Ask the expert - venue: An interview with Tom Beynon, general manager of Trefloyne Manor.

Is Trefloyne Manor licensed for civil wedding ceremonies?

Yes, we are fully licensed to do civil ceremonies. You can either get married in our intimate Cwtch in front of our beautiful fireplace which holds about 30 people. The other option is to get married in our beautiful new orangery overlooking the Ritec Valley and our beautifully manicured golf course.

What size weddings do you cater for?

We cater for all sizes, from a small intimate wedding for 10 people to 200 people in a marquee on the lawn. We have so many different options available for people.

Do you offer specific wedding packages and, if so, what’s included?

All of the weddings that we do at Trefloyne are tailored to exactly what the bride and groom would like. We have never had a wedding at Trefloyne that has been the same. Whether it be pie and mash or lobster thermidor, we truly believe that you should have everything you like and want on your day.

Where are receptions held?

In the orangery or in a marquee on the lawn.

Can couples just have their reception at Trefloyne Manor?

Yes, of course.

How long in advance do couples book?

Two years

.

Are there any current trends when it comes to wedding breakfasts?

We are personally seeing a big move towards fish this year, which is fantastic for us as the fish we have in this area is some of the best in the country.

Do you have special wedding menus or can couples tailor-make their own?

They can tailor-make their own to suit themselves, but we do offer a selection of menus as a guide.

On the arrival of guests, do you serve drinks and canapés?

Yes, we have a massive selection of canapés to choose from and we can source any beverage.

Do you also cater for evening parties?

Yes we do.

Do most couples choose a sit-down meal for the wedding reception and then a buffet for the evening party?

Yes, that is pretty much the way every wedding happens.

What sort of musical entertainment do couples choose?

This year, it has been mainly bands, which I think is always a lot better as they seem to keep the party going.

What’s the most unique wedding you have come across?

Probably one of the first weddings we did 11 years ago. The bride and groom wanted to interact with their guests, so they decided to serve their soup starter to every individual guest so that they could thank them for coming. We thought that was an amazing idea.

Do you find couples have specific requests for table decorations and colour schemes and are you happy to accommodate them?

We will go along with

whatever the couple would like. Again, we feel that they should have what they want on their special day. We obviously give them advice as to what we think would suit them and the time of year, but ultimately it’s their choice.

Can the bridal party/guests stay the night at Trefloyne Manor?

Yes, we have 12 letting bedrooms and 10 self-catering luxury Swedish lodges that can be hired.

What advice would you give to couples when it comes to planning their wedding venue?

Ask as many questions as possible. Go with a list of questions, however small or trivial they might be. Also visit more than once, because most venues like us will take a deposit which is usually non-refundable, so you have to be sure that is right before you book. But I think that if you ask most brides, they will tell you that they will know as soon as they walk into the venue whether it is right or wrong.