Where your wedding day memories last forever
WEDDINGS AT SOPWELL HOUSE The perfect place for your happiest moment – make Sopwell House your own
We would love you to share your special journey with us. By choosing Sopwell House as your wedding venue, you’ll discover the opportunity to have your great day exactly as your heart desires. From intimate ceremonies to grand-scale receptions, our Georgian country house hotel and its beautiful grounds offer a gorgeous setting for any wedding. But above all, our talented team will do everything possible to create a unique and magical event around you. True countryside charm and fast capital connections make Sopwell House the best of both worlds. We’re sure you’ll find our location a major plus when planning your wedding.
The countryside setting certainly allows you to escape from it all, but you’ll still be within easy reach of London, the M1 and London Airports. To be a part of your special day, your guests may be travelling for many miles, or even flying in from other countries, and having the venue so close to such a major transport hub will make their journeys that much simpler. St Albans train station is the fastest route into the capital with regular trains running from St Pancras International. Sopwell House is just a 5–10 minute cab ride from the station.
A MAGICAL ENVIRONMENT Deep in the Hertfordshire countryside, yet conveniently close to London
Our Georgian country house hotel and its 12 acres of beautiful grounds provide a stunning setting for an unforgettable wedding. Elegant period architecture, beautiful interiors and picturesque gardens create a magical environment, as well as providing a photogenic backdrop for your special day. Once the private residence of Lord Mountbatten, our dedicated team will welcome you and your party with genuine warmth and a host of facilities and services.
With 129 stylish bedrooms, suites and ten mews apartments; a brasserie and fine dining restaurant, a Country Club with luxurious spa facilities; a nearby golf course; complimentary on-site parking and free Wifi internet, we’ve thought of everything to create a very special experience for you and your guests.
WHERE TO GET MARRIED Discover a range of elegant settings to match your guest list and suit your personal style
Will our tranquil gardens entice you to opt for an outdoor ceremony, or do you picture saying “I do� in one of our many grand function rooms? Your decision might come down to preference, be driven by numbers or the time of year, but whatever your criteria, we are happy to host the most intimate of ceremonies as well as the grandest of receptions.
Our largest suite, the St Alban, holds 300 guests and features a dance floor, stage and garden terrace, while a marquee in the gardens could house an even greater number. Another exciting possibility is to take over our entire premises, guaranteeing venue exclusivity for you and your guests.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL Planning your wedding will be one of the most exciting and busy times of your life
Professional, experienced and passionate about weddings, our team of event co-ordinators provide couples with a confident hand to hold, every step of the way. To begin with, we host regular wedding fayres, the perfect place to be inspired. We will talk to you about your vision and requirements, and help you create the day of your dreams. We discuss location choices for the ceremony and reception, we present
you with delicious menus and recommend from our trusted directory of suppliers including florists, cake makers, photographers, limousine drivers and DJs. We also provide an online Wedding Planner to help you keep track of the gift list and seating plan. We believe it’s the details and thoughtful touches that count, and on the day we’ll be close by to make sure everything goes seamlessly, and for any last-minute requests or emergencies.
YOUR CEREMONY Indoor or alfresco, experience a joyful and meaning ful union in beautiful and inspiring surroundings
Sopwell House is licensed to hold civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies for up to 300 guests. This gives us the ability to host your entire wedding event within our grounds, greatly simplifying the logistics of your day. You can take your vows in one of our elegant event suites or outside in our magnificent gardens and grounds.
Your ceremony is such a special event, and we understand that every couple has their own thoughts about what will make it mean the most. Whether you’re thinking ‘grand and formal’, or ‘intimate and relaxed’, we will work with you to deliver the wedding of your dreams.
YOUR RECEPTION Giving you the space and flexibility to let your biggest celebration unfold with style into the night
Your wedding reception is a time for pure celebration; a time to dine, drink and dance with your family and friends. You want an attractive and comfortable environment, and you want space and freedom. Sopwell House has a collection of wonderful suites that all make exceptional reception venues. The larger ones feature a dance floor and stage, and some open directly onto our beautiful terrace and gardens, so that guests can take the party outside.
With you and your guests settled at the hotel, there’s no need to rush off for taxis just as the celebration is at its peak. Stay and enjoy your reception to the full and have the party of a lifetime. Our largest suite, St Alban, can accommodate 300 guests, and incorporates a separate foyer, which is ideal for a drinks reception. If your plans exceed this limit, erecting a marquee in our gardens is a fantastic alternative, giving you the opportunity to entertain up to 500.
