How Hannah and Ben Planned Their Dream Wedding in Just 8 Weeks at Careys Manor & SenSpa
A wedding is nothing short of grand and magical. While the focus often falls on slipping into that stunning Wang dress or dapper Jacobs suit, the real magic lies in the meticulous planning that creates a memorable celebration.
For couples like Ben and Hannah, however, the challenge wasn’t just about finding the perfect dress or suit—it was about planning their dream wedding in just 8 weeks at Careys Manor and SenSpa.
Fortunately, navigating the vast world of wedding venues became a breeze with Tagvenue. Couples can easily discover venues that perfectly match their style, catering needs, accommodation, and entertainment options—all in one convenient place.
The expertise of dedicated venue managers like Sophia Palmer and seasoned wedding coordinators such as Françoise Gyseman at Careys, who brings over 22 years of experience to the table, truly made a difference. With their support, the seemingly impossible task of planning a dream wedding in such a short time, transformed into a delightful journey.
Getting hitched soon? Finding a venue for any budget or size is as easy as saying “I do” on Tagvenue and our experienced venue managers are here to help turn your special day into a lifetime memory.
The Challenge
When the couple, Hannah and Ben, decided to book their wedding just eight weeks in advance, it set off a whirlwind of preparations that demanded creativity and precision. How did Careys Manor rise to the occasion?
Instead of a story steeped in chaos like The Haunting of Bly Manor, the dedicated team turned the venue into a stunning celebration filled with warmth and joy.
Before we dive into the success of Hannah and Ben’s wedding, let’s quickly review some key factors to consider when planning a wedding.
- Location – Is the venue accessible for all guests, especially those travelling from afar? Are there convenient accommodation options nearby or on-site?
- Decor – Can the venue be customised to match your vision? Does the venue offer assistance with setup, or will external vendors need to be arranged?
- Food and Drinks – What catering options are available? Are dietary restrictions and guest preferences taken into account? Can the menu and drinks be tailored to suit the event?
- Wedding Coordination – Who will be in charge on the big day? Has the venue hosted weddings before? Is there a dedicated wedding coordinator provided by the venue to manage logistics so that everything goes smoothly?
- Facilities – Does the venue provide accessible facilities for guests with disabilities? Are there enough amenities to ensure the comfort of everyone attending?
- Space Flexibility – Some venues, like Careys Manor, offer multiple spaces for different functions. You can host separate events like dinner, breakfast, and dancing in different areas, such as the suite or lounge. This flexibility not only facilitates guest movement but adds a touch of luxury to your special day.
Why Did the Couple Choose Careys?
The unique thing about Tagvenue venues is that you can practically turn any space into your dream location. For instance, The Skinny Kitchen hosted a Bar Mitzvah despite never having done one before. With the right venue, a bit of imagination, and a venue manager to guide you, any event imaginable can be brought to life with Tagvenue.
Now, you might wonder what drew Hannah to choose this specific venue for her wedding. The answer is simple: her awesome experience celebrating her 30th birthday at Careys Manor left her thinking, “If I’m getting married, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
This venue truly has it all for future brides and grooms—relaxation, breathtaking views, exceptional service, and delicious cuisine. And let’s not forget its stunning location within the New Forest National Park!
Since that special birthday, Hannah and Ben have embraced Careys Manor as their go-to destination for celebrating life’s significant moments.
As outdoor enthusiasts, they couldn’t resist the idea of an outdoor ceremony, and with so few venues offering this option, Careys Manor was the perfect choice to make their dream wedding a reality.
“As we both enjoy being outdoors and Ben loves gardening, we loved the idea of an outside ceremony. This isn’t available at many venues, so this was incredibly special for us.” — Hannah & Ben, The Couple
Related: Top 40+ Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue Before Booking in 2024
Choosing Your Wedding Venue
Choosing the right venue is key to a successful wedding, so comparing options is essential. Make sure to:
- Compare prices, services, and packages across multiple venues on Tagvenue.
- Check if venues offer extras like catering, decor, or AV equipment as part of their package.
- Ask about any hidden fees or additional charges before finalising your choice.
The moment you’ve found the perfect venue, it’s time to lock it in! Ideally, start your search up to 18 months in advance, especially if you’re planning to get married during peak wedding season (May to October). Keep in mind that popular venues can book up quickly, so it’s best to begin your search as early as possible.
Careys Manor & SenSpa as a Wedding Venue
The stunning spaces within this country hotel offer beautiful backdrops for your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening.
The Cedar Suite is elegantly decorated and abundant in natural light. The Manor Suite is perfect for your wedding breakfast—with an adjoining courtyard for guests to mingle in the warmer seasons. The Lounge offers original oak beams for a lovely backdrop to your ceremony.
The venue staff takes care of everything, whatever your needs in the lead up to and on the day itself. From red carpet arrivals and ceremony décor, to the wedding breakfast, your canapés, evening buffet, and entertainment (hey, Mr. DJ!).
But, that’s not all.
Although a variety of New Forest wedding packages are available, the venue also strives to be flexible—providing plenty of options for food and drinks, room use and styling to suit your budget and individual requirements.
The Location
💡 Things to keep in mind when choosing the location:
- Is the venue easily accessible for all guests, including those travelling?
- Are there accommodation options nearby or on-site?
