Wedding FAQs

WITHIN THE VENUE FEE 

• Exclusive use of The Essex Barn and gardens from 7 am on the day of the wedding 
• The White Hart main bar for arrival drinks pre-ceremony (not exclusive use)
• The Essex Barn for the wedding breakfast and reception 
• Music/sound system in The Essex Barn 
• Tables and chairs for a civil ceremony 
• Hand-held microphone 
• The Essex Barn front gardens, including patio furniture
• Exclusive use of the Bridal preparation room

WITHIN THE TRADITIONAL DAY PACKAGE 

Before your wedding day 

• Full event organisation from the moment you book right up until the big day itself 
• Planning Meeting eight weeks before the wedding, lasting approx. 1 hour 
• Phone meeting with Front of House Manager, approx. 7 days before the wedding 

On the day of the wedding

• Aperitif on arrival
• Hire of barn, fully furnished – use of tables, chairs, licensed bar
• 3 Course wedding breakfast
• 2 Glasses of wine per person + Celebration toast drink
• Finest white table linen, white crockery, Villeroy & Bosch cutlery, glassware
• Cake stand and cake knife
• Bridal dressing and preparation room
• Evening BBQ Buffet for the number of guests in the chosen package
• Front of House manager from 11 am to 12 Midnight

WITHIN THE ACCOMMODATION 

• Accommodation is an additional charge for the bridal suite and the remaining 12 rooms (a total of 13 Rooms) 
• Complimentary Tea, coffee & water
• The bar restaurant within the main building of The White Hart will be used for breakfast the following morning

• Separate fee payable to the Church or Registry Office
• Registrars Contact details either, 03456037632 or www.essex.gov.uk/my-essex-ceremony-booklet
• Decorations: Flowers, Stationery, chair covers, photobooth (any suppliers wanted for the day) etc. We leave this process up to you.
• Use of the main White Hart Building from end of ceremony for the remainder 

We can provisionally hold a date for you for 7 days. Within these seven days, this is when we ask you to organise your civil ceremony or church service. 

We ask for a non refundable deposit of £500.00 to secure your date. 

• One year to the date a further £1,000.00
• Three months to your date 50% of your package price    
• One month to go total balance paid

We do offer you food tasting sessions. We suggest the best day of the week to come for a taster is a Sunday. You can have a total of 8 guests, including yourselves, where we offer a full three course meal per guest charged at a discounted rate. Please ask your wedding planner for the current prices. 

We would like to meet with you both approx 8 weeks before the wedding. We have an on average hour long meeting where we discuss your order of day, timings, menus choices, guests numbers, suppliers for the day and how you would like the day to run. This will get typed up and sent to you for your notes. 

You can access to the barn on the day of your wedding from as early as 7am to dress the venue. If we do not have a wedding the day before yours, you can have access to the barn from 10am.

*Please note wedding planners will not be on site until 11am on the day of the wedding

The Hedingham Suite will be available from 3pm. We will ensure The Bridal Preparation room within. The White Hart will be available for 7.00am. We politely ask that the bridal suite isn’t used as a ‘getting ready room’ as registrars refuse to see couples pre-ceremony in a bedroom. 

Guests can check in from 4.00pm on the day of the wedding. If rooms are available sooner guests can check in earlier. ‘Early Check in’ can only be organised through your wedding planner. We will try our utmost to accommodate you and your guests but we are a working accommodation where rooms are not accommodated by wedding guests only, therefore we ask for understanding with check in times. On the day of the wedding we will ensure at least two rooms are available for guests to use from 12 Midday as a changing room pre ceremony. 

Check in on non-wedding days is from 4.00 pm.

The venue closes at 12 midnight; we ask that all guests strictly vacate the premises by 12.15am. We recommend that taxis are booked to arrive at 12 Midnight. The bride and Groom are responsible for ensuring guests have vacated the venue.

Yes they can, we ask that guests collect their cars by the latest 11.00am the following morning. 

Check out is 11.00am.

