One of the groups I run together with Kelly from ‘Not Your Average I Do’ is ‘Sussex Wedding Circle’ - a group of wedding suppliers who adore the wedding industry. We are all dedicated to providing a high quality service to our clients.
We meet every two months at a different wedding venue. So we get the opportunity to experience a range of Sussex Wedding Venues as guests rather than suppliers.
For January’s meeting Alexander House were our hosts. It was my first time there and so I was really taking everything in.
As I arrived I was greeted by a pleasing view of a very grand manor house dating back to 17th Century set in beautiful grounds. It definitely ticks the ‘kerb appeal’ box!
Moving inside, it is elegant and tastefully decorated. The staff are charming and we were treated like special guests. They have that ability to make you feel like a VIP.
We wandered through to the relaxing bar and were all plied with Prosecco before being given a guided tour. We viewed the impressive Bridal Suite - again attractive décor and plenty of room for getting ready with your bridesmaids.
Wandering through the corridors and up and down the staircases, the fittings and furnishings were a feast for the eyes. There is a wonderful grand piano on the ground floor and as we swept down the staircase the peel of classical music rose up to meet us. ‘That’s our Food & Beverage Manager’ explained Helen, (Sales Manager for Alexander House). ‘He likes to play during his break’
Pretty magical!
Then we moved to the ceremony rooms – a space I am especially curious about as that’s the place I’m usually working in. At first I was a little underwhelmed. The rest of the hotel is so handsome, these rooms seemed simple and elegant - but a bit plain in comparison. Then our gracious guide Helen explained ‘it’s a blank canvas’. And I could suddenly see that yes, if I was getting married here I wouldn’t have to compete with conflicting décor but could transform these rooms to match my theme. The Stylists at ‘Not Your Average I Do’ can bring in props and styling galore to create the look you want. And Tony Dunn can fill the room with seasonal blooms whether it’s autumnal mini orange trees or colourful summer florals.
And you don’t need to stop at the visuals. You can really add the "Wow!" factor to your ceremony by using a celebrant to write something bespoke for you and your partner. This can bring your ideas to life and leave your guests smiling for all the right reasons.
The main ceremony rooms can seat up to 90 guests and are transformed into your reception space afterwards. On a warm, sunny day there is an attractive outdoor wedding gazebo which can be decorated with flowers to make it extra special for your ceremony.
We then had dinner in one of their exquisite meeting rooms. The food was divine and they didn’t bat an eyelid at the sudden appearance of an additional person in our party or the late addition of a vegetarian meal. Helen and her team appeared cool, calm and professional throughout. It was a joyful evening and I felt like we had all been properly looked after. Definitely one to short-list for your Sussex wedding venue.
Alexander Hotels has five hotels including Langshott Manor in Horley, Rowhill Grange in Kent, Barnett Hill in Guildford and Great Fosters in Egham.
Sam Goodchild is a Sussex-based Independent Celebrant inspiring you to add the "Wow!" factor to your ceremony! Whether you are getting married, renewing your vows or planning a baby naming, get in touch with Sam 07512 347498; email: sam@infinitelove.