Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding - December 2020/January 2021 (Issue 86)

The latest news from around the counties NEWS Nearlywed WASING PARK OPENS FOR WEEKEND STAYCATIONS Exclusive-use wedding venue Wasing Park is, for the first time, welcoming guests for weekend staycations to the 4,000-acre Berkshire estate. Visitors can enjoy walking trails through the woods, yoga in the on-site studio, forest bathing, relaxing by the fireside in the Stables Bar and an à la carte menu prepared by the highly trained chefs. Guests can cook their own woodfired pizza or firepit-flamed venison burger for lunch under the guidance of Executive Chef, Stuart Tyler, at Wasing's unique woodland venue - there might even be time for a little foraging too! The Grade II listed old estate rooms include The Granary, The Smithy (a former blacksmith’s shop that’s now a large boutique bedroom) and two-story room, The Dovecote. Owner of the Wasing Estate, Joshua Dugdale, tell us, “Until now, it was only our wedding guests and corporate clients who were able to stay with us, so we are delighted to be able to offer weekend breaks for the first time. Over the years, many visitors have asked us about returning for a staycation but this hasn’t been possible until now.” Prices start at £195 per room per night on a bed and breakfast basis and breaks are offered on a minimum two-night basis. For further information and to book, visit www.wasing.co.uk www.instagram.com/wasingpark FAB FESTIVE OFFERS Burnham Beeches Hotel, an elegant Georgian mansion set in the Buckinghamshire countryside, is offering a two-night Christmas package priced from £265 per adult, £129 per teen and £65 per child, available from 24 th until 26 th December 2020. It includes a relaxing stay in a newly designed Laura Ashley bedroom, canapés and dinner on Christmas Eve, lunch and an evening buffet on Christmas Day and breakfast. There’ll be daily entertainment including carol singers, and a drinks reception on Christmas Eve, a visit from Father Christmas with a gift for every child, and access to the festive games room. To book, call 01628 429 955 or visit www.burnhambeecheshotel.com www.instagram.com/ burnhambeecheshotel Turn to page 25 to read more about this hotel as a wedding venue. MACDONALD BERYSTEDE HOTEL & SPA UNVEILS NEW WEDDING PACKAGES Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa has launched a series of flexible wedding packages created to help couples tie the knot following lockdown. The four-star venue has responded to demand and in line with government guidelines, now offers intimate ceremonies with small groups of loved ones with the potential for a larger reception at a later date. These ‘sequel weddings’ have been particularly popular, with wedding coordinators working closely with couples to plan not one, but two special days. Demand is also growing for ‘shift weddings’ which mean couples do not have to compromise on numbers, hosting one group of family and friends for the ceremony and another for an extended wedding breakfast the following day. Bookings for larger weddings in 2021 and 2022 are on the rise and the hotel is seeing increased bookings for up to 400 guests in its Windsor and Eton Suite. Couples are wanting their celebration held under one roof rather than having to liaise with multiple suppliers, and the hotel can easily and quickly adapt its offering in line with changing government guidelines. For more information and to book, visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/south- england/ascot/macdonald-berystede-hotel-spa www.instagram.com/macdonaldhotelsandresorts Turn to page 25 to read more about this wedding venue. YOUR ESSENTIALS 9