- Are there landmarks or attractions nearby for guests to explore before/after the wedding?
- Is the location suitable for the season (e.g., winter/summer weddings)?
- Does the area offer scenic views or photo-worthy spots for your wedding?
Surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers, Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa is all about charm and sophistication, which made it a fantastic choice for a wedding during the warmer months.
Tucked between Southampton and Bournemouth, this lovely estate enjoys a prime spot near the sea, offering a wonderful launchpad for a delightful getaway right after the couple tied the knot.
The hotel’s stunning surroundings are a hit with guests, thanks to its proximity to various attractions. On the southern edge of the National Park, guests can discover 40 miles of coastline that go far beyond sandy beaches.
Planning an outdoor wedding? Check out our outdoor venues for celebrations as unique as you!
Related: Top 5 Things to Organise Before Your Wedding in 2024
Wedding Coordination
💡 Check with your venue manager:
- Does the venue provide a dedicated wedding coordinator?
- Will the coordinator, or another staff member, be present on the wedding day to ensure smooth operations?
- Does the coordinator manage vendor communications and timelines for the big day?
Françoise Gyseman, the Wedding and Special Events Coordinator at Careys Manor knows her stuff when it comes to planning a wedding ceremony. Having organised everything from cosy get-togethers to themed celebrations, she’s seen it all!
Hannah remembers hearing how “brilliant” Françoise was as she took care of every little detail. Need chairs or sashes? She’s got you covered. Looking for décor ideas? She’s on it. Even recommending a fantastic florist was part of her toolkit.
Thanks to Françoise’s expertise, the couple pulled off their wedding in just two months, turning what could have been a frantic scramble into an enjoyable process filled with excitement (and, of course, cake!).
Related: 5 Inspired Wedding Seating Arrangement Ideas for Your Big Day
Wedding Facilities
A wedding party requires more than just a beautiful space; it needs the right facilities for everything to run smoothly and Careys had them all.
💡 Here’s a handy checklist of important facilities to look for when booking your venue:
- Accommodation: Overnight lodging options for guests, if needed.
- Accessibility: Disabled access to accommodate all guests.
- Spa Services: On-site pampering options for the couple.
- Parking: Free parking facilities for guests.
- Technology: Conference call capabilities for remote attendees.
- Catering: In-house catering services for a customisable menu.
- Wedding Licence: Availability of a wedding licence on-site.
- Dance Floor: A dedicated space for dancing and celebration.
- Audio-Visual Equipment: Availability of sound systems, projectors, and screens for presentations or entertainment.
- Photography Services: Recommendations for on-site photography or options for designated photo areas.
Guests can enjoy overnight accommodations, while disabled access guarantees everyone can join the fun. Need to pamper yourself? Spa services will have you glowing.
There’s free parking because who needs the hassle of hunting for a spot on their friend’s big day? Even conference call facilities are available for those who can’t be there in person.
With in-house catering for a delicious wedding repast and, of course, a wedding licence, Careys Manor was the epitome of convenience for Hannah and Ben’s wedding.
Did we mention the dance floor so the guests could sway all night?
“All our guests loved the day and felt really looked after at Careys Manor. We had an intimate outside ceremony for 30, and then around 20 more guests joined us to party the night away. Many said the day went so fast, as they were having so much fun!”—Hannah, the Bride
Related: How to Choose a Wedding Venue: The Complete Guide
Food & Drinks at Your Wedding Venue
We’ve all heard the horror stories of grumpy guests at wedding receptions. Luckily, Tagvenue lets you choose your dietary options and find venues that cater to specific needs, so your wedding guests leave happy.
💡Make sure your venue can provide:
- In-house or external catering options
- A customisable menu for your wedding theme
- Accommodations for dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
- A diverse selection of beverages including options for kids
- Late-night snack options
- Clear pricing and service style details
The catering options are extensive at Careys. Having hosted over a thousand unique weddings, they can whip up just about any menu for your event (as long as it’s not too wild!).
The wedding menu: Hannah and Ben were thrilled to pick their starters: cured salmon, chicken terrine, and pork terrine options. A gin and tonic sorbet served as a refreshing interlude that everyone loved! They chose crowd favourites like vanilla panna cotta, lemon, ginger meringue pie (a hit with Hannah’s dad), and a chocolate dessert that was a dream come true for all the chocolate lovers.
By the end of the evening, all plates were empty, and guests raved about the food. The service? Efficient and professional! Hannah’s dad couldn’t help but comment on how slick the staff was, perfectly coordinating the timing of the food and the whole day. Need we say more?
Related: The Top 3 Tips for Planning Your Dream Wedding Menu
Your Dream Wedding Starts Here
Planning your wedding here is a walk in the park, and if you can pull off a successful and beautiful celebration in just sixty days, what more could you ask for?
Think of it as having your very own Aunt Mary to handle the details—minus the worry of turning into a pumpkin at midnight!
Ready to plan the wedding of your dreams? Kick things off by booking your venue on Tagvenue today!
Remember it’s always good to leave some venue feedback to help other couples benefit from your experience! Your insights can guide them in making the best choice for their dream wedding. Consider the following when sharing your feedback for any event:
- Was communication with the venue staff clear and responsive?
- Did the venue meet your expectations in terms of service, facilities, and coordination?
- Would you recommend the venue to other couples? Why or why not?
