You ask and we answer

Do you sometimes feel a little bit overwhelmed when looking for a venue with what questions to ask.  We are here to help, and have tried to give you some answers to your questions.  But if you have more don’t hesitate to contact us at info@dunmoregardens.ie.

The Venue

Do you have a one wedding a day policy? 

We have a one wedding a week policy.

Is it available for exclusive use? 

Dunmore Gardens is truly exclusive.  That means there will be no other guests there at all and certainly no other weddings that day or the next day.

What is your maximum number of guests?

Our ideal wedding is 100-150 guests.  We can make arrangements to accommodate larger weddings.

What is your minimum number of guests? 

We have no minimum.  Small weddings of less than 15 can be accommodated in the main house.

How flexible are you?

We are family run and very flexible.  We have certain rules – no confetti, live candles or fireworks but generally we will try and accommodate all your wishes.

Is there parking and what does it cost?

We have lots of free parking.  We ask for any cars parked overnight to be collected by 1pm the following day.

Is the venue child friendly?

We love children but unfortunately we do not have the time to look after them at a wedding.  We ask for a dedicated person to be responsible for children, particularly as there are ponds, horses and farm machinery in the vicinity.

Are you a garden venue?

Yes very much so.  Our walled garden is full of flowers and fantastic for photos.  However guests should note that the paths can be slippery and that there are many uneven surfaces.  It is a good idea to highlight this to guests in their wedding information.

Is there a smoking area?

Yes we have a separately designated smoking area.

Does the venue have public liability insurance?

Yes but we ask each couple to take out wedding insurance and all their suppliers, that will be on site, to have public liability insurance.

 

Food

What time is the meal served? 

We are very flexible.  This will depend on how you plan your day.  The majority of our couples choose to sit down around 5.30 – 6 pm.

Do you cater for vegetarians, vegans? 

Yes.  Let us know if you want the whole menu vegetarian or vegan or just how many guests.

Do you serve a late night snack? 

This is at the option of the bridal couple.  We think it is a good idea and usually our couples choose a snack between 10 and 11pm.

Do you charge corkage?

Yes.   This covers the cost of waiting and washing and washing glasses.

Are table cloths, cutlery china all included? 

Yes, these are included in the cost of food.

What tables do you have?

We have long tables and gold chiaviari chairs.  However we can provide round tables if you prefer.

Do you do a top table?

Yes we can, if the wedding couple so choose.

 

Decoration

Do you provide flowers for the table and to decorate?

Couples are encouraged to decorate the heritage barn and marquee to suit their theme themselves. We love flowers and can decorate at a small additional cost.

Can we set up and decorate the venue the day before?

Very much yes.  In fact we would encourage you to come several days before.  Just agree the times with us.

Can we bring in additional benches or tables for outside?

Yes.  The use of pagodas however must be on agreement.

Do we need to bring a contractor to hang décor or lights?

If you are going for substantial additional lighting or high decorations we recommend that you use a professional contractor with public liability insurance.

 

Entertainment

Where does the band set up?

We encourage a band of less than 5 people though we can on special request accommodate larger groups.  We would recommend the band to check out the venue the day before.

Do you have speakers and sound systems?

Couples bring in speakers themselves for speeches and most bands and DJs prefer to work with their own equipment.

What time should the band finish?

We ask for all entertainment to finish at 1am.

 

The Night

Is the honeymoon suite included in the price?

Yes and the sitting room below.  We provide a full Irish breakfast at whatever time in the morning.

Can the bridal party get ready at the venue?

Yes, the honeymoon suite is ideal.

What time do guests have to leave?

We ask for the venue to be cleared by 1.30pm.  We recommend that a bus is used to bring those staying in Derry, 10 minutes away, back.

Are there reliable taxi companies?

Guests should note that taxis from Derry are reluctant to go to rural locations at a later hour.  Taxis should be reserved well in advance and certainly not the evening of the weddng.  Best is for pre-booked buses to be used to ferry people into Derry or to Letterkenny.

What other accommodation do you offer?

There are two snug log cabins that can be rented for 50 euro each.  We strongly recommend Mount Royd guest house at the end of the drive.  We recommend that other guests stay in Derry, 10 minutes away.

Can you give a list of B&Bs and hotels?

Yes with pleasure.

 

But no amount of questions on a computer screen or printed can bring you the wonderful relaxed atmosphere of Dunmore Gardens.  Make an appointment to come and see us at info@dunmoregardens,ie