Wedding FAQ’s

THE BAS I C S

If there is a coordinator, will they be there for the duration of the reception?

Martina our award-winning wedding coordinator will look after you right up to your special day.

Do you have a one wedding policy?

Yes, we only do one wedding per day.

Is the venue available for exclusive use?

The Venue is available for exclusive use including all accommodation at a cost.

What’s included in the packages?

All our packages include Arrivals food & Drink, Sumptuous five course Dinner with Wine, Evening Food & the fully decorated Ballroom.

How flexible are your packages?

While you can always add in extra’s we are always happy to make the packages as personal to you and what you want. You are
not confined to everything that’s in the package of your choice.

Do you have a wedding car at the hotel?

Yes, we have a wedding car available. It is included in our Oak package. If you would like to add it to your package, ask and we
can quote you. The car will pick the Bride or Groom (just one) up from the hotel or from home, take her to the church and then
take you both for pictures and back to the hotel.

CEREMONY

Do you have allocated spaces for Civil Ceremonies?

Yes, we have our Woodland Garden with our amazing stretch Tent. We also have our Stradbally Room which was the
Church when the presentation sister resided in the Manor House. The original Stained-Glass windows are still in place and are a
beautiful back drop to your wedding day.

What is the changeover plan for converting from ceremony to reception?

For an indoor ceremony we use our Stradbally Room. The Hermitage room is adjacent to it, so the tables for the reception
are set up there ready to be moved in once the ceremony is finished and the guests are attending the arrivals reception.

Are we allowed to have pets?

Yes, pets are allowed to participate in your ceremony. We have pet friendly accommodation on site also. Please mention this
when enquiring.

F O O D & W I N E

Is a complimentary menu and wine tasting included?

Yes, all our wedding packages for 80 guests and above include a complimentary menu & wine tasting for the couple. Additional guests or additional tastings are charged accordingly.

When does our Wedding tasting take place?

Your tasting takes place a few months before your wedding. You will be offered a date in advance.

How much wine/champagne/ tea & coffee is included per person?

Each package includes different offerings to suit different requirements. Arrivals for all our packages include flutes of prosecco
and freshly brewed tea/coffee for all guests. Wine with dinner is included in each package but varies per package. Freshly brewed tea & coffee is included for all guests for the meal and afters food in all packages.

Wine choices – what are the wine choices and what are the upgrade costs?

We offer a carefully selected choice of house red and house white wine as part of your package. If you would like to upgrade,
we have a wine list available with a wide range of carefully selected wines. Upgrade costs vary depending on your selection,
and our team will be happy to provide options and pricing.

Do you do corkage? if so what is the charge?

Yes, corkage is available on request. Enquire at the time of booking for the different rates of corkage.

What time is the meal served?

Usually, the bell call is 5pm to be seated at 5.30pm but we are happy to work with you to suit your evening.

Do you cater for special dietary requirements? Coeliac? Vegan?

Yes, once we know in advance the chef will amend the menu to cater to any guests dietary requirements.

What are our options For Day 2?

We can host BBQ, Buffet, or Finger food in our River rooms. Menu prices are available on request.

Is there late-night food option, what time is it served?

Yes, all our wedding packages include evening food. The selection varies per package.

Where is the cocktail hour or drinks reception served?

The arrivals reception is held in the reception area of the hotel, or it can be held in the stretch tent *additional cost applies*
(not available if in use for the ceremony)

Can we serve signature cocktails?

Yes, however there may be an additional cost depending on requirements

T H E R E C E P T I O N

What crockery/linen/cutlery is provided as part of the package?

Our house set of crockery, linen and cutlery will all be available to you on the day. If you prefer something different,
please bring this to our team at the time of your final wedding details.

Is any décor/stationary provided (menus, centrepieces, red carpet, flowers, cake stand)? Are there alternatives available?

Yes, we provide table menus, a red carpet arrival, a cake stand and knife, and a selection of centrepieces. Couples are welcome
to bring their own décor or work with external suppliers if they prefer a different look.

If you want to set up and decorate the venue the day before the wedding, can we gain access, what time?

This would be subject to availability. If the function room is not in use the evening before there is absolutely no problem.

T H E W E D D I N G P A R T Y

Where does the band set up? Where is the dancefloor, how big is it? Does anything to be moved to create the dancefloor?

The band sets up where the top table is (Window area). The dance floor is a permanent fixture in the middle of the Stradbally
Room. So, we also move any tables on the floor once the meal is over.

Does the venue have a sound system, or does it have to be rented?

Yes, we have a built-in sound system.

Can the band set up beforehand or does it have to be done during changeover?

Bands usually set up during the changeover between the meal and evening reception. If the space is available earlier, we will
try to facilitate early access.

Do you have microphones in the venue for speeches?

Yes, we have a roving microphone.

