Weddings

from Shire Magazine September-October 2022

Letters

W e d d i n gs

As the urry of preparations begins, let Shire do some of the legwork with our guide to local venues and wedding services

Versatile venue

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is set in rolling countryside by the River Dee with breathtaking views over the Welsh hills. A left-handed jumps course, Bangor-on-Dee was first used for horse racing in 1859 and over a century and a half later, horses still run on almost the exact same track. This sporting heritage makes it a popular choice for couples to mark their wedding, as the location in 150 acres of greenfield space provides the perfect backdrop and venue to host your special day.

The venue boasts three separate spaces, with six “Culinary individual rooms and a range of capacities. From 20 up moments to 600 people, the team can accommodate parties of any size, providing the perfect venue for small and large weddings alike. for your guests”

When booking a wedding package at Bangor-onDee, you gain a whole host of other benefits as part of your package, including access to experienced event planners and managers, in-house catering solutions and a range of entertainment offerings. The venue works with the experts at Horseradish to collaboratively deliver culinary moments for you and your guests on one of the most important days of your life. A dedicated team will work with you from concept stage to deliver delicious menus tailored to fit your vision.

bangorondeeraces.co.uk/our-venue/weddings

Fairytale venue

If you want to feel like a film star or fairytale princess for your big day, why not check out the potential of Chester Cathedral as your venue? With its Georgian square and series of streets, the most complete set of monastic buildings in the country, the remains of Roman barracks on the Dean’s Field and the largest open green spaces within the city walls, your guests can experience everything this historic site has to offer.

Have your wedding reception in one of the fantastic event spaces within the stunning Cathedral. Experience the ‘royal wedding’ treatment and grab the attention of passersby, all with good wishes at the ready. The Cathedral grounds are a fantastic location for your drinks reception, as well as providing a beautiful backdrop for photographs.

There’s the perfect opportunity to find out more on Saturday 24th September, when you can discover Chester Cathedral’s spectacular wedding and event spaces at a luxury Wedding Show. The Nave and South Transept will transform into a wedding wonderland of inspiration for your day. Meet a huge selection of reputable exhibitors showcasing the latest themes and trends. Enjoy catwalk shows at 11am and 1pm, and entertainment from top performers. Entry is £2, with proceeds going to support the Cathedral.

DID YOU KNOW? Princes Harry and William were ushers at the Cathedral when Lady Tamara Grosvenor wed in 2004

Fine feasting

When it comes to choosing the ultimate wedding menu to celebrate your big day, you need to make sure you’ve got the perfect caterer for you. Hughes Caterers was founded in 1908 and is based in Welshpool, Powys, from where they have been catering to all for over a century. The team specialises in private and public event catering, providing a superb service that ensures your event is a total success. They can cater for all sizes and types of occasions, from private parties and weddings to large corporate events. Their impeccable customer service starts with a free initial consultation. The team will then create a bespoke menu, with your choice of food, designed with you in mind. Any special requirements can be easily implemented. You won’t be expected to make any decisions without some serious sampling, so there will be a tasting day – the big day for you to trial your wedding food and make any changes you need to for the perfect occasion.

Hughes Caterers also offer a range of services such as seating plans, flower arrangements and the finest tableware and linen, with trained uniformed staff to provide a professional and attentive level of service to ensure the day runs exactly as you wish. hughescaterers.co.uk

A good bet

Chester Racecourse – also known as the Rodee – is the oldest racecourse still in use in the world. Its historic façade is complimented by contemporary interiors and surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns. It’s an iconic setting, rich in heritage and offering over 20 acres of stunning green space, flanked by the River Dee – the perfect backdrop for a truly magical day. With a range of rooms available, from historic stands to contemporary character-filled suites with floor-to-ceiling views, you’ll find the ideal space for your special day. With a choice of six licensed ceremony spaces, from small and intimate to large and lavish, Chester Racecourse has something to suit everyone. A variety of wedding packages include champagne and canapés, buffets, sumptuous wedding breakfasts and elegant receptions to help you create your own unique DID YOU KNOW? Chester Racecourse has its own on-site hotel and ample parking for your day. Award-winning caterers Horseradish specialise in creative catering using the best local produce – whether you guests choose a classic formal wedding breakfast or a contemporary reception buffet, they’ll help you create a menu that reflects you both. Use the team’s contacts and experience to add something special. From entertainment, wedding photography, hair, makeup and wedding cakes to evening fireworks or a dramatic arrival by hot air balloon, let your imagination run wild.

Top it off

Get Ahead Hats has a local showroom in Wrexham with a vast selection of hats and accessories – from lavish and extravagant beauties that “Lavish beauties Chanel and Dior would be proud of, to to cute timeless classics or cute little fascinators fascinators” in a myriad of colours. Our ladies at Get Ahead Hats have a passion for hats and can offer that touch of frivolity for those that seek it. Get Ahead Hats has been featured on national television, radio, in Hello! magazine, Vogue, Woman & Home and many other national newspapers and magazines. Our hats are seen on the heads of many famous celebrities, as well as being worn by members of the Royal family. getaheadhats.co.uk

Expert outfitters

Martin David Menswear has been supplying the great British gentleman – and now the world – for nearly 30 years with the finest brands and premium fashion lifestyle outfits. We are wedding and formal hire specialists, offering a personal service, and carry high quality stock from Magee and Wilvorst. All our stock is our own and held at our Shrewsbury menswear store, and is available to pick up seven days before your event “Nostress to take away any unnecessary stress. pick-up With over 40 years’ experience in seven days wedding hire, we can safely say we are experts in the field. martin-david. ahead”

co.uk/formal-hire-shrewsbury

Looking for weddings inspiration?

