Wedding North West Kent - any hits or tips?

Gravesendgirl

Happy Easter Ladies (and Gents),

My OH proposed about 3 weeks ago now and we are starting our wedding plans in ernest. As the name gives away I live in North Kent and we are planning to get married near to Gravesend.

We are trying to keep with plans simple but the guest list has already crept up much higher than I thought. I am in favour of something relaxed and informal.

Has anyone got any hits and tips for venues/ dress shops etc that might come in handy?

Thanks

clearing_out_my_pockets

Welcome...

Taffetta bridal in Gravesend is good (from my experience as a bridesmaid year before last - will update after my session on the 15th). Venues, depends really on budget and type of ceremony / reception you want.

I'm Dartford, by the way.

Gravesendgirl

Thanks, was thinking of going into Taffetta as it is really close to me, definitely give it a try now. Let me know how you get on.

We have pretty much decided on going for somewhere where we can marry and have the reception in one. I have been looking at places on the internet and the ones that we want to find out more about are:
Cooling Castle Barn (looks really pricey though)
The Knowle
Little Hermitage
Hilltop Hotel and
Franks Hall

I would like a smallish meal followed by a bigger party but not really that sure. I am just determined that it is relaxed and informal.

Where are you getting married?

clearing_out_my_pockets

OH's parents liked the Knowle, but it was a little bit far from us. When are you hoping for? Cooling gets booked up a LONG way in advance.

We're getting married at the church which is a 2 minute walk from our house, then we're having the reception in the marquee at Acacia Hall in Dartford.

Have you looked at Inn on the Lake?

Gravesendgirl

Not looked at Inn on ther Lake, not really sure why as it is not far, is it worth a look? We are vague about dates at the mo as it depends really on how much it is going to cost as we have some money but might have to do some saving. I would rather get it done asap though I think. Definitely want to be married within a year.

We might look at mid-week weddings as well.

clearing_out_my_pockets

The only reason I mentioned Inn on the Lake is it's one my best friend considered. Not sure what it's like, personally. If you want to be married within a year, cooling will be out of the question I'm afraid. They're probably taking 2012 bookings now.

jenhug

if you came towards medway you could look at gore farm in upchurch.

greenmoneysaver_2

I would avoid Cooling Castle. OH sister had reception there and it was a bit of a disappointment.
It felt very “catalogue” and for such a lovely looking place had no real personal feeling to it. The food was average (as a veggie I was offered tomato pasta. . .!).
I think it is quite pricey, but felt like a conveyer belt, when having brekkie next morning they were already setting up for the next days hog roast – not something you want to see over breakfast! And you had to be out by 10am.
Also, they got married at 12.30, and the venue doesn’t even sell crisps, and they only provided olives until dinner at 6pm. . . I know that was the B&G’s choice, but everyone was starving and then drunk! There was no-where else to go to get food (we had sussed this and took sandwiches in the car!).

I am not sure how they would cope with smaller numbers and wanting a relaxing atmos either - the rooms are large, unless you get double booked and they pu you in the small room between the bar and the main room, which I think can be closed off to keep it seperate. . . Good luck - I think they get alot of bookings as there aren't many venues around there, and I think if you wanted a huge wdding and were happy to pay for food and rink all day long it would be wonderful!

jenhug

also priestfields in gillingham and upnor castle.

Gravesendgirl

Thanks for the ideas, will have a look at those. I did expect there to be more venues round here you are right that they are lacking.

jenhug

the commisioners house at the dockyard in chatham, turkey mill in maidstone.