Guests are welcome to arrive to the main bar within The White Hart approximately 1 hour before the ceremony. However, the White Hart bar is open from 11.00am so guests can start to arrive from this time. We advise guests not to purchase any drinks from the bar approx 20 minutes prior to the ceremony. Please note no alcoholic drinks are permitted on the mezzanine floor prior to a civil ceremony. 

Church weddings and blessings normally take between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the number and length of church readings. For all other questions relating to the church, please liaise with the church itself and then together with your wedding planner, we can organise times. 

The ceremony takes approximately 25 minutes. We recommend that you include readings or poems. 

Please allow sufficient travelling time and allow time for photographs at the ceremony venue. 

Yes, Dogs can be present 1 hour prior to the ceremony and stay at the venue through the drinks reception for photos. Once it's time to sit for the meal, we ask tthat hey have left the venue completely. We do not allow pets in the accommodation.

The recommended time is approximately 1 hour. We can extend this to 1 ½ hours if you wanted

This can take up to 30 minutes for up to 80 guests. 

It usually takes approximately 2 - 2½ hours; however, times may vary according to the length of speeches and the number of guests attending. Speeches and the toast may take place before or after the wedding reception.

It takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on how you would like the evening set up. Whilst we are preparing the barn for the evening reception, guests can stay in the barn or barn gardens. We will be as efficient and discreet as possible.

Entertainment can arrive from 10.00am on the morning of the wedding or they can start to set up from 6.00pm onwards. This is of course your choice.   

Depending on the timings of your day, on average evening guests start to arrive from 7.00pm onwards.  

We suggest you have the bar open from the moment the civil ceremony concludes approx 2.30pm. The bar can remain open all day. The only time you may want to close the bar is whilst speeches are taking place. 

This depends on the timings for your day, but typically the first dance is around 8.00pm.

We recommend evening food be served approximately an hour after the first dance and your evening guests have arrived. Evening food is served for approximately 1 hour. 

The bar closes at 12 Midnight. 

Music finishes at 12 Midnight.  

Unfortunately, we do not offer extended bar opening times. 

2.00pm   Ceremony starts

2.30pm   Ceremony finishes

2.30pm   Photographs/ Drinks Reception starts

3.30pm   Photographs/ Drinks Reception finishes

3.30pm   Welcome receiving line starts

3.55pm   Welcome receiving line finishes

3.55pm   Bride and Groom welcomed into the barn as the new Mr & Mrs 

4.00pm Wedding breakfast starts

5.30pm Wedding Breakfast finishes

5.30pm   Speeches Start

6.00pm   Speeches Finish (approx)

6.00pm   Evening entertainment arrive to set up

7.00pm   Additional Evening guests to arrive 

8.00pm   First Dance/ Cutting of the cake 

9.00pm   Evening Buffet starts

10.00pm Evening Buffet finishes

12 Midnight Bar closes/ Music finishes

12.15am All guests vacated from the Barn 

No, the choice is yours. You have the following options: 

• Provisionally hold all 13 rooms in your name, we will forward a copy of our reservation sheet for your attention, and you can control which guests stay in the accommodation with you on the night of the wedding. 
• Only book the rooms you wish to have the night of your wedding and we can put the remaining rooms to general sale. 

The total number of guests (including Children) is 31 people.

We ask that guests book through you to ensure the correct guests stay in the accommodation on the night of the wedding. However, with your permission, guests can book rooms direct with us on a first come first served premise and once they are booked no changes can be made. 

Payment for the rooms within the accommodation will need to be paid for four weeks before the wedding. Once you have returned the reservation sheet to us, guests can then make payment via bank transfer for their rooms. Any rooms that are not paid for by the deadline will be released and put up for general sale. All payments are non-refundable. 

You can, as long as we do not have a wedding the day before yours. We will confirm availability with you 12 weeks before your wedding. If the accommodation is available, we can get rooms booked in. 

Of course, as long as we do not have a wedding the day before yours.

Breakfast is served in the main restaurant in the building of The White Hart. We serve breakfast between 8.00am – 10.00am. Breakfast is charged at an additional rate. 

Yes, but all dishes or requests must be pre-ordered. The cost of the dishes will be on your invoices and paid prior to your wedding date.  You and your guests are not permitted to bring your own food or drink onto the premises for consumption during the getting-ready process. 

