We all dream about our wedding day - from making bridal boxes as children to creating Pinterest boards full of inspiration. When the time comes, suddenly dreams become reality and what started out as a fun and exciting process can quickly become a stressful and expensive one. From being a fairly relaxed, happy person we become the bridezilla of all bridezillas; we start to organise things down to the tiniest detail and walk through our wedding days a thousand times before it happens to make sure the day will run perfectly.  At this point we need to stop, take a deep breath and really think…who are you actually planning this wedding for?  For you and your fiancé or everyone else? If you have to pause to think about this then stop, take a bigger breath and think again.  It is your day - have a wedding that you will actually enjoy organising and more importantly you will enjoy on the day.

Less is more is a good mantra when planning your day.  Reducing your guest list means your close friends and family will be your guests so there should be nobody to impress and nobody to judge (or so we would hope!)  Your wedding day should be full of fun, laughter and love.  Think about if you were attending your best friend’s wedding - would you judge them if they decided not to spend hours making tiny pots of jam as favours?  Probably not.  If this is the case, then do yourself a favour (rather than making them) and keep it simple.

This is where we step in. The Pilgrims Rest in East Sussex is a 600 year old, licenced wedding venue in the heart of East Sussex.  We have designed and furnished it so that it needs little decoration. With vintage decanters and wine buckets and stands for your wine; wood for the fires and pewter candlesticks and candles for the lime-washed trestle tables; Chiavari chairs  for dining and benches and furs for the ceremony we have tried to think of everything to make your day as simple and affordable for you as possible. 

We do not charge corkage so that you can have great wine and your own bar if you choose. We offer couples the flexibility to have a wedding just how they want it and the choice to make it their own. We work with some amazing local caterers but if you have your own then bring them with you!   As well as caterers we have a tried and tested list of amazing Sussex suppliers - from florists to photographers, D.J’s to harpists. Importantly our friendly and experienced team will hold your hand on the day ensuring your wedding goes without a hitch.

With less stress, less cost and less hassle your wedding will be more relaxed, more enjoyable and more fun.  When it comes to planning your wedding - less really is more.

If you would like to come and view The Pilgrims Rest please contact The Pilgrims Rest team on venue@pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk or call 07552 873448 to arrange an appointment.

Photography: Jess Bevan Photography

Close your eyes and imagine the warmth of an open fire; the light of flickering candles; the company of your nearest and dearest; happiness and contentment.  Do you have a picture in your head?  Can you describe it in one word?  The closest we could come up with was “cosy” but it doesn’t quite hit the mark.  In England we have no singular word that can truly sum up this picture but if you were Danish it would be simple - ‘Hygge’.  Hugely important in Danish lives, this little word has much to do with why the Danes are the happiest nation in the world.
 
You might have seen Hygge Pinterest boards or interior design articles but bear in mind that Hygge is much deeper than simply styling candles and pine cones.  Hygge is not just a look, but something that involves many parts coming together in the right place, at the right time.  Essentially, it is about enjoying the good things in life with good people. 
 
If it makes the Danes happy then what better than applying this little word to your own lives and even your wedding plans to help you have a happy wedding day.  So, how do you go about it?  Firstly, keep your guest list to those you really love (and love you back!).  Secondly, pick a venue that fits your guest list - you can’t feel cosy in a half empty space and follow your heart - you will know the moment you walk in when you have found your venue; it should feel just like coming home.  
 
A venue that allows candles and fires is pretty vital to create a true Hygge feel on your wedding day.  The Pilgrims Rest is just such a venue in the heart of East Sussex.  600 years old with three working fireplaces.  A unique, exclusive use venue that comes fully furnished, and with seasonal looks included if you choose.  With two beautiful dressing rooms, the vaulted Great Hall to make your vows, candles on the tables and furs on the benches, there is a great deal included. 
 
The Pilgrims Rest needs little decoration but gives you the opportunity to add your own finishing touches. Even better, there are no restrictions on suppliers and no corkage charges, leaving you to choose who helps you on your wedding day.  
 
Getting married should be the best day of your life so always remember - good things and good people.  Speaking of good people, one of The Pilgrims Rest wedding team will be there to hold your hand, offering help and advice in the run up to your wedding day.  On the morning of your wedding, they will be the first to arrive and last to leave, ensuring your day goes without a hitch.   If your wedding nerves kick in, you will find a reassuring smile and a little “Hygge” to help you on your way.

If you would like more information about holding your wedding at The Pilgrims Rest please contact the team on 07552873448 or email at venue@pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk.

​Photography by Jessica Bevan