Save The Date

So we have officially picked a date and a venue.

The winning date is Friday 29th August 2014...
...and the winning venue is Hardwick Hall Sedgefield.

Today I confirmed the date with the registrar and put down the deposit on the venue. The date is set.

We are NOT having the traditional 3 course wedding breakfast, but instead are having a 'High Tea' or 'Tea Party' - which was one of our original ideas when we were considering what we wanted...we preferred the informality and 'fun' aspect of a tea party...and its food that we would enjoy much more.

Now, some people consider talking money as vulgar and inappropriate...phooey to this...I have spent hours scouring wedding sites/blogs/brochures trying to work out what a 'reasonable' price is or the 'true cost' of things. So, if you need an idea, here is a breakdown of the quote they gave me...

Venue hire for ceremony - Complimentary (as having on a Friday)
Venue hire for reception day/evening - £500
Afternoon Tea - £13.95pp (approx. 45 guests = £627.75)
Drinks Package - £13.95pp (approx. 45 guests = £627.75) ((optional and we may not take))
Evening Buffet - £11.95pp (approx. 60 guests = £717)
DJ - £205

Included Complimentary:

-Red carpet at the entrance of your chosen function suite, weather

permitting. In the case of inclement weather, umbrellas are supplied.
-The use of a cake stand and silver cutting knife.
-The choice of either ivory or white linen table cloths and napkins.
-Personalised table plan.
- The guidance of our specialist Wedding Coordinator.
- The services of our Banqueting Manager as Toastmaster.
- Free car parking.
- The use of hotel grounds for all your important photographs.
- A complimentary one-night stay for Bride and Groom in a Premier Bedroom with full English
breakfast before you depart.
- Special accommodation rates for guests wishing to stay over on the night of your wedding.

Total = £2677.50

Yes this is a of of money, however most 3 course wedding breakfasts start at £30pp which would instantly more than double the daytime food bill...and some venues quoted as high as £115pp for the meal alone!!!

Also having looked into taking out wedding insurance (highly recommended in case any of the companies you put deposits down on go bust or any damage it items etc.) most of the smallest insurance packages cover for £10,000 worth of wedding cover with most insurers averaging a £20,000 pay out limit. Using this as a bench mark comparison, our quote is comparably small, in a lovely venue and with a reception afternoon tea which is what we wanted over a 3 course meal.

Most of the big venues offer packages starting at around £3000, with very little choices in the menu and not including room hire for the ceremony - a couple of venue's offered 'off season' weddings starting at £2500 but again with restricted dates and menu choices. With the quote we have been given we have chosen the place we liked and the food we want and got a date during summer but still managed to keep the cost (relatively) low - certainly when you compare it with equivalent venues with beautiful grounds. Although to us it is a lot of money I am still really happy with the quote we got and what is included in it.

So obviously this is not the only cost...we also have to pay the registrar £70 to declare our intent to marry followed by £390 for the registrar to marry on an approved premises.

Its all these little extras here and there that will sharp add up.