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Afternoon Tea for Baby Showers, Birthdays and Small Celebrations

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:03:04 GMT

Afternoon Tea for Baby Showers, Birthdays and Small Celebrations

We serve afternoon tea Wednesday to Saturday, midday till five, and I'd guess more than half of those bookings are somebody's occasion. Baby showers mostly. Then birthdays with a nought on the end, christening lunches, retirements, hen parties wanting something civilised before the evening gets underway, and a steady trickle of groups who've decided Thursday deserves better than a sandwich at a desk.It took me a while to work out why it does the job for a group when a proper meal often doesn't, and the answer's just the format.

It's the shape of the meal that does it

A sit down lunch pins people in place. You get the two either side and the one opposite, for two hours, and if there are twelve of you then you'll speak to three of them and go home.

Afternoon tea is more informal. It all arrives at once, it sits in the middle, people help themselves. Nobody's waiting on a course, so you can get up, move, sit somewhere else, come back. At a baby shower where half the room has never met the other half, that's worth more than any amount of bunting. It's shorter, too. Two hours does it, which suits anyone with a school run, and it suits the guest who was never entirely sure about the whole business but will happily give you an afternoon.

About the deposit, before you're surprised by it

Groups of eight or more need a £10 per person deposit. We take card details about a week beforehand, and if a booking's cancelled with under 24 hours' notice, or people simply don't appear, we charge £10 a head. I'd sooner explain that than have it read as mean-spirited. Afternoon tea gets made for the number of people booked, scones baked, sandwiches cut, the china out. When a table of sixteen turns into a table of nine on the day, that food's gone, and we've also turned away another group who wanted the table. One summer we had two large celebration bookings vanish completely without a phone call.The deposit is the thing that keeps us able to take big group bookings and that's genuinely all it is.

What actually turns up

A traditional afternoon tea on vintage mismatched China. £18.95 a head, minimum two people. Sandwiches, scones, cakes, tea. Our full menu is featured on our web site under Eat and Drink .

Served in a 16th century barn with 13 acres of parkland outside it, which is the part that surprises people who've booked off an OpenTable listing and arrived expecting a tearoom. If you want a bit more occasion to it, ask about adding fizz when you book. Most celebration bookings do so we can happily add this on for you at the time of booking.

Send the dietaries. Please.

We need dietary requirements at least 24 hours ahead, and this one isn't box-ticking.

Afternoon tea isn't a menu you order from at the table, it's made in advance. A gluten free guest we know about on Tuesday gets a proper afternoon tea on Thursday. A gluten free guest we discover as she sits down gets an apology and not much else, which is a horrible thing to do to someone at her friend's baby shower, and I've watched it happen when the message didn't reach us. So do the tedious bit. Ask the group in the WhatsApp thread, collect the answers, send them over in one go. Five minutes, and it's the single biggest difference between a smooth afternoon and an awkward one.

Numbers, decorations, cake

From two upwards, though for a celebration the sweet spot's somewhere between eight and thirty guests. For bigger groups, or if you want the space arranged a particular way, ring us rather than wait until you arrive, there's only so much a booking system can tell us and a short conversation gets you a much better service on the day.

Decorating is fine. Bringing a cake is fine, but tell us when you book, not on the day. We do charge a cake fee but most Afternoon tea’s only want a token cake cutting and don’t actually eat the cake (trust me there is plenty of cake on the table already!) so we will waiver that fee if the cake is not eaten.If the cake's meant to be a surprise, tell us so that we can light the candles and sing happy birthday … our staff love it. On decorations, having watched a lot of it go up: less does more in this room. The building's already doing a great deal of visual work and it doesn't need help. Balloons at the table and something on the chair for the guest of honour looks better than a full takeover, costs less, and you'll be set up in ten minutes instead of forty. Please note that due to the nature of the building we don’t allow anything to be stuck to the walls or hung from the beams.

Come Wednesday or Thursday if you want it calm

Saturdays are busier and have more of a buzz. Some groups want that. Some very much don't, and a baby shower is often in the second category.

For time, I'd book one or two o'clock rather than right on midday. It gives anyone travelling room to arrive without panicking, and it leaves you the rest of the afternoon. Which matters, because the afternoon is the bit people from outside Eltham don't know to plan for. You're in Well Hall Pleasaunce; moat, rose gardens, bridges, 13 acres to wander round. The photographs anybody keeps from a baby shower here are the ones taken outside afterwards, not the ones of the cake stand. So allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the whole afternoon.

Two practical things before you plan. If you want a space to yourselves, get in touch with your numbers and what you've got in mind, because what's possible depends on the day and the time and it's a conversation rather than a form. And we don't allow dogs on site, which disappoints somebody roughly once a fortnight and is better said here than at the door.

Book through OpenTable with "Afternoon Tea" in the notes, and for eight or more, or anything involving a cake or a surprise just give us a call on 0800 433 2351.

Church, Register Office or Venue Ceremony

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:26:26 GMT

Church, Register Office or Venue Ceremony: How Your Choice Changes the Whole Day

Having watched a great many wedding days start from the first car arriving to the last song played, I can tell you that what changes the shape of a day more than anything else is where the ceremony happens and what time it starts.

The three options, and what each one really involves

A church ceremony

If you are marrying in a Church of England church, your banns will usually be read out on three Sundays during the three months before the wedding, which takes the place of giving notice at a register office. The service itself tends to run from about half an hour to an hour, with around forty-five minutes being the average. Hymns, readings and a communion service all add to that, so advisable to ask your Vicar how long the service could take.

What couples forget is that the service finishing is not the same as the church being finished with you. There is the signing of the register, the photographs at the door, the confetti, and then the long business of everybody talking to relatives they have not seen in years. Half an hour from the last hymn to the first car leaving is realistic, and I have often seen it take much longer.

A register office ceremony

A register office ceremony is short by design. Here in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, ceremonies at Woolwich Town Hall last up to thirty minutes, and you choose between the register office itself, which holds the two of you and your two witnesses and nobody else, the Edwardian Room, which holds you and thirty-six guests, or Victoria Hall, which holds you and a hundred and twenty. Photographers, videographers, musicians and children all count towards those numbers, including your own children.

You will need to give notice at your local register office at least twenty-nine days before the ceremony, having lived in that district for the previous seven days, and the notice then stands for twelve months. A civil ceremony cannot contain anything religious, so no hymns and no readings with religious content, and the registrar will agree the wording with you beforehand. There can be a wait of six months or more for a booking at Woolwich, so check the diary there before you fix anything else in place.

A ceremony at the venue

The third option is to have the registrar come to you. Tudor Barn Eltham is licensed for civil ceremonies inside the Tudor Gallery, which seats up to 180, and outdoors on the front lawn between April and September; outdoor civil ceremonies at licensed venues having been made permanent in England and Wales since April 2022. The registrar arrives, conducts the ceremony and leaves, and your guests never get back into their cars. If you would like the fuller picture of how a day here runs, I have written about that in an article titled What to Expect on Your Wedding Day at Tudor Barn Eltham .

The part almost everybody underestimates

Moving forty, or eighty, or a hundred and sixty people from one building to another is not a ten-minute job, however close the two places are. Your guests have to say their goodbyes, find their cars, work out where they are going, get through the traffic, park at the other end and walk in, and only then do they pick up a drink.

For a journey of fifteen minutes, I would allow forty-five minutes from the last guest leaving the church to the last guest holding a glass at the venue, and an hour is safer.

There is one more thing that catches people out, and it applies wherever your civil ceremony takes place. The registrar must interview each of you privately before the ceremony can begin, which is a legal requirement rather than a formality, so you need to arrive fifteen to thirty minutes before your slot. Registrars have other couples booked after you, and if you are late your ceremony may not be able to go ahead that day at all.

To save time and for your guest’s convenience a lot of couples opt to book a coach (or coaches depending on the size of the guest list), so that guests arrive at the same time and don’t have to worry about parking, cars, relying on public transport etc. Yes, this is an additional cost to the couple, but it is worth considering if you want your day to run smoothy and on time.

