Based on the most recent government update, we are delighted that we are now allowed to host Ceremonies & Receptions for 15 guests, with this increasing to 30 from 17th May (subject to review).
We will continue to react to any up to date information and keep helping our couples as much as possible.
In an effort to keep you updated and informed, we have outlined some Frequently Asked Questions below which we hope are helpful:
We will continue to react to the advice, instructions and orders of Local and National Government, the World Health Organisation and Public Health England. Please keep checking this page for further updates.
You can find up to date information here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ and here: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
This is a developing situation, and advice may change. Please keep checking this page, and official Government pages, for more information.
What happens if our wedding is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic?
If your wedding is affected by Covid-19 we will contact you directly to discuss your options as soon as we can and discuss how you would like to proceed. Parklands want you to have the wedding you have been planning for and we will continue to work with each individual couple to find a solution that works for them.
How will we accommodate social distancing at our wedding?
Wedding guidelines are changing rapidly, and we understand that sometimes they’re confusing or appear contradictory especially when compared to what is allowed in other settings. This is frustrating for us all, but will continue to work through to understand them, and relay what they mean to you in real terms and support you wherever we can.
The current lower-than-usual capacity means that social distancing should be easier than initially thought. We ask that when planning your wedding reception, you follow guidelines and seat your guests at tables in their ‘households’ or ‘bubbles’. Elsewhere, guests should follow general social distancing advice wherever possible.
All guests will be required to wear face coverings in public areas of the venue, when not eating and drinking, and during the ceremony. Face coverings are not required for the couple during the ceremony.
As further guidelines are published, this advice may change – we will continue to keep you up to date.
How many guests can I have, and what is defined as a ‘wedding reception’?
In line with the current wedding guest restrictions, we can offer a ceremony and reception for 15/30 guests, including the couple. Registrars, photographers, videographers and venue staff are not included.
The Government have recently defined a wedding reception as a sit down meal, meaning that we will serve food and drinks to guests, rather than any self-service style options. Unfortunately bands and DJ will not be allowed under current guidelines. We have seen some lovely, imaginative alternative forms of entertainment in the evening to entertain guests.
When will the guidelines be updated, and when will the number of guests allowed change?
Based on the most recent government update, we are delighted that we are now allowed to host Ceremonies & Receptions for 15 guests, with this increasing to 30 from 17th May (subject to review).
What should I be doing now?
We would advise you to carry on and to continue to plan your special day.
This is a great opportunity to utilise any spare time you have to get ahead of your planning, and a lot of couples have found this to be a comfort and welcome distraction from current circumstances. We are on hand to offer meetings to discuss your wedding plans in detail, both virtually and in person at the venue. Please contact planning@quendonhall.co.uk to arrange this.
How are you making decisions for the future?
We are working to Government set guidelines and constantly awaiting more updates.
We are extremely conscious that this is a very difficult time for all couples, no matter when their wedding is due to take place and we are heartbroken and sympathetic to the concerns and uncertainty our couples are experiencing.
Should I still be paying for my wedding?
Yes. It is important that you continue to meet your wedding payment deadlines to ensure that we can assist you moving forwards. Payment of deposits form part of the contract we have with you and non-payment is a breach of that contract and could result in cancellation of your wedding date.
What is Quendon Hall's policy on postponement?
Our wedding postponement policy is simple if your wedding is prevented from going ahead due to a national or local lockdown put in place by the government because of Covid-19. At Quendon Hall, we will offer you the opportunity to choose a new available date for your special day with no additional charges (this will be a like-for-like date). We look forward to welcoming you back at a later date. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Do I require wedding insurance?
We strongly recommend that you take out wedding insurance for peace of mind and extra security.
I’ve had so many messages from worried guests who’ve booked travel and accommodation – what should I tell them?
Put yourself & your guests at ease regarding overnight wedding accommodation. If your friends and family have booked a room with us at Quendon Hall & your wedding date has changed due to unforeseen circumstances, we will automatically move their booking to your new date. So no need to worry, everything is on hand and dealt with by our specialist team.
Do you offer any elopment or 'marry now & celebrate later' packages?
We don’t specifically offer any elopement of ‘marry now & celebrate later’ packages, however, we are happy to discuss any ideas or requirements you may have to help bring your wedding-day vision to life. All of our quotes are tailored and bespoke to you, get in touch with our team & start planning your big day.
Will we be able to live stream the wedding? If so, will you facilitate the technology?
With the current restrictions, you may have to downsize your wedding guests fear not you, can still share your special day with those who can’t be there physically to celebrate with you. You can achieve this by live streaming your wedding to private groups or using video conference call-ins. If you would like to arrange this, please contact the team & we will be able to recommend some great solutions & companies to you.
What kind of cleaning and sanitation will be done prior to our event? What about during the event?
Keeping you and your guest safe and happy is a number one priority of ours, therefore, we have implemented a range of cleaning and sanitation measures. We have a dedicated full housekeeping team on-site at each of our venues, who will be completing deep cleans before and after every wedding. On the day of your wedding, we will also have a team cleaning and sanitising all hot spot areas throughout the day.
Can we set up hand sanitising stations or mobile hand-washing stations?
We have hand sanitising stations positioned around the wedding venue, helping to keep you are your guests safe. If you wish to add any additional sanitising stations, we are more than happy for you to do so.
What safety measures do you have in place for staff? (i.e. are there health / temperature checks upon arrival?)
Keeping you, your guests & our guests safe during your wedding day is a priority of ours. To do so, we have put several safety measures in place for all our staff. These can be seen below.
Return to work risk assessments will be carried out for all staff.
Online training modules on ‘Coronavirus Awareness’ and ‘Returning To Work’ will be completed by all staff before returning to work through our training partners at iHasco.
All staff will receive updated policies and procedures relating to Covid-19. Where appropriate, Personal Protective Equipment will be provided to team members.
Daily health checks including individual temperature checks and other symptoms will take place on all staff upon their arrival at work, and any staff displaying symptoms will not be permitted to work.
Additional handwashing procedures and records to be introduced within all departments. – Staff breaks and meal times will be staggered to avoid over-crowding in back-of-house areas and allow staff to safely distance at all times.
How can you encourage social distancing during the Reception Drinks, knowing that we will have clusters of people?
We are lucky that Quendon Hall has plenty of wonderful outside grounds and several reception rooms for you and your guests to enjoy & occupy. These spaces help you to encourage and achieve social distancing between guests during your reception drinks.
If the event space is indoors, what kind of ventilation is available? Can we leave the doors and/or windows open?
If you are having an indoor wedding with us, we have made it a priority to ensure good ventilation is available. We have lots of windows and doors that can be opened to create a well-ventilated space lots of our windows and doors open out onto our beautiful gardens and grounds.
What is the traffic flow like for guests? Is it possible to set up "one-way" doors for entrances and exits? Do you have an event space with automatic doors?
With safety measures and precautions at the front of our minds, we can absolutely provide a traffic flow system for you and your guests that consists of ‘one-way’ doors for entrances and exits. If this is something your would like to incorporate into your big day, please speak to your wedding planner & they will create a tailored plan based on your requirements.
Will we need to add tables to accommodate our guests safely? Will there be additional costs associated with that?
If you are required to increase social distancing measures during your wedding breakfast and need extra tables to accommodate guests safely, we will not charge you for any additional tables required, however, you will need to remember to let your florist know if you have hired centrepieces.