You Asked, We Answered
FAQ’s
Scroll down for questions relating to the following categories answering all your wedding wonders:
Booking Process
Ceremony
Grounds
Guests
Decoration, Entertainment & Suppliers
Food & Drink
The Wedding Day Itself
BOOKING PROCESS
How do we book our wedding with you?
Once you realise how much you love us you can book your date with either Katie, Emma or Olivia. We require a deposit, signed copy of our T&C’s and we will take relevant details to add your booking to our system and that’s it!
How much is the deposit?
Wedding deposits are £600 for non exclusive (retained for 1 week after your wedding) or £975 for fully exclusive which comes off your final balance after your final meeting.
Can I hold my preferred date so I can sleep on it?
Yes - we can hold a date for up to 2 weeks. If someone else wants this date during these 2 weeks you will be given first refusal on it.
Can I come to have a look?
You can book a private show round with us here.
Do you have minimum spends or minimum guest numbers?
We don’t have minimum spends but we do require minimum guest numbers which are listed in our package details here.
What is full exclusivity and is it really free?
Full Exclusivity means that our venue is completely yours for the whole day. From when your guests arrive to when they leave after breakfast the following morning. Our full attention is on you and it opens up a few extra rooms for you to make use of. It doesn’t cost you anything, we just require our 16 bedrooms to be booked the night of your wedding which your guests pay in full for the week of your wedding.
Would you recommend we get wedding insurance?
We recommend all our wedding couples get wedding insurance as soon as you can. It’s a lot cheaper than you think!
Are there any hidden costs you might surprise us with?
The simple answer is NO. The quote we give you will only change if you add on any extras, upgrades or more guests. We also list everything that is included in that price so you are fully aware as to what you are getting for your money!
Will ours be the only wedding on the day or could there be other guests in the venue?
We only ever hold one wedding per day here at Sparth House. If you choose full exclusivity (see Q6) there will not be any other guests but your wedding party in the venue.
What is the payment schedule?
Payments are as follows and do not include your deposit:
18 months prior, total of 10% of initial quote for your wedding to be paid
1 year prior, total of 25% of initial quote for your wedding to be paid
6 months prior, total of 75% of initial quote for your wedding to be paid
6 weeks prior, (following your final meeting with final numbers given to Wedding Coordinator), final balance for your wedding to be paid
CEREMONY
Can I have a civil ceremony here or do I need to book a church?
You can have either. Most of our wedding couples have their ceremony with us but if you’d prefer a church wedding then that is also fine.
What’s the difference between a civil ceremony done by registrars and a celebrant?
A civil ceremony with registrars coming out to our venue is fully legal. A celebrant is great if you want a service a bit more bespoke and tailored to you but if you have a celebrant perform your service then you will still be required to visit the registry office either that morning or on a different day to get the legal parts done.
Do I need to book the registrars myself?
It is your responsibility to book your registrars and you must confirm it with your wedding coordinator once booked. You are now able to book them up to 3 years in advance. You can call the registry office on: 0300 123 6705. For more information regarding the civil ceremony itself, click here.
What time shall I book my ceremony for?
Our preferred time is 1:30pm, if this isn’t available, please contact your wedding coordinator to advise prior to booking registrar.
Can we have our ceremony in the gardens?
At present, although we have extensive grounds, we aren’t able to accommodate outdoor ceremonies easily. .
Do we have to arrange our ceremony music?
The registrars ask you to pick 6 songs:
2 songs for guests arriving
1 song for bride walking down the aisle
2 songs for signing of the license
1 song as you and your guests leave
All these songs need to be okayed by the registry office (can’t have any religious connotations) and confirmed with us on your final wedding meeting.
GROUNDS
Are we allowed fireworks?
Sorry, we don’t allow fireworks as we are in a residential area.
Can we hire a bouncy castle?
Yes you can have a bouncy castle as long as the supplier has insurance & PAT testing certificates sent to us prior. They will also need to ensure protective matting is laid down underneath to protect our lawns and it will need to be manned at all times by a member of their team.
Can we throw confetti?
Absolutely! We allow biodegradable confetti down our very own Confetti Lane! We also don’t charge a clean up fee.
How many parking spaces are there?
Approximately 30 parking spaces.
Are the gardens sheltered if it rains?
We do have a small covered area outside the conservatory, that can sit around 12 people.
Can we have sparklers in the evening?
Yes but a member of the Sparth House team will need to be present to ensure sparklers are all disposed of correctly. We also only allow up to 20 to take part at a time for safety reasons.
Where can we have our photos if it’s raining?
As a beautiful manor house, there are some lovely spots inside the venue for photos - the Regency makes a gorgeous backdrop as does the restaurant area for example. We do have an abundance of umbrellas though and many past couples have had some stunning photos in the gardens (Confetti Lane in particular) in wet weather!
GUESTS
How many guests can you accomodate?