What a later start actually costs you

Here is the piece I really want you to take away, and it’s an important one. Your finish time does not move; a wedding here finishes at midnight, and midnight arrives whether your ceremony was at one o'clock or at four. Every half hour you push the ceremony back is half an hour taken off the end of your evening, and the end of the evening is the dancing!

Let me show you two days with the same number of guests, the same menu and the same band.

A two o'clock ceremony at the venue

12.00 Guests arrive for pre ceremony bar with guests seating at 13.30

14.00 Ceremony

14.30 Drinks reception

16.00 Wedding Breakfast

18.00 Speeches

19.00 Evening guests arrive

19.30 Cake cutting into first dance

That gives you four hours and 45 minutes of dancing.

A two o'clock church ceremony, fifteen minutes away

13.30 Guests seated at the church

14.00 Service

15.00 Register, photographs, confetti

15.30 Guests begin travelling

16.15 Drinks reception and group photographs

18.00 Wedding breakfast

20.00 Speeches

21.00 Evening guests’ arrival

21.30 First dance

That gives you just under three hours of dancing, and your evening guests having to arrive at 9.00pm or at 8.00pm and then stand and wait for the speeches to finish

Move that church ceremony to three o'clock and the first dance lands somewhere near ten, which leaves you two hours. Move it to half past three, which is not an unusual slot to be offered, and you are looking at cutting the speeches or the meal to get anybody onto the dance floor at all. None of this makes an offsite ceremony the wrong choice. It simply means that when you are speaking to your church or desired registry office that you consider this before deciding on the time of your ceremony. This is much more common that anyone realises and the reason why I wanted to write this article

A late ceremony takes your daylight as well. A two o'clock church wedding in November means the photographs outside are taken in the dark, and there is nothing your photographer can do about that.

If your heart is set on a church or a register office

Plenty of our couples marry at their own church and come to us afterwards, and those days are lovely, so here is what I would ask you to do.

Ask for the earliest ceremony slot you can get rather than the one which sounds civilised, because midday or one o'clock gives you back the whole of your evening. Send your guests written directions and parking information with the invitation and give them the postcode for your venue. Ask your photographer to take the large group shots at the church while everybody is still in one place. If the day is running behind by the time you sit down, ask your venue to leave the dessert plates down on the tables and start the speeches as soon as the last table has been served.

Above all, ask whoever is running your venue to build you an honest schedule before you commit to a ceremony time. We do this for every couple who books with us, and it is one of the questions worth asking wherever you are looking, alongside the others I have set out in Top 10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Wedding Venue .

We offer our couples two different hire options when they opt to get married offsite, our full day exclusive hire which is from 10am until Midnight and can be booked 2 years in advance, or our reception only package which is from 4pm until midnight (Fridays and Saturdays only) and can be booked 6 months in advance.

If you would like us to sit down and work out what your day would look like with your ceremony at a particular time, either in a church or at a registry office, please do get in touch with me on suzie.bailey@tudorbarneltham.co.uk.

Friday - £3,465 venue hire, £3,600 minimum food spend, £1,680 minimum drinks spend (£8,745 total minimum), a saving of around 29% against Saturday

Thursday - £2,365 venue hire, £3,000 minimum food spend, £1,400 minimum drinks spend (£6,765 total minimum), a saving of around 45% against Saturday

Monday and Tuesday - £1,970 venue hire, £2,400 minimum food spend, £1,120 minimum drinks spend (£5,490 total minimum)

Everything included as standard including exclusive hire, Chiavari chairs, tables, linen, the fairy lights and flowers on the beams and a dedicated events manager stay exactly the same whichever day you pick. You are simply choosing a quieter day for the venue itself.

And it is not just about the money

Cost is the headline reason, but it is not the only one. A midweek wedding also tends to mean:

· Wider choice of date - Popular Saturdays in peak season get booked up well over a year in advance. A Thursday in the same month is often still available;

· The moore relaxed run-up - Suppliers, from florists to hair and makeup artists, are usually less stretched midweek, which can mean more attention on the day and sometimes better rates too;

· A genuinely different atmosphere - Thursday weddings often feels a little more intimate. Guests who take the day off to be there are guests who really wanted to be there.

But does a midweek date suit every guest list?

It is worth being honest about the trade-off. A midweek wedding asks more of your guests, particularly anyone travelling from further afield or juggling childcare and work. It is worth thinking about who is coming, how far they are travelling, and whether an evening ceremony start makes the day easier for people to attend around work. Many of our couples solve this by choosing a slightly later ceremony time on a weekday, so guests can travel after finishing work, or by leaning into it as a genuine reason for family and close friends to take a day off together.

How to make the most of a midweek wedding

If you are weighing up a weekday date, a few things help:

1. Ask your venue for the full day-by-day breakdown, not just the headline Saturday price, so you can compare like for like.

2. Check what's included as standard, since a lower minimum spend is only a genuine saving if you are not paying separately for things a Saturday package would have included.

3. Talk to your registrar early. Civil ceremonies can be booked on weekdays just as easily as weekends, but popular registrars do get booked up, so give as much notice as you can.

4. Consider your evening reception timing. A slightly later start on a weekday can make a big difference to how many guests can join for the evening.

Frequently asked questions

Is a midweek wedding actually cheaper, or do venues just add the cost back on elsewhere?

At Tudor Barn Eltham, the saving is genuine and it is published, not hidden. Our venue hire and minimum food and drinks spends are all lower Monday to Thursday than on a Saturday, and everything included as standard stays the same regardless of the day you choose.

What day of the week is cheapest for a wedding?

Generally, Monday and Tuesday are the lowest-cost days, followed by Thursday, then Friday, with Saturday the most expensive.

Will my guests actually come to a midweek wedding?

Most will, particularly close family and friends, and many couples find a midweek wedding results in a guest list of people who made a real effort to be there. Giving guests plenty of notice and choosing a ceremony time that works around a working day, both help.

Can I still have a full wedding breakfast and evening reception on a weekday?

Absolutely! A midweek wedding at Tudor Barn Eltham includes the same exclusive hire, from 10am until midnight, as a Saturday wedding, so you can plan the same shape of day.

If a midweek date might work for you, get in touch and we will talk you through exactly what it looks like for your date and guest numbers. You can see our current pricing across every day of the week in our wedding brochure linked HERE .

The History of Afternoon Tea: Where did It really come from?

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:21:12 GMT

The History of Afternoon Tea: Where did It really come from?

Around 1840, Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, started getting what she called a "sinking feeling" every afternoon. Fashionable dinner had crept later and later, sometimes as late as 9pm, once gas lighting made evening entertaining easier, which left a long, hungry gap after a light midday lunch. So, she asked for tea, bread and butter, and cake to be brought to her room. In fact, she liked it so much she started inviting friends round for it, and before long, the whole of fashionable society was doing the same thing. It’s a lovely story but probably not historically correct.

So where did the Afternoon Tea originate from?

Historian Steven Moore has picked this story apart, and once you look at the details, it doesn't hold together that well. Anna Russell was dismissed from royal service in 1841, right in the middle of a scandal, which would have made it difficult for her to be setting fashions across society at exactly the moment she's meant to have started one. Queen Victoria's own diary, written in 1845 on a trip to Prussia, mentions having "tea, quite in the German way", with no mention of "the Bedford way" at all, which you'd expect if the Duchess had already made the whole thing famous. And English spa towns like Bath and Harrogate were already serving something called "afternoon tea" back in the 1750s and 60s, decades before she's supposed to have thought of it.

The honest answer is, nobody really knows who started it. It was probably a slow, messy thing that happened in a few places at once, as dinner kept getting pushed later across fashionable Victorian life and someone, somewhere, needed a snack to keep them going!

And before any of that, there was just tea

None of this could have happened without tea already being a normal part of English life. It arrived in the 1660s, made fashionable at court by King Charles II's Portuguese wife, Catherine of Braganza, who'd grown up drinking it back home. By the time afternoon tea rolled around two hundred years later, tea itself was old news, at least if you could afford it.