Finally! A wedding fair that’s local to Mid Wales. The Inspiration Station is holding a Wedding Fayre at Theatre Hafren, Newtown on 25th September, 11am and 3pm. Come and meet our wonderful suppliers and see how Mid Wales can make your wedding the one everybody will remember – for all the right reasons!

Tickets are now on sale via theinspirationstation@outlook.com Early booking is advised as availability is limited.

The Inspiration Station is an online wedding and events directory based in the heart of Mid Wales. Our aim is to shout about all of the fantastic, talented local suppliers and businesses we have right here on our doorstep. Our website is due to launch in October. If you are a local supplier or venue, and interested in exhibiting at our wedding events, please contact us for an information pack. Rest assured, we are not a huge, faceless multinational – we are simply two local businesswomen already working within the industry right here in Mid Wales.

Plas Isaf Country Barn and Gardens

This superb 17th-century listed barn is ideally situated, with spectacular views of the Dee Valley. Elegant surroundings and a warm ambience set the scene for your special day. As you walk in you will be blown away by the high timbered ceilings, stone walls and slate floors. Perfect for an intimate gathering or a big party, the venue is very adaptable with a marquee sitting alongside the barn and an expansive outside space with seating and picturesque gardens.

Plas Isaf overlooks the open countryside, and is ideally suited for everything from an intimate gathering of 30 to a celebratory party of 300 guests. The exclusive wedding and party venue has been developed as part of the Jones family’s working farm, and is run by Helen and Liza, with a full team of experienced trained staff and all the family helping out. With the help and dedication of this family team, every effort is made to ensure that your wedding will be the most memorable day of your life. Plas Isaf is holding open evenings on 13th September & 13th October 5-8pm and an open day on 13th November 1-4pm.

Wedding

D i r e c to r y

Poulton Hall on the Wirral offers a stunning backdrop for your special day. The fairytale gardens provide a unique, picture-perfect setting. Whether you want an intimate afternoon tea, a larger BBQ celebration or something in between, the team can work with you to create your dream day. Dedicated event organisers Rainbow Grey Events would love to work with you every step of the way. For bespoke packages and support with every detail, please get in touch. poultonhall.co.uk

Whittington Castle

Once the home of Marcher Lords, 12th-century Whittington Castle near Oswestry is set in 12 lovely acres. The team specialise in intimate weddings which take place in the Lady Eleanor Room. The grounds are also available for weddings, outdoor receptions and of course photographs. A friendly and experienced team will ensure your special day runs smoothly. whittingtoncastle.co.uk

The Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon is an ideal setting for the most important day of your life. Your big day should be whatever you wish – as extravagant, flamboyant or as quiet as you desire. This charming hotel with its decorative staircase combines modern comforts with original architecture, boasting fine dining and superb leisure facilities for you and your guests to enjoy. It can host ceremonies for up to 150 and receptions for up to 300. celtic-royal.co.uk

So Chic is an award-winning ladies boutique selling beautiful clothing and accessories for the discerning woman, situated on the high street in the historic town of Bangor. If you haven’t chosen your outfit yet, this is the place to go – especially if you have an important role such as mother of the bride or groom. Established in 2006, So Chic has secured an excellent reputation and is well known for the stunning collections, impeccable customer service and professional advice. professional and attentive team, led by weddings manager Michelle, will ensure that your day exceeds your expectations. With our reputation for impeccable service and fine foods we guarantee a truly memorable day. We can host outdoor and indoor weddings for 12-180 guests, and offer 15% discount on 2023 packages. To arrange a viewing, email events@orielhotel.co.uk or call 01745 582 716.

Chateau Rhianfa is

a destination wedding venue with a dream Anglesey location and stunning views. Our beautiful château tells an exciting history both inside and out, following Lady Sarah’s dream that everything would be perfect and no detail overlooked. Believe in the magic of your childhood dreams and let our dedicated wedding planners turn them into reality. chateaurhianfa.co.uk

The Grosvenor

Pulford is an awardwinning venue in Chester, where weddings really are a speciality. With settings and packages tailored to your requirements, the hotel boasts impressive facilities and can offer intimate candlelit ceremonies and romantic outdoor nuptials at the lakeside gazebo. A stunning Asian sensory garden is one of many wonderful settings for photographs. grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk

Step In Style Limousines is a

professional wedding car hire company based in Rhyl. We have served the industry for 25 years with our beautiful vintage Rolls Royce and stretch limousines, and provide a service second to none. We travel from Mid Wales through to Cheshire. Prices include ribbons, flowers and complimentary bubbly. stepinstylelimousines.co.uk

The Hand Hotel in

Chirk, on the edge of the Ceiriog Valley, is one of the oldest hotels in the northeast of Wales and the perfect choice for your very special day. From the initial planning right through to the day itself, the team pride themselves on personal attention to detail. The team has extensive experience of delivering different styles and sizes of wedding functions, and catering for a variety of needs. thehandhotelchirk.co.uk