What is it like to have a wedding at The Grand?
Posted 23rd March 2012
Slightly different angle for today's blog. Gail and Gavin had their wedding celebrations with us in December and very kindly agreed to take part in a case study for our latest newsletter... So we thought you might be interested to have a read too.
Tables named after rugby players, personalised menu cards, snowflakes and an Elvis impersonator all played their part in the wedding for Gail and Gavin.
After a church service in the summer the couple held a December blessing ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception for 120 guests at the Grand. We understand no two weddings are the same, and Gail and Gavin's celebration was filled with unique touches to provide them with a lifetime of memories.
'We chose the Grand as it's the only five-star hotel on the South East coast,' said Gail. ' There are also very few places in Sussex where it's possible to have the ceremony and reception in the same location. My parents had their 25th wedding anniversary in the Grand so it made perfect sense to have our reception there too.'
The couple said the Grand did a 'fantastic' job of creating the perfect wedding day.
'We always wanted our wedding to be a big party for our family and friends,' explained Gail. 'We decided to have a ball with men in black tie and ladies in long dresses and the Compton Room was totally candlelit with snowflake decorations on the tables and stunning pedestals, rather than table decorations. Using roses, mistletoe and other flowers which created a very wintery feel'.
'We surprised our guests with an Elvis impersonator. He was fantastic and everyone commented on how much fun the dancing was. We also handed out fancy dress and had 1,200 glow sticks to give to everyone, which created a fun atmosphere for the end of the evening.'
Conjures up quite a picture doesn't it!. We know that every wedding is special and different and we are always happy to help as much as we can.!
The Wedding Team at TG...
Not a Bridezilla in sight!.....
Posted 25th November 2011
Meeting all the couples arriving at the recent Wedding Showcase here at The Grand took me back a decade or so when I was the one getting excited about the prospect of holding my own special day at this wonderful 'wedding cake of an hotel' !
The blushing brides to be, (hand in hand with their fiancees) still fumbling with their engagement rings ensuring they are facing forward and sparkling brightly in the hope it provokes a passing compliment. The accompanying mothers of the Bride reliving their own special day, whilst the fathers study carefully the prices and try to tot up in their heads how much it's all going to cost!
As the couples entered the doors of the magnificent Compton Room they were welcomed with all our preferred suppliers waiting to discuss how their services will enhance their wedding day. Grand Flowers with a wonderful display of table arrangements, bouquets and corsages: Fiona Hosford plucking the strings of her beautiful gold harp and stopping everyone in their tracks: Peter Prior the award winning photographer with photos of former weddings at the Grand confirming his talents: Sarah Martin of Sugar Heaven Cakes with an array of creative wedding cakes from the most traditional to the wackiest! Keith Mitchell our Executive Head Chef with tasting samples from the wedding menu selector (no one passed this stand without stopping, I wonder why?!) and Stephen Hall our resident Toastmaster dressed in full livery with white gloves and gavel in hand... I could go on but since this is a blog and not a list of suppliers I will leave it there in the hope that it helps paint a picture of the day. Even Fran from Hitched.co.uk blogged about us!...
Going back to getting married here at the Grand, I am just one of the many staff to have chosen to tie the knot here. The GM (Jonathan Webley) married here as did Carina Booker our Business Development Manager, Tony Gallop from Concierge, Tina Miller-Smith Distributions Manager, Jo and Leanne Rose (both are Chefs in the Kitchens) and Susan Tarrant our Training Manger to name just a few!
I think the old saying goes 'it takes a brave Chef to eat in his own kitchen'.. well if your kitchen happens to be the Grand, you would be foolish not to!!
Lindsay Hawley - Sales Manager
A Grand Wedding Showcase
Posted 12th October 2011
Twice a year we host our own Grand Wedding showcase day. We have tried it on various days during the week but feel that a Sunday seems to be the best choice. So we open our doors to all from 10am - 3pm. All our banqueting rooms are specifically set up as if a wedding is about to take place, ensuring everyone visiting sees just how beautiful they are. We do invite a small select group of our main preferred suppliers for the day, only ones that we work with on a regular basis so always happy to recommend. This includes Grand Flowers, Peter Prior Photography, Sugarheaven cakes to name a few. Our Chef is also on hand to discuss menu chioces and offers samples of the food that will be served on the big day.
Personal show rounds run throughout the day conducted by the our dedicated Wedding co ordinators.
There is no charge for this event and you don't have to pre book an appointment, there are plenty of us on hand.
So when is the next one I hear you ask..... well its on Sunday 13th November 2011. Please do pop along if you are still looking for a stunning venue for your big day.We look forward to meeting you.........
Claire
The Mirabelle Wedding Experience
Posted 27th September
Now this is fairly new to the Grand and already we have had a some bookings, so obviously a popular alternative to a 'big do' The Mirabelle as I am sure you know is our fine dining restaurant here at the Grand and the kitchen is awarded with 2 AA Rosettes. But it can also be hired out for what we think is the Ultimate venue for a small wedding! Drinks in the Mirabelle Garden followed by a menu chosen by you with the help of our Chef. Wedding Breakfast menus start from just £32.00 per person, then you decide on what wines you want to add in, plus flowers and everything else that goes to making up your wedding day. The Mirabelle Wedding experience is available to book Sunday to Friday lunchtime and evening. All we ask for is a minimum of 30 guests. The most we can seat is 50. So if you really want a day to remember, then this might just be for you!. More information is available in the wedding section of the hotel website, or you could always just give us a call. Basically the Mirabelle Wedding Experience is your chance to plan your day the way you want to.......
Lindsay
