Thinking of a wedding at Restoration Yard in Dalkeith Country Park? Set in wonderfully re-imagined 18th Century stables just a few miles from Edinburgh in Midlothian, Restoration Yard really is the perfect setting for your dream wedding. It’s a unique place to have some fun and let your imaginations run wild!
We know choosing a venue and planning your big day can be a little overwhelming, so we aim to make your experience as relaxed and easy as possible. Enter Thea Nichols, our friendly Wedding & Events Coordinator here to make your special dream wedding at Restoration Yard a reality…
THEA’S BACKGROUND
“I started off in hospitality eight years ago in a restaurant in the West End of Edinburgh and I found myself drawn to special occasions and organising events. I decided that this was where my obsessive spreadsheet making, colour coding and love of to do lists would best be served so my next move was to a hotel in East Lothian as Wedding and Events Coordinator. Fast Forward a few years, and a few different venues I now find myself in the best possible place for all things weddings and special events, Restoration Yard. The relaxed and truly personalised approach, makes this such a lovely place to work as I can remember each wedding I have done here because each one is just as memorable as the people that choose to get married here.”
What are your top 10 tips for couples?
1. Personalise it
Think of ways to bring both your personalities into the day. Guests really appreciate those personal touches that bring that unique to you element to the whole day. Keepsakes they can take away or ways in which they can add their own experience of your day – a book or a frame with a beautiful pen where they can note down their wishes for you both is always a hit.
2. Embrace the madness
No matter how much planning has gone into the day, there will always be a few small things that don’t go to plan on the day, but that is okay! No panic. Wedding coordinators are designed to flex and adapt. Often those glitches turn it treasured memories of a fun-filled day full of love.
3. All you need is love
The main goal on your wedding day is to marry your best friend – don’t lose sight of that! Nothing else really matters. So don’t sweat the small stuff and allow yourself to enjoy the whole experience from the day of your engagement right the way through your big day.
4. Go with your gut
Everyone will have an opinion on what you should have on your day, but be true to yourselves. Try to shut out all the noise of other peoples’ thoughts on how your big day should be.
5. Listen to the experts
Listen and work with your vendors and venue, they do countless weddings a year so will probably have some good advice. From the bridal boutique to the hairdressers and florists, these guys are a wealth of knowledge. Don’t discount their thoughts on even the littlest of details. Soak it up.
6. It’s all about you
Think about what you both want for the day FIRST, and then think about things from your guests’ perspective. What did you enjoy at other weddings and events. Can you bring a little of that experience to your day.
7. Be as wacky as you like
Don’t be shy if your plans aren’t the ‘norm’ – your suppliers and vendors will be happy to make your day personal to you. The more unusual the better! That’s what memories are made of.
8. See the bigger picture
Remember that marriage is not just one day, it is all the days that follow too so don’t stress yourselves out for the sake of one perfect day.
9. Bring everyone together
Plan activities for your guests to do – standing around and chatting is great ‘n’ all but giving both sides of the family some common ground is always a plus.
10. And most of all…
. . . Have fun planning!
. . . and any advice on what not to do?
The biggest mistake I’ve encountered being a wedding coordinator is time management, because there is so much to fit into one day.
I think people forget that time is still limited just like any other day. I would always recommend working in buffer points through the course of the day so, for example, if your photos take a bit longer, it isn’t a problem.
This being said, don’t forget to make sure you also take time to just be with each other. I always make sure that my couples have time to themselves whether this be five minutes whilst we’re getting all the guests seated or a walk together after the meal – these are the moments you will remember from your wedding day – being alone together and saying ‘Hey, we’re Married!’
Final words of wedding advice?
Do what makes you both happy!
Planning a wedding? We’d love to hear from you!
Whether you’re looking for a fairytale outdoor wedding ceremony in our historic Orangerie or at the local St Mary’s Church; A reception on the lawn, in The Kitchen or even a marquee in the grounds. There are so many options for a wedding at Restoration Yard and we’re here to help you plan your perfect day every step of the way. Download our wedding brochure HERE or email thea@restorationyard.com.
Photo credits to Craig Hayes, Ciara Menzies, Tamar Hope, Tony Marsh and Helen Pugh