When you decide to get married, the first part of the plan is usually to book the venue. Once the venue has been chosen and the date set, the bride starts to think about her dress.

The venue is a big topic of conversation during appointments and how the dress needs to be the right vibe for that venue, whether the setting is sleek and modern, rustic and bohemian or historic with character. Over the years, traditional and established venues have had to adapt and change as weddings have been more individual and often, less formal. Then there are the new generation of venues, old buildings renovated with modern additions, designed with the flow of the day in mind, creating a celebration unique to each couple.

We took some time out from the shop to visit two local venues recently, the imposing and traditional setting of Norwood Park and the beautiful renovation and modern mix of Grangefields.

Norwood Park is simply stunning. We met Verity who talked us through a little history of house and the family who still own it and until recently still lived there. We looked around at the different rooms and outdoor areas you can have your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception. We were then shown around the individually designed bedrooms and suites offering many accommodation options for all guests.

We can totally see why so many The Wedding Room brides choose to marry at Norwood Park.

We were also lucky enough to visit Grangefields – a stunning new venue on the historic Trusley Estate.

The oak room is magical, a converted barn for your ceremony which has been restored perfectly. There is a new addition of the dining room with show kitchen, impressively stocked bar and a designated area for dancing. Outside has a huge covered seating area and a courtyard with an Argentinian Asado, which we learned is for cooking huge joints of meat. The outdoor area is beautifully decorated with overized planters and festoon lighting.

What we loved about Grangefields is that is suits a traditional wedding or something a little different, their relaxed ‘can do’ attitude to taking a couples vision and making it all come together is evident.

Thank you to both Norwood Park and Grangefields for your hospitality. We look forward to seeing our gorgeous dresses in your incredible venues.

Photographs taken by us and not professional photographers.