Can I hook a phone or laptop to your sound system?

Yes, but check in advance with us.

Is there a late bar? Is there a charge for a bar extension?

Yes, the bar extension is included in all packages.

What is the capacity of the ballroom?

Our ballroom can fit up to 200 guests in the Stradbally area of the function room and up to 260 guests in the Hermitage area.
(Bar area) is used as well.

When do you need the final numbers and table plan?

We will ask for your final numbers at least a week before the wedding. Please be advised – once we get your final number this
is the amount of meals chef will prep for, therefore we cannot drop the price of guests you are paying for, should you have
drop-outs the day of the wedding. We will also need your table plan as well. We will print your table plan for you.

ACCOMMODATION

Is the bridal suite included in the price? Are complimentary rooms provided for the parents or any of the wedding party?

All packages include the bridal suite as a complimentary room on the wedding night. Depending on your package, the two
other complimentary rooms are subject to the 20 rooms in the hotel being booked by wedding guests.

What accommodation does the venue offer, will there be discounted rates for guests at the wedding?

We have 20 Bedrooms in the main manor house. Adjacent to the Manor House we have our Garden Lodges. The Garden Lodges
consist of 2 ensuite bedrooms upstairs with a living room and Kitchenette downstairs. So, in total we have 62 bedrooms. Yes, we offer a wedding rate for wedding guests.

Are there B&Bs and other hotels in the area for guests? Can you provide a list?

Yes, we have a local B&B on our list of alternate accommodation. We also offer rooms in our sister Hotel ‘’The Castletroy Park Hotel’’ who are based in Castletroy just a 15 minute drive away if they need extra accommodation.

Are there reliable taxi companies in the area?

Yes, we have a list of taxi numbers available in reception.

What time is Check in/ Check out?

Check in is from 3pm onwards and check out is 11am. Breakfast 7am – 10:00am.

Can we block book rooms for guests? If so, how long can they be held for?

We automatically hold the 20 rooms in the main House, when you book your wedding with us. We ask the couple if they
would like to allocate the rooms in the main House so that your close family and the Bridal party are accommodated before
other guests. If you wish to hold more than 20 rooms, the Garden suites can be added also. All rooms not named 6 weeks
out from your wedding will be released to the public. We will let you know before we release them, and you can obtain your
rooming list at any time

F A C I L I T I E S

Can the bridal party get ready at the venue?

Yes, we can offer one of the Garden Lodges for the Bridal party to get ready. The downstairs area gives you loads of space. Alternatively, if there is no wedding the night before we will try and allocate you the Bridal Suite.

Is the venue child friendly? What facilities are available for entertaining children?

Yes, we are child-friendly. We can provide children’s meals, highchairs, and have family rooms available. We have a list of
babysitting services that we have contacts with and pass on to guests.

Is there a lift/facilities/access for elderly guests or those with a disability?

Yes, we have a lift in the main manor house which brings guest to the first floor

Is there enough parking for my guests and is it free?

Yes, we have ample parking which is complimentary – this includes coach parking and wheelchair access parking.

Is there somewhere secure to store wedding gifts?

We can provide the Wishing Well for cards, that is securely locked, and it will be moved to the Bridal Suite for security after
the wedding. We recommend that gifts are given to one of the bridal parties. Members of staff do not take or accept any gifts
on behalf of the wedding couple from wedding guests. The hotel does not take responsibility for any gifts or wedding cards.

Does the venue have public liability insurance?

Yes, the hotel holds full public liability insurance.

F I N A N C I A L

Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?

You will see the payment plan at the bottom of your contract. You calculate the price of your package by the number of guests
attending. We ask for 70% of the overall bill before the wedding day. The payments begin with the non- refundable deposit,
then 50% 6 months out and finally 70% 1 month from your wedding. However, if you want to pay more/ before that’s completely
up to you. You can pay by bank transfer, Cheque, payment Link or by cash.

When does the deposit need to be paid?

You can provisionally hold a date for 2 weeks without payment. To confirm the date, we ask for a €1,000 Non-refundable
deposit which officially holds the wedding. To confirm, we draw up the contracts, once they’re signed the wedding is officially
confirmed. We require an additional €900.00 deposit 12 weeks after booking to bring the deposit to €1900.00 non-refundable.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You will find all details of our cancellation policy in the ‘terms and conditions’ you will receive along with your contract. The €1900.00 deposit is non-refundable.

What costs are incurred if the numbers on the day differ to the final numbers?

Once your final numbers are confirmed (one week before your wedding), this is the figure our chef prepares for and the amount
charged. If guest numbers drop on the day, we cannot reduce the cost. If additional guests arrive, they will be charged at the
agreed per-person wedding package rate.

If you have any further questions or queries, please feel free to email Martina: weddings@castleoaks.ie