点评:We got married at the venue in December. While there were many positives, there were also a number of significant issues that caused frustration throughout the planning process.
When we viewed the venue, it was stunning. Some areas were unavailable due to works, and we were unable to view the accommodation at that time. We later attended a wedding open day, which allowed us to see the rooms.
One of the main reasons we chose this venue was because fireworks were permitted. This was discussed repeatedly and confirmed in writing within our contract. We had agreed to fireworks at 8pm with a hot chocolate station, and this was checked multiple times. However, when we contacted the fireworks supplier, they advised that fireworks were not permitted at the venue during November and December. The venue later confirmed this was due to the Christmas illuminations.
After considerable back and forth, the venue agreed to honour the original agreement. However, no time restrictions were disclosed at this point. We were later informed—by the supplier—that fireworks could not take place until after 10pm. Despite having written confirmation for an 8pm display, we were forced to accept the later time. Had this information been disclosed at the time of booking, we would have chosen a different venue, as the fireworks were intended for children.
We were also not informed of further restrictions, including limits on height and noise levels. These were only disclosed late in the process. Fireworks were extremely important to us, and ultimately they were a disappointment.
We were told we would have exclusive use of the venue; however, this was not accurate. Another event was taking place on the grounds, and those guests continued socialising late into the night, disturbing our guests. Additionally, the grounds were open to the public for the Christmas illuminations, something we were not informed of until after booking.
Food
The food was excellent. While the original wedding menu was not our preference, the venue was accommodating and offered a Christmas dinner, which was delicious. The tasting experience was very good, and the food on the day received numerous compliments from our guests.
We also had a guest with a severe nut allergy. The chef and team went above and beyond to ensure there was no risk of cross-contamination, including providing an alternative menu for the table. We are extremely grateful for this level of care.
Accommodation
Accommodation caused the most stress. The booking link was not sent when promised, despite guests travelling internationally who required accommodation details for visas. We had to chase this repeatedly. Once received, the system did not function correctly for international guests and was difficult to use overall.
Despite being told our guests had priority booking until one month before the wedding, rooms were being allocated to another event. Guests contacted us in a panic when rooms appeared unavailable. Only after firm discussions were additional rooms released.
There were also errors on arrival. A room we had booked for the brides brother was not available due to a check-in mistake. We were asked to book and pay for another room, which was unacceptable. Booking rooms with children was unnecessarily complicated.
We were also told staying the night before the wedding would not be an issue; however, we could only book the cheapest room unless we waited until the week of the wedding, with no guarantee of securing the room we were staying in on the wedding night.
Check-in time was 3pm, directly during the wedding. Many guests left our drinks reception to check in. This process does not work and requires review.
The rooms themselves are recently decorated and attractive. However, cleanliness was inconsistent. Our honeymoon suite felt dusty, with spiders in the bed and webs in the bathroom. Several guests reported freezing rooms. Our own room was so cold that our breath was visible. While maintenance attended promptly, only part of the room heated, which was particularly concerning as we had our baby with us.
Staff
The staff on the wedding day were exceptional. The facilities manager, buggy drivers, and grounds staff were all outstanding. Their professionalism and warmth ensured the day itself ran seamlessly.
Organisation and Communication
Communication between departments was poor. We were given conflicting information regarding access to the Christmas illuminations, resulting in guests unnecessarily purchasing tickets. Refunds were not proactively offered, and the process was unclear and cumbersome.
The bar service was also disappointing. Although unused funds were partially refunded, guests were informed of the remaining balance and encouraged to order doubles and premium drinks. This was unprofessional.
Throughout the planning process, we had to chase repeatedly, including for paid extras that never materialised. We did not feel like a priority, despite the significant cost. Small details, such as a promised gift from the tasting experience, were never followed up.
In summary, while the wedding day itself was faultless due to excellent on-the-day staff, the planning process was disorganised and stressful. For the cost, we expected significantly better communication, transparency, and coordination.