The difference between Afternoon Tea and High Tea

People mix these up constantly, and to be fair, so did the Victorians. Roughly speaking, Afternoon tea, is the elegant one; sandwiches, scones, cake, fine China and taken around 4pm; traditionally for people who had the time to sit down mid-afternoon. High tea is the heartier one, a proper meal, served later in the day and the name actually just refers to the height of the table, being served at a high dining table, rather than a low sitting room one (and not a reference to how posh the guests were, though the two did tend to go together in practice).

A Victorian Afternoon Tea – Why it was so important

For Victorian women, afternoon tea became a rare bit of social freedom. It gave mixed company a chance to sit together informally, without all the usual chaperoning, and a space to talk and swap ideas. The ritual, the China and the timing, it all gave shape to something genuinely useful, wrapped up as a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Where can I get an authentic Afternoon Tea in London

At Tudor Barn Eltham! We serve ours Wednesday to Saturday from midday until 5.00pm on a lovely vintage China, in the beautiful surrounds of Well Hall Pleasaunce. From only £18.95 per person, it's a lovely excuse for a birthday, a baby shower, or just an afternoon off Book an Afternoon Tea

Award-Winning Wedding Venue: Why It Matters

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:06:24 GMT

An Award-Winning Wedding Venue - Why We Keep Winning, and Why It Matters

I'll be honest with you, when the first award nomination email landed in my inbox a few years back, I nearly skimmed past it thinking it was spam. I get so many "you've been selected" emails that I've become genuinely suspicious of good news. But it wasn't spam, and since then, it's become something I never quite get used to; that feeling when we win another award. Since 2021, Tudor Barn Eltham has been recognised by four completely different, independently run award bodies. Not once but every single year. And I want to tell you honestly what that means to me, and why I think it should matter to you too if you're choosing a venue for your wedding.

It started with a Regional Winner in 2021

The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA to anyone in the trade) is one of the most respected accolades in UK weddings. It's judged by over 160 industry experts and voted on by real couples who actually got married at the venues in question. Not a panel deciding from a press release. Real people, real weddings and real opinions. We won Regional Winner in 2021. I remember exactly where I was standing when I found out. And then we were Regional Finalist again in 2023, and again in 2024. Three years running, being told by the industry and by couples themselves that we were doing something right.

Hitched, and the reviews that actually matter the most to me

Here's the thing about awards panels, I respect them enormously, but the reviews that keep me up at night in a good way are the ones from couples themselves. We've been featured in the Hitched Wedding Awards every single year from 2023 through to 2026, and we currently hold a 5-star rating across 50 verified reviews on Hitched.co.uk (which is soon to be 100). Every one of those reviews is from a couple who got married here, went home, and took the time to write about their day. I read every single one. Some of them make me so proud of what myself and the team have achived and that's the recognition that actually means the most to me.

Bridebook Gold, and then Best of Bridebook

2025 brought Bridebook Gold, then this year in 2026, we picked up the Best of Bridebook Award. I won't pretend I fully understand every algorithm and ranking system these platforms use, I don't think anyone outside the company does, but I do know it's not something you can buy or fake your way into. It comes from real engagement, real reviews, and a real track record.

The Prestige Awards, and what's still to come

We were Regional Finalist at the London & South East England Prestige Awards in 2023/24, and there's more recognition from that same awards body following in the most recent cycle. And (without giving too much away just yet), 2026 has already brought some fresh recognition our way that I'm not able to shout about publicly until later this year. Watch this space, because it's a good one!

Why does any of this actually matter to you?

I could tell you Tudor Barn Eltham is wonderful all day long, I'm hardly a neutral source, am I? But when four separate award bodies, judged by different people using different criteria, keep landing on the same conclusion year after year, and when more than fifty couples independently leave five-star reviews describing their actual wedding day here, that starts to mean something beyond my own opinion of the place. Choosing where to get married is one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your day. You deserve more reassurance than a nice photo gallery and some confident copywriting from me. Independent, consistent recognition, especially from the people who've actually stood where you're about to stand, is about as close to proof as you're going to get.

Come and see why for yourself

None of this happens by accident. It's down to my team; Jade, Amelia, Phoebe, Georgia, Faith and everyone else who makes a wedding day here what it is, turning up and caring, over and over again, for every single couple who walks through our doors. If you'd like to come and see the venue that keeps winning these things, call us on 0800 433 2351 or email eventssales@tudorbarneltham.co.uk . I'd love to show you around and let you decide for yourself whether we've earned it.

The Best Sunday Roast in Eltham: Come and Find Us

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:14:45 GMT

The Best Sunday Roast in Eltham: Come and Find Us

The Best Sunday Roast in Eltham: Come and Find Us

I might be biased, and I probably am, but I think Sunday at Tudor Barn is one of the nicest ways to spend a Sunday in South East London. And I say that as someone who has spent rather a lot of Sundays here over the past fifteen years. There is something about this place on a Sunday that feels different to the rest of the week. The wedding couples and corporate groups are gone. It is just people coming in for lunch, a glass of wine, a wander around the parkland. It is relaxed in a way that I genuinely love.

What is the Sunday roast like?

Its classic and proper, the kind of Sunday roast that you actually look forward to. It’s the Sunday Roast I remember from my childhood, being served from under a silver dome at the table at The Beverwood Club in Chislehurst. Roast is our Sunday menu, served right through the day, from when we open at 11am until the kitchen closes. Traditional roasts with Yorkshire puddings, seasonal greens, homemade roast potatoes and plenty of rich gravy. If you have dietary requirements, let us know when you book and the kitchen will sort you out. We also offer a bottomless drinks add on for a bit of a celebration. Days and pricing do change with the season, so the best thing is to check the current details and book on our bottomless brunch page . It goes down very well for a birthday lunch or a get together with friends.

Can I sit outside?

From April to September, yes, and I would strongly encourage it. The moat terrace is my favourite spot in the entire venue. It is small, it is peaceful, and it has the ducks. I know that sounds like a small thing, but honestly, sitting outside on a sunny Sunday afternoon, glass in hand, watching the ducks on the moat while the parkland stretches out around you, it is genuinely lovely. It is one of those spots that feels like it should not exist in London, and yet here it is. The front lawn is our most popular space and gets booked up quickly on sunny Sundays, so book early to avoid disappointment. With live music hosted every week outdoors from 2.00pm until 4.00pm it’s a popular choice for families and friends to gather.

What is the atmosphere inside like?

Warm, relaxed, a bit buzzy. The original Tudor brickwork and beams give it that gastropub character you cannot manufacture; and Tudor Barn very much has it. In winter, the fireside tables are the ones everyone wants. In winder live music moves indoors, which adds to the atmosphere, though if you would rather a quieter table just ask and we will find you one.

Do I need to book?

Yes please, do book, particularly on Sundays in summer and over bank holidays. We fill up faster than people expect, and I would hate for you to turn up and not get a table. You can book online through OpenTable or call us directly on 0800 433 2351, and you can see the full menu on our Sunday roast page .

What about the rest of the week?

We are open Wednesday to Sunday. Midweek is a bit of a hidden gem, if I am honest; quieter, more relaxed, the full menu on and the bar open, and you can actually hear yourself think. If you want Tudor Barn without the Sunday crowd, a midweek visit is your answer.

One more thing, we do not allow dogs inside

I know, and I am sorry. We love dogs, but they are not allowed in grounds of Well Hall Pleasaunce so we cannot allow them inside the venue.

Come and find us

One of the things I hear most often from people who come for the first time is that they had no idea we were here. We are tucked inside Well Hall Pleasaunce; you have to know to look for us. But once you find us, people tend to come back.

I once spent a whole Christmas afternoon chatting to a couple who had wandered in for hot chocolates from California and had no idea what the barn was. They ended up booking their wedding with us. That kind of thing happens here more than you would think.

