Congratulations on Your Engagement!
Now comes the exciting part—planning one of the most important days of your life!
Some couples already have their dream venue in mind, while others might feel unsure where to start when choosing a location that suits their style and budget.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options and booked venue visits, it’s essential to prepare a list of questions to ask the Wedding Co-ordinator. At Vallum, we love working with organised couples who come prepared with lots of questions—it shows us how much their big day means to them!
Many couples leave venue visits thinking, “I wish I’d asked that question!” To help you avoid this, we’ve put together a handy guide to ensure you have all the key details you need to make an informed decision.
The BIG Questions
Does the venue have your preferred wedding date available?
Some venues list their availability online, but at Vallum, we pride ourselves on hosting only a few weddings each week. This allows us to get to know each couple, ensuring their day feels relaxed and unrushed. This also means our dates book up quickly! We offer a two-week “save the date” period to give you time to make your decision.
Does the venue have enough capacity to accommodate all your guests?
Whether you’re planning a small, intimate wedding or a grand celebration, it’s important to confirm the venue’s capacity. At Vallum, our Tipi is ideal for smaller weddings with a cozy, charming atmosphere. For larger events, our marquee seats up to 160 guests for both the ceremony and wedding breakfast, with space for over 200 in the evening—perfect for a Ceilidh!
Who will be there on the day?
At Vallum, the team on your wedding day depends on the size of your event and the menu you’ve chosen. However, you’ll always have a dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator, chefs, bar staff, and serving staff. Our Wedding Co-ordinator can also act as your Master of Ceremonies if desired. Staff costs are included in the venue hire.
Do we only get the venue for the day?
We block out the day before and after your wedding to give you full access for setup and to ensure everything is stress-free. On the day before, you can dress the marquee and meet with our Wedding Team to go over all the final details.
Do we get exclusive use of the site?
Absolutely! The wedding lawn, marquee, and Tipi are yours exclusively, so you won’t encounter unexpected guests on your special day.
How do the wedding packages work?
We keep it simple: you pay for venue hire, food, and drink. There are no hidden costs! Venue hire varies depending on the day of the week and the season. For food and drink, you can choose from our recommendations or work with our chefs to create a bespoke menu. For drinks, we offer corkage options, with leftover drinks available for collection the next day.
Will there be any changes to the venue before our big day?
We’re always enhancing our venue to improve your experience. For instance, in 2018, we added a Tipi and a horsebox bar. We’ll keep you informed about any updates that may affect your wedding.
The I Do’s
Where will the ceremony be held?
We’ll show you our marquee’s ceremony area during your visit, but you also have the option of an outdoor ceremony or one in our Tipi.
What happens to the ceremony area after the wedding?
While your guests enjoy drinks and canapés, our team transforms the ceremony area into a space for dancing and celebration.
Are we allowed to use confetti?
Yes, as long as it’s natural. Alternatively, bubbles are a fun and photogenic option.
Food and Drink
When is the food served?
Canapés and welcome drinks are served right after the ceremony. We typically recommend waiting an hour or so before seating guests for the main meal. Feasting-style mains are a popular choice, followed by desserts and speeches. Evening snacks, such as Barn Butties or burger sliders from our horsebox, are usually served around 8:30 pm.
How do the drinks work?
For corkage, we charge a fixed price per guest. Deliver your drinks the day before, and we’ll handle the rest. Leftover drinks are ready for collection the next day. Welcome drinks, table wines, and toasts are all carefully timed to enhance your day.
The Décor
Does the venue supply crockery and linen?
Yes, we provide crockery, cutlery, linen, and glassware. You just bring your centerpieces and decorations.
Where does the top table usually go?
Most couples opt for a round table to keep the day relaxed, but we can arrange a traditional rectangular table if preferred. The marquee layout is entirely up to you.
Do you have any decorations we can use?
We have a selection of decorations available at no extra charge—just ask our Wedding Co-ordinator for details.
Do we have to pay extra for fire pits?
No! Our fire pits, complete with logs, are included. All you need to bring are the marshmallows.
The Party
Do you have a sound system?
Yes, we provide a Bose sound system with a microphone for speeches. You can connect via aux or Bluetooth for ceremony and background music. For evening entertainment, we recommend hiring a professional DJ or band.
What time does the bar close?
The bar is open until 11 pm, but you can pay for a late license to extend it until midnight.
When do guests need to leave?
Guests usually leave within 30 minutes after the bar closes. We recommend booking taxis in advance as Vallum is in a rural area.
Accommodation
Can we stay onsite?
There are four Hygge cabins onsite, often booked by couples for the night before and the night of their wedding. We also work with Northern Star Tepees to create a Tepee village if desired.
Are there hotels nearby?
Northumberland offers a range of beautiful accommodations to suit all budgets. There’s even a cozy pub just across the road from Vallum.
Where can the bride and groom stay after their wedding?
Close House and Walwick Hall are luxurious options just a short drive away—perfect for your wedding night.
Financials
How do we receive a quote?
During your visit, we’ll ask about your preferred date, guest count, and menu preferences. We’ll then send you a detailed quote, usually the same day.
How does the deposit work?
We hold your date for two weeks to give you time to confirm your ceremony booking. To secure the date, we require a £1,500 deposit, payable via BACS.
What is the payment schedule?
After the deposit, half of the remaining balance is due 16 weeks before the wedding, with the final payment required six weeks before the big day.
When do we receive our wedding notes?
Once you’ve booked, we’ll send a welcome pack with a helpful guide and list of recommended suppliers. You’re welcome to request a copy of your notes anytime.
When do we meet before the big day?
We’ll meet with you three months before your wedding to confirm all the finer details. This meeting also includes a consultation with our chefs to finalise your menu.
When do you need the final guest numbers?
We require final numbers two months before the wedding. Numbers can increase after this point but cannot decrease. We’ll also request dietary requirements and a table plan.
We hope this guide helps you feel prepared and excited about your venue search. If you’d like to book a 1:1 viewing of Vallum, please contact our Wedding Co-ordinator at Lyndsey@marqueeandtipi.co.uk. Happy planning!