Top tips for planning the perfect wedding

Rose Julian, Senior Events Executive at Banqueting House – cared for by independent charity Historic Royal Palaces – offers brides-to-be some top tips for planning the perfect wedding at the venue

1. Book a show round with the venue team as soon as possible – ask as many questions as you need to and provide the team with as much information on your visions for the big day as possible
2. If you decide Banqueting House is the venue for you, make sure you secure your chosen date with us as soon as possible
3. Make use of our approved supplier list - alongside the venue team, they know the venue inside out and can bring your vision to life
   

   

4. If you have chosen to host your wedding ceremony in another venue or in the Main Hall at Banqueting House, the Undercroft is ideal for a pre-dinner drinks reception. Equally, the vaulted ceiling and long dramatic aisle makes the Undercroft perfect for a civil ceremony
5. Make the most of the awe-inspiring backdrop and have your wedding photographs taken on the grand staircase or the balcony with the priceless Rubens ceiling in the background
6. Borrow Banqueting House’s old fashioned bell to get your guests’ attention as you call them to dinner
7. Have fun with your table setting: the subtle colouring of the Main Hall allows an unusual freedom of expression. Play with colour, style and texture in your linen, glassware, cutlery and china for a fabulous unique look
8. Make use of the long Main Hall to seat guests at long tables as the Kings and Queens did traditionally in the 17th Century
9. A strolling act is perfect to make the most of the space in the Main Hall and ensure that nobody misses out on the entertainment
10. Consider a versatile music ensemble who can offer a variety of interchangeable brand formats and musical backdrops
    

    

11. After dinner in the Main Hall we recommend inviting guests back to the Undercroft for post-dinner dancing. By changing the colour of the lights to a bright pink or purple, the atmosphere of this space changes from a romantic and elegant ceremony or drinks reception to a fun after-party vibe  
12. If you would like early access to the venue or want to celebrate longer, speak to our team – we can allow early access from 13.00 or 15.00 and a time extension until 01.00 at an additional cost