ESSEX TRAVEL & inspiration

No wedding is complete without those extra special pieces which will truly wow your guests. Of course, your chosen venue plays a huge part when it comes to creating individuality and personality. Our venue for example, offers couples the choice of 6 unique spaces to dress in whichever way they like, whether it be timeless and traditional, or quaint and quirky! Your reception room is your playground; decide on a style with your partner and fill it with items that capture one another’s personalities.
 
However simple your interior may be, decorations can turn your wedding day into the celebration that you have always dreamed of. For example, our Chapel is a truly stunning environment complete with high ceilings, wooden pews and a mezzanine floor, you really don’t need a lot to accentuate the beauty of this place! We provide our couples with the beautiful white flower arrangements, but decorations such as candles and lanterns can be added as personal touches.

Before you make your way to craft shops or start filling your online baskets, you must first highlight what you need to decorate and/or hire. Visit your venue on upcoming open days or organise a meeting with your planner and make a note of what you need. Here are a few things for you to think about:
 
Ceremony

• Entrance
• Guest book
• Registry table flowers
• Aisle
• Pew decorations
• Seating or chair covers <link – aura design>
• Backdrops
• Wedding signs

 
Reception

• Entrance
• Table plan
• Guest book
• Chair covers
• Centrepieces
• Table numbers
• Wedding cake table
• Favours
• Buffet table
• Dancefloor 

​Almost everything you will write down on your list will be available in a whole host of colours! Once you have your colour scheme sorted, which often falls in line with bridesmaids’ dresses, the finer details and decisions will become easier. Couples also choose colours depending on the season; we see more rich colours such as deep purples and reds in the winter, whereas in the summer we see more soft peaches and blush pinks. The above image is our pavilion; a spacious room which is a blank canvas which our couples love! It can be decorated to fit in with any colour scheme. 

​Seasonality also helps when choosing the smaller details too – favours or place names for example. Favours often have a personal meaning to couples as they symbolise a ‘thank you’ to the guests, a gift which guests can take with them. This could be a traditional pouch of sugared almonds, personalised lollipops or even handmade soaps! The possibilities are endless and are completely unique to you. 

If you would like more information or inspiration then please do pop in and see us! Our experienced wedding team will be on hand to show you around our venue, and help you wherever possible. We have 3 excellent onsite suppliers which include:
 
Aura Design: Venue Decorators & Florist – 01375 893 598
Rolls Royce Phantom – 01708 805 500
The Sitting Rooms Hairdressers – 01375 893 081
 
You can find more details about our additional services here.

​Lovers of a traditional afternoon tea complete with dreamy sponge cakes, generously filled finger sandwiches and delicate pastries and tarts will certainly not be disappointed after a visit to Orsett Hall Hotel. Every dish is executed under the keen eye of Head Chef Robert Pearce in The Garden Brasserie, who understands that afternoon tea is an experience, and a truly special one at that!

The experience begins as soon as you step inside The Garden Brasserie which truly is a floral wonderland. The beautiful décor and delicate ornaments and embellishments take you away from the hustle and bustle of life, immersing you into a calming atmosphere to enjoy with friends and family. The big feature windows allow natural daylight to flood into the room and make the views of the garden spectacular; hence The ‘Garden’ Brasserie.

Let’s start at the table: tantalizing those taste buds is our extensive tea menu which features invigorating fresh mints, fruity red berries, herbal greens and so much more! There is one key factor which sets us apart from other hotels serving afternoon tea; we will only ever use the best tea leaves we can get our hands on! The flavours are extraordinary.

The first tier is where your culinary experience starts. An assortment of delicious sandwiches and bridge rolls including a velvety cream cheese and cucumber and a perfectly balanced sweet smoked salmon. We always include an added extra to the plate which our guests always have a soft spot for; a popular treat in particular is our homemade sausage rolls – truly scrumptious!

The second tier has the very important role of carry our sweet treats. Boasting baked delights such as filled pastries, macarons and tarts which will be sure to satisfy your sweet craving! These treats are always changing, thanks to our inventive Chefs, so no two visits will be the same!
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At last but certainly not least is our top tier which is where our freshly baked scones and soft cakes lie. The fantastic smell alone is enough to awaken your senses! Smother your scones in clotted cream and jam before digging in to experience the full taste sensation. Tempting, right? Far too tempting to ignore in our opinion! 

If you have already visited us for traditional afternoon tea, or if you would like to try something different then look no further! Here at Orsett Hall Hotel, you are able to choose from a range of options to suit your occasion:

• Savory Afternoon Tea – features mini slider burgers & vegetable tartlets!
• Sparkling Afternoon Tea – add some fizz & sparkle to your visit!
• Children’s Afternoon Tea – especially created for our little people! Including donuts, cookies & fresh milkshakes! 

Don’t just take our word for it, here are a selection of reviews from our afternoon tea guests:

“My daughter treated me to a special 70th afternoon tea, the food was amazing. I would definitely recommend to my family & friends!” – D.D

“Great afternoon with truly wonderful food!” – S.M

“Had afternoon tea for my mums birthday, it was a lovely day – friendly & excellent service and the food was amazing.” – M.W

“My very first afternoon tea experience and it was fantastic. They catered for my allergies with a separate tier selection of cakes and sandwiches. Very impressed indeed!” – S.T
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“Lovely afternoon tea! Great food, setting & service!” – L.K

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