09 Jan Dundas Castle Team – Hollie and Morvern
Following on from the blog introducing the Dundas Castle team, our main wedding planners are stepping up to give you some insight into their favourite parts about the Castle and inspiration to get started with planning your special day. Hollie and Morvern take recently engaged couples by the hand and lead them through the wedding planning process, suggesting suppliers to create their dream day and giving them recommendations and advice to ensure the wedding is stress-free and full of perfect moments which create lifelong, happy memories.
Hollie and Morvern both have extensive experience in wedding planning and co-ordination. In particular, Morvern has worked with Dundas for over 10 years and knows the Castle like the back of her hand. This knowledge has been passed down through the team so each member can guide couples to create their perfect Dundas wedding.
What is your favourite ceremony location within Dundas?
Hollie: My favourite location is definitely the Great Hall in the Auld Keep. This space is filled with character from the vaulted ceiling to its original stonework and can look stunning when it is set up with simple candlelight and foliage. As this part of the Castle is 600 years old, it gives the room a ‘chapel’ feel but it has always been a family home. The Auld Keep is not a religious building which gives couples the flexibility on what type of ceremony to have. Couples can opt to bring in a minister or a celebrant to conduct their service.
Morvern: In the summer months the Courtyard is an elegant ceremony setting. With its white stone fountain and coloured, arched doors it is a gorgeous backdrop to say your vows. Some couples choose to enhance the space with stunning floral arches whilst others prefer to just keep it simple with the flowers that grow around the Courtyard.
What quirky ideas do you have to make the wedding reception fun and unique?
Morvern: Throw your bouquet! I forgot to throw my bouquet on my wedding day and it is something I still regret. This is a lovely wedding tradition which is not only fun but provides a memorable photo opportunity. I would also recommend a strong theme or gorgeous colour palate so your decor is unique. We have seen some brilliant themes at Dundas including dinosaurs,
Hollie: For me, what makes a wedding is the entertainment. I love live music! I feel like the whole day should be full of joy, singing and dancing. This can be achieved by having a live band during your drinks reception to really get the celebrations started. If you have any cultural traditions, this is a good opportunity to tie these into the day. We have seen some amazing entertainment for wedding guests including mariachi, samba and tribal bands.
What is one key piece of advice you would give to a couple that
Hollie: Try and have as few suppliers to liaise with as possible. This can be achieved by using an agency to book specific elements of the day. For example, you can book your piper, drinks reception music and evening band all through one agency. It makes things easier for you by having fewer invoices and emails to keep on top of. I would also recommend creating a detailed list of everything you might want for the wedding and getting a quote for each element so you can set a realistic budget and prioritise where to use your funds.
Morvern: Don’t over think the table plan. This is often a task to be done in the lead up to the big day, which can sometimes be a stressful time. I suggest that couples open a good bottle of wine one evening and place the guests in groups, bearing in mind who it is that is paying for dinner! Your guests will be happy to be involved in the celebrations no matter where they are sitting.
Are there any locations around Dundas that you think are hidden gems for photographs?
Morvern: In the summer months we have a double swing outside the front of the Castle. This can be used to create unique photographs of the newly married couple. Some people choose to add flowers to the swing which creates a fun photograph opportunity for the wedding party. Don’t forget our lovely llama’s- perfect for those who want some memorable images of their special day!
Hollie: My favourite place for photographs is the Courtyard. The coloured doors and white fountain can create some whimsical images; perfect for some couple shots but also a great backdrop for group shots with the whole wedding party.
What has been your favourite event to plan during your time at Dundas?
Morvern: The most memorable event I have been involved with was my own sister’s wedding which took place at Dundas. She chose a beautiful Autumnal theme with lots of pumpkins as decor because the wedding took place in October. It was lovely to
If you are interested in hiring Dundas Castle for a wedding, please click here for further information or click here to enquire.
Images by Euan Robertson Photography, Duke Photography, Ryan White Photography, Blue Sky Photography, Crofts and Kowalczyk, Craig and Eva Sanders, El Marco Roco, Rankine Photography and Colin Ross Photography