We are in Well Hall Pleasaunce, Well Hall Road, Eltham, SE9 6SZ. Parking along Kidbrooke Lane. Open Wednesday to Sunday. Come and find us; I think you will be glad you did.

Corporate Event Venues in South East London

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:40:48 GMT

Corporate Event Venues in South East London: Why Tudor Barn Eltham Should Be on Your Shortlist

If you are searching for a corporate event venue in South East London that offers something genuinely different, Tudor Barn Eltham is not the typical space people have in mind. A Grade II* listed Tudor barn set within parkland and surrounded by a medieval moat is a long way from a glass and steel office or a standard hotel conference suite. That contrast is exactly what makes it so effective for corporate events.

When I reopened Tudor Barn in 2009, my main focus was weddings. Corporate events arrived gradually, usually because someone had attended a wedding here or driven past and wondered what the building was. They would enquire about using it for a conference, away day or dinner, and discover that a historic venue with space, character and privacy is a very strong setting for work related events. Over time, the corporate side of the business has become something I genuinely enjoy. Taking a team out of their usual environment and putting them somewhere with a different feel changes how they think and interact. It is not a marketing line; it’s something I’ve watched happen.

We now host a wide range of corporate events at Tudor Barn Eltham. Conferences, seminars, away days, training sessions, workshops, networking evenings, gala dinners and product launches all work well in the space. Christmas parties are a regular feature too, although they deserve their own blog post. The venue is particularly strong for away days where you want a mix of structured indoor sessions and time outside. Being set within Well Hall Pleasaunce, with thirteen acres of award-winning parkland, means there is room for people to move, breathe and reset between sessions. If you want more active team building, we can arrange use of the adjacent rugby pitches, which adds another dimension to the day. There is something about a bit of friendly competition outdoors followed by a drink on the front lawn that tends to create better conversations than a windowless breakout room.

The main event space is the Tudor Gallery. It is around 250 square metres and has original beamed ceilings, exposed Tudor brickwork, stained glass windows, ornate fireplaces and wooden floors. In other words, it has genuine character. At the same time, it is flexible. For daytime events, we can set it theatre or cabaret style for up to 120 delegates, or boardroom for up to 40 if you are looking for a more focused format. For evening events, the room comfortably holds up to 180 guests for a seated dinner. You are not working in a blank box that has to be completely transformed to feel interesting. The architecture does a lot of the work for you.

For outdoor events, the front lawn gives you another option. It holds up to 200 people standing for a reception or up to 80 for a barbecue. If you add a marquee, that capacity can increase to around 450 standing, which works well for summer networking events or larger celebrations. The moat terrace, which is my personal favourite spot on the whole site, is smaller and more intimate, and it comes into its own between April and September as a space for drinks receptions. Downstairs, the gastropub and restaurant areas are ideal for breakout sessions, informal meetings, networking or private dining. The building flows naturally, and that matters more than people realise when you are moving groups of people through a full day programme.

Our day delegate rate starts from £42.50 per person plus VAT, based on a minimum of 30 delegates and available Monday to Thursday. That rate includes exclusive hire of the entire venue for seven hours, usually 9am to 4pm or 10am to 5pm. When I say exclusive, I mean you are hiring the Tudor Gallery, the restaurant and bar spaces, the front lawn and the moat terrace for your event. Within that, you have unlimited tea and coffee throughout the day, a buffet lunch, a dedicated event manager, all tables, chairs, linen, crockery and cutlery, a PA system with wireless microphone and projector, and private parking for up to 30 cars on site. It is designed as a straightforward, all-in package so you are not constantly adding line items and discovering hidden extras later.

If you want to elevate the day further, there are simple upgrade paths. We can add a breakfast buffet from £9.95 per person so delegates arrive, eat and settle in before the content begins. We offer barbecue and hog roast options if you want something more relaxed and social for lunch or dinner. There is a two-hour unlimited drinks package available if you are planning an evening reception after the daytime sessions. And if your event does not fit within our standard day delegate structure, we are very used to building bespoke packages around specific objectives, budgets and formats.

I genuinely believe that the venue you choose shapes the outcome of a corporate event. If the room looks and feels like every other room people have sat in for meetings, the day tends to blend into every other day. People attend, take notes, perhaps enjoy it, but within a week they are back at their desks and the momentum has faded. When you take a team somewhere they have never been before, somewhere with a strong sense of place and history, the energy changes. People are more present. The conversations feel more open. The content lands differently and the memory of the day lasts longer. Over the years, I have had multiple clients come back months after an away day here and say it was the best one they had ever run. That is not solely down to us, because a lot depends on what they put into the agenda and how they use the time, but I am certain the setting plays its part.

If you are considering corporate event venues in South East London and want an option that gives you both practical facilities and a distinctive backdrop, Tudor Barn Eltham is well worth putting on your shortlist. It offers the structure and support you need from a professional venue, combined with the kind of atmosphere that is hard to replicate elsewhere. Whether you are planning a conference, an away day, a networking event or a gala dinner, the aim is always the same. To create a day that runs smoothly, feels different in the right way and leaves people talking about it afterwards.

To find out more or check availability, you can call us on 0800 433 2351 or email eventssales@tudorbarneltham.co.uk . We can talk through what you have in mind, confirm dates, arrange a site visit and put together a proposal that matches your objectives. If you prefer to look at the details first, you can also download our corporate brochure from the website, which brings all the capacity information and package options together in one place.

What to Expect on Your Wedding Day at Tudor Barn Eltham

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:37:58 GMT

What to Expect on Your Wedding Day at Tudor Barn Eltham

If you are wondering what a wedding day at Tudor Barn Eltham actually looks like, this is the real version. Not a brochure summary, but how the day genuinely unfolds from start to finish at one of the most unique barn wedding venues in London. One of my favourite conversations with couples is walking through their wedding day in detail. What time everything happens, where everyone is, and how each part of the day feels. It is the moment everything becomes real. So here is exactly what to expect when you get married at Tudor Barn Eltham Eltham.

It starts before your guests arrive

Your wedding day at Tudor Barn Eltham begins long before your guests walk through the door. On the morning itself, our team is already on site setting everything up. Tables are laid, linen is pressed, flowers are in place, and all of your personal details are carefully positioned exactly as planned. Your dedicated event manager is overseeing everything to ensure the venue is perfect before the first guest arrives. You will not be managing suppliers or solving problems on the morning of your wedding. That is our responsibility. Your role is to get ready, feel calm, and enjoy every moment from the very beginning.

The ceremony, all in one place

A key part of what makes Tudor Barn Eltham a sought-after wedding venue in the Royal Borough of Greenwich is that everything happens in one location. We are fully licensed for civil ceremonies both indoors and outdoors, so there is no need to move guests between venues. Your registrar comes to you, and your entire day flows naturally from ceremony into celebration without disruption. Indoor ceremonies take place in the Tudor Gallery, a space that is rich in character and history. Original wooden beams, exposed brickwork, stained glass windows and feature fireplaces create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and significant. It is a room that does not need to be over styled because it already carries the moment beautifully. For outdoor ceremonies, the front lawn offers a completely different setting. With the medieval moat and thirteen acres of parkland surrounding you, it provides a peaceful and visually striking backdrop. When the weather is kind, which it often is, outdoor ceremonies here feel open, relaxed and genuinely special.

Drinks reception in the gardens

After your ceremony, guests move onto the front lawn for the drinks reception while the Tudor Gallery is transformed for your wedding breakfast. This part of the day gives everyone time to relax. Guests can enjoy drinks, canapés and conversation while taking in the historic surroundings. The gardens also provide an ideal setting for your wedding photography, with a mix of greenery, heritage features and open space. It is a natural pause in the day, allowing you to spend time with your guests while everything is seamlessly prepared behind the scenes. Our downstairs Gastropub works as the perfect wet weather contingency if required.

