10 Things to Consider When Planning Your Wedding Day
At the enchanting Hensol Castle in South Wales, an exclusive Grade I listed treasure, we’ve had the privilege of bringing countless fairytale weddings to life. Our experienced wedding coordinators are here to make your day unforgettable.
Here are 10 things to consider when planning your wedding day to ensure every detail runs smoothly.
1. Set Your Wedding Budget and Stick to It!
Before anything else, decide how much you can realistically spend. Your budget will shape every decision, from your venue and catering to the dress and décor.
At Hensol Castle, we understand that every couple’s vision (and budget) is unique. That’s why we offer a range of flexible options to help you make your fairytale day a reality, including reduced venue hire during off-peak seasons and our enchanting winter wedding offers. With thoughtful packages designed to suit a variety of budgets, your castle wedding can be every bit as magical as you imagined.
Pro tip: Create a simple spreadsheet to track spending and deposits. Overspending in one area often means cutting back in another.
2. Choose a Special Wedding Venue
Your venue sets the tone for your entire day. Whether you want timeless elegance, fairy-tale romance, or modern luxury, choosing a unique wedding venue will make your celebration stand out.
At Hensol Castle, our 17th-century castle, sweeping grounds, and beautiful lake make for a truly special wedding venue. With both historic charm and modern facilities, it’s the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding. Learn more about our wedding spaces and how we can help you design a day that’s uniquely yours.
3. Think About Your Wedding Table Plan
Your wedding table plan is more than just seating – it’s about creating an atmosphere where guests can relax and mingle. Consider grouping people by shared interests or mutual friends.
Our experienced team at Hensol Castle can help you design the perfect setup for your reception, whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a grand banquet.
4. Book Accommodation Early
If you have guests travelling from afar, accommodation is an important part of your wedding planning. At Hensol Castle, you won’t have to worry - our 23 luxurious bedrooms are included in your wedding package, providing the perfect place for your closest family and friends to stay onsite.
With elegant, comfortable rooms just steps from your celebration, your guests can truly relax and enjoy the full experience - no taxis, no travel, just a magical night in a historic Welsh castle. For larger parties, additional accommodation is also available nearby at our sister venue, the Vale Resort, making Hensol Castle an ideal choice for weddings with guests coming from all over.
5. Send Out Save the Dates
Once your venue is booked and your guest list finalised, it’s time to send your save the dates. Doing this at least 9–12 months in advance gives guests time to plan, especially if people must travel or your date is during peak seasons.
Make sure your design reflects your theme and venue – castle weddings deserve a touch of royal flair!
6. Consider Wedding Insurance
Wedding insurance may not be the most exciting part of planning, but it’s one of the most important. It can cover unforeseen issues like supplier cancellations, weather disruptions, or venue problems.
Peace of mind is priceless when it comes to your wedding day.
7. Plan Your Food and Drink Early
The food and drink you serve will be one of the highlights of your day, so it’s important to discuss your options with your venue early on.
At Hensol Castle, our in-house head chef and culinary team have created an exceptional selection of menus designed to delight every guest. From elegant canapés to beautifully prepared wedding breakfasts, each dish is crafted and served with care on your special day.
8. Personalise Your Celebration with the Hensol Castle Distillery
Your wedding day should be a reflection of you as a couple - and at Hensol Castle, there
are so many ways to make it truly personal. One of the most popular touches is incorporating our very own Hensol Castle Distillery, located in the castle’s historic cellars.
Start your wedding celebration early in the most unforgettable way. Deep beneath the historic Hensol Castle lies our stylish Distillery Bar, an intimate, trend-setting space perfect for gathering your nearest and dearest the night before you say “I do.”
As part of your wedding package, you’ll also receive Hensol Castle gin, rum, or vodka miniatures, lovingly crafted onsite by our expert distillers. These premium spirits make wonderful wedding favours, giving your guests a unique memento of your day that’s exclusive to Hensol Castle.
9. Think About the Flow of Your Day
Having a good timeline in place helps your whole day run smoothly. It’s worth thinking about how long each part will take - from your ceremony and drinks reception to the wedding breakfast and dancing the night away.
At Hensol Castle, our wedding coordinators know the venue inside out and will work with you to plan timings that feel natural and relaxed. They’ll help make sure everything flows perfectly, so you can enjoy every moment of your castle celebration without any stress.
10. Enjoy the Process!
Amidst all the planning, remember to take a step back and enjoy the journey. Your wedding day is a reflection of your love story – so make it fun, personal, and uniquely you.
At Hensol Castle, we believe in creating magical, stress-free weddings that couples and guests remember for a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day should be everything you’ve dreamed of – beautiful, stress-free, and filled with love. With the right planning, the perfect venue, and expert support from our wedding planners in Cardiff and South Wales, your vision can become reality.
Ready to start planning your dream day?
Contact our wedding team today to book a private tour of Hensol Castle – where fairytale weddings come true.