.
Start by creating a detailed schedule for your wedding day, ensuring everyone knows where to be and when. Include:
- The bride and groom
- The wedding party
- The photographer
- The venue staff
- Anyone else involved in the wedding
A detailed schedule helps things run smoothly and handles all the little details. Keep a close eye on your budget as you plan your wedding. Here are some tips to help you stay organised:
1. Use a spreadsheet or a wedding planner book to keep track of your expenses.
2. Save receipts in a folder or store photos of them digitally.
3. Review your budget regularly and make adjustments as needed.
By following these steps, you can stay on top of your spending and stay within your budget. Lastly, remember to enjoy the process. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it’s also an exciting time. Choosing a family-operated venue like Ramster Hall can make the planning process a breeze, as someone will be holding your hand every step of the way, easing much of the stress involved.
Celebrating in Style: Surrey’s Wedding Reception Highlights
The wedding reception presents an ideal occasion to revel in your special day with your loved ones. In Surrey, you can celebrate with unique reception highlights such as local catering options, live entertainment, and personalised decor. Regarding food services, Surrey boasts an impressive selection of caterers that offer a range of options from casual summer BBQs to upscale fine dining. Ramster Hall wedding venue offers a choice of five professional local wedding caterers: Jacaranda Catering, Tandem Catering, and Earth Catering. Ramster Hall also doesn’t charge for cockage. Live entertainment can add a fun and festive vibe to your wedding reception.
Accommodations and Logistics for your Wedding Party
You must consider guest accommodation and logistics to ensure a flawless wedding experience in Surrey. From hotel rooms to transportation to nearby attractions, there are several aspects to remember, ensuring your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Setting up a hotel block ensures your wedding guests have a place to stay close to the venue. It makes it convenient for your guests and often comes with a discounted rate based on the number of rooms needed. Consider arranging transportation for your guests, especially if your wedding venue is in a remote area. Ramster Hall is lucky enough to be surrounded by excellent accommodation in Chiddingfold, including the Swan Inn, the Mulberry, and the Crown. All are within easy reach of the wedding venue.
Keeping your guests informed is crucial for a smooth wedding experience. A wedding website keeps all the essential info about your big day in one place, like the date, time, dress code, and any transportation arrangements you’ve made, such as hotel room blocks or shuttle services.
Summary
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey with essential decisions and memorable experiences. From choosing the perfect venue to crafting a memorable wedding day for all involved, each step is integral to the run-up to the big day. With a comprehensive planning checklist and a focus on celebrating in style, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable planning process. Here’s to celebrating your union in the beautiful county of Surrey!