The wedding breakfast experience

The Tudor Gallery seats up to 180 guests for your wedding breakfast, making it one of the most flexible barn wedding spaces in London for larger celebrations. When your guests return inside, the room has been fully reset to reflect your chosen layout and styling. Every detail, from centrepieces to place settings, is in place and ready. Your menu is something we plan with you in advance. Our chefs work closely with you to create dishes that suit your preferences and your guests. Dietary requirements, cultural considerations and personal favourites are all carefully incorporated during your planning meetings. Food is a central part of any wedding day, and it is something we treat with real attention and care.

The evening reception and celebration

As the wedding breakfast comes to a close, the atmosphere shifts into the evening reception. Additional guests arrive, the dance floor opens, and your band or DJ begins. The Tudor Gallery feels completely different in the evening. The lighting softens, the historic features stand out in a new way, and the space becomes warm, lively and full of energy. This is often the point where couples begin to fully relax and enjoy the celebration they have planned. It is also the part of the day that seems to pass the quickest. One moment you are starting your first dance, and before you know it, the evening is coming to a close.

A consistent experience couples talk about

Having hosted weddings here since 2009, I have seen hundreds of couples celebrate at Tudor Barn Eltham. Despite every wedding being different, there is one thing that is always the same. At the end of the night, couples always say they wish the day had lasted longer. That is the experience we aim to create. A wedding day that feels seamless, enjoyable and memorable from beginning to end.

Planning your wedding at Tudor Barn Eltham

If you are looking for a barn wedding venue in London that combines history, flexibility and a fully managed experience, Tudor Barn Eltham offers a setting that is genuinely unique. From your ceremony through to your final dance, everything is designed to flow effortlessly so you can focus on enjoying the day.

If you would like to see the venue in person, call us on 0800 433 2351 or email eventssales@tudorbarneltham.co.uk . I would be very happy to show you around and talk through your plans.

Why Tudor Barn Eltham is London's Most Unique Wedding Venue

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:51:55 GMT

Why Tudor Barn Eltham is London's Most Unique Wedding Venue

Tudor Barn Eltham is the only surviving Tudor barn in London — a Grade II* listed 16th-century venue set within 13 acres of parkland and a medieval moat. Our director explains what makes it unlike anywhere else.

Why Tudor Barn Eltham is London's Most Unique Wedding Venue

I reopened Tudor Barn Eltham in 2009, and I still get a flutter of excitement every time a couple walks through the door for the first time and sees it properly. That moment, when they look up at the beams, take in the original Tudor brickwork, and then wander outside and see the moat; never gets old. Fifteen years on, it still does it for me too!

I'm going to be honest with you: I'm biased. But I genuinely believe that Tudor Barn Eltham is the most unique wedding venue in London. Not because it's the most glamorous or the most expensive, it isn't either of those things, but because there is simply nothing else like it. It's the only surviving Tudor barn in London. A Grade II* listed building dating back to 1525, sitting in 13 acres of award-winning parkland, surrounded by a medieval moat. You can't build that. You can't replicate it. It either exists or it doesn't, and in London, it only exists here.

A bit of history - because it matters

The barn was built around 1525 on the Well Hall estate, which was owned by William Roper, son-in-law of Sir Thomas More. His wife, Margaret More, was one of the most educated women of the entire sixteenth century. Centuries later, Edith Nesbit, who wrote The Railway Children, lived on the estate from 1899 to 1921. The building has witnessed an extraordinary amount of history. I find that couples either already know this story when they come to us, or they discover it during their first visit and it becomes part of why they choose us. There's something about getting married somewhere with that kind of depth. It gives the day a weight and a meaning that a brand new venue just can't offer.

So, what's it actually like as a wedding venue?

Practical question, and a fair one. Because history is lovely, but you also need somewhere that works on the day. The Tudor Gallery which is our main event space, seats up to 180 guests for a wedding breakfast. It's 250 square metres of original beamed ceiling, exposed brickwork, stained glass windows, ornate fireplaces, and wooden floors. It photographs beautifully. More importantly, your guests will walk in and know immediately that they're somewhere special. We're fully licensed for both indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies, so couples can hold their legal ceremony and reception here without needing to go anywhere else. Outdoors, the medieval moat makes for one of the most naturally beautiful ceremony backdrops I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of them.

What does exclusive hire actually mean?

It means exactly what it says. On your wedding day, the venue is yours. The whole thing, the Tudor Gallery, the bar and restaurant downstairs, the front lawn, the moat terrace. No other events, no shared spaces, no strangers wandering through your photographs. Just your day, your guests, and this extraordinary building. That matters more than people realise until they're actually planning a wedding. The thought of sharing your venue with another couple's event or having members of the public walking through during your drinks reception, is genuinely stressful. We don't do that. When you book with us, you have Tudor Barn Eltham.

Is it licensed for outdoor ceremonies?

Yes - both indoor and outdoor. The grounds include the side deck and the front lawn, both of which are licensed for outdoor ceremonies. If you've always pictured saying your vows outside with something genuinely beautiful in the background, this is the place.

How do I come and have a look?

Come for a viewing. That's honestly the best advice I can give. Pictures are one thing, but Tudor Barn Eltham is a venue you need to experience in person to really understand why is so special. We offer private viewings by appointment; click here to book either a 1 to 1 viewing or an open house viewing and we'll find a time that works for you. We also hold wedding showcases throughout the year, where you can see the space dressed, meet some of our preferred suppliers, and get a proper feel for what your day could look like. Keep an eye on the website and our social media for upcoming showcase dates.

I'm not going to promise that Tudor Barn Eltham is right for every couple. But if you want somewhere with genuine history, real character, and a setting that will take your breath away, come and see us. I think you'll know pretty quickly whether it's the one.

Summer Saturday Weddings

suzie.bailey@hotmail.com (Suzan Bailey) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:28:05 GMT

Summer Barn Weddings

Alice and Matt got married at Tudor Barn Eltham this summer and as described by Ernie our photographer - it was one of his favourite weddings to date! The couple looked absolutely beautiful and their choice of decor, food, drinks and entertainment made for the most perfect day.

The couple chose an intimate ceremony at their local church with family and friends and their guests joined us on an amazing white double decker bus! The guests arrived into a beautiful drinks reception in the sunshine in front of the barn. The photo's of the couple within the Pleasaunce were simply breath taking!

The wedding breakfast set up was stunning round tables with a traditional 6 person long head table. Beautiful tones pink, green and white throughout the venue created such a timeless look.

The couple kept the party going all evening with her amazing younger Brother's wedding band and DJ with glow sticks to keep everyone on the dancefloor.

Giving Notice and Booking a Registrar for Your Wedding

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 12:28:40 GMT

Booked your wedding venue? Here's the most important thing to do next..

Your wedding venue is secured and you are full of excitement but there is one very important thing you need to do next, if not the most important thing you need to do once your big day is secured.

Giving Notice

For all marriages and civil partnerships, you must give notice of your intention to marry or form a Civil Partnership within one year before the date of your wedding. You must give notice at the Register Office within the Borough that you live and you must have lived in the Borough for 8 consecutive days. It is necessary for each party for the Marriage of Civil Partnership to do this, therefore if you live in separate Boroughs you will need to attend separate Register Offices. You cannot however, book a Notice appointment unless you have confirmed a venue as you need to state your venue on your Notice.

Documents you'll need to give notice

You must bring originals of the following documents to your appointment:

details of the final venue for your ceremony
a valid passport (or UK birth certificate if you were born before 1 January 1983)
proof of your home address
proof of any name changes (for example, a copy of a deed poll)

To prove your address, bring one of the following:

valid UK or Irish driving licence
gas, water or electricity bill from the last 3 months
bank or building society statement from the last month
Council Tax bill from the last 12 months
mortgage statement from the last 12 months
current tenancy agreement
letter from your landlord (dated within the last 7 days) confirming you live there and including your landlord’s name, address and their signature

If your normal address is outside the UK, you’ll need to give details of a UK contact address. For example, this could be your partner, friend or family member’s address.

source: Giving notice

Booking your registrar

Once you have given notice you can then book the registrars to attend the ceremony in the borough where the venue is located. For Tudor Barn this will be Royal Borough of Greenwich. To book an appointment please email registrar@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or call your local Register Office.

