How many venues are there and how are they suited to different wedding styles?
We have three unique wedding and event spaces. The beauty with our venues is that all the key event spaces are stylishly designed, yet have an element of a blank canvas so our couples can go all in or keep it simple with their styling.
Kin House is a versatile property that is ideal for couples who want to extend their celebrations over multiple days. This includes everything from rehearsal dinners, hearty recovery brunches, bespoke activities, workouts, movie nights or al fresco fare from our wood-fired oven, the possibilities are endless.
Millbridge Court is our modern take on a barn, with a relaxed home-away-from-home vibe combining character with style. The oak beams and vaulted roof complement the floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing natural light to flood the spaces in the Halls.
Hyde House is our original venue, developed from a traditional hotel to create a truly picturesque setting for weddings, with spectacular views over the rolling Cotswolds countryside.
When do you recommend starting the venue search?
As soon as you get engaged! Once you have picked the venue, everything else starts to fall in place. Discuss your style with your venue and definitely take a look at the suppliers your venue recommends, they are well loved for a reason.
What are your top three tips when searching for your wedding venue?
What is your favourite feature out of all the venues?
Tough choice so I’m going to have to give you one for each!
Kin House – The pink-hued Shell Grotto feature, created by decorative artist Mel Campion
Millbridge Court – Our honeymoon suite is a Hideaway cabin, nestled in a secret fern garden at the end of the grounds, complete with a copper, roll top bath.
Hyde House – The Pudding Parlour, I’ve sampled each mini dessert and can say the mini banana and biscoff milkshakes are absolutely delicious.
Do you have any do’s & don’ts for the planning process?
Do keep a track of all the information you receive from suppliers and create yourself a timeline with payments and deadlines, in future you will be grateful! A spreadsheet will be your best friend.
Don’t worry if your style changes throughout your wedding journey, this is what final meetings are for and it will develop as suppliers fall into place.
Do trust your suppliers, there is a reason they do what they do for a living.
Any advice for navigating the guest list and table plans?
Ahhh wedding politics. When it comes to a guest list you want to ensure that everyone you love is in that room. Personally I used the rule “would I take them out for dinner and pick up the full bill” along with “do I see them in our future married life.” If yes to both they were a firm yes on the guest list. Table plans are definitely a complicated matter as you want everyone to have a fantastic time. I would ensure that you’ve thought about having guests seated in a way to ensure there is a common thread between tables. It can be hard if the guest doesn’t know anyone else in attendance so you will want to sit them with someone that can hold a conversation.
What is the best wedding hack you’ve ever come across?
There are so many hacks and tips out there it is hard to choose the very best, so I’ll give you three as that seems to be how I work.
Visit dearbornestates.co.uk for more information!
Notting Hill
202 Kensington Park Road
Notting Hill
London
W11 1NR
020 7221 9613
nottinghill@themewsbridal.com