The 12-point plan for short-notice nuptials
Since announcing fully inclusive midweek weddings at Quex House and its Hannah Dining Suite in Quex Park, the Kent country house in Birchington has received numerous enquiries for short-term availability.
Wedding parties have typically been planned up to 18 months in advance, though the trend seems to be for much shorter lead times.
Often the length of time between announcing an engagement and having the actual ceremony is largely determined by availability of suitable venues, which are often booked for at least a year and a half in advance for summer weekends.
Whereas many couples had opted for winter weddings to beat the wait, growing numbers are choosing midweek dates.
Holding your wedding during the week has considerable advantages. Not least of which is cost. Apart from generally having availability, many key suppliers will offer considerable discounts for weekday nuptials – particularly hotels, car hire companies, photographers, caterers, bands and DJs. Brides are also more likely to receive a less hurried service from hairdressers and make up artists who are likely to have a considerable number of clients to care for on their big day on a typical Saturday during summer.
For those thinking of embarking on a wedding inside 3 months, careful planning is vital according to Quex Park’s dedicated Wedding & Function Co-ordinator, Vivenne Smith. “A good tip is to choose a reception venue that is also licensed for civil ceremonies, it will keep logistical issues to a minimum,” she said, adding, “Pick a venue where the wedding co-ordinator you brief in the lead up will be there on the day – you don’t want a total stranger who has little knowledge of what to make your wedding day unique.”
Vivienne has drawn up a 12-point checklist for couples that decide on a quick wedding –
1. Check potential dates with principle guests
2. Ascertain the availability of a registrar or priest (Quex will do this)
3. Book the venue
4. Draw up a guest list and send invites
5. Brief your wedding coordinator or planner – they should be able to recommend key suppliers such as photographers, dressmakers, formal hire, florists, cake makers, and local bands. They should also be able to recommend a range of local hotels, B+Bs and taxi firms.
6. Make a gift list
7. Book your hairdresser and make up artist
8. Buy the rings
9. Book the wedding night accommodation
10. Plan menus and running orders with timings with your co-ordinator
11. Choose a honeymoon
12. Enjoy your hen/stag parties, relax and enjoy the day
“There are lots of details to attend to, and there’s often an army of relatives and friends with experience of what makes a good wedding, but if you’ve got the basic order of key actions, and with some professional help, everything should fall into place with a minimum of fuss to ensure a stress-free day,” said Vivienne Smith.
Quex does not necessarily advocate whirlwind weddings, but is aware that there are many established couples that have been together for a considerable period, and when they make the decision to commit – they want to get married as soon as possible.
Quex’s team can be brought into action at very short-notice, and are happy to organize weddings as soon as legalities allow, but generally advise a minimum of 6 weeks to prevent undue pressures.
The Hannah Dining Suite attached to the internally famous Powell-Cotton Museum and Quex House offers a unique weddings reception venue. Quex House and gardens is licensed for civil ceremonies.
Quex House, Quex Park, Park Lane, Birchington, Kent CT7 0BH - quexpark.co.uk
