Weddings at St Giles House, Dorset
Escape to St Giles
Joining a selection of hand picked luxury UK Wedding Planners, we were recently invited to St Giles House wedding venue, in Dorset for the inaugural “Escape to St Giles” FAM trip, which allowed us all to experience first-hand, the charm of this beautiful wedding venue. Every aspect of our visit to St. Giles was carefully curated to inspire us, allowing us to share with our couples the truly magical essence of this wedding venue. Escape to St Giles promised to be a wonderful event, blending the rich history and charm of this historic estate with the expertise and creativity of leading figures within the UK wedding industry. VIP guests were invited to a truly immersive experience, showcasing the beauty of the venue and the talents of renowned wedding professionals who were involved in planning the event and networking with fellow wedding planners in attendance. From breathtaking floral arrangements, exquisite culinary delights and the most fabulous events team, St Giles House really is a special wedding venue, with a focus on luxury and sophistication, ensuring a memorable celebration for you and your guests.
Lunch at St Giles
We arrived in time for a delicious lunch in the Library, which was dressed with a newly designed pop up bar and elegant furniture from House of Furn. Guests were welcomed with delightful cocktails expertly crafted by Cartails and the catering was flawlessly provided by the esteemed Rhubarb Hospitality. We know Rhubarb well and are lucky enough to have worked with the team at several weddings and parties over the years and, as always, the food was absolutely delicious. It is the first time that we have met Cartails and we will certainly be recommendeding them for future events that we plan. The lunch menu, inspired by classic Asian flavors, offered guests a culinary journey that delighted the senses. From the tantalizing beef tartare to the perfectly crispy salmon on rice and the rich flavors of the kimchi-braised short rib, each dish was a work of art in itself, perfectly complementing the setting and allowing us to mix and mingle, as you would at a wedding or party.
Martha & the Meadow dressed the house with elegant floral displays, drawing on the colour palette of the House. The deep purple tones of the ranunculus and hellebore flowers harmonized beautifully with the leather bindings of the Library's bookcases, creating a cohesive and visually striking look, showcasing the beauty and versatility of St Giles House as a wedding and event venue.
Following lunch, we moved to the drawing rooms for continued conversation and reflection. Make Work Play facilitated an interactive workshop on 'the challenges of the events industry' and encouraged guests to engage in honest and meaningful discussions, we shared our diverse experiences and perspective on our wonderful wedding world. This honest exchange between some of the best Wedding Planners in the UK allowed for a deeper understanding of the various challenges faced within the industry, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among all of the attendees. It was a joy to be surrounded by like minded wedding planners in such stunning surroundings.
Dinner Party at St Giles
Later in the evening, we joined Lord Shaftesbury in the Great Dining Room, where Justin Langham, owner of renowned Langham Wine Estate, welcomed guests with the first of the evening’s wine pairings. Dinner was served by candlelight against the dramatic backdrop exposed brick & rustic panelling in the gorgeous dining room and with each course, we enjoyed a perfectly paired glass of finest English wine.
Starter
Foraged mushrooms and lemon thyme tart was enjoyed with the rich Culver Classic Cuvée
Main Course
Creedy Carver duck and salt-baked crapaudine beetroot with the classic Blanc de Blancs
Dessert
Elderflower buttermilk & vanilla mousse with roasted strawberries with Langhams Rosé
My bedroom for the evening was in the main house, the beautiful Rose Room with dual aspact windows offering views over the 5,500 acres of the estate. Upon returning from dinner (don’t ask what time, us wedding planners know how to party!) there was a thoughtful White Company Sleep Set and Diptyque Candle gift left on the pillow. Following a restful nights sleep, we all gathered for breakfast, before heading back to our offices.We are so lucky to be invited to experience some incredible venues throughout the UK and the world and I have to say, St Giles was a real treat and I genuinely hope to plan a wedding there soon.
Head of Hospitality and Events at St Giles House, Olivia O’Sullivan said;
“My goal in hosting this ‘Escape to St Giles’ was to learn more about the life of a planner and how we can make theirs easy, starting with the initial meeting with a couple and ending with the actual delivery on the day. We wanted them to experience the magic of St. Giles so I understood that inviting a group of elite wedding planners to come see us would not only guarantee us a chance to make new friends, but also provide these gifted people a chance to unwind and socialise with their colleagues. I cannot thank everyone enough for making it such a special day.”
Thank you to the team for a fabulous event
Photo Credits: Imogen Xiana & Camila Arnold
Plan & Concept: St Giles House with Couture Events
Catering: Rhubarb Hospitality Collection
Flowers: Martha & the Meadow
Furniture Hire: House of Furn
Stationery Design: Liv Laermann
Workshop Mediator: Make Work Play
Wine Pairing: Langham Wine Estate
Looping Violinist: Joel Grainger
Production: Cintemattag
Mixologists: Cartails
Candles: Diptyque
Sleep Sets: The White Company