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 a 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 you 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.

Wedding Open Evening -Thursday 22nd August from 4pm until 8pm.
Wedding Showcase Weekend -Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd September from 10am until 4pm.

Contact The Pilgrims Rest team today on 07552 873448 to make an appointment.

Photography by Jessica Bevan Photography www.jessicabevanphotography.com/

Over the years I have attended many weddings - big to small, lavish to simple, professionally planned on a vast budget to a DIY – all hands to the pump low budget.  The memories of some have faded with time but others remain more vivid.  

One wedding that sticks in my mind was a good friend’s who only had 16 of us to their wedding.  The bride had decided to wear a smart suit rather than a wedding dress but the day before the wedding suddenly realised she actually did want to look like a bride and hurried off to a local wedding dress hire shop.  Having tried every dress on and found nothing right the owner of the shop shot upstairs and brought down her own wedding dress for her to try on - a 60s number complete with enormous daisies, a square neckline and flowing sleeves.  

To put this in context the wedding was in the 1990s and 1960s dresses would never have been contemplated as something you would wear on your wedding day; Fancy dress parties, yes but your actual wedding day, no way! My friend tried on the dress to find it fitted perfectly.  The morning of her wedding she picked some wild flowers and made a simple ring of them for her hair.  She looked like a boho bride twenty years before it was fashionable; she looked absolutely perfect.

The bride was a chef and, to her, food was paramount and had ensured our six course meal was spot on.  With such a small amount of guests we all felt incredibly honored to be invited and we sat around on large table as if it were a very smart dinner party.  By having so few guests they were able to spend more money on superb food and great wine.  It was a truly memorable wedding day for me - less really was more.

This wedding was poles apart from another wedding we had been to a few months before.  The bride’s father completely went to town, even digging a lake on their property so that when the enormous marquee was assembled there was a perfect view across the water.  The bride’s dress was an exact copy of the dress Audrey Hepburn wore to the ball in My Fair Lady with hair to match. She did look beautiful and the marquee impressive. 

As the couple left the church a stunning old convertible car was waiting to take them back to the reception. We were carefully lined up to throw confetti - especially dried rose petals in little baskets which was a very novel idea in those days.  We quickly hid our packets of shop bought ones and threw the pretty petals over our friends.  

As they got settled in the car a little boy had been watching us and picked up a big pile of grass cuttings, leaves and twigs and lobbed them right at the bride’s head.  Oh dear…there she sat, totally horrified completely covered in churchyard debris - not quite the plan at all but incredibly funny at the time.  I don’t remember the food or much else about the wedding which shows that money doesn’t necessarily make memories but the image of this little boy wanting to be part of the fun is one that has stuck with me for decades.

If you are looking for a venue where you can create a really memorable wedding then The Pilgrims Rest might be just what you are looking for.  For more information contact The Pilgrims Rest team on 07552873448 or email venue@pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk.

WEDDING OPEN EVENING - Thursday 22nd August 2019 from 4pm until 8pm. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Photography by Charlotte Rawles at www.charlotterawlesphotography.com/

There are many types of wedding venues - ones that offer a wealth of different packages to suit your budget and others that offer an empty field for your marquee.  Some venues have a style of wedding that must be adhered to with preferred caterers and suppliers; others are essentially a completely empty venue needing everything brought in from furniture to lighting; catering tents to port-a-loos. 

So, what if you want something else?  The Pilgrims Rest is an exclusive use venue licensed for weddings in the heart of East Sussex with no corkage charges and no hidden extras.  At The Pilgrims Rest we have designed our venue to be a wonderful backdrop for your wedding - one on which you can stamp your own personality without the hassle (and expense) of furnishing an empty venue. 

We have carefully sourced furniture and accessories from lime-washed trestle tables to vintage decanters, rustic benches with winter furs and summer rugs to pewter candlesticks.  We have created a two beautiful dressing rooms so couples can both get ready on site.

At The Pilgrims Rest we give couples choice and the flexibility to make their day their own.  Whether you choose to have a vintage tea or a Game of Thrones banquet it is all possible in this incredible 600 year old building.

We have a list of wonderful local suppliers that we can share with you - people we know, and trust, to help make your day just how you want it.  If you prefer to do it yourselves, then bring your own food, set up your own bar and pick some posies from your garden – the choice is yours!
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If you would like to book an appointment to meet Amy & Amy-Lou and discuss options then please contact us on 07552873448 or venue@pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk.

Photo by Katie Rogers -www.katierogersphotography.com