Maximum 100 guests during the day with up to a total of 200 maximum in the evening (or 150 evening maximum if not fully exclusive).
Do you have any guest bedrooms, if so how many?
We have 16 bedrooms in total which can sleep up to 39 in total. We also have a Z beds that can be added to room 25 giving a 40 maximum sleeping capacity. We also have the Garden Apartment for the Bride & her bridal party to stay the night before which can accomodate up to 6 guests.
My friend can’t have dairy/ gluten, can you cater for them?
Of course, we need to know about all dietary requirements at your final meeting along with your meal choices. We will tweak your chosen meals where we can to ensure they are safe for that particular guest. In cases where the meal can’t be tweaked then a suitable alternative (chef’s choice) will be provided that caters for your different guest dietary needs as a collective meal..
How many high chairs have you got?
We have 4 high chairs that are available to use.
What age is a child classed as and how much are they?
A child is anyone under 12 years of age and they are half the price of an adult. They will be served soft drink alternatives throughout the day and you can choose to feed them either half portions of your adult meal choices or give them a childrens meal of cheesy garlic bread, chicken goujons & wedges and ice cream. If there are any babies, please check with their parents if they will require a meal. if not then we don’t charge for them but we will need to be aware of them and where they are sat at the table.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are allowed to the ceremony and drinks reception. Unfortunately they are not permitted to stay in the bedrooms.
Do you have wheelchair access & disabled toilets?
The ground floor and outside is wheelchair friendly and our disabled toilet is located in the Woodlands Suite. Unfortunately all our bedrooms are on the first and second floors and as we don’t have a lift, bedrooms are not accessible for wheelchair users.
We’ve a few older guests, is there somewhere a bit quieter they can sit in the evening?
The conservatory just off the main Alexandra Suite (wedding breakfast and evening reception room) makes the perfect breakout space (with it’s comfy sofas) for people to sit a little away from the main action but they can still see what is going on so won’t feel like they are missing out. We also have the lounge and sitting room in the main part of the house that is perfect for some downtime.
DECORATION, ENTERTAINMENT & SUPPLIERS
Do you have a list of recommended suppliers?
You can find some of our favourite suppliers on our blog here. You will also receive once you book with us an extensive list of recommended suppliers who we have worked with over the years. You are more than welcome to source your own suppliers though if you prefer.
Do you arrange the music for the day for us?
We need to know your chosen ceremony songs at your final meeting which we will then play through our music system. For music during your drinks reception and wedding breakfast, you can create your own playlist on Spotify/ Apple Music, which you can share with us the when you drop off your decorations and we can play it for you. If you don’t want to create your own we can play our own wedding appropriate playlists for you.
Are candles allowed?
Yes but all candles must be in enclosed holders with no flames exposed to prevent any fire hazards. No open flames allowed.
Can we have a band in the evening or live music during the day?
Of course you can! They create such a great atmosphere, we highly recommend live music. We will need copies of their Public Liability Insurance & PAT testing certificates sent to us prior.
Do we need to get any documents from our suppliers?
Just PLI & PAT certificates for anyone with electrical equipment. We also require a full list of all suppliers on the day which must be given at your final 6 week meeting.
What chairs can we have and do you charge to move them?
Our wedding package includes white chiavari chairs but we can hire different chairs in for you if you wish. . If you want the chairs in both rooms (ceremony & wedding breakfast room) then you’d need to hire in enough for both rooms.
What decorations are included in the wedding packages?
Chiavari chairs
Cake stand & knife
Easel for your table plan
White table linen & napkins
Table mirrors & tea lights
Fairy lights throughout Alexandra Suite
Festoon & fairy lights in conservatory & garden
I’m not a creative person, can you help me with some styling ideas?
Of course! At your first show round meeting we will ask what style/ theme you’ve got in mind for the day. This enables us to straight away get an understanding about who you are and we can point out suggestions throughout your show round to help start those visualisations. If you are ever unsure whether something will work in the rooms or if you are struggling to get ideas in general, we’re happy to have a chat about it and hopefully help you get some ideas flowing. Pinterest is also your best friend throughout this stage of planning so make the most of creating various boards and why not share them privately with us or your friends - we could always pin something we come across if we think it could work!
FOOD & DRINK
Do we have to cater for all guests?
Yes, all day and evening guests must be catered for and our minimum guest numbers must also be met.
What drinks are included in the wedding package?
One drink per guest on arrival (options to choose from)
Half a bottle of house wine per guest during the wedding breakfast
One glass of sparkling wine per guest to toast
Tea or coffee & homemade fudge after the meal
Upgrades are also available if you’d like to personalise it a little more.
What do children get to eat & drink?
They will be served soft drink alternatives throughout the day and you can choose to feed them either half portions of your adult meal choices or give them a childrens meal of cheesy garlic bread, chicken goujons & wedges and ice cream. If there are any babies, please check with their parents if they will require a meal.
