What a fantastic day! I can't think of a single thing which could have been done better. From finally choosing Languard Manor, through to dealing with Mark and Daphne in the run up to the wedding, to the day itself, it was perfect in every way. Even the weather smiled on us.

We did a lot of planning in the run up to the wedding itself and Mark and Daphne were extremely accommodating when it came to setting things up prior to the wedding, giving us a free run of the venue from the Wednesday prior to the wedding until the Monday after the wedding to decorate tables, set up the sweet trolley and all the other details which we wanted to get done in advance.

Their advice on all aspects of the preparations, the sequence of events on the day and their management of the wedding itself could not have been better. They were very flexible when it came to menu's for the meal and in the end we asked for two courses which were not on the standard menu. We also had to cater for vegetarian, pescatarian and a vegan guests, and submitted special menu's for these guests which were produced without any problems.

On the day, we started with drinks on the lawn until the bride and her entourage were ready, followed by the ceremony itself which was held on the lawn. This was followed by canapes and champagne on the lawn until we were called in for the meal. The service was excellent during the meal, with no one having to wait for their food, despite the different requirements of some of our guests. The quality of the food, its preparation and presentation was excellent, and we received many compliments from our guests after eating.

Following the meal and the speeches we were encouraged to make the most of the weather outside, so that the staff could rearrange the dining room for the evening and the band and the DJ could set up. We had 150 guests for the evening do, with music until midnight. We supplied beer and wine, and those who wanted something else were catered for at the bar. Everyone who attended had a fantastic day. I cannot recommend Landguard Manor highly enough!

Landguard Manor is an extremely beautiful place to have your wedding reception. The main rooms are fantastic, and if like us you have a sunny day, the grounds are beautiful. I imagine it would be very cosy for a winter wedding too.

The attention to detail at Landguard is very good, and everything was terribly well presented. Special diets and children are well catered for.

The starters were lovely, and the dessert our wedding cake was beautifully presented. The main course, whilst completely adequate was over-priced and there was a mistake in the service meaning some people waited a very long time for their meal to be served.

The only real let down was the fact that the staff were not on hand to direct us as a couple. We were under the impression that we would be stage-managed a bit more but as it was it was us who had to direct our guests into dinner and to direct them to the bar. No one was really on hand to ask questions to. On a couple of occasions our best man had to activitely seek out members of staff.

It doesn''t sound like a major problem now, but on the day I found it really stressful.

I would have just like someone to be on hand a bit more to tell us what we should be doing and when.

Also note-worthy is the fact that a month on we are yet to receive any further correspondance from them.

LANDGUARD MANOR
Before deciding on where to hold their Reception our happy couple, James and Louise, had visited around thirty possible venues both on the mainland and the Island. Our final choice was a Marriage Service at St Mary’s Carrisbrooke, the Reception at Landguard Manor with overnight accommodation for most of our guests at the Brunswick Hotel, Shanklin. These three venues proved to be excellent choices.

Landguard Manor was the obvious choice for the Reception because it had all that we wanted: A picturesque setting for a stunning photo shoot, with spring flowers against a background of old stone walls and a manicured lawn. A reliable and flexible catering service, easy and ample parking, and room for our guests to enjoy the evening and all at a realistic and fair price.

On returning from the Service our open top, vintage, green bus stopped at the end of the red carpet which elegantly led our eighty four guests into a blue and marble lofty, candlelit, and comfortably furnished entrance hall.

The perfectly prepared meal and drinks were served under the personal supervision of the functions manageress by eight waitresses. Special dietary requirements were accurately catered for and ‘unobtrusive excellence’ was the hallmark of the superb service.

The four large reception rooms available throughout the evening provided areas for all of our guests to dance, party or enjoy quiet conversation. Nothing was too much trouble for the cheerful and welcoming staff. Our happy couple were delighted.

All of us involved in the planning of the wedding are unreservedly fully satisfied with the major contribution made to our happy day by all at Landguard Manor.

April 02