We do, we have three cots available. However, we cannot supply mattresses or bedding. We ask that parents bring all elements required. Parents can bring their own travel cots if preferred. 

Yes, we have baby changing facilities in The Essex Barn. 

There are a total of 13 bedrooms. 

• Hedingham Suite – 1 Bedroom – Bridal Suite

• Yeldham Suite, Gosfield Suite, Juxta Clare Suite – 3 suites – all with extra floor space and more amenities, these are ideal for close family members of the bridal party.

• Toppesfield Suite – Double Suite – Can sleep up to 5 guests if used as a family room option, room includes one sofa bed and an additional camp bed if required.

• The remaining rooms are all standard double rooms that can sleep up to two guests – 6 bedrooms 

     A floor plan of the rooms will be provided so you know where each room is situated. Alternatively, you can book an appointment and come and view all the rooms on a Sunday to help you with the booking process. 

We do have three camp beds available to put in rooms for additional guests. Additional guests incur an additional charge of £30.00 on top of the standard room rate.

If you view the venue on a day that the rooms are not all vacated this is fine

We recommend local accommodations in the surrounding areas. Please ask your wedding planner for further details. 

We are an all-inclusive venue so all catering and drinks service is provided by us at The White Hart, Great Yeldham. 

Yes of course, we ask that you come for taster meals on a Sunday at the venue, you can book a table in the restaurant and let us know how many people will be dining. You can have between 2 – 8 guests for the meal taster. We will serve you all a full three-course meal each. If you could send us a pre-order from the menus provided, that would be most helpful. There is a charge for the taster meal, please ask your wedding planner the amount. We cannot offer couples or guests a taster if nothing has been pre planned. 

If you wish to have a taster meal we would advise you have this approx 12 weeks or earlier before your wedding. Your wedding planner will request your chosen menu in your ‘Order of Day’ meeting approx 8 weeks before your day. 

Wine is included in within our packages. If you think you will require further wine you can purchase this from us. This again can be organised in the run up to your day. We do not offer corkage at any point throughout the day. The White Hart wine list is available on our website. If you are interested in another wine or two, your wedding planner can inform you of supplements.

Both options are available. Please confirm this with your wedding planner 8 weeks before your wedding. 

Yes we offer a range of 0% drinks along with soft drink options.

Yes, we are flexible with the drinks and are happy to accommodate your selection. Additional drinks etc will incur charges. 

If menus were to change we would make you aware with plenty of time in the run up to your wedding. However, we would always honour previous menus, subject to availability.  

We offer one starter, one main and one dessert option. This ensures a smoother option for you on the day. 

Yes, we will work with you to provide the perfect menu on your wedding day from the dishes we offer in our menus, If there are slight variations you can discuss with your wedding planner. 

Yes, you can add canapés as an upgrade. 

We recommend 4 canapés per person. Ask your wedding planner for the costings and options.

Yes, we have vegetarian options in our menu packages and we can also provide a different menu to accommodate those who have food allergies. 

We have included a children’s option in the menu. We suggest that if a child is under two years old you arrange for the parents to bring something suitable for them. If they are aged between two and twelve, please ask the wedding planner for current pricing. Guests aged thirteen or over are charged at the full adult package price. Orange juice, squashes and mineral water will be available throughout. 

Yes, a member of the management team will co-ordinate all matters relating to procedure quietly and efficiently, ensuring that everything planned in advance takes place as it should. The same manager will have a phone meeting with you one week before the wedding to ensure they are up to date with all the details

We will introduce you to members of the management team throughout your planning process. As we are a close knit team you will more than likely meet them during the planning process, such as re viewing the venue, meal tasters etc. 

We have plenty of car parking spaces and cars may be left overnight, at the owners’ risk for, collection the next morning by 11.00am at the latest. 

Yes but please can you make your wedding planner aware as the coach cannot stay on site all day. Your wedding planner will organise timings for drop off and collection with you. 

A wedding car is not necessary at The Essex Barn. However, if you have hired a car we can reserve a space so photographs can be taken for your album. 