Do we have to pay extra for canapes?
We don’t include canapes in our wedding package. So if you would like to add them on you can select from our large choice of canapés.
Do we get a choice menu for the wedding breakfast meal?
Our package includes one option per course so everyone would have the same. If you want to give your guests a choice menu you can select 2 options per course from them to choose from for only £9 per guest. A pre order is required 6 weeks before if you opt for a choice menu.
What time is last orders?
Last orders is midnight with music off at 00:30am.
Do you charge for cutting our cake?
No we don’t charge extra to cut your cake. If you’d like us to cut it we can put it out with the evening buffet for your guests to enjoy it that evening.
What dessert treats do you offer (doughnut walls etc)?
Doughnut Wall/ Cupcakes/ Brownies/ Cookie Bar/ S’mores Station/ Savoury Bar Snacks/ Crepe counter.
Can we bring in our own sweets table/ real cheese cake?
You are allowed to bring in your own sweet tables. If you want a real cheese cake, this os ok but we do charge a corkage on it.
Are alcohol miniatures allowed for our favours?
We do not permit alcohol to be brought on to the premise, this applies to wedding favours as well. We can cost up for you if you would like each guest to have a small bottle of prosecco for example or a corkage charge, just ask your Wedding Coordinator. Alternatively, on each place setting you can give a guest a token that says to redeem at reception as they leave, we will then hand the guest their alcoholic favour as they leave for the evening.
How much is it for a private gin bar?
For £925 you can choose a selection of 5 different bottles of your choice from our extensive list. Each will be accompanied with a specific flavoured premium mixer and garnish in a menu designed especially for you and your guests! This would equal approximately 2 drinks per guests based on 80 guests. Additional bottles can be added for £160 each.
Can we use our own caterers?
We do not accept outside caterers. All food and drink consumed at the venue must be supplied by the venue.
Can we sample the wedding breakfast before we decide?
In the run up to your wedding day, you will be invited to book on to our Wedding Taster Afternoon. This will enable you to decide exactly what you and your guests will be having for your wedding breakfast. If you are opting for a choice menu on the day, this will need to be done prior to your invitations going out so please bear this in mind.
We don’t want a sit down meal, what options are available for us, if any?
Our Party People Package might be what you are looking for - see our packages here.
THE WEDDING DAY ITSELF
Is there somewhere I can get ready on my wedding morning?
Our brand new and totally private Garden Apartment is perfect for the bridal party to stay in the night before and get ready all together the morning of your wedding. It is included in our Ideal Wedding Package.
Can I stay the night before?
Our brand new, totally private, Garden Apartment is perfect for the bridal party to stay in the night before and get ready all together the morning of your wedding.
What are the timings of the day like?
1:30 till 2 - Civil Ceremony
2 till 3:30 - Drinks Reception / Photographs
3:30 till 4 - Seating Guests
4 till 4:30 - Speeches
4:30 till 6:30 - Wedding Breakfast
6:30 - 7:30 - Room Turn Around
8:30 - Cutting of Cake & First Dance
9:30 - Evening Nibbles
12:00 - Last Orders
12:30 - Music Off / Carriages
If you would like to change or move any of the timings, please discuss with your wedding coordinator.
When do we drop everything off for the wedding?
If you are able to set up the day before then you will bring everything with you then and set up that afternoon. If you aren’t able to then you would need to drop everything off about a week before (see below). Suppliers can usually gain access to the venue from 8am to set up on the wedding day itself and 8am the following day to pick up. Everything must be removed by 11am the next day.
Do we set up the rooms the day before or does our wedding coordinator do it?
If we are not hosting a wedding the day before yours, we will set up the room so you can come and dress the room the day before your wedding from 2pm. Alternatively if it is not possible for you to set up the day before, a week before your wedding, your Wedding Coordinator will book an appointment to set up a wedding table with you so we will then be able to dress the room for you on your big day. This will mean we will go through every aspect of how you would like your tables to look. We will require all the guest name cards, favours etc to be split up by tables and labelled. We will also need the order of how the guests will sit at the table so we can make sure the correct people will be sitting next to each other.
Do we have to pack everything up ourselves?
Our night porter will collect all of your decorations etc and leave them all together ready for you to take with you when you check out the following morning. Any items left on the property after your wedding will be disposed of after 1 week if not collected.
What time do non staying guests have to leave by?
Guests not staying the night will have to leave the venue by 00:30am.
We’ve had a last minute drop out, what do I need to do?
Final numbers and final payment will be reviewed 2 weeks prior to wedding. After this if numbers decrease no refund will be available. If the numbers increase your wedding coordinator needs to be made aware more than 96 hours prior to your wedding. If you’ve booked full exclusivity and a bedroom becomes available, it is your responsibility to find a replacement or you will be charged the full rate of any vacant rooms upon checkout.
Got a question we’ve not answered? Then get in touch - no question is ever a silly question!
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