Weddings
Planning a wedding is a major task with many things to be considered. We are here to help and advise on all aspects of your wedding reception including, if required, details on wedding etiquette.
Your wedding is a unique occasion for you both and is very important for family and friends. When organising your wedding reception we shall be happy to take into consideration any special request that you may have and we shall give the occasion the individual attention to detail that you would wish for such an important personal event.
The Rutland Arms offers a charming setting for wedding receptions. Dating back to 1804, this lovely building has seen the happy beginnings of many marriages and has played host to many important Bakewell events and celebrations.
Larger wedding receptions are held in the main restaurant, whilst smaller parties may be more comfortable in the smaller function room known as the ‘Emerald’ room. Both of these rooms are located on the ground floor adjacent to the lounges, which provide pleasant places for your guests to draw breath to sit and have a quiet chat.
We are proud of our high standard of cuisine, which has been rewarded with a coveted AA rosette, and we have compiled an interesting wine list to account for varying tastes and pockets.
Many aspects of your wedding day are covered below, but if there are any further questions that you may have, or alternative menu ideas to consider, please feel free to get in touch and we will be pleased to help. If you have already set a date for your wedding it may be an idea to pencil this into our diary provisionally in order to avoid disappointment.
Rachel Goodwin looks forward to discussing your plans with you in more detail and we hope that you will regard us as your friends, here to give you all the help you and advice you may require to assist in the smooth running of your very special day.
Planning the Reception
We have included these notes to assist in your planning so that when your wedding day comes, all will be in place for a memorable and happy occasion.
Organising the Reception
For many people arranging a reception can be a daunting prospect. At the Rutland we are happy to assist with planning for your reception and hope that you will draw on our extensive experience.
The first step is to arrange a meeting with our wedding coordinators who will show you our facilities and talk to you both through your needs and requirements, such as numbers, budget, table layouts, drinks and menus.
The Perfect Reception
At the reception the usual line-up waiting to greet the guests is as follows: the bride's parents, followed by the bridegroom's parents, then the bride and bridegroom and lastly the bridesmaids and best man.
The line-up ensures that both families have the opportunity to speak to all the guests. But, conversation should be kept to a polite minimum as the queue can become unwieldy.
Most receptions begin with an aperitif of sherry or champagne served before the meal.
Include non-alcoholic alternatives for children and those who are driving.
Choosing your Room
Our light and airy ballroom can accommodate up to 150 guests depending on the style of reception or meal you are planning. We are happy to advise on the most suitable lay out for your event.
The Emerald Room is ideal for smaller gatherings where the guest list numbers are 30 or less.
There will be a room hire charge which will vary depending on your type of wedding.
Toasts and Speeches
These would normally take place at the end of the meal and would accompany the cutting and distribution of the wedding cake.
The following is the usual order of proceedings:
- The bride and bridegroom cut the cake.
- Toast to "The bride and bridegroom". This is normally proposed by the brides father or a close relative or friend of the family.
- Toast to "The bridesmaids". This is always proposed by the bridegroom following his response to the toast
- The best man would then respond to the bridegroom's speech on behalf of the bridesmaids. He would also read the telegrams to the guests.
Choosing your Menu
During the last four years and due to the expertise of our chef we are extremely proud to have received an AA Rosette Award and Two RAC Dining Awards for our cuisine.
A variety of menus are offered. Please Click Here of Details.
If there is a dish that you do not see listed, but you would like to feature on your menu please ask and we shall be happy to oblige.
Bar Facilities
Drinks packages are listed on our menu page.
The hotel's comfortable lounge bar is available for your guests. Drinks can be served on a cash basis or may be charged to an account.
For larger parties a private function bar is available at a cost of £50 for the evening.
Entertainment
We can arrange various forms of entertainment for your wedding breakfast and/or evening reception. Live music in the form of a dance band or group, pianist or disco. Prices vary accordingly.
Accommodation for your Guests
The Rutland Arms Hotel has 35 en-suite bedrooms with colour TV, tea and coffee making facilities, clock radio, direct dial telephone and baby listening service. Please see our accommodation pages for more details.
We would advise early booking to avoid disappointment.
Deposits
Deposits are required as follows:
- An initial deposit of £100 is required within two weeks of making your provisional booking.
- A further 20% of the estimated cost is the due one month before, or if the occasion is booked more than a year in advance then the 20% is due six months before.
The balance being due on or up to 14 days after the day of your wedding.
Should you decide to cancel for any reason this will result in the loss of your deposit.
