It’s officially wedding season — love is in the air, Pinterest boards are buzzing, and if you've been a guest at a recent “I do,” chances are you're dreaming up your own big day. Whether your wedding is right around the corner or still a beautiful vision in the planning stages, we’ve gathered some personal and practical advice from the wedding coordinators at Ashdown Park, The Grand, and Tylney Hall to help inspire your journey.
From unforgettable details to managing last-minute curveballs, here’s what our experts want every couple to know.
What's the one piece of advice you give every couple when they start planning their wedding?
The Grand:
Purchase a wedding planning book! It’s a fantastic way to stay organised, keep all your ideas in one place, and follow a clear step-by-step guide. Bonus: it becomes a beautiful keepsake to look back on after the wedding.
Ashdown Park:
Lock in your guest numbers and book the venue first - the rest will start to fall into place.
Tylney Hall:
Always remember - it’s your day. Make it personal and don’t be afraid to reflect your style. And of course, trust that we’re here to help every step of the way.
What has been the most unforgettable idea that you’ve seen on a Wedding Day?
Ashdown Park:
One intimate wedding had a hand-illustrated table plan, a surprise gospel choir, and DJ Luck & MC Neat as the entertainment. It was epic.
The Grand:
Weddings that tell a couple’s story through décor are always unforgettable; like book-themed centrepieces, custom cake toppers, and even themed table names.
Tylney Hall:
So many! An Owl delivering the rings for two Harry Potter fans, singing waiters surprising the couple mid-reception, and a Dominos Pizza-themed table plan (yes, really!) in honour of the groom’s proposal.
What trends do you see emerging in weddings right now?
Tylney Hall:
Weddings are becoming less traditional and more personal. Couples are choosing relaxed food options like street food or hog roasts to honour their favourite meals, and even adding table numbers with childhood photos for a fun and nostalgic touch.
The Grand:
We’re seeing a rise in twilight weddings, more intimate guest lists, and romantic sweetheart tables for just the couple.
Ashdown Park:
Audio guest books are all the rage, a real personal memory of your loved ones! Couples are also loving neutral colour palettes, live illustrators capturing the day, grazing platters, and champagne towers.
What little detail makes the biggest difference on the big day?
The Grand:
Dress your cake! It features in so many wedding photos, so a beautiful cake set-up can really elevate the look and feel of your day.
Ashdown Park:
Personal touches. One bride carried a framed photo of her late father in her bouquet. Another couple chose to walk down the aisle together. It’s the little things that mean the most.
Tylney Hall:
Having someone on hand for those last-minute hiccups is invaluable. Whether it’s a dropped jacket that needs cleaning or a missing safety pin for a dress, having your coordinator there to handle everything on the day so that you can completely relax.
How do you manage last-minute changes or unexpected surprises on a wedding day?
Ashdown Park:
Take a deep breath and dive in! We’ve seen it all and we’re ready for anything.
The Grand:
We handle it quietly, calmly, and behind the scenes whenever possible. The couple shouldn’t feel the stress, just the love.
Tylney Hall:
Stay calm and carry on. We’ll tackle it head-on and keep your day running smoothly, even if it means becoming an emergency tailor or stain remover!
Some of these tips might come in handy right now, while others are perfect to jot down in your wedding planner for later. As the season of love blossoms all around, take a moment to dream big, personalise your day, and trust the team supporting you.
Remember, your wedding is about you. Celebrate that.
If you’d like to speak to one of our coordinators or explore our wedding venues, we’d love to chat. After all, turning your vision into reality is what we’re here for.
Happy planning! 💕
Header Image - Ebourne Images at Ashdown Park
Side Images (in order) - Amy Diana Photography at Tylney Hall / Aisle in Style at Ashdown Park / Kelsie Scully Photography at The Grand / Robyn Francesca Photography at Ashdown Park / Ben Sneddon Photography at Tylney Hall / Boutique Wedding Photography at The Grand