YOUR PERFECT MENU The finest ingredients and a world of choice. Treat your guests to a fitting wedding feast hand-selected by you
We know that food and drink play a central role at any wedding, and it’s worth spending the time to make the right choice. We offer a selection of delicious menus, and help you design the perfect wedding breakfast for your guests by inviting you to a complimentary tasting session.
We also have great relationships with the best catering suppliers in Hertfordshire, and we are able to arrange and accommodate specialist catering, such as Kosher or Asian, with no problem. To complement your food we can recommend and provide excellent wines from around the world.
Whichever you choose, you can trust that it will be fresh, delicious and delivered with impeccable service.
For the bride and groom, and any guests staying at our hotel, our Restaurant and Brasserie are here to welcome you for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
STAY IN STYLE When the party’s finally over, what could be better than to slip upstairs into your own stylish and comfortable room
Our hotel comprises 129 bedrooms and suites, including ten mews apartments, allowing you, and all of your guests, to make their very own ‘home from home’ after the big day. As part of every wedding package, the newly married couple will be given one of our stylish guest rooms for their wedding night, some of
which have private balconies overlooking the gardens and surrounding countryside. Room service will be on hand to respond to your needs, and to make your stay complete we will happily arrange those little in-room touches like chocolates or flowers. But most of all you’ll want peace, quiet and a cosy bed – this comes as standard.
COUNTRY CLUB AND SPA We are extremely proud to be able to offer our guests some of the finest leisure, health and beauty facilities in the area, right here inside Sopwell House
Our Country Club & Spa features a swimming pool, glass-fronted sauna, starlit steam room, jacuzzi, spa garden and relaxation area – as well as state-of-the-art cardiovascular and weight resistance gyms.
Treat yourself to a pampering, or discover somewhere to relax and unwind, before or after the excitement of the big day. Our experienced Spa team also offer on-site professional hair and make-up styling for brides and their entourage.
A PRE-WEDDING GETAWAY Before the wedding, there’s the Hen or Stag party to consider. We invite you to spend this special time with us at Sopwell House
Complex organisation and the need to please everyone can potentially take the shine off this wonderful day – our ‘Only Girls Allowed’ package has been specially created to make your ‘do’ an effortless success.
But let’s not forget the groom; we also offer an array of Stag-friendly activities, including go-karting, clay pigeon shooting and golf, with the Verulam course, home of the Ryder Cup, just moments from the hotel.
It includes overnight accommodation, dinner in the Brasserie, breakfast, full use of the spa & leisure facilities, a 50-minute ESPA or Clarins Advanced Facial, and free entry to a local nightclub.
While the hotel makes a perfect base for your event, we’d never want to limit your fun. This is why our position next to St Albans, and just 30 minutes from London by cab, gives you access to a whole world of social excitements. But if a quiet night in is more to your taste, we can easily create a private dining experience in one of our elegant event suites.
THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER As a special wedding gift, all our couples will be offered a complimentary stay with us on their first anniversary
Directory of suppliers To help you plan your day we have included some of our trusted suppliers that we have worked with previously to bring your wedding day to life. The following pages include suppliers specialising in: Floristry Venue Decor Cakes Sweet Treats Stationary Photography & Videography Toastmasters Entertainment Transport Marquees Travel
Floristry
Venue Decor
Flowers create a lasting impression on your wedding ceremony and special occasion. The bouquet and table centrepieces are an integral part of your celebration. Consider button holes and corsages as well as posies. Make your day complete with the beauty of flowers.
Create a truly bespoke wedding day with chair covers and sashes tailored to your chosen colour scheme, or a room decorated entirely to your own individual requirements. Chair covers can really transform a room and create a magical look to enhance your special day.
Certain events in your life deserve the very best... Exquisite sense of design and style I Dedication to your big day I Service that exceeds expectation I Beautiful wedding flowers Stunning venue decoration I Chair covers and sashes I Star cloth backdrops and drapes I Professional balloon decoration.
www.carolesmith.co.uk Tel. 01438 361361 Email. info@carolesmith.co.uk
Wenue edding V
&
Decorating Specialists
Bespoke Bridal Bouquets and Wedding Party Flowers I Chuppa, Church and Civil Ceremony Decoration Chair Covers - wide range of styles and extensive sash collection Specialists in full floral and table design for Marquees and Hotels Weddingvenuedecorators.com Claire. 07973 440392 I clairegoss@hotmail.co.uk Liz. 07929 912743 I lizzijeff@btinternet.com
CAKES A wedding cake is the focal point of your reception; make it striking, original and visually exciting. It is always admired, photographed, savoured and remembered. Enlisting the creative talents of a bespoke cake maker or cake designer will help create the perfect look incorporating your own design and specification.
