A very hearty hello to everyone!
1pm Wedding Service
First of all, we hope you have a safe and easy journey to the church. There will be some parking immediately in front, but please leave space for the wedding car and priority parking. Most parking will be in the field next door – look out for these signs:
The church will be open all day so do come in if you’re a bit early. (And Esther is usually very timely, so we will be starting at 1pm prompt…)
Approx 2pm: After the service, please head straight to the reception at Wythall. We will make a few formal photos at the church and catch you up. Pimms and cream tea will be awaiting you.
Unless bad weather makes it unsuitable, parking will be in the field next to Wythall marked on the directions map. Look out for more of the same signs! In case of bad weather we will switch to Plan B. Please talk to Jean-Paul or Mirjam for details.
While you enjoy the cream tea and explore the Estate a little, we will have a few more photos taken. We’re keeping formal pictures to a minimum, though, so do please snap away and share any fun pics with us after. Help yourself to the goodies from the Cookie Bar (!), or any drinks. There will also be some model aeroplanes for younger guests to muck about with. Running about on the grass is entirely permitted, but do watch out for the pond – it’s very cold and quite deep.
5pm Speeches and Toasts
Please take your seats and charge your glasses for the traditional English mixture of sentiment, embarrassment and foolishness.
5.30pm Dinner
We have a medley of different curries for you to enjoy, with homemade chutneys and sides. Please check the labels if you would like guidance on spiciness or allergens. This will be followed by some sumptuous summer desserts and cheeses.
7.30pm Sketches
This Dutch tradition has some of the same function of the speeches – to make fun of the bridal party and look silly doing it. We have no idea what’s coming…
8pm Barn Dance
Musical fun for everyone from the splendid Black Velvet band!
9pm Cutting the Cake
Our homemade fruitcake to an old family recipe. We’ve been feeding it brandy for months, so if you weren’t dancing already, you might be now.
9.30pm More Barn Dance! More! More!
10.30pm Departure of the Bride and Groom
Though we will be sad to go, it’s time to wave good bye.
11pm Close
We haven’t imposed a strict curfew, but by now you may be tired and foot-sore. We wish you a very good night, and lots of fun memories to look back on.
If you have not already arranged your transport back to your hotel, there are several good taxis companies based nearby. A trip to Ross should cost £10-15 depending on exact location and time of departure.
S&R Taxis are local and friendly: 01989 566246 or Google suggests these others, too.
Rose & van Raamsdonk 