How long does our notice of marriage last?

Your notice of marriage lasts for 12 months from the date notice has been given. If you and your partner are giving notice on separate days the 12 months will start on the day the second person gives notice.

If your wedding does not take place within these 12 months, you will need to give notice and pay the fees again.

Now, it may not be the most exciting part of the wedding plans but it is one of the most important things to add to your checklist before you get carried away with table décor, flowers, food and drinks... don't forget to give notice and book your registrars!

Planning A Short Lead Wedding

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 11:19:12 GMT

Planning a short lead wedding...

how to make it possible and more importantly stress free!

Your must haves

First things first, have a very honest an open discussion together about both of your must haves and very importantly your budget. With a short lead wedding it is very likely a lot if not all of the money will be due at the time of booking, so create a budget and stick to it. You can then manage each others expectations and see where you both can compromise if needed. We have lots of couples who have family members and friends create their cakes, be their photographers, make their table centers and more which not only saves on costs, but allows them to have a very important role in the wedding, which they may not have had, had the wedding be booked in a few years time.

Be prepared!

Once you have a date in mind and you are aware the venue has availability, book your registrars and give your wedding notice. There must be 28 days between the day you give notice to the date your wedding takes place so the earlier you get this done - the better! You must give notice within the borough where you reside but the registrars who will attend on the day will need to be that of those within the borough the venue is located in. Then reach out to all of your guests and begin compiling a guest list as well as a table planner of where everyone is going to sit.

Make quick decisions

Whether it be your flowers, hair, makeup, cake, photographer etc reach out and see if they are willing to offer any discounts/extras due to the wedding being more last minute. Tick everything off as you go so you don't forget anything, there are lots of free checklists on google to help. You don't have to have a cake booked in 3 years before your big day but just keep in mind your first choice supplier may not be available but your venue is likely to have a supplier list who will try their best to get you booked in.

Don't give too much choice!

When sending out your invitations it may be an idea to do so online via Whatsapp/Facebook etc as you are likely to get a much quicker response meaning you can finalize that guest list so much quicker. When sending out your menu choices, the easiest option is to offer just 1 option per course and note that if any guests are vegetarian/vegan or have any dietary requirements they let you know, and they will be catered to separately. That way you can manage this directly with the venue without having to go back and forth with all of your guests.

Ask questions

When booking a last minute wedding the best people to ask questions to will be your venue. See if they are willing to offer a 30 minute planning meeting where they discuss everything they will need from you and give you a realistic time frame of when they need this by. That way you know exactly what is needed and by when. Your venue will also have the best advice for suppliers, set up, running of the day etc so don't be afraid to ask the questions. We recommend (which is very common) that you also have a final meeting around 6 weeks to 1 month before the big day to finalise everything. Venue's don't typically need much more details prior to this - just confirmation that you have your registrars booked in.

ENJOY IT!

Take it from us, since COVID we have seen weddings booked, planned and delivered within just 8-12 weeks and they have been absolutely magical and better yet - not as stressful as you may believe!

Be prepared and organised
Make quick decisions... and stick to them
Don't give your guests too much choice - managing people will be the hardest task
Get advise from your venue & suppliers
Get family and friends involved - someone always knows someone who's a cake maker, designer, owns a dress shop etc so ask!

Happy Wedding Planning x

Winter Wonderland Weddings

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:29:37 GMT

How To Prepare For Winter Weddings

Winter weddings come with many benefits! We are going to outline our to 10 tips if you are choosing to get married in December.

1. Choose a venue which fits your winter theme! Typically barns and pub venues create a very cosy intimate feel. Always ask if the venue will be decorated over the festive period as you can take advantage of these and fit your décor around what will already be available - ultimately a great money saver!

2. Prepare for all weather conditions! Rain, Sun, Snow, whatever the weather make sure you are prepared!

buy some umbrella's that match your theme, order some cozy blankets and buy some sparklers for a fantastic sparkler shot once the sun goes down.

3. Photo opportunities! Speak to your photographer about the best photo opportunities, get them to visit the venue prior and look for the best spots. Don't forget as it gets darker in the winter months you will want to scope out the best spots with great lighting, but also take advantage of those beautiful sunset shots. Take a look at our gallery for some stunning shots.

4. Let there be light! As the sun is likely to have set or be setting during your wedding breakfast make sure you consider extra lighting. This could be from beautiful candles, delicately placed fairy lights or uplighters around the venue.

5. Pick the best date . As December is typically a very busy month for everyone including venue's it may be best to host your winter wedding in January. Not only are your guests likely to be less busy but it is very likely you may get a much lower venue hire fee in January.

6. Food & Drinks! If you are going to go with the winter theme let it run through your entire day. Your drinks reception could include mulled wine, winter Pimms or maybe an alcoholic hot chocolate to keep your guests cozy. Create a bespoke winter menu with your catering team or maybe consider a cozy pie and mash. Take a look at our food and drinks guide to view our full offering.

7. Run through the timings of the day. You don't want to get to your drinks reception and realise you only have 10 minutes of sunlight left. Map out all of your timings of the day so you and your photographer have the time you need to take all of those special shots.

8. Accessorise! From winter shawls to cozy blankets, table décor and favours. Keep the theme running through the entire day. Lots of wedding decor companies provide white winter trees, Christmas trees, snow machines and more.

9. Evening Entertainment. Does your venue have an outdoor firepit? Do they allow fireworks? Create a winter wonderland evening on your wedding day.

10. Go full winter wonderland! Arrive on a horse drawn sleigh, have ice luges around the venue, snow machines, carol singers or if your budget allows for it.. add an ice skating rink!

Happy winter wedding planning

Take a look at our wedding page for more information on how to book your wedding in the best barn in london

Weddings - Life After Lockdown

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 12:07:25 GMT

Weddings - Life After Lockdown

Whether your wedding was postponed, altered or cancelled completely and moved to another year it has been very tough for couples. The last 18 months have been very difficult for anyone planning a wedding but we want to show you how you can get planning again and more importantly be excited about the entire process.

If you have recently got engaged and you are beginning your wedding planning journey or ,maybe you have restarted your wedding planning as you have had to move your date, this blog will give you some great tips and advice on how you can get started.

Wedding Insurance

We recommend all couples take out wedding insurance but make sure you are reading all the fine print to ensure it covers issues such as COVID-19 as lots of insurers have taken this out of their policies.

The "What ifs"

Don't be afraid to ask your venue or suppliers what would happen in the worst case scenario, should another lockdown take place on the date of your wedding. Each supplier will have different contingency plans in place but it's always best to ask at the point of booking. Most suppliers have had an awful year and will be so excited to begin your wedding plans so always remember to look for local suppliers as they more than likely know the venue very well.

Money Saving Tips

Are you an avid baker? Do you know someone who would love to do your floristry or makeup? With millions of people being on furlough we know money has been stretched for so many couples, so why not consider doing a few bits yourself for the wedding. Not only are you saving money but it makes it extra special knowing a friend or family member has a very important role in the wedding which they more than likely wouldn't have had before.

Weekday & Short Lead Weddings

As wedding venues all over london have had to move hundreds of 2020 weddings to 2021 and beyond you may find key Saturday dates are already taken. If you haven't considered a weekday wedding or a short lead wedding they come with many benefits! You will find venues have discounted dates from October 2021 - March 2022 and midweek weddings are not only cheaper for venues but also suppliers tend to charge less on their off peak days.

After spending so many months locked away your family and friends will be so excited to be able to celebrate with you in style.

Don't be afraid to start planning your special day.

Love is not cancelled x

Photography @JamesMerrick

Start planning your beautiful barn wedding in london today

The Reality Of A Lockdown Ceremony

PAR002_123@heg.com — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 11:04:34 GMT

Lockdown Ceremonies & Receptions

With the reality of full weddings not going ahead until what seems like Spring 2021 you may be considering a lockdown ceremony with close family and friends and here's how you can still make your day extra special.

