What can you expect from a Wootton Park wedding fayre? We sent our roving reporter on a quest to find out…
I arrived at Wootton Park at 11am and it was already buzzing. After passing through a beautiful archway covered in white scented blooms I headed straight to the barn, where the team were popping bubbly and handing out soft drinks and Love Hearts. Meanwhile, DJ Jon was playing upbeat tunes and getting us all into the party mood. Guests were milling about, chatting and sampling the freebies.
The event felt very relaxed, with sunny weather adding to the atmosphere. Many couples had brought along family and friends and were taking the opportunity to explore the venue and meet lots of different wedding suppliers in one place.
There were around 20 suppliers altogether, dotted around the barn and grounds, offering just about everything you might want at your wedding. I’ve added the complete list below, but to give a flavour, I chatted with entertainers, stylists, musicians, caterers, honeymoon planners, pet chaperones, photographers and more.
When I asked bride-to-be Holly what she thought about the fayre she said it was a great way to get inspiration: “I’m getting married next year so I’m still looking at venues and suppliers. I’m really impressed by what I’ve seen here. I particularly enjoyed the fashion show – it was fun and I’ve now got a good idea about the kind of wedding dress I’d like.”
The fashion show was a real highlight. It was refreshing to see wedding dresses modelled by real women of all ages and sizes, with styles to suit everyone. There was a particularly loud cheer when one model lifted her lacy dress to reveal a pair of Doc Martens underneath. Yes, at Wootton Park you can be exactly the bride you want to be!
Food is a big part of any wedding, and those of us who love a free sample were in for a treat. While waiting for my freshly cooked fish and chips (just one of many street food options), I chatted with Caroline, who is getting married in August. Caroline explained that she and her partner live over an hour-and-a-half away from Wootton Park, but it was the only venue that ticked all her boxes: “I was searching and searching, and then Wootton Park popped up on Instagram. The lakeside ceremony area sold it for me. As soon as I arrived I said, ‘I’m getting married here.I’ve just sampled the pizza we’re having at our wedding – delicious – and it’s been nice to look around again so we can picture where everything will happen on the day.”
A big takeaway from the event was that the suppliers have a real passion for what they do and are full of helpful advice. Chris, a registrar from Warwickshire Registration Service, encourages couples to personalise their ceremony: “Include readings and music that mean something to you both,” she suggested, adding that registrars are happy to do readings if couples don’t want to ask family and friends.
I also caught up with Wootton Park’s resident mixologists, who were busy making cocktails and mocktails. We talked about what makes a good cocktail: high-quality, fresh ingredients and strictly no ready-made mixes. One fun suggestion for couples was to each have a signature cocktail, then ask guests to pick their favourite, sparking a bit of friendly competition.
My conversations with suppliers summed up what was so good about the wedding fayre: everyone was eager to share their knowledge in a fun and friendly way, with zero pressure. It was a really enjoyable (and very professionally-run) event that showcased exactly what Wootton Park and their partners are all about: helping couples plan their best day ever.
Keep an eye out for the next wedding fayre on the Wootton Park website. Or contact the team to arrange your own private viewing.
📍 Book a tour
Now here’s that full list of suppliers I promised:
Alison Ainsworth (celebrant)
Alison creates ceremonies that are totally focused on your love story. One suggestion I particularly loved was ‘warming’ your wedding bands by passing them through the congregation first.
Amy Takes Photos
Relaxed, candid photos are Amy’s speciality. How did she get that couple laughing and looking so natural? I wondered. “I asked him to whisper his favourite vegetable in his sexiest voice,” explained Amy.
Aphrodite Bridal
We saw stunning wedding dresses from Aphrodite Bridal modelled on the Wootton Park catwalk. From tulle and beading to classic satin, the fashion show was a celebration of bridal loveliness.
Daisy & Co
How do you fancy an ice cream bike with 35 different varieties, all of them divine (personal fave: toffee fudge)? Or popcorn, candy floss, chocolate fountains, a bar in a horsebox… Memorable quote from Tia at Daisy & Co: “I love it here at Wootton Park. It’s gorgeous!”
Food Genie
Crisply battered fish or halloumi with chips, gourmet burgers, whippy ice cream: traditional British street food with a delicious twist is on offer from Food Genie, all served with a smile from a cute van.
Jester Styles
A charismatic MC and close-up magician all in one, Jester Styles keeps the day on track while entertaining your guests with metal bending, mind reading, fire magic, hypnosis and even pickpocketing.
Marianne Taviner
Renowned wedding stylist Marianne dressed Wootton Park for the occasion. Combining subtle neutrals with pops of spring colour gave it a real ‘wow’ factor. Check out Marianne’s blog for more styling tips.
ONSET DJs
It’s no surprise that DJ Jon kept the party going all day – as West Midlands Wedding DJ of the year for two years running, he knows how to work a room. And he always gets the groom on the dancefloor.
Paws2Party
Whether you’d like your dog to be part of the ceremony or just to be there on your big day, Paws2Party can get them wedding ready and then chaperone them for you. Chihuahua in a tutu? Poodle in a pink tuxedo? They’ve got you covered.
Peter Posh
Seriously stylish suiting was on display, complete with accessories – all available to hire or buy. I loved their green tweed suit, paired with a floral tie: the perfect combination for a Wootton Park wedding.
Pizza Pavillion (based at Wootton Park)
Introducing Warwickshire’s finest stonebaked pizzas, freshly baked on Wootton Park’s own terrace-with-a-view. Jason’s been doing this for five years, so you know you’re in safe hands.
Planet Booths
Photo booths are huge fun, and with Planet Booths you get a professional-quality photo printed on the spot – a great talking point and a memento for guests to take home. Crazy props or simple glamour? You decide.
Poppy K Photography
Photography and content creation go hand in hand with Poppy K. The day after your wedding you’ll get video clips and a highlights reel that you can share on your socials, so there’s no need to wait weeks to see your photos.
Richard Paul Menswear
With 300 years of collective experience, the guys at Richard Paul know wedding suits inside out. Bonus: their Stratford-upon-Avon showroom is decked out as a gentlemen’s clubhouse, so you can feel the vibe while looking the part.
Sparkle Event Styling
“We take the stress away from your day,” say Yasmin and Adam. They offer styling packages but if you’d rather dress the venue yourself and just want to hire a few bits you’ll be pleased to hear there’s no minimum spend.
Spin Spin Sugar
What’s the secret to a delicious wedding cake? “Don’t compromise on quality,” says Allison.
