Wedding Day Timings
Hockwold Hall
From 8am you will have access to our bridal prep studio where the bridal party can begin to glam up for the big day. Enjoy some breakfast, blast your favourite songs and let your hair and make-up artists work their magic! FYI: Our bridal prep studio is located in the banquet hall, which is an outer building next to the main hall.
During this time your florist will be delivering your gorgeous flowers and your decorators will be making the marquee look stunning. Your photographer will also be arriving during this time, snapping some photos of the decorated venue before making their way to the couple and their respective wedding parties. Our helpful event coordinators will be on site to welcome and direct all your suppliers!
The groom usually arrives on site between 11am-12pm. Once he has arrived at Hockwold Hall it is time for him and his groomsmen to get suited up, be sure to remember the buttonholes!
At around 12pm, once the make up artists and hair stylist have brought their visions to life, our dedicated wedding coordinators help the bride move across to the hall to put on her dress. It is our mission to make sure that the groom and bride don’t catch a glimpse of each other during this transition, preserving the magic of their first look.
Once the bride has wiggled into her gown it is time to get all the pretty photos that have been planned out for months. Our charmingly timeless staircase is perfect for these photos! Fancy doing a first look with parents or bridemaids? Now is the time for that too.
Stay calm! This is where things begin to get more serious. The registrars meet with the couple to discuss legalities, usually the groom has his meeting first shortly followed by the bride. Each meeting is approximately 15-20 minutes, the registrar will guide you through the ceremony, explaining what will happen, the key moments, and the legal signing of documents. Additionally, they will want to talk to your witnesses and see the rings.
Now it’s time for the groomsmen to step into their role, joining the groom in warmly welcoming your day guests and guiding them to our lovely seating areas. Our event coordinators will also be on hand to assist with directions and answer any questions your guests may have.
Whether you’ve chosen our enchanting outdoor ceremony area or one of our charming indoor ceremony rooms, we ensure that your guests aren’t left waiting for too long. Particularly for the groom, who may have some pre-wedding jitters, we will guide your guests to their seats just before the ceremony begins.
Once the registrar officially declares you married, it’s time to make your grand exit! Walk back up the aisle with smiles and cheers, and get ready for that magical confetti moment – an unforgettable shower of celebration marking the start of your new journey together.
It’s time for you and your guests to share a glass of fizz as you mark the start of your beautiful adventure as a couple. Enjoy some yummy canapes and time together, chatting and laughing, while the kids (or adults) delight in playing garden games on the spacious green lawn. Don’t forget to let your guests know about our petting zoo too, now is the perfect time for you guests to come and interact with some of our adorable furry friends.
Once all the welcome drinks have been enjoyed, we open our fully stocked bar, allowing guests to grab their favourite beverage before finding their seats in the beautifully decorated marquee.
Once everyone has found their seats, your dedicated emcee (or one of our coordinators) will introduce the newlyweds into the marquee. Introducing for the first time ever… the happy couple… Mr and Mrs [name] / Mr and Mr [name] / Mrs and Mrs [name] !!!
Now is time for your wedding breakfast, whether you have opted for a casual BBQ or a 7-course fine dining experience, our exclusive catering partners Shefs have got you covered!
It’s time for the speeches – a moment filled with heartfelt words, laughter, and sometimes a few happy tears. The best man, maid of honor, and proud parents take center stage to share stories, express their love, and offer their well-wishes to the happy couple. This cherished tradition is a chance to reflect on the journey that brought everyone here, celebrate the love story that unfolded, and raise a toast to the beautiful future ahead.
As the evening guests start to arrive, the atmosphere shifts to an even more festive mood. This is the perfect time for mingling, catching up with friends, and soaking in the romantic glow of the evening, while the excitement builds for the first dance and the festivities that follow.
It is time for the very last wedding traditions, before the happy couple can relax and party the night away! The cake cut is a sweet moment that symbolizes the first shared task as a married couple – made even more special with cheers from friends and family. Transitioning smoothly into the first dance, we draw back the curtains to reveal the awesome dancefloor to you and your guests.
Once the first dance is complete the DJ or band will invite everyone on to the dancefloor to dance the night away!
Shefs strike again with their evening food, whether this is a traditional evening buffet, cheese and biscuits or loaded fries, they’ll provide your guests with the fuel they need to keep the energy high all through the night!
Depending on the day of your wedding, the music will stop and the bar will close at 11pm (weekdays), 12am (Friday and Saturdays) but don’t let that stop the party! Head down to our cellar bar to continue the festivities, fully stocked with your own booze and a bluetooth sound system, you’ve got everything you need to finish your big day in the best way possible! One last thing… don’t forget check-out is 10am, so make sure to set your alarms and have your hangover cures at the ready!