The Current Restrictions

Currently, you can host a wedding ceremony within a COVID-19 secure wedding venue for up to 30 guests including yourself, your partner, any suppliers and the registrars. All guests must stay atleast 1m+ distanced the entire time and will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the ceremony. The couple do not have to wear a face covering unless you would like to be walked down the aisle by a family member. The ceremony layout is likely to be a little different than what you expected with 1m+ distancing, one entrance and exit and lot's of sanitiser stations positioned around the venue.

Make it your own! Add some beautiful flowers down the aisle, dress the chairs with subtle bows - make your day extra special. After all, your family and friends just want to see you get happily married. All food and drinks will need to be served directly to guests so buffets/self catering is not going to be possible right now. When hosting a wedding breakfast tables are limited to a maximum of 6 guests per table and guests must remain seated at all times unless accessing facilities such as the bar or toilets which will likely be operating on a much smaller scale to ensure social distancing can remain at all times.

Whilst this may not have been the ceremony you initially planned to have you can add personal touches to make it feel really special and unique to you both. After a very difficult few month's it is fantastic to see families celebrate such a milestone event in their loved ones lives.

Things to remember...

All guests must wear masks unless medically exempt

All guests and suppliers will need to complete the track and trace forms

You and your partner are included in your guest numbers as are any suppliers and the registrars

Your guests must stay 1m+ distanced at all times

What about our evening reception?

Currently evening receptions/parties are not permitted. Why not begin planning your evening reception for 2021 so you can celebrate with family and friends who didn't get to see your ceremony take place. Why not consider having a blessing in 2021 so everyone feels like they have been part of your entire day - plus you get to relive it all over again!

Lockdown Wedding Ideas

suzie.bailey@hotmail.com (Suzan Bailey) — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 11:16:44 GMT

Lockdown Wedding Ideas

Millions of couples are facing the harsh reality of having to postpone their weddings due to the impact COVID-19 has all over the world. If you are in limbo of whether to cancel/postpone your wedding, had your wedding postponed or you are looking to plan a wedding we are covering everything here.

We know this is a global pandemic and it is horrendous to hear of loved ones passing all over the world but it is absolutely ok to feel upset about your wedding day not being what you originally planned. I mean who thought this could ever happen? You probably spent months of planning and maybe even years of wondering and day dreaming of what your special day will be like.

Now you are faced with lots of changes we want to show you how to begin planning a wedding in lockdown.

Lockdown Wedding Ideas

1. Plan a much smaller intimate ceremony and move your wedding reception to 2021 so you can still get married in front of your family and close friends whilst knowing you get a party a few months later. Now we know it may be hard to choose but your family and friends will completely understand and in a time where everything is digital you can also stream a live video of the ceremony and all your loved ones can toast to the happy couple. I mean who would ever forget that!

2. Plan a wedding at home. Have a few friends and family join you on your special day and hire a photographer for a few hours, as long as they can keep to social distancing rules you can wear your dream dress/suit and get some beautiful photo's.

If You Have Postponed Your Wedding in the UK

Your date has changed, suppliers moved, travel dates amended, honeymoon rescheduled and once that is all finally over you may start to think what now?

1. Make your wedding breakfast at home. Share a special moment just you and your partner and try to re create what would have been your wedding breakfast on the day that should of been your wedding. It will be lots of fun and a very romantic night in.

2. Get your cake maker to make a mini version of your cake something for you and your partner to enjoy - I mean who would say no to extra cake?

3.Host virtual wedding drinks with your wedding party! Play some games like "MR & MRS" and enjoy a few drinks. I am sure you are missing lots of friends and family so it's a great way to e-meet.

4. The Countdown begins! Whilst your new wedding day countdown begins why not start a wedding journal, keep an eye on the latest trends, do a little diy for your table centres. You will probably have a lot more time than you thought for lots of last minute extra special touches to make your day very unique.

Your friends and family will be so excited to begin counting down to your new wedding day so whilst planning a wedding during lockdown can be difficult there is lot's to look forward to. We do not know when weddings will be able to resume in UK but what we do know is there is always a way to make sure you get your special day.

Be Proactive When Planning A Wedding During The COVID-19 Outbreak

PAR002_123@heg.com — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 10:41:37 GMT

Wedding Planning During COVID-19 Outbreak

Covid-19 has completely taken over every single headline, social media platform and seems to be the biggest conversation around the entire world. We knew the situation was serious but for most it was a crisis elsewhere and nothing to concern us in the UK. Now, many are left feeling anxious for what the future holds especially for couple's with weddings booked between May-July 2020 and maybe even a little later in the year. If you are worried about your wedding going ahead, POSTPONE don't cancel. Let's start making the amendments needed to get you back to planning your special day. Remember we are all in this together and the absolute last thing we want as a venue is for you to cancel your special day that both you and our team have been excited about for the past year if not longer. At a time where everyone is under financial strain if your wedding insurance does not cover infectious diseases you may not receive your money back - check your contract.

We feel your pain, whilst the past few weeks have been exhausting we have pulled together not only as a team but as an entire country. We have done our absolute best to move almost every single March - May wedding day and our suppliers could not have been more supportive.

Check in with your venue

It is crucial this is the first thing you do. Without moving the date with the venue you cannot begin amending anything else with your suppliers. Please keep in mind although we know this is stressful and anxious time venues are receiving 10-15 if not more calls a day from brides and grooms getting married throughout 2020. Every venue will be doing their absolute best to amend weddings taking place within the next 6-8 weeks. If your wedding is later in the year we know it is hard but please bare with us.

Check in with your suppliers

Once you have changed your date it's time to talk to suppliers. Firstly... BREATH! Write a list of all your suppliers out first including their contact details examples include:

Florist

Cake Maker

Venue Stylist

Videographer/Photographer

Dress Supplier

Suits Supplier

Hair & Beauty

Music & DJ's

Honeymoon Plans

Stationary

Favours

Let them know your new date, most suppliers will be happy to move to your new date providing they have good notice and have availability. If they cannot move please be sure to ask if you can get your deposit back to secure another date.

Let Your Guests Know

Let your guests know the new date via a group message such as Whatsapp. Put "read receipts" on to see who has received and read your message. Don't panic, your friends and family will be delighted that they have something to look forward to at a time where things are very unknown. Don't worry if they don't get back to you straight away, everyone is moving day by day so expect slower replies.

Look After Yourself

Most importantly, look after yourself. Start your wedding amendments as soon as you can but remember we are ALL in this together. Pace yourself, once you have the new date try to enjoy the planning process. Covid19 rumours and fake news surrounding it may affect your mental health so try to focus on yourself, take an hour each day to read a new book, print off some family photo's and start an album or maybe start yoga! Reduce your social media time and only get your news about the pandemic from trusted news and health services. It is very easy to get caught up in fake news and scaremongering. If you’re self-isolating remember to keep in touch with friends and family, in particular your older or more vulnerable relatives over video chat, like Facetime. If they don't have access to this just give them a call, hearing someone you love's voice can be what makes the day a little easier. In a time where everything is so uncertain spread LOVE!

Wash your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds (try singing the chorus to your favourite song) especially when handling food

Maintain at least 2m distance from anyone if you are going out to shop for necessities

Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands are not clean. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets entering your body.

Cough and sneeze into a tissue, or into your elbow. Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

If you have difficulty breathing, seek medical attention – but call 111 in advance

We are ALL in this together.

Remember each day we are one day closer to things getting back to normal if we ALL

Stay Home

Protect The NHS

We WILL Save Lives

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Do's & Don'ts When Planning A Wedding

PAR002_123@heg.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 09:47:01 GMT

Do's and Don'ts when planning a wedding

DO make appointments...

We know it's exciting.. I mean you have just got engaged and you can begin planning the best day of your life BUT the last thing you want to do is turn up to a venue/store and be turned away because you don't have an appointment. Most venue's and stores will do their best to fit you in but it's always best to pre book to avoid disappointment.

