If you’re recently engaged and are looking to tie the knot then let the expert wedding planners at Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park be your guide to organising your dream day says Molly Miller…
January is a beautiful month to tie the knot and is actually a very busy time in the world of weddings given the number of people who pop the question over the festive period.
According to UK Weddings, there are approximately 278,599 nuptials that take place every year in Britain – with 41,273 happening in the South East including at popular wedding destinations Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park Hotel, both part of Elite Leisure Collection in Tunbridge Wells.
Each year, an average of 110 wedding ceremonies take place across the chic four-star hotel, and grand 36-acre country estate where the wedding team is headed up by Fiona Owens.
Fiona told SO magazine: “Whilst summer and spring remain the most popular, we’ve seen a big increase in weddings being held in winter.”
“We are starting to plan more weddings between January and March than in previous years,” she continued.
Fiona adds that although both venues can provide the most lavish and luxurious of ceremonies thanks to their opulent surroundings, fantastic function spaces and excellent array of quality suppliers, Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park Hotel are also very flexible too, offering smaller, more intimate affairs if desired.
She points out they can also provide a more unique and often quirky day if that’s what any happy couple wants.
“We can offer lots of bespoke packages and also accommodate the quirkier requests too such as one couple wanting their dog to accompany them down the aisle. We also get lots of requests for dogs to be the ring bearer! Then of course we’re asked for added extras to a couple’s big day such as fireworks displays and once, we even had a petting zoo for a drinks reception at Salomons!”
“We offer lots of bespoke packages and also accommodate quirkier requests too – one couple wanting their dog to accompany them down the aisle!”
The flexibility is great news for couples poised to tie the knot during the most wonderful time of year as Fiona explains that winter weddings in 2023 are all about re-inventing tradition.
“We are seeing the biggest shift ever in typical UK weddings,” Fiona told us.
“From details like wedding menus and photography style to a greater emphasis on individuality, there’s a lot going on in the world of weddings,” she explained.
Whether you choose to embrace the season or indulge in unconventional dishes, winter weddings at the two venues are executed with style and sophistication as Fiona explains the planning process bucks the norm, avoiding rigid packages that leave no room for freedom.
“Our wedding plans are created element by element, so we can build a bespoke celebration for each couple based on their unique requests.”
Fiona adds: “We get lots of lovely feedback about this approach. We are so lucky to have such a creative team including our chefs so we can offer so much more than your average venues such as pizza ovens, paella stations and gourmet burger bars! We can even provide guests with a Pimp Your Prosecco station and a Pop-Up Gin Bar.”
Salomons Estate mainly works with Bows Hire, a specialist wedding and events decorating company based in Robertsbridge. They will come in and transform the function rooms at the estate into the space of a couple’s dreams courtesy of festooning fairy lights, candles and incredible floral embellishments and divine drapery.
Elite Leisure Collection also works with several other recommended suppliers and will let potential clients know how they can assist you with everything from hair and make-up artists to photographers and DJs too.
And finally, during January, February, and March they are offering an amazing discount of 23% off venue hire for all 2023 weddings. So, whether you want to say “I do” surrounded by 36 acres of breath-taking grounds or tie the knot in a luxurious Grade II listed hotel, Elite Leisure Collection’s award-winning events team is nothing short of exceptional, promising magical memories to last a lifetime.
To enquire, you can contact the team by calling Salomons Estate on 01892 515152 or 01892 520587 for One Warwick Park Hotel.
Wedding brochures can also be downloaded by visiting their websites.
www.salomons-estate.com/weddings/
www.onewarwickpark.co.uk/weddings/
Top trends for winter weddings at Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park Hotel
Black tie weddings
Winter weddings boast elegance and sophistication, so what better trend to incorporate into your special day than black tie? Known as one of the most formal types of celebrations, black-tie weddings are a sure way to stand out and impress. Whilst the phrase refers to traditional dinner jackets, bow ties and evening gowns, that’s not all it indicates about the big day. Recently we’ve been seeing a surge in weddings that incorporate elaborate décor, a stylised menu, and entertainment to match.
Hot chocolate
Hot chocolate is a must at any event this time of year, so there’s no surprise this warming treat has made its way into our couples’ top wedding requests! The crowd-pleasing favourite is a fantastic, budget-friendly menu addition that can be served before the ceremony or as a late-night dessert and can even be switched up for cocktail hour.
Comfort food
Whilst dainty wedding canapes of sweet tartlets and tomato bruschetta are traditional, all-round favourites, winter nuptials call for comfort food. From tender meats and seasonal veggies to warming spices and homely desserts, comfort foods are a great way to make your guests feel nostalgic, warm, and ready to have a good time. A few of our guests’ seasonal favourites include roasted tomato soup, rump of lamb and warm dark chocolate brownie!
Bridal suiting
No gown? No problem. Whether you’re not partial to the traditional wedding dress or you want to channel your inner modern-day bride, wedding suits are a versatile and stylish alternative taking over winter weddings. Not only are they stylish, figure-flattering and totally of the moment, but they are a warmer alternative for those embracing the colder months. Bonus? They’re super comfortable making them a favourite amongst our brides looking for a second outfit for their reception!
Sparkler send-offs
With shorter days and longer nights, winter weddings call for a touch of magic, and what better way to do so than with sparklers? The perfect way to light up the night sky and create a glimmering exit for newlyweds, sparklers act as both a form of entertainment for guests and the perfect photo opportunity to add to your wedding album.
Email leisuresales@salomons-estate.com or sales@onewarwickpark.co.uk to book a viewing
Salomons Estate & One Warwick Park Hotel are owned by the Elite Leisure Collection who also own SO Magazine