翻译:我们去年十二月在这个场地举办了婚礼。虽然有很多优点,但也存在一些重大问题,导致整个筹备过程令人沮丧。
我们参观场地时,它美得令人惊艳。由于部分区域正在施工,我们当时无法参观住宿。后来我们参加了一个婚礼开放日,才得以参观房间。
我们选择这个场地的主要原因之一是允许燃放烟花。这一点我们反复讨论,并在合同中以书面形式确认。我们约定晚上八点燃放烟花,并提供热巧克力,这一点我们也多次确认。然而,当我们联系烟花供应商时,他们告知我们十一月和十二月期间场地不允许燃放烟花。场地后来确认这是因为圣诞节期间要布置灯饰。
经过一番反复沟通,场地最终同意履行原先的约定。但是,当时并没有说明时间限制。之后,供应商通知我们,烟花燃放必须等到晚上十点以后。尽管我们有晚上八点燃放的书面确认,但我们最终还是被迫接受了更晚的时间。如果在预订时就告知我们这些信息,我们会选择其他场地,因为烟花是为儿童准备的。
我们也没有被告知其他限制,包括高度和噪音限制。这些信息直到临近预订时才告知。烟花对我们来说非常重要,但最终却令人失望。
我们被告知可以独享场地,但事实并非如此。场地内还有其他活动,那些宾客一直社交到深夜,打扰了我们的客人。此外,场地在圣诞灯饰开放期间也对公众开放,而我们直到预订后才被告知这一点。
餐饮
餐饮非常棒。虽然我们并不喜欢原定的婚礼菜单,但场地很通融,提供了美味的圣诞晚餐。试菜体验非常好,婚礼当天的菜肴也受到了宾客们的一致好评。
我们还有一位客人对坚果严重过敏。厨师和团队竭尽全力确保没有交叉感染的风险,包括为餐桌准备了备用菜单。我们非常感谢他们如此细致周到的服务。
住宿
住宿问题给我们带来了最大的压力。尽管有需要办理签证的国际宾客,但预订链接并未按承诺发送。我们不得不反复催促。收到链接后,系统对国际宾客来说也无法正常使用,整体操作也十分繁琐。
尽管我们被告知宾客在婚礼前一个月享有优先预订权,但房间却被分配给了其他活动。当房间显示无法预订时,宾客们惊慌失措地联系我们。经过一番激烈的交涉,才最终释放出额外的房间。
抵达时也出现了一些问题。我们为新娘的哥哥预订的房间由于入住登记错误而无法使用。我们被要求预订并支付另一间房间的费用,这完全无法接受。预订带孩子的房间也变得异常复杂。
我们还被告知婚礼前一晚入住不会有问题;然而,除非等到婚礼前一周,否则我们只能预订最便宜的房间,而且无法保证婚礼当晚入住的房间。
入住时间是下午3点,正好在婚礼进行期间。许多宾客不得不离开酒会去办理入住。这种流程显然不合理,需要改进。
房间本身装修得很漂亮,但清洁程度参差不齐。我们的蜜月套房感觉很脏,床上有蜘蛛,浴室里还有蜘蛛网。好几位宾客都反映房间很冷。我们自己的房间冷到呼出的气都能看到。虽然维修人员很快就来了,但只有房间的一部分有暖气,这让我们非常担心,因为我们带着宝宝。
员工
婚礼当天的员工非常出色。设施经理、电瓶车司机和场地工作人员都非常棒。他们的专业和热情确保了婚礼当天一切顺利。
组织和沟通
各部门之间的沟通很差。我们收到的关于圣诞灯饰参观的信息前后矛盾,导致一些宾客不必要地购买了门票。退款并非主动提出,流程也含糊不清且繁琐。
酒吧服务同样令人失望。虽然未使用的款项部分退还,但客人被告知剩余金额,并被鼓励点双份饮品和高级酒水。这种做法很不专业。
在整个策划过程中,我们不得不反复催促,包括一些最终没有兑现的付费额外项目。尽管花费不菲,我们却感觉自己没有得到重视。一些小细节,例如,承诺的试菜礼品就从未兑现。
总而言之,虽然婚礼当天由于工作人员的出色表现而完美无瑕,但筹备过程却混乱不堪,令人倍感压力。考虑到花费,我们期望得到更好的沟通、透明度和协调性。