Yes, we are happy for signage to be placed within the grounds. We cannot authorise signage on public roads and highways. Should you choose to put up signage please note that you are responsible for removing it afterwards and by 11.00am am the following morning.

In The Essex Barn. 

Yes, music is allowed in the barn during the day and evening. We have a decibel reader in our kitchen area, which we have to adhere to. Noise levels can not exceed 100 decibels. Your Front of House manager will make you aware if the levels reach or exceed the limit. If the music isn’t lowered, we will have to cut the power.  

Yes, you can bring a device or laptop to the venue and plug it into our built-in sound system within the barn or alternatively, if you have a SPOTIFY account, we can become friends with you via this and use your playlists via our own devices . You can create playlists needed for the day, and a member of staff will control the music for your ceremony and during the meal so you do not have to worry.

We can seat a maximum of 140 guests in the Essex Barn. 

Any number Between two – fourteen guests

Between six – ten guests. Tables can different numbers of guests to suit your plan.

We supply round tables which measure 6ft wide. 

Yes, please provide your wedding planner with your table plan approx. four weeks before your wedding date so that the correct number of tables and chairs can be set out. Please also let us know whether you require highchairs. If you can label the table plan with dietary requirements or information to help chef serve the food on the day.

Yes, but in order to comply with The Essex Barn’s fire insurance regulations, the following applies: table candles must be sitting in a secure holder. (Table candle lanterns, candelabras, tea lights are allowed)  Any lighting with a plug must be provided with a dated PAT Testing certificate. 

You are welcome to invite additional guests in the evening up to a total number of 200 guests (including day guests). 

The bar is in the Essex Barn. 

We do not. But if you are happy for them to use your bridal preparation room they can.  

No, however we ask that volume is at an acceptable level of 100 decibels or less. This is an acceptable level where staff within the barn can communicate with guests. Your Front of House manager will let the entertainment know if they are too loud. We ask couple to accept the Managers decision is final.

The dance floor is located under the mezzanine floor.

Fantastic! 

We do not allow dry ice machines or smoke machines as they set off our smoke alarms! Please be sure to notify your band/ DJ. 

No, but these can be provided by our preferred supplier only if required. The covers are an additional charge.

Yes, it is your responsibility to check that all contractors/suppliers you employ have public liability insurance, all electrical equipment is PAT tested and suppliers comply with current Health and Safety Regulations. We ask that proof of certification is provided to us in the run up to your wedding so supplier information can be added to your file. Please note that the fabrication of the venue and its fixtures and fittings cannot be damaged in any way, moved or re-located. 

We do allow the throwing of confetti and rose petals within the Essex Barn and the barn gardens as long as they are biodegradable. 

No, due to Health and Safety Regulations we cannot lend our ladder

This is strongly recommended.

No, The venue is exclusively yours on the day 

The Essex Barn is fully central heated.

No, we have an extraction system within the barn. 

We have disabled toilet facilities in the Essex Barn, but due to The White Hart being over 500 years old we cannot offer facilities in this period building. 

There is a small area located under the stairs in The Essex Barn where coats can be left. We will supply a table for you to use to place gifts and cards. 

The Essex barn is situated in 4.5 acres of landscaped grounds, you are more than welcome to view the grounds at anytime with your photographer (providing we do not have a wedding) to get a better idea before your wedding day. 

Unfortunately it is not possible as these may be hazardous to the livestock surrounding the venue. 

In line with the law, smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the buildings, including The White Hart and the Essex Barn. However guests can smoke in designated areas outside and receptacles are provided. 

We do not allow fireworks out of consideration to our neighbours and livestock

No, confetti canyons are prohibited. 

Please ask them to call the White Hart Team on 01787 237250. 

Owing to the nature of the venue, campervans are not permitted. 

No, our preferred suppliers are trusted by us and know the venue extremely well, but if you would like to use another supplier that is absolutely fine. Please ensure they have public liability insurance and comply with all Health and Safety Regulations.  

Yes, we will keep you updated on dates for open dates. However you are always welcome to book an appointment with a member of the team to show you around.