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Weddings at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts involve spending your special day in a variety of stunning rural and urban locations, where you and your guests can make use of all encompassing event, dining and accommodation spaces.
We spoke to Caroline, Wedding & Events Manager at Houstoun House, who explained how her role ensures everything runs smoothly on the day.
I would arrive at Houstoun House at around half past nine in the morning, before ringing the couple either in their room or elsewhere to make sure they've eaten, as well as ask if they need anything. Once hair and makeup have turned up, then it's all about going through the final details of the day.
Because Houstoun House is based in Scotland, the bride and groom have a choice as to whether they want to get married inside or outside. With the weather subject to change, they would decide around an hour beforehand where they want to go for the ceremony - so we always need to plan for both and have everything set up.
The piper would normally arrive around 45 minutes before the start of the wedding, where they would greet guests and pipe them in as they walk onto the red carpet.
If the bride is staying with us, then we would collect her from her room when everyone is ready, or meet her on arrival at the front of the hotel. If it's the groom, it's all about making sure he is correctly dressed (kilts can be a funny piece of attire to put on when you don't wear them often!).
During a ceremony at Houstoun, you have the option to be piped in. As I was orchestrating the music at a recent wedding, our piper just piped to the archway in the hedge, just to let the groom know she was on her way!
I would then tell the bridal party when to walk down the aisle. This can be a rather nerve racking experience for them all, so if I can help in anyway, I will! Once the ceremony is finished, I would then greet the bride and groom and hand over a well-deserved glass of fizz or bottle of beer.
Because everyone is together at this point, this is the opportunity to get confetti shots and group photos. I would always suggest that the drinks reception is hidden during this time to ensure guests don't walk off, or having them awkwardly not knowing where to put their drinks! It also works really well to hide the couple (I would normally do this in the hunting room) whilst we get the guests ready, just to give them some alone time..
For the photos, it's important to make sure the bride's dress is fluffed so that it looks as good as can be. I would also check with the couple whether they've had enough to eat and drink, as they can often forget when there's so much happening!
We really want people to make it their own and bring their personalities and their love story to the day in as many ways as possible – because it’s what makes it unique and it brings everyone together.
Caroline - Wedding Co-ordinater