DO give your guests as much notice as possible to get to your wedding

If you have found your dream venue send out your save the date's as soon as possible. We know that midweek and Friday weddings are becoming more and more popular so if you are worried about your loved one's being able to make it to your special day, send out your invites well in advance. I mean who wouldn't doesn't want to take a day of and make it a long weekend! By giving your loved one's good notice they will be more likely to be able to attend.

DON’T worry about everyone else’s schedules

It is nearly impossible to try and fit around everyone's schedule... Hen do's, stag do's, engagement parties, dress fittings.. I mean the list can goes on! The last thing you want to do it worry about everyone else's schedule. Set the date in good time and your loved one's will then be more than likely to make it. I mean there is never going to be the "perfect" date where every single friend, cousin, auntie and grandma are all going to be available but they will make it work... it's your special day!

DO work with your event manager/wedding planner

The event manager or wedding planner of the venue know's that venue better than anyone else. Whilst they will be more than happy to try make your dreams come to life ALWAYS take their advice, they just want you to have the best day ever. If they are saying no to something there is always a reason for it. Discuss all your plans with them and ask for their advice, they will always steer you in the right direction.

DON'T fall into the usual trap of trying to do everything at once

You have plenty of time. Most weddings are booked between 9 months to a year and a half before the big day. So set up your checklist, set dates that each thing needs to be completed by and that way you will not only be less likely to forget something but it will also make everything a little more stress-free.

DO follow everything up in writing

So you have just met with your wedding decor supplier, cake maker or maybe the venue planner and had the best meeting... A few weeks later you re confirm something that was discussed verbally in a meeting to find out that it's no longer possible?! ALWAYS follow up your meetings in writing. Get the suppliers to send you over personlised quotes and ask all the questions in writing that way you have an email trail of everything.

And one more to finish with…

DON'T forget to enjoy every moment of it! It will most likely be the best day of your life!!!

5 Reasons To Get Married In A Barn

PAR002_123@heg.com — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 14:05:13 GMT

5 Reasons Why You Should Get Married In A Barn

Blank Canvas

With a natural colour scheme, and brick or wood walls and floors, you don’t have to worry about clashing with the wallpaper or carpet! Stunning beams are just one of the magical features of having your wedding in a barn. Tudor Barn also has a stained glass Tudor window and beautiful fairy lights and seasonal flowers on the beams. Barns are so versatile; you can dress them up with lots of glamour and sparkle, or keep things natural with a vintage, country or rustic theme. Tudor Barn is rich in over 500 years of history dating back to the 1525.

Become Part of History

Barns are full of history and stories which give them that extra charm and character – making each and every wedding truly unique. Tudor Barn is a large brick barn in Eltham in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It was built in 1525 by William Roper. The Ropers lived next door in a manor house in the center of a moat for several years. William married Margaret More, the daughter of Thomas More, and one of the most learned women of sixteenth-century England.

Escape to the country

Escaping to a barn for the night or a long weekend isn’t something you get to experience too often! A relaxing retreat to a barn for just the two of you and your family makes the perfect end to a perfect day. Barn’s can usually be in very remote locations so it’s always best to check transport and accommodation in advance.

Stunning Gardens

Whether it’s glorious private parklands or public garden’s you are sure to capture this beauty within your wedding photo’s. Not only do you and you guests have the excitement of exploring the grounds during the drinks, but you also have the added fun of outdoor entertainment. Lawn games, bouncy castles, live singers – you name it! The possibilities are endless especially if you choose to go for a summer wedding.

Have Your Cake And Eat It Too!

Barn’s are usually very versatile with different options for your entire day. Usually exclusive for your special day this means that you have the flexibility to have the day you have always wanted and not be fixed around the venue’s timings. Ask the questions at the beginning, can we move our ceremony time? Can we have our own catering. It’s your day after all – don’t be afraid to ask!

Wedding Top Tips

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 13:26:38 GMT

Tudor Barn Elthams Top 10 Wedding Tips

Cover all your wedding planning bases with these top 10 tips you will not want to be without!

1. Get organised early

In a three-ring binder, compile all your correspondences with venue & suppliers. Make notes during meetings, and include photos from your favourite wedding Pintrest boards as giving a picture to a supplier can make it much easier for them to quote and they will know exactly what you want. Set up a special email address dedicated to your wedding that you and your partner can access to save either of you missing out on vital conversations (unless you have a surprise for one another of course!)

2. Don't be afraid to ask

Your wedding vendors should be your go-to experts during the wedding planning process. When visiting the venue for the first time have a list of questions for the sales team, then when you are walking around make notes - you don't want to agree to one of the biggest purchases of your life without asking all the right questions... there is no wrong questions! Your event manager will be on hand to guide you through the entire planning process, they will advise you on what works and give you ideas on things you may have never even considered. Your venue will work with a variety of suppliers who know the venue inside and out - make contact with them early as they will give you lots of ideas.

3. Take it one step at a time

Put together a wedding planning schedule and do things one by one in a dated order, so you don't take on too much too fast and end up with everything happening all at once. We all know planning a wedding can be overwhelming and even if you are very particular in how you want your day to go - ask for help! Whether it's simply getting everyone's contact details or calling suppliers to check on final touches ask for help. Don't hire any vendors before you've confirmed your date; don't design your cake before you've envisioned your flowers; and don't book a band before you've settled on a venue.

4. Book the registrars

Even before finalising your special venue contact the venues local registrars office just to confirm they have availability on the date and time which you want. Remember this is not included within the price of the venue. Allow between £400-£650 for your registrars fee.

5. Set a budget and stick to it

Your budget will be the deciding factor for many of your wedding-related decisions, so this should be one of the first things you tackle. If any family members will be contributing, chat with them about what they’re comfortable spending. If you’re footing the bill yourself, it’s time to take a hard look at your finances. Once you’ve got that magic number, stick to it! Sit down with your partner and prioritize, if music is the most important thing to you both then see where you would both be willing to spend less and compromise

6. Speak to newly weds

Did you just attend a wedding you really enjoyed? Talk to them! They probably have some expert tips and tricks for you. Sometimes friends and family are the best source and every wedding is unique so don't worry about asking for lots of detail - it's not like you are going to buy the same dress!

7. Read the contracts

Now this may sound boring but it is vital you read every single detail within your contract. Your suppliers will completely understand if you want to take some time and read through everything - don't just sign the dotted line through excitement as you may have missed out something very important. Make sure all the details are correct, and read through important things like payment and cancellation policies before signing. Don’t forget to double check that the date and event times are correct as the last thing you want is to book the wrong day!

8. DIY

DIY can be cost-effective and can add some nice personal touches to your big day. Just don’t go overboard or you’ll end up with more work than you know what to do with. Feel free to go the DIY route with things that can be done well in advance, like favors, table numbers, etc. Get your wedding party involved I am sure they will have lots of fantastic ideas and you will soon find out who the creative one of the group is!

9. Final Touches

It's a month before your wedding and all of your suppliers are asking when they can drop off to the venue. Check with your venue to find out when suppliers can arrive for set up. The earlier, the better but some venues may have other events going on the same day. Get this information early and review with your suppliers so you aren't overwhelmed the week before your special day.

10. Take some time off

For the sake of your own sanity, make sure you schedule some time for you and your fiancé to be together and do anything but wedding plan. Trust me, you’ll need the break! Consider taking the week before the wedding off work, both to make sure last minute details are completed, and just to chill.

Tudor Barn Eltham

8849be8e

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2. What's included, and is there a minimum spend?

3. Where does the ceremony and drinks reception happen if it rains?

4. How many fit sitting down, and how many later?

5. Who's going to be running my wedding on the day?

6. Can we bring our own suppliers?

7. What time does the music stop, and what time do you?

8. How do people get here, and where do they park?

9. What are the rules on cars, deliveries and set-up?

10. What have you got booked the day before and the day after?

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