Apart from looking for what to wear on the big day, I have to say hunting for the perfect venue has been a highlight for me (and I hope the other half too) throughout the wedding planning process. Just to see what's actually out there, and what you can do with a room, is tres exciting.
As I mentioned in my first gay wedding post, our initial plan, way back when, was to have everything outside of London. A cute little barn in the winter, at night. Alas, things change, and with them, the venue and the location. After all, London ain't so bad. So on the hunt we went. Our first stop, Shakespeare's Globe.
Now, me and the other half have done our own little opinion review at the end of this post, but just to stress, it's our own thoughts, you must go and see the space, and all the venues I talk about on here, to see if it's truly what you want.
So Shakespeare's Globe, steeped in British history and an impressive building on the South Bank. Unfortunately there was work being done on the outside, so the scaffolding prevented it looking like the above picture, but that should all be finished now I think.
The Balcony Room, the first space we were shown, is basically in the attic and is typically where the ceremony is held, should you wish to be married in the venue as well. It's a nice space, with a great view over the river and London. You can also have your meal up there too, if you so wish, although having seen it, I don't think I'd want to eat up there... it was a little impersonal, although dressed well, it would look fab.
Up in the Balcony Room, you could really be anywhere in London. You don't get a sense that you are, in fact, in a gorgeous replica of the original Globe Theatre.
Capacities are:
Dining: 70
Standing: 120
The Underglobe is the venue's pièce de résistance. Quite literally it is under the Globe, and MASSIVE too. There's a big fake tree, sweeping staircase (for all those drag queens to stomp down), pillars, lovely features, a mezzanine level and, to our amazement, the exhibition space that can actually be open for your guests. Not that that was a particularly big selling point.
Capacities are:
Dining: up to 300
Standing reception/party: up to 450
You'll see from the pictures that it is a vast space. Much to big for our 200ish guests, and let me tell you, I never thought I'd say that! However, there are options. There are floor-to-ceiling white sheets that can be pulled across to section off parts of the room so it's a smaller space. However, doing this meant we'd lose part of the tree, not really ideal as it's an amazing feature.
Obviously you can just leave it as is, but you run the risk of having empty space during the evening. If you have lots of guests though, it would look brilliant.
So now some numbers (all apart from room hire are per head)
The room hire for the Balcony room and Underglobe is: £10,800 including VAT (2013 prices)
A good dinner package is: £69 including VAT
Two glasses of prosecco is: £33 including VAT
1/2 a bottle of wine is: £20.64 including VATAnd a standing reception canape menu was around: £18 including VATIncluded in the room hire price are all of the following:
- A dedicated Event Planner and Operations Manager
- Access to our ‘little black book’ to our suppliers, from florists to photographers
- A contribution to The Shakespeare Globe Theatre Trust
- A private, manned cloakroom and private bathrooms
- All furniture, linen and crockery (including elegant glassware, candelabras and tea lights)
- Styled waiting staff (hmmm, I'll be the judge of that!)
About the food, you HAVE to use the Swan Restaurant (attached to the venue). No outside caterers allowed, although I presume if you and your guests are strictly Kosher or Halal then they might allow this. The Swan cater all big functions held at the Globe. All their food is of traditional British style, to be in keeping with the Globe and its history. This was when we decided it was a no go for us as we wanted some flexibility. You should have seen the event manager's face when I said we wanted sushi and Greek mezze. NOT impressed.Here's a sample menu, I have no bloody idea what angels on horseback are, but I personally don't want them anywhere near my wedding...
Like I said before, you must go and see The Globe. It is a great space if it's something traditionally British you were after. See more on their website hereHere is the other half and my opinions and ratings... 