Bespoke wedding cakes designed to compliment your colour themes Hand-crafted sugar flowers a speciality
Phone: 07946 528399 Email: samantha@bitemebakery.co.uk Website: www.bitemebakery.co.uk
Genuine Cakes designs and creates beautifully decorated wedding cakes. We offer a complimentary consultation where together we design and actually build the cake as well as sample a variety of flavours from our 42-cake flavour portfolio. Our cake flavours include Coconut & Lime, Chocolate & Orange & Marble to name a few, and our signature cake Fruitcake Without the Bits (a great alternative to the Traditional Fruitcake). We also provide a range of speciality cakes which include, Gluten Free, Eggless, Dairy Free & Vegan.
‌inspired by you and your unique wedding celebration ‌ dazzling designs to delight your taste buds
... because everyone remembers the cake Call Liz on 07784 226608 queenofhertscakes.co.uk Book your apointment liz@queenofhertscakes.co.uk
www.genuinecakes.co.uk T. 020 8428 8585 E. info@genuinecakes.co.uk
Our Sweet Shop Chichester • St Albans • Newbury
Sweet Treats
Stationery
In addition to your wedding cake, imagine wowing your guests with a specialist ice cream parlour with luxury home-made ice creams and sorbets, truly adding that something special to your day. Sweet buffets and gifts can provide a sea of colour and a fantastic centre point for your guests and are always popular with children and adults alike!
Getting married requires great organisation and planning, and using the services of a professional stationery supplier will ensure the all-important details are not forgotten. Invitations need to be designed and sent and later service sheets, menus and place cards need to be created.
Our Confectionary Wedding and Party design team will create an exciting and memorable selection of favours, gifts, table centres and sweet buffet bars for every celebration, whether its a wedding, barmitzvah, corporate or special event! From delicious luxury sugared almonds to heart-shaped chocolate, novelty retro sweets to after-dinner mints, we will create the perfect display or gift for any occasion! For further details contact Stephen Burland on 07970 502381 or email stephen@oursweetshop.co.uk www.oursweetshop.co.uk
AWARD WINNING UNIQUE WEDDING STATIONERY DESIGNED FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL CLIENT BY
SAVE-THE DATE CARDS • INVITATIONS • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INSERTS • RSVP CARDS ORDER OF SERVICE • ORDER OF THE DAY • PLACE CARDS • TABLE PLANS • TABLE NAME CARDS • FAVOURS • MENUS GAME BOARDS • GUEST BOOKS & ALTERVATIVES • SIGNS & NOTICES • THANK YOU CARDS • AND MUCH MORE!
WWW.ABESPOKEDESIGN.CO.UK • 01279 870422 • HELLO@ABESPOKEDESIGN.CO.UK Find & follow ‘abespokedesign’ on facebook, twitter and pintrest
TABLE PLANS
PLACE CARDS & MENUS
ORDER OF SERVICE
INVITATIONS
elegant • contemporary • vintage • dramatic
sophisticated • quirky • traditional • bounce of the wall fun or just a bit different... endless possibilities
Photography and Videography Capture your wedding day or special occasion forever. Enlisting the services of a professional photographer will make the photo album the most treasured memento of your day. We recommend the use of professional photographers who are familiar with the venue as they can truly capture you in the most picturesque surroundings.
Incorporating unobtrusive and creative videography allows you to not only relive the memories but the emotions of your special occasion, as well as giving you a chance to see events or views you may have missed. Employing the skills and equipment of a professional will ensure you are not disappointed as you will足 receive a superior quality production.
www.Johnmasonphotography.co.uk
johnmasonphotography@yahoo.co.uk 07747710817
r lie e pp us su o d H re ell er w ef op Pr o S t
S.C. Photographers
The Studio, Riddings House, Riddings Lane, Harlow, Essex. CM18 7HT
01279 415957 I www.scphotographers.co.uk I enquiries@scphotographers.co.uk
Toastmaster At weddings and other special events the toastmaster performs vital functions including being available in the months beforehand to give advice on protocols and procedures, speeches and toasts. On the big day, in distinctive uniform and with eloquent voice, they will make all the necessary announcements, support the Bride and Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids and
parents as well as working with others providing professional services. In short, they will ensure that the arrangements are smoothly carried out as planned and all in a friendly and enjoyable manner, in complete control of your event whatever the weather.
DEBORAH COLLINGS TOASTMASTER
THE BENEFITS OF A TOASTMASTER Makes you feel at ease and have no worries on the day. Recommends ways to make your event right for you or your organisation. Full consultations which ensures all the correct protocol is observed. Welcomes guests, organising a receiving line and announces them (if required). Co-ordinates the seating of the guests and announces the entrance of the Bride and Bridegroom or President of the event. Works closely alongside banqueting managers, photographers, caterers and entertainers to ensure everything runs smoothly and on time. Introduces grace, speeches, speakers and presentations. Supervises the cutting of the cake and wine taking. Pays attention to even the smallest detail. Specialising in Ladies’ Masonic Evenings, Weddings and Bat/Barmitzvahs.
Tel: 020 8207 5686 Mob: 07957 592026 Email: debcollings@aol.com 21, Minister Court, Frogmore, St. Albans, AL2 2NF
www.toastmaster-deborahcollings.co.uk
HOWARD ROBBINS TOASTMASTER MASTER OF CEREMONIES Having a Toastmaster at your Wedding will help to ensure the success of your special day. Howard Robbins has been a Professional Toastmaster for more than 30 years. He has been the President of ‘The National Association of Toastmasters’ and is very well known at Sopwell House. On your Wedding Day, as well as making all the announcements, he constantly liaises with everyone involved to take all the pressure from the Bride and Bridegroom, their Parents and especially the Best Man, so that they can all relax and enjoy the fun of the Big Day. Howard is meticulous in his care and his attention to detail will help to make your Wedding Day even more special. He has a very modern style and will adapt to meet the requirements of any type of wedding. His many duties will include:
HOWARD ROBBINS Tel: 020 8550 7863 Mobile: 07958 442356 Email: hrobtoast@aol.com www.toptoastmaster.com
Greeting the Bridal Party and all the guests on their arrival at the venue. • Announcing and escorting the Bride and Bridegroom to the Top Table. • Announcing the ‘Cutting of the Cake’ ceremony. • Introducing the speeches and assisting with the presentations. • Announcing the Bride and Bridegroom’s first dance together • Liaising with everyone involved to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Catrin Morris Jones BE AU T IFU L H A R P M USIC TO SER ENA DE YOU & YOU R GU E STS ON YOU R V ERY SPECI A L DAY
ENTERTAINMENT Choosing the correct entertainment to please not only you but the entire bridal party and guests will present an array of options. You want to be captivated by the performance of the singers, musicians and entertainers. You may even decide to treat your guests to a performance which they may otherwise never get to experience.
This will create a unique and awe inspiring day for everyone. And how about a stunning fireworks display to add that special touch. The choice is endless!
CATRIN MORRIS JONES studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music and is now an established harpist much in demand for weddings and corporate events as well as performing with the country’s top orchestras and in numerous West End shows. Having built an extensive and diverse repertoire, Catrin can provide that extra touch to help make every occasion unique.
‘...wonderful accompaniment to the ceremony and wedding breakfast...helping to make the day just perfect for all concerned’ (Mr & Mrs Thompson)
Telephone: 01727 843568 Mobile: 07811 946736 Email: catrinmj@dsl.pipex.com www.harp-catrinmj.co.uk
Jon’s knowledge and experience as a DJ and entertainer will make your big day a special one to remember.
Jon’s knowledge and experience as a DJ and entertainer will make your big day
a special one to remember. Jon has over 30 years experience as a DJ and entertainer as well as a vast knowledge of music and a collection to match.
Jon has also worked in the radio industry since 1979 and has been heard on numerous radio stations. As an author he has had four music books published including the popular 1000 UK Number One Hits.
He is a CD DJ (not laptop) and carries approx 100,000 tracks of music from the 1930s to the present day and is more than able to cater for all tastes and any style of function.
Jon’s speciality is working and playing to the audience in front of him and every function’s crowd is unique.
He has worked at many prestigious venues including The Grosvenor Hotel, Four Seasons and various Hilton Hotels and has hosted private corporate functions for Barclays Bank, ITV award ceremonies and The BBC among others.
Contact Jon for more details of availability and pricing on:
m: 07956 499775 e: jon.kutner@gmail.com You can also visit his website at:
www.jonkutner.com
Let the Sing Out Sisters add their magic touch to your special day with top vocals, tight harmonies, fantastic choreography, fabulous costumes and lots of audience interaction so everyone will party the night away. Flexible line-ups available from duos to live band. Whatever the occasion and whichever show you choose, we will wow your guests and help to create an unforgettable evening. ‘We wanted a party atmosphere, and you delivered BIG Time! You couldn't have done more to make it such a successful evening, and we'll certainly be recommending you to anyone and everyone! Thank you!’
A TRULY UNIQUE EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY
Flexible options of DJs, Singers, Saxophonists and Percussionists for unforgettable entertainment. 30 years’ experience to share with you. Totally unique lighting, staging and production choices.
‘One word… WOW! We were absolutely amazed at how brilliant your entertainment was!’
Tel. 01438 355 358 Mob. 07956 276961 Email. Office@mrhproductions.co.uk Web. www.mrhproductions.co.uk www.facebook.com/mrhenterprises www.twitter.com/Mrhproductions
INFORMAL COMPÈRE
Developed 15 years ago as a Contemporary alternative to a traditional Toastmaster. Dressed in full Dinner Suit, your Compère would provide co-ordination and structure on your special day. Organisation of: your receiving line, introduction to speeches, cutting the cake, in a confident professional manner working alongside Sopwell’s event managers as one perfect team. As part of this package we can also provide a PA system for your wedding breakfast allowing you to play your ‘We certainly made a good choice having you Compèring own music during your meal. rather than have a toastmaster’
‘Fantastic from start to finish, we are so pleased we booked you. You were a brilliant compère throughout the afternoon…’
‘It far surpassed our expectations… your service and your professionalism has been outstanding from start to finish and
absolutely made our day’
WEDDING CARS OF HERTS Hertfordshire’s Leading Wedding Car Company We pride ourselves on giving you unrivalled quality, experience and relliability you can trust upon. Choose from our vast selection of Vintage and Classic cars to appeal to all tastes and budgets. All our chauffeurs arrive in full formal uniform dress. We are a fully insured wedding car company.
TRANSPORT You deserve the very best on your special day. That is why you should experience the ultimate chauffeur service for your wedding. With a highly experienced chauffeur, impeccably dressed, and with an excellent knowledge of the surrounding area, professional wedding cars not only get you to the church on time, but also ensure you arrive in style!
www.weddingcarsofherts.co.uk Email. info@weddingcarsofherts.co.uk Tel. 01438 717007
As seen on
Establised in 1976. A choice of 30 Vintage & Classic Cars
As seen in
London & Home Counties Premier Wedding Cars 30 Vintage and Classic Rolls-Royce I Bentley I 7 Seater Daimler Limousines
Preferred Supplier to Sopwell House. ‘Quote SOP13’ for Special Offer. We have an extensive collection of 30 cars to choose from so you can be sure to find exactly what you are looking for on your special day. With matching cars available for all of the fleet, we can make sure that your bridesmaids, friends and family travel in style too. Lord Cars is a family run and award winning company establised in 1976.
London 0207 435 1114 Surrounding Areas 01727 828106 View all 30 cars at www.lordcars.co.uk
For Weddings and Special Occasions Let us make your day one to remember
MARQUEES The marquee sets the benchmark for elegant solutions. Wedding marquee hire is stylish and innovative, with attention being given to the overall design, both inside and out, helping to create a truly unique atmosphere. Choosing a marquee for your function provides you with the freedom and control to engrave your own individuality and charm on an event.
‘Your carriage awaits at affordable rates’ Elegant all weather carriages for all seasons with a choice of horses
Contact Michelle Smith 07951 456000 | 01582 467370 Info@priorycarriages.com | www.priorycarriages.com
The marquee can provide you with solutions and the flexibility to create an occasion with atmosphere, splendour and diversity allowing you to stay in complete control of your event.
Chi Marquees
setting the benchmark in elegant structures
Luxurious | Exotic | Indulgent | Bespoke
Chi Marquees, 7/10 Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, London W1G 9DQ | Tel/Fax: 0208 492 9483 | info@chimarquees.com | www.chimarquees.com
Travel Like the ideal wedding dress, your honeymoon should be tailor-made to fit you perfectly. With their personal knowledge of each destination these travel agents and honeymoon specialists will be able to recommend the best places, what the weather will be like and even who has the best honeymoon offers!
Published By Fine Hotels UK Š 2013 T:01483 763 762 www.finehotelsuk.com
Cottonmill Lane St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ T 01727 750 412 E weddings@sopwellhouse.co.uk www.